Alien ALR-8800 User manual

ALIEN TECHNOLOGY®
HARDWARE
SETUP GUIDE
ALR-8800
January 2007
ALR-8800

Legal Notices
Copyright ©2007 Alien Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.
Alien Technology Corporation has intellectual property rights relating to technology embodied in the products
described in this document, including without limitation certain patents or patent pending applications in the U.S. or
other countries.
This document and the products to which it pertains are distributed under licenses restricting their use, copying,
distribution and decompilation. No part of this product documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any
means without the prior written consent of Alien Technology Corporation and its licensors, if any. Third party software
is copyrighted and licensed from Licensors. Alien, Alien Technology, the Alien logo, Nanoblock, FSA, Gen2Ready,
Squiggle, the Squiggle logo, Nanoscanner and other graphics, logos, and service names used in this document are
trademarks of Alien Technology Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of
their respective owners. U.S. Government approval required when exporting the product described in this
documentation.
Federal Acquisitions: Commercial Software -- Government Users Subject to Standard License Terms and Conditions.
U.S. Government: If this Software is being acquired by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or by a U.S. Government
prime contractor or subcontractor (at any tier), then the Government's rights in the Software and accompanying
documentation shall be only as set forth in this license; this is in accordance with 48 C.F.R. 227.7201 through
227.7202-4 (for Department of Defense (DoD) acquisitions) and with 48 C.F.R. 2.101 and 12.212 (for non-DoD
acquisitions).
DOCUMENTATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND ALL EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONDITIONS, REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARANTEES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR NON-INFRINGMENT ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THAT
SUCH DISCLAIMERS ARE HELD TO BE LEGALLY INVALID.
European Radio Compliance.
This Equipment has been tested and found compliant with the following Mandatory Specifications:
EN 302 208
Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radio spectrum
Matters (ERM)
Radio Frequency Identification Equipment operating in
the band 865 MHz to 868 MHz with Power levels of 2W
ERP.
Part 1: Technical requirements and methods of
measurements
Part 2: Harmonized EN under article 3.2 of R&TTE
Directive.
EN 300 220 (when so marked on the equipment label)
Electromagnetic Compatibility and Radio spectrum
Matters (ERM):
Short Range Devices (SRD);
Radio equipment to be used in the 25 MHz to 1000 MHz
frequency range with power levels ranging up to 500
mW;
Part 1: Technical characteristics and test methods
Part 2: Harmonized EN covering essential requirements
under article 3.2 of the R&TTE Directive
It is the users responsibility to operate the device in
compliance with the 10% duty cycle restriction as
described in the Reader Interface Guide.
EN60950
Safety of information technology equipment.
This radio must be used with the external mains to DC
power adaptor, supplied with the product.
EN 301 489
Electromagnetic compatibility and Radio spectrum
Matters (ERM)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standards for
Radio equipment and services:
Part 1: Common technical requirements
Part 3: Specific conditions for short-Range Devices
(SRD) operating on frequencies between 9kHz and
40GHz.
Caution
Reader antennas should be positioned so that
personnel in the area for prolonged periods may safely
remain at least 25.5 cm, in an uncontrolled environment
from the antenna’s surface. This is in accordance with
EN50364 European safety standards for Human
exposure and exposure level radiation limits imposed by
The Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation. ICNIRP
.0891

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
i
Alien Technology®
Hardware Setup Guide
ALR-8800
January 2007
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................1
Audience ....................................................................................................................................................... 1
RFID Reader Overview ................................................................................................................................. 1
EPC Class 1 UHF RFID Tags ....................................................................................................................... 2
Requirements................................................................................................................................................ 2
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................ 3
RFID Reader........................................................................................................................................... 3
RFID Reader External Circular Polarized Antenna ................................................................................ 3
Mechanical: Reader Physical Size ........................................................................................................ 4
I/O Port Terminal Interface ..................................................................................................................... 4
I/O Port Screw Terminal (Female) – Looking at Reader.................................................................. 5
Protecting the Input circuit ............................................................................................................... 6
Example I/O Port Hookup ................................................................................................................ 6
RS-232 Port Pinouts............................................................................................................................... 7
RS-232 Connector (Female) – Looking at Reader .......................................................................... 7
System Architecture ............................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 2 READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION................................................1
Receiving the RFID Reader .......................................................................................................................... 1
Reader I/O Panel.................................................................................................................................... 2
Antenna Panel............................................................................................................................................... 3
System Assembly and Bench Test ............................................................................................................... 4
Bench Test Configuration ....................................................................................................................... 4
Bench Test Procedure............................................................................................................................ 7
Installation ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Hardware Installation Procedure ............................................................................................................ 8
System Operation: Software Control .......................................................................................................... 10
Reader Interface Guide ........................................................................................................................ 10
Demonstration Software Guide ............................................................................................................ 10
Alien RFID Academy ............................................................................................................................ 10

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ALR-8880 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
ii
(This page intentionally left blank)

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
1
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
This Hardware Setup Guide provides instructions for installing and operating the
ALR-8800 RFID Readers.
This document is designed for use by RFID system integrators and software
developers - those who wish to develop software products and extended systems
that take full advantage of the RFID Reader's capabilities.
Included with each reader or developer kit is the Alien RFID Fixed Reader
Software Developer’s Kit and User Documentation CD-ROM. This CD contains
additional information about RFID and the ALR-8800 including the following:
! RFID Primer (PN 8101014-000) – an overview of RFID technology and a
glossary of terms.
! Reader Interface Guide (PN 8101938-000)– an overview of the
communication interfaces for the ALR-8800.
! Multi-static Application Note (AN17001) – an overview of multi-static
readers.
! Quick Installation Guide (PN 8102003-000) – a quick start guide for
installing and running the ALR-8800 reader.
! Quick Reference (PN 8101007-000) – a quick reference guide
summarizing the Alien Reader Protocol command set.
! Demo Software Guide (PN 8101023-000) – details installing and
operating the Alien RFID Gateway demonstration software.
! Quick Upgrade Guide (PN 8101051-000) – briefly explains how to use
the demonstration software to upgrade the ALR-8800.
To access these guides, please insert the CD that came with your reader and
follow the on-screen prompts.
Audience
For the purposes of this document, we assume the readers of the Hardware
Setup Guide:
! Are competent PC users
! Have minimal previous knowledge of Radio-Frequency Identification
(RFID) technology
! Are experienced in software development and/or hardware systems
integration
RFID Reader Overview
The Alien ALR-8800 RFID reader is designed to read and program EPC Class 1
Generation 2 tags (see below) and issue event reports to a host computer

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
2
system. The host computer can be locally connected to the reader via RS-232,
or at a remote network location.
The RFID Reader is delivered with the following components and accessories:
! One (1) RFID Reader
! One (1) RS-232 serial cable (to connect to host computer)
! One (1) power supply and cord
! Alien RFID Fixed Reader Software Developer’s Kit and User
Documentation CD-ROM
! Alien RFID Gateway Application
EPC Class 1 UHF RFID Tags
The Alien ALR-8800 RFID reader is designed to read and program EPC Class 1
Generation 2 tags (see below) and issue event reports to a host computer
system.
Class 1 Generation 2 tags are “passive” devices meaning they do not have a
battery or other onboard power source. They are powered solely by the RF
energy transmitted by an RFID reader.
Tags communicate with the reader through backscatter modulation in which the
tags do not transmit RF energy. Instead, they change their reflective
characteristics in a systematic way and reflect RF energy back to the reader. An
analogy to this is the way you can use a mirror to signal someone by reflecting
light from the Sun.
Alien Technology manufactures user-programmable EPC Class 1 tags compliant
with all key commercial and DoD mandates. Alien offers a variety of designs
capable of delivering optimal performance worldwide, including Europe and Asia.
For more information about RFID tags from Alien Technology, please visit our
website at http://www.alientechnology.com.
Requirements
To interface with the RFID Reader you will need the following:
! A PC running Windows 98 or higher, with CD-ROM drive, an available
RS-232 serial port and/or Ethernet connectivity
! Standard 120/220 VAC 50/60 Hz
! Power supply and cord (included with reader)
! Host software (Alien Gateway demo software or your own custom
software)

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
3
Specifications
Specifications for key components of the RFID Reader system are provided in
the tables below:
RFID Reader
Name Alien Multi-Port General Purpose RFID Reader
Model Number ALR-8800
Architecture Point-to-multipoint reader network, multi-static
Operating Frequency 865.7 MHz to 867.5 MHz
Hopping Channels 10
Channel Spacing 200 KHz
Channel Dwell Time < 4 seconds
RF Transmitter < 2 Watt ERP
Modulation Method Phase Reversal – Amplitude Shift Keying (PR-ASK)
20 db Modulation Bandwidth < 200 KHz
RF Receiver 2 Channels
Power Consumption 45 Watts (220 VAC at 300 mA)
Communications Interface RS-232 (DB-9 F), TCPI/IP (RJ-45)
Inputs/Outputs 2 or 4 coax antenna, 4 inputs/8 outputs (optically isolated), RS-232
com port, LAN, power
Dimensions (L) 9.0” (22.9 cm) x (W) 11” (28 cm) x (D) 2.22” (5.6 cm)
Weight Approximately 1.8 kg (4 lb)
Operating Temperature 0°C to +50°C (+32 °F to +122°F)
LED Indicators Power, Link, Active, Ant 0-3, CPU, Read, Sniff, Fault (red)
Software Support APIs, sample code, executable demo app (Alien Gateway)
Compliance Certifications ETSI EN 302 208
ETSI EN 300 220
RFID Reader External Circular Polarized Antenna
Model CushCraft S8658
3 dB Beamwidth E-plane:< 70 degrees
Frequency 850 to 875 MHz
Gain (dBi) 6 dBi
Polarization Circular
RF Connector 6 m LMR-195 with Reverse-Polarity TNC
VSWR 1.5:1
Dimensions 28 x 20.3 x 3.1 cm •11 x 8 x 1.5 in
Weight 0.77kg •27 ounces

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
4
Mechanical: Reader Physical Size
Figure 1 - Outline Drawing of the ALR-8800
I/O Port Terminal Interface
The ALR-8800 I/O port provides four digital inputs and eight digital outputs,
optically isolated from the reader circuitry. Opto-isolators have two basic
elements: a light source (usually a light emitting diode) and a photo-sensitive
detector. These two elements are positioned facing one another and inserted in
an electrical circuit to form an opto-coupler. The key property of an opto-coupler
is that there is an insulating gap between the light source and the detector. No
current passes through this gap, only the desired light waves representing data.
Thus the two sides of the circuit are electrically isolated from one another.
This protects the circuitry inside the reader from damaging ground loops (when
the external device is at a different ground potential than the reader), and voltage
spikes.

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
5
I/O Port Screw Terminal Connector
(Phoenix 14-pin header)
Pin 1 V+ (5-24 VDC)
Pin 2 Output 0 (optically isolated; 500 mA max)
Pin 3 Output 1 "
Pin 4 Output 2 "
Pin 5 Output 3 "
Pin 6 Output 4 "
Pin 7 Output 5 "
Pin 8 Output 6 "
Pin 9 Output 7 "
Pin 10 Input 0 (optically isolated; 10 V maximum)
Pin 11 Input 1 "
Pin 12 Input 2 "
Pin 13 Input 3 "
Pin 14 V-
I/O PORT SCREW TERMINAL (FEMALE) – LOOKING AT READER
123 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Input
V-
Input Circuit
V-
Output n
V+
Output Circuit
Figure 2 - Input and Output Circuits

INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
6
PROTECTING THE INPUT CIRCUIT
If an input voltage greater than 5 Volts is being applied to the reader’s input, then
a series current limiting resistor is required to protect the internal input circuit.
The following chart may be used to determine an appropriate ¼ Watt resistor
value to be placed in series between the SOURCE of the photo electric sensor
and the input to the reader:
Vin R1
5 N/A
9 820 Ω
12 1500 Ω
24 3900 Ω
EXAMPLE I/O PORT HOOKUP
In the example below, a 24V power supply is being used, so a 3.9 kΩresistor is
required to be installed in series between the SOURCE and input of the reader:
24VDC Power
supply
+24VDC
DC Return
+24VDC
Green
Yellow
Red
Brown (+)
Black (Source)
Blue (-)
White (NC)
Photo
eye
24VDC Power
supply
+24VDC
DC Return
+24VDC
Green
Yellow
Red
Brown (+)
Black (Source)
Blue (-)
White (NC)
Photo
eye
Figure 3 - Example I/O Port Hookup

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
7
RS-232 Port Pinouts
RS-232 Connector (Female DB-9F)
Pin 1 DCD Connected to Pin 6
Pin 2 TR1 Transmit Data (Output)
Pin 3 RC1 Receive Data (Input)
Pin 4 DTR Connected to Pin 6
Pin 5 Ground
Pin 6 DSR Connected to Pin 4
Pin 7 RTS Connected to Pin 8
Pin 8 CTS Connected to Pin 7
Pin 9 Not Connected
RS-232 CONNECTOR (FEMALE) – LOOKING AT READER
System Architecture
Antenna
Switch
RF
Modulator
RF
Receiver
RF Source
Digital
Control
Circuitry
Host
Communication
Interface
A0
A1
A2
A3
LBT
Module LBT
Figure 4 - System Architecture for the ALR-8800 Reader
54321
9 8 7 6

CHAPTER 2 READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
1
CHAPTER 2
Reader Hardware Installation and Operation
This chapter describes the RFID Reader and provides installation and operation
information.
Receiving the RFID Reader
Your RFID Reader Kit is shipped with the items listed below. Please verify the
contents of your received shipment before assembling.
! RFID Reader
! Power supply and cables (two sections: one attached, one detached)
! RS-232 reader-to-PC cable
! Cat 5 RJ45 Crossover Cable
! Short LBT antenna
! CD-ROM containing demonstration software, user guides and
documentation
The RFID Reader Developer's Kit includes the following additional items:
! Two (2) circular antennas with 6 meter coaxial cables
! Software APIs and example code
! An assortment of Class 1 UHF tags
! Carrying Case
Figure 5 - ALR-8800 Developer's Kit

READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION CHAPTER 2
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
2
Reader I/O Panel
The I/O panel (shown below) houses the following:
! 14-pin female I/O terminal block
! LAN TCP/IP port
! 9-pin D female RS-232 serial port
! Power connector
Diagnostic LEDs
The ALR-8800 includes diagnostic LEDs on the face of the reader to provide
easy and convenient external indication for various operating conditions:
! POWER (green) - indicates power is applied to the reader
! LINK (green) – indicates that the reader is connected to the network
! ACTIVE (green) – indicates reader is transmitting on the network
! ANT 0 – ANT 3 (green) – indicates that the reader is transmitting power
on the specified antenna port
! CPU (green) – indicates that the CPU has booted successfully and is
running normally.
! READ (green) – indicates that the reader is receiving data from a tag
! SNIFF (green) – indicates a tag signal has been detected, though it may
not be strong enough yet to complete a transaction.
! FAULT (red) – indicates a fault condition with the reader.
I/O Terminal LAN RS-232 Powe
r
Figure 6 - ALR-8800 Reader Connections

CHAPTER 2 READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
3
Figure 7 – ALR-8800 Reader Diagnostic LEDs
Antenna Panel
The antenna panel (opposite the reader’s I/O panel) contains four coax antenna
connector ports as shown below. These are reverse-polarity TNC connectors.
Also on this panel is the listen antenna port required for European compliance.
Figure 8 - Antenna Connections

READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION CHAPTER 2
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
4
System Assembly and Bench Test
Assembling the RFID Reader system is easy. We recommend you set up the
system and verify its operation in a bench test configuration (shown below)
before installing it in a production setting.
Figure 9 - Typical Bench Test Setup
Bench Test Configuration
1. Place the Reader on a tabletop. Ensure the following conditions:
! A standard 120 or 220 VAC outlet is nearby.
Figure 10 - RS-232, LAN, and Power Connections
! Sufficient space is available on the tabletop for the reader and antenna.
2. Connect the RS-232 cable to the reader.
! Align the male cable connector so that its shape and pins match the
shape and holes of the female DB-9 RS-232 port.

CHAPTER 2 READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
5
Figure 11 - RS-232 Connector
! Push the aligned connector into the port.
! Finger-tighten the screws to secure the cable/connector to the reader.
3. Connect the RS-232 cable to the serial port on the PC.
! Settings for RS-232 are 115200 Bits per second, 8 data bits, no parity, 1
stop bit, and no flow control.
! Start up terminal software on the PC, such as HyperTerminal with these
settings, and be prepared to observe the reader's messages as it boots
up.
4. Connect the Ethernet cable to the reader and PC or LAN.
! You must use TCP/IP to communicate with the reader, so connect a
standard ethernet cable from the reader to a nearby LAN drop or network
switch.
! You may alternatively use a cross-over ethernet cable and connect the
reader directly to the PC.
! The reader comes preconfigured to look for a DHCP server to set it's
network parameters. In the absence of a DHCP server, the reader will
use the following settings:
! IP Address: 192.168.1.100
! Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0
! Gateway: 192.168.1.1
5. Connect the power supply to the reader.
! Using the thin cable attached to power supply, push the connector into
the port until it is securely seated. Do not plug the power supply into the
wall outlet yet.
! Finger-tighten the securing ring onto the connector.
! The ALR-8800 power supply has a safety feature that turns the power
supply off in the event that it detects an abnormal AC line condition.
When this happens, the green LED on the power supply brick will not be
lit. To reset the power supply, unplug the AC power cord from the wall or
power strip, and plug the power cord back in.
6. Connect the coaxial cable(s) to antenna ports (in pairs).
! Antenna port 0 is on the top right-side, if viewing the reader from the
front with the flange side down. The ALR-8800 has four (4) antenna
ports. If using the Alien Gateway software, please note that ANT 0 is
selected by default when first initialized.

READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION CHAPTER 2
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
6
! Antennas must be connected in pairs (one to transmit, one to receive). At
this time, the reader pairs antenna 0 with antenna 1, and antenna 2 with
antenna 3. This means that when antenna 0 is the active (transmit)
antenna, antenna 1 will be the receive antenna, and vice versa. The
same pairing applies to antennas 2 and 3.
! Align the coax cable’s center pin and push into the port
! Screw the fitting from the cable end onto the reader connector clockwise
until finger-tight to secure the cable to the reader.
! Connect additional antennas to their respective ports and tighten fittings
clockwise until finger-tight.
! Connect the small listen antenna to the reader.
7. Plug power cord into power supply.
! Use the female end of a standard 3-pronged power cord (a power cord is
included with each reader)
8. Plug the power supply cable into the wall outlet and verify power.
! The green POWER LED will illuminate when power is on.
9. Observe the reader's bootup trace, and determine the network settings.
The RS-232 port displays useful information while the reader boots, including
network settings. Toward the end of the trace, the reader displays a block of
text similar to the following:
---------------------------------------------
Network Settings:
MAC Address : 00:80:66:10:2D:12
DHCP : 1
IP Address : 10.9.8.10
Netmask : 255.255.255.0
Gateway : 10.9.8.2
DNS : 10.9.8.1
TimeServer : time-a.timefreq.bldrdoc.gov
TimeZone : -7
---------------------------------------------
Once the reader boots and you see the "Boot>Ready!" prompt, pressing
return will bring up the "Alien>" prompt.
10. Ensure the PC has compatible network settings.
! In order for you to be able to connect to the reader over TCP/IP, the host
PC must be on the same subnet as the reader. If you are unfamiliar with
how to do this, consult your local IT service for assistance.
! Once the initial connection is made, you may configure your reader's
network settings as you choose. Refer to the Reader Interface Guide for
instructions on how to do this.
You are now ready to bench test or demonstrate the RFID Reader system.

CHAPTER 2 READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
ALR-8800 HARDWARE SETUP GUIDE
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
7
Bench Test Procedure
1. Access an operational mode suitable for bench testing.
! Select a mode that will allow multiple consecutive reads of a single tag,
such as Global Scroll if using the Alien Gateway software.
! Refer to the applicable software application user guide for specific
instructions.
2. Position the reader so you can see the diagnostic LEDs.
! You may also want to position the PC so you can view the monitor
simultaneously for later tests.
3. Move a tag slowly away from the antenna’s range.
! Begin with the tag well inside the expected read range (~2m or 6 ft) and
move it toward the antenna while observing the LEDs.
4. Verify the SNIFF LED illuminates when the tag approaches the read
window.
! SNIFF should be illuminated green.
5. Verify the READ LED illuminates when the tag is inside the read
window.
! READ should be illuminated green.
6. Verify the host receives the tag data.
! Refer to indications specified in applicable user guide to verify the tag
was read successfully.
7. If bench test conditions are verified, proceed to installation.
NOTE: To perform a hard reboot of the system, simply cycle power on the reader.
Installation
This section provides guidance for configuring components in your RFID system.
You should consider the overall design of your specific system before
permanently mounting the equipment.
Installation involves all the same connection steps required for bench test.
However, instead of placing equipment on a tabletop, the reader, antenna, and
their accessories are mounted in your application environment.
Requirements
Before installing your RFID Reader system, you will need the following:
! A PC running Windows 98 or higher, with Ethernet connectivity and,
optionally, one available RS-232 serial port.
! Standard 120 or 220 VAC power for the reader

READER HARDWARE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION CHAPTER 2
ALR-8880 Hardware Setup Guide
DOC. CONTROL #8102052-000 REV C
8
! Host software (Gateway, for example)
! (Optional) extra antennas (if desired for additional coverage or
configurations)
! Additional RS-232 cables or antenna coax cables needed to
accommodate routing requirements
! Standard grounded, three-pronged power cord of desired length
! Mounting hardware suitable for the surface to which equipment is to be
attached (e.g., wood screws, moly-bolts, brackets, etc.)
Figure 12 - View of the Reader showing mounting holes
Hardware Installation Procedure
1. Select mounting position for antenna(s).
CAUTION: Reader antennas should be positioned so that personnel in the
area for prolonged periods may safely remain at least 25.5 cm (10 inches)
from the antenna’s surface. This limit relates to an uncontrolled or general
public environment. The limit on distance is reduced to 13cm (5 inches) in
an occupational environment.
For details, see “EN50364 safety standards for Human exposure” and
“ICNIRP’s Guidelines for Limiting Exposure to Time-Varying Electric,
Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields (up to 300 GHz)”
! Mount the antennas at the periphery of the desired read window (either
overhead or at the side), so that the position of the most distant tag
passing through the window is no farther from the antenna than the
maximum range specified for your system design.
! Position the antennas at a height approximately midway between the
highest and lowest expected tag position. (For example, a pallet tag may
be the lowest tag position to be read, while the top-most case on a fully
stacked pallet may represent your highest tag position.)
! Mount the second antenna approximately 18 inches from the first
antenna, facing the read zone, unless otherwise indicated in your system
design specification.
! NOTE: To maintain compliance with R&TTE regulations, use only
antennas and cables supplied with the unit or by Alien Technology for
use with the ALR-8800.