Read-a-Card is a software tool which allows users to easily view a contactless smartcard's unique ID and automatically insert it into text input fields on other applications, helping with the easy integration of RFID technology into new or existing systems. This is sometimes known as a keyboard 'wedge' and replaces similar functions of barcode scanners.

This ability provides obvious integration opportunities in both hardware and software development and is made even more versatile by the capability to set the card ID format you want Read-a-Card to use. The software also allows for the recording of time stamps when a card is presented offering opportunities for event logging in applications such as time recording and access functions.

Read-a-Card allows the user to obtain the unique ID from many types of contactless cards and tags. By default it is set to copy the card ID to the keyboard buffer when the program is minimised, but this feature can be turned off. You can also set the card ID format you want Read-a-Card to use. This can be Hex Standard, Hex Reversed, Decimal Standard (4 byte), Decimal Reversed (4 byte) or iClass Wiegand (26 bit or 37 bit).

Read-a-Card has been tested to work with various readers that conform to the PC/SC V2.0 standard as well as several other devices. The software reads ID's from all popular contactless card types. Below is a table showing tested readers and their compatibility to different card types:

Yes, Read-a-Card can run in the background on a Windows PC and can insert the serial number that it reads into text input fields on other applications (otherwise known as a keyboard wedge).

Smartcard Focus offers a demo version of Read-a-Card with every contactless smartcard reader and contactless development kit which allows users to run the software as a trial utility for no longer than 30 minutes at a time.