Basics of Setting Up Your Zebra RFD8500 Reader

This blog post explains the basics of setting up and connecting to your Zebra RFD8500 UHF RFID Handheld Sled Reader.

Fig 01: Zebra RFD8500 with RFID and 2D Imager

Turning on the Reader

• Press the Power Button to turn the RFD8500 ON.
• Hold the Power Button for three seconds to turn the RFD8500 OFF.

Fig 02: RFD8500 Features

Pairing the RFD8500 to a Device Using Bluetooth

The RFD8500 reader provides Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) with optional 2D barcode scanning functionality. The device can be used as a stand-alone unit or paired with a Bluetooth wireless technology enabled host device (such as a laptop, mobile computer, or smartphone).

Prior to using your TagMatiks RFID application software, please connect the RFD8500 to your Windows computer by navigating to the Settings/Bluetooth page on your PC through the following steps:

Start Menu > Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices

Fig 03: Windows Settings

To Add Your RFD8500 Bluetooth Reader

• Turn on your RFD8500 to make it discoverable.
• Turn on Bluetooth on your PC if it's not on already. To do this, select the Start button, then select Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, and turn on Bluetooth.
• Select Add Bluetooth or other devices > Bluetooth, as shown below in Fig 04.

Fig 04. Windows® 10 Bluetooth & other devices

• Add Device > Bluetooth.
• Discover available RFD8500.
• Tap on the RFD8500XXXXXXXXXX, as shown below in Fig 05. 

Fig 05: Windows 10 Add a device window

• Press the RFD8500 trigger to pair. The Bluetooth LED will start blinking quickly.
• A message will display on the screen indicating the device is successfully paired,, as shown below in Fig 06.

Fig 06: Windows 10 Reader Paired

Resetting the Zebra RFD8500

To soft reset the RFD8500:

• Hold the Mode / Function and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for three seconds, then release to initiate the reset process.

To reset the device to factory default:

• Hold the Power and Bluetooth buttons simultaneously for five seconds, then release to initiate the factory reset process.

Fig 07: To reset the RFD8500 back to factory defaults