[dorkbotpdx-blabber] RFID readers for the Open Source Bridge Conference

[Chris Arnesen]

Hi Don,

I've been experimenting with RFID for a while too and have ran into a 
similar situation as yours. Unfortunately, do to the nature of RFID, the 
read distance is primarily affected by the tag itself, not the reader. 
In the RFID Toys book, it talks about the need of reading tags from a 
distance, you must use "active RFID tags" which contain a battery and 
are constantly transmitting.

Since you're also talking about reading tags that go through 
double-doors, you'll need a tag/reader combination that allow allows 
multiple tags to be read at the same time, something most RFID solutions 
don't do (and you probably won't see much more read distance than 30-40 
cm maximum).

I would suggest something a little more low-tech. I would integrate the 
RFID reader into a turnstile and the badge is required to be scanned to 
allow admittance/exit.

Let me know if you need any help! I'll be at the workshop on Sunday and 
would love to learn more about your project.

Sincerely,
Chris Arnesen

Don Park wrote:
> The Open Source Bridge conference from June 17-19 at the Oregon
> Convention Center has an RFID project that I am helping with.
>
> I've selected these RFID tags
> http://mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=sGAEpiMZZMuXfccvO5DzatroL884im7I
>
> Wireless Protocol:   	 ISO 15693, ISO 18000-3   	
> Wireless Frequency: 	13.56 MHz
>
> The problem is the readers.
>
> The best i can come up with is
> http://tinkerit.myshopify.com/products/rfid-kit
> RFID Shield Kit, 13.56MHz Mifare module 10cm range $56
>
> The problem is the 10cm range. We'd like to cover spaces such as a
> double-wide doorway so that any conference badge passing through would
> be scanned. 10 centimeters doesn't really cut it. Does anyone here
> have expertise or a lead on inexpensive reader equipment that might
> help get a longer range?
>
> Don