| Technology |
| Section |
Question |
Answer |
| RFIDS™ - general |
What is RFIDS™? |
RFIDS™ is the name for Free2move's active RFID technology comprising F2M07 series readers and F2M08 series tags and/or sensors. RFIDS™ can be used for a variety of applications, including:
 Active RFID applications, e.g. asset tracking
Asset security applications, e.g. theft prevention
Sensor network applications, e.g. environmental sensing
Simple data acquisition applications, e.g. meter reading
RFIDS™ is based on a proprietary protocol which provides extremely low average power consumption, high security, very high read rate, excellent anti-collision, flexible RF modes, flexible I/O options, device management, battery management, logging and status reporting features. |
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RFIDS™ works in the 2.4-2.5 GHz band, which is a world-wide licence free ISM band, and with a very low RF radiation of max 1 mW (0 dBm). This allows RFIDS™ to work across borders within each country's radio regulations.
Other frequencies, such as UHF and VHF, can be provided on custom basis. |
| RFIDS™ - configuration |
I have problems connecting my PC to the F2M07 reader via USB |
First ensure that you are using an F2M07 reader with RS232 interface. The product numbers for such readers have the -x2x or -xNx extension to the product name; for instance F2M07-S20 and F2M07-D20A. The F2M07-S20 is included when purchasing the F2M07-KIT1.
Some USB to RS232 adapters or dongles are known to cause communication problems due to erroneous or non-existing buffering. A thoroughly tested USB to RS232 adapter is available from Free2move with the product number FA-07-USB01a. The correct driver for this product can be downloaded here.
Ensure that the correct COM port is selected. Some PCs assign COM-ports to USB-ports dynamically, so a bit of trial and error is often required. COM1 to COM8 are typically assigned to the PC's own USB ports. If the F2M07 is connected via an external USB hub other COM-ports can also be assigned. |
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Tags can remain invisible due to a couple of different reasons:
When F2M08 series tags are first shipped, they are configured by default to 60 seconds blink interval and to RTF, i.e. listen only mode, in order not to be actively sending during the transportation. In order to 'wake-up' those tags, the F2M07 will need to be configured to RTF as well. Ensure that the tags are near the reader and wait for at least 60 seconds until all the tags are visible. After this has been done, the tags can be configured to shorter blink intervals and to TTF mode.
If the tags have been held in stock for a long time, there is always a chance that the tag's battery is empty. Unscrew the tag's enclosure and replace (or, whenever applicable, recharge) the battery. Be careful with electrostatic discharge when handling the naked tag. Then try again. It's recommended that tags kept in storage for longer periods are configured to 60 seconds blink interval. |
| What is the meaning of RTF and TTF? |
The ability to configure radio modes is a unique feature of Free2move's RFIDS™.
RTF (Reader Talks First), also known as 'OFF-mode' or 'listening mode', is a mode whereby the tag does not send anything at all until the reader 'wakes' it up. At each blink interval, the tag will listen for a reader. If no reader 'wake-up' signal is detected, the tag will go to sleep again. If an authorised reader is detected, the tag will send a response with ID and other status information. The RTF mode is used in situations when beaconing from the tags is undesired, effectively when the user wants the tag to be turned OFF, for instance when using tags on board an aircraft or; when in security and military applications; the tags should not reveal themselves unnecessarily.
TTF (Tag Talks First), also known as 'beacon mode', is a mode whereby the tag beacons its ID and other status information automatically at every blink interval. The advantage with TTF is longer range and lower battery consumption.
Both reader and tag behaviour depends on the radio mode. In RTF, the F2M07 uses one of its channels to send out the 'wake-up' signal, while in TTF the F2M07 listens for tags on both channels. The following table illustrates the expected outcome for the two radio modes. |
RTF |
RTF |
Tag is seen (range can be reduced by reducing reader output) |
RTF |
TTF |
Tag is seen (albeit with somewhat slower response) |
TTF |
TTF |
Tag is seen (maxium range) |
TTF |
RTF |
Tag is invisible since it doesn't get 'woken-up' |
The reading distance depends on:
The output power of the tag. For maximum distance ensure that the tag's output power is configured to 0 dBm.
(RTF only) The output power of the reader. For maximum distance ensure that the reader's output power is configured to 0 dBm.
The tag's battery voltage should be higher than 2.4 V when using CR2032 batteries and higher than 2.1 V when using AAA or AA batteries.
Ensure that the reader's antennas are tightly fastened and, if directional antennas, are facing the tag.
If using antenna cables, ensure that cables and connectors are of high quality, suitable for 2.4 GHz frequency, and of impedance 50 Ohm. Rg58 class cables are not suitable for long range applications as the cable has high attenuation at 2.4 GHz.
Ensure that the reader antennas are not near or obstructed by metal or water. |
| Questions and support issues |
| Product(s) |
Issue |
Answer |
| F2M07-D20A |
What is the purpose of the desktop reader? |
When using most F2M07 readers, many tags within the reading range will be visible at the same time. Therefore it can be difficult to pinpoint individual tags for configuration. The desktop reader F2M07-D20A, on the other hand, has built-in antennas for short reading range, ca 20 cm. This makes it easier to configure tags individually. |
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The problem has been fixed in RealPort v4.2. Please download the COMPortSetup drivers again from here and reinstall. |
| You may contact our support here. |
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