Sparkfun RFID reader not powering on

Sensors NFC & RFID
1

Hi everyone,

I just finished soldering the sparkfun RFID reader to a serial to a generic serial to USB adapter (https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B01N9RZK6I). Connected it to my laptop hoping for the best and… the power LED of the reader blinks 4-5 times then nothing.

The UniversalReaderAssistant is not able to connect to the COM port (USB adapter is detected by the system).

I also measured tension using a voltmeter on the weldings and it give 5.2V.

Any suggestions?

FYI I’m a total noob at electronics and soldering so probably I did a stupid mistake. Also it’s a bit dirty, hope I didn’t fry it.

2

I would expect that your USB port should be detected, no matter you connected to the Nano. The USB port should be showing up in the URA connection screen.

Does it show up in the device manager of Windows 10 ? If not have you installed the right driver for the FTDI (see https://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Docume … s%2010.pdf)

The only mistake I have seen often is that one had connected the USB/serial adaptor the wrong way around ( check that GND is connected to GND)

3

Hi Paul,

Yep USB port was showing but connection keeped timing out.

The issue was indeed that I connected it the wrong way around, thanks a lot!