Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Allflex RFID Panel and Portal Readers User Manual (Version 2.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Panel Reader User Manual Document Control Form Allflex Australia Pty Ltd Document Information Document Name : Panel Antenna User Manual Current Version Number : V 2.4 Description : User instruction manual. Distributed with Allflex Panel Antenna package Document Changes Made By : Pat Gunston Version History Version Number V 2.0 V 2.1 V 2.2 V 2.3 V 2.4 Date Details 2/8/04 5/8/04 23/9/04 Version history started. Minor changes to layout. Document Control form added.
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Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Introduction The Allflex Panel Reader comprises 2 parts, the antenna and the reader control electronics. The reader section is the electronics that generates the signal used to excite (power up) the RFID device (Radio Frequency ID). The device is also referred to as a transponder, electronic ID (EID), as well as electronic eartag , etc. The reader also decodes the signal returned from the RFID device.
Rev Austalasia V2.3 12/04 Assembly Instruction 1. The Control Box mounts onto the panel as shown below. Note: the control box mounts in different locations dependant upon the size of the antenna (as shown below). Control Box Antenna The Allflex medium size panel antenna 2. The system can be supplied with either a standard 500 mm cable, or an optional 5 metre cable to join the control box to the antenna.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 4. The Control Box joins to the antenna as shown in the picture below. 5. The power supply cable joins to the Control Box and connects to a standard car, truck or tractor battery. (as shown below).
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Portal Antenna: The portal antenna is an optional replacement for the flat panel antenna and forms a tunnel that is placed in a stock race. The tunnel can be used bi-directionally. It is a structure formed from plastic that has a vee section base and rises from the ground at an angle of around 60 degrees as shown in the image and sketches below. Note – the portal joins to the control box via the blue cable supplied. Into the structure an antenna is wound an antenna.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 The wire is then laid over to the other edge of the structure, where a second loop is wound. This loop is at the edge where the animal will exit the structure. Therefore the animal will walk through 2 loops formed from one single conductor. The start of the wire and end of the wire terminate at an electrical connector to allow circuit connection to the control electronics. The first coil and second coil are wound in opposite directions (out of phase).
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 the read field is laid over at 6o degrees. The Images below show tags being read in various orientations. Another benefit of laying the coils over at an angle is to ensure that if a null zone is formed in the centre zone of the antenna, it (the null zone) will be on an opposing angle of 60 degrees. This means that it will be almost impossible for an animal to move through the antenna and follow the null zone (60 degrees to horizontal).
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 The portal can be fastened directly to the metal pipes, or tied firmly in place.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Mechanical Installation Choosing an Installation Site Several factors should be considered when selecting and / or constructing an installation site in order to ensure optimum performance of the Panel Reader. Prior to making structural changes to the target installation site, the user should temporarily install the reader in a manner that as closely as possible simulates the permanent installation.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 lifting one side away from the steel pipes, the current and read distance will be excellent. Verify that sufficient read range performance is possible. Note the screw driver blade sitting between the panel and the steel. The good read distance shown above has been achieved by lifting one edge off the steel. If you do temporarily position the reader like this, you can then mount the panel reader on ply in the desired position.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Antenna mounted on ply When you do mount a reader onto the steel pipe work of a crush etc, you will find the antenna transmits energy into the pipe work. What often happens is that the crush actually starts acting like an extension to the antenna. This is called the Parasitic Effect.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 data capture process either into scale heads, or the computer that you are using. In most cases the software has a means of coping with this. (b) Electrical Machinery - Most 240 volt AC operated electrical machinery will not interfere with the Panel Reader’s electrical signals.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Electrical Installation Electrical installation consists of making the appropriate power and data connections to the user’s equipment. In some installations, where multiple Panel Readers are located and operating at the same time, synchronization wiring will be required. Power Source Requirements The Panel Reader is supplied with a cable that allows direct connection to an automotive, truck or marine battery. A 240 volt powers supply is also available as an option.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Serial Data Communications The Panel Reader is provided with RS232 serial communications interfaces. RS232 is generally used in short run (less than 15 meters/50 feet) configurations where the data recording equipment is provided with a compatible RS232 interface. Longer cable lengths are possible also when data communications rates are low (9600 bits/second and lower). A standard 5 metre cable is provided.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 configurations. The balanced nature of this interface provides the ability to achieve long data communications cable lengths of up to 1500 meters (5000 feet) at the maximum communications data rate of 57,600 bits/second. An excellent technical guide to RS422/RS485 communications can be found on, and downloaded from, B&B Electronics’ Internet web-site at: http://www.bb-elec.com/tech_articles/rs422_485_app_note/table_of_contents.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 computer displays, for example, can interfere with the transmission and reception of RFID signals, and consequently reduce reading distance. Eartag/Reader Interference - Multiple eartags within the sensing range of the reader, or other readers emitting excitation energy in the immediate vicinity can adversely affect the reading performance or prevent operation of the Panel Reader.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Interpreting Tag ID Code Information Table 2 lists the default data formats that are transmitted from the Panel Reader’s serial communications port, in response to reading compatible type tags. For ISO type tags, there is no difference between HDX and FDX-B outputs.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Panel Reader Configurator® The Panel Reader is shipped with this Installation Guide and a CD copy of a PC Microsoft Windows® compatible application program Configurator®. Configurator® is an easy to use utility that aids in changing the factory set default options in the event the user wishes to customize the behavior of the Reader and the ID number format. Configurator® is a selfinstalling program.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 configuration settings. Configurator® comprises a single window display within which all options are listed and all possible settings are viewable in drop-down menu boxes. The Configurator® program will automatically determine the communications settings that are effective in the Panel Reader. The factory default settings are 9600 bits/second, no parity, 8 bits/word, 1 stop bit, and no flow control.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Table 2 - Factory Default Configuration Option Default Configuration Serial Data Duplicate tag reads are transmitted (this is Settings reconfigured in Australia and NZ before panel readers are sent out.
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Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Panel Reader Tuning The Panel Reader is factory tuned for optimum performance in the absence of nearby metallic objects. In some mechanical installations, mounting the panel reader near stationary metal objects is unavoidable, and sometimes it becomes necessary to install metal shields behind the Panel Reader in order to limit its effective read zone. In these instances, the presence of metal can detune the Panel Reader’s antenna circuit, and compromise performance.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 READER TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL RFID Compatibility: Form Factor: User Interface: RS232 Serial Port: Serial Data ID Code Format Memory: User Options: Power/Data Interface: Antenna Tuning: Battery Power: Agency Certifications: (*PENDING) ISO 11784 & 11785 HDX and FDX-B Flat Laminated Plastic Enclosure w/accessible electronics compartment Red LED “Exciter Active” Visual Indicator Green LED “Good Read” Visual Indicator RS232/RS422 Serial Data Port 300 BPS to 57.
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Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 FCC ID: NQY-930012 (PNL-4606-001) This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This device has been tested and meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) requirements of EN50082-1 and EN50022 for the CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC).
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Fault Finding Panel Antenna – Common Faults 1. Poor Read Distance 2. Is the Power Light ON? Yes No 3. Does your reader have a digital display? Yes No Is the Power Light on continuously or flashing Constant Flash 4. Is the reader correctly connected to the battery? Yes No 5. 6. Have the power connections come loose inside the box? 8. Is the exciter light Flashing Yes No 9. Is the antenna Tuned? The current should be around 1 amp. If the current is less than about 0.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 16. If you cannot get reasonable read distance and cannot get current above about 0.6 amps, remove the antenna from the crush, retune and re-test Fixed 20. Refit to crush but try packing antenna off steel or lifting one edge 17. Is the power source a Battery or Other 18. Is the battery charged? Check Volts (>11) or swap battery. Fixed Not Not 21. May be power, conducted or radiated interference Go to box 17. 22.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Assuming that the reader has been successfully installed and commissioned, generally, reliability issues with any sort of RFID reader will fall into 2 categories. (a) Poor read / No read and (b) No Communications. Please see following a flow chart that will assist in diagnosing faults. (a) Poor Read / No Read.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Testing Communications You can prove that the reader is communicating by plugging the reader into your computer, powering it up (reader and computer) and starting up the Configurator © program. The settings should automatically appear in the Configurator © screen. If not select the option to “Get Settings”. If the data does not appear it is likely that there is a problem with the communications. This might suggest that the Receive Wire is broken. Try reading a tag.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 The following screen will appear when HyperTerminal © starts. In the Name Box, enter some name like TEST, etc then click OK. When the following screen appears. Select, the pull down arrow in the “Connect Using” and select the appropriate Com port on your computer (usually Com1) and then click OK. Then the properties window will appear. Change the Bits per seconds (Baud Rate) to 9600, the Data Bits to 8, the Parity to None, Stop bits 1 and Flow Control to None. Then click OK.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Then a blank Screen appears. To test if you can send information to the reader – Hold down the SHIFT key and press the letter “p”. A capital P should appear and then followed by data gathered from the panel reader, similar to that shown below. When you scan a tag, the number should now appear.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Now we know that the panel reader is both reading and communicating effectively. This test proves that the cable is also functioning. The P signal means that the PC is communicating with the Reader and the returned Tag ID means that the reader is communicating with the PC. You should then check other equipment such as the scale head or computer to confirm they are operating correctly. Testing a Cable with a Multi-Meter A useful test tool to have available is a Multi-Meter.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 The table below shows how the cables should connect from one end to the other. Electronic Circuit Board Transmit (TxD) Receive (RxD) Signal Ground (GND) Military Connector Pin A Pin B Pin D Pin C (not used) 9 pin D Connector Pin 2 Pin 3 Pin 5 You can test these connections using the Multi-meter. On the dial of the meter select the Ω scale. If your meter has an audible beeper, select that setting, if not select the lowest value in the scale.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 should connect to Pin A on the military connector. Therefore touch the second test lead against Pin 2, if the cable is correctly joined you will hear the meter beep and see the dial or display show zero, or almost zero ohms. Use the table above and use the same process to also check the connections for Pin 3 and Pin 5 on the D connector and ensure that the cable is not broken.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Testing If A Battery Is Charged And Working. As mentioned a Multi-Meter can also measure voltage. If the reader is performing below standard you can check the battery voltage by following these steps. Insert the black test lead into the socket on the meter called Com. Insert the Red test lead into the socket that has the V shown. On the selector switch, select DC Volts and the 20 volts scale.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Did this solve the problem? If you have tried everything discussed in the fault finding brochure and the problem still persists, please do not hesitate to call your local Allflex office for over the phone fault finding advice.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 APPENDIX 1 – Serial Command Language Panel Reader V0.46 Communications Protocol Version A PREPARED BY: GÜNTHER NEGER 03/02 ALLFLEX S.A.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 1. Purpose and Scope This document is a full description of the serial communication protocol of the Allflex Stick Reader with software version 0.46. It is intended for Allflex internal use only. 2. General Issues The reader acknowledges every valid received character by looping it back to the sender. Invalid commands or parameters are responded with an error code. The type of handshaking supported is software controlled XON/XOFF.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.1.2.1. TRANSPONDER TYPE CODES a.) Allflex Style TRANSPONDER TYPE HDX-ISO HDX-Industrial Read Only HDX-Industrial Read/Write FDX-B ISO TYPE CODE H R W F b.) TIRIS Style TRANSPONDER TYPE HDX-ISO HDX-Industrial Read Only HDX-Industrial Read/Write FDX-B ISO TYPE CODE A R W A 3.1.3.
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Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.1. Ping With Settings Retrieves current option settings. Command: P Readers Response1: wo/Command Prompt22 *Allflex Panel Reader *HW V1.01 *SW V0.46 *PR V2.26 *B-840239 *S-0C00 *I-05 *W-00 *A-3 *L-0000 *F-0200 w/Command Prompt2 *Allflex Panel Reader *HW V1.01 *SW V0.46 *PR V2.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.3. Serial Hardware Settings Changes serial port hardware parameters. Unassigned bit values are always deleted to zero! Write Command: Read Command: S s Write Command Parameters: xxxx, where xxxx is a hexadecimal value.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.4. Various Settings Changes readers operational options. Unassigned bit values are always deleted to zero! Write Command: Read Command: I i Write Command Parameters: xx, where xx is a hexadecimal value.
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Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Initial character is 000 = “#” Delimiter character low is 10 = “,” (comma) Tag Type Identifier is 00 = Allflex Style Delimiter character high is 0 = “,” (comma) Country Code is 0 = ISO 3166 Alphanumeric Leading Zeroes is 1 = Yes Raw Format is 0 = No Command Prompt is 0 = No (Not used is 0000) Number Format is 0 = Decimal (Not used is 0) Send Duplicates is 0 = No (Not used is 00) Reserved Field is 0 = Off Data Block Field is 0 = Off Extended Code is 1 = On 3.2.6.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.7. Read Time Sets read time for requested readings in seconds. Legal values range from one to nine seconds! Write Command: Read Command: A a Write Command Parameters: x, where x is a decimal value. Readers Response: wo/Command Prompt6 *A-x w/Command Prompt6 *A-x > 3.2.8. Exciter Pulse Period Changes exciter pulse period setting.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.9. Exciter Pause Period Changes exciter pulse period setting. The parameter issued must be multiplied by five to calculate the exciter pause timing in milliseconds. Supported are values between 4h and FFh, equaling 20 ms to 1275 ms. Write Command: Read Command: K k Write Command Parameters: xx, where xx is a hexadecimal value. Readers Response: wo/Command Prompt7 *K-xx w/Command Prompt7 *K-xx > 3.2.10.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.11. Serial Bus Address Changes the current serial bus address. The serial bus address is used with RS422 and RS 485 serial port mode. Supported serial bus addresses range from 0 to 1F hexadecimal (equals 0 to 31 decimal). Write Command: Read Command: W w Write Command Parameters: xx, where xx is a hexadecimal value. Readers Response: wo/Command Prompt8 *W-xx w/Command Prompt8 *W-xx > 3.2.12.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 3.2.13. Re-Send Last Tag In case port type is set to RS232 the reader re-sends last tag read according to the currently selected ID-Code format settings. In serial bus mode, where port type is set to either RS422 or RS485, the reader transmits the first read result stored in the ID code buffer out the serial port, according to the currently selected ID-Code format settings8.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 Command: C Readers Response: wo/Command Prompt11 w/Command Prompt11 > 3.2.16. Request ID-Code Buffer Fill Level Requests the number of currently buffered tags. Command: l Parameters: none Readers Response - No Tag Available: wo/Command Prompt11 *L-0000 w/Command Prompt11 *L-0000 > 3.2.17. Request ID-Code Buffer Free Level Requests the number of available tags in buffer.
Rev Australasia V2.3 12/04 4. Bus Protocol Serial bus communication is active when serial port type is set to either RS422 or RS485. The reader accepts in this mode framed as well as unframed (RS232 port type typical, as described in section 3. ASCII protocol) commands. Readers responses to both framed and unframed received commands are always framed. Up to 32 readers can be addressed on the bus.
