RFID Reader (part #28140) - works with smaller tags?

[John Kauffman]

I'd like to use the Parallax RFID Reader (part #28140) for my RFID project. However, I need much smaller tags than the rectangular, round or disk tags offered.

The information file for the reader says that the reader works exclusively with the EM Microelectronics-Marin SA EM4100-family of passive read-only transponder tags at 125 kHz. What does 'exclusive' mean in this context?

Has anyone tried the reader with alternate source tags for 125 KHz, for example the 3x12 mm glass ampule tags at:
http://www.gaorfid.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88&products_id=634
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9416
http://www.biomark.com/RFID-tags.htm

Putting the question another way, is there is some specific identifier that the tag is from EM and that must match the reader's spec?

Does a tag just throw an ID number or is there a standard/company included in the tag's communication?

Thanks.

[Franklin]

Seems to me someone was using the glass beads.

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- Stephen

[Mike Green]

I've used the RFID reader with 125KHz EM4100-compatible glass ampule tags. They worked fine.

The tags have to operate at the same frequency as the RFID reader and the format of the data has to be compatible with what the reader is expecting. "EM4100" is the format used by the reader. The tag provides a 40-bit number. I think 8 bits of this identify the manufacturer while 32 bits are unique to the specific tag.

[John Kauffman]

Thanks, I'll place orders.