Socket CF RFID User manual

CF RFID Reader Card™
CF RFID Reader-Scan Card™
Series 6
User’s Guide

10/2008 Document # 6410-00266 H
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2008 Socket Mobile, Inc. All rights reserved.
Socket, the Socket logo and Mobility Friendly are registered
trademarks of Socket Mobile, Inc. CF RFID Reader Card, CF RFID
Reader-Scan Card, SoMo, RFID Demo, SocketScan, and
SocketScan Trigger are registered trademarks or trademarks of
Socket Mobile, Inc. All other brand and product names are
trademarks of their respective holders.
The CF RFID Reader Card and CF RFID Reader-Scan Card contains
technology licensed under United States Patent No. 5,902,991
and 7,003,627.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual without the
permission of Socket Mobile is expressly prohibited. Please be
aware that the products described in this manual may change
without notice.
Feel free to contact Socket Mobile at:
Socket Mobile, Inc.
39700 Eureka Drive
Newark, CA 94560-4808
USA
Other than the above, Socket Mobile can assume no
responsibility for anything resulting from the application of
information contained in this manual.
Please refrain from any applications of the CF RFID Reader Card
or CF RFID Reader-Scan Card that are not described in this
manual. Please refrain from disassembling the device.
Disassembly of this device will void the product warranty.
You can track new product releases, software updates and
technical bulletins by visiting the Socket Mobile website at:
www.socketmobile.com.

Table of Contents
1 | INTRODUCTION 4
About the Software 4
Package Contents 5
System Compatibility Requirements 5
Accessories 5
Product Registration 6
2 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 7
STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 8
STEP 2: Install the Software 9
STEP 3: Assign Trigger Button(s) 11
STEP 4: Start SocketScan 13
STEP 5: Insert the Card 14
STEP 6: Verify Card Mode 15
STEP 7: Open Application 15
STEP 8: Read Data 16
RFID Settings 19
Symbology Selector 22
SocketScan Trigger 23
Dual Device Support 25
3 | RFID DEMO 26
Read an RFID Tag 27
Enable Inventory and Loop Modes 29
Select Tag Type 30
ADVANCED: Write to Tag 31
APPENDICES
A PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 34
B HF RFID STANDARDS AND TAG DESCRIPTIONS 36
C BAR CODE LABEL SPECIFICATIONS 45
D CLASS 1 VS. CLASS 2 LASER SCANNERS 46
E ENABLING OR DISABLING SYMBOLOGIES 49
F LASER DECODE ZONE 51
G TROUBLESHOOTING 53
H TECHNICAL SUPPORT 54
LIMITED WARRANTY 55
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 57
3

1 | Introduction
Now you can add high frequency RFID
read/write capability to your Windows Mobile
based data collection application with the CF
RFID Reader Card Series 6. The series includes
the dual function CF RFID Reader-Card 6M and
6P, which offer both RFID and linear bar code
scanning functionality. All three versions read
and write to all ISO 15693 and many
proprietary 13.56 MHz RFID tags.
The CF RFID Reader Card Series 6 includes three versions:
•CF RFID Reader Card 6E: CompactFlash RFID Reader/Writer
•CF RFID Reader-Scan Card 6M: CompactFlash dual-function
RFID Reader/Writer and Class 1 laser bar code scanner
•CF RFID Reader-Scan Card 6P: CompactFlash dual-function
RFID Reader/Writer and Class 2 laser bar code scanner
The CF RFID Reader Cards feature a sleek designed with no
cables or batteries – they draw minimal power from the Pocket
PC. Plus, the card is designed to withstand repeated three-foot
drops to concrete – even when inserted into the Pocket PC.
About the Software
SocketScan™ software enters the RFID tag ID or bar
coded data directly into any open Windows
program, as if the data were manually typed. You
can configure various settings, like Prefix/Suffix,
symbologies, etc.
The RFID Setup utility allows you configure what kinds
of data are returned after reading RFID tags, including
tag ID, tag memory, tag types, tag type prefix, etc.
Socket RFID Demo allows you to read memory blocks
of selected RFID tags in range in either Inventory
4

Mode or a continuous Loop Mode. Advanced users
can write data to the RFID memory.
SocketScan Trigger places a software trigger on your
screen that you can tap to trigger the RFID reader or
bar code scanner. Installation is optional.
The Socket Trigger Select program allows you to
press a button to quickly switch between the RFID
and laser scanning modes of the CF RFID Reader-
Scan Card.
The Read Bar Code program allows you to assign a
button on your device to triggering the bar code
laser scanner.
The Read RFID program allows you to assign a
button on your device to trigger the RFID reader.
For software updates, visit: www.socketmobile.com/support/downloads
Package Contents
•CF RFID Reader Card
•Extra rubber collar for use with non SoMo devices
•SocketScan Installation CD
•Booklet with copyright and warranty information
System Compatibility Requirements
•Any of the following Windows Mobile versions:
−Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE or 5.0 for Pocket PC
−Windows Mobile 6.0/6.1 Classic
•Available CompactFlash slot
•Software installation requires a host PC with the appropriate
synchronization software (ActiveSync or Windows Mobile
Device Center), both available from the Microsoft website
Accessories
If you plan to use the CF RFID Reader Card with the Socket SoMo
650 handheld computer, Socket offers a FlexGuard silicone cover
that protects both the RFID reader and the handheld computer.
For more information, please visit:
www.socketmobile.com/products/accessories
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5

6
Product Registration
Socket highly recommends that all customers register their
products. Registered users receive priority for technical support
and can choose to receive product updates, and special offers.
Register online at: www.socketmobile.com/support/support/new.

2 | Setup for Windows Mobile
This chapter shows how to install, configure, and
use the CF RFID Reader Card Series 6 on a device
running Windows Mobile.
Setup Summary
STEP 1: Uninstall other scanning software.
STEP 2: Install the software.
STEP 3: Insert the card.
STEP 4: Start SocketScan.
STEP 5: Assign a trigger button.
STEP 6: Read tag IDs into a Windows program.
Application Features
RFID settings
Symbology selector
SocketScan Trigger.
Version information.
Note: The Socket SoMo 650 handheld computer comes pre-
loaded with the SocketScan software suite, so steps 1 and 2 are
not required. The SocketScan software pre-loaded on the SoMo
650 cannot be uninstalled but can be upgraded.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 7

STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software
Uninstall any bar code scanning software already in your
computer, including previous versions of SocketScan™ software.
SoMo 650: The pre-installed SocketScan software cannot be
uninstalled, but it can be upgraded.
1. Make sure the software is not running.
2. Tap Start | Settings | System tab | Remove Programs.
3. Use the utility to delete the software.
8

STEP 2: Install the Software
ADVANCED USERS: Refer to the README file for CAB file
installation instructions..
Note: If you are using the SoMo 650, software installation is not
necessary. SocketScan is pre-loaded on the device.
Follow these instructions to install SocketScan. Afterwards, you
can use the same process to install RFID Demo and/or Floating
Trigger.
4. Use a serial/USB cable or cradle and the appropriate Microsoft
synchronization software to make an active connection
between your device and a host PC.
5. Insert the installation CD into your host PC.
6. Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to access your CD-
ROM drive. In the CD, click on SETUP.EXE.
7. The SocketScan Setup Center will appear in your web browser.
Read the first page and click Installation in the left margin.
8. In the SocketScan Installation page, in the Windows CE
section, click Install In the first paragraph.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 9

9. Your web browser will present a series of dialogs.
Internet Explorer:
•In the File Download –Security Warning dialog, click Run.
•In the second warning dialog, click Run.
•Internet Explorer will download the file.
Firefox:
•In the file opening dialog, click Save File.
•Firefox will download the file.
•In the Downloads list, next to SocketScanCE.exe, click Open.
•In the warning dialog, click OK to continue.
10.The InstallShield Wizard for SocketScan Software will
automatically launch. Follow the wizard to install the software.
11.If your device warns that the software comes from an
unknown publisher, tap Yes to continue installation.
12.When software installation is complete, remove the device
from the cradle. Soft reset the device by pressing the reset
button.
Note: After software installation, several new icons will appear in
the Programs screen.
10

STEP 3: Assign Trigger Button(s)
You must set up a mechanism for triggering the CF RFID Reader
Card. Hardware button(s) are the best triggering method from a
handheld device.
If you have the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card 6M/6P, SocketScan allows
you to configure up to four buttons for launching SocketScan
and/or triggering the RFID reader or bar code scanner.
Please refer to the chart below to determine which SocketScan
functions you would like to assign to buttons on your device.
Program What happens when you press a button assigned
to this program?
If SocketScan is not open, SocketScan will launch.
If SocketScan is open and you have the CF RFID Reader Card
6E, the RFID reader will activate.
If SocketScan is open and you have the CF RFID Reader-Scan
Card 6M/6P, either the RFID reader or the laser scanner will
activate, depending on which mode the card is in.
If you assign only one hardware button for use with
the CF RFID Reader Card, this is the program that
should be assigned.
If you do not assign a button to SocketScan, you can only
start SocketScan by manually tapping through menus.
If you are using the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card 6M/6P, this
program will switch the device from RFID mode to bar code
scanning mode, or vice versa. This is designed to be used
with a trigger button assigned to SocketScan. You can also
use Socket Trigger Select to toggle to other Socket Mobile
bar code scanners that use a software trigger.
The laser bar code scanner will activate. SocketScan must be
running.
The RFID reader will activate. SocketScan must be running.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 11

If you do not want to assign a hardware button, you can install
and use SocketScan Trigger software from the installation CD,
which enables you to tap on a software icon to trigger
SocketScan and the RFID reader/bar code scanner.
Refer to your device manual for specific instructions.
1. Tap Start | Settings | Personal | Buttons.
2. In the Button list, select a button. In the drop-down menu,
select the program. If desired, repeat to assign additional
trigger buttons. When done, tap ok.
Note: For best ergonomics, choose a button located beneath
your thumb or forefinger when you hold the device. For the
Socket SoMo 650, the left and right buttons are ideal.
12

STEP 4: Start SocketScan
1. If you assigned a hardware button to SocketScan,
you can press the button to quickly launch the
program. Otherwise, tap Start | Programs |
SocketScan folder | SocketScan.
2. An icon will appear in the task tray of the Today screen
indicating that the system does not detect the RFID reader.
When SocketScan is running, any of the following icons will
appear in the task tray of the Today screen:
Icon Meaning.
Card detected, RFID mode. SocketScan detects the
reader-scan card and is ready to read RFID tags.
Card detected, scanning mode. SocketScan detects the
reader-scan card and is ready to read bar codes.
No RFID Reader Card detected. The reader card is
either missing or improperly inserted.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13

STEP 5: Insert the Card
1. If your device has a cover protecting the CompactFlash slot,
open the cover.
2. Insert the card into the CompactFlash slot of your device.
Make sure the card is right-side up, with the blue label on top.
Push the card all the way into the slot.
14

STEP 6: Verify Card Mode
If you are using the dual-function CF RFID Reader-Scan Card
6M/6P, and you did not assign buttons to Trigger ISC or Trigger
RFID, make sure the card is in the correct mode you wish to use.
The SocketScan icon at the bottom of the Today screen indicates
your current mode.
To switch modes, do either of the following:
•If you assigned a button to Trigger Select, press the button.
•Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap to select
the card mode you want.
STEP 7: Open Application
Start the application that you want to receive the data (e.g.,
Excel, Notepad, etc.). Make sure a document or spreadsheet is
open. Place the cursor where you want to enter data.
Note: If reading RFID tags into Excel Mobile, you may want to
widen the cells to fit the full tag ID, which may exceed 20
characters.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 15

STEP 8: Read Data
Please note that the correct positions for RFID reading and
bar code scanning are very different!
CORRECT RFID POSITION:
Hold the card parallel to and directly above
the tag, at most 3.0 inches above the tag.
Parallel,
3.0 inches (7.6 cm)
maximum
Note: The LED will turn amber to indicate that the card is reading tag
IDs.
CORRECT BAR CODE SCANNING POSITION:
Hold the card so that the lens is angled about
45° to the bar code and at least 2.0 inches
away from the bar code. The red laser line
should cover the entire width of the bar code.
Note: The proper scanning distance and angle vary depending on
the size, type, quality, and print surface of the bar code.
16

WRONG RFID POSITION:
DO NOT direct the RFID Reader-Scan Card
at an angle towards the tag.
WRONG RFID POSITION:
DO NOT hold the RFID Reader-ScanCard
perpendicular to the tag.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 17

When data is read, a beep should sound indicating a good read,
and data should appear in your application.
For example, in an Excel Mobile spreadsheet, data should appear
in the cell you highlighted. The next cell should now be
highlighted, ready for the next scan/read.
If the card fails to read data within a few seconds, you must
try again.
Note: By default, the RFID reader will return the tag ID. The
RFID Setup utility can be used so that the RFID Reader-Scan
Card returns only the tag data, or the tag ID plus the tag data.
(See the next page for instructions.)
18

RFID Settings
Note: These settings are only used with the SocketScan keyboard
wedge programs and Scan Demo.
1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap
Settings.
2. In the Prefix/Suffix screen, enter the characters you would like
added to each read/scan of data (128 character maximum).
Note: Only
printable ASCII
characters can be
used as prefixes or
suffixes.
Note:
•The default suffix is a carriage return.
•If in the RFID Setup utility you selected Tag ID & Read Data, the
prefix/suffix is added to both the tag ID and the read data fields.
3. Tap on the Sound tab.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 19

4. In the Sound screen, select which sound you would like
SocketScan to make to indicate a good read.
To you want to play a .WAV file,after selecting Play .wav
file, you can search through files by tapping the browse box.
In the Open screen, tap on the file you want:
Note: You can only select a WAV file from the My Documents
folder. If needed, copy the file you need to this folder.
5. After selecting your sound, tap on the RFID tab.
6. In the RFID screen, enter the following settings:
20