Setting up a badge or wristband proximity reader can be done in several steps, including installing the appropriate drivers, configuring the device on your computer, and setting up the reading software. This guide provides detailed instructions for setting up an RFID reader on a Windows 10 PC.
Installing the Necessary Driver
Before you can use your USB HID card reader, you may need to install the correct driver on your computer. When you plug in the USB device, your operating system might prompt you to install the latest virtual serial port (VSP) driver. If not, you can find the driver based on the model number of your reader:
- The model number ends in “AK0”: Download AK0 Driver
- The model number ends in “AK0” (Windows Embedded version): Download AK0 Windows Embedded Driver
- The model number ends in “AKF”: Download AKF Driver
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the driver installation process.
Setting Up the Card Reader on Windows 10
- Open the ‘Device Manager’ to view the COM & LPT Ports. The designated port shows as USB Serial Device COM#
- Set this port number within the ‘Settings’ of your Kiosk or Punch application.
- Right-Click on Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand on Ports; find the last one at the bottom of the list: USB Serial Device COM#
- Alternatively, you can unplug, look at the list, then plug it in and look at the list to see which one appears.
- Launch the EIOBoard Kiosk Software.
- Type 7282623 (SAVANCE on a touch-tone phone) to enter the Settings
- Go to the Comms tab to set the COM port of the PCProx device
- Select the PCProx/Barcode option
- Select the proper COM# from the list and click Save to exit the Settings page, and verify that this COM# was the proper port association.
Troubleshooting An Existing Configuration
The virtual COM port may have changed if your USB badge or wristband proximity reader does not respond appropriately after multiple reboots.
- Unplug the reader and restart your operating system
Close all applications listening for the reader
Begin the initial installation process - If the reader stops responding or doesn’t respond after prolonged inactivity, the ‘USB Selective Suspend’ option may be turned on for the USB hub or port, allowing Windows to turn off the device to save power. You can check both the device manager and Power Plan Settings to ensure it’s turned off.
Advanced Settings
For more advanced settings or if you’re using older hardware or operating systems, you may need to use the PcProx Configuration Utility. This utility is necessary if you intend to make advanced modifications to the firmware or troubleshoot the device.
You can download it here: PcProx Configuration Utility
To set up older devices using the PcProx Configuration Utility, refer to the “Installing and Configuring the USB HID Card Reader” guide below.