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Small black rectangular USB RFID reader with smooth matte finish

RF IDEAS

RF IDEAS RDR-6981AKU RFID 125 kHz USB Black

SKU CH-16VN-HPAN4 MPN RDR-6981AKU

Reads 125 kHz proximity cards via USB, emulating keyboard input for enrollment or testing with a 1.0–3.0 inch range

  • Frequency rating125 kHz
  • Connection typesUSB
  • Regulatory statusFCC, United States; CE Mark Europe, C-tic Australia, RoHS
  • Product typeRFID Reader
  • Product dimensions3.4 in × 2 in × 0.6 in
  • Product weight0.25 lb (0.11 kg)
  • Reads 125 kHz proximity cards for existing access systems
  • Plug-and-play USB keyboard emulation types card IDs instantly
  • Works with Windows XP through 10 and Linux Ubuntu 12.04
  • Compact 3.40" x 2.00" x 0.60" desktop form factor
  • FCC, CE, C-tic and RoHS regulatory compliance included

Purpose-built enrollment reader

The RF IDEAS RDR-6981AKU is a desktop RFID reader that operates at 125 kHz and connects via USB. It emulates a keyboard to type a card’s ID or site code directly into any text field, making it suitable for enrolment stations, identity verification kiosks or software testing workflows. No driver installation is required on supported operating systems.

Suited for proximity card workflows

Organisations that already issue 125 kHz proximity badges can reuse those credentials for logical access without additional hardware. The reader is not suited for environments that require contactless smart-card frequencies, cryptographic mutual authentication, or a form factor designed for permanent mounting in a wall panel.

Frequency decides compatibility

The single specification that determines whether this device will work is the 125 kHz operating frequency; it reads AWID and other common proximity formats but will not detect credentials that operate only at other frequencies.

How it compares

Measured against everything we stock in RFID & Smart Card Readers, at today’s prices. Recalculated every night.

Price $142.99
Pricier than about 88% of the 294 comparable items (median $21.99).

Specifications

Product
Brand nameRF IDEAS
Product linepcProx 125 kHz Enroll Series
Model nameRDR-6981AKU
Product typeRFID Reader
Performance
Frequency rating125 kHz
Ports & slots
Connection typesUSB
Size & build
Product dimensions3.4 in × 2 in × 0.6 in
Product weight0.25 lb (0.11 kg)
Shipping weight0.45 kg
Package size152 × 102 × 51 mm

Questions about this item

What USB standard does the 125 kHz reader use and what does that limit in practice?

The reader connects over USB and emulates a keyboard, so it is limited by the host’s USB HID keyboard throughput and the 1.0–3.0 inch read range.

What physical space and mounting does the 3.40" x 2.00" x 0.60" desktop reader need?

It sits on a flat surface and occupies a 3.40 by 2.00 inch footprint with a 0.60 inch profile; no mounting hardware is included.

How is the RDR-6981AKU installed and which step do users often miss?

Plug the USB cable into the host, run the free Windows configuration utility to set keystroke prefix or suffix, then present a card; skipping the utility leaves the reader at default output.

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