U Grok It RFID Readers – A Technical Look
U Grok It is a very innovative high-tech company based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, that is presenting a new type of handheld RFID reader platform that works with the ubiquitous smartphones and tablets that everyone is using. The U Grok It “Grokker” reader engine attaches to a smartphone or tablet via the audio port and allows these devices to run apps that can be used for a variety of RFID applications.
The Grokker can read and write the unique 96-bit EPC number to each passive RFID tag and then search for and find those tags within a six to ten foot range. U Grok It is built on UHF Gen 2 RFID, which is currently used in the supply chain. It operates on the 902-928MHz (US) and 865-868MHz (EU) frequency. U Grok It uses standard UHF Gen 2 RFID tags. Theses tags come in lots of different formats to fit your application needs. These tags have been optimized by the supply chain, so they are inexpensive enough to tag all your items. The Grokker is very cost effective too.
Because they are passive, the RFID tags don’t have batteries and never need to be charged or replaced. This is where the magic happens. They are mostly antenna with a tiny chip that draws its power from the radio signal of the Grokker, reflecting back a slightly modified signal that conveys the unique 96-bit number. Additionally, the U Grok It system development platform enables easy creation of native iOS, Android and Windows 8 apps. The following table contains the key Grokker specifications.
Grokker Specifications
| Air Interface Protocol | UHF Class 1 Gen2 (ISO 18000-6) |
| Operating Frequency | 902-928MHz (NA) 865-868MHz (EU) |
| Output Power | 5-30 dBm (programmable) |
| Antenna Type | Proprietary |
| Read Range | 6-10’ (2-3m) general use, 25’ (7m) optimal |
| Power | Rechargeable Li-Ion 1800mAh 1.5-2 hours active scanning Uses standard Micro-B USB charger Full recharge: 2 hours (with 2.1 Amp supply) |
| Drop Spec | 5’ (1.5m) to concrete |
| Operating Temperature | 14°F to 131°F (-10°C to 55°C) |
| Size | 6” x 3.75” x 1.5” (153mm x 95mm x 38mm) |
| Weight | 6oz (170g) |
| Host Interface | Proprietary, via audio port |
| Host Compatibility | iOS and Android phones & tablets, Windows 8 tablets |
| Software Development | iOS, Android, Windows 8, Xamarin and Cordova SDKs |
Does your project requirements have special needs for your handheld readers that U Grok It can provide a solution for? They offer an innovative and low-cost interrogator solution and should be considered for any RFID project requirement you may have in this area.
See the U Grok It web site for the latest information on all of their reader and other related products: https://www.ugrokit.com/
For additional information on RFID components including a full array of RFID readers contact us at the Gateway RFID Store.