Finally! It’s been about 3 months since my last arduino tutorial – I’ve been keeping busy as usual. I’ve been working on this one for some time. I got the parts months ago, made an outline a few weeks ago, prototyped the circuits and wrote the code last week, and did the filming over the last few days. I’ve upped the ante for my production capabilities on this video. I’m using two cameras (A Canon Vixia HF11 and a Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR), a fancy new Rode Shotgun microphone, and more tripods! I’ve also implemented some improved audio processing on my voice-overs, so let me know what you think!
RFID technology is really really fun in my opinion, and I’ve been wanting to implement it in a project for some time now. However, doing that can be challenging. But, thanks to the tutorial below, you should have no problems putting together a simple RFID-based security system! I explain the physics of how RFID works in the video, but if you’re a physics nerd like me, and you’re hungry for more, be sure to read up on RFID on wikipedia. In this video, I’ll explain how to setup an RFID reader (like this one) with your arduino, read some serial numbers, and use that data to make a secure entrance database.
You can download the files associated with this episode here:
Distributed under the GNU General Public (Open-Source) License.
Please Attribute and Share-Alike.
- Episode 12 Arduino Programs (Updated on 1/21/2012 to comply with Arduino 1.o changes)
- Episode 12 Schematics and Datasheets
- Episode 12 Parts List













July 8, 2011 at 3:04 am
Finally!
July 17, 2011 at 6:26 am
Where you get com4 javascript?
July 17, 2011 at 6:37 am
You can tell me the code?
July 17, 2011 at 1:58 pm
The code is available for download in the post above. “Episode 12 Arduino Programs”
I have no idea what you mean by “com4 javascript”
July 19, 2011 at 3:54 am
Hey i was wondering for the cooking hacks.com site, the prices for the components are in pounds right? so does that mean when we order the parts from that site that it will be higher in cost due to currency exchange rates?
July 19, 2011 at 8:54 am
It’s in Euro’s but yes there is an exchange rate. I think it calculates it for you during checkout.
July 22, 2011 at 11:15 am
Hey, thanks for you tutorial. It help me a lot: my rfid system works!!!
Thanks!
I’ve got a question, I need to change the baud rate to 38400. In the documentation, it says you can change it using a command CMD_SET_BAUD, but I have no idea of how to do it from Arduino. Is it possible?
Thanks a lot
Frank
July 24, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Refer to how I issued the auto_read command. In that case, I had to send a 0×87 and the accompanying data. To change the baud rate, you’ll need to send a 0×52. Look at section 3.1.1 in the datasheet for how to structure the command.
November 28, 2011 at 1:16 am
hi i am from Nepal
i am trying to control serrvo motor through Xbee-pro with arduino i am able to control only one servo motor will you help me to write audrino code how can i control more than one servo motor through Xbee-pro using arduino uno
August 16, 2011 at 5:15 am
Hi Jeremy,
cool vids! I did not really understand you said about the jumpers at 30:41. Can it cause any damage if the jumper is not setup properly?
thx,
laszlo
August 20, 2011 at 12:41 pm
It won’t damage it. Watch my 9th tutorial for an explanation of the jumpers.
September 8, 2011 at 10:25 am
great tutorials. just my 2 cents: in the code where you check if it’s your or your brother’s card, instead of if statement, how about:
j_card = j_card && (data[i] == jeremy[i])
should work, since it’s standard C syntax, but i understand you went with the “if” lines for simplicity’s sake… i just wonder if this’ll compile into smaller code…
and keep up the good work
September 13, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Hey! Very nice tutorial!
I just got a Mifare 1k RFID reader but I cant send a command from my arduino mega :(
I cant send a byte array (like those Serial.print’s) from my tx pin
What i’m doing wrong? 0o
October 28, 2011 at 2:03 pm
Is there any response? Are you specifying the right UART port? The mega has several.
September 18, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Just wondering what is the read randge on the tags you have used?
October 28, 2011 at 2:05 pm
RFID tags all have a very small range. It’s maybe 2 cm.
November 4, 2011 at 9:57 am
I’m a newby to the world of arduino but i get a long with it pretty well and your videos help a lot. Thanks for that.
I guess the datasheet your showing is from the rfid module of the reader you are using, right? If I am now using an other Reader can I still use the values you used for the header etc. ?
Better: Are the UART frames default?
December 28, 2011 at 1:33 am
No, they will likely change between chips, but the general process should be similar. The syntax will be different.
November 5, 2011 at 6:02 pm
Hi, Its really wonderful tutorial,,, I have just one question, wheither is there way to make a configuration file / txt file that can be used for a user to enter tag IDs for maching,,,,I mean user dont have to enter IDs in arduino environment and compile every time if he/she would like to enter new card……
Thanks,,,great work
December 28, 2011 at 1:34 am
Yes, you can do this using an SD card with a txt file. I explain how to read data from from an SD card txt file in my datalogging tutorial. Check that one out.
January 22, 2012 at 5:10 pm
Hi Jeremy, the videos are very helpful, thanx for uploading. I have one querry, After detecting the correct RFID tag, I want to add some more security i.e., I want to add 4 pin password facility in this application, can u help me out in this regards. Thanks
February 13, 2012 at 10:37 am
I do that in this project: http://www.jeremyblum.com/2010/04/03/arduino-powered-jack-in-the-box-toy/
You can download the source code.
January 26, 2012 at 8:28 am
Thanks Jeremy, brilliant work!!
I would like to inquire about your experience with NFC or Felica. Instead of a RFID i would like to do something similar with a NFC or Felica Card, can you kindly guide me to any of your videos or blogs with regards this?
Thanks!!
February 13, 2012 at 10:51 am
Sorry, but I haven’t personally used NFC.
February 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm
How to make a basic RFID reader…cz i wanna make a RFID based attendance system…so hw to make the circuit of reader..??? plz reply..its urgent…
February 21, 2012 at 2:48 am
Hi Jeremy,
I’ve downloaded this episode 12 program file. But i only see .ino file not the .pde. I still using the R2 Arduino. Can I have the code for R2 Arduino.
February 22, 2012 at 11:38 am
Thanks,
I’ve already found how to opened the .ino file. I opened it using Notepad++ and i can see your programming.
Thank you for the great tutorial ^_^