Click to enlarge

Encompass 1i Handheld AEI Reader Package

The Encompass 1i Handheld AEI Tag Reader is an extremely versatile AEI tag reader. It was designed for capturing track or train consist by reading the AEI tags on the rail vehicles. Its two main components are a commercial Intermec CN3 Mobile Computer running Windows Mobile 6.0 and a handle (Intermec IP30) housing the AEI RF reader and battery.

Because the mobile computer has wireless network capabilities (both 802.11b and Bluetooth), AEI tag data can be easily sent directly to other computer systems. AEI data is sent in a comma delimited text file or a file containing the T94 records. Either of these file types can be attached to an email or uploaded to an FTP server. The Encompass 1i Handheld AEI Tag Reader can send AEI data files directly to as many as seven email addresses in addition to an FTP server.

Some of the other capabilities of the Encompass 1i Handheld AEI Tag Reader with Softrail's AEI Tag Reading Sofwatre are listed below:

  • Displays AEI tag data in user-friendly format.

  • Allows manual entry of vehicle identification information in the event an AEI tag cannot be read.

  • Allows vehicles to be assigned to a track or a spot on a track.

  • Allows the user to assign track and spot names.

  • Allows the scanning of two tracks at the same time.

  • Allows the use of special AEI tags that are programmed with track and spot information to eliminate the requirement of entering this information manually.

  • Allows additional data to be added about vehicles. There are twelve data fields available. The user can define and name seven of these fields. The other five fields are: two Maintenance Data fields, a Status field, a Consist field and a Comments field.

  • Allows the use of special barcode labels to enter maintenance and status information about a rail vehicle.

  • Allows for the easy development of custom applications.

  • Enables other vendors (OEMs) to develop special applications for the portable AEI reader. The portable AEI readers allow other applications to easily access tag and barcode data and send their generated data as files attached to emails or uploaded to an FTP server.

  • Allows the portable reader to access data from other devices (scales, wayside sensors, etc.) via its Bluetooth connection and associate this data with AEI tag reads.

  • Has an optional built-in Global Positioning System (GPS), which associates a location to a tag read.

  • Has an integrated barcode reader which allows barcode data to be associated with tag reads.

  • Has optional wireless WAN capabilities (GSM/GPRS/EDGE or CDMA/1xRTT/EV-DO)



The Encompass 1i Handheld AEI Tag Reader is upward compatible with the SmartScan Model 2400 Portable Reader and interfaces to Softrail's AEI Rail and Road Manager program. (click here for more information)

There is also a version of this reader for hazardous locations. Please see the specification sheet below for harzardous location certifications.

The specification sheet, user manual and user manual for the Setup program can be downloaded from below.

Softrail can customize the unit to meet individual customer requirements. Please contact us for a quotation on customizing the unit.

The price below includes:

  • A CN3 Mobile Computer with battery.

  • A IP30 RFID reader handle with battery.

  • A docking station and battery charger for the CN3 Mobile Computer.

  • A 2-bay charger for the IP30 battery.

  • A copy of Softrail's Encompass 1i AEI Tag Reading Software.

  • A copy of Softrail's AEI Rail and Road Manager Software (Limited Version).

  • A copy of Softrail's Encompass 1i Setup Program.

We recommend that you purchase a second battery for IP30 RFID reader handle.

See below for prices that do not include Softrail's AEI Tag Reading Software, the IP30 charger and the CN3 docking station.


(encompass1i-pack)$5,400.00

Click to enlargeSpecification Sheet
Click to enlargeEncompass 1i User Guide
Click to enlargeEncompass 1i Setup Program Guide
Click to enlargeEncompass 1i Setup Program (Windows)
Click to enlargeSoftrail's AEI Tag Reading Software (Version 2.0) installed on the Encompass 1i's CN3 Mobile Computer

This software will operate as a demo verson until an installation key is entered.

If you purchased the Encompass 1i package above you will not have to enter a new installtion key.

If you have not purchased this software for the unit where this software will be installed, you can purchase a installation key below.

Click to enlargeAEI Rail and Road Manager Software Web Page
Click to enlargeMicrosoft ActiveSync Download Link
Click to enlargeEncompass 1i Handhand AEI Reader without Softrail's AEI Tag Reading Software
For customers that want to develop their own software and, therefore, do not require Softrail's AEI Tag Reading Software installed in the Encompass 1i's CN3 mobile computer, they can purchase the unit without this software.

The price below includes:

  • A CN3 Mobile Computer with battery.

  • A IP30 RFID reader handle with battery.

  • A docking station and battery charger for the CN3 Mobile Computer.

  • A 2-bay charger for the IP30 battery.


(encompass1i-no-soft)$4,800.00
Click to enlargeEncompass1i Handheld AEI Reader without the AEI Tag Reading Software, IP30 Charger and CN3 Docking Station
For customers who do not want the Softrail's AEI Tag Reading Software, the IP30 charger and the CN3 docking station, they can purchase the Encompass 1i handheld AEI Reader without these.

The price below includes:

  • A CN3 Mobile Computer with battery.

  • A IP30 RFID reader handle with battery.


(encompass1i-no-acc)$4,450.00
Click to enlargeSoftrail's AEI Tag Reading Software Installation Key
For customers who purchased the Encompass 1i AEI Handheld Reader without Softrail's AEI Tag Reading Software they can purchase an installation key.

This software will operate as a demo version until an installation key is entered.

We will need the CN3 mobile computer's serial number to generate the installation key.

You can download this software clicking on the appropriate download button above.

(encompass1i-soft)$600.00
Click to enlargeIntermec IP30 Reader BatteryIntermec P/N 075082-002 battery for the IP30 / SR61 reader / scanner.

(AB3)$95.00
Click to enlargeIntermec AC7 4-Bay Battery Charger SystemIntermec 4-bay battery charger (P/N 852-908-001) for the Intermec IP30/ SR61 battery. Includes 110 / 220 VAC power supply (P/N 851-082-103) power supply and cable.

(AC7)$500.00
Click to enlargeEmail or call Tom Levine at 888 872-4612 if you have any questions.