Pocket-sized UHF RFID reader – plug it into USB-C and start reading

The CT - minID from Craft Technologies is an ultra-compact UHF | RAIN – RFID reader built for users who need RAIN RFID capability outside of fixed installations. Roughly the size of a Bluetooth earbud charging case, it slips into a shirt pocket and connects on demand to any host device via a single USB Type-C cable. The minID is the right answer whenever a full-size handheld is too bulky and a desktop reader is impossible: retail floor staff, field service technicians, mobile inventory teams, and B2C interaction kiosks.

In terms of performance, the device delivers a typical reading range of up to 20 cm with an RF output power of up to 18 dBm. An integrated circular-polarised ceramic antenna captures UHF tags regardless of their orientation, and four channels per ETSI EN 302 208 V. 3.3.1 ensure compliant operation on the European 865.600–867.600 MHz band. The reader IC handles EPC Class 1 Gen 2 / ISO 18000-63 transponders natively, so any standard RAIN tag will be picked up without configuration overhead.

Connectivity is reduced to a single USB Type-C port that supplies both 5 VDC power and the data path – power consumption stays at 1.2 W at full 18 dBm output. The minID supports two operating modes: a Read/Write mode via the proprietary serial protocol for full programmatic control through the included SDK, and a HID mode that exposes the reader as a keyboard to Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux hosts. A buzzer and a combined power & status LED give immediate audible and visual feedback for every read event.

For the current CT - minID price, available stock and volume pricing tiers, contact IDCRAFT directly – we are your Value Added Distributor for UHF | RAIN – RFID hardware in the EMEA region. The device measures only 62.5 x 48 x 9.0 mm, weighs 37 g, and operates reliably between -20 °C and +70 °C at 10–95% RH (non-condensing). Custom branding and firmware adjustments are available on request for larger orders.

Technical Highlights

• ISO 18000-63 / EPC Class 1 Gen 2 compliant – full compatibility with all standard UHF and RAIN transponders
• Integrated circular-polarised ceramic antenna – orientation-independent UHF tag capture
• Reading range up to 20 cm at 18 dBm – tuned for near-field POS and shelf-edge use cases
• USB Type-C with R/W and HID modes – true plug-and-play on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux
• 62.5 x 48 x 9.0 mm at 37 g – the most compact form factor in its UHF reader class

Applications

• Mobile point-of-sale systems in retail – tap-and-read UHF item identification on smartphone or tablet
• On-demand inventory checks in store and warehouse – stock verification without a fixed reader gate
• Mobile marketing and customer interaction – RAIN RFID activations on tablets in B2C environments
• Tool and asset tracking – check-in/check-out workflows for equipment tagged with UHF labels

The CT - minID closes the gap between traditional fixed UHF readers and full-size handheld scanners: you get a fully functional UHF | RAIN – RFID reader that operates as a USB-C accessory on a phone, yet integrates cleanly into your own software stack through the supplied SDK. Libraries are provided for C#, C++, Java, Python, Swift and Android Studio, so your developers can embed the reader into existing ERP, WMS or POS applications without having to commit to a proprietary platform.

In HID mode the reader pushes captured EPCs straight into the focused input field of any host application, which means the CT - minID can be deployed in browser-based warehouse or checkout systems without writing a single line of integration code. CE, REACH and RoHS certifications combined with ETSI EN 302 208 V. 3.3.1 channel allocation make this device a compliant choice for any deployment inside the European Economic Area.

When you order the CT - minID online from IDCRAFT, you get more than just hardware: we validate tag compatibility for your specific use case, align quantities with your roll-out schedule, and ship matching UHF labels and RAIN tags from the same source if required.

Looking to order the CT - minID or need a custom quote for larger quantities? Contact IDCRAFT GmbH - your Value Added Distributor for UHF | RAIN - RFID hardware.