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RFID Reader Distance — Parallax Forums

RFID Reader Distance

timextimex Posts: 21
edited 2011-02-20 11:24 in Accessories
Most of the RFID Readers available can only communicated with RFID tags within 2 - 5 inches.
Is there anyway to increase this distance?

Thanks.
Tim

Comments

  • Bobb FwedBobb Fwed Posts: 1,119
    edited 2010-09-14 14:03
    I think the problem with the distance isn't so much that the device cannot communicate, but rather it cannot transmit enough power wirelessly to the RFID key to have it transmit at further distances.

    Personally I think 5 inches is a pretty good distance to power a device wirelessly and still have it send information back, wirelessly.
  • Invent-O-DocInvent-O-Doc Posts: 768
    edited 2010-09-15 14:49
    I know industry can do it more distantly, but I think they used self-powered tags.
  • Daniel HarrisDaniel Harris Posts: 207
    edited 2010-09-30 02:16
    From what I understand about the "Toll-Tag" systems used for toll roads is that those are RFID. The tags in the car dont have batteries. A senior project team I worked with a few years back did a system that utilized that sort of RFID technology - with the huge power amplifier and antennas. They were able to get good readings 25 ft away, but that box was really expensive (> $2000) and required alot of power.
  • VonSzarvasVonSzarvas Posts: 3,450
    edited 2010-10-01 11:28
    Wavetrend have Active RFID tags that work easily over 20meters and last 5 years on the built-in coin cell ! Also, an RS232 serial reader, which is small and easy to interface to your uC.

    Last time I checked the tags were about 20gbp and the reader 60gbp. Might be less... They don't sell small qty's direct, but lots of resellers worldwide to check for prices.

    http://www.wavetrend.net

    Might be worth a look.. Might be other manufacturers too if you search on Active Rfid.
  • RagtopRagtop Posts: 406
    edited 2011-02-20 11:24
    Has anyone tried applying power to a passive RFID tags to try and turn it into an active one?

    I just got an idea for a fox and hare game idea, trying to figure out the cheapest way to make each person's transponder.

    But I guess each player would need a tag and a reader, which would put me nearly in the price range of xbees.

    I am only looking at a range of 20 to 100 feet to count as a point for the foxes.
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