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Comparing EID stick readers: Six of the leading models on the market
There are a variety of different solutions available for reading EID tags. Hannah Noble looks at six of the leading models of stick readers on the market.
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WITH the intention of moving towards individual movement recording of sheep for improved traceability, since 2009 all sheep, not intended for slaughter under 12 months of age, must be electronically tagged.
Electronic identification (EID) tags provide a unique animal identification code making it easier to trace an animal through the system. The identification chips for sheep and cattle can be contained within an ear tag, bolus or pastern tag (leg band).
Not all farmers are currently required to have the equipment to read their EID tags, however it provides an opportunity to improve record keeping and traceability within their flock.
In order to suit every type of sheep system, there are a variety of different solutions for reading EID tags, including stick readers, handheld readers, static reader and weigh scales.
Many readers allow for the recording of births, deaths, dates of birth, parentage, weights, sex, movements, medical treatments and withdrawal periods, comments and groups. Some have predefined categories and some allow for manual categories.
Hand held readers scan EID tags using an antenna and are usually equipped with a full keyboard to allow for management information to be added on location.
Static readers are ideal for use on sheep handling races, sheep weigh crates or on mobile handling systems and provide the benefit of hands-free recording. However they require the installation of a reader and an antenna to allow for information to be transmitted wirelessly to a computer or mobile device.
Many weigh scales, especially cattle scales, can be bought with a reader or be retrospectively equipped with a reader which scans the tag and records the weight of each animal through the scales. The benefit of this is that daily live weight gain can be accurately and easily recorded.
Stick readers are designed for quick and easy EID tag reading, they can be used in conjunction with mobile apps or computer software and many are supplied with their own specific software.
DATAMARS AIRSTICK
Weight: 950g
Length: 75cm
Battery Life: 8 hours of constant use
Battery type: 2 rechargeable lithium ion batteries
Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB
Is there a mobile app? No, but it can be paired with mobile phone using Bluetooth.
Android or Apple iOS? N/A
Read range: 31-38cm depending on tag type
Memory: 4GB (over 1 million records)
Display size: 2.7inch colour display
Waterproof? Yes, IP67 rated.
What can you record? Basic animal data such as date of birth
Tag compatibility: FDX-B and HDX tags
Alerts: LED lights, vibration and audio alerts available.
Special features: Search function to recall data
Price: £549 + VAT
ALLFLEX RS420
Weight: long reader, 830g; short reader, 810g
Length: 67 cm or 53 cm
Battery Life: 8-10 hours continuous read
Battery type: rechargeable lithium Ion battery
Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB
Is there a mobile app? Yes
Android or Apple iOS? Apple iOS
Read range: up to 30cm depending on tag type
Memory: up to 100,000 records
Display size: 128 x 128 pixel backlit display
Waterproof? Yes, IP67 rated
What can you record? Up to ten categories from a pre-set list including weights, scan results and breeding information
Tag compatibility: FDX-B and HDX tags.
Alerts: LED lights, vibrations and sound.
Special features: Drafting feature from a pre-uploaded list with red and green LED lights.
Price: £620 + VAT
TRU-TEST XRS2
Weight: 770g
Length: 65cm
Battery Life: 9.5 hours of continuous use.
Battery type: Internal rechargeable battery
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Is there a mobile app? Yes
Android or Apple iOS? Both
Read range: 33-35cm depending on tag type.
Memory: up to 1 million records.
Display size: 2.7inch colour screen
Waterproof? Yes, IP67 rated.
What can you record? Up to 15 custom fields.
Tag compatibility: NAIT, ISO HDX and FDX-B
Alerts: Vibration
Special features: sunlight viewable screen, all fields are customisable, full texting style keyboard.
Price: £799 + VAT
AGRIDENT BY ALLFLEX AWR300
Weight: 720g
Length: 65cm
Battery Life: 12 hours of constant use
Battery type: Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.
Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth or WiFi
Is there a mobile app? Yes
Android or Apple iOS? Both
Read range: 30cm
Memory: 4GB (up to 1 million records including additional information)
Display size: 2.4 inch colour display with adjustable backlight.
Waterproof? Yes, IP67 rated.
What can you record? All
Tag compatibility: HDX and FDX-B
Alerts: LED lights, vibration and sound alerts are available.
Special features: Backlit screen to allow easy viewing in dim light.
Price: £687 + VAT
SHEARWELL DATA SDL440S
Weight: 600g (60cm version, most popular)
Length: 46.5cm, 60cm, 80cm
Battery Life: 8 hours plus of continuous use
Battery type: 4 rechargeable AA batteries are supplied with battery charger.
Connectivity: Bluetooth
Is there a mobile app? Yes
Android or Apple iOS? Both
Read range: up to 24cm
Memory: 16,000 tags
Display size: 6.5cm x 1.5cm
Waterproof? Yes.
What can you record? Births, deaths, movements, tag replacements, tag applications, treatments, comments, weights and management groups
Tag compatibility: Low frequency HDX and FDX
Alerts: Alerts appear in phone app.
Special features: Stick can be linked to mobile printer or PC, linked to phone app to record births, deaths, movements, tag replacements, tag applications, treatments, comments, weights and management groups
Price: £550 + VAT
GALLAGHER SMARTREADER HR5
Weight: 2.7kg
Length: 64cm
Battery Life: 8 hours continuous use.
Battery type: Internal rechargeable battery
Connectivity: Bluetooth and USB
Is there a mobile app? Yes
Android or Apple iOS? Both
Read range: 27 – 33 cm depending on tag type
Memory: 100,000 tags
Display size: 2.8 inch daylight viewable, backlit display.
Waterproof? IP67
What can you record? A variety of pre-set categories
Tag compatibility: HDX and FDX-B
Alerts: LED light, audio and vibration
Special features: Full texting style keyboard, allows for recording, editing and customisation of data.
Price: £1,440.83 + VAT
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