Rockwell Automation 57RF RFID ICODE Handheld Interface User Manual - Manual (Page 26)

26 Rockwell Automation Publication 57RF-UM001A-EN-P - September 2011
Chapter 4
To lengthen the time between charges, you can perform the following actions:
• Use external power for PC Card operations whenever possible—some
PC Cards as well as extended communication via the serial port, may
require large amounts of power to operate, and can quickly drain the
batteries.
• Limit the use of backlight—minimize backlight use when you are
operating on battery power.
You can adjust the backlight timeout level through the Display settings in
the Control Panel or on some units by using the keypad.
• Shorten auto-suspend time—the RFID ICODE handheld interface is
automatically set to suspend operation to conserve battery power when
you have not used the keyboard or the stylus after three minutes. You can
increase the auto-suspend time by changing the Power settings in the
Control Panel.
Using the RFID Module The RFID module can read ISO-14443 and ISO-15693 RFID high frequency
(13.56 MHz) tags and smart labels. It is compatible with all
Rockwell Automation RFID ICODE tags, as well as ICODE tags from other
manufacturers.
The RFID module is totally application dependent and derives power from the
COM2 port. The RFID module has a flip-out antenna that provides a read range
of approximately 3.5 in. (90 mm) with a credit card size tag at 90° (see Figure
21—
RFID Read Range on page 27 ). For optimal tag reading performance, adjust
the module to either 90°or 180°.
IMPORTANT Allowing the batteries to remain in a low or very low condition will cause
the unit to enter Suspend mode. In either case, you should save your
work and recharge the unit as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT Electronic items such as microwave ovens and cordless telephones can
affect RFID performance. The presence of metal and/or water can also
affect read range. Do not enable or utilize the RFID module with a cable
connected. Operation of this nature is likely to cause harmful
interference.