The 2128P Handheld UHF RFID Reader is a Bluetooth RFID sled for inventory counting, item location and asset tracking in retail, logistics, manufacturing and healthcare. Paired with the Datalogic Memor 11 through an active ePop-Loq case, it combines multi-tag reading with wired data transfer and charging of both devices from a compatible cradle.
The 2128P captures groups of tagged items without requiring a visible barcode on each one. Operators can use it for stockroom counts, receiving checks and asset searches, with compatible software connecting tag identities to product or equipment records.
Developed by TSL and offered as a Datalogic RFID sled, it provides mobile data capture within RFID systems. Inventory accuracy depends on suitable tags, controlled scanning areas and correct item records, alongside reader performance.
The fixed high-gain antenna supports a nominal read range of up to 9 m and a nominal write range of up to 4 m. Actual distances depend on tag design, the material being tagged, tag density, orientation and the surrounding radio environment.
The reader supports EPC Class 1 Gen 2 UHF tags. European versions operate at 865–868 MHz, while US versions operate at 902–928 MHz; specify the deployment country when ordering. The 2128P uses circular polarisation, which accommodates varied tag orientations during shelf and stockroom scanning.
Longer range can also capture items outside the intended counting area. Test reader power and scanning positions against neighbouring shelves, particularly around metal fixtures or liquid-filled products.
In-reader de-duplication filters repeated observations of the same tag before they reach the host application. TSL specifies support for more than 50,000 unique tags across more than one million tag reads. This reduces repeated data; the application still needs to associate each tag with the correct item and counting session.
For offline collection, the reader includes a microSD socket and real-time clock. With a separately purchased 32 GB microSD card, it can store up to 500 million time-stamped EPC records, the electronic product codes used to identify tagged items. Configure batch logging and the subsequent import process before deployment.
The Datalogic Memor 11 connects through a device-specific active ePop-Loq case. This provides physical attachment and a direct USB data path between the mobile computer and reader. A compatible charging cradle can recharge both devices while they remain attached.
The mobile computer, active case and charging equipment must be specified in the order. An attachment alone does not provide a complete charging solution.
Bluetooth 4.2 supports Classic and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity, including SPP serial communication and HID keyboard-style input. Choose the connection mode supported by the intended application. Wired USB is useful where Bluetooth transfer is restricted; data protection also depends on the host device, application and storage configuration.
Tag selection needs particular attention on metal instruments, liquid containers and items exposed to cleaning or sterilisation. Validate the complete tagged item under its actual handling conditions before extending the deployment.
TSL provides applications for evaluating reader functions and developing workflows:
Confirm the application version, host operating system and connection method together. Barcode-based commissioning also requires a supported barcode input source, such as the host scanner or an imager-equipped reader configuration.
Integration with an inventory platform, warehouse management system or ERP requires compatible software and a defined mapping between tag IDs and business records. TSL’s ASCII 2 protocol and software development kits provide tools for this work; a Bluetooth connection alone does not create a business-system integration.
An operator selects a stockroom zone in an inventory application, scans its tagged merchandise and compares the captured IDs with the expected stock list. Reader power is tested to limit reads from adjacent zones. Missing items can then be investigated using tag-finding software, and approved count results passed to the inventory system.
This workflow requires uniquely assigned item tags and software that manages zones, exceptions and stock adjustments. Tag de-duplication filters repeat observations, while the application determines how those observations affect inventory.
The reader measures 158 × 98 × 170 mm, excluding the attached mobile computer. Its operating range is -10°C to 50°C, with charging specified at 5°C to 40°C. Published drop specifications cover multiple drops to concrete from 1.2 m at ambient temperature and 0.9 m across the operating temperature range.
Datalogic’s Memor 11 sled specification lists IP52 protection, which is unsuitable for washdown use. Battery capacity and reader weight vary between hardware revisions, so confirm the exact specification when matching an existing fleet or ordering replacement batteries.
The 2128P’s circularly polarised antenna suits inventory work where tag orientation varies. The closely related TSL 2128L uses a linearly polarised antenna and is worth assessing when longer reading distances are needed and tag orientation can be controlled. Compare both using the same tagged items, placement and permitted power settings.
For workflows that identify one visible code at a time, handheld barcode scanners may be sufficient. RFID becomes more useful when group reading or searching for a tagged item justifies the additional tags, configuration and software.
Its inventory function supports EPC Class 1 Gen 2 UHF tags. NFC-assisted Bluetooth pairing does not make it a general-purpose NFC or HF tag reader; confirm the tag technology before choosing the reader.
Barcode imaging is configuration-dependent. TSL offers versions with and without an integrated 2D imager, while a Memor 11-based workflow can use the mobile computer’s scanner through suitable software. Specify whether barcode capture is required and which device should perform it.
MarvelTech supplies RFID and mobile-computing equipment and provides automatic-identification implementation and maintenance services. Discuss the reader, tags, host device and data workflow together so the proposed configuration addresses the intended task.
The quote depends on the regional reader version, quantity, mobile computer, active mount, charging equipment, storage and any required software or integration work. Request confirmation of availability, lead time, warranty terms and support coverage for the proposed configuration.
Send MarvelTech your deployment country, tag type, tagged materials, approximate item count, required reading distance and existing mobile computer. Include the target inventory system, preferred connection method, offline requirements and a description or photos of the scanning area to request a suitable 2128P setup.
The 2128P suits stock counts, receiving checks and asset searches where reading groups of RFID-tagged items avoids individually presenting each barcode. Its value depends on suitable tags and software that connects tag identities to item records. For workflows requiring deliberate confirmation of one visible label at a time, handheld barcode scanners may be sufficient without introducing RFID tagging.
The 2128P reads and writes EPC Class 1 Gen 2 UHF tags. European versions operate at 865–868 MHz, while US versions operate at 902–928 MHz. Specify the deployment country and tag model when ordering so both can be matched to the application. NFC-assisted Bluetooth pairing does not make the reader suitable for inventorying HF or NFC tags.
TSL specifies nominal ranges of up to 9 m for reading and up to 4 m for writing, subject to tag and environmental conditions. These figures do not establish performance on metal components or liquid-filled containers. Test suitable tags on the actual items, including their packaging and shelf arrangement. Also check for unwanted reads from neighbouring stock before selecting reader power and scanning positions.
De-duplication filters repeated observations of the same tag; stock accuracy also depends on which items were captured and how their identities are recorded. A tag missed during scanning remains missing, while an item on an adjacent shelf may still enter the count. Use unique item identifiers, defined counting zones and software that compares captured tags with expected inventory and flags discrepancies.
You need the reader, a Datalogic Memor 11 mobile computer, its compatible active ePop-Loq case and suitable charging equipment. The active case provides attachment and a direct USB data connection. A compatible 2128P cradle can charge both devices while attached. Have the quotation identify the case, cradle, power supply and cables explicitly, and confirm that the application supports the selected connection.
Yes. The 2128P supports wired USB communication through a compatible active ePop-Loq connection and standalone batch logging to an optional microSD card. Its real-time clock supports time-stamped records. Offline capture still needs a planned import process: configure logging, associate records with the correct counting session and test reconciliation with the inventory system before relying on disconnected operation.
No. TSL offers 2128P configurations with and without an integrated 2D imager, which supports both 1D and 2D barcodes. A Memor 11-based setup can instead use the mobile computer’s barcode scanner through suitable software. Specify which device should capture barcodes and whether the workflow includes encoding RFID tags from existing barcode information.
Yes. Compatible software, including RFID Tag Finder, provides visual and audible guidance when searching for a selected RFID tag. The target tag identifier must be known or retrievable from the item record. This supports an operator’s search within reading range; it does not by itself establish the item’s exact shelf position or provide continuous location tracking throughout a building.
A compatible application or integration layer must translate RFID observations into inventory transactions. TSL provides evaluation apps, the ASCII 2 protocol and software development kits, but these do not constitute a ready-made connection to every WMS or ERP. Define item-ID mapping, counting sessions, exception handling and offline synchronisation when discussing RFID implementation and support services. Confirm software licences and integration costs separately.
The main distinction is antenna polarisation. The 2128P uses circular polarisation, which accommodates varied tag orientations. The 2128L uses linear polarisation and offers a nominal read range of up to 15 m, but tag alignment has a greater effect on performance. Compare the readers using your actual tagged items; a longer published range is less useful if normal item placement produces inconsistent reads.
The specified operating range is -10°C to 50°C, while charging with the standard trigger handle requires 5°C to 40°C. Humidity must remain non-condensing. Datalogic lists IP52 protection for its 2128P sled configuration, so washdown use is unsuitable. For chilled areas, assess condensation during temperature changes and check the limits of the attached mobile computer as well as the reader.
Provide the deployment country, quantity, tag model, tagged materials, typical item count and required reading or writing distance. Include your mobile computer, target software, barcode requirements, offline workflow and shift duration. Photos or sample tagged items can help define evaluation needs. For an existing fleet, include reader part numbers and hardware revisions so mounts, replacement batteries and charging equipment can be checked against the installed units.
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