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Readers

Readers are the physical hardware that scan tokens and trigger actions in Zaparoo. Choose from ready-to-use USB readers, DIY modules, optical drives, or even virtual software-based readers.

Hardware Selection

Buying generic hardware? Pay attention to the recommendations in the docs. The hardware can be complicated without guidance, and it's easy to buy stuff that won't work or is low quality.

Reader Types​

NFC Readers​

Optical Readers​

Display Devices​

Custom & Virtual Readers​

Platform Compatibility​

Most readers work on all platforms, but some have limitations:

Reader TypeMiSTerWindowsLinuxmacOS
PN532 USB✅✅✅✅
PN532 Module✅✅✅✅
ACR122U (USB)✅❌✅❌
ACR122U (PCSC)❌✅❌✅
Optical Drive✅❌✅❌
Simple Serial✅✅✅✅
File Reader✅✅✅✅
TTY2OLED✅✅✅✅

NFC Readers​

NFC readers are the most popular option, working with NFC tags, cards, and compatible toys.

  • NFC Overview - General information about NFC readers
  • PN532 USB - Ready-to-use USB NFC readers
  • PN532 Module - Bare NFC modules for DIY projects
  • ACR122U - Common commercial NFC reader
  • RC522 - Basic RFID module for microcontrollers

Supported Tokens​

All NFC readers can scan:

Getting Started​

  1. Choose your reader - See recommendations above
  2. Get tokens - NFC tags, QR codes, or optical discs
  3. Install Zaparoo Core - Platform guides
  4. Configure your reader - Most work automatically!
  5. Start scanning - Write ZapScript to your tokens

Troubleshooting​

Reader not detected?

  • Check Reader Drivers for configuration help
  • Enable debug_logging = true in your config.toml
  • Review hardware-specific troubleshooting in reader docs

Which reader should I buy?

  • 95% of users should get the PN532 USB
  • It's cheap, reliable, and works everywhere

Can I use multiple readers?

  • Yes! Connect as many readers as you want
  • Each reader operates independently

See Also​