User's Manual
HF-CNTL-485- 0 2   I N S T A L L A T I O N   G U I D E   –   R E V . 0 5               P A G E   1 1   O F   2 0  
CHAPTER 2:  
CONTROLLER INSTALLATION 
2 . 1   P R E P A R I N G   F O R   I N S T A L L A T I O N  
2.1.1  Power Requirements 
The  Cobalt  Controller  requires  an  electrical  supply  voltage.  See  Technical 
specifications for  details. Use a regulated power supply connected to a suitable AC 
power source that is capable of delivering these requirements.  Do not apply power 
until the entire system is wired and checked. 
2.1.2  Installation Guidelines 
•  RF performance and read/write range can be negatively impacted by the 
proximity of metallic objects. Avoid mounting the antenna within 15cm (6 inches) 
of any metallic object or surface. 
•  Do not route cables near unshielded cables or near wiring carrying high voltage 
or high current. Cross cables at perpendicular intersections and avoid routing 
cables near motors and solenoids. 
•  Avoid mounting the controller near sources of EMI (electro-magnetic 
interference) or near devices that generate high ESD (electro-static discharge) 
levels. 
•  If electrical interference is encountered (as indicated by a diminished or reduced 
read/write range), relocate the controller to an area free from potential sources of 
interference. 
•  Conduct a test phase where you will construct a small scale, independent 
network that includes the essential devices required to test your RFID 
application. To avoid possible interference with other devices, do not initially 
connect your RFID testing environment to an existing local area network. 
•  Always use adequate ESD prevention measures to dissipate potentially high 
voltages. 
2 . 2   C O N N E C T I N G   T H E   A N T E N N A  
Cobalt HF-Series RFID Antennas mount directly to the top of the Cobalt HF-Series 
RFID Controller’s housing. The antenna is first attached to the RF port on the 
controller and is then fastened to the controller’s housing using the two M5 screws and 
matching spring lock washers included with each Cobalt HF-Series RFID Controller. 
Use the provided 4mm hex key wrench to tighten both M5 screws. 










