caenrfid skID Technical document

1
TECHNICAL INFORMATION MANUAL
Revision 1 –1 February 2021
skID R1280I
Mini Sled RAIN RFID Reader

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Visit the skID R1280I web page, you will find the latest revision
of data sheets, manuals, certifications, technical drawings, software and firmware.
All you need to start using your reader in a few clicks!
Scope of Manual
The goal of this manual is to provide the basic information to work with the skID R1280I Mini Sled RAIN
RFID Reader.
This manual refers to:
skID R1280I firmware revision ≥ 1.5.0
SDK (Software Development Kit) revision ≥ 4.7.0
Change Document Record
Date
Revision
Changes
Pages
1 Feb 21
01
First release
-
Reference Document
[RD1] EPCglobal: EPC Radio-Frequency Identity Protocols Class-1 Generation-2 UHF RFID Protocol for
Communications at 860 MHz –960 MHz, Version 2.0.1 (April, 2015).
[RD2] G.S.D. s.r.l. - Report CE mark –R1280I –skID. Test report n. 20265 Rev. 00 –17 November 2020.
CAEN RFID srl
Via Vetraia, 11 55049 Viareggio (LU) - ITALY
Tel. [phone] Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.caenrfid.com
© CAEN RFID srl –2021
Disclaimer
No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording,
or otherwise, without the prior written permission of CAEN RFID.
The information contained herein has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no
responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. CAEN RFID reserves the right to modify its products
specifications without giving any notice; for up to date information please visit www.caenrfid.com.

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Preliminary Product Information
This document contains information for a new product. CAEN RFID reserves the right to modify this
product without notice.
“Preliminary” product information describes products that are ready for production, but for which full
characterization data is not yet available. CAEN RFID believes that the information contained in this
document is accurate and reliable. However, the information is subject to change without notice and is
provided “AS IS” without warranty of any kind (Express or implied). You are advised to obtain the latest
version of relevant information to verify, before placing orders, that information being relied on is current
and complete. All products are sold subject to the terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of
order acknowledgement, including those pertaining to warranty, patent infringement, and limitation of
liability. No responsibility is assumed by CAEN RFID for the use of this information, including use of this
information as the basis for manufacture or sale of any items, or for infringement of patents or other rights
of third parties.
Disposal of the product
Do not dispose the product in municipal or household waste. Please check your local
regulations for disposal/recycle of electronic products.

Index- skID Technical Information Manual 4
Index
Scope of Manual........................................................................................................................................................................2
Change Document Record.......................................................................................................................................................2
Reference Document................................................................................................................................................................2
Index ...........................................................................................................................................................................................4
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................................................5
List of Tables..............................................................................................................................................................................5
1INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................................................................7
Product Description..................................................................................................................................................................7
Front panel ....................................................................................................................................................................8
Bottom panel ..............................................................................................................................................................10
Back panel....................................................................................................................................................................11
Charging.......................................................................................................................................................................11
USB connector.............................................................................................................................................................11
Accessories...............................................................................................................................................................................12
Installation Notice...................................................................................................................................................................13
Magnets .......................................................................................................................................................................13
3M Dual LockTM ...........................................................................................................................................................15
SP ConnectTM ...............................................................................................................................................................17
Ordering Options ....................................................................................................................................................................19
2GETTING STARTED .......................................................................................................................................................20
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................20
Android devices.......................................................................................................................................................................20
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android .......................................................................20
iOS devices ...............................................................................................................................................................................27
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for iOS................................................................................27
3CONFIGURATION MENU ..............................................................................................................................................34
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................34
RFID ...........................................................................................................................................................................................36
Profile...........................................................................................................................................................................36
RF Power Up (mW) .....................................................................................................................................................37
EPCC1G2 Parameters.................................................................................................................................................37
EASY2READ Parameters............................................................................................................................................38
HID Parameters...........................................................................................................................................................39
EPC code parameters .........................................................................................................................................40
Bank parameters .................................................................................................................................................41
SYSTEM .....................................................................................................................................................................................42
Bluetooth and USB communication ........................................................................................................................42
Bluetooth Low Energy Options................................................................................................................................43
Buzzer...........................................................................................................................................................................44
Vibration ......................................................................................................................................................................44
4EASY2READ PROFILE...................................................................................................................................................45
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................45
Android devices.......................................................................................................................................................................45
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android .......................................................................45
BT Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android .........................................................................52
Windows PCs............................................................................................................................................................................59
BT Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Windows .......................................................................59
USB Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Windows.....................................................................65
iOS devices ...............................................................................................................................................................................68
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for iOS................................................................................68
5HID PROFILE ..................................................................................................................................................................76
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................................................76
Android devices.......................................................................................................................................................................76
BLE and BT Communication Setup ..........................................................................................................................76
Windows PCs............................................................................................................................................................................80
BT Communication Setup..........................................................................................................................................80
iOS devices ...............................................................................................................................................................................84
BLE Communication Setup........................................................................................................................................84
6BT-BLE SWITCHING ......................................................................................................................................................89
Switching the reader from BT to BLE...................................................................................................................................90
Switching the reader from BLE to BT...................................................................................................................................92

Index- skID Technical Information Manual 5
7READER RESET..............................................................................................................................................................93
8FIRMWARE UPGRADE ..................................................................................................................................................94
9TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................................................96
Technical Specifications Table ..............................................................................................................................................96
Reader - Tag Link Profiles ......................................................................................................................................................97
Radiation Patterns ..................................................................................................................................................................98
Model WR1280IXEUAA (ETSI version).....................................................................................................................98
Model WR1280IXUSAA (FCC version)......................................................................................................................99
Technical Drawings ...............................................................................................................................................................100
Battery Life ............................................................................................................................................................................102
10 REGULATORY COMPLIANCE..................................................................................................................................... 104
CE Compliance .......................................................................................................................................................................104
RoHS EU Directive .................................................................................................................................................................104
CE Declaration of Conformity .............................................................................................................................................105
List of Figures
Fig. 1.1: skID R1280I Reader ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Fig. 1.2: skID R1280I Reader ...............................................................................................................................................................7
Fig. 1.3: Front Panel .............................................................................................................................................................................8
Fig. 1.4: skID R1280I Reader - Grip.....................................................................................................................................................9
Fig. 1.5: Bottom Panel .......................................................................................................................................................................10
Fig. 1.6: Back Panel.............................................................................................................................................................................11
Fig. 1.7: Supplied Accessories...........................................................................................................................................................12
Fig. 1.8: Optional Accessories...........................................................................................................................................................12
Fig. 1.9: Magnets Position.................................................................................................................................................................13
Fig. 1.10: Installation Notice - Magnets ..........................................................................................................................................14
Fig. 1.11: 3M Dual LockTM Position...................................................................................................................................................15
Fig. 1.12: Installation Notice - 3M Dual LockTM ..............................................................................................................................16
Fig. 1.13: SP ConnectTM Position ......................................................................................................................................................17
Fig. 1.14: Installation Notice - SP ConnectTM..................................................................................................................................18
Fig. 9.1: skID Mod. WR1280IXEUAA Radiation pattern H plane..................................................................................................98
Fig. 9.2: skID Mod. WR1280IXEUAA Radiation pattern V plane..................................................................................................98
Fig. 9.3: skID Mod. WR1280IXUSAA Radiation pattern H plane..................................................................................................99
Fig. 9.4: skID Mod. WR1280IXUSAA Radiation pattern V plane..................................................................................................99
Fig. 9.5: skID R1280I Technical Drawings......................................................................................................................................100
Fig. 9.6: skID R1280I Technical Drawings –Front panel view ....................................................................................................100
Fig. 9.7: skID R1280I Technical Drawings –Back panel view .....................................................................................................101
Fig. 9.8: skID R1280I Technical Drawings –Bottom panel view ................................................................................................101
List of Tables
Tab. 1.1: Front Panel Buttons.............................................................................................................................................................8
Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection ...................................................................................................................................10
Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status Table ....................................................................................................................................................10
Tab. 1.4: Bluetooth and USB/charger LED status table................................................................................................................10
Tab. 1.5: Back Panel ...........................................................................................................................................................................11
Tab. 1.6: Magnets Specifications......................................................................................................................................................13
Tab. 1.7: 3M Dual LockTM Specifications .........................................................................................................................................15
Tab. 3.1: EPC Code parameters........................................................................................................................................................40
Tab. 3.2: Escape Sequences supported...........................................................................................................................................41
Tab. 4.1: Compatibility table EASY2READ-BT/BLE/USB for different OS .................................................................................45
Tab. 5.1: Compatibility table HID-BT/BLE/USB for different OS ................................................................................................76
Tab. 6.1: Compatibility table profiles-BT/BLE/USB for different OS .........................................................................................89
Tab. 9.1: skID R1280I Technical Specifications Table....................................................................................................................96
Tab. 9.2: Reader to tag link profiles –ETSI Regulation.................................................................................................................97
Tab. 9.3: Reader to tag link profiles –FCC Regulation .................................................................................................................97
Tab. 9.4: skID R1280I Battery Life..................................................................................................................................................102
Tab. 9.5: skID R1280I Battery Life –Intensive Use –Scenario A ...............................................................................................102
Tab. 9.6: skID R1280I Battery Life –Intensive Use –Scenario B ...............................................................................................102
Tab. 9.7: skID R1280I Battery Life –Moderate Use –Scenario C ..............................................................................................103

Index- skID Technical Information Manual 6
Tab. 9.8: skID R1280I Battery Life –Moderate Use –Scenario D..............................................................................................103
Tab. 9.9: skID R1280I Battery Life –Light Use –Scenario E.......................................................................................................103
Tab. 9.10: skID R1280I Battery Life –Light Use –Scenario F.....................................................................................................103

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 7
1INTRODUCTION
Product Description
The skID (Model R1280IE, R1280IU) is a portable RAIN RFID
reader of the easy2read© product line with integrated
antenna for medium range applications.
The reader hosts an internal rechargeable battery and can
operate both in wired mode, using a USB cable, or in wireless
mode through the Bluetooth® interface.
Thanks to the Bluetooth® communication interface, the skID
is a perfect add-on for any Bluetooth® enabled host such as a
PC, a smartphone, a PDA or a tablet for RAIN RFID readings.
The reader is compatible with Windows 8/10, Windows
CE/Mobile, Android and iOS operating systems. The device
supports both Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Bluetooth
classic communication to provide the maximum usage
flexibility, including the HID profile for keyboard emulation.
The skID can be easily fixed to the smartphone using 3
different methods: magnets, 3M Dual Lock, or SP-Connect.
Designed for mobile operators, the skID is ideal for inventory
management, mobile workers, service and maintenance
applications.
Fig. 1.1: skID R1280I Reader
Fig. 1.2: skID R1280I Reader

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 8
Front panel
The skID R1280I front panel houses the following buttons and icon (see figure below):
Fig. 1.3: Front Panel
No.
Name
Description
1
Trigger button
Inventory mode: press to perform an inventory cycle (hold down the button to
repeat inventory cycles)
2
Power button
Press the button to switch on the reader, press for at least 2 seconds to switch
it off
3
Antenna
Antenna Position, do not cover with your hand!
Tab. 1.1: Front Panel Buttons
When the reader is in your hand, the trigger button is pressed with the thumb while the power button is
pressed with the index finger (see § Fig. 1.4: skID R1280I Reader page 9).

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 9
Fig. 1.4: skID R1280I Reader - Grip

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 10
Bottom panel
Fig. 1.5: Bottom Panel
No.
Name
Description
1
USB
USB port type C (see § USB connector page 11)
2
Power LED
Indicates the reader status and battery level (see § Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status
Table page 10)
3
Link LED
Indicates the Bluetooth and USB/charger connection (see § Tab. 1.4: Bluetooth
and USB/charger LED status table page 10)
Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection
Status
Description
Green
Reader is active and the battery charge is in the range 35÷100%
Orange
Reader is active and the battery charge is in the range 15÷35%
Red
Reader is active and the battery charge is in the range 0÷15%
Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status Table
Status
Description
OFF
No connection established
Orange
USB cable connected (both to a PC or to the AC power adapter)
Blue
Bluetooth connected
Green
Configuration mode
Tab. 1.4: Bluetooth and USB/charger LED status table

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 11
Back panel
Fig. 1.6: Back Panel
No.
Description
1
Area where to apply the 3M Dual Lock TM (see § 3M Dual LockTM page 15)
2
Position of the internal magnets that couple with those supplied for direct
application on the phone cover (see § Magnets page 13)
3
Area where to apply the SP ConnectTM (see § SP ConnectTM page 13)
Tab. 1.5: Back Panel
Charging
The skID R1280I is supplied with an USB cable while the power supply for charging is an optional accessory
(see § Accessories page 11).
When you charge the reader, the link LED (see § Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection page 10) lights
up orange.
When the reader is on, the power LED (see § Tab. 1.2: Front Panel LEDs and Connection page 10) indicates
the battery level according to table Tab. 1.3: Power LED Status Table page 10.
Warning: EMPTY BATTERY CONDITION: When the reader is completely discharged, it is
recommended to fully charge it.
USB connector
A USB Type C socket connector is located in the bottom side of the skid R1280I (see § Fig. 1.5: Bottom Panel
page 10) and can be used to connect the reader to an USB host port or to an AC/DC battery charger.

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 12
Accessories
The following accessories are supplied with the skID R1280I reader:
No. 1 USB cable USB Type C
No. 1 3M Dual LockTM
No. 1 SP ConnectTM
No. 2 magnets
Fig. 1.7: Supplied Accessories
The following is a list of the optional accessories you can purchase (see § Ordering Options page 19):
various models available in different colors
Power Supply
Cover
Fig. 1.8: Optional Accessories

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 13
Installation Notice
There are 3 different methods of fixing the reader to your smartphone: using magnets, 3M Dual LockTM or
SP ConnectTM.
Magnets
Two magnets are already placed inside the reader. These internal magnets pair with the ones supplied (see
§ Accessories page 12) for direct application on the phone cover.
Fixing the reader to the smartphone using the magnets is recommended only for indoor environments,
because for prolonged outdoor uses the magnets can oxidize.
Fig. 1.9: Magnets Position
Parameter
Value
Material
NdFeB
Size
20x20x1 mm3
Adhesive
Force of attraction:1kg
Material: 3M 467MP
Tab. 1.6: Magnets Specifications

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 14
Follow the steps below for fixing the reader to your phone cover using the magnets:
1
2
3
Fig. 1.10: Installation Notice - Magnets
Warning: To detach the phone from the reader, slide
the skID parallel to the phone and not perpendicularly

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 15
3M Dual LockTM
The 3M Dual LockTM is supplied with the reader (see § Accessories page 11).
Fixing the reader to the smartphone using the 3M Dual LockTM is allowed for both indoor and outdoor
environments.
Fig. 1.11: 3M Dual LockTM Position
Parameter
Value
Thickness
5.8mm (coupled tape)
Opening and closing cycles before
losing 50% of the attractive force
1000
Tab. 1.7: 3M Dual LockTM Specifications

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 16
Follow the steps below for fixing the reader to your phone cover using the 3M Dual LockTM:
1
2
3
4
Fig. 1.12: Installation Notice - 3M Dual LockTM

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 17
SP ConnectTM
The SP ConnectTM is supplied with the reader (see § Accessories page 11).
Fixing the reader to the smartphone using the SP ConnectTM is recommended especially for outdoor
environments.
Fig. 1.13: SP ConnectTM Position
Follow the steps below for fixing the reader to your phone cover using the SP ConnectTM:
1

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 18
2
3
4
5
Fig. 1.14: Installation Notice - SP ConnectTM

INTRODUCTION - skID Technical Information Manual 19
Ordering Options
The reader is available in ETSI or FCC version:
Code
Description
Reader
WR1280IXUSAA
R1280I - skID - RAIN RFID Mini Sled Reader FCC
WR1280IXEUAA
R1280I - skID - RAIN RFID Mini Sled Reader ETSI
Accessories
WALIM0000004
AC-DC power supply 5V 1A
COVER
For information ask at [email protected]

GETTING STARTED- skID Technical Information Manual 20
2GETTING STARTED
Introduction
This quickstart guide will help you to get started with your skID (Model R1280I) reader using an Android or
iOS device.
The reader can be configured in two different profiles:
EASY2READ (factory default): choosing this option you select the CAEN RFID easy2read
communication protocol. Select this option in order to control the reader using the CAEN RFID
Easy Controller Application or the SDK (Software Development Kits) library.
HID: choosing this option you select the keyboard emulation protocol. For details on the use of
the HID profile please refer to § HID profile chapter page 76.
The reader is sold with the factory profile set to EASY2READ and the BLE is activated.
For more detailed information on reader configuration, connections and setup options please refer to the
next chapters.
Android devices
BLE Communication Setup and the Easy Controller for Android
Follow the steps below to connect your Android device to the skID reader using the BLE connection and
the Easy Controller App. All the images below were generated using a Samsung S7 model device.
1. Download on your Android device the CAEN RFID Easy Controller for Android App (available link at the
skID R1280I web page, by clicking on the Android App on Google Play icon).
2. Launch the CAEN RFID Easy Controller for Android App.