Request for Assistance with M7e Hecto RFID Reader - Pin Setup and Working Code

GPS/GNSS Development Boards
1

Dear Community,

I have purchased both the M7e Hecto reader from SparkFun. Unfortunately, neither of these readers is working as expected. Despite following the examples provided, I have not been able to get either reader to function properly.

I am requesting assistance in providing the correct pin setup and a working code that will allow me to communicate with and successfully read data from these RFID readers. I have tried all available examples, but none of them have worked so far.

Could anyone from the community help with the following:

The accurate pin configuration for both the M7e Hecto when using a SparkFun RedBoard.
A working example code that will allow me to verify communication and get the RFID readers functioning.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated, as I am eager to get these devices up and running.

Thank you in advance for your support.

2

What is your power supply?

3

I tried providing 5V from the red board and also tried providing power through USB as well.

4

Not sure what you tried or what failed so far, but lets start with example1. Connect :

M7E   Redboard
TX      2
RX      3
GND    GND
VCC     5V

The onboard switch must be set to SER (serial)

Use the example as defined. no change.

I sssume you did not connect or changed the board for an external antenna.

Start the sketch.You should not get an error message to check the wiring.

Press a key to start scanning.

Move the RIFD tag right on-top-off the onboard antenna. The on-board antenna is only for limited reach.

please share what happens …

1 Like
5

@paulvha
Sorry for the late reply. I followed your instructions for the Wiring Connections of the M7e Hecto with the Redboard. I no longer got the check wiring issue. So that is resolved. I also followed your instructions with not changing the code. When I tried to scan the UHF tags. I got the following output:

Initializing… RFID module initialized successfully.

Press a key to read the EPC bank.

sendCommand: [FF] [0B] [28] [07] [D0] [10] [00] [00] [01] [00] [00] [00] [00] [00] [47] [BF]

response: [FF] [00] [28] [04] [05]

Failed to read EPC bank.

Press a key to read the EPC bank.

Can you verify if the cards/tags I have are valid UHF tags that are compatible with the M7e Hecto? I have two different UHF cards tags in the two links provided below that I am currently using to test with the M7e Hecto.

Link to UHF Cards: YARONGTECH UHF Card RFID Tracking Alien H3 Chip Long Reading Distance Card -10pcs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0722L72XG?encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ZQ7EMS3GD0CKW6JFRKWG&skipTwisterOG=1&newOGT=1

Link to UHF Tags: UHF RFID Tag,AZ9662 ISO18000-6C Long Range,Alien H3 73.5x21.2mm Adhesive Inlay Label (Pack of 100)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LYBKMYM?encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_93V5KJX7X6Q6KREPP0VN&skipTwisterOG=1&newOGT=1

Also, one more thing to note, I tried to connect it to the Universal Reader Assistant and this time I was able to successfully get it to connect. But I noticed a pop up that I keep getting. “CRC validation of firmware image failed. I also tried reading the tag and it didn’t pick up any of the tags on here either. Could the prompt in the image below be a firmware issue where the M7e Hecto firmware needs to be updated? The Universal Reader Assistant has a Firmware/License Update tab, which I think may be an option to update the M7e Hecto firmware.

Screenshot 2025-01-26 142923
Screenshot 2025-01-26 1429231919Ă—1031 76.7 KB

6

As far as I know and can check the Alien H3 chip in your tags is Gen2 compliant and should work.

Looks to me the CRC error is an issue to start. According to the documentation/datasheet this CRC check only performed one time, after an update has been done. If successful it is not repeated on later power-up.

Clearly there is an issue as the included response indicates :
TMR_ERROR_AFE_NOT_ON TMR_ERROR_CODE(0x405)
Reader not fully initialized and hasn’t yet turned on its radio. Have you set region?

I don’t have the firmware for the M7E. I have it for the previous M6E and was able to perform updates with the URA.

You could try to download from Jadak (You are being redirected...).

But if this is a new board, I would return it for replacement.

7

If the above suggestions don’t work: Was it purchased from us? If so head over to Returns (contact vendor if purchased elsewhere) and we’ll get ya squared away

8

@paulvha @TS-Russell
The firmware update didn’t work.
I purchased the M7e-Hecto on Amazon from the SparkFun Electronics Store
Product Link: Amazon.com: SparkFun Simultaneous RFID Reader - M7E Hecto, Powerful M7E-HECTO Module EPCglobal Gen 2 (ISO 18000-6C) 2-Way Switch - Supply Voltage: 3.3V-5V - Board Dimensions: 2.40 x 1.35 (Inches) : Industrial & Scientific
Amazon SparkFun Electronics Store Link: Amazon.com: SparkFun Electronics

9

Alrighty - file for a return through amazon (they offer the same 30-day return window on new products)