The Siemens 6GT2803-1BA00 is a SIMATIC RF350M handheld terminal from the RF300 family — a mobile RFID read/write unit built around a Nordic ID Merlin base, running Windows Embedded CE 6.0. It's designed for field operators who need to read, write, and search RFID transponders on the plant floor without hauling a laptop or docking back to a panel. The unit works with RF300-specific, ISO 15693, and MOBY E transponders at 13.56 MHz, with a maximum transfer rate of 106 kbit/s. The 3.5-inch QVGA color touchscreen (240 x 320 pixels) gives a readable interface for tag data, and the alphanumeric keypad means you can type search strings or part numbers directly without poking a soft keyboard on a greasy screen. IP54 ingress protection keeps out dust and splash — it'll survive a washdown aisle or a dusty conveyor line, though I wouldn't drop it in a coolant sump. Rated for a 1.2 m drop onto concrete, so it'll handle the occasional fumble off a forklift or workbench.
Power and runtime for a full shift
Power comes from a 2.6 Ah Li-ion battery pack — the standard battery gives a typical 8 hours of operation, which covers a full shift without needing to swap. The battery is fast-charge capable and hot-swappable via the charging/docking station (sold separately; the unit ships without it). There's also a permanently installed backup Li-ion cell that the customer can't replace — that's for maintaining memory and real-time clock during battery swaps.
Connectivity and data handling
The terminal has WLAN on board for wireless communication back to the control system. USB and Ethernet are available through the charging/docking station — handy for bulk data dumps or firmware updates when the unit is parked. It carries 256 Mibyte of RAM and 288 Mibyte of program/data memory, with 256 Mibyte of that usable data memory. That's enough for tag databases, configuration files, and logged reads for a decent-sized production area. The pre-installed software handles recording, editing, and searching of RF300, MDS E6xx, and ISO 15693 transponders. It's not multitag-capable, so it reads one tag at a time — fine for item-level scanning, not for pallet bulk reads.
Physical dimensions and handling
The unit measures 250 mm tall, 90 mm wide, and 47 mm deep — roughly the size of a ruggedized PDA. It's handheld, not panel-mounted, so there's no DIN-rail or cutout to worry about. The charging/docking station (sold separately) provides the USB and Ethernet interfaces and holds the unit upright on a workbench. The IP54 rating means it's sealed against dust ingress and water spray from any direction — fine for use near washdown stations or in dusty milling areas.