Best RFID Passive UHF Reader, Hand-Held

CS101 Handheld RFID Reader from Convergence Systems Limited

CSL markets this as a “crossover product” meant to replace a stationary reader. Based on what our team has seen with other hand-held’s, we were extremely skeptical. However, after working with the unit for the past year, it has become our term’s standard.

It is also available with an IP65 rated add on-module that adds quad-band GSM/GPRS cellular communication and global positioning technology (GPS) to the hand-held. This plug-in enables the CS101 handheld reader to capture the GPS location of RFID tag reads in outdoor environments and then send the data using the same technology as a mobile phone.

From a performance perspective, the results with the Omni-ID Ultra ™ were most notable at 84 feet - an impressive read distance for a hand-held reading a passive RFID tag. There is also a tag search function, which operates as a tag Geiger counter, with audio and visual outputs. It is very intuitive. Given that we were able to achieve read range results of 84 feet, the tag search feature can provide a total search area of nearly 170 feet around an operator. Consider this when locating assets such as containers in remote areas especially when coupled with the GPS, and GSM/GPRS capabilities.

Our team found an average street price of $2,500.00 for FCC version, which includes all the application software described above, USB cable, two batteries, battery charger, and a wrist strap. This price is significantly lower than other RFID hand-helds that do not perform nearly as well much less with all the features included.

The CSL CS101 has outstanding performance, a rugged design, a plethora of features, and unmatched connectivity, all at a price point that's about half of what other manufacturers charge - it definitely earns our Best-in-Class Award for RFID Passive UHF Reader, Hand-Held.

Read the Detailed Product Review

CS101 Handheld RFID Reader Starter Kit

• Includes Handheld, two batteries, charger... $2,489.75