URC-500 - High Power Console Reader
The URC-500 provides long-distance microchip reading capabilities with up to an 8" read range and an IP67 waterproof metal housing, and comes in single-antenna or four-antenna multiplexed configurations.
- Up to 8" read range
- Runs up to 4 antennas
- IP67 waterproof
The Foundation for Custom Read Solutions
The URC-500 provides long-distance microchip reading capabilities for hands-free animal identification and temperature monitoring. Reading distances up to 8" are possible, depending on the antenna and the microchip you're using. The URC-500 can be mounted and secured to flat surfaces, including under the bench for maximum countertop space, and it connects to a PC over USB. With the URC-500-4 you can connect up to four antennas, which allows for location and temperature monitoring in home cage studies, tunnel applications, and custom enclosures. Several antenna options can be specified at the time of order, including a wand, a 6" x 6" plate, and a tunnel. Custom solutions are also available.
- Home cage monitoring — connect up to four antennas to track animal location and temperature in an enclosure.
- Primate tunnels — position an antenna in a race or a tunnel to capture reads as animals pass through.
- Hibernation enclosures — long-dwell reads for species like ground squirrels.
- Custom racks & runs — configure antenna placement around the geometry of your study enclosure.
- IP67 protected housing — a waterproof metal enclosure and industrial-grade connections protect the reader in demanding lab environments.
Specifications
Pick the Port Count
There are two different options for the URC-500: a single-port version for single-antenna configurations, and a four-port multiplexed version for up to four antennas.
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URC-500-1
Single antenna
- URC-500 reader console Waterproof IP67 metal housing
- Single antenna port
- Antenna specified at order Wand, Plate, Tunnel, Custom solutions
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Most popular
URC-500-4
Up to 4 antennas, multiplexed
- URC-500 reader console Waterproof IP67 metal housing
- Multiplexed antenna ports Up to four
- Antenna(s) specified at order Wand, Plate, Tunnel, Custom solutions
You May Also Need
-
TemperatureUCT-2112 Temperature Microchip
- Unique ID
- Temperature
- 12.5G
2.1 × 13 mm with a ±0.1 °C temperature sensor. Returns ID and core temperature on the same scan.
View UCT-2112 -
Research data collection softwareDataCollector
- Continuous logging
- Direct-to-CSV
Automated scan capture for reader-driven studies. Connects to UID readers over USB, serial, or TCP. Logs timestamped ID and temperature reads to the session. Writes to a rolling CSV ready for analysis.
View DataCollector -
Cloud dashboards + alertsVivoTraq
- Live Alerts
- Real-Time Monitoring
- Study Management
Cloud-hosted workspace for home cage monitoring data. AnyCage and UID reader scans feed browser dashboards, automated alerts, and multi-site collaboration.
View VivoTraq
Common Questions
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What's the difference between the URC-500-1 and URC-500-4?
The URC-500-1 has only a single antenna port and runs one antenna at a time, whereas the URC-500-4 has four antenna ports and allows up to four antennas to be used at once.
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What's the actual read range, and what affects it?
The read range is up to 8", depending on the antenna and the microchip you're using.
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Can you build a custom antenna for our enclosure?
Yes. When none of the standard antennas fit the enclosure, we can design one that will fit your needs. Tell us about your enclosure and the species you'll be working with, and we'll engineer an antenna that works for your setup.
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Does it read temperature?
Yes. The URC-500 returns animal ID and body temperature on the same read if you're using a microchip that supports temperature reads. Paired with DataCollector, every read is logged with a timestamp, ID, temperature, and the antenna that captured it.
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How does the data get to our PC?
Over USB. The URC-500 connects to a Windows workstation running UID's DataCollector desktop app, which records every read into rolling CSV files that can then be ingested into your LIMS or analysis software. VivoTraq is the option when the study needs cloud dashboards and alerts rather than local files.
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Will it survive vivarium cleaning?
Yes. The electronics are sealed in a waterproof metal enclosure rated IP67, and all connectors are industrial-grade. The unit mounts on a flat surface or under a bench to free up counter space, and it tolerates spills, washdowns, and common laboratory cleaning agents.
Planning a Fixed-Station Deployment?
Antenna choice, reader configuration, and mounting all depend on what you're scanning and where. Tell us about your planned setup and we can help you determine the right products before you order.