AXZON RFM5209 User manual

User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Page 1
www.Axzon.com IN034F11
APPLICATIONS
IoT sensing
Building performance
Factory 4.0 monitoring
Data center monitoring
Cold chain shipping
KEY FEATURES
Read temperature sensors
Wi-Fi hotspot visualizations
RJ45 Ethernet
Smart Passive Sensing™
Java-based Software
Aggregates RFM5108/9
108 x 119 x 45 mm
What’s in the system?
The RFM5209 is a data hub designed to aggregate data from
selected Axzon RF reader systems to access battery-free Smart
Passive Sensing™ devices. The RFM5209 includes the Java-based
ReaderService™ sensor management software with optimized sen-
sor reading algorithms. The RFM5209 is precongured as a Wi-Fi
hot spot to allow access to graphical data plots to monitor tem-
perature.
How is it used?
The RFM5209 system is connected to one or more separate RF
reader(s) over the network. The RF reader(s) will send data to
the RFM5209 data hub for storage in the internal database. This
sensor data is also available on your own smart phone or tablet
device when connected to the data hub’s Wi-Fi.
RF Readers and Sensors sold separately
The RFM5209 system does not include the RF reader or sensors.
The RFM5108 or the RFM5109 RF readers are purchased separately.
Part numbers
The RFM5209-B is a system-level product that includes the
RFM5144-B ReaderService™ interface software that manages read-
er and sensor interactions, while also provides advanced sensor
data processing algorithms. v0.2.0
RFM5209 USER GUIDE
Data Hub with ReaderService
Start processing at the edge
USER GUIDE - RFM5209
Antenna
System
Software
Fixed RF reader
RFM5209 Data Hub
RF Readers and
Sensors are
sold separately

Page 2 User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService
IN034F11 www.Axzon.com
Contents
1. Introduction 3
1.1. RFM5209-Bx System Components 3
2. Reader and Sensors Purchased Separately 4
3. Connecting and Operating the Data Hub 5
3.1. Connect the RF antenna 5
3.2. Position the temperature sensors 5
3.3. Power the RF reader 5
3.4. Connect the Ethernet cable 5
3.5. Power the RFM5209 Data Hub 5
3.6. Wait for the services to start 5
4. Accessing Sensor Data Over Wi-Fi 6
4.1. Connect your phone or PC to Wi-Fi 6
4.2. Start a web browser 6
4.3. Viewing the sensor data 6
4.4. Data Hub System Shutdown 6
5. Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide 7
5.1. Removing data from the database? 7
5.2. When the RF reader disconnects 7
5.3. Axzon sensor dashboard stops 7
5.4. RFM5209 appears to be corrupted 7
6. Using the System 8
6.1. Identifying and Organizing Sensors 8
6.2. Sensor Handling and Placement 8
6.3. Software overview 8
6.4. Maximum Read Range 8
6.5. OCRSSI and Power Modulation 8
7. Updating the Reader Network Conguration 9
7.1. Find available readers 9
7.2. Connect to the reader 9
7.3. Adjust the network settings 9
7.4. Load settings into the reader 9
8. ReaderService Master Architecture 10
9. Additional Resources 11
10. Quick Start Process 12

User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Page 3
www.Axzon.com IN034F11
1. Introduction
The RFM5209 Data Hub system aggregates sen-
sor data from one or more RF readers over the
network. The RFM5144 ReaderService software
manages the sensor reading process and is pre-
loaded on to the data hub.
RFM5209 Compatibility Table
Product Function Compatibility
RFM5144 ReaderService SW Included
RFM5108 RF Reader Compatible
RFM5109 Smart RF Reader Compatible
NOTE: RF reader systems and sensors are pur-
chased separately.
1.1. RFM5209-Bx System Components
RFM5209 Data Hub: The RFM5209 incorporates
a Raspberry Pi 3 B+. The ReaderService and
database have been congured to operate from
the Raspberry Pi. Because the Raspberry Pi is a
well known platform, users may be tempted to
add their own additional software to the system.
Users are advised against loading additional soft-
ware on the system.
Power source:The reader ships with an external
power supply. The BF sux designation in the
part number indicates a USA power supplied is
supplied with the system. The BE sux designa-
tion in the part number indicates that a power
supply suitable for use in the EU is supplied with
the system.
Software: The RFM5209 ships with the RFM5144
ReaderService software which manages commu-
nication between the sensors and the RF reader.
The ReaderService provides advanced algorithms
that convert raw sensor data into trusted infor-
mation. An easy-to-use graphical interface is
provided for immediate access to sensor values.
See section 8, ReaderService Master Architecture
for a more detailed overview.
WARNING: Loading additional software on the
RFM5209 may undermine the data aggregation
functions of the RFM5209.

Page 4 User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService
IN034F11 www.Axzon.com
2. Reader and Sensors Purchased Separately
Industrial xed readers:An RF reader is used to
communicate with the sensors and retrieve their
data. Software running on the RFM5209 Data
hub communicates with the RF reader over Eth-
ernet to monitor sensor data. A separate utility,
which runs on the Windows® operating system, is
provided to access reader conguration settings
like its IP address. Please see the RF reader com-
patibility table in section 1.
RFNM5108-B Fixed Reader
Temperature sensors:While no sensors are
shipped with the Data Hub, the RFM3200,
RFM3250 wireless temperature sensors and the
RFM2100 moisture sensor are commonly sup-
plied with the RF systems. All sensors employ
Axzon Smart Passive Sensing™ technology. These
sensors are designed to be mounted directly to
monitored objects with their integrated adhesive
backings.
RFM3250 Rugged Temperature Sensors
RFM3200 Flexible Temperature Sensors

User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Page 5
www.Axzon.com IN034F11
3. Connecting and Operating the Data Hub
3.1. Connect the RF antenna
Connect the RF antenna to the RF reader using
the coaxial cable. Use antenna port 1 for the
cable connection.
RFM5108-B Fixed Reader back with 16 antenna ports
3.2. Position the temperature sensors
Place some temperature sensors within a meter
of the front of the antenna. The antenna likely
has a directional radiation pattern, so it is im-
portant to “point” the antenna at the sensors.
NOTE: Antennas likely has a directional radiation
pattern, so it is important to “point” the anten-
na at the sensors. Please see IN033 Sensor FAQ
for more information on antenna patterns and
sensor placement.
NOTE: The RFM3250 rugged temperature sen-
sors are designed for use on metal surfaces. The
RFM3200 exible temperature sensors are de-
signed for non-metallic surfaces.
3.3. Power the RF reader
Connect power supply to RF reader and wait for
the RF reader to complete its boot process. This
may take up to one minute depending on the RF
reader.
3.4. Connect the Ethernet cable
Connect Ethernet cable between RF reader and
RFM5209 Data Hub.
3.5. Power the RFM5209 Data Hub
Connect power supply to RFM5209 Data Hub us-
ing the USB micro-B connector on the side.
RFM5209 USB micro-B power supply connection
and Ethernet connection
3.6. Wait for the services to start
Wait for the RFM5209 to boot. This should take
less than one minute.
RF Antenna with Circular Polarization
Radiation Pattern RFM3200 antenna orientation.
RFM3250 antenna orientation.

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IN034F11 www.Axzon.com
4. Accessing Sensor Data Over Wi-Fi
Please follow the instructions in section 3 to
ensure the RFM5209 is properly set up as a Wi-Fi
access point.
4.1. Connect your phone or PC to Wi-Fi
In your Wi-Fi settings menu on your PC or smart
phone, select the SSID axzondemo Wi-Fi option.
This will connect your PC or smartphone to the
Wi-Fi hotspot on the RFM5209.
Wi-Fi Login: admin
Wi-Fi Password: magnusmagnus
4.2. Start a web browser
Once the network connection is established,
please open a web browser on your PC or smart-
phone and enter the following URL:
sensor.demo.axzon.com
Grafana Login: admin
Grafana Password: admin
You will see the Axzon Sensor Dashboard. Chang-
es can be made to the dashboard after logging
in.
CAUTION: It is possible to open the browser on
the RFM5209 using a mouse and display to ac-
cess the Axzon Sensor Dashboard, but we do not
recommend this approach. The memory on the
RFM5209 is limited. Serving up web pages slows
the processing capability signicantly.
4.3. Viewing the sensor data
The browser on your PC or smartphone will show
the Axzon Sensor Dashboard with two charts.
The top chart will show temperature data. The
bottom chart will show the RF signal strength
at the sensor. This is labeled OCRSSI in Axzon
documentation.
The dashboard settings can be managed by click-
ing the button at the upper right of the screen.
You can select the update rate, and the amount
of data to display.
Collected data is available as an export from the
Grafana tool. Please select the desired chart,
and click the pull-down arrow by the chart title.
Several export options are contained under the
more... option.
NOTE: ReaderService is able to access the in-
ternal SENSOR-CODE, which is used to measure
moisture in many cases. However, the graphing
program does not show SENSOR_CODE data.
..
Axzon Sensor Dashboard
4.4. Data Hub System Shutdown
The RFM5209 Data Hub should be shut down in a
controlled process. Pulling the power cable can
put the system at risk if the system is writing the
database when the power is removed.
Normal Shutdown: Pressing and hold the power
button for 3 seconds powers down the RFM5209.
After the blue light goes out the system is safely
o and the power cord can be removed.
Forced Shutdown: Pressing the power button for
5 seconds forces a shut down process. We do
not recommend the forced shutdown as this can
cause the database to be corrupted.
WARNING: Failure to properly shutdown the
RFM5209 can corrupt the database and render
it unusable. It can only be repaired by writing a
full image onto the SSD.

User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Page 7
www.Axzon.com IN034F11
5. Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide
5.1. Removing data from the database?
The RFM5209 will automatically remove older
data from the database and queue if they grow
large enough to ll the SSD drive. This process is
automatic; there is no user action required.
If you want the erase the data in your database
back to the factory default, please connect a
display and mouse directly to the RFM5209 where
you can execute the erase-all-data script on
the desktop for erasing the database.
CAUTION: This operation can not be undone.
5.2. When the RF reader disconnects
The reader can become “disconnected” if for ex-
ample the Ethernet cable between the RFM5209
and the RF reader is physically disconnected.
The RF reader and RFM5209 are congured to au-
tomatically reconnect. To manually “reconnect”
the reader to the Axzon ReaderService, you can
execute the connect-reader script located on
the RFM5209 desktop. This operation requires
that an external display and mouse be connected
to the RFM5209.
5.3. Axzon sensor dashboard stops
Verify that your PC or smartphone is still con-
nected to the axzondemo Wi-Fi access point. If
the connection is lost, your computer or smart-
phone might reconnect to your normal networks.
Shutdown the RFM5209 following the proper pro-
cedure. Then remove power from the RFM5209
and RF reader. Then, follow the Connecting and
Operating the Data Hub detailed in section 3.
5.4. RFM5209 appears to be corrupted
Failure to properly shutdown the data hub can
corrupt the SSD and render the database unus-
able. The entire le structure is contained on
the SSD and your RFM5209 can exhibit unusual
behavior if the SSD becomes corrupted. It can
only be repaired by writing a full image onto the
SSD. Please contact Axzon if you suspect this is
an issue.

Page 8 User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService
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6.4. Maximum Read Range
The maximum read range for the RFM3250 is
approximately 5 to 7.5 meters in a free air envi-
ronment depending on the antenna used. Near
complex mechanical structures, the read range
can be reduced to 2-3 meters. Please see the
respective sensor product brochure for additional
details on each sensor’s performance.
Metal enclosures tend to reect the RF signal
throughout the enclosure. It is possible for
these reected signals to combine to create
nulls or shadows, where the RF signal cancels
itself. These nulls are usually only a few inches
or centimeters wide. Moving sensors or antennas
in any direction will often correct for any weak
signal strength issues.
6.5. OCRSSI and Power Modulation
In general, a sensor has a preferred signal
strength range where accurate data is most
easily captured. Axzon sensing devices include
an integrated signal strength monitoring sensor.
This is called the On-Chip Receive Signal Strength
Indicator (OCRSSI). the typical desired values
are between 5 and 18, but 7 to 11 is preferred.
When reported OCRSSI values are outside of the
desired OCRSSI range, the RF reader’s power can
be adjusted to bring the OCRSSI value into the
desired range, or an automatic power modula-
tion algorithm can be applied. ReaderService
v0.2.0 includes a power modulation algorithm
that dynamically adjusts the reader’s output
power based on reported OCRSSI values.
NOTE: If readings from a sensor appear erratic
and the reported OCRSSI power at that sensor
is above 18, then use of the power modulation
algorithm is advised.
6. Using the System
6.1. Identifying and Organizing Sensors
Sensors are typically identied by their EPC or
their TID numbers. The RFM5144 ReaderService
revision 0.2.0 and later release is able to read
EPCs only. The specic value written into the
EPC memory area is used by the database and
the visualization software to identify individual
sensors.
6.2. Sensor Handling and Placement
Axzon sensors can be handled without damaging
their internal components.
The RFM3250 temperature sensors are construct-
ed with rugged materials designed to operate in
harsh environments. In normal use, the RFM3250
protective backing is peeled from the sensor’s
adhesive layer before axing it to a metal sur-
face like a motor or pump for example.
Epoxy mounting of the RFM3250 sensors is allow-
able. Please see AN009 RFM3250 Epoxy Recom-
mendations for more information.
The RFM3200 Temperature Sensor is a exible
sensor, designed to be placed on non-metallic
surfaces.
6.3. Software overview
RFM5209 incorporates the RFM5144 ReaderSer-
vice software. This software includes a database
and a REST interface. Typically software devel-
opers will incorporate these REST calls into their
own programs to suit their own needs.
Software developers can access the REST inter-
face at http://sensor.axzon.demo:19040/
swagger-ui.html.

User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Page 9
www.Axzon.com IN034F11
7. Updating the Reader Network Conguration
OPTIONAL: If your RF reader was shipped along
with the RFM5209 Data Hub, the RF reader has
already been congured to work with the Data
Hub. If your RF reader was shipped speperately,
you will need to modify the RF reader settings as
below.
The RFM5209 requires the RF reader be cong-
ured as a client, and to have it’s IP address con-
verted to static. This ensures that the RFM5209
and the RF reader will automatically connect
when powered, and that they will re-connect if
the network connection is lost.
The RF reader conguration is accessed via the
RFID Conguration software shipped
with the reader.
7.1. Find available readers
Open the Connection panel via the white and
orange connection button on the upper left of
the display. The table will list any readers con-
nected to your computer. The table may display
other readers connected to your network.
NOTE: We recommend that you use the USB
connection option for setting RF reader congu-
rations.
7.2. Connect to the reader
Once your reader is visible in the table, click it
and press the gray connect button at
the bottom of the screen. This will
initiate a connection to the selected
reader.
7.3. Adjust the network settings
Click the orange and white Network Settings
button on the left side of the screen. This will
take you to a detailed summary of the reader’s
current network settings.
Select the Client mode and enter the RFM5209
host IP address of 172.16.5.6 and the Host
port of 8787.
Select Static IP and specify the reader’s Stat-
ic IP address as 172.16.5.5.
7.4. Load settings into the reader
Click the orange and white Congure Device
button at the bottom of the laft screen panel to
load these settings into the reader.

Page 10 User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService
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8. ReaderService Master Architecture
Advanced software developers may choose to interact with the ReaderService subcomponents for
more detailed data access and conguration control. The critical access details are shown below.
NOTE: Axzon is committed to the further development and maintenance of the REST interface.
While we provide access information around the database and queue, we have not committed to
maintaining these data views on a go-forward basis.
LAN
RFM5108
RF
Reader
Reader
IP
Address
:
192
.
168
.
5
.
6
Client
IP
Address
:
192
.
168
.
5
.
5
Client
IP
Port
:
8787
MySQL
/
MariaDB
Table
Overview
DB
Name
:
rfm_sensor_db
.
device
:
Master
sensor
record
.
1
entry
per
sensor
.
.
sensor
:
Most
recent
sensor
data
by
tag
.
2
entries
per
sensor
(
OCRSSI
&
Temperature
Code
).
.
sensor_history
:
Full
sensor
history
.
Access
:
MySQL
Workbench
IP
address
:
172
.
16
.
5
.
5
Username
&
password
:
axzon_admin
Axzon
Reader
Service
Master
Architecture
™
REST
API
Access
:
http
://
sensor
.
demo
.
axzon
.
com
:
19040
/
swagger
-
ui
.
html
For
full
documentation
on
REST
API
please
see
IN034
Port
8161
Port
3306
Port
19040
Grafana
Port
3000
Access
:
http
://
sensor
.
demo
.
axzon
.
com
:
3000
ActiveMQ
Sample
Output
{"
readerId
":"
K170202401
",
"
epc
":"
00000000000000000000000047333341
",
"
ocrssi
":
27
.
333333333333332
,
"
temperatureCode
":
21
.
872265966754128
,
"
firstTagReadTimestamp
":"
20180622104348415
",
"
updateTimestamp
":"
20180622104351967
",
"
timestamp
":"
20180622104351967
",
"
totalTagReadCount
":
0
}
Access
:
http
://
sensor
.
demo
.
axzon
.
com
:
8161
Axzon
Data
Hub
(
RFM5209
)
IP
address
:
192
.
168
.
5
.
5
WiFi
SSID
:
axzondemo
WiFi
PW
:
magnusmagnus

User Guide: RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Page 11
www.Axzon.com IN034F11
9. Additional Resources
Please see these additional documents for more information.
System Options:
PB031 RFM5108-B Fixed RAIN/UHF Reader with RfmApi Product Brochure
PB054 RFM5109-B Fixed RAIN/UHF Smart Reader with ReaderService Product Brochure
PB058 RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService Product Brochure
Software Options:
PB047 RFM5140-B RfmApi Product Brochure
PB048 RFM5144-B ReaderService Product Brochure
Detailed Technical Documents:
AN009 RFM3250 Epoxy Recommendations
IN020 Axzon Sensor EPC Programming Guide
IN023 RFM5108-B Fixed RAIN/UHF Reader User Guide
IN026 RFM5109-B Fixed RAIN UHF Smart Reader with ReaderService User Guide
IN027 RFM5140-B Axzon RfmApi Programming Guide
IN028 RFM5144-B Axzon ReaderService Programming Guide
IN033 Sensor FAQs
IN034 RFM5209-B Data Hub with ReaderService (this document)

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IN034F11 www.Axzon.com
©2018 RFMicron, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or in whole is prohibited without prior written consent of the copyright owner. The information presented in this docu-
ment does not form part of any quotation or contract, is believed to be accurate and reliable and may be changed without notice. RFMicron, and RFMicron, Inc. as well as the product
and service names mentioned herein are the registered trademarks of RFMicron, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. RFMicron, Austin Texas, USA.
10.Quick Start Process
STEP 1: Connect the RF antenna
Please follow the instructions in RF reader user guide.
STEP 2: Connect RFM5209 to the RF reader using Ethernet
Please follow the instructions in section 3.4.
STEP 3: Position sensors in front of the RF antenna
Please follow the instructions in section 6.2.
STEP 4. Power the RF reader
Please follow the instructions in section 3.3.
STEP 5. Power the RFM5209
Please follow the instructions in section 3.5 and wait for
services to start section 3.6
STEP 6. Connect to axzondemo Wi-Fi
Please follow the instructions in section 4.1.
STEP 7: Start the Axzon Sensor Dashboard
Please follow the instructions in section 4.2.
STEP 8: (OPTIONAL) Export data
Please follow the instructions in section 4.3.
RF Antenna
Fixed RF reader
Data Hub
Sensors
+
+
+
Axzon Sensor Dashboard