Automatic Identification System For Attendence

On this instructable I will try to show how to interface a RFID sensor with the Arduino. I am using the RFID sensor from seeedstudio the serial version of it. There are a few parts you will gonna need. I also bought some RFID keys. UPDATE: Now it works with IDE 021

Step 1What you gonna need?

- Arduino Board - RFID Sensor from seeedstudios - Wires - Protoboard - RFID tags (125kHz) from seeedstudios

Step 2Plugging all together

Connect the antenna on the appropriate pins like the first photo. Plug the RFID sensor to the protoboard like the second photo above. Only 3 wires are required to interface, 2 wires for supply and another for the serial line(communication) The wires as connected as the third photo shows. On RFID sensor: PIN 1 -> Tx PIN 2 -> Rx (Not Used) PIN 3 -> NC

PIN 4 -> GND PIN 5 -> VCC (+5V) Tx from RFID board goes to Digital PIN 2 on Arduino Board. That is all you gonna need to wire. Moving on to next step, the software.

Step 3The code

I'm not a software guy, so this code is just for demonstration. I don't make any kind of checksum at the tags code, but it seems to work fine. The code is really simple. I used a new library for the serial, using software emulation. With the two white cards you can deny or allow the access of others keys. Any doubt, please ask me.

RFID_2_eng.pde1 KB Step 4Results!

There is no LED, sound or LCD for debug or visualization, just through the serial line. The video demonstrate how to use the software. I didn't post any kind of explanation as text on the video. I hope that the images spokes more then words, xD Any doubt or suggestion, feel free to ask, or correct me. Please, if you like it, rate it, thank you

This RFID Reader Module (Serial version only) comes with two54x85mm Rectangle Tags. Designed in cooperation with Grand Idea Studio, the Parallax Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader Module is the first low-cost solution to read passive RFID transponder tags. The RFID Reader Module can be used in a wide variety of hobbyist and commercial applications, including access control, automatic identification, robotics, navigation, inventory tracking, payment systems, and car immobilization. There are a variety of transponder tags that come in different packages. Each tag has a specific range that is within 10% of the given distance for each type of tag. The reason for the 10% is due to environmental conditions and RFID modules. Features:

   

Low-cost method for reading passive RFID EM4100 family transponder tags 2400 baud serial interface Enable input allows module to be enabled/disabled by software Bi-color LED for visual indication of status

Compatible tags:

   

54x85mm Rectangle Tag ISO Card: 6.3cm (2.5") +/- 10% 50mm Round Tag World Tag 50mm: 6.8cm (2.7") +/- 10% Blue Eye Key Fob 25mm Disk Tag

Key Specifications:

    

Reads 125 kHz Tags, EM41000 Family Power requirements: 4.5 to 5.5 VDC Communication: Serial at 2400 baud (8N1) Dimensions: 2.45 x 6.25 x 0.22 in (62.2 x 82.5 x 5.57 mm) Operating temp range: -40 to +185 F (-40 to +85 C)