Connecting Arduino Uno with RDM630 RFID module

Projects Programming
1

Hi,

I've been trying to connect my RFID reader to my Arduino Uno with some vexing results.
Following a whole bunch of tutorials, the one that brings me closest to my desired result can be found on the following site: http://www.fibidi.com/arduino-rfid-rdm630-module/

#include <SoftwareSerial.h>
  
SoftwareSerial RFID = SoftwareSerial(4,5);
  
char character;
String our_id;
 
void setup()  
{
  Serial.begin(9600);
  RFID.begin(9600);
}
  
void loop(){
  
  while(RFID.available()>0)
  {
      character = RFID.read();
      our_id += character;
  }
  
  if (our_id.length() > 10) {
      our_id = our_id.substring(1,13);
      Serial.println(our_id);
      our_id = "";
  }
  delay(1000);
}

The problem I'm having is that the data I receive in my Serial monitor consists of the character "þ" and an occasional "ÿ". My full ID's look like this: "þþþþþþþþþþ". Also, if I change my data type on character to int, all I get is 254 254 254 254 254 254... etc.

If anyone could enlighten me on why the Arduino sends me the wrong value back I'd be eternally grateful!

Cheers,
Carl

2

Also, worth to mention.
I've checked my RFID-cards with another external USB-based reader and they all have their own unique IDs.

3

Check your wiring. You probably aren't grounding something that should be grounded.

4

visal:
Check your wiring. You probably aren't grounding something that should be grounded.

Or he has a baud-rate mismatch problem...

5

Thanks for your replies, although they didn't really bring me closer to a working solution.

As for the wiring. It's super simple so far so nothing should be connected strangely. (Image attached)

I'm not 100% sure how the baud rates work but the specification sheet for the RFID-chip tells me it's supposed to run on 9600 baud:
http://www.seeedstudio.com/depot/datasheet/RDM630-Spec..pdf
I've tried all rates between 300 and 115200 but had no change in luck. Although, when using some rates I get another character as a result but it's always mumble jumble.