[Product Preview] Industrial android smartphone with nRF51822 module for BT Low Power device; EM02-C5D

For industrial and construction sites, where you need a robust smartphone to read BT Low Power data, this IP65 rugged smartphone is a perfect tool. It is a standard rugged android smartphone equipped with a 2.4GHz module empowered by Nordic Semiconductor nRF51822 chipset.

This EM02-C5D belongs to Empress family, it reads all Empress-family transponder. It is also a bluetooth smart device, it reads bluetooth low power or BT4.0 above protocols from any bluetooth smart device, for example, fitbit, jawbone wristbands.

The 2.4GHz chip antenna on module works smoothly with the smartphone GPS, Wifi and 3G, providing a reading range of 40 meters (0dB transponder).

The rugged IP65 body makes it perfect for harsh industrial environment. It brings Internet of Thing (IoT) technologies to the Oil and Gas field operation (not a ATEX device), easily integrate items information (ID) with smartphone standard features like GPS location, Camera, meter sensor data, etc; and upload through 3G data network to server.

See more at Electronic Fuel Delivery System

Production code: Product code: HKRAR-EM02-C5D

Demo video of EM02-C5D, read more at active RFID reader page.

Eddystone, NFC, QR; 3in1 Smartposter with Cloud Content and Analytics; [English Subtitled]

1. Eddystone is the android version of ibeacon (sort-of), this is truly cross-platform and broadcasting a string character e.g. “www.hk-rfid.com”, instead of meaningless ID as in ibeacons.
2. WE DON’T TAKE SIDE IN TECHNOLOGY; tomorrow there will have another new broadcasting method. No matter NFC, QRcode, or kind-of-ibeacons, only thing we are sure is that they are not going to be the ONLY one single method.
3. That’s why marketing promotion banners or posters have to equip with multiple methods, co-existing to let different mobile users to read content.
4. Hence, it gives birth a Cloud platform to hold all content. As shown in video, change content in ONE method, all others follow. 

Top Application: Advertising, Marketing

Product shown in video:

• 3in1 Tag:  Garrison HKRAR-BT02
• Tag on the right: Smartplate Card,  also see Smartplate Cuccu
• CMS Cloud: Smartplate (free for half year, bundle with Smartplate Card and Cuccu)

 For more information: sales@hk-rfid.com

Garrison BT02 Beacon Tag supports Eddystone URL

How to push a simple URL to smartphones? That is a billion dollar question.

QRcode still remains popular even though it requires rarely-installed scan-apps. Many users might not realize that many install messaging apps like LINE or WECHAT can scan QR code too. But until the day all camera apps have scanner feature built-in, it won't take off as the most popular method.

Android Smartphone has the next-best method called NFC, which is useful to pick up URL without any APP; that leaves the lonely and helpless iPhone users.

It is a well-known fact that all street promoters who are delivering FREE ice-cream in return for loading a URL or pressing LIKE a Facebook page or installing an APP, hates iPhone very very much. It is extremely hard to push a message on iphone even with iBeacon technologies, APP-support is a luxury for a short marketing campaign. The most common method is manual key-in search words in itune store.

Now street marketing got a new better method for iphone users; by using Eddystone URL and commonly installed app "Chrome".

At the moment, Chrome is the only browser that supports Eddystone URL beacons. BUT, it won't be long for other OS or App or Browser in the same ecological system doing the same. Why not? they got to have something for their endless update, right?

For iphone users who believe they approached a Eddystone beacons broadcasting URL, and for the promoters who are broadcasting a URL, this is what will happen;

A demo for a iphone to get a URL, by just check on Notification, in Chrome section.



The beacon in the screen: HKRAT-BT02

The Setup procedure is simple:  link.

[Tech blog] A weekend mini-project, EM02 reader links up wearables and controller

Just a simple DIY quick project, showing how to make a home automation or access control, the EM02 reads any bluetooth low power gadgets such as Mi-wristand, or Jawbone or Fitbit, or similar.

The SD-card image can be provided upon request, it provides a website for simple configuration, save the low power gadgets's ID timestamp, in SD card, and control the relay. 

What would be the software looks like? to-be-continued in next blog, stay tune.

Bill of material:

Raspberry Pi 2nd-gen, Real time clock, Piface controller 4-relay 4 I/O, 8G Sandisk card with SDK program	1 set
Any mobilephone adapter/charger, 5V min. 2A	1pc
USB power for Pi	1pc
USB to Serial Port	1pc
USB to DC2.1 jack	1pc
Empress EM02-SP reader (serial port)	1pc
Sport wearable gadgets, or 2.4G low power transponders, Mi-wristband, Hussar NT02 transponder, jawbone UP24, Fitbit Flex, etc.	-

- where to purchase the Raspberry Pi: link
- where to purchase the Piface relay board: link

Preview on new features for EM02 latest firmware, BTLE added.

Apart from Empress series transponder such as Hussar/Garrison/Tempcorder series, now Empress EM02 readers can also gather the beacon signal from BTLE devices, especially useful for scanning IDs from wearables such as Fitbit, Jawbone, etc.

Empress EM02 is a FCC CE certified reader, has long been used as data gatherer for telemetry business applications together with Empress series transponders. With the latest upgrade, by simply switching setting by software command, it can read bluetooth device's ID, meaning the reader can now work alone in many other business applications. This reader can be used as gateway for Bluetooth smart devices (BT4.0 or above), which is popular in smartwatch, wearable, health activity recorder, mobile phone apps, etc.

BT4.0 or BTLE USB dongles are common and they can do the same, they are best for small scale development and demo test. However, this EM02 reader provides more options in project implementation, in terms of choice of extendable antenna and network connectivity.

This EM02 is also perfect for projects which requires reading proprietary devices and BTLE devices at the same time (DUAL mode), for example, reading meter readings (proprietary) and staff ID (BTLE) at the same time. See the video for live explanation.

For sales issue, please contact sales@hk-rfid.com
For support issue, please contact support@hk-rfid.com
For products, please check our website www.hk-rfid.com

Luxury Marketing with NFC

"Tap to Unlock the Story Behind!" gonna be your new NFC marketing campaign.

With technology advancement, we are now able to produce penny-size and paper-thin NFC tags for diverse marketing solutions. In this video, we are showing you a new marketing channel for your luxury brand. The concept is simple - an NFC tag in your packaging or as a price tag. This brings your brand closer to your customers by only ONE TAP with their Smartphone or Tab!

You can include various information, from diamond certificates and products from the same collection, to promotion videos and marketing campaigns.

Launch your own NFC campaign with us now!

Simple ibeacon demo using Garrison RT02-BT

This is a simple ibeacon demostration using Garrison RT02-BT. Here we showed the how iphone detects the 2.4GHz bluetooth low energy (with ibeacon firmwire advertising a UUID). Any android mobiles equipped with bluetooth 4.0 also works the same.

The signal RSSI received from transponder would be used for ranging BUT do not provide any hints on direction. So actually the direction appears on the screen is only for the ease of illustration purpose only.





Please also see other posts

Extended battery ibeacon tag.
Ibeacon proximity marketing

Tiny-NFC label Challenge

Size does matter, in NFC's world, larger label size  is critical for small items, even more important then large memory size.


However, small size also makes it hard to scan, especially when you have no clue where to scan on your mobile device...Good NFC scanning experience is most important. So, I will demostrate several types of tiny NFC tag and provide some hints reading them.These tiny tags are quite useful to apply on small objects, such as tools and jewellery brands / hang tags or items.

Apps-in-a-Box : Raspberry Pi x RFID [Beta] [Lab]

We are so excited to introduce you all an innovative approach to use RFID reader products, by connecting Raspberry Pi to RFID readers. We are developing a tentative project named: IMPRESS platform, which is a web-service on Raspberry Pi, talking with Empress RFID readers, and others.

The basic idea is running your applications on Raspberry Pi just like any PC, and let it control a or multiple brainless RFID readers. We offer a web-interface just like household WiFi router for reader settings, as well as basic business applications.

If you are not sure what Raspberry Pi is, please visit following reference link; What is Raspberry Pi?

Video is on the way, but first please read the details explained in Q&A manner; 

Q: Why connect Raspberry Pi to RFID readers?

A: By doing so, you can have

• much cheaper "self-maintained mini-computer" (less than USD 40) that talks with your RFID readers, without any skill-set to handle RFID's protocol and calling APIs, etc.
• a website to configure the readers and do a lot more business applications;
• a lot more choices on connectivity, such as, LAN, WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, SD-Card, Video ouput HDMI, etc.; instead of ordering expensive RFID reader options. 

Q: What can Raspberry Pi do with the data get from RFID readers?

A: Raspberry Pi can 

1) Auto record and deliver to server, send email 

2) Send email or trigger outputs, alarms or camera, etc

3) Process more logic such as record the first/last seen ID, their time and duration, and missing IDs

4) Mapping meaningless long ID with more meaningful names, such as student names, employee names, etc., may be export a report.

Q: What kind of readers will be support?

A: Our IMPRESS-Preloaded Raspberry Pi will support

1. Empress 2.4GHz Active RFID readers from HK-RFID [primarily]
2. Bluetooth Low Energy (iBeacon) readers
3. NFC readers
4. Other client requested RFID equipment

Q: What kind of applications or services will offer on this IMPRESS web platform?

A: Apart from basic setting of readers, we will offer several most popular RFID applications, depends on the license purchased from users

1. Attendance
2. Prohibited zone (access control)
3. Signage or media-content trigger
4. EAS anti-theft
5. Sensor data
6. Inventory list

Q: How to make it work?

A: You just need to 

1. Purchase the IMPRESS-SDK kit which include a Raspberry Pi and a Empress 2.4GHz Active RFID-kit from HK-RFID, 
2. Enjoy the unboxing, connect up Raspberry Pi with any HDMI display and reader, configure the network settings on a browser
3. Set your business applications and there you go

Q: How many readers each Raspberry Pi can support?

A: ONE

Q: When will it be available?

A: 2014 Fall, please contact us if you want to follow our development progress or Pre-order. We welcome any comment and partnership, or proposal of co-development.

Email:

General Enquiries:         info@hk-rfid.com

Raspberry Pi is a trademark of the Raspberry Pi Foundation

Brilliant! Tag your rental bikes!

It is the era of paperless operation. Bike rental business should be able to catch up with the trend! And...RFID can help!

With Garrison Responsive Tags, no more hand-written or paper rental records are needed. Empress RFID readers and the smart system will do that for you.

It’s awesome yet simple! What you need is just-

- Garrison Responsive Tags tagged bikes

- Empress Handheld Active Reader

- A smart system

It offers

Unique Bike IDs - each bike is entitled an unique ID with the tag for trace and check

Improved Security - you can track the bike within defined distance

Paperless Record - the system do the e-recording for you

Errors Minimization - clear and systematic records of clients information with bike ID

What are you waiting for? Go get the impressive technology for your rental business today!

[DEMO] Empress (2nd Generation) EM02-ETH active RFID reader

Continue with the previous post and video, today we are showing you a demo clip of how to install both the hardware and software in 5-minute time.

5 minutes! Just the time needed to make yourself a cup of fine coffee! Isn’t it amazing?!

Yes! The installation is as simple as setting up your wii connection at home, just plug into few cables and it’s done! Of course you have to turn the machine on as well.

For the software part, the whole procedure is illustrated clearly in step by step manner. So you will be able to understand how it can be configured and readied for your use.

Arthome, a pottery studio makes use of mobile-marketing (NFC/QR) in their masterpiece gallery

Whether it is a Tai-Chi style hidden in the vase or 12 abalones on the clock, each art piece has a fascinating story to tell! 

Hong Kong creative pottery artist, Mr. Alan Lai, has combined his sense of art with the latest smartphone technology to link up their friends and tell stories. By making use of NFC/QR code, smartphone users can enjoy the videos delivered from artists, exchange the concepts on facebook. 

It is just like the creator walks along with you and explain about his creation one by one. Teachers and classmates are now tightly bonded together on facebook, thanks to the Smart Poster that link to class schedule and Fan page of Arthome. 

In this business case, there are 4 types of links. After tapping of each of those, the visitor will be directed to

• product pages showing size, names, and creator
• youtube video describing the details and the creation process
• Arthome fan page on facebook (on poster)
• Class schedule, announced on facebook (on poster) 

NFC-shop.net: www.nfc-shop.net

ARTHOME: www.arthome.hk

HK RFID: www.hk-rfid.com 

Email:

General Enquiries: info@hk-rfid.com

Sales Enquiries: sales@hk-rfid.com

Tempcorder™ Tags Videos

How much do you know about the Tempcorder™ series? What functionalities do the different tag models possess and how could they be applied in various applications? Watch the latest videos on our YouTube channel to learn more!

The first video features the temperature sensing functionality of Sense Tag. Simulating an environment of both high and low temperature, temperature changes in the surrounding areas of Sense Tag are accurately measured. The data is sent along to the reader and reflected on the PC instantly. High sensitivity and accuracy enable an efficient and reliable temperature control process, which can be flexibly applied in various applications.

Watch video: Tempcorder™ Sense Tag Demonstration

The second video demonstrates the humidity sensing functionality of Moist Tag. When the tag is blown by a hair dryer, Moist Tag detects the humidity changes in the surroundings accurately while the corresponding data is reflected on PC simultaneously. Alternatively, when the tag is covered by wet tissue, Moist Tag functions in a timely manner - detecting humidity changes and sending accurate data to the PC. With Moist Tag, complicated and manual efforts in monitoring humidity level could be saved while accuracy and efficiency could be greatly enhanced.

Watch video: Tempcorder™ Moist Tag Demonstration

The third video showcases the special product design and high sensitivity of Extreme Tag. Equipped with an external probe, Extreme Tag is capable of sensing temperature in extreme conditions or dangerous zones such as railway tracks and mining tunnels. Its probe is placed in contact with extremely hot or cold objects to measure temperature directly in real time while the body of the tag remains at another less extreme environment. The smart design and functionality of Extreme Tag makes the most impossible temperature data capturing not only possible but easy, safe and accurate.

Watch video: Tempcorder™ Extreme Tag Demonstration

                                     

More application videos are on our YouTube channel. Please visit the channel:

www.youtube.com/hkrfid

For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives:
sales@hk-rfid.com

You can also visit our website and Facebook page to explore more:

www.hk-rfid.com
www.active-rfid.net

www.facebook.com/hkrfid

Final Testing of Empress™ EM02-ETH

It is important to ensure quality and performance of new product before launching. Hong Kong RFID introduces the new Empress™ Reader – EM02-ETH after a thorough product research and development, design and fine-tuning with multiple testing to ensure sure good quality and stable performance.

The testing video shows how the engineer of Hong Kong RFID conducts testing of the accuracy of EM02-ETH reader’s frequency. Testing was carried out in our world-class laboratory for RF and wireless testing. This test lab is equipped with a shielding room that blocks all external RF signals to provide RF-free environment for testing. The shielding room is of international standard and accuracy for the test is ensured.

The equipment used by the engineer is also of international standard. EM02-ETH is connected to a network analyzer to analyze the stability of the frequency produced by the reader. Such analyzing and testing conducted in a shielding room is guaranteed to achieve highest accuracy as no interference from outside could affect the test.

For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives:
sales@hk-rfid.com

You can also visit our website and Facebook page to explore more:

www.hk-rfid.com
www.active-rfid.net
www.facebook.com/hkrfid

Garrison™ Application Videos

Want to know more about the Garrison™ Series Tags? Watch the latest demonstration videos featuring the interactivity of Responsive Tags (PN: HKRAT-ZT02) for advanced asset tracking and security applications now on our YouTube channel!

The first video shows the application of Garrison™ Responsive Tag for advanced asset tracking. Valuable assets should always be tracked closely to prevent any loss. With our Responsive Tag, tracking of any item is simple and easy. The tamper-proof sensor can trigger the alarm system whenever there is unauthorized removal of the tag from the asset or once the asset with Responsive Tag is taken out of the area.

The second video shows how Garrison™ Responsive Tag is used for advanced warehouse management. The large amount of stock at the warehouse makes it difficult to locate a particular item. Even when there is loss of items, it is difficult to discover unless a comprehensive stock-take is held. This greatly increases the costs for many businesses who usually keep a large amount of stock or items in the storage area are identical. Now with our Responsive Tag, locating a particular item out of a thousand is no longer a headache with the special LED light indicator on the tag. The tag can also facilitate tracking of the stock and report to the system whenever there is a loss.

Possessing IP65 protection rating for the durable and robust casing Garrison™ Responsive Tag is waterproof and dust-proof  Its user-friendly mounting design makes the tags convenient to be fixed onto any objects firmly with bolts and nuts while the LED light and tamper-proof sensor of Responsive Tag further enhance the functions provided by Garrison™ Tags.

For detailed product information, please see link below:

http://active-rfid.net/ZT02.html

For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives:
sales@hk-rfid.com

You can also visit our website and Facebook page to explore more:

www.hk-rfid.com
www.active-rfid.net
www.facebook.com/hkrfid

Video Demonstration of HK-RFID 2.4GHz Active RFID Tags

Garrison™ Series Tags Demonstration Video

Garrison™ 2.4GHz Active RFID Tag Series has two tags, Rugged Tag (P/N: HKRAT-RT02) and Responsive Tag (P/N: HKRAT-ZT02). Rugged Tag has achieved the IP65 standard for waterproof, dustproof and shockproof. Responsive Tag has a LED light and tamper-proof sensor which can perform security and indication functions apart from basic asset tracking functions.

This video demonstrates the features of the above two tags:

Attendance Taking Application by Hussar™ Slim Tag

In this video, we applied our Empress™ Reader and Hussar™ Slim Tags for Attendance Taking Applications for companies. After installing the reader inside the company onto the ceiling or wall of the office, each staff will carry a Hussar™ Slim Tag with unique ID representing themselves. When the staff enter or leave the office, the unique IDs of the tags carrying will be sent to the Empress™ Reader and saved in the computer with the exact time for proper record. One Empress™ Reader can cover an area with adjustable radius from 5 to 50 meters. No manual attendance taking procedures are required and the workload of the human resources department can be greatly reduced.

This video demonstrates how the whole process goes on:

Access Control Application by Hussar™ Slim Tag

In this video, we apply our Empress™ Reader and Hussar™ Slim Tags for Access Control Application. When the staff carrying the tags arrives at the door area, reader installed at the entrance will receive signals released from the tags. After receiving the signals, the reader will send signals to the controller to unlock the door. Only authorized persons can access the premises. Slim Tags allow convenient and secured access control. This video demonstrates how the whole process goes on:

For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives.

You can also visit our website to explore more:

www.hk-rfid.com
www.active-rfid.net

DIY, Implant a NFC Chip into Your One-piece Pop Figure

This is a step-by-step guide instruction on how to implant a NFC Chip into small items such as figure model. Here we go, first please prepare:

1.      Your favorite figure model

2.      9mm diameter NFC Tag: HKRHT-J04

3.      Any mobilephone (in our case, Google Nexus S) with NFC, install an app called NFC Quick Action

STEP 1: Write the web-link into the NFC tag-J04. Make sure you turned on the NFC function in setup.

STEP 2: First open NFC Quick Action, and choose URL, type in the website. Put the tag behind the mobile phone back until you see the tag is written.

STEP 3: Stick the tag in your favorite spot using the self-adhesive behind the tag.

STEP 4: Now your figure can trigger a website on your mobile phone. You may try type in youtube link, or contact information as well.

Introduction about the 9mm diameter RFID (NFC) tag

The tag will use is a 9mm diameter RFID tag originally designed for small items such as mobile phone (rental applications) and jewelry. The small form factor of HKRHT-J04 make it easy for nearly all kind of items. Just keep in mind that this is not a mount-on-metal RFID tag, so please don't use it on metallic surface. Despite of its small size, it still can provide a 10-15mm reading range using Google Nexus S. This reading range is comparable to large size paper back RFID Tag.

HKRHT-J04 is a standard off-the shelf product and available in small volume purchase such as 50-100pcs per bag or bulk purchase. Please contact us for pricing information. 

This is a Touch & Link application in NFC market, in fact, there are numerous application to explore. NFC is a useful technology to LET THINGS TALK for itself through your mobile phone. If you want to design your NFC application and you need experts advice, please contact us. Our service also includes:

-          pre-write your information into the NFC chip

-          anti-counterfeit mobile application

-          customise NFC label

Please contact us for any sales enquiry.

Available in NFC-shop NOW.

Refer readings:

HK-RFID Website about NFC

Moist Tag and Extreme Tag Demonstration

The two new products launched in October, Moist Tag (PN:HKRAT-HT02) and Extreme Tag (PN: HKRAT-PT02), had undergone a series of tests in the Reliability Testing Laboratory to demonstrate their powerful sensing features.

Moist Tag

Moist Tag is a powerful active RFID tag equipped with a digital sensor providing accurate sensing of temperature and humidity.

In our demonstration, three Moist Tags are placed inside the chamber with changing temperature and humidity settings. An Empress™ Active Reader is connected to a PC next to the chamber. Instant data will be sensed by the Moist Tags and sent to the reader with the tag ID constantly. Data collected on the reader will be processed by the demo program installed in the computer.

Moist Tag is specially designed to be equipped with an accurate humidity sensor of up to 1% RH resolution and wireless functions. Humidity data will be sent to the reader that is connected to the central server periodically, which empowers accurate and timely data for strict environment control and monitoring applications.

Watch the video now:

Extreme Tag

Extreme Tag is a temperature sensing tag specifically designed to be equipped with an external probe to monitor temperatures ranging from -200℃ to +500℃ for environment control or hazard prevention at extreme surroundings. With a separation design for the tag, the tag can be placed at a stable and moderate temperature environment, while the probe can be attached to environment with extreme temperature.

In our demonstration, we placed the external probe of Extreme Tag inside the chamber with the changing temperature, while the body of the tag remains outside the chamber. The Empress™ Active Reader receives temperature data captured inside the chamber from the tags and such data will be processed by the demo program installed in the PC and presented in a line chart. The gradually changing curve reflects the condition inside the chamber accurately and timely.

Watch the videos now:

Please contact us for any sales enquiry.

http://www.active-rfid.net/