The hardware that pairs with your PIT tags.
The tag is only half the program — you still have to inject it and read it back. Here are the field readers, injectors, and consumables that go with UID FDX-B tags, and how to pick the right one.
- FDX-B · 134.2 kHz
- FDX-B + HDX handheld
- 10-shot injector
Picking the right reader
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In-hand or at range?
If you can hold the animal, the URH-2 reads it in-hand at a few inches. If you need reach — larger animals, or scanning where you cannot press a reader against the animal — the URH-300HP has the range for it.
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FDX-B or HDX?
The URH-2 reads FDX-B. Most North American salmonid programs run HDX, and the URH-300HP is the only UID handheld that reads both FDX-B and HDX, so it is the safe choice when your program uses HDX arrays.
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Scanning in or near water?
Add the URH-PLEX telescoping antenna to the URH-300HP. The antenna goes in the water while the reader stays dry on the bank or boat, so you can scan submerged fish without dunking the reader.
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How many tags per session?
For a handful of tags, a single-shot needle is fine. For a high-throughput tagging day, the UMTI-10 multi-injector fires 10 tags per cartridge with one handle-pull each.
Two field readers
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In-hand handheldURH-2 ISO Handheld Reader
The URH-2-ISO is a low-power handheld reader for field ID work. Reads low-frequency FDX-B and FDX-A PIT tags, plugs into a PC over USB, and types the number straight into your record.
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High-power, dual-protocolURH-300HP ISO High-Power Reader
High-power ISO handheld for fisheries and wildlife field work. Reads both FDX-B and HDX at low frequency. IP67. Pairs with the URH-PLEX extendable antenna for underwater PIT-tag scans.
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URH-2 vs URH-300HP
| Capability | URH-2 Handheld | URH-300HP High-power handheld |
|---|---|---|
| Read range | ~3 in | 6–8 in |
| Protocols | FDX-B, FDX-A | FDX-B + HDX |
| Power | Low | High |
| Weather rating | IP54 | IP67 |
| Underwater with URH-PLEX | ||
| Best for | In-hand recapture | In-stream, underwater, HDX programs |
Inject it and reload in the field
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10-shot injectorMulti PIT Tag Injector — UMTI-10
Ten 2.1×12 mm FDX-B PIT tags per cartridge, one trigger pull each. A reloadable, reusable field injector for high-throughput fish, wildlife, and herpetofauna tagging.
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Refill cartridgeEmpty PIT Tag Cartridge
Empty cartridges for self-loading 2.1 × 12 mm FDX-B PIT tags into the Multi PIT Tag Injector. Each cartridge holds up to 10 tags. Sold in boxes of 10.
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Replacement needlePIT Tag Injector Needle
Replaceable triple-ground injection needle for the UMTI-10 Multi PIT Tag Injector. Built to ease insertion and minimize tissue trauma during microchip implantation. Box of 10.
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Common questions
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What does the URH-PLEX antenna add?
Underwater and out-of-reach scanning. The URH-PLEX is a telescoping antenna that pairs with the URH-300HP: the antenna goes in the water while the reader stays dry on the bank or boat, so you can scan submerged fish and reach spots where you cannot put the reader on the animal.
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Will these tags read on agency or PTAGIS-style arrays and other vendors' ISO readers?
Yes — ISO compliance is the contract. UID tags operate at 134.2 kHz and conform to ISO 11784/11785, so they read on any ISO-compliant FDX-B reader or array, not just UID's. The URH-300HP also reads other vendors' ISO tags at 134.2 kHz.
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Which tag sizes does the UMTI-10 handle?
The UMTI-10 multi-injector handles the 2.1 × 12 mm FDX-B tag only — not the 1.4 × 8.5 mm small-species tag. For the smaller size, use a single-shot needle instead.
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How many tags before I reload?
Ten. Each cartridge holds 10 tags and fires with one handle-pull per tag. Carry spare cartridges — they are refillable, and the box of empty UMTI-CAR cartridges lets you self-load between sessions.
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How should the needles be sterilized?
Per your IACUC or permit protocol. Needles are replaceable and ship in a box of 10 with a triple-ground tip that minimizes tissue trauma; how you handle sterilization between animals follows the protocol your program already runs, so confirm those steps against your approved SOP. See PIT tags for the tags these tools implant.
Not sure which reader and injector fit your program?
Tell us how you tag and where you scan — in-hand or in-stream, FDX-B or HDX, a few tags or a full field day. We can match you with the reader, antenna, and injector before you order.