TSL® Bluetooth® UHF RFID Readers can be operated in SPP mode where the Reader is controlled by a custom-written application, or in HID mode, where the Reader behaves like a Bluetooth® Keyboard.
The HID mode has two variants* :
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- HID mode – Compatible with Android, Windows and Apple devices
- HID Apple mode – Compatible only with Apple devices providing an on-screen keyboard toggle
For a detailed comparison between the two modes, see the support article Comparison of Bluetooth® Operating Modes.
The Bluetooth® operating mode of a TSL® UHF RFID Reader can be changed using the steps detailed below.
Preparation:
Download and install the “TSL® PC Firmware Downloader” from the Reader product download page (free, one time, registration required)
https://www.tsl.com/downloads/tsl-products/1128-downloads/
https://www.tsl.com/downloads/tsl-products/1153-downloads/
https://www.tsl.com/downloads/tsl-products/1166-downloads/
To switch to Bluetooth® HID mode:
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- First delete existing pairings to the UHF reader
- Launch the Firmware Downloader (Desktop Firmware Loader)
- Connect the UHF reader to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
- The driver should install automatically (*)
- The downloader should prompt as the com port arrives and select the com port automatically (“COMn arrived”)
- Select Action>Reset Bluetooth® to HID mode or Action>Reset Bluetooth® to HID Apple mode (wait for the process to complete)
- Disconnect the UHF reader from the computer (unplug USB)
- Wake the UHF reader (pull trigger, blue flashing LED)
- Pair to the reader on the device (it typically appears as a keyboard icon and connects automatically)
- Scanned data should now be typed into the current application on the device
To switch to Bluetooth® SPP mode:
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- First delete existing pairings to the UHF reader
- Launch the downloader (Desktop Firmware Loader)
- Connect the UHF reader to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
- The driver should install automatically (*)
- The downloader should prompt as the com port arrives and select the com port automatically (“COMn arrived”)
- Select Action>Reset Bluetooth® to SPP mode (wait for the process to complete)
- Disconnect the UHF reader from the computer (unplug USB)
- Wake the UHF reader (pull trigger, blue flashing LED)
- Pair to the reader on the device
- Launch an App (e.g. RFID Explorer) to use the reader
(*) if not, download from here: http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Further Information
Further information can be found from the Reader Download pages (free, one-time, registration required – see links above)
Application Note – Bluetooth® HID mode: Provides further examples for configuring HID mode
Application Note – Using the Micro SD log and auto-run files: Describes using the AUTO.TXT
TSL® ASCII Protocol 2.4 Rev B : Details all the commands including for HID .st,.hs,.hc, and .hd
If you encounter any issue while following the above procedure please contact support@tsl.com, providing the following information:
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- The serial number of the UHF Reader
- The Firmware version of the UHF Reader
- The step at which the procedure failed
- A description of the fault that occurred
* Firmware requirements: 1128 – v4.2.7 or greater; 1153 – v2.1.7 or greater; 1166 – v1.1.6 or greater