Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Do you have questions about the Halo Chip Reader? Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
More detailed information can be found on our comprehensive FAQ page.
How long does the battery life of the Halo Chip Reader last?
The Halo chip scanner is equipped with a lithium-ion battery.
This battery is USB rechargeable so you don’t need separate batteries.
You can link the USB to your p.c.
How do I use the Halo Chip Reader to scan an animal?
Charging the Halo Scanner
Before using the Halo scanner for the first time, it is important to fully charge it for 3½ hours. This ensures that the battery is fully charged and ready for use.
Scanning with the Halo Scanner
- Turning on the Scanner:
- Locate the on/off symbol on the back of the scanner.
- Press this symbol to turn on the scanner and release the button.
- Turning on the Scanner:
- Start of Scanning:
- The outside of the scanner acts as the scanning surface.
- After turning on, the display shows a message, “Halo Scanner Scanning,” and the scanner emits a single beep. This indicates that the scanner is ready to scan.
- Start of Scanning:
- Scanning an Animal:
- Hold the scanner close to the animal to scan the microchip.
- Scanning an Animal:
- If No Microchip Found:
- If no valid microchip is detected within 20 seconds, the message “No tag found” will appear on the display, and a single beep will sound again.
- To scan again, press the power symbol again.
- If No Microchip Found:
- On Finding a Valid Microchip:
- If a valid microchip is found, the scanner emits a double beep, and the number of the microchip is shown on the display.
- On Finding a Valid Microchip:
- Automatic Shutdown:
The Halo scanner automatically turns off after 50 seconds of inactivity to conserve battery power.
Displaying previously scanned songs
Wait for the device to turn off.
Then press and hold the power button on the back for four seconds and release.
To scroll through the list, press the power button once to see the next number.
To exit this mode, hold and release the power button for four seconds.
Can the Halo Scanner be cleaned with water?
No, the Halo Scanner should not be immersed in water or placed in sterilization equipment.
For cleaning, you can use antibacterial wipes.
What is different about this scanner?
The Halo is an otherwise traditional microchip scanner that immediately alerts the user if the scanned microchip belongs to an animal reported missing. It is also currently the lowest-priced scanner on the market.
What is Scanner Angel?
Scanner Angel is a unique database of the microchips of lost or stolen animals that is downloaded to the Halo scanner and updated each time the Halo is connected to a laptop or PC.
What microchips does the Halo scanner read?
The Halo scanner reads all 15-digit (FDX-B) microchips and 10-digit (FDX-A FECAVA) microchips. The 15-digit microchips are used throughout Europe and most of the world. The 10-digit microchips were used in Britain about 15 years ago and are common in the US. The Halo does NOT read AVID-encoded microchips or the 10-digit Trovan microchip, these chips are normally only used in the US.
Does the Halo scanner require batteries?
No, the Halo scanner has an internal rechargeable battery that is charged via the USB connection.
How long does the battery last?
The standby time of the Halo scanner is about 2 months or 800 scans.
What is included?
The Halo scanner comes with a 1.8-meter USB cable and a quick start guide.
What is the software for?
With the software that comes with the scanner, the list of missing animals can be downloaded to the scanner and the user can view and copy the microchip numbers scanned by the Halo.
How often should I plug in the Halo?
Each time the Halo is connected to the computer, the battery is charged and the latest missing animals are downloaded. It is therefore advisable to update the scanner as often as practical, but we recommend plugging it in at least once a week to keep it not only updated but also fully charged.
What warranty do I have on the Halo scanner?
The scanner comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Does the software work on an Apple Mac?
No, unfortunately the software is currently only suitable for Windows computers. We hope to release Apple Mac-compatible software later this year.
Can I download the software without a CD drive?
Yes, the latest software can be downloaded here.
How long should I charge the battery?
It depends on how empty the battery is, but a normal charge from an empty battery to a fully charged battery takes 3.5 hours.