Allflex Rs340 User manual

EID_UM_080041_RS340M1.0_EN

The Allflex RS340 Stick Reader

User Manual

Allflex E ID Readers with Dynamic Tuning NetworkTM

Congratulations for your acquisition of an Allflex EID reader.

This device is equipped with the new “DTN - Dynamic Tuning NetworkTM”

technology, an exclusive Allflex innovation (patent pending).

The “DTN - Dynamic Tuning NetworkTM” technology provides a significant

improvement of reader performance in several areas, including improved tag signal

reception, better noise immunity and increased read distance.

This is obtained by dynamically optimizing the electrical characteristics of the reader

antenna during tag activation and reception cycles.

Unpacking

The Allflex RS340 Stick Reader is offered for sale in several package types,

depending on the country of purchase. Please refer to local websites / brochures to

explain the specific package offered locally. As an example, Australia and New

Zealand offer “Standard” and “Premium Kit” packages.

The standard RS340 kit is shipped in a cardboard shipping box and includes:

•RS340 Stick Reader

•Instruction Guide

•1 x 9.6 Volt DC NiMH rechargeable battery pack

•100 / 240VAC – 12VDC Trickle Charger

•Power / Data Cable

•Allflex Stick Reader Configurator© CD-ROM or NLIS Link software CD-

ROM (Australia only)

•5-metre power supply with alligator clips*

•Snap hook

The “Premium Kit” is shown below and includes all of the items above except the

100 / 240VAC – 12VDC Trickle Charger, plus the following items.

•2 extra 9.6 volt battery packs

•1 extra serial cable

•AK320 Battery Pack Fast Charger and 100 / 240VAC-18VDC power supply

•Enclosed in a rugged plastic case

*Not proposed for sale in Europe.

Figure 1 - Stick Reader Features and User Interface

Stick Reader User Interface

Figure 1 illustrates the Stick Reader’s features that comprise the user interface and

that are pertinent to its operation. Each feature and its corresponding functional

description is described in Table 1 below.

Table 1 - Stick Reader Features and Descriptions of Use

Feature Description of Use

Antenna[1] Emits activation signal and receives transponder signal

Red LED Indicator Illuminates whenever antenna is emitting activation

signal (when green button is pressed)

Green LED Indicator Illuminates whenever a transponder has been read

Audible Beeper [1] Beeps once on first transponder reading and twice for

repeat

[1] Item is internal to enclosure and cannot be seen.

Green READ Button Applies power and causes activation signal to be emitted

for reading transponder

Data/Power Cable Conveys external power to Reader and serial data to and

from Reader

DB9 Connector w/

DC Power Jack Connects serial data to PC, scale head, or data logger

RS232 port. Accepts 12 VDC input as Reader power

source

Fiberglass Tube Rugged, watertight enclosure

Screw-on Endcap Provides access to battery compartment

Handle Grip Rubber anti-slip gripping surface

Cable Connector Electrical interface for attaching Data/Power Cable

Rubber End Cap Protect the reader from shocks

Preparing for use

In order to proceed, it is necessary first to fully charge the Battery Pack as described

below and to have an few electronic identification eartags available for testing.

It is very important to carry out the following three steps before

using the Stick Reader.

Step 1: Installing the battery pack in the Stick Reader

Step 2: Trickle charging the battery pack. (Applicable to the Standard Kit)

The Rapid Charger is available as an optional accessory, or as a standard item

in a “Premium Kit” package.

Rapid Charger – charged to

85% in 2hrs (Applicable to the

standard 720mAh batteries). If

larger batteries are offered in

the future, charge time will

extend in proportion. IE A

1000mAH would be around 3

hrs.

Spare Batteries can also be

purchased

30 / 39 cm

8 / 15

3 inches

> 3s NO ID TAG

DETECTED!

Read zone

No Read

Typical read:

30cm for HDX sheep tags

39cm for HDX cattle tags

0001 HDX ISO:

982 00000115008

Step 3: Activating the RS340 Stick Reader and read test

Press the Green Button to “Wake Up” the

reader from Sleep Mode.

After the reader is awake – Press the button to

read a tag.

When the button is depressed, the red lamp will flash indicating that it is looking

for a tag. Keep the green button depressed and when a tag is detected, the green

light will flash and the reader will emit a beeping sound. The display will show

the Tag number and the Count.

Stick Reader Power Supply

Power Source Requirements

The RS340 Stick Reader contains a 9.6VDC – 720mAh NiMH rechargeable battery

pack, which serves as its primary power source. Alternately, the RS340 can be

powered:

•From its external AC Adapter/Charger (Via the serial cable),

•Via the power supply cable with alligator clip*in conjunction with any external

DC power source (Input Rating 9-12 VDC – 1A).

•By connecting to older model battery packs (PW250) that were used with the

Grey (RS250) Allflex Stick Reader.

Special Notes Regarding Power Requirements

The older RS250 (Grey) stick readers can be powered by connecting directly to some

weigh scale heads (without the battery pack). The RS340 (Yellow) requires a higher

voltage level than most scales produce and hence cannot be used in the same manner,

unless the scale head is externally powered from a car battery, or AC charger.

Otherwise, the yellow reader must have its own charged battery inserted.

Note 1 - The RS340 Stick Reader is designed to operate only with the

Battery Pack provided. The RS340 will not operate with individual

battery cells of either disposable or rechargeable variety.

*Not proposed for sale in Europe

CAUTION

RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN

INCORRECT TYPE.

DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING

TO THE INSTRUCTIONS

Note 2 - Do not use this apparatus near water when connected to AC/DC

adapter.

Note 3 - Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat

registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce

heat.

Note 4 - Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused

for long periods of time.

AC Adapter - The RS340 Stick Reader can be powered using its AC Adapter/Charger

regardless of the charge state of the Battery Pack. The AC Adapter can be used as a

power source even if the Battery Pack has been removed from the Stick Reader. If the

AC Adapter has been connected, the user may proceed with configuration and

performance testing while the Battery Pack is charging. This configuration could

affect reading performances.

Note 5 - The Stick Reader’s integral Battery Pack is affected by

temperature. At 0°C (32°F), the Battery Pack will deliver only about half

of its rated energy capacity. At lower temperatures, the Battery Pack

may deliver unsatisfactory performance. When the RS340 Stick Reader

is used in low temperature environments, connection to an external

power source, such as the Allflex PW250 Battery Pack, and placement of this

external Battery Pack close to the user’s body, is recommended.

Note 6 - To ensure proper Battery Pack charging, charging should be

conducted only in an environment where the temperature is between

15°C and 30°C (60°F to 85°F). Charging at temperatures outside these

boundaries will result in unsatisfactory charge acceptance by the Battery

Pack. For more information about the characteristics of rechargeable batteries, please

see the white paper at

[http://www.national.com/appinfo/power/files/f19.pdf#page=1].

Power supply cable with alligator cable*

You can connect your stick reader to any 12V DC power supply such as a car, truck,

tractor, or motorbike battery. The Stick Reader is connected through the socket

located on the back of the Stick Readers data cable as shown in step 2.

The reader is protected for reverse polarity connections.

Step 1

Connect the black alligator clip to

the negative terminal (-). Connect

the red alligator clip to the positive

terminal (+).

Step 2

Connect the other end of the battery

cable into the power socket located

at the end of the Stick Readers data

cable

Step 3

You should now be ready to start

using your stick reader. Press the

READ button momentarily and

observe the red lamp flashes,

indicating that it is receiving power.

*Not proposed for sale in Europe

Activating the Stick Reader

With the Battery Pack fully charged and installed, or with the AC Adapter connected

by means of the Data/Power Cable, the Stick Reader is ready to be used. To turn on

the Stick Reader, press the green READ button, holding it down until the red and

green indicators light and extinguish (this is about ¼ second duration).

Note 7 - Very brief presses of the READ button will cause the

indicators to light, but will not be sufficiently long to latch the Stick

Reader into its power on state. Be sure to hold the READ button down.

When the Stick Reader is powered up, the LCD readout appears as shown below:

0000 READY TO

READ

This power-on message indicates that the Stick Reader's internal ID code memory has

been cleared and that the Stick Reader is ready to read new tags. If the reader has

been previously used and ID codes are stored in memory, the LCD readout will be as

follows:

HDX ISO: indicates standard ISO Half Duplex cattle.

982 corresponds to Allflex manufacturer code.

0002 HDX ISO:

982 000000000001

Tag counter Tag type

ID code

Manufacturer /

Country Code

Display formats for other tag formats (other than ISO HDX tags) that can be read by

the RS340 Stick Reader are shown below for ISO FDX-B and industrial HDX coded

tags.

Note 8 - Each ID Code is stored internally in the Stick Reader’s non-

volatile memory until the user deliberately erases the stored ID codes

after downloading them into a recording device, such as NLIS Link

(Australia only) or a PC database. Up to 3200 ID codes can be stored and

retrieved later at the user’s convenience.

Note 9 - The “Tag Counter” feature on the LCD readout can be reset to

zero at any time by double clicking the READ button, and observing the

LCD’s display “Reset Counter?”. Depressing the READ button again for

5 seconds, while this message is displayed on the screen will force the

Tag Counter to reset to the value “0000”. Resetting the Tag Counter does

not alter the ID codes previously read and stored in the Stick Reader’s internal

memory.

Note 10 - The Stick Reader provides a “New Animal Group” Function

that inserts a line of all zeroes into the list of RFID numbers stored. This is

used to separate mobs of stock in the memory. Each time you wish to

insert a “New Animal Group” you simply access the option via the menu

(2 quick button presses and trigger it by depressing the button for 5

seconds while the “New Animal Group” message is displayed. Inserting a “New

Animal Group” will not reset counter. Reset counter manually if required.

Note 11 - The Stick Reader will scan for duplicate tag numbers in a list

containing the last 100 tags scanned. This number (100) can be altered to

scan lesser values such as 25, 50, 75 or up to as many as all the tags in

memory. This is done using Allflex Stick Reader Configurator© Software

or by contacting Allflex Support. When a “New Animal Group” is

initiated, duplicate search is also reset.

0014 TIRIS:2048

0000000000053925

0002 FDX-B ISO:

982 009101723121

Note 12 - Once activated, the reader will remain activated for 30 seconds.

This is the default value and can be configured from 1 second to 255

seconds, or to “Always On”. These changes are achieved using Allflex

Configurator© software.

Reading eartags

When a tag is successfully read, the tag's ID code information appears on the LCD

readout. For “non-duplicate” tag readings, the tag counter will be incremented and

the ID code is automatically stored in the Stick Reader's internal memory.

Tag numbers that are read as duplicates are not stored in memory and the counter is

not incremented. This means if you scan a tag twice within the Duplicate Search

Limit of 100 scans, it will be stored originally but not the second time. If you scan the

same tag twice outside the Duplicate Search Limit of 100 tags, the number will be

stored twice and the counter will be incremented for both scans.

The Stick Reader's green LED indicator flashes and the buzzer will sound for every

scan. A single flash/beep occurs the first time a tag is read and a double flash/beep

indication occurs for duplicate tag reading.

Every time a tag is scanned, according the Stick Reader configuration (send repeats,

do not send repeats or send upon re-read), the number can be transmitted or not out of

the serial data cable / Bluetooth® ports if it is a duplicate.

Using the function menu

A menu is available on the Stick Reader that groups together 4 functions. These four

functions are used:

•To reset the tag counter to zero.

•To create a New Animal Grouping (“New Animal Group” Field - a line of

zeros – 000000000000).

•To reset the Stick Reader configuration (Factory Settings).

•To enable Bluetooth®.

To access the menu,double-click on the green READ button when the Stick Reader

is awake. Press the READ button quickly to switch to the next menu function.

To execute a menu function, whilst the menu function you require is displayed

(“New Animal Group” for example), press and hold down the READ button for 5

seconds. A countdown appears at the bottom right of the LCD readout and is

accompanied by a beep. The function is only executed once the countdown has

reached ‘0’ and a long beep is sounded. A confirmation message is then displayed on

the readout.

NEW ANIMAL

GROUP

- BY LONG

PRESS

RESET

COUNTER?

- BY LONG

PRESS

RESET CONFIG?

- BY LONG

PRESS

ENABLE

BLUETOOTH

- BY LONG

PRESS

FIRMWARE

VERSION QUIT

To quit the menu, press the READ button quickly when the last function is displayed

on the readout, or simply wait a few seconds.

Note 13 - Function execution is cancelled if the READ button is released

before the countdown reaches ‘0’.

Note 14 - The Stick Reader automatically closes the menu if no action

occurs for 3s.

It is impossible to read a tag when the menu is activated.

Read Range Performance

Figure 2 illustrates the read zone of the Stick Reader, within which tags can be

successfully detected and read. Optimum read distance occurs depending upon the

orientation of the tag. Tags and implant read best when positioned as shown below.

Figure 2 - Optimum Read Distance Tag Orientation

Table 2 lists typical read distances that can be expected when reading different types

of Allflex eartags, in the optimum tag orientation at the end of the Stick Reader (as

shown in Figure 2).

Table 2 - Typical Read Distances for Various Allflex Eartags

Tag Type Using charged battery pack

HDX/HP Eartag (NLIS/Cattle Tag) 39 cm or 15.5 inches

FDX-B/HP Eartag 34 cm or 13.5 inches

HDX/LW Eartag (Sheep / Swine) 30 cm or 12 inches

FDX-B/LW Eartag (Sheep / Swine) 32 cm or 12.5 inches

Best Orientation

Eartag

Implant

Stick Reader Antenna

Read Zone

Factors that affect read range performance

Tag reader efficiency is often linked with reading distance. The Stick Reader's read

distance performance is affected by the following factors:

Transponder orientation - To obtain maximum reading distance, the axes of the

transponder and reader antenna coils must be optimally orientated as shown in Figure

Transponder quality - Each manufacturer's transponder differs by (a) the level of

exciter signal energy required for the transponder internal circuits to operate

sufficiently, (b) the signal level of the ID code information that is returned to the

reader. Consequently, it is normal to find that common type transponders (for

example, FDX-B) from different manufacturers have different read range

performance levels.

Animal movement - If the animal moves too quickly, the reader may not be located in

the read zone long enough for the ID code information to be obtained.

Transponder type - HDX transponders generally have larger reading distances than

similar-sized FDX-B transponders.

Nearby metal objects - Metal objects located near a transponder or reader may

attenuate and distort the magnetic fields generated in RFID systems and therefore,

reduce reading distance. A good example being the eartag caught in a head bale

significantly reduces the read distance.

Electrical noise interference - The operating principle of RFID transponders and

readers is based on electromagnetic signals. Other electromagnetic phenomena, such

as radiated electrical noise from other RFID tag readers, or computer screens may

interfere with RFID signal transmission and reception and therefore, reduce reading

distance.

Transponder/reader interference - Several transponders in the reception range of the

reader, or other readers that emit excitation energy close by may adversely affect

reader performance or prevent the Stick Reader from operating.

Discharged battery pack - As the battery pack discharges, the power available to

activate the field becomes weaker and this reduced field results in a reduced reading

range.

ID Code Memory

The Stick Reader has an internal non-volatile memory that can store 3200 ID codes.

Non-volatile memory means that the data in memory will not be lost even if the

battery goes flat. Non-volatile memory is only cleared by sending a specific

command to the reader. This is done from software like NLIS Link (Australia only)

or HyperTerminal® etc.

ID codes are stored automatically when they are read. A transponder ID code will not

be stored several times if the same tag is read successively several times, but if the

reader is configured by the user to have the “Duplicate Search” function set to “Last

Tag”, It will be stored several times in memory if other tags are read in between.

When more than 3200 ID codes are read, the new ID codes overwrite the oldest ID

codes in memory.

Using the Stick Reader’s Serial Data Interface

The RS232 serial data interface is available on the RS320 by connecting the

detachable Data/Power Cable to the Cable Connector located on the Endcap. The

Stick Reader’s Cable Connector is covered with a protective cap to guard against

foreign material contamination. Remove this cap and install the Data/Power Cable by

engaging the connector and rotating the lock-ring.

The RS232 serial interface comprises a 3-wire arrangement with a DB9F connector,

and consists of transmit (TxD/pin 2), receive (RxD/pin 3), and ground (GND/pin 5).

Figure 3 illustrates the power and data wiring of the Power Jack and Data Connector.

This interface is factory configured with the default settings of 9600 bits/second, no

parity, 8 bits/word, and 1 stop bit (“9600N81”). These parameters can be changed by

Note 15 - The RS340 Stick Reader is provided with the connectorized

endcap and detachable Data/Power cable in its standard configuration.

Note 16 - The Stick Reader RS232 interface is wired as a DCE (data

communications equipment) type that connects directly to the serial port of

a PC or any other device that is designated as a DTE (data terminal

equipment) type. When the Stick Reader is connected to other equipment that is

wired as DCE also (such as a Palm Pilot or Pocket PC), a “null modem” adapter is

required in order to properly cross-wire transmit and receive signals so that

communications can occur.

Note 17 - The Stick Reader’s serial data connection can be extended using

a standard DB9M to DB9F extension cable. Extensions longer than 20

meters (~65 feet) are not recommended for data, and extensions longer that

2 meters (~6 feet) are not recommended for data and power.

Figure 3 - Stick Reader Power Jack and Data Connector Wiring Diagram

Serial output data appears on the Stick Reader’s TxD/pin 2 connection in ASCII

format, which is compatible with most PC terminal emulator programs, such as

HyperTerminal®.

Table 3- Default Serial Data ID Code Formats

Tag Type Default Format

HDX ISO LA_982_000001088420{CR}{LF}

HDX Industrial LR_0006_0000000018514243{CR}{LF}

FDX-B ISO LA_982_000000255895{CR}{LF}

Note: _ = space; {CR} = carriage return; {LF} = line feed

Interpreting Tag ID Code Information

Table 3 lists the default data formats that are transmitted from the Stick Reader’s

serial communications port, in response to reading compatible type tags. For ISO

type tags, there is no contextual differentiation between HDX and FDX-B outputs.

Both types of tags produce a default format:

LA_982_000001088420{CR}{LF}

Where the underscore “_” represents a space character, and {CR}{LF} is a carriage

return /line feed (unprinted / invisible control characters which cause a PC’s display

cursor to jump to the beginning of the next line prior to displaying the next ID

number).

Table of contents

Allflex RS340 User manual

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