Connect an EID reader to the app¶

Once the EID reader itself is already configured correctly (see EID reader setup if not), connecting it to the LAMB app is simple and identical for every reader model.

Before you start

The reader needs to be turned on and set to send clean decimal numbers over Bluetooth (App/SPP mode — see the reader's manual). Bluetooth needs to be turned on on the phone.

1. Open the Bluetooth screen in the app¶

From the main menu (e.g. on the Dashboard) tap the button labeled "Bluetooth" — its icon changes with the connection state (disconnected / connecting / connected).

2. Grant permissions¶

The first time this screen opens, the app asks for Bluetooth and location permissions ("Bluetooth permissions required" — Android requires location access to scan for Bluetooth devices). Tap "Open settings" and grant all requested permissions.

3. Turn on Bluetooth (if needed)¶

If Bluetooth is off, a card appears saying "Bluetooth is off". Tap "Turn on Bluetooth".

4. Pair the reader with the phone¶

Important

LAMB does not pair the device itself — that has to be done in the phone's own Bluetooth settings (Android), just like with any other Bluetooth device. If the reader shows up in the app's list but is marked "Not paired - Pair in settings", go to the phone's Bluetooth settings, pair the reader there (confirm a PIN if asked — see the reader's manual), then come back to LAMB.

5. Connect to the reader in the app¶

Paired devices load automatically under "Paired devices" when the screen opens. If the reader isn't listed, tap "Discover" to search for nearby devices — it will then appear under "Discovered devices" with its signal strength (RSSI).

Tap the reader in the list (marked "Paired - Tap to connect"). The status briefly shows "Connecting...", then the confirmation "Connected to {device}" appears — the entry is now marked "Connected - Tap to disconnect".

6. Test the connection¶

Once connected, a card labeled "Scan tag" appears with the hint "Hold a tag up to the reader to test the connection". Scan one tag — the number appears under "Last scanned tag". Use "Clear" to remove it again.

7. Use the connection while registering animals¶

The connection is shared across the whole app. Once it's active you don't need to reconnect for every entry — go straight to a registration screen (e.g. register a lamb or a weighing) and scan; the number fills the right field automatically.

Common problems and fixes¶

"Connection failed: try unpairing and re-pairing the device in Android settings" — unpair the reader in the phone's Bluetooth settings and pair it again.
"Please pair the device in Android Bluetooth settings" — the reader shows up in the app but isn't paired with the phone at the OS level yet; go to the phone's Bluetooth settings first.
"Service unavailable. Try restarting both devices." — turn the phone and the reader off and on again.
If the connection drops mid-use, the app automatically tries to reconnect (shown at the top as "Reconnecting... (attempt N)"). If that doesn't work, reopen the Bluetooth screen and connect manually.

Based on lamb41/lib/screens/bluetooth/bluetooth_devices_screen.dart and bluetooth_provider.dart. Identical for Iceland and Denmark — the connection is region-independent.