RFID and Embedding 2

[ptarantino]

Hi! I am new to this forum and I have a question about a current product. I am using a commercially available RFID reader (SamSys 13.56 MHz), and my goal is to have automated data collection. Here are my main issues:

1. For cost reasons, the antennae I am currently using hand-made antennae. I have constructed antennae from RG-58 cable, but I also made another antenna using conductive tape. Read range for this application is trivial, but licensing will be a major issue. Could you point me to a site or document that will boil down the essential FCC regulations?

2. I have not worked on any projects involving embedded memory and control before, so I don't really know where to begin with this project. Could you recommend any books or other resources to get me started in this area? I realize that it is not a trivial issue, but having a base to start from would be invaluable to me. Just for your reference, I want to store RFID tag IDs in memory (16 Hex digits) every few seconds, and then have the ability to upload this information to a notebook or possibly PDA.

Thanks for your time.

 

[MacGyverS2000]

Go to the FCC's website and download their Part 15 regs. In fact, you could do a Google search on "FCC Part 15" and it shoudl be listed as one of the top 10 items.

 

[blcpro]

Well, for embedded memory and control, a simple 8-bit microcontroller might do the trick. If you are willing to do a little experimenting, the MCU's from Microchip Technology are usually pretty easy to learn, and are supported by free development software. I am also designing an RFID system for access control, and will be using a PIC18 family device from Microchip. My system includes the RF circuitry, but the microcontroller could just as easily connect to a commercially available RFID reader.