FAQ

Listed below are some common questions asked about Scanner Angel and the Halo scanner:

1. What is different about this scanner?

An otherwise traditional microchip scanner, the Halo will immediately alert the operator if the microchip being scanned belongs to an animal that has been reported missing. It is also currently the most economically priced scanner on the market.

2. What is Scanner Angel?

Scanner Angel is a unique database of the microchips of lost or stolen animals which is downloaded to the Halo scanner and updated every time the Halo is connected to a laptop or PC.

3. What microchips does the Halo scanner read?

The Halo scanner will read all 15 digit (FDX-B) microchips and 10 digit (FDX-A FECAVA) microchips. The 15 digit microchips are those that are used throughout Europe and most of the world. The 10 digit microchips were used in the UK about 15 years ago and are common in the USA. The Halo will NOT read AVID-Encrypted microchips or the 10 digit Trovan microchip, these chips are normally only used in the USA.

4. Does the Halo scanner need any batteries?

No, the Halo scanner has an internal rechargeable battery which is recharged through the USB connector.

5. How long does the battery last?

The standby time for the Halo scanner is about 2 months or 800 scans.

6. What is included in the packet?

The Halo scanner is supplied with a 1.8 metre USB lead and a CD for installing the accompanying software onto a Windows compatible PC.

7. What does the software do?

The software that is supplied with the scanner allows the list of missing animals to be downloaded onto the scanner as well as allowing the user to see and copy the microchip numbers that have been scanned by the Halo.

8. How often do I have to plug the Halo in?

Each time the Halo is plugged into the computer it will recharge the battery as well as download the latest missing animals. It is advisable therefore to update the scanner as often as practicable: however we would recommend plugging it in at least once a week which will not only keep the scanner updated but also fully charged.

9. What warranty is supplied with the Halo scanner?

The scanner comes with a manufacturers one year return to base warranty.

10. Does the software work on a Apple Mac?

No unfortunately at the moment the software is for a Windows compatible computer only. We hope to release Apple Mac compatible software at some point in the future.

11. My computer does not have a CD drive, can I download the software?

Yes, the latest version of the software can be downloaded from the UK Scanner Angel website, click here for the download page.

12. How long does it take to recharge the battery?

This will depend on the state of the battery but a normal charge from a low battery to a fully-charged one will be 3.5 hours.


Halo Scanners

You can find out more about the technical specifications of the Halo. This fully featured scanner is an excellent all purpose scanner with great readability.

Scanner Angel software

Used around the world Scanner Angel has beome an international provider of software and hardware specialising in the repatriation of lost pets.

Other Uses for Halo Scanners

The affordable Halo scanner can also be used for more than companion animals. It can also read NAIT approved FDX cattle and stock tags, as well as ISO compatible RFID user ID cards.