RFID reader hookup problems with Redboard

Development Boards Arduino
1

i am trying to hook up the RFID reader with a Redboard. I

IMG_8105
IMG_81051920×2560 396 KB

IMG_8104
IMG_81041920×2560 372 KB

IMG_8103
IMG_81031920×2560 482 KB

n the hook guide they are using a redboard artimis. do i have to have that one? i get flickers form RX and TX , making me think the power is an issue on this board or a connection. i am needing help using this red board.

2

Some solder on those pin header connections would be a good start if you suspect an intermittent connection.

2 Likes
3

the RX and TX (pin 1 and 0) are the same as Serial / USB connection. Use pin 2 and 3 and softtSerial as in the examples sketches. Make sure the switch on the M7E is set to SER.

P.s. You seem to have connected an external antenna, but you have not changed the onboard zero resistor RF to select the external antenna. look in the hookup guide of the M7E how to do that.

5

i have fixed the wired connection and i am getting reading from the external antenna, but its only from a few inches away, how to i improve the range ?

6

Check out https://docs.sparkfun.com/SparkFun_Simultaneous_RFID_Reader_M7E/hardware_assembly/#power-supply-considerations first, then try increasing the dB using rfidmodule.SetReadPower() from the library https://docs.sparkfun.com/SparkFun_Simultaneous_RFID_Reader_M7E/software_setup/

7

Using a 9V battery through the barrel jack and the Arduino ide and tells me “Module failed to respond. Please check wiring”. what wires would i need to change ?

8

9 volt battery is not capable of providing enough current to operate the RFID reader. You will need a power source that can supply at least 1 amp of current but more current is better.

9

would a barrel jacket that can plug into the wall work ?

10

Yes, a barrel jack works…preferably it’d be a mean-well supply. Like he said, 1a is good but 2a or more is even better. That 1st link I sent covers this in in ‘power supply considerations’ section

11

i am having trouble with using an external power source. when i am plugged into computer the tag reader works fine. however once unplugged and external power is used my displays shows "RFID init fail ".

12

Share a photo or two of the setup with external power

13

IMG_8139
IMG_81391920×2560 481 KB

IMG_8141
IMG_81411920×2560 424 KB

IMG_8142
IMG_81421920×1440 216 KB

IMG_8143
IMG_81431920×1440 274 KB

the Photo that shows scanning is when it is connected to laptop , all other is on external power

14

The soldering looks good; I’d make sure the alligator clips aren’t an issue and probably remove the screen wiring for now to simplify things for testing

On the Uno side it looks like the wires might be off by 2 spaces;

image
image2809×2571 373 KB

I’d try moving those 2 yellow fellas over

15

it is a bit hard to see, so I better ask: I see the power led on M7E clearly when connected to the PC (and scanning), but I do not clearly see the power led on the M7E in the pictures with the external power supply.

As you apply the external power to VIN, the UNO R3 will switch off the 5V from USB. Maybe that causes a spike that the M7E does not like. Try to remove and reconnect the power to the m7E / breadboard after you apply the external power supply.

Is the M7E very hot ? In that case it might just shutdown and you have to wait until it cooled down.