Thank you for purchasing the AirID Smart Card Reader. Before using AirID, please take the time to read this user manual, to learn about all the features and capabilities of your new AirID. 

About This Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to help customers using the AirID on different platforms and contains also all the necessary information for application developers needed to use certgate's AirID Bluetooth reader with their apps.

Typographical Conventions

Device Layout

Overview

Device Description

AirID is powered by a rechargeable Li-Po battery. The battery is charged by plugging the AirID into either a computer or external USB wall adapter using the USB cable provided. The LCD display shows all setting information and status of the reader. The user-friendly control element helps you to navigate through the settings of the device.

Bluetooth Connected Mode Usage

With the AirID it is possible to protect Apps with smart card based-security via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).

Note: Because of the sandbox architecture of iOS and Android, the AirID driver needs to be integrated into an app to use AirID with this specific app.

Examples of apps with AirID integration:

• SecurePIM by Virtual Solution

• your company specific apps*

*contact your company administrator!

If you would like to integrate AirID into your app, visit our https://certgateairid.com/service-portal  to create a ticket and get our AirID SDKs for iOS and Android at the Download Center.

USB Connected Mode Usage

AirID can be used as a standard USB CCID reader on all most all PCs with a common operating system supporting the CCID standard (Windows, OS X and Linux etc.).

Package Contents

Check the product box for the following items:

Before start-up, ensure that the two safety seals are undamaged.

If the safety seals are damaged, it is suspected that your device has been altered inadmissibly. In this case, please contact your distributor and do not use the device.

Hardware Features

Menu Layout

In the AirID device menu, you can configure various settings and get status information about your AirID device. You can access the different menu entries by navigating with the control element.

AirID

The AirID menu is displayed in the main window and shows the smart card status.

Connection

The Connection menu is the second setting when you navigate down. This is used to activate the Bluetooth connection or to terminate the connection.

Pairing Code

This item is only shown during the first connection setup with a device and is used to display the pairing code and pairing status.

Settings

Under the menu Settings, you can configure settings for your AirID. Use the control element to select and confirm the settings.

AirID Info

Under AirID Info you will find further information about the AirID.

Card Info

For AirID 1 only

Prefered Device

Under "Prefer Device" the pairing information of the AirID with the already connected devices are stored. From these information you can select to which device the AirID should be connected in the future. All other devices will be ignored.

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Firmware Update

certgate is constantly working to make AirID even more reliable and faster. Therefore we provide firmware updates for our wireless smartcard readers under Download Center from time to time. Please install a firmware update as soon as it is available as it improves the reliability of the reader.

The AirID firmware can be updated via USB on Windows or MacOS PCs. Download the latest firmware from our website and unzip the file. Below, you will find the necessary steps for the update.

Update AirID 2

Update AirID 1

Using AirID

AirID supports various operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS and Android. The basic requirement is the Bluetooth Low Energy functionality of the device. When AirID is successfully paired and the driver is installed, the inserted smart card is available to be used for cryptographical operations such as authentication or data encryption. This requires an applet on the smart card and the corresponding middleware for the operating system used. 

The AirID software consists of two components:

1. AirID drivers, which ensures the communication between the AirID and the operating system, must be installed additionally depending on the platform or is already integrated in the Apps and solutions of third party vendors.
2. AirID Central App - a management software for your AirID forming the basis for usage of the device. The tool provides you with information and setting options for your AirID when your reader is connected to your device. 

AirID can be used with different terminals and platforms, but not in parallel operation.

Windows

With Windows, there is a system-wide smart card support using AirID.

AirID system requirements

Installation and Pairing

Silent Installation of the Driver

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Remove the Pairing

The pairing information are stored on both, the Windows system and AirID. To terminate the connection completely, the information on both sides must be removed.

On Windows

1. Open the Bluetooth settings on Windows (Settings → Devices → Bluetooth)
2. Select the corresponding AirID using the displayed serial number and click on "Remove Device"
3. Click "Yes" to confirm the removal of the device.

On AirID 2

On AirID 1

iOS

With iOS, a system-wide support of smart cards and card readers is not possible. In order to use AirID with a specific app, the AirID driver needs to be integrated into this app.

The connection to the iOS device is only active when the app in foreground is open. As soon as the app goes into the background, the Bluetooth connection to the AirID is released again.

AirID system requirements

AirID Integration

Pairing

Remove the Pairing

The pairing information are stored on both, the iOS device and AirID. To terminate the connection completely, the information on both sides must be removed.

On iOS

On AirID 2

On AirID 1

Android

With Android, a system-wide support of smart cards and card readers is not possible. In order to use AirID with a specific app, the AirID driver needs to be integrated into this app.

The connection to the Android device is only active when the app in foreground is open. As soon as the app goes into the background, the Bluetooth connection to the AirID is released again.

AirID system requirements

AirID Integration

Pairing

Remove the Pairing

The pairing information are stored on both, the iOS device and AirID. To terminate the connection completely, the information on both sides must be removed.

On Android

On AirID 2

On AirID 1

macOS

Linux

AirID Central Application

The AirID Central application is the management software for AirID. The AirID Central provides information and setting options for your AirID once your AirID is connected to your working device. If there is no connection, "No device" is displayed in the AirID Central.

AirID Central provides an overview of:

Additionally, the following AirID information is displayed when clicking on the AirID device picture displayed in the AirID Central App:

AirID Central with Windows

Additionally to the information mentioned above, there are some application functions especially for the Windows platform.

A right click on the AirID Central icon in the Windows notification area opens a menu with the following application functions:

Technical Specification

Safety Instructions

• Protect the device from dirt, dust, moisture, chemicals and extreme temperatures and use it only in dry rooms.
• Use only original, approved accessories intended for this purpose for the device.
• Do not use the product in the immediate vicinity of heating, other heat sources or in direct sunlight.

• The device is approved for an operating temperature range of -10 °C to +60 °C.

• The approved temperature range during charging is between 0 °C and +45 °C.

• Do not expose the device directly to magnetic sources.
• Do not put the device in your trouser pocket.
• Do not drop the product and do not expose it to violent shocks, drops, shocks or vibrations of any kind.
• Do not attempt to service or repair the product yourself or have it serviced or repaired by an unauthorized service or person.
• Do not make any unauthorized modifications to the software or hardware.
• Do not open or operate the product if damaged.
• Do not insert foreign objects into the card slot. The opening slot is intended exclusively for inserting a smart card.
• Improper use may damage the product or connected devices.
• To charge the battery, use only standardized charging cables and power sources (5V DC; min. 500mA) to avoid overcharging. This could damage the battery.
• Do not remove or damage the seal on the side of the unit.

Environment Temperature Range:

Disposal and Recycling

The device must not be disposed of with household waste. B2B equipment must be returned to the manufacturer.

Maintenance and Care

Clean the device only with a soft, clean and dry cloth. Do not expose the device to harsh chemicals, cleaning solutions or strong cleaning agents. Do not allow liquid to penetrate the product.

Warranty/ License/ Technical Support

Please note our regulations at Terms and Conditions & Legal Documents

Please note that only customer with a valid support and maintance agreement are authorized to get free support services.