Multi-format weatherproof readers

[ToddParticipant]

Hi Flomies,

I’m writing to get some help sourcing a wireless reader.

In descending order of importance we’re looking for:

• high frequency rfid close range card/fob capabilities
• tap with phone authentication capabilities (RFID emulation or otherwise)
• proximity detection – member to house (Eg are they nearby) Note: might be able to do this with GPS instead)
• pay from your phone (not required but something we might like to add in the future)

In terms of form, we’re looking for weather proof readers (likely epoxy coated) that we can wire directly into to our controller.

Thanks for your time and assistance,

[RichardKeymaster]

Todd, there’s still some details that we need in order to recommend a reader for your use case. Namely, what high frequency (HF) protocols are you looking to support: ISO14443A, ISO14443B, ISO15693, ISO18092, some of these, or all of these? If you’re uncertain what each of these are, here’s a good breakdown article.

The gist is you have to choose between the FloBLE Plus or the FloBLE Mini. The Mini supports all of the protocols but only connects over Bluetooth. The Plus doesn’t support ISO15693 but can connect over USB as well as Bluetooth. I think you’re probably best off with the Plus.

I’m not sure what controller you’re using in your design but it will need to run iOS or Android for us to support it with our provided software. We have this working with a Raspberry Pi and can likely put it on any Linux capable controller with a USB Host connection.

Weatherproofing is not something we’ve done before with the FloBLE Plus. That said, our team has built IP67 rated products in the past. So it’s just a matter of understanding the dimensions and mounting requirements you need in order to deliver something that works for you.

best,
Richard

[ToddParticipant]

Thanks Richard,

We’d like our reader to support as many of the HF protocols as possible. We’re using a Rasberry Pi based controller.

Regarding weather proofing we’re most interested in a potted option (preferably rear mounted behind a cutout in front panel). If a potted option isn’t something you can do, mounting the reader in a water resistant case is an option we’d consider. In that case we’d likely mount it behind a window of transiting material that we’d inlay into our front panel.

Thanks,

[RichardKeymaster]

Great, yes then the FloBLE Mini is the better option because of it’s complete HF protocol support. Raspberry Pi is a good controller choice and integrates well with the Mini hardware. You can order a sample Mini for you to start working with here. The Mini is still in development but our APIs will conform to the latest Flomio SDK drop. As I mentioned before, we can help you integrate through our Forums or just build it for you with our developers at $150/hr. The mounting you proposed last should work fine.

thanks,
Richard

[ToddParticipant]

Thanks Richard.

Is the hardware inside the Mini available without the casing, and can we power and interface with that hardware using a hardwire connection?

[RichardKeymaster]

Yes, the Mini comes as a PCB (printed circuit board) that fits in a few enclosures we have available including a wristband and an Altoids-sized box. The PCB includes a miniUSB connector for power supply but communicates with the Host device over Bluetooth. This is how we achieve iBeacon as well as NFC terminal functionality at the same time.

best,
Richard

[ToddParticipant]

Thanks Richard,

We’re interested in the dual functionality. We also require a hardline connection to our host device to avoid potential issues with signal interference between it and the reader. Is that possible with the mini? If not is that something you or we could add with a daughter board or some other modification?

[RichardKeymaster]

Adding hardline connection from the FloBLE Mini to the Raspberry Pi is possible via UART but we would have to do that development internally given our design is not public. This custom work will require a new PCB layout as well as firmware changes so likely to cost above $10k to get that done. If you serious about it, the best way forward is to purchase a FloBLE Mini prototype so you can get familiar with it and we can start an engagement.

best,
Richard

[ToddParticipant]

Thanks Richard. That development cost puts this solution out of range for us this time around. I’ll keep this in mind for road ahead though. Thanks again for your responsiveness to my questions.

[RichardKeymaster]

I figured that much. Again, I believe your best option based on your budget and requirements, is the FloBLE Plus. It’s the most price competitive reader on the market and meets all your requirements except ISO15693 support. Guaranteed.

best,
Richard

[ToddParticipant]

Thanks Richard.

How is the Plus different from the ACR1255U? Are either or both available without the housing too? And does either pcb come conformal coated?

[RichardKeymaster]

The Plus and ACR1255U are the same hardware as indicated on their product pages. The difference between them is that the Plus comes with the Flomio SDK and the ACR1255U does not (sold separately). Both are available with and without the housing (we just remove it for you). Neither PCB come conformal coated but we can do that for you as a service for $20 per PCB in small quantities.

best,
Richard

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