nordicid EXA21 Portable RFID Reader User Guide

2021-05-31
Nordic ID EXA21 User Guide
Version 1.2
NORDIC ID EXA21
USER GUIDE

GETTING STARTED

1.1. GENERAL
Nordic ID EXA21 provides UHF RFID reader capabilities for host devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or computers; Android, iOS, or Windows 10. Nordic ID EXA21 is used with the host devices via Bluetooth® Low Energy wireless technology.

1.2. AVAILABLE VARIANTS
Nordic ID EXA21 is available in 2 different variants:

1.3. AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES

CODE

|

DESCRIPTION

---|---
ACN00183| Wall adapter QuickCharge3 USB Type-C Kit EU_UK_US
ACN00185| Nordic ID EXA21 Wrist Strap S-size
ACN00187| Nordic ID EXA21 Wrist Strap L-size
ACN00196| Nordic ID EXA21 4-Bay Desktop Charger Kit EU
ACN00197| Nordic ID EXA21 4-Bay Desktop Charger Kit UK
ACN00198| Nordic ID EXA21 4-Bay Desktop Charger Kit US
ACN00207| Nordic ID EXA21 Flex Holder
ACP00097| Quad-Lock Universal Adaptor v1

1.4. PACKAGE CONTENT
Nordic ID EXA21 package contains the following items

• Nordic ID EXA21
• Safety and regulations card

1.5. FEATURES OVERVIEW

NOTE! When holding the Nordic ID EXA21 device, please avoid covering it with the hand.

1.6. CHARGING
Nordic ID EXA21 can be charged via a USB charger. Charging time from 0 to 100 % is about 2 hours, and 7080 % is reached after only 1 hour. The USB charger needs to have a USB-C connector and the recommended charging power is at least 2.5 W (5 V @ 500 mA).
The Nordic ID EXA21 desktop charger can also be used to charge up to 4 Nordic ID EXA21 devices simultaneously.
The charging state is indicated by a red LED. Please see section 3.4 for information on how the LED functions in different situations.

NOTE: The USB-C charger is sold separately by Nordic ID. See section 1.3

Picture 4 Charging Nordic ID EXA21 via 4-bay desktop charger

NOTE: The Desktop Charger Kit is sold separately by Nordic ID. See section 1.3

1.7. FASTENING
Nordic ID EXA21 can be fastened with several methods. More accessories for other fastening and wearing methods will be included in the next versions of this guide.
QUAD LOCK® FASTENING
The Quad Lock fastening is a popular and easy-to-use fastening system. The Quad Lock fastening system provides strong and secure fastening and is suitable for different kinds of host devices. Please visit Quad-Lock web pages for more information about different adapters.

Fastening of Nordic ID EXA21 with the Quad Lock is easy. The first step is to attach a Quad Lock adapter on the back cover (black side) of Nordic ID EXA21. The second step is to fasten Nordic ID EXA21 with Quad-Lock mount wherever needed.
NOTE! Quad-Lock®universal adaptor is sold separately See section 1.3
WRIST STRAP
As a wearable device, using the Nordic ID EXA21 wrist strap, the device can be worn as a watch, allowing hands-free usage.
The wrist strap is available in two sizes: S (length 236mm) and L (length 288mm).

NOTE! The wrist strap is sold separately by Nordic ID. See section 1.3

1.7.3 FLEX HOLDER
The Nordic ID EXA21 can also be attached to mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, or mobile POS; or on fixed surfaces, such as desks or walls.
This silicon holder enables flexible usage of the Nordic ID EXA21, as you can easily detach the device from the mobile device and use it with the wrist strap or take it out from a desk to hold it with your hand. The holder will remain attached to the mobile device or fixed surface using the pre-applied double tape adhesive.
It allows removing the device from its attached device or surface for charging it (with the wall charger or the 4-slots cradle), and it can also be detached for any other purpose such as sending it to support service, replacing a discharged unit, or sharing it with workmates.
Once the Nordic ID EXA21 is inside the holder, it hardly increases its size, being 57.22 x 54.26 x 13.63 mm (Nordic ID EXA21 without holder is 55 x 52 x 11.5 mm).

NOTE! The flex holder is sold separately by Nordic ID. See section 1.3

CONNECTIONS

Nordic ID EXA21 supports Bluetooth Low Energy Class 2 and USB connections for host devices. Supported Bluetooth Low Energy versions are 4.0 – 5.0 and supported profiles are GATT (generic data transfer) and HID (keyboard emulation).
NOTE! Bluetooth Low Energy needs to be supported by the host device
If the Nordic ID EXA21 is powered on but not connected to any host device, it goes to sleep mode after 90 seconds.
Whilst the Nordic ID EXA21 is connected to a host device, it is always on, it never goes to sleep mode.

2.1. CONNECTING WITH HOST DEVICE
There are four ways to connect Nordic ID EXA with a host device, being the third one (Nordic ID Smart Pair) the most advanced and easiest way to connect wirelessly.

1. Connect without pairing via Bluetooth
   Nordic ID EXA21 will advertise itself via Bluetooth allowing the host device to connect. The Bluetooth connection remains active until the host device closes the connection. Once the connection is closed Nordic ID EXA21 will start advertising again and allowing any host device to connect. Most applications will not require pairing with the host device. Without pairing, Nordic ID EXA21 can be connected to any host device which can see its advertisement. When Nordic ID EXA21 disconnects from the host device, other host devices are available to connect as long advertisement is seen from the Nordic ID EXA21.

2. Connect with pairing via Bluetooth
   Pairing Nordic ID EXA21 with a specific host device increases security by preventing other hosts to connect to the paired Nordic ID EXA21. When paired, applications  (like Nordic ID RFID Demo) connect to the device automatically. The connection remains active as long the host device is in Bluetooth range.

3. Connect with Nordic ID Smart Pair feature
   The awesome Nordic ID Smart Pair feature provides an exceptionally easy way to connect and disconnect host devices to our EXA readers. Just select “Nordic ID Smart  Pair” from the “Connection” listing in the Nordic ID RFID Demo and the host device starts looking for the EXA readers. Smart Pair works only when EXA is not paired.

4. Connect via USB
   The Nordic ID EXA21 can connect with the host using a USB-C type data cable. When connected, Bluetooth advertising stops and the blue led is continuously on.  Advertising starts again when the USB cable is removed.

2.2. PAIRING
By default, pairing support is disabled from the Nordic ID EXA21 settings.
To enable pairing support using Nordic ID RFID demo, connect the Nordic ID EXA21 to the host device and go to Settings →Reader →Host device connection →check the “Enable pairing” tick box.
For easy pairing with the same host running the Nordic ID RFID Demo, you can press the “Pair” button on that same screen.
Once paired, the Nordic ID EXA21 is continuously connected to the paired device and other host devices cannot connect to the Nordic ID EXA21 until it is unpaired.
In firmware versions older than 4. x.x, a passcode (by default, the 6 last digits of the device serial number) was required to pair the Nordic ID EXA21.
NOTE! When trying to establish a Bluetooth pairing, if the “Enable pairing” setting is disabled in the Nordic ID EXA21, it may lead to an unnormal behavior

2.3. UNPAIRING
Use the Nordic ID RFID Demo app (in the paired host device) Settings →Reader →Host device connection and press the “Unpair” button. The unpairing process clears the pairing information from the EXA21 and from the host device.
Unpairing manually from EXA21

• Press the “Scan“ button down and then the “Power” button down and keep at least 3 seconds until the device beeps three times. Then pairing is cleared and the device reboots.
• Remember to clear pairing information from the host device too. (Settings→Bluetooth→Paired devices)
  iOS devices typically prompt the “pairing request” message box if the pairing is enabled in Nordic ID EXA21 (as explained in 2.2). In case of pairing is not needed, the user can press the “cancel” button and the device connects without pairing. If the iOS device is going to be used without the pairing, please disable pairing support, and then the “pairing request” prompt won’t appear anymore.

2.4. CONNECTING WITH NORDIC ID SMART PAIR FEATURE
When using a Nordic ID EXA21 reader with a smartphone, both the Nordic ID EXA21 reader and your smartphone are always close to each other while being used. Nordic  ID Smart Pair is aware of this and thus it establishes the connection only when they are close to each other.

• Connecting: One can connect the host device to the EXA reader just by placing the host device close to the EXA reader.
• Disconnecting will be done by pressing the Power and Scan buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds (LED stops blinking).
  The Nordic ID Smart Pair feature is always enabled in the Nordic ID RFID Wear OS app.

USING THE DEVICE

Nordic ID EXA21 has one sensor (ToF) and two physical buttons for user interactions: the Scan button and the Power button. The location of the buttons and ToF sensor can be seen in Picture 6.

3.1. POWER BUTTON
A quick press of the power button turns the reader On/Off when no host connection. The power button is disabled when Nordic ID EXA21 has an active connection with the host device. In that case, only key notifications will be sent to the host.
The reader can be restored to factory defaults by keeping the power button down for at least 5 seconds when no active host connection. See section 3.7.

NOTE! If the device is not responsive, hardware reset can be forced by pressing and keeping the power button down until the device reboots (~5 sec)

3.2. SCAN BUTTON
The scan button is located at the top of the reader. It can be used to start/stop UHF RFID scanning.
Depending on the application in use, the trigger button starts/stops UHF RFID reading. By default, the first press of the button starts the reading and the second press of the button stops it.
3.3. TOF SENSOR
The ToF (Time-Of-Flight) sensor is located on the front side of the reader. It is used to trigger UHF RFID scanning instead of using the Scan button. ToF mode is disabled by default. When enabled, the ToF sensor sends an artificial light signal. UHF RFID scanning is automatically performed while any item interrupts this signal, e.g., an object or your finger is placed in front of the sensor. Once the item disappears from the sensor line of sight, UHF RFID scanning stops. Enable and play with ToF sensor using Nordic ID RFID Demo in Android →Settings →Sensor
3.4. STATUS LED
Nordic ID EXA21 has one multicolor LED for user indications. The location of the LED can be seen in Picture 77.

| Blue, blinking slow
Device advertising, not paired yet
---|---
| Blue, blinking fast
Paired, no BLE connection
| Blue, stable
Host connection via BLE or USB
| Green
RFID scanning
| Red, stable
Charging
| Red, blinking slow
Low battery (<10%)
| Orange
DFU (firmware update) mode

3.5. BUZZER
The Nordic ID EXA21 includes a buzzer that can be used to give an audible indication to the user. By default, the buzzer beeps in the following situations:

• The reader is turned On/Off
• Bluetooth unpair done
• Bluetooth is connected/disconnected
• During HID operations

3.6. ANTENNA
Nordic ID EXA21 is equipped with a circularly polarized UHF RFID antenna. The nominal read range is up to 0.5m / 1.64 ft.
NOTE! The reading range depends on the used tag and environment

3.7. FACTORY DEFAULTS
The Nordic ID EXA21 can be restored to factory defaults by keeping the power button down at least 5 seconds when no active host connection.
Factory defaults :

• Pairing disabled.
• Secure passkey to default (6 last digits of the serial number)
• RFID HID mode disabled
• ToF sensor is disabled.
• ToF Range filter threshold values to default.

3.8. HARDWARE RESET
If the device is not responsive, hardware reset can be forced by pressing and keeping the power button down until the device reboots (~5 sec).

3.9. HID RFID MODE
In HID mode, the Nordic ID EXA21 functions and communicates in a similar manner as a keyboard.
Therefore, the device will work with any application that supports an active cursor on input fields, for example, web browser applications. This mode works both when connecting to the host via Bluetooth or when connecting via USB.
Practical usage is to bring a tag over the EXA21 ToF (Time-of-Flight) sensor for activating reading. The Nordic ID EXA21 emits a beep sound after a successful read and push result (EPC of tag) into the HID channel as keystrokes.

• Enable RFID HID mode using Nordic ID RFID Demo →Settings→HID RFID support → “Enable HID RFID”
• Enable ToF sensor using Nordic ID RFID Demo→Settings→Sensor → “Enable ToF” (see section 3.3)

Alternatively, from firmware version 4. x.x on, the RFID HID mode can also be enabled/disabled using long pressing (5 seconds) the SCAN physical button while the device is turned off.

• Change from normal mode to HID mode is indicated by blinking LED in blue. Pairing is automatically enabled in this mode.
• Change from HID mode to normal mode is indicated by a blinking LED in green.

3.9. 1 HID MODE VIA BLUETOOTH
When operating in HID mode via Bluetooth, the Nordic ID EXA21 needs to be paired with the host device and the USB data cable must not be plugged. However, a USB charge cable is allowed.

NOTE! When the Nordic ID EXA21 is configured for HID mode via Bluetooth, you may need to reconnect after using non-HID applications (such as Nordic ID RFID  Demo). This will enable the HID mode again. The easiest way to do this is to turn off/on Bluetooth of the host device.

NOTE! HID operation via Bluetooth can be very slow and it’s not useful for cases where need to read and transfer a high amount of tags (> 5).
Also, the accuracy of HID output may vary between host devices.

3.9.2 HID MODE VIA USB
Connecting a USB data cable between the Nordic ID EXA21 and the host device overrides Bluetooth communication. USB HID is faster and more reliable compared to Bluetooth.

NOTE: If you had previously installed any Nordic ID software or drivers in your computer, the Nordic ID EXA21 could be not detected as a keyboard in the PC, but as  NUR” in “Other devices”. In this case, you will need to uninstall the NUR driver (Device manager -> Ports (COM & LPT)). After this, unplug the cable from EXA21, connect it again and it will appear as a keyboard.

3.9.3 READING RFID TAGS

• The reading process is triggered by pressing the Scan button or bringing the tag over the ToF sensor.
• Green led indicates reading in progress.
• The Nordic ID EXA21 reads tags and transmits the EPC of the tag once into HID. Short beep when new tag(s) are found.
• When releasing trigger (2 nd push of Scan button or removing the item from ToF sensor), the reading process stops and Blue led is continuously on.

SOFTWARE

Nordic ID has taken an open-source SW development approach in use with Nordic ID EXA21. Nordic ID provides the SDK along with the examples through GitHub. Nordic  ID EXA21 supports powerful NUR API so developers can use familiar NUR API for application development.
4.1. NORDIC ID RFID DEMO APPLICATIONS
Nordic ID provides feature-rich yet easy-to-use RFID demo applications for iOS and Android platforms.
4.1.1 NORDIC ID RFID DEMO FOR ANDROID
Nordic ID RFID demo application for Android supports Android 5.0 and newer versions. The Nordic ID The RFID demo application is available from the Google Play store.

4.1.2 NORDIC ID RFID DEMO FOR IOS
Nordic ID RFID demo application for iOS supports iOS 9 and newer versions. The Nordic ID RFID demo application is available from the Apple App Store.

4.1.3 NORDIC ID KEYBOARD AND WEDGE SERVICE
Nordic ID Keyboard and Wedge service applications do provide wedge functionality for Android devices. Android 5.0 and newer versions are supported.

Nordic ID Keyboard

|

Nordic ID Wedge service

---|---

4.1.4 NORDIC ID SMART WEAR APP
Nordic ID Smart Wear app for smartwatches supports Android Wear 2.0 or Wear OS 1.0 and newer versions. The Nordic ID RFID Smart Wear app is available from the Google Play store.

4.2. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT
4.2.1 NUR API IN GENERAL
NUR API is an application programming interface for the Nordic ID UHF RFID module. It provides a control for all Nordic ID UHF RFID readers. The NUR API provides compatibility between Nordic ID UHF RFID reader from RFID functions perspective. The NUR API consists of an application, NUR API, transport, and HW layers as depicted in Picture 8.

4.2.2 APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT KIT
Nordic ID provides Software Development Kits (SDK) and code samples via GitHub for Android, iOS, and Windows 10: https://github.com/NordicID/
The Software Development Kits provide development basics for Nordic ID EXA21. Samples utilizing the Android, iOS, and Windows 10 specific accessory extensions used with Nordic ID EXA21 are available from GitHub as well (includes e.g. RFID HID). Samples utilizing NUR API, in general, are available for Android, iOS, and Windows 10 (includes RFID generic operations such as write, locate, etc.).

More information including source code and samples can be found from GitHub via:

https://github.com/NordicID/nur_nurapi_android
https://github.com/NordicID/nur_sample_android
https://github.com/NordicID/nur_tools_rfiddemo_androidhttps://github.com/NordicID/nur_sample_ioshttps://github.com/NordicID/nur_sample_windows/tree/master/Win10_UWPSample
https://github.com/NordicID/nur_sample_windows

https://github.com/NordicID/rfiddemo_xamarin

4.3. FIRMWARE UPDATE
Firmware of Nordic ID EXA21 can be updated by using the Nordic ID RFID Demo application in Android, “Updates” option in the main menu.
When the firmware update is started, the device goes in DFU mode.

REGIONAL SETTINGS

Nordic ID UHF RFID readers do support operating frequency range between 860 – 960MHz. Some of the readers do cover full operating frequency bands and some of them have two sub-bands that are 868 ETSI band (865.6 – 867.6 MHz) and 915 FCC band (902 – 928 MHz). Regional organizations such as ETSI and FCC have set rules and requirements for operating frequencies, output power, and other RF parameters for the UHF RFID readers to comply with local regional requirements. See variants in section 1.2.
Nordic ID has created a set of regional settings in order to fulfill local regulations. Nordic ID is required to ensure compliance of Nordic ID products will remain after production.  The solution for this is products including UHF RFID functionality will be set and locked in production based on customer order e.g. if a product is ordered to Europe,  it will be locked to the ETSI region. And for example, if a product is ordered to the Australian region, then it’s locked to the Australian region. When a product is locked to an individual region, it will comply with local regulations of the region.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT

For technical inquiries regarding Nordic ID devices or software development, please contact our technical support:

E-mail: support@nordicid.com
Telephone: +358 2 727 7790

As a manufacturer, Nordic ID stands responsible for providing repair services for its devices during and after the warranty period. Together with partners, Nordic ID serves customers globally. When your Nordic ID device needs repair, always use Nordic ID Service or our authorized service partners. We want to make sure that your Nordic ID  product serves you the best possible way, and by using our preferred service partners the quality of the service is trustworthy and the spare parts are original. This way the existing product warranty remains, and you receive a 3-month service warranty for the repaired devices.
Nordic ID works together with full support and primary support partners. Full support partners can handle both warranty and non-warranty repairs on behalf of Nordic ID in their own regions. In addition, Nordic ID has a network of smaller repair centers, primary support partners, who offer the first line of support to their customers locally.
For any inquiries about Nordic ID repair service please contact:

E-mail: service@nordicid.com
Telephone: +358 2 727 7791

WARRANTY

Nordic ID warrants that the Products are at the time of delivery free from defects in materials and workmanship, provided the Products remain unmodified and are operated under normal and proper conditions. Warranty period is the longer of twenty-four (24) months from the date of delivery in case the Customer is end-customer or twenty-seven  (27) months from the date of manufacture in case the Customer is a reseller. Spare parts are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of ninety (90)  days from the date of delivery to the Customer.
For more detailed information about the warranty can be found from Nordic ID Sales Terms.

RELATED DOCUMENTS AND CONTENT

• Nordic ID EXA21 datasheet
• Nordic ID EXA21 Quick Guide
• Nordic ID Safety and Regulations Guide
• Nordic ID GitHub account for developers (https://github.com/NordicID)

ABOUT NORDIC ID

Nordic ID is at the center of today’s real-time item tracking and reliable RFID technology. We help organizations fight the damaging effects of item loss, facilitate streamlined business procedures, and stay ahead of the competition.
We are ready to help you take advantage of our wide range of products and services designed to fit your needs. Contact us now, and we will help you to tackle your challenges and get your business to the next level.

Nordic ID Group
Salo IoT-center
Joensuunkatu 7
FI-24100 Salo
FINLAND
tel. +358 2 727 7700
fax +358 2 727 7720
www: www.nordicid.com
E-mail: info@nordicid.com

VERSION HISTORY

Version

| Date|

Modifications

---|---|---

1.0

|

01.04.2019

|

The first version

1.1

|

23.01.2020

|

Added HID, Pairing, ToF, accessories.
Updated LEDs and buttons behavior.

1.2

|

31.05.2021

|

HID mode enabled/disabled using physical
button, pairing with PIN removed, LED
indications changed, added flex holder
accessory, more links to GitHub

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