In this tutorial, you will learn how to use your RFID reader in conjunction with the rCAPTURE mobile app. This is done through the BluePiano Keyboard Wedge, a soft-keyboard that enables rCAPTURE to capture and process data from external Bluetooth devices (e.g. Bluetooth RFID readers, Bluetooth scales, Raspberry Pis, etc.). We will show you how to set up and configure the BluePiano Keyboard Wedge to enable Electronic Identification (EID) tags to be read and seamlessly transmitted from your RFID reader to rCAPTURE with a single press of a button and without having to connect cables.
Setting up the BluePiano Keyboard Wedge
Go to Google Play and download the BluePiano Keyboard Wedge App. The app is free to use as a trial version but costs USD$19.95 for full use, which is recommended if you plan to make regular updates.
Upon your first time opening BluePiano, you will be prompted to set up the keyboard in three steps:
Step 1:
Tap Enable in Settings. On the next screen, turn on BluePiano.
Note: You will be presented with a security warning which must be confirmed during installation. This message is normal and reads something like this:
Don’t worry, this is a standard Android warning when using alternative input methods. The app does not log, store, or forward sensitive information.
Step 2
Tap Switch Input Methods, then select the English (US) Blue Piano Keyboard:
Step 3
Configure any additional languages (optional), then tap Finished.
Configuring the BluePiano Keyboard Wedge to work with rCAPTURE
Now you need to configure the app to work with rCAPTURE.
Step 1:
In the BluePiano app, tap Keyboard preferences. Scroll down and tap on Keyboard Behavior:
Step 2:
Tap Add Simulation Rule:
Note: You may be prompted to grant permissions (such as access to camera and contacts). You can do this now (recommended) or later; the app will keep prompting you periodically until you grant the permissions:
Step 3:
Tap on Name, then type rCAPTURE. Tap OK:
Step 4:
Tap on This simulation rule will be applied to, and in the subsequent list of apps, scroll down until you find rCAPTURE, and select it (it will be toward the very bottom of the list):
Step 5:
Tap on Tap on Prefix and suffix setting:
Step 6:
Move your cursor to the end of the text ${INPUT} and type | (the pipe character), with no spaces. Tap OK:
Step 7:
Tap SAVE RULE at the bottom:
Connect your RFID reader to your Android device via Bluetooth
Step 1:
Follow your reader’s user guide to make it discoverable via Bluetooth. Then, on your Android device go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth (screens may vary depending on your device):
Step 2:
Search for the reader. The serial number of your reader will display in the available devices list (screens may vary depending on your Reader). Select it. Enable will display on the screen. Tap OK.
Step 3:
You will be prompted to enter the PIN. The PIN will vary depending on your reader, it is usually 0000 or 1234. Enter the PIN, then tap OK. Upon a successful connection, it will now appear in the paired devices list. (Note; the Bluetooth Paring indicator may still be flashing on the reader – this is normal).
Step 4:
Open the BluePiano App. In Keyboard Preferences, tap Configuration:
Step 5:
Tap Paired device, then select the reader from the list:
Step 6:
Now that you have your paired device set in BluePiano, tap Data grouping:
Step 7:
Ensure Data packets is Enabled and all associated values are checked, with the exception of the last one, Include delimiter; ensure this is unchecked and set to Delimeter is removed.
The reader will now be fully connected with your Android device, and the flashing indicator light on the reader should change to a solid illuminated state. If it continues to flash, open the rCAPTURE app to finalize the connection.
Transmitting Electronic Identification (EID) information to rCAPTURE
Step 1:
In rCAPTURE, on your desired form select whether you are performing a Single (1 animal) or Group (many animals) update:
Step 2:
Tap the Electronic ID(s) field. When you see the flashing cursor, you are ready to perform your scan:
Step 3:
The Electronic ID Number will populate in rCAPTURE. For Group scans, each ID number must be separated by a | (pipe character) and will look like this:
Continue to fill in the rest of the form as needed.
Troubleshooting Tip: If at any time your reader loses the Bluetooth connection with rCAPTURE, check that you still have BluePiano selected as your keyboard.