Zebra’s New RFD8500 RFID Sled for the TC55, MC40, and TC70

Zebra has announced the launch and availability of the RFD8500 – a high performance multi-operating system Bluetooth RFID reader sled. With the RFD8500, you can easily enable compatible Zebra and third-party mobile devices, tablets and smartphones with enterprise-class UHF RFID and 1D/2D bar code scanning capabilities. Zebra’s first multi-operating system RFID sled is designed to instantly transform Zebra mobile devices – such as the TC55, MC40 and TC75 – as well as select Android and iOS devices (iPod, iPhone) into handheld RFID readers, providing peace of mind that the investment you make today will serve your business needs tomorrow.

Zebra’s new RFD8500 sled can be used as an independent batch data collection device or the user-friendly Bluetooth sled can be paired with a compatible mobile device to extend the capabilities of existing handheld terminals. Simply snap the mobile device into the corresponding RFD8500 adapter mount for an all-in-one RFID reader solution that allows ergonomic, single-handed operation, or place the mobile device in a pocket or holster and use the light weight RFD8500 as a two piece RFID solution.

Whether reading RFID tags or barcode labels, the RFD8500 delivers unparalleled performance at speeds of up to 600 tags/sec. Its full-shift battery-life, great ergonomics and powerful software make it ideal for inventory, item finding and other asset management applications in retail, warehouse and distribution, logistics, healthcare, government and commercial services.

The RFD8500 sled is powered by Zebra’s discrete software-defined radio, which supports select features of the new EPC global Gen2 v2 industry standard in addition to numerous other innovative features. With the flexibility to choose either a Zebra RFD8500 with or without an imager, the new RFID sled provides maximum investment protection to businesses that wish to extend the value of their existing mobile devices, complementing them with enterprise-class data collection capabilities.

KEY FEATURES

Multi-OS and multi-platform

Zebra’s first multi-operating system RFID sled brings high performance UHF RFID scanning to devices running a wide range of operating systems. The RFD8500 Bluetooth UHF RFID reader is compatible with Bluetooth enabled host devices including enterprise handhelds, consumer phones, tablets and PCs.

Fast RFID tag capture

With Zebra’s discrete radio technology and patent-pending antenna design, the powerful reader delivers incredible performance with read rates as high as 600+ tags/sec like none other in the market today and tag read range of up to 6 meters (20 feet) distance to provide accurate inventory and maximize workforce efficiency in various environments.

World-class bar code imager

Zebra’s SE4710 1D/2D barcode imager with PRZM technology offers world-class bar code reading.

High capacity battery for full-shift operation

With a 4410 mAh capacity battery fueled by premium-grade cells and our unique power-optimizing algorithm the reader delivers superior battery cycle times that ensure full-shift power, even with intensive usage.

Flexible connectivity options: Bluetooth or batch mode

Wirelessly connect the RFD8500 sled to your mobile device via Bluetooth 2.1 or later. If a Bluetooth wireless connection is not available, batch mode enables the collection of up to 500 bar codes and/or 40,000 RFID tags. Just sync the data with the compatible host device at your convenience to transfer the data.

EPC Global Gen2v2 support

The RFD8500 allows businesses to deploy Gen2v2 non-clonable tags to prevent counterfeit product from entering their supply chain. The new standard utilizes cryptographic authentication and protects against tag cloning. The Gen2v2 UHF standard also allows businesses to protect consumers’ post-sale privacy by hiding data stored on the tag until the tag is interrogated by the RFD8500, which has an untraceable privilege – this feature can be used for verification when a purchased product is returned for refund or exchange.

Accessory ecosystem for easy mounting of various mobile devices

The RFD8500 sled is available with a comprehensive accessory ecosystem which includes multiple device adapters, which enable easy attachment of select Zebra terminals and third-party mobile devices to the sled for single-handed operation.

Easy Application Development

The RFD8500’s powerful Zebra Easy Text Interface (ZETI) can be used across open operating system platforms such as Android and Windows for faster and easier application development. Zebra’s unique human readable ASCII protocol (ZETI) offers a high level of abstraction of native APIs simplifying the tasks of developers for speedy integration and excellent performance.

123Scan Configuration Utility 

The versatile 123Scan Windows based GUI application tool simplifies the task of configuring the RFD8500 barcode
and RFID parameters and also helps manage firmware updates to the device.