User's Manual

Page 8 of 12
Appendix A : FAQs
A1: Transponder is not being detected
A few transponders are not being detected.
If this is the case, the problem is most likely related to the individual transponder or the positioning of the transponder.
- Check the mounting position of the transponder, for more information check your transponder manual.
None of the transponders are being detected.
If this is the case, the problem is most likely related to the detection loop, decoder, timing computer or cabling. Please
take the following steps:
- Check if the loop in the display changes to black during a transponder passing. If this is working, but nothing appears
on the computer screen, check the cabling between the decoder and the computer.
- Check the coaxial cable by measuring the resistance (with multimeter) between the center pin and the outside of the
BNC connector. The reading should be approximately 150 kOhm after 30 seconds. If not, the coaxial must be replaced.
- Check the loop wire by cutting the loop wires from the connection box and measuring the resistance between the loop
wires in the track. The reading should be approximately 220 Ohm. If this is not the case, the loop must be replaced.
When (re)connecting the loopwires to the connection box please solder with proper connections (for more information
please check your system installation manual).
Error messages
- Activator overload: This means that the overcurrent protection of the activation circuit is working. A possible cause is
a short circuit in the coaxial cable, or the use of an incorrect loop or connection box.
- Activator hot: This means that the temperature of the activator circuit is too high. The decoder must be used at ambient
temperatures below 50C/122F, otherwise problems with the loop may occur.
A2: Noise level
What if my background noise is higher than -50 dBm?
An increased background noise is an indication of a higher interference level picked up by the system. The noise level
should be as low as possible, but as long as the received signal from the transponders is at least 20 dBm higher then the
noise level detection will be reliable. If the noise level is higher than -70 dBm, there is most likely something wrong with
the installation.
Possible causes of high background noise levels:
- When the detection loop is damaged, a fluctuation in noise level will be noticeable, especially in wet conditions. If this
is the case, please check the loop wire and coaxial for cuts or breakage.
- Electrical equipment too close (<3 m) to the loop or coaxial cable.
- Using a generator with a poor ground connection
- Use of DC/AC converter for AC power.
- Poor connections between the detection loop and the coaxial cable.
- BNC connector incorrectly fitted to the coaxial cable
- Poor ground connection of the AC power.