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So the powers-that-be recently decided that I would lead a project we have that has to do with reading RFID tags, however I have no experience or knowledge to as where I should begin. All I know is that they rigged up some connection via VGA and the computer reads it through HyperConnect. The thing is the reading I'm doing seems to indicate that I need to make some other thing to connect to the RFID reader and program that board to interpret said connection, correct?

Here's what it looks like: pics

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It's a no name chinese RFID reader as far as I can tell. Any guidance is greatly appreciated, thanks!

Edit: I was directed here from SO, if there's a better forum to post this to please let me know.

nerdwaller
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nitrous
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1 Answers1

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As per the advice of Ramhound, as well as comments from techie007, what you need to do is go back to the Powers-That-Be, and tell them you need to start this project from scratch, from the ground up. You need to do this for a few reasons...

  1. The current RFID reading hardware has no documentation for you to familiarize yourself with.
  2. The current RFID reading hardware is cobbled together in a hap-hazard fashion, with the emphasis on hazard.
  3. The project needs to have a budget that you can work within, that will actually allow for the completion of the project.
  4. Since you have been handed this project, and you are new to the hardware, software, and technology involved, you need to be able to use hardware and software that has documentation you can follow, to allow you to actually complete the project.
  5. The Powers-That-Be will appreciate being able to maintain this project, regardless of whether you are attached to it, if the hardware and software involved can be easily replaced in case of failure, and the documentation for said hardware and software is readily available. Moreover, your notes on getting it all to work would make it much easier for the next person in the future.

Now, all of these things apply, because of the following:

  1. You aren't even sure how the RFID reader is connected to the computer, and... let's face it... there aren't many VGA INPUTS on a computer. It is not to say you are wrong that it is using a VGA cable, but that means there is some other device in the computer that has a VGA input, and that is not standard and should have documentation.
  2. If you yourself have to come at this from the ground up, the equipment you are working with should also be as new to the project as you are. Granted, others have been thrust into projects where they are expected to take over where someone left off, but that implies there was a substantial investment that needed to be protected by NOT starting with all new hardware. This doesn't apply when you are dealing with a no-name RFID reader connected by soldered cabled and loose wires that was quite possibly thrown together from what someone found in a donation bin.

In short, this is one of those times it is acceptable to turn around and tell your superior "I am happy to take on this project. We need to scrap what we have, and start over."

Bon Gart
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