Garrison Series for Asset Tracking

In data centers, thousands of servers are packed on hundreds of open racks. How can we locate a particular server out of the thousands for maintenance? Traditionally, a lot of manpower and time is spent on locating and monitoring servers, which is inefficient and a waste of resources. 

Now with Garrison™ Responsive Tags, the flashing LED light communicating with the Empress™ reader can greatly simplify the task. Moreover, the tamper-proof sensor can prevent the tag from being removed from the asset. More details will be provided in our case study.

In hospitals, expensive medical equipment are often mobile to cater for the dynamic changes and need for fast reactions during emergencies. Despite the convenience and flexibility brought by the equipment mobility, effort spent locating them around the hospital area will always incur high cost in terms of both time and money. In some cases, finding the particular equipment needed for a patient could affect the whole medical operation process. 

Garrison™ Rugged tag works with Empress™ readers to provide real time tracking through periodically sending signals to the reader. This can greatly save time and costs in asset tracking. Download case study here to read more.

For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives.

You can also visit our website to explore more:

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

Forthcoming Product: Empress™ Active RFID Reader EM02

Hong Kong RFID is going to introduce a new product to the Empress™ Reader family: EM02. Empress™ EM02 (P/N: To be confirmed) is the second generation Empress™ Reader. EM02 will have several improvements.

First, the metal case of the Empress™ reader will be changed to lighter and more durable plastic casing. Second, the panel at the side of the reader is now located on the topside for more convenient operation. The new reader will be more stylish with more user-friendly design. Third, on top of the traditional “gain setting” function provided by all Empress™ Readers, a “signal strength” function is now in place on the new Empress™ EM02. 

Key upgrades:

• More sensitive and reliable core RF circuit
• LED and a button on top side
• GPIO pins are now available
• Support coming web service features

The new EM02 reader works well with Hussar™, Garrison™ and Tempcorder™ tags in providing more functionality and information for different applications.

Different application services will be launched for this new reader EM02 in the coming year and more functional upgrades may come as we further develop our product series. Let’s look forward to the details of the EM02 new reader and its new functions to come upon its launching date. 

For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives.

You can also visit our website to explore more:

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

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

Play a Christmas Song using NFC Christmas Card

We all like receiving Christmas card, what if this year we receive a Christmas Card with an NFC chip that can play a song using your NFC-enable phone? Would it be more warm in this winter?

Let's see this video for a step by step guide. Sorry that the video is in Cantonese.

The App we used is NFC Quick Actions.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

VIDEO link

RFID Technology for Automatic Data Capture in Corrosion Monitoring

Corrosion is a major problem in many industries. Different kinds of corrosion prevention techniques are developed and widely adopted over decades. However, the high cost and the lack of technology to monitor and maintain such system (e.g. cathodic protection system), results in limited scope of deployment or maintenance, and therefore affects the overall protection result.

Why bother monitoring? 

An effective corrosion prevention systems should be designed with following concerns;

1. Accidental or physical damage by any unexpected means.
2. Theft or vandalism
3. Anode life do varies
4. Deterioration can happen in a short period of time, such as flooding. 
5. Instand data such as stray current, only happens in short period of time unexpectedly

  

Limitations of conventional CP monitoring and stray current monitoring systems;

1. Time consuming. Manual measurement is costy and clumsy due to remote area or inaccessible spot. Each survey exercise, no matter the schedule frequency, is a hustle to management.
2. Huge error, corrosion measurement often requires special expertise knowledge, still, they are highly varies, unrepeatable and not presentable.
3. Hard to capture some instant data; Stray current in underground structure only appears in a very short period of time, without a 24-7 real time monitor system, it is no way to capture and manually measure such intense and unpredictable phenomenon.
4. Hard to analysis; due to above reasons, the lack of testing points means lack of statistical significant data for structural health evaluation, which results in wrong scope planning for maintenance or repair work.

Conventional Method	Auto CP System
External junction box to link with up to multi-channels of sacrificial Anode / reference electrode and manually measure every 30 days using voltmeter	Active RFID Tag (embedded or external type are available), can connect up to 2 sacrificial anode / reference electrode and report measurement in regular periods
Possibility of deviating from standard practice	Free of deviation due to manual practice
Lack of environmental data	Temperature, pH, pressure and humidity data can be record together with corrosion data
Hard to retrieve historical data	All trends are instantly available online on one click Alerts email / SMS can be configured for any event trigger.

 

Photo shows a manual measurement using multimeter in Stray Current Monitoring Project for underground metro transit, data can only be measured when the metro is not operating.

Automated system monitoring is essential for "maintenance free" corrosion protection systems. Only automated monitoring system can address the above limitations of conventional cathodic protection.  

• Programmed health check for reinforcement steel. It completely avoids the variance due to different human measurement practice
• Automated warning and alert. Corrosion protection system now can actively ask for help in case of accident or treat.
• Visualized graph and analytics. It provides more intrinsic view for non-corrosion expert to monitor periodically. Decisions are easier to make with handy data. Preventive maintenance can also be easily scheduled with visual records.

  

Professional Services we provide include  

1. Field survey and telemetry consultancy service for Corrosion Engineers.
2. Consultancy for data acquisition systems for critical parameters in Galvanic CP system, impressed current system, transformer rectifiers, stray current monitoring systems, etc
3. Provision of hardware of monitoring system,  
4. Online web-analytic hosting and alert service
5. System integration to intelligent building service control

Voltmeter and data logging system are suitable for

1. Gathering concrete/steel health check date from Reference Electrode
2. Galvanic CP and anode life real time monitoring and warning
3. Impressed current system monitoring
4. Stray current monitoring

Data Loggers use GSM/GPRS & RF technologies for long range communication, especially for human inaccessible spots, such as

-          Any flyovers or Bridges

-          Pillars of habour

-          Tunnel, pipes,

-          Ceiling of church or old buildings

-          Underground metro, subway, etc.

 

Photo shows the conventional junction box in monitoring the Sacrificial Anodes in old building

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Features of Data Acquisition Unit

• Monitoring the system online/offline status
• Allowing customized preset of data logging period, high flexibility by offer intensive recording period, or event trigger data logging mode.  
• Automatically collecting protection current or potential, or potentials of various types of sacrificial anodes, CPs, inert anodes or permanent reference electrodes
• Sample or surrounding environmental data: temperature, humidity, pH, shock vibration.

Features of RF unit:

Integrated RF consultancy would be provided for Corrosion Engineer. It may consist of 2 parts; an Sensor-data collection and network data transmission. For the sensor-data collection, depends on the type of systems, such as concrete embedded type or exposed junction box, regional RF regulations and the types of network, we can offer 915MHz and 2.4GHz ISM band in either Zig-Bee or proprietary protocol (empowered  by Empress Active RFID series). They can be powered by replaceable battery, AC power network, or solar powered network.

Remark: Empress Active RFID system is a 2.4GHz low power consumption digital data transmission method for identification and  environmental data capturing. A series of handheld reader and stationary reader are available.

The network data would be sent back to server either using TCP/IP network or GSM/GPRS/3G network, depends on the availability of the network in the region.

Features of ALAYA Online monitoring system

-          Secured web-base, allows access of data anytime, anywhere,

-          Intrinsic visualization and presentation of data point, trend and report

-          Emergency alerts can notify authorized personnel through SMS or E-mail

The installation & commissioning, provisioning and regular maintenance of the solution shall be provided by partners in the field.

For any enquiry, please contact HK-RFID sales representative.

Or visit our website for more product information.

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

New Lockable RFID Tags with Duel RF, and Other New Utility Passive RFID Tags

In this article, we would like to preview a few very unique Passive RFID products that we are going to launch in coming quarter.

These tags are designed for retail industries and aimed for fast & easy deployment for the front-end shop keeper. Some of them, such as Bottle Clamp Lock, have duel RF features, i.e. they have both UHF for inventory management and AM/RF for Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS).

The UHF RFID provides Electronic Product Code (EPC) and user writable memory, it is the best for supply chain management. And AM/RF EAS is used in daily life for shoplifting prevention, they don't have a ID but it works with conventional EAS gates in shops worldwide.

Washable Laundry Tag

This is a laundry tag suitable for following applications;

-          Costume management in Theme Park or TV industry

-          Wedding Gown Suit & evening Dress Rental Industry

-          Linen management for hospital

Dimension	55x24x2mm
Material	Silicone rubber
Operation Temperature	-20C to 50C, 10-95%RH
Storage Temperature	-40C to 55C
Extreme Temperature	Dry cleaning: 80C for 1 hour, Heat Drying: 120C for 10mins, Ironing: 200C for 10sec,
Durable Life	200 times wishing or 3 years
Protocol	EPC ISO18000-6C
Frequency	860MHz-960MHz
IC	Higgs 3 96bits EPC 512bit User
Reading Range	~1.5-2.0m using UHF Handheld Reader at max power

Clip-Teeth Tag

This Clip-Teeth Tag is ideal for any clothes, garment, easily clip on any materials such as leather, cotton, synthetic fiber, etc., suitable for following applications;

-          Costume management in Theme Park or TV industry

-          Wedding Gown Suit & evening Dress Rental Industry

-          Linen management for hospital

Dimension	70x26x16mm
Material	ABS
Operation Temperature	-20C to +55C
IP rating	IP65
Protocol	EPC ISO18000-6C
Frequency	860MHz-960MHz
IC	Higgs 3 96bits EPC 512bit User
RFID Reading Range	~3m using UHF Handheld Reader at max power

Bottle Clamp Lock-Tag, duel RF (UHF & EAS)

This is a wine bottle lock-tag,  the 2-piece clamp make it easy for bottle with diameter about 26-29mm. Once fastened, a detacher key is needed to unlock it. This lock-tag has both EAS and RFID chip inside, suitable for both inventory tracking and shoplifting prevention.

Suitable for :
- Liquor retail
- Wine storage management
- Anti-shoplifting for wine or liquor

  

Dimension	Dia. 68mm × 55mm
Material	ABS
Operation Temperature	-20C to +55C
IP rating	IP54
Bottle Diameter	Φ26-Φ29mm
Protocol	EAS: AM / RF EAS System RFID: EPC ISO18000-6C
Frequency	EAS: AM / RF EAS System RFID: 860MHz-960MHz
IC	Higgs 3 96bits EPC 512bit User
RFID Reading Range	~0.8m using UHF Handheld Reader at max power

G-Lock Tag

This a lock that suitable for any wire/string shape items such as necklace and watch. Once locked, a detacher is required to unlock it. The highly sensitive RFID IC provides a long reading range even the tag size is so small. It is suitable for;

• Jeweler management
• Watch tagging
• Cable tagging

 
A detacher key (tag remover) is shown in above photo for reference. 

Dimension	21 x 55 x 9mm
Material	ABS
Operation Temperature	-20C to +55C
IP rating	IP54
Protocol	EPC ISO18000-6C
Frequency	860MHz-960MHz
IC	Higgs 3 96bits EPC 512bit User
RFID Reading Range	~3m using UHF Handheld Reader at max power

Steel Hook Tag,

This steel-hook tag has superb robustness and long reading distance, suitable for objects like

-          Large steel

-          concrete structure

-          Steel pipe

-          steel rack tagging

It is widely used in logistics, steel manufacturing and construction industry.

Dimension	φ8x250mm (length customizable)
Material	PTFE Tube and steel hook
Operation Temperature	-20C to +85C
IP rating	IP67
Protocol	EPC ISO18000-6C
Frequency	860MHz-960MHz
IC	Higgs 3 96bits EPC 512bit User
RFID Reading Range	~5m using UHF Handheld Reader at max power
Protection Withstand	Impact and shock Temperature shock Aging by Ultraviolet Light (UV) Alkaline and acidic attack

Please contact our Sales Representative, if you are interested.

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

New Product Preview: Valio Gadget Tag

There is a new product line joining our Empress™ Family – Valio™! The first member of this new line, named Valio Gadget Tag (PN: HKRAT-ET02), will be launched soon.

Key Feature 1: Slim and Low Profile Design

Just like applying labels or asset naming plates, any kind of devices can be tracked by our Gadget Tag because of its thin and light design. Not only is the Gadget Tag suitable for large machines, it is also suitable for small electrical appliances like notebooks, tablet computers and even smart phones. 

Key Feature 2: Tamperproof

When the tamper-proof sensor is triggered, signal will be emitted to the Empress™ Active Reader preventing unauthorized removal of the tag from the device. Gadget Tag also responses to reader constantly by sending out the unique ID to facilitate real time tracking within the monitoring range. 

Properties can now be properly taken care of with the adoption of Gadget Tag. Stay tune for the release of the Gadget Tag!

Please contact us for any sales enquiry.

Introduction of New Evaluation Kit for Tempcorder Series

Our all new Tempcorder Evaluation Kit are now available. All tags in the Tempcorder series and one reader of your choice (HKRAR-EMWF) are included in each kit.

A demo program is included in the kit apart from the hardware. Not only listing the unique ID of tags, the temperature or humidity data will also be listed along with the ID. The program instantly plots the data received from the tag in a line chart, allowing easier and better monitoring of the environment and hence take immediate action accordingly.

More details for the new kit are included in the leaflet. We sincerely welcome any inquiry about our Tempcorder Evaluation Kit.

Please contact us for any sales enquiry.

Applications of Tempcorder Tag Series

In server rooms, tens of hundreds servers are packed together in such a small room. Malfunctioning may occur if any of them is overheated and cause down time of network which could result in huge losses to companies. How can we prevent this problem with Sense Tag (PN: HKRAT-TT02)?

In industrial sites, extremely hot liquid should be under close monitoring. Certain train components would become extremely hot during operation. If such component is overheated, danger might be caused. How can these extreme conditions be controlled and monitored with Extreme Tag (PN: HKRAT-PT02)?

In museums, valuable paintings and statues should be taken care of properly to avoid any damage. In law firms and banks, important originals should also be saved at places with good ventilation. How can we ensure proper protection to these invaluable properties with Moist Tag (PN: HKRAT-HT02)?

More details on all these application with our Tempcorder series can be found in the Tempcorder Case Study:

Tempcorder Case

Please contact us for any sales enquiry.

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

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/

People Caring Award – Certificate of Merit

The HSBC Living Business Award 2012 Presentation Ceremony is going to be held at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong on 16^th November 2012. Our company is honored to be awarded “People Caring Award – Certificate of Merit”. This ceremony is organized by HSBC in recognizing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) who manage their business responsibly and sensitively with regard to people, the community and the environment to ensure long-term development.

Five main categories will be judged: employee training and development, internal communication, equal opportunities, employee welfare, work-life balance and family-friendly practices. Our company participated in this award for the first time and is pleased to be awarded Certificate of Merit in People Caring. 

“Staff is the asset of our company. Everyone has his/her own talent and everyone is elite.” commented Mike Fung, Operation Director of Hong Kong RFID Ltd. “We wish to create a family-friendly working environment as both family and work are important parts of life.” The award recognizes all measures we have taken to ensure a pleasant work environment for staff.

About the Award

“People Caring Award – Certificate of Merit” belongs to part of the “HSBC Living Business Awards”, which is an annual award scheme organized by HSBC supported by the Business Environment Council (BEC), the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) and the Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management (HKITM). 

The award was first launched in 2004 and has recognized over 1,000 local SMEs from a wide range of industries. Entering the eighth year, the award scheme has a structure, which focuses on the three pillars: environmental protection, community engagement, and care for employees.