3nStar AM04-1 User manual

Single Antenna 8.2MHz
AM04-1

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
SINGLE PLUG & PLAY PCB
The AM04-1
jumpers or DIP switch setting on each circuit board to
allow multiple units to operate in close proximity to each other.
Most of jumpers and switches has been removed on the circuit. now, all function of these jumpers we
are removed will be done automatically by "software", therefor AM0 -01 become a "Plug & Play"
system. All you have to do in most cases, it is to fit the antenna, and plug the power on. It's done.
The transmitter/receiver is alternately gated on and o. A microprocessor supplies all gating and
control signals to insure that the transmitter and receiver are enabled at the proper times. A common
loop antenna is shared beeen the transmitter and the receiver. The AM0 -1 is powered by a
step-down transformer that is plugged into a standard AC wall outlet.
The transmitter, receiver, DC power supply, digital processing, and alarm circuit are all contained on
a single PC board. A microprocessor peorms most of the critical functions required for proper system
operation.
After an initialization period at turn-on, an enabling pulse generated by the microprocessor is supplied
to the transmitter at a specied rate. This pulse turns on the transmitter for the pulse duration only. The
RF output remains at zero for the remainder of the period. After the transmitter pulse there is a defined
waiting period when neither the transmitter nor the receiver is enabled. Although the receiver is active
during this time, no data is coupled to the digital processing circuit. After the waiting period, the
stored data is passed on to the microprocessor for analysis.
Data received by the microprocessor is analyzed and compared to digitally stored programming, and if
the proper conditions are met, an output to the alarm circuit is generated. The alarm can be audible
(internal sounder), visual (antenna light), or both.
The reaction of the system to the introduction of a label has been greatly improved to fuher reduce
the chance of deactivating a label in the system.
2
is a transmitter/receiver/loop antenna combination and Plug & Play system. You
are no longer re uired to change any

WIRE CONNECTIONS
0
Sensivi
m
Volume
m
J3
J2
•
•
G D TPD
0
0

A TI

A TOUT
Jl-TX O /OFF
 _
LED
0
POWER
OUT I

0
POWER IN - terminal #1 & #2
Input power to terminal #1 & #2 from power supply. AM04-1allows 18VA or 20-24VD input.
A DC linear power supply will make system more stable.
The power input without polarity requiring, but a shield cable is necessary.We connect the power cable
according to the figure above just for the background LED which is connected at POWER OUT.
POWER OUT- terminal #1 & #2
Used for output power to another AM04-1 board or background LED. For multiple antenna install,
power supply should provide enough current for all boards which is series connection. For example,
two AM04-1 board series connection together, power supply should provide at least
2x600mA=1200mA current.
ANTIN
Used for connecting RX antenna coil or matching board to this connector.
ANT OUT
Used for connecting TX antenna coil to this connector.
LED
Used for connecting an alarm lamp or remote 24V buzzer. Maximum 24V 60mA
5
+
-

AM04-1 Sensitivity Adjustment
The adjustment of AM04-1 is ve easy. There are only two potentio eters on PCB. These
adjust ents are R31 (Sensitivity) and R87 (Volu e). Both of these adjust ents will increase the eect
on the system when turned to the right (clockwise).
SENSITIVITY
The R31 adjust ent varies the gain or sensitivity of the PCB. Hold the label or tag in a side carry at the
desired detection distance, and then turn R31 clockwise until detection is ade.
MIMUM SENSITIVITY
Use a ulti eter to connect to TPD, (Red Probe) and GND (Black Probe), then turn R31 and ake
sure the voltage at this test point is never higher then 90 V, 60-90 V is ideal.
A too much higher DC Noise (More then 90m will cause false alarm.
Sometimes, the detection at(under) 90m may better then over 90m (such as 120m ).
VOLUME
The R87 varies the volu e of the sonalert or alar sounder for the desired eect. Turning this
adjustment to the right (clockwise) will increase the volu e of the sounder.
0

A TI

A TOUT
 -
LED
0
0
Volume
m
J3
J2
•
•
G D
TPD
POWER
OUT I

6
Sensitivi
m
Jl-TX O /OFF
0
0

MULTIPLE SYSTEM INSTALLATION RULE
POWER LINE CABLING
False alarm due to conducted noise on the power lines can be avoided if the power lines are filtered
every 4-6 meters and use twin-core shielded cable.
This is done already on AM04 1. But the power line between the antennas is not longer than 6
meters (8.2 MHz). Additional filter boards must be use if the length of the power cable beeen the
antennas is longer than 6 meters, .
AM04-1 uses a built-in filter, but it only protect the electronics its self. It do not contribute to the
filtering of the power output. So, two antennas using a same power supply is ideal.
All antennas must ace to same direction to have same phase.
This will avoid detection dead zone at the middle of o antennas.
That means you are no longer required to change the timing jumper on each AM04-1 PCB or
connect synchro cable to allow multiple systems to operate in close proximity to each other.
Auto timing program allows maximum 63 AM04-1operate together without requiring them to be
slaved to or synchronized to each other.
SAMEFREQUENCYINTERFERENCE
AM04-1 is now operate in a higher noise environment without reducing the detection range. It is
possible to reduce inteere from other swept system or deactivator.
8
MULTIPLE SYSTEM SYNCHRONIZATION
The AM04-1 software now automatically selects the "AM04-1" synchro timing.

BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING
9
Mains power generates inteerences because of numerous parallel connected appliances and
devices (motors, spot lights, fluorescent lighting, etc ...
The behaviors of metal frames or guide bars sometimes like resonance circuits tuned to the system
frequency.
Install antennas remotely from these structures or fit bonding braids in order to cancel resonance
phenomena.
In case of implementing problems because of the site configuration, peorm testing in order to
determine the best location.
Avoid installing antennas to close to such metallic masses while keeping to a minimum distance of 40
cm away from antenna.
Metallic masses generate inteerence because of system absorbed and reverberated
electromagnetic waves.
A number of switching power supplies as used for example, in Electronic Information Systems (EIS)
operate at a harmonic frequency similar to that of the EAS system and may cause system jamming.
Therefore, under no circumstances should the power supply unit be connected to a line backed up by
an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) (rectified current).
and therefore, a dedicated line shall be
provided directly from the switching board. This line shall be installed by an approved installer.
)
INTERFERENCE SOURCES
Steel frames of doors sometimes behave in the same manner. Install antennas remotely from such
structures or fit shunts or bonding braids in order to cancel resonance phenomena.
Position the system away from steel frame doors, then open and close doors and check the DC Noise
level for evidence of distoed si nals (tag signal).
Defective fluorescent lighting, e.g. neon type, generates inteerence because of permanent DC
ener izing on switching on. Please feel free to have this type of lighting switched o and compare
results with the DC Noise level. Some transformers use in this type of lighting appliances may be
defective and cause similar inteerence.
All electromagnetic filed generating appliances typically incorporate transformers, motors or mobile
magnets, including: fluorescent neon tubes, halo en quaz bulbs, cashiers conveyor belts, etc.
Power leads may also be a cause for inteerence. Prevent antennas from standing too close to
electrical leads. Move antennas and peorm various tests to assess the best location.