134.2kHz A520-M
Handheld 134.2kHz FDX-B Microchip Reader, USB / 2.4G / Bluetooth
- USB
- Wireless
- Handheld
Read range: > 8 cm
134.2kHz Animal ID Readers
A540-M 134.2kHz FDX-B Animal Tag Reader with 1D/2D Barcode Scanner
The A540-M combines a 134.2 kHz FDX-B/EMID animal tag reader with a CMOS 1D/2D barcode imager in one paddle handheld. It reads 30 mm ear tags at more than 25 cm and glass microchips at more than 15 cm, stores 6,000 records and uploads over USB-C, with wireless HID or Bluetooth as options.
- Frequency
- 134.2 kHz (FDX-B) / 125 kHz (EMID)
- Cards / tags
- FDX-B (ISO 11784/11785) animal tags, EMID tags
- Interface
- USB 2.0 (Type-C port); wireless HID (optional); Bluetooth (optional)
- Output
- Real-time or stored-record upload
- Read range
- > 15 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 A540-M
- Tag and barcode in one device — reads FDX-B and EMID animal tags and scans 1D and 2D barcodes with a CMOS imager.
- Longest handheld range in the series — more than 25 cm on 30 mm ear tags and more than 15 cm on 2–12 mm glass tubes.
- 6,000-record memory — work offline for a full session and upload the stored records later.
- Three read modes — key trigger, read once or continuous.
- Keypad and 128 × 64 OLED — high-brightness display with buzzer; English menus, other languages on request.
- USB-C with wireless options — USB 2.0 through a Type-C port, with wireless HID or Bluetooth versions.
One handheld for animal tags and barcodes
The A540-M is for workflows where an animal's ID has to be linked to something printed: a medicine or vaccine batch label, a feed bag, a sample tube, or a paper record with a QR code. One device reads the FDX-B or EMID tag and scans the 1D or 2D barcode, so staff carry a single scanner and both reads are uploaded from the same device.
The paddle antenna gives the longest handheld range in this category: 30 mm ear tags at more than 25 cm and 2–12 mm glass microchips at more than 15 cm. That helps when reading ear tags on animals standing in a race or pen.
Read modes, memory and upload
- Read modes: key trigger, read once, or continuous reading.
- Memory: 6,000 records for offline work, uploaded later as stored records.
- Real-time upload: send each read as it happens over USB 2.0 (Type-C port) or, on the optional versions, wireless HID or Bluetooth.
- Display: 128 × 64 high-brightness OLED with keypad and buzzer.
No SDK is published for the A540-M. Tell us your host platform and software; the upload method and data format are confirmed in your quotation.
Barcode symbologies
The CMOS imager reads these symbologies:
- 1D: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, GS1 DataBar
- 2D: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, MaxiCode
If your labels use another symbology, send us a sample image; support is confirmed in your quotation. For a UHF version of the same paddle handheld, see the U540-M.
A540-M specifications
| Model | A540-M |
|---|---|
| Product type | Handheld animal tag reader with 1D/2D barcode imager |
| Frequency | 134.2 kHz (FDX-B) / 125 kHz (EMID) |
| Form factor | Paddle handheld with keypad and OLED |
| 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 | > 15 cm (tag dependent) |
| Read range, 30 mm ear tag | > 25 cm (tag dependent) |
| Read time | < 100 ms |
| Read modes | Key trigger, read once, continuous |
| Read/write | Read-only |
| Scan engine | CMOS imager |
|---|---|
| 1D symbologies | EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, GS1 DataBar |
| 2D symbologies | QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, MaxiCode |
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 (Type-C port); wireless HID (optional); Bluetooth (optional) |
|---|---|
| Upload | Real-time or stored-record upload |
| Memory | 6,000 records |
| Display | 128 × 64 high-brightness OLED |
| Controls and feedback | Keypad, buzzer |
| Display language | English (other languages on request) |
| Power | 3.7 V rechargeable lithium battery |
|---|---|
| Color | Black with blue trim |
| Operating temperature | -10 °C to +50 °C |
| Storage temperature | -30 °C to +70 °C |
| Package size | 267 × 148 × 38 mm |
Specifications of A540-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 ear tags and glass-tube microchips at 134.2 kHz
- ✓EMID (EM4100-format) animal tags at 125 kHz
- ✓Common 1D barcodes and QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec and MaxiCode
- ✓Hosts with USB, or with wireless HID or Bluetooth on the optional versions
Not designed for
- ✕Writing, programming or copying tags (read-only reader)
- ✕HDX and FDX-A animal tags
- ✕UHF tags — use the U540-M
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 and choose the version you need: USB-C only, wireless HID or Bluetooth.
- 2
Select a read mode: key trigger, read once or continuous.
- 3
Read the animal tag with the paddle antenna and scan any linked barcode with the imager; each record is shown on the OLED.
- 4
Upload in real time or send the stored records (up to 6,000) to your host. The data format is confirmed in your quotation.
OEM / ODM options for A540-M
- ◆OLED display language other than English on request
- ◆Connection version: USB-C only, wireless HID or Bluetooth
- ◆Your logo and packaging for private-label distribution on request
Typical applications
A540-M FAQ
Which barcodes does the A540-M read?
1D: EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar and GS1 DataBar. 2D: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec and MaxiCode.
How far does the A540-M read animal tags?
More than 25 cm on 30 mm ear tags and more than 15 cm on 2–12 mm glass-tube microchips. Range depends on the tag and its orientation.
Which connection options are available?
USB 2.0 through a Type-C port as standard. Versions with wireless HID or Bluetooth are available as options.
Does the A540-M read HDX cattle tags?
No. It reads FDX-B tags at 134.2 kHz and EMID tags at 125 kHz. HDX and FDX-A tags are not supported.
How many records can the A540-M store?
Up to 6,000 records, which can be uploaded later. Each read can also be sent in real time.
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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.