134.2kHz 
134.2kHz Animal ID Readers
A520-M Handheld 134.2kHz FDX-B Microchip Reader, USB / 2.4G / Bluetooth
The A520-M is a ring-antenna handheld for FDX-B and EMID animal tags, for vet clinics, shelters and farms. It reads 2–12 mm glass microchips at more than 8 cm and 30 mm ear tags at more than 20 cm, shows the ID on a 0.91-inch OLED, stores 128 records and uploads over USB, 2.4G or Bluetooth.
- Frequency
- 134.2 kHz (FDX-B) / 125 kHz (EMID)
- Cards / tags
- FDX-B (ISO 11784/11785) animal tags, EMID tags
- Interface
- USB 2.0, 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth
- Output
- Real-time or batch upload of stored records
- Read range
- > 8 cm (tag dependent)
- ✓ Sample units for evaluation
- ✓ Output format confirmed for your software
- ✓ Private label & OEM options
- ✓ Reply within 1 business day
Why integrators choose the A520-M
- Range by tag type — more than 8 cm on 2–12 mm glass microchips and more than 20 cm on 30 mm ear tags.
- Three upload paths — USB 2.0 cable, 2.4G wireless receiver or Bluetooth, in real time or as a batch.
- 128-record memory — scan away from the computer and upload the stored IDs later.
- One-button operation — a 0.91-inch high-brightness OLED and a buzzer confirm each read.
- Rechargeable, 120 g — 3.7 V lithium battery; black or white housing with a blue ring.
- Display language — English as standard, other languages on request.
Clinic, shelter and farm use
The A520-M is a general-purpose microchip scanner for teams that read animals rather than loose tags: veterinary clinics, shelters and rescue centers, breeders, research animal units and small farms. Pass the ring antenna over the implant site or the ear tag; the ID appears on the OLED and the buzzer confirms the read.
Work can run two ways. In real-time mode each read goes to the host as it happens. In batch mode reads are kept in memory, up to 128 records, and uploaded later. One device can therefore serve a consulting room next to a PC and a kennel or pen walk away from it.
Choosing an upload path
- USB 2.0 cable — at a desk, with no pairing.
- 2.4G wireless — through a receiver plugged into the PC, useful where the PC has no Bluetooth.
- Bluetooth — for hosts with Bluetooth, where no receiver or cable is wanted.
No SDK is published for the A520-M. Tell us your host platform and the software that should receive the IDs; the upload method and data format are confirmed in your quotation.
A520-M, A530-U or A540-M?
All three handhelds read FDX-B and EMID tags and show the ID on an OLED. They differ in range, connectivity and memory.
| Feature | A530-U | A520-M | A540-M |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2–12 mm glass tube | > 5 cm | > 8 cm | > 15 cm |
| 30 mm ear tag | > 15 cm | > 20 cm | > 25 cm |
| Upload | USB 2.0, stored records | USB 2.0, 2.4G, Bluetooth | USB 2.0 (Type-C); wireless HID or Bluetooth optional |
| Memory | 128 records | 128 records | 6,000 records |
| Controls | One button | One button | Keypad, 128 × 64 OLED |
| Barcode | No | No | 1D/2D imager |
Choose the A520-M for wireless upload in a light, one-button device. Choose the A530-U if USB upload is enough, and the A540-M for longer range, larger memory or barcodes.
A520-M specifications
| Model | A520-M |
|---|---|
| Product type | Handheld animal tag reader |
| Frequency | 134.2 kHz (FDX-B) / 125 kHz (EMID) |
| Form factor | Ring-antenna handheld with OLED and single button |
| Standards | ISO 11784, ISO 11785 (FDX-B), EM4100 (EMID) |
|---|---|
| Supported tags | FDX-B (ISO 11784/11785) animal tags, EMID tags |
| Read range, 2–12 mm glass tube | > 8 cm (tag dependent) |
| Read range, 30 mm ear tag | > 20 cm (tag dependent) |
| Read time | < 100 ms |
| Read/write | Read-only |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0, 2.4G wireless, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Upload | Real-time or batch upload of stored records |
| Memory | 128 records |
| Display | 0.91-inch high-brightness OLED |
| Feedback | Buzzer |
| Display language | English (other languages on request) |
| Power | 3.7 V rechargeable lithium battery |
|---|---|
| Weight | 120 g |
| Color | Black or white, blue ring |
| Operating temperature | -10 °C to +50 °C |
| Storage temperature | -30 °C to +70 °C |
| Package size | 185 × 120 × 30 mm |
Specifications of A520-M as supplied for the standard version. Read range depends on the card or tag, mounting surface and environment — we can test your own cards before you order.
Card, tag and system compatibility
Works with
- ✓ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B glass-tube microchips and ear tags at 134.2 kHz
- ✓EMID (EM4100-format) animal tags at 125 kHz
- ✓Hosts with a USB port, a 2.4G receiver or Bluetooth
Card not listed? Send us the card type or a photo and we will confirm compatibility before you buy.
Integration in 4 steps
- 1
Charge the 3.7 V lithium battery before first use.
- 2
Choose the upload path: USB 2.0 cable, the 2.4G receiver, or Bluetooth pairing with your host.
- 3
Press the button and pass the ring antenna over the implant site or ear tag; the ID is shown on the OLED.
- 4
Send reads in real time, or store up to 128 records and upload them as a batch. The data format on the host is confirmed in your quotation.
OEM / ODM options for A520-M
- ◆OLED display language other than English on request
- ◆Black or white housing
- ◆Bluetooth device name under your brand on request
- ◆Your logo and packaging for private-label distribution on request
Typical applications
A520-M FAQ
Is the A520-M a universal microchip scanner?
No. It reads ISO 11784/11785 FDX-B tags at 134.2 kHz and EMID tags at 125 kHz. HDX and FDX-A chips are not supported, so we do not describe it as universal.
How far does the A520-M read a pet microchip?
More than 8 cm on 2–12 mm glass-tube microchips and more than 20 cm on 30 mm ear tags. Actual range depends on the tag and how it is oriented to the antenna.
What is the difference between real-time and batch upload?
In real time, each read is sent to the host as it happens over USB, 2.4G or Bluetooth. In batch mode, up to 128 reads are stored in the reader and uploaded later.
Can the display show a language other than English?
Yes. English is standard and the display language can be customized on request.
How is the A520-M powered?
By a 3.7 V rechargeable lithium battery. The complete reader weighs 120 g.
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UHF Tell us your card, interface and quantity
Send the card or tag type, the host system and your volume. We reply within 1 business day with a suggested model and sample options.