Alien ALR-H450 User manual

ALIEN TECHNOLOGY®
ALR-H450
User Guide
January 2016
ALR-H450

Legal Notices
Copyright ©2016 Alien Technology, LLC. All rights reserved.
Alien Technology, LLC and/or its affiliated companies have 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 documentationmay be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior writtenconsent
of Alien Technology, LLC 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, LLC and/or its affiliated companies 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.
FCC Compliance
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
Any change or modification to this product voids the user’s authority to operate per FCC Part 15 Subpart A. Section 15.21 regulations.
Caution
Reader antennas should be positioned so that personnel in the area for prolonged periods may safely remain at least 23 cm (9 in) in an
uncontrolled environment from the antenna’s surface. See FCC OET Bulletin 56 “Hazards of radio frequency and electromagnetic
fields” and Bulletin 65 “Human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields.” Care should be taken to prevent operatingmultiple
heterogeneous transmitters at the same time to limit battery drain and SAR exposure.
Industry Canada Compliance
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference and (2) this device must accept any
interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This device has been designed to operate with an antenna having a maximum gain of 6dBi. Antenna having a higher gain is strictly
prohibited per regulations of Industry Canada. The required antenna impedance is 50 ohms.
To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent
isotropically radiated power (EIRP) is not more than that required for successful communication.
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 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 9 kHz and 40 GHz.
EN60950
Safety of information technology equipment.
This radio must be used with the external mains to DC power
adaptor, supplied with the product.
1177

TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Alien Technology®
User Guide
ALR-H450 Handheld
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 1
About this Manual..................................................................................................................................1
Who should read this manual?.......................................................................................................................1
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................1
Precautions When Using the Battery..............................................................................................................1
Caution When Using the Handheld................................................................................................................2
Components and Features ....................................................................................................................3
Handheld Components...................................................................................................................................3
Handheld Buttons...........................................................................................................................................3
Device Specifications.....................................................................................................................................4
CHAPTER 2BASIC FUNCTIONS................................................................................................... 6
Power and Battery .................................................................................................................................6
Battery Installation..........................................................................................................................................6
Battery Charging ............................................................................................................................................6
Power On and Off...........................................................................................................................................6
SIM Card Installation..............................................................................................................................7
MicroSD Card Installation......................................................................................................................8
CHAPTER 3RFID TAG READER.................................................................................................10
Starting the ALR-H450 Demo Software...............................................................................................10
Inventory Utility ....................................................................................................................................11
Geiger Tag Utility..................................................................................................................................11
Tag Access Utility.................................................................................................................................12
Basic Access Tab .........................................................................................................................................12
Advanced Access Tab..................................................................................................................................14
Tag Mask..............................................................................................................................................16
Tag Mask –Scan..........................................................................................................................................17
Tag Mask –Custom......................................................................................................................................18
Tag Mask –Presets......................................................................................................................................19
Tag Mask –Assets .......................................................................................................................................20
RFID Settings.......................................................................................................................................22
CHAPTER 4BARCODE SCANNER...............................................................................................23

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Chapter 1
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual provides you with safety information, technical support information, and sources for
additional product information.
Who should read this manual?
This manual is written for the person who is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining
the Alien ALR-H450 handheld. This manual provides you with information about the features of the
ALR-H450, and how to install, configure, operate, and maintain it.
Before you operate your ALR-H450, please read through and become familiar with the contents of
this manual.
Introduction
The Alien ALR-H450 is a highly reliable and expandable Android-powered handheld terminal, with
data capture, data processing, and wireless communication. Easy deployment, reduced complexity
and decreased maintenance are just some of the benefits of using the Alien ALR-H450 handheld.
The ALR-H450 meets industrial level IP64 (IEC sealing), and is perfect for routine applications,
such as: railway inspection, road/parking toll, vehicle inspection, logistics express, power
inspection, warehousing management, chain retail, etc. Whether the mobile operators are working
indoors or outdoors, with the Alien ALR-H450, your business is always highly efficient and on-line.
The Alien ALR-H450 comes with world-wide band WCDMA technology. Multi-channel data and
voice communication guarantees real-time communication and data efficiency.
Precautions When Using the Battery
Don’t leave batteries unused for extended periods of time, either in the product or in
storage. When the battery has been unused for 6 months, check the charge status and
charge or dispose of the battery as appropriate.
The typical estimated life of a Lithium-Ion battery is about two or three years, or 300 to 500
charge cycles, whichever occurs first. One charge cycle is a period of use from fully
charged, to fully discharged, and fully recharged again. Expect a two to three year life
expectancy for batteries that do not run through complete charge cycles.
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries have a limited life and will gradually lose their capacity
to hold a charge. This loss of capacity (aging) is irreversible. As the battery loses capacity,
the length of time it will power the product (run time) decreases.
Lithium-Ion batteries continue to slowly discharge (self-discharge) when not in use or
while in storage. Routinely check the battery’s charge status.
Observe and note the run time that a new fully-charged battery provides for powering your
product. Use the new battery run time as a basis to compare run times for older batteries.
The run time of your battery will vary depending on the product’s configuration and the
applications that you run.
Routinely check the battery’s charge status.

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Carefully monitor batteries that are approaching the end of their estimated life.
Consider replacing the battery with a new one if you note either of the following conditions:
The battery run time drops below about 80% of the original run time.
The battery charge time increases significantly.
If a battery is stored or otherwise unused for an extended period, be sure to follow the
storage instructions in this document. If you do not follow the instructions, and the battery
has no charge remaining when you check it, consider it to be damaged. Do not attempt to
recharge it or to use it. Replace it with a new battery.
Always follow the charging instructions provided with your product. Refer to your product’s
user manual and/or online help for detailed information about charging its battery.
Charge or discharge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity before storage.
Charge the battery to approximately 50% of capacity at least once every six months.
Remove the battery and store it separately from the product.
Store the battery at temperatures between 5 °C and 20 °C (41 °F and 68 °F).
Precautions When Using the Handheld
Careless use or repair attempts may damage the unit or stored data and will void any
warranties. Alien is not responsible for this damage, so important data should be kept
separately.
If you have a problem, do not try to repair or disassemble the product yourself; please
contact Alien customer service.
Do not use where devices sensitive to electromagnetic radiation are operating, such as a
hospital, airplane, etc., or risk of interference may occur.
The unit may malfunction at very high or low temperatures, or in a very humid
environment.
Please do not use sharp objects to touch the screen, or damage may result. Use only soft
objects, like your finger or the included stylus, on the touchscreen.
NOTE
The main battery comes preinstalled into the handheld. Make sure to
remove protective film from the battery terminals before operating
the unit.

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Components and Features
Handheld Components
Front Back
Handheld Buttons
Button
Function
Power Button
Press and hold to turn the device on or off
Scan Button
Left Side Button
Right Side Button
Auxiliary buttons to provide additional
application-specific functionality for custom
programs.

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Device Specifications
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions
185 x 85 x 105 mm (7.28 x 3.35 x 4.13 in)
Weight
448 g (15.8 oz.) (with main battery)
Screen
4 in. WVGA (480x800) TFT-LCD
Keyboard
3 function keys, 3 side buttons
Battery
Rechargeable Li-ion polymer, 3.7V, 3200 mAh
(main) and 3.7V 5200 mAh (handle)
Expansion Slot
Micro SD, up to 32GB
SIM Slot
1 SIM, 1 PSAM
Audio
0.5W
Performance Characteristics
CPU
Cortex-A7 1.3GHz quad core
OS
Android 4.4.2
Memory
1GB RAM, 4GB Flash
Interface
USB Micro-B
Storage
Micro-SD card
Max Storage Expansion
32GB
User Environmental Characteristics
Operating Temp.
-10℃to 50℃
Storage Temp.
-40℃to 70℃
Humidity
5%RH-95%RH（non-condensing）
Drop Survival
1 m drop, 6 sides (concrete floor under operating
temp.)
Sealing
IP64, IEC compliance
Wireless Communication
WAN
WCDMA/HSDPA/HSPA+ (850/1900/2100MHz)
GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
WLAN
IEEE802.11b/g/n, internal antenna
WPAN
Bluetooth v2.1+EDR, v3.0+HS, v4.0 Low Energy

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RFID / Barcode
RFID (UHF)
UHF 865-868 / 902-928MHz,
EPC Class1 Gen2 / ISO18000-6C
Barcode Scanner
2D CMOS laser scanner (Symbol SE4500)
Development Environment
SDK
Alien SDK
Programming Language
Java
Development Tool
Android Studio

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Chapter 2
Basic Functions
Power and Battery
The ALR-H450 battery system consists of the main battery and a pistol grip battery which more
than doubles the available power.
Main Battery: 3,200mAh, 3.7v Lithium–Polymer
Pistol-Grip Battery: 5,200mAh, 3.7v Lithium-Ion
Battery Installation
1. Place the main battery into the battery compartment.
2. Push down on the battery while sliding the battery lock into position.
Battery Charging
Place the handheld into the Charging Cradle.
Connect the adapter with the power cable to charge the device.
Power On and Off
Press the ‘Power’ button on the side to turn the device on and off.
CAUTION
You must charge the battery with the power supply adapter
provided by Alien Technology, or your device may be damaged

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SIM Card Installation
Remove the main battery and examine the connectors underneath it.
Locate the SIM card holder and SLIDE it
downward to release it.
FLIP the SIM card holder up toward you.
INSERT your SIM card into the SIM card holder.
FLIP the SIM card back down and SLIDE the
holder upward to lock it in position.

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MicroSD Card Installation
Locate the SIM card holder and SLIDE it
downward to release it.
FLIP the SIM card holder up toward you out of the way.
SLIDE the SD card holder toward the left to release it.
FLIP the SD card holder up toward the left.
INSERT your MicroSD card into the SD card holder.

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FLIP SD card holder down and slide it toward the
right to lock it in position.
FLIP the SIM card holder back down and SLIDE it
upward to lock it in position.

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Chapter 3
RFID Tag Reader
Starting the ALR-H450 Demo Software
Start Alien Demo Software by tapping on the icon in the OS Applications group.
The Alien demo app’s main screen has buttons
for each of its utilities, and a menu item for
reader settings

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Inventory Utility
The Inventory utility allows you to scan all of the tags within range of the reader, and see each tag’s
EPC and read count in a scrollable list. You start and stop the inventory utility by either holding the
pistol-grip trigger button, or by clicking once on the green Start button. The reader continues to read
tags until you release the trigger or click the Stop button. Click the OK button at the bottom-right
corner to return to the main screen.
Geiger Tag Utility
The Geiger Tag utility is designed to assist you in finding the location of a particular tag, or one of a
group of tags. It does this by measuring the returning signal strength (RSSI) from the tag, and
displaying this information on the screen, along with an audible and vibratory queue. As you pass
the reader near a tag, the RSSI increases, and you will see and hear the change.
To start the Geiger Tag search, either hold the pistol-grip trigger button, or click once on the green
Start Search button. The reader continues to read tags until you release the trigger or click the Stop
button. Click the red Close box at the top-right corner to return to the main screen.
Clicking the Mask button at the top of the Inventory
screen takes you to a page where you can specify a
subset of tags to read (see the Tag Mask section). This
powerful feature causes the reader to only read the
tags you want it to read –those selected by the mask.
Each tag that is read is added to the scrolling list,
along with the count for each tag. The number of
unique tags and total number of reads is displayed.
You can clear and save the list with the buttons
above the list.

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Tag Access Utility
The Tag Access utility allows you to read from and write to specific portions of a tag’s memory. The
utility is divided up into two separate tabs: the Basic tab and the Advanced tab. The Basic tab gives
a quick overview of the tag’s memory layout, and gives you basic ability to write new data to the tag.
The Advanced tab gives full access (bank, start pointer, and length) over the low-level writing and
reading operations, as well as controls for locking and unlocking specific portions of tag memory.
EPC Gen2 tag memory is divided up into four distinct banks: Reserved, EPC, TID, and User. The
Reserved bank contains the tag’s Access password and Kill password (each two words long),
though all tags may not support both passwords. The EPC bank contains the tag’s “id” – its
Electronic Product Code (or “EPC”) –along with some other information related to the EPC. The
TID bank is read-only, and contains information about the tag’s manufacturer, model, and basic
capabilities. Alien Higgs tags contain bits in the TID bank that are guaranteed to be unique from one
tag to the next. The User bank may not be present in all tag types, and when present, each tag
provides different amounts of available user memory.
Basic Access Tab
The Basic Access tab has text fields for each of the separate fields of tag memory. Clicking the
Read button (or pulling the pistol-grip trigger) causes the reader to try and read all of the data for
each of the fields, from whatever tag is in the field. The separate fields fill in, one-by-one, as the
data is read. Since there is no definitive way of knowing how much User memory a tag has, the
reader simply reads the User data two words (32 bits) at a time, until a failure occurs.
The Geiger will show the tag’s signal strength.
Use the Start Search button (or pistol-grip
trigger) to start the search.
Use the Mask button to refine your search to
specific tags.
When a tag is read, its EPC is displayed on the
screen, along with graphical and numeric
readouts of the tag’s return signal strength.

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The Basic Access tab gives a visual
overview of all of the fields in tag memory.
Pressing the Read button (or pulling the
pistol-grip trigger) fills in each memory
field with data from the tag.
Pressing one of the small “refresh” buttons
labeling each memory field will cause the
reader to only read data from that field.
Pressing one of the pencil “write” buttons causes
the reader to write the shown data to the tag. You
can edit the data in the field before writing it to the
tag. The field turns turns white or red, depending
on the success of the write operation.

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When there are many tags in the field, the Basic Access tab can have difficulty reading all of the
data from the same tag when you click the Read All button. To make sure that you are accessing
the same tag throughout the operation, you should set a tag mask, using the blue Mask button at
the top-left corner of the screen. Also, when the tag has some of its memory fields locked with an
access password, you must provide that same password as part of the access operation in order
for it to succeed. You use the violet APwd field at the top-right corner to do this.
The Mask button lets you restrict the
reader to only access one tag at a time.
The APwd field is where you can enter in
an Access Password, for accessing tag
memory that may have been locked.

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Advanced Access Tab
The Advanced Access tab has three general control areas: Read, Write, and Lock. All three
operations require you to specify the bank of tag memory to access (Reserved, EPC, TID, and
User). When reading and writing, you must specify the offset into that bank of memory where you
would like to access. The reading operation also requires you to specify the length of the data to
read. Both the offset and length parameters are measured in words (1 word = 2 bytes = 16 bits).
Three operations s in Advanced Access:
Read, Write, and Lock. Each requires you
to specify a memory bank.
To read from a memory bank, select the
Bank, start Word Pointer, and Word
Count, then click the read/refresh button.
Note that the tag’s EPC starts at word #2of
the EPC bank.
To write data to a memory bank, select
the start Word Pointer to write to, and
enter the hex-formatted data, then click
the pencil/write button.

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When locking, you have the option of locking the Access Password and Kill Password (both in the
Reserved bank) separately, so the Lock command has a list of tag memory fields instead of banks.
The other parameter is the type of lock: Lock, Unlock, PermaLock, and PermaUnlock. All locking
operations require you to confirm by clicking OK to an alert message. The “Perma” options are,
well, permanent, so use caution.
Locking a field doesn’t immediately protect it until you also write a non-zero Access Password to
the tag (and you should probably lock that field as well!). Please refer to the EPC Gen2 Protocol
Specification for complete details on how the various locking operations affect the tag’s behavior.
Tag Mask
When the application first launches, it is configured to look for and report every tag it sees. You
don’t always want to read every tag – perhaps you are searching for only one class of product, or
are trying to access one particular tag in order to write data to it. The Gen 2 protocol provides for
something called a select mask - a filter definition that is broadcast to all of the tags in the field
before each operation, that specifies which tags are allowed to participate in that operation.
The ALR-H450 allows you to specify a tag mask, which is used transparently in each of the utility
screens. The current mask is displayed at the top of each screen near the Mask button. Each utility
has its own mask, so use caution when switching from the Inventory to the Geiger to the Tag
Access screens.
At its heart, a tag mask defines a piece of data that must match exactly a specific portion of the tag’s
memory. This includes the memory bank (not just the EPC bank), a pointer offset into that bank,
and the actual hex data to match against.
When locking, specify the field to lock, the lock
type, then click the Lock button. You will be
given a chance to change your mind before
performing a lock operation.
Just like on the Basic Access screen, you have
full access to the tag Mask and current Access
Password in this screen.