Basics for Building an Attendance Tracker with Arduino and FileMaker

In this article, we will explore how to create an attendance tracker using Arduino and FileMaker. This system utilizes RFID technology to read badges and integrates with FileMaker to record and manage attendance data. The setup includes components such as an Arduino Uno R4 WiFi and an RC522 RFID module to read RFID badges.

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Required Components

• Arduino Uno R4 WiFi: The core microcontroller for managing logic and communication.
• RC522 RFID Module: Reads RFID tags and sends the badge information to Arduino.
• Buzzer: Provides audio feedback upon successful badge read.
• Dupont Cables: For wiring connections.
• Power Supply: USB-C adapter for powering the Arduino.

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Circuit Connections

Below is the connection schematic:

RC522 RFID Module to Arduino

RC522 Pin	Function	Arduino Pin
SDA	Chip Select	10
SCK	Serial Clock (SPI Clock)	13
MOSI	Master Out Slave In	11
MISO	Master In Slave Out	12
IRQ	Interrupt (not used)	Not connected
GND	Ground	GND
RST	Reset	9
3.3V	Power Supply	3.3V

Buzzer to Arduino

Buzzer Pin	Function	Arduino Pin
Positive (+)	Signal	3
Negative (-)	Ground	GND

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Arduino Code

Below is the Arduino sketch that integrates the RFID reader and buzzer:

#include <SPI.h>
#include <MFRC522.h>

// Pin Definitions
#define RST_PIN 9
#define SS_PIN 10
#define BUZZER_PIN 3

// Initialize RFID object
MFRC522 rfid(SS_PIN, RST_PIN);

void setup() {
  // Initialize Serial Communication
  Serial.begin(115200);

  // Initialize SPI
  SPI.begin();

  // Initialize RFID Module
  rfid.PCD_Init();

  // Initialize Buzzer
  pinMode(BUZZER_PIN, OUTPUT);
  Serial.println("Attendance System Ready");
}

void loop() {
  // Check for new RFID card
  if (!rfid.PICC_IsNewCardPresent() || !rfid.PICC_ReadCardSerial()) {
    return;
  }

  // Read RFID UID
  String uid = "";
  for (byte i = 0; i < rfid.uid.size; i++) {
    uid += String(rfid.uid.uidByte[i], HEX);
  }
  uid.toUpperCase();

  // Print UID to Serial Monitor
  Serial.println("Card UID: " + uid);

  // Activate buzzer
  tone(BUZZER_PIN, 1000, 200);  // 1000 Hz for 200ms

  // Delay before next reading
  delay(1000);
}

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Sample Output

When a badge is scanned:

1. The UID is displayed in the Arduino Serial Monitor.
2. The buzzer emits a sound as feedback.

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Conclusion

This project demonstrates how to create a basic attendance tracking system using Arduino and FileMaker. By integrating the RFID module, the system provides a user-friendly and reliable way to manage attendance data. FileMaker can be further configured to store and analyze attendance records via API integration.

Feel free to adapt and expand this setup for more advanced features, such as real-time synchronization or cloud integration. Happy building!

Image of the Connections

Video of the working