RFID Reader documentation v2.1

Connecting and Testing (USB Version)

The Parallax RFID Card Reader USB can be connected to any PC, Mac or Linux computer with a USB port

and the appropriate FTDI USB drivers installed. The drivers should be installed prior to connecting the

hardware to your computer. The drivers for PC can be obtained from the Parallax website by going to

the Support tab and selecting Downloads/FTDI USB Drivers. Other drivers, including Mac and Linux can

be downloaded from the FTDI website at the following URL. http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm

When the RFID Card Reader USB is connected to a computer with the appropriate drivers a COM port is

automatically assigned to it. This COM port can be accessed by any program or programming language

you choose that can open a COM port @ 2400 bps (8N1). Parallax has released a free sample program

(including source code) for reading the tags in Windows XP/Vista. This program and VB.net source code

can be downloaded from the RFID Card Reader product page by going to our website and typing in the

product number 28340. You can also use the BASIC Stamp Editor DEBUG window to see tag data.

Checking the DTR box in the toolbar will enable the RFID Card Reader to send tag data to the display.

Line Port Function Function

RX Serial Receive Serial data from RFID Card Reader USB

DTR Data Terminal Ready Activate/De-activate RFID Card Reader USB