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RFIDuino Getting Started Guide




Welcome to the RFIDuino starter guide. This guide will introduce you to the RFIDuino Shield and how to use it with the Arduino system.


What is RFID?


RFID stands for Radio Frequency IDentification. The RFID system consists of two components, an RFID reader and an RFID tag. The reader interacts wirelessly with a tag to retrieve an identification number. The system can be used for many things from opening doors, to tracking inventory.


What is the RFIDuino?


The RFIDuino Shield for Arduino adds RFID capabilities to your Arduino. The shield fits onto your Arduino and removes the need for external breadboards and circuits. The built in buzzer and LEDs allow you to get stared right away. The shield also allows you to add components to expand your system. You can use this to make your own door locks, inventory systems. The RFIDuino system comes with :

  • RFIDuino Shield
  • RFIDuino Antenna
  • 20cm Connection Cable


Features


  • XBee Socket for wireless communication
  • RFID Antenna is seperate from the main board
  • Easy access 3-pin Signal-Vcc-Ground breakout for analog and digital pins
  • Onboard Buzzer and LEDs

Onboard Outputs


  • 1 x Piezo Buzzer
  • 1 x Red LED
  • 1 x Green LED

External Connectors


  • 1 x XBee socket
  • 4 x 3-pin RobotGeek Digital I/O Ports
  • 4 x 3-pin RobotGeek Analog Output Ports
  • 1 x 4-pin I2C port
  • 1 x 4-pin antenna port

Range and Tag Information


  • The average read range of our reader is 70-100mm. This may vary depending on how much power your giving the system and the type of tag you are using. Learn more here
  • Our tags are read only. Each tag comes with a predetermined unique 40-bit (5-byte) ID number.
  • Our tags and reader use the EM4102 Standard.

Getting Started With Arduino


If you're new to the world of Arduino, Welcome! The first thing you'll need to do is get the Arduino software and drivers installed on your computer. The official Arduino website has a great "Getting Started with Arduino" guide for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This guide will take you through downloading the Arduino software (The Arduino IDE), drivers for your Arduino, and uploading programs(called 'sketches') to your Arduino.
NOTE: If you are using a Seeeduino V3, you will select "Arduino Duemilanove or Nano w/ ATmega 328" when you select your board.


Installing the Library


We have provided an Arduino Library for the RFIDuino to make it quick and easy to get up and running with the RFIDuino. Download the library here. To install the library you will first need to find your Arduino folder. When the Arduino IDE first runs, it will create this folder. The location will be different based on your operating system

Windows

				My Documents\Arduino\
			

Mac/Linux

				~/Documents/Arduino/
			

When you unzip the download, there should be a folder named RFIDuinoLibrary-master. In this folder there is another folder named RFIDuino. Look inside of your Arduino Folder. There should be another folder labeled libraries(if you do not have a libraries folder create one). Move the RFIDuino folder into the libraries folder.

Your folder structure should look like the following.

Now restart the Arduino IDE. If everything has been installed correctly, you should see the following option in th Arduino IDE

Sketch -> Import Library... -> RFIDuino 

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