Reddit reviews SunFounder Mifare RC522 Card Read Antenna RF Module RFID Reader IC Card Proximity Module for Arduino
We found 2 Reddit comments about SunFounder Mifare RC522 Card Read Antenna RF Module RFID Reader IC Card Proximity Module for Arduino. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Supported card types: Mifare1 S50, Mifare1 S70, MIFARE Ultralight, Mifare Pro, and MIFARE DESFire.Power Voltage : 3.3V,Operating frequency: 13.56MHz.Data transfer rate: Maximum 10Mbit/s.Read Range: 0 ~ 35mm (mifare1 card), Module Interface: SPI.
Hi,
The hardware side is straightforward, but the software side of the system you want is a tremendous amount of work and potentially bug prone. I'd recommend using an off the shelf solution if possible, given the edge cases for such an implementation result in either unauthorized access or legitimate access blocked.
To start, what you want is probably 13.56MHz RFID. It's close range and used for most card reader systems and keyfobs. The reading distance is generally determined by the power in the reader antenna. There is no power source in the RFID chip itself, so it activates as soon as any part of the the chip's mini antenna gets in range of the reader.
That said, you are intent on the DIY route, here is how I might build such a system:
1x Local network authentication server.
There are many moving parts on the software side. This could be months of work for a single person depending on the requirements and how much time they spent on it.
RFID Reader (per door)
This is what a Mifare looks like attached to an Arduino. The breadboard is only involved for testing so I didn't have to solder the mifare. Was still testing different configurations.
http://imgur.com/a/1eaQ3
Advice
Part wise the above is cheap, but implementation is really time consuming. It also does not address actually opening the doors. I'm assuming you have electronic locks. Factoring in time to build and test I would probably go with something like this (quick google search, sponsored result): http://www.maglocks.com/rf-m8500-mortise-rfid-card-hotel-lock-with-built-in-deadbolt-by-digi-electronics-for-209.html. Surely not the best on the market but if I found one in 30 seconds, I'm sure there's one out there specifically for your purposes.
The lights in the figures are powered off the NFC tag inside. I don't know which ones will work without a host but you can try a cheap NFC reader like www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BYKPHSU/ or http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E0ODLWQ/ or www.amazon.com/dp/B00SWO1XG6/. The interface doesn't matter as long as the reader runs when powered.
If you're handy with DIY one of the PCB ones would be best for your application, I think. You could put it under a thin sheet of plastic or wood veneer as a false bottom of a display shelf.
If I was more product-minded I would look into making a 'dumb' NFC base that just transmitted power at the right frequency to power figures. You say you've got zero idea though so I'd recommend an off-the-shelf option.