Page 1 of 57 EMC Technologies Pty Ltd ABN 82 057 105 549 Unit 3/87 Station Road Seven Hills NSW 2147 Australia Telephone +61 2 9624 2777 Facsimile +61 2 9838 4050 Email syd@emctech.com.au www.emctech.com.
User Manual MARS-24AT Multiple Antenna Reader System Document Number : 63-70-006-DOC Revision: 1.
MARS-24AT User Manual Revision History Version Date Person Ver.1.0 05.2007 Olga Kolesnik Ver. 1.1 07.2007 Bodo Ischebeck Reason I/O Port To our valued customers We constantly strive to improve the quality of all our products and documentation. We have spent time to ensure that this document is correct. However, we realise that we may have missed a few things. If you find any information that is missing or appears in error, please use the contact section at the end of this document to inform us.
MARS-24AT User Manual Contents Revision History...........................................................................................................................................................................................................2 About this manual............................................................................................................................................................................................................
MARS-24AT User Manual 7.1 External Antenna Types................................................................................................................................................................................ 41 7.2 Reader-Tag Compatibility............................................................................................................................................................................. 43 7.3 Maximum Read-Write Distance.............................................
MARS-24AT User Manual About this manual Please read this document before using Magellan’s readers. This manual is designed for use by engineers experienced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices. Regulatory, safety and warranty notices that must be followed are given in chapter 7.5 and 7.8. Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words Notes and Tips. Application Notes. Requires your attention.
MARS-24AT User Manual Magellan’s RFID reader-writers are to be professionally installed by authorised, qualified and servicetrained installation personnel only. Maintenance All Magellan’s RFID readers-writers are low maintenance equipment. Except for externally accessible fuses there are no user-serviceable parts in any reader. There is no requirement to remove the cover of the reader. Removal of the reader cover by unauthorised personnel will void the product warranty.
User Manual MARS-24AT 1. Introduction Thank you for your recent purchase of a Magellan RFID reader-writer. This User Manual will provide you with information to rapidly adopt Magellan’s PJM technology for your needs, to install the reader hardware and ReaderManager software and get the reader running. Refer to the 66V10 PJM Confidential Data Book (36-10-006-SPC)for the description of the PJM ItemTag® and PJM StackTag® products of Magellan Technolgoy.
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MARS-24AT User Manual 2. Before you begin 2.1 Unpacking and Inspection When you receive your system, inspect it for any obvious damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there is damage, notify the shipping carrier and the supplier of the equipment or Magellan if purchased directly from Magellan. Until you have checked the system, save the shipping carton and packaging materials in the event the unit has to be returned.
MARS-24AT User Manual 2.1.2 Data Communication Cables Magellan supplies USB shielded cables (USB 2.0, 2 m long). As shielded cables are generally required in order to comply with EMC emissions limits, the shielded cables recommended by Magellan Technology must be used. Unshielded cables may be used where explicitly allowed in the Installation Requirements section of this User Manual. USB cable should not be longer than 3m Ethernet cable is not included with the supply.
MARS-24AT User Manual 2.2 Recommended System Requirements Recommended minimum host computer requirements: • Operating System: Windows XP SP2 • Memory: 128MB RAM • Hard Drive: 20 GB • CPU: Intel Celeron 500 • Interface: USB or Ethernet Power supply requirements: • Mains input: 110 - 240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz • Low voltage input (MARS-24AT): 12 VDC @ 2.5 A 2.
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MARS-24AT User Manual 3. Product Overview Magellan’s RFID readers are intended to read and write information to individual Magellan ItemTags and multiple Magellan StackTags. The communication protocol used by the reader is compliant with ISO/IEC 18000 - 3 Mode 2 (Air Interface at 13.56 MHz). 3.
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MARS-24AT User Manual 4. Installation 4.1 Quick Start Guide Quick Start Guide MARS Readers HF RFID Readers/Writers PJM® Technology ISO/IEC 18000-3 Mode 2 1. Hardware Installation (4.2 User Manual) Connect a communication cable (USB or Ethernet) to the reader and host PC Connect external antenna/s to the reader 2. Software Installation (4.3 User Manual) Connect a power pack to the reader Install the ReaderManager software from the supplied CD-ROM 3.
MARS-24AT User Manual 4.2 Hardware Installation Antenna Interface User I/O MARS-24AT User I/O and Antenna Interface RJ 45 (Ethernet Port) USB Device Port USB Host Port LEDs Power Port Power Switch MARS-24AT User Interface panel RCA Connector Adjustable tuning capacitor Round 124 mm dia.
MARS-24AT User Manual 4.2.1 Connecting to a power supply Step 1: Connect a low voltage power pack to the unit. The connection to the power source is enabled via a low voltage power pack. The power cable is not supplied with the reader and is recommended to be purchased in the country of use. Step 2: Plug the power supply into AC power mains. LEDs will come on.
MARS-24AT User Manual 4.2.2 User I/O Interface Connector The MARS-24AT has an external interface connector called the USER I/O. This provides a number of digital input and outputs points. These can be used under application control to connect to external devices, such as buttons and lights. The connector is an IDC 20 pin male.
MARS-24AT User Manual All the External input line pins will generate log messages when the state of a pin changes, for example Info,External:Input 4 changed state to 0. The External input() API function can also be called to read the state of all inputs as a number. The inputs allow connection to either switches or any external sensor which provides a contact closure or TTL compatible signal.
MARS-24AT User Manual 4.2.5 Connecting Multiple Readers to a local network Multiple readers can be connected to a local network using an Ethernet hub/switch. Plug the Ethernet communication cable into the MARS’s RJ45 socket (Ethernet port) and Ethernet hub/switch. Always connect the Ethernet cable before power is applied to the reader. MARS-24AT with the Ethernet communication cable and power cable 4.2.
MARS-24AT User Manual 4.2.7 Antenna Matching, Tuning and Testing Before you start tuning and testing the antennas it is nececcary to install the ReaderManager software and connect to a reader in the ReaderManager’s Connection menu. Refer to the ReaderManager Guide (40-01-006-DOC) for the antenna matching, tuning and testing instructions using the Wizard tool in Reader Setup.
MARS- User Manual 4.3.1 Installation and Functionality Test Step 1: Insert the CD supplied with the reader into the CD-ROM. Step 2: Open Windows Explorer, double click on ReaderManager-Install. Step 3: Ensure all items in the Install dialog are ticked, and then click the Install button. If Python is not installed on your computer, the installation program will prompt you if you would like to install Python. Click the Yes button and accept all the default options during installation.
MARS- User Manual 4.3.2 Upgrading software Magellan recommends to upgrade the ReaderManager software at least once a month and ReaderServer software on network based readers every 3-4 months. You are able to download the latest version of the ReaderManager operating software from Magellan’s website. Contact Magellan or its representatives to receive a user name and password.
MARS- User Manual To change the reader’s network settings: From the Tools menu in the ReaderManager select System then Configuration System. Click the Network Configuration tab. If the reader is to be assigned an IP address from a DHCP server click the Obtain an IP address automatically check box. To assign a static IP address, uncheck the check box and enter the IP address in the IP address text box. The box will turn red if the IP address is not valid.
MARS24AT User Manual 4.4.1 Getting an IP address using Ethernet Here is a general guide to the way Reader network address assignment works: The Ethernet interface is either served an IP address via DHCP or is assigned a static IP address by the user. If the Reader is set to use a DHCP assigned address and no DHCP server is available it will automatically use a link local address of 169.254.0.0/16. The Reader must be powered up with the Ethernet connected to get a DHCP assigned IP address.
MARS24AT User Manual If the address here is not 169.254 followed by 2 other numbers, then the user needs to check the following: 1. Right click on the Ethernet connection in the Network Connections window. 2. Select the Properties menu option. 3. In the properties window, look in the list of items for Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). 4. Double click on this item 5. In the Internet Properties window, click on the Alternate Configuration tab 6.
MARS24AT User Manual You can verify that the reader is connected by looking at the Network Connections window. You can open this window from several places: Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Network Connections or My Computer -> Other Places -> My Network Places -> View Network Connections. Step 2: Make sure that the USB and power cables are plugged in. Turn on the reader. The Found New Hardware dialog box will be displayed.
MARS- User Manual Once the network connection has been removed: 1. Plug the reader back in. 2. Wait for the network connection to re-appear and become Connected. 3. Connect to the reader via the ReaderManager. Another solution is to try another USB port as USB ports can fail on PCs. As with the previous case: 1. Unplug the reader. 2. Wait for the network connection to be removed. 3. Plug the reader into another USB port.
User Manual MARS24AT To change a reader network name: From the Tools menu, select System then Configuration System. The window shown below will be displayed. Click the column on the right of Customer ID and enter the name you would like the Reader to be identified as. This is the name that will appear on the Connection menu. Click the Save button on the right to save your changes to the reader, or click the Refresh button to restore the previously saved name.
MARS- User Manual The status bar will change from a red to a green background to indicate that the ReaderManager was able to connect to a reader. The tag type and IP address are also shown on the status bar. To get more information how to setup static connections to readers please refer to the ReaderManager Guide (40-01-006-DOC). 4.5 Communication Test Perform the tag reading test by selecting Tools -> System -> Grid of tags sight count.
MARS24AT User Manual 5. Working with Antennas MARS-24AT requires special installation and tuning of external antennas. Refer to the ReaderManager User Guide (4001-006-DOC) for the antenna matching, tuning and testing instructions using the Reader Setup Wizard tool. MARS’ external antennas are suitable for applications where one or many reading points are required.
MARS- User Manual Plastics are the best materials on which to mount an antenna provided that they are graphite/carbon free. Try to avoid using black plastics as they may be conductive due to carbon/graphite based colouring agents. Clear glass is generally not conductive and can be used as a desk top material (for desktop applications). Smoked and tinted glass may be conductive and any affect on antenna operation should be determined by measurement. 5.
User Manual MARS- 5.4 How to shield antennas Antennas may be shielded by a purpose built ferrite sheet only. In special circumstances devices such as keyboards and computers may be placed under antennas where a purpose built ferrite antenna shield (64-50-001) is provided to protect the antenna. A ferrite shield consists of a sheet of aluminium with ferrite tiles, minimum thickness 5 mm.
MARS- User Manual 5.5.1 Equipment and Software Required for Antenna Tuning and Testing • 1 x Antenna Tuning Probe with cable (Magellan Antenna Tuning Kit) • 1 x RF Trimming Tool (Magellan Antenna Tuning Kit) • 1 x Universal Digital Voltmeter (to measure DC voltages between 1 and 15 volts) • Magellan ReaderManager software– V2.05 or better • 1 x Tag (fully powered tag) Antenna Tuning Kit: Antenna Tuning Probe with a cable and RF Trimming Tool 5.5.2 Tuning Instructions 1.
User Manual MARS24AT The 8.8 m cable will provide a range reduction of between 15% to 20 % in comparison to the 1.5 m standard cable (Refer to the 7.3 Maximum Read-Write Distance). Method 1 To confirm optimum antenna operation measure the maximum read-write distance. 1. Take a single tag and position it over the reader antenna center. Do not hold the tag antenna coil or tag inner area with your fingers. Preferably hold the tag edges or use a non metallic carrier to hold the tag. 2.
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MARS24AT User Manual 6. Working with Tags Do not stack Magellan ItemTags on top of each other or allow them to touch or overlap. Only Magellan StackTags can be stacked, overlapped or allowed to touch each other. Single-axis antennas are tag orientation sensitive. Refer to the Tag-to-Reader/Tag-to-Antenna section of this document.
MARS- User Manual 6.2 How to check a tag configuration mode The tag configuration mode can be checked with the ReaderManager: 1. Go to Tools -> System -> Interrogate Command. 2. In Reply select Normal and click Send. 3. Then go to Tools -> System -> Table of Tag Messages to see the tag configuration in the Config column. The messages of all the tags currently in the reader antenna field can be seen. 2000 means that the tag has been reconfigured to ST ¼ normal power mode configuration.
User Manual MARS- 6.4 Tag-to-Antenna Orientation Tags should always be presented face on to the external antenna surface (i.e. with the coils of the reader antenna and the tag parallel). This is the position for optimum coupling (power transfer) between the antenna and the tag, and hence gives maximum read range. Tags may still work at an angle depending upon the distance between the tag and the external antenna.
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MARS- User Manual 7. Appendix 7.1 External Antenna Types External antennas have been designed to operate with Magellan’s MARS readers. The antenna operating volume is inside the antenna turns. Each antenna is connected to a reader via a supplied RCA cable. The RCA cable length: 1.5 m (standard cable), 8.8 m (on request). Magellan’s MARS readers have been assigned to operate with the antennas listed below, and having maximum gain of 3.5 dB.
MARS- 42 64-10-002 Single axis, Rectangular, 202x352 mm inner antenna coil, 250x400 mm overall dimensions, thickness 3.2 mm 64-10-004 Single axis, Rectangular, 202x352 mm inner antenna coil, 250x400 mm overall dimensions, thickness 0.
MARS- User Manual 7.2 Reader-Tag Compatibility READER-WRITERS Maximum Read-Write Distance* (MRD), mm MARS and round external antenna (124 mm dia.) MSTRP-5050 MDOCR-2505 MDR-1109 MTR-1310 235 60 170 30 165 30 56 x 26 mm 220 55 48 x 16 mm 105 10 35 mm diameter 170 40 25 mm diameter 120 15 20 mm diameter 105 10 28 x 16 mm 120 15 20 x 15 mm 95 10 76 x 45 mm, 5 turns 76 x 45 mm, 2.
MARS- User Manual 7.3 Maximum Read-Write Distance MARS with External Antennas Maximum Read-Write Distance* (MRD), mm External antenna type 60 mm dia. 124 mm dia.
MARS- User Manual 7.4 Specifications • Read and write operations • No user-serviceable parts • ISO/IEC Compliance 18000-3 Mode 2 • Operating Frequency 13.
MARS- User Manual 7.5 Regulation and Standards RFID equipment is subject to national and international regulations. 7.5.1 FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement (USA) The FCC regards RFID equipment as low-power transmitting devices and, therefore, does not require users of RFID devices to obtain a license to operate them. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
MARS- User Manual 7.5.3 ISO/IEC 18000 – 3 Mode 2 (Air Interface at 13.56 MHz) Compliance Magellan’s readers fully comply with the ISO/IEC 18000 Part 3 Mode 2 (Information technology – Radio frequency identification for item management. Part 3: Parameters for air interface communications at 13.56 MHz) published in August, 2004. 7.5.
MARS24AT D/C Date Code (month/year): Date of device manufacturing DSB Digital Support Board: Embedded processor board running the embedded operating system (OS) and the ReaderServer HF High Frequency (13.
MARS- User Manual seconds before powering the PC back up again. For laptops this means removing the battery and waiting for 30 seconds. This ensures that the USB host controller chips on the motherboard have had a chance to be fully reset. Power cycle the reader Turn off the power or unplug the power cable (the power port on the reader). Open the Network Connections window in Windows. Wait for the reader network connection to be removed from the Network Connections window.
MARS- User Manual 7.7 Troubleshooting 7.7.
MARS24AT User Manual 7.7.2 Antenna installation and maintenance Antenna test failed Wrong tag. The tag used for the test is in a low power mode. Make sure you use a normal/fully powered tag for testing (refer to the Working-with-Tags section in the Reader User Manual). Perform the test again. Faulty tag Replace tag. Do not use a tag with a black dot or black square marking (faulty tag).
MARS- PC does not recognise the reader at all The USB port on the PC is broken Use another USB port known to be working. USB port has temporarily failed Power cycle the PC. The reader is faulty Check the reader on two other PCs. If no PC shows any response at all to the USB cable being plugged in then it’s faulty. Send a service report on the Service Form. USB cable faulty Change the USB cable.
MARS- User Manual • Have this reader and the tags you are using worked at any time in the past? • Have you tried connecting to the reader with a different PC? • Have you successfully installed the ReaderManager application? • In the ReaderManager, select the Help/About ReaderManager menu item and record on the Service Form what version numbers are shown in the window that appears. • In the ReaderManager, select the Help/System Report/Get System Information.
MARS- User Manual 7.8.4 Limitation of Liability Magellan’s warranty excludes products that have been improperly installed or maintained, modified or misused. Notification of claims must occur within the warranty period. End-users should contact the company from whom they purchase the products for replacement, repair or refund in accordance with Magellan’s terms and conditions of sale.
MARS- User Manual 7.8.
MARS- User Manual 7.9 Contact us Magellan Technology pty limited 65 Johnston St. Annandale NSW 2038 Australia Tel.: +61 2 9562 9800 Fax: +61 2 9518 7620 Email: info@magellan-technology.com Website: www.magellan-technology.com Magellan Technology (Europe) Ltd Units 7 & 8 Parker Court, Dyson Way, Staffordshire Technology Park, Beaconside, Stafford ST18 0WP, UK Tel.: +44 1785 21 85 40 Fax: +44 1785 21 85 41 Email: info@magellan-rfid.
