User's Manual

© 2001, AXCESS Inc. 750.001.004 R0033 75
Appendix A: Troubleshooting the System
Required Materials
The following materials are necessary for troubleshooting:
• LED Test Tag
• A regular Tag
• Tape measure for measuring fields and cable
• A computer for interfacing directly with the Receiver and Activator
– a laptop is ideal
• A terminal emulation application such as HyperTerminal
• A one-to-one serial cable with a DB9 male connector
• Multimeter
Check the Site
Step 1:
Check the cable length – there should be a maximum of
50 feet between the Activator and transmitting antenna. If
the cable is too long, it will need to be shortened.
Step 2:
Check the distance between activated Tags and the
receiving antenna – ensure that the receiving antenna is
within 35 feet of activated Tags.
Step 3:
Ensure that the system is protected from the elements.
Exposed equipment should be waterproofed.
Check the Cables and Connectors
Most of the problems encountered with the ActiveTag system lie with
the cables. This includes having little or no range on the antennas.
Step 1:
Ensure that RG-58/U with 100% foil shield coverage is
used.
Step 2:
Ensure that the connectors are not free spinning. Replace
any connectors on cables that freely spin.
Step 1:
Check the continuity of the cables. There must be
continuity from end of the cable to the other (center
conductor) but
no
continuity between center and braid.
Check the Activator
Step 1:
Test the range of the activation field with the LED Test Tag
and compare it to the range listed Appendix E:
Specifications, page 87.