Donalds EasyiD APR500 Pocket Reader is Something Else! 

The new Donalds APR500 Pocket Reader from Te Pari Products is an advanced EID pocket reader and data collector, but can also double as a “stick” reader by fitting any of three antenna configurations. 

Being pocket size, it can always be on hand for animal id and data storage. By connecting to a “wand” with a short cable, or by fixing either of two optional  “stick” antennas, it can be used as a stick reader. These effectively extend the operator's reach, so allow scanning of less accessible EID tags - often the case when cattle are forced into a race and bury their heads under the rump in front. 

Traditional stick readers scan the tag, and pass the fourteen-digit EID number on to EID capable scales and PDA's. The APR500 however, can receive and store the information from weigh scales, even those which have been considered non EID compatible. So models such as the Iconix  FX15 and FX21, and the Tru-Test DR3000, once fitted with a bluetooth module, send weight records to the APR500. Visual tag numbers for each EID number scanned can be displayed on the APR500, and the weight  stored. At the same time, up to twenty animal observations can be recorded against each animal.

The APR500 has two operational modes, “Classic” and “Task” mode.

In Classic mode, the scanned EID number may be stored, or transmitted to a weigh scale or PDA. When the EID tag is scanned, the visual tag number for that animal can be recalled, and the user can enter observations as an action code and a value against the EID number. So one animal record in “Classic” mode can contain EID number, visual number, action Code, (such as “In Calf”); a value, (such as condition score “4”); and weight.

In Task mode, any of seven tasks such as weighing, calving, preg testing, are preloaded, each of these with up to twenty observation fields. Once the EID number is scanned, then observations can be entered in these fields using the alpha-numeric keypad. A drop-down list for observations such as calf sex may be used to streamline data entry. Each animal record is automatically time and date stamped. Up to 6000 animal records can be stored. Switching between tasks, and between Classic and Task mode is straightforward. The task mode is ideal for:

• Dairy farmers wanting to match up cows and calves for uploading to Minda,
• Beef farmers with older non EID weigh scales and wanting to start recording the weights and ID’s
• Sheep farmers recording lambing details on stud ewes etc...

Downloading of the APR500 is easy. Either a USB cable or docking station is used, with the data presented in simple text file format. 

The APR500 is competitively priced and is available direct from Te Pari. For more details contact Te Pari Products on Freephone 0800 837 274.