Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

My daughter is working on Blocking RFID Readers from Reading your ID Card science project. We are needing some help on the instructions. We have purchased the RFID Reader , came with tags. Having multiple issues in getting the computer(s) (tried laptops/desktop) to recognize the reader. We've downloaded PuTTY, downloaded the FTDI drivers for Windows 7.

In Device Manager, there is not a COM port line item showing, none of our computers. The computer(s) recognize the RFID reader when plug into USB port, (hear the 'ding dong' and tells you 'installed', 'USB Reader ready to use' but do not see anything in Explorer as a connected device of any sort.

We have tried the hidden devices option already, I've tried the add 'legacy hardware' option also, I able to add a COM Port, but does not come up as COM Serial Port, tried updating the Driver, manual option to use the FTDI CDM drivers downloaded as instructed. basically, have scoured the internet...

The RFID Reader is showing up in Devices/Printers as a USB Reader, so need 'software' possibly to read as USB vs. PuTTY, etc.? as we cannot get PuTTY to 'connect'

The drivers from the FTDI site, specifically, are noted to allow your system to read the USB port as serial.

If the drivers are not working on your version of Windows and with the RFID reader, you may want to contact the FTDI site: http://www.ftdichip.com/FTContact.htm or browse the forums: http://www.ftdicommunity.com/

Amy
Science Buddies