Wearable BLE Beacon ID-BLE-W16 (Lanyard Tag, Rechargeable)

A wearable BLE beacon on a lanyard

The ID-BLE-W16 is a round Bluetooth Low Energy beacon, Ø40 × 10 mm and 9 g, worn on a lanyard. It suits sites that want to know which area a worker, visitor or contractor is in, without asking anyone to tap a card or carry a phone.

It broadcasts iBeacon and Eddystone frames on the licence-exempt 2.4 GHz band (2400–2483.5 MHz), up to 70 m in open space, and is configured from the Identium Connect mobile app. An accelerometer is supported.

Picking up the tag around a site

ID-BGW-02 BLE gateways mounted around the premises hear each tag and pass the readings on over Ethernet, Wi-Fi or 4G. Comparing signal strength (RSSI) across gateways puts the wearer in a zone, typically to about 10 m. A smartphone app that listens for BLE beacons can see the tag as well. The W16 does not support AOA; sub-metre anchors need one of the AOA-capable models.

Rechargeable cell, IP67 housing

Power comes from a rechargeable 1500 mAh Li-Po cell (3.7 V). Its 3-year standby figure applies at 0 dBm and a 10 s broadcast interval; a shorter interval or higher power drains it faster. The housing is rated IP67 and runs from −20 °C to +70 °C.

W16, W61 or B50?

Choose the W16 for a light (9 g), IP67 round lanyard tag. For a band that stays on the wrist and reaches 100 m in open space, see the ID-BLE-W61 beacon bracelet. If the wearer must be able to call for help, the B50-SOS version of the ID-BLE-B50 fob has a red SOS button. To compare them side by side, browse BLE wearables and work cards.