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.
Number | Button |
1 | Mode / Function |
4 | Bluetooth |
7 | Power |
Fig 07: To reset the RFD8500 back to factory defaults
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