Biomark HPR User manual
Biomark HPR and HPR Plus User Manual
705 S. 8th Street, Boise, Idaho 83702, USA
www.biomark.com
Biomark HPR and HPR Plus Reader
User Manual
Manual Version 0.2.01
To Suit Software Version: 1.04
Biomark HPR and HPR Plus User Manual
Regularity Notices and Conformity
USA – FCC
Information to the user (FCC Part 15.105)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encourage trying to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Modification warning (FCC Part 15.21)
Warning: Any changes or modifications not expressively approved by Aleis could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.
The following antennas are approved to be used with this device:
Biomark Handheld 7" Loop Antenna, Model number HPR-ANT
Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
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Table of Contents
1Reader Overview _____________________________________________________ 5
1.1Product Description ____________________________________________________ 5
1.2Illustrated Diagram ____________________________________________________ 6
1.3Supplied Equipment____________________________________________________ 8
1.4Care and Maintenance __________________________________________________ 8
2Getting Started_______________________________________________________ 9
2.1Switching the Reader On and Off _________________________________________ 9
2.2Charging the Reader ___________________________________________________ 9
2.3Sleep Mode __________________________________________________________ 10
2.4Using Alternate DC Power Sources_______________________________________ 10
2.5Connecting the Accessories _____________________________________________ 10
2.6Setting the Clock______________________________________________________ 11
2.7Using the GPS Receiver ________________________________________________ 11
3Configuring the Reader_______________________________________________ 12
3.1Settings Menu ________________________________________________________ 12
3.1.1Device ___________________________________________________________________ 13
3.1.2Diagnostics _______________________________________________________________ 14
3.1.3Memory __________________________________________________________________ 15
3.2Profiles______________________________________________________________ 16
4Reading Tags _______________________________________________________ 17
4.1Reading RFID tags with the Reader ______________________________________ 17
4.2RF Settings & Diagnostics ______________________________________________ 18
4.2.1Tuning ___________________________________________________________________ 19
4.2.2Power____________________________________________________________________ 19
4.3Testing the Unit_______________________________________________________ 19
4.4Test Mode ___________________________________________________________ 20
5File Management & Communication____________________________________ 21
5.1File Management Menu ________________________________________________ 21
5.1.1Viewing Tags______________________________________________________________ 22
5.2Connecting the Reader to other devices via USB or Bluetooth ________________ 23
5.2.1Connecting a PC to the Reader Using USB_______________________________________ 23
5.2.2Connecting to the Reader Using Bluetooth _______________________________________ 23
5.2.3Connecting a USB Memory Stick ______________________________________________ 23
5.3Command Interface ___________________________________________________ 25
5.4File Formats _________________________________________________________ 27
5.4.1Tag File Format____________________________________________________________ 27
5.4.2Log File Format____________________________________________________________ 27
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6Tools and Diagnostics ________________________________________________ 28
6.1Power _______________________________________________________________ 28
6.2Reports______________________________________________________________ 29
6.2.1Startup Report _____________________________________________________________ 29
6.2.2Status Report ______________________________________________________________ 30
6.2.3Noise ____________________________________________________________________ 30
6.2.4Alarms ___________________________________________________________________ 31
6.3GPS Information______________________________________________________ 33
Appendix A - UTC Time Zone Map _________________________________________ 34
Appendix B - Installation of Legacy Serial Drivers_____________________________ 35
Appendix B.1.Windows XP Driver Installation ________________________________ 35
Appendix B.2.Windows 7 and Vista Driver Installation _________________________ 38
Appendix B.3.Test Serial Connection in BioTerm ______________________________ 40
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1 Reader Overview
1.1 Product Description
The HPR Plus and HPR readers (Reader) are handheld 134.2 kHz radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag readers intended for use with animal tags. The Reader has
been designed specifically for use in fish and wildlife research applications.
Consequently, it is the most capable and versatile reader available today for this
purpose. The HPR Reader is well suited to handheld field use, and bench top use.
The HPR Plus Reader contains additional features to facilitate standalone remote
monitoring applications.
The Reader features:
-Rugged drop-proof and waterproof housing
-Memory for storage of over 1 million tag reads
-High-performance ISO HDX/FDX-B 134.2 kHz RFID reader with
continuous automatic antenna tuning with the HPR Plus
-Internal high-capacity lithium battery pack
-4.3” High resolution color TFT LCD display
-454MHz ARM9 core CPU
-Class 2 Bluetooth interface
-GPS synchronized clock
-"Geotagging" of RFID tag reads with the HPR Plus
-USB 2.0 On-The-Go (OTG) interface for PC or memory stick
connection
-Dual purpose hand strap and belt loop
-Sophisticated data logging and diagnostic features
-Detachable wand antenna
-Wide range DC power input for use in remote monitoring applications
and easier field recharging
-Simple upgrading of Reader software via a USB memory stick
-Remote control of the Reader via Bluetooth, USB, or USB RS232
adapter
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1.2 Illustrated Diagram
Front Panel
Read Button
Power/OK Button
Battery Charge & Alarm
Indicator (orange) Tag Read
Indicator (blue)
GPS Signal
USB Status
Bluetooth Status
Alarm Indicator
Battery Level &
Charging Status
Waterproof Vent
Light Sensor &
Serial #
Tag Reading Status &
Tag Reading Mode
Current File & Number
of Tags Within
Date & Time
Current and Previous
Read Tag Numbers
Toggle Buttons
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Reader Connectors
Folding Desk Stand Attached Loop Antenna
USB OTG DC Input Antenna
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1.3 Supplied Equipment
1. Biomark HPR Unit, (the Reader)
2. Biomark HPR Loop Antenna
3. Fish-Shaped FDX-B RFID Key-chain Test Tag
4. Power Charger Kit (100-240V input, 24V 30W output)
5. 2 m Antenna Cable
6. 2 m USB Cable for PC Connection
7. 0.5 m USB Cable for Flash Drive connection
8. Desk Stand
9. Combined Adjustable Hand Strap & Belt-Loop
10.User Manual (on Biomark flash drive provided)
11.Custom soft case
Please ensure you have received all of the above equipment upon receipt of your
new Reader.
Optional Accessory Equipment
1. DC Power Input Cable
2. HPR to LEGACY Antenna Cable Adapter
3. Hard-shell Protective carry case
4. Hard-shell Protective remote monitoring case/enclosure
1.4 Care and Maintenance
While the HPR Reader has been designed to be as rugged and durable as
possible, please observe the following points to ensure your Reader provides many
years of trouble free service:
Charge the battery before first using the Reader or before putting the
Reader into storage.
The protective caps should be fitted to the connectors whenever possible to
protect them from corrosion, dust, and physical damage.
Always properly tighten the locking collets on cables connected to the
Reader to prevent moisture entering the connectors and damaging the
contacts.
If the Reader has become wet, ensure the connectors and their caps are dry
before removing the cables and replacing the caps. This is to avoid “locking
in” the moisture and causing corrosion damage to the contacts.
If the Reader is exposed to salt water, rinse the entire unit with fresh water
and dry it before removing the cables.
Clean and dry the reader before putting it back into its carry case.
NOTE: Water cannot enter into the Reader through the connectors with or without
the protective caps fitted, but the moisture could damage the terminals in the
connectors.
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2 Getting Started
2.1 Switching the Reader On and Off
The unit can be powered on by any of the following methods:
1. Connecting the unit to the AC Adapter
2.
3. Holding the OK button for more than 1 second.
NOTE: Once the unit has been powered up, it will take up to 30 seconds to boot
into the software.
The unit can be powered off by holding the OK button for more than 1 second. A
menu will pop up asking the user to confirm the shutdown.
In the event of a software crash, the unit can be forced off by holding the OK button
down for longer than 10 seconds.
2.2 Charging the Reader
The Reader has an internal 28.8W/h lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. This
type of lithium battery is much safer and has a longer cycle life than lithium
batteries typically used in consumer electronics.
To preserve the life of the battery, the Reader should be fully charged before first
use and also before the Reader is put away into storage.
To charge the Reader’s internal lithium battery, follow these steps:
1. Plug the DC Jack on the charger into the center plug on the end of the
Reader.
2. Connect the charger to a grounded AC power socket.
The battery charge indicator will continuously light orange while the battery is
charging, and change to green once the battery is charged. The Reader will take
around 4-5 hours to charge a completely flat battery.
If the charger is connected and the charge indicator is neither green nor orange
then the Reader is not charging. Check the connections and verify that the DC
input voltage cutout setting discussed in section 3 is configured correctly.
NOTE: The battery cannot charge if the internal temperature of the Reader is
below 0°C (32°F) or above 60°C (140°F). The unit will indicate a charging error
under these conditions.
Please be aware that when using the reader in environments below freezing
temperature, the battery's ability to supply current will be reduced. This will reduce
the Reader's battery run-time and possibly reduce the maximum usable RF
transmit power setting. Please use the lowest practical RF power setting (refer to
section 4.2.2) under these conditions to avoid excessively loading the battery.
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2.3 Sleep Mode
Momentarily pressing the OK/Power button when the Reader is displaying the main
screen will put the Reader into low power “Sleep” mode. In this mode, the screen is
switched off, tag reading stops, and any PC connection (USB or Bluetooth) is lost.
Sleep mode is useful for extending battery runtime when there is a long period
between reading tags.
The Reader can be “woken up” by pressing the OK or READ buttons. The Reader
can also be configured to auto-sleep after a certain amount of time if it is not being
used. Please refer to Section 3 for more information about configuring this setting.
2.4 Using Alternate DC Power Sources
It is possible to use alternate DC sources to charge and power the Reader
provided the following points are considered:
The charging input to the Reader operates over 11-30V DC. Connecting
voltages sources above 30V DC may damage the Reader.
Observe the polarity of the DC connection. The tip of the charger connection
is positive and the ring is negative.
The Reader requires a power source capable of providing at least 20W to
operate at full transmit power and charge the internal battery.
Use of AC adapters (particularly ungrounded types) other than the one
provided with the Reader may result in poor read range of tags due to noise.
DC Power Input Cable is an available accessory item from Biomark.
NOTE: It is possible to configure the cut-off voltage for the DC input via the settings
menu. This feature is useful when powering the reader from an external battery or
other alternate power supply. Refer to Section 3 for more information on
configuring these settings.
2.5 Connecting the Accessories
The unit should be connected to the loop antenna with the supplied cable.
Depending on what other functionality is required, the unit can also be connected
to a USB port on a PC, or USB Flash Drive.
The threaded locking collets should be fully screwed onto their mating connectors.
NOTE: When data is transferring from the reader to a USB drive, the USB icon will
show a lock symbol. DO NOT remove the USB drive while the lock status symbol
is showing. Failure to observe this procedure can result in loss or corruption of data
from the USB drive.
Un-safe to disconnect: Safe to Disconnect:
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2.6 Setting the Clock
To keep the clock in the Reader accurate, it will update automatically via the GPS
satellite network whenever a GPS signal is available. The precise clock is useful
for synchronizing tag reads in multiple Reader installations. In this situation, ensure
that all of the Readers have been synchronized with the GPS time when setting up
a multi-reader system.
NOTE: So that your local time appears correctly on the display and in log files,
please set the current time zone in the settings menu (refer to Section 3).
To set the clock, move outside or place the unit near a window with a clear view of
the sky. The time taken to update the clock will depend on the quality of the GPS
signal, varying from a few seconds to a few minutes. You will notice the time and
date change to the correct values. If the clock has not updated after 5 minutes, try
positioning the reader in an area with a better view of the sky.
If the reader clock has become invalid, a message will appear upon turning on the
reader: “The Clock Could Not Synchronize – GPS Signal Is Required.”
This can happen if the Reader has been in storage for a long time and the internal
battery has become deeply discharged. Fully recharge the battery as soon as
possible before using the unit to read tags. Follow the above procedure to set the
clock.
2.7 Using the GPS Receiver
The HPR Plus Reader is able to store location information (latitude and longitude)
along with each tag read, this is known as “geotaging.” Geotagging can be turned
on or off in the settings menu, please refer to Section 3. When using this feature,
be sure that the unit has a valid GPS lock; otherwise the geotag information will not
be stored along with the tag read.
The GPS icon on the main screen will change from red to blue when a valid GPS
lock is obtained and the Reader is now tracking its location.
To obtain a GPS lock, position the Reader in an area with a clear view of the sky.
Achieving a valid GPS lock usually takes less than 2 minutes, but can take up to 5
minutes or more, particularly if the Reader has not been operated in the area
before or has been switched off for a long time.
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3 Configuring the Reader
The Main Menu can be accessed by pressing the left hand “soft-key” labeled
MENU on the home screen. From here, pressing the corresponding arrow keys
allows for fast navigation through the menus.
Main Menu Screen
3.1 Settings Menu
Pressing the UP key from the main menu screen will display the Settings menu.
Settings Menu
When in the Settings menu, use the toggle arrow buttons to select a sub-
setting. Press OK to edit the highlighted setting. Use the arrows keys to alter
the selection, and then press Save to confirm the change. Pressing the Back
button will return to return to previous menu.
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3.1.1 Device
The Device Settings menu allows the user to configure the hardware and set locale
settings.
Device Settings
Parameters that can be customized are:
Reader ID – The ID number of the Reader. This number will appear in log
files, tag files, and when connecting the Reader to a PC. It is useful for
Readers to have different IDs when more than one Reader is used at a time.
The Reader ID also forms part of the Bluetooth name, e.g. HPR-XX, where
XX is the Reader ID.
Time zone – Set this to your current UTC offset to ensure the correct local
time is displayed and stored in tag/log files. Refer to Appendix A for a time
zone map or look up your current time zone on the internet. Be sure to
account for any daylight saving hours that may be in effect in your area.
Backlight Brightness – Set the desired screen backlight brightness. Lower
settings will save battery power, a higher setting is useful for viewing the
device in full sun. Note that under dark or shady conditions the display will
auto-dim. The Reader will return to the configured brightness level when it
encounters bright conditions again.
Beep Volume – Adjusts the volume of the audible indicator.
Auto Sleep Time – Sets the amount of time before the reader automatically
goes into to sleep mode to save power. Note that this will not occur if the
Reader is currently in tag reading mode or connected to a PC via USB or
Bluetooth.
Auto Shutdown Time – Sets the amount of time before the reader
automatically powers off. Note that this will not occur if the Reader is
currently in tag reading mode, connected to external power, or a PC.
Timestamp Format – Selects the date display format.
Tag Format – Chooses between hexadecimal (e.g. 3D9.1748D3AD9F) or
decimal (e.g. 985.100006080033) tag number display.
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Bluetooth Enable – Enables or disables the Bluetooth function.
Bluetooth Password – Sets the Bluetooth passkey for connecting the
Reader to other devices via Bluetooth.
External Power Cutoff - The Reader will stop drawing power from the
external DC input when the voltage drops below this level. This is useful
when powering the reader from an external battery pack. Be aware that if
this setting is configured incorrectly, the Reader may not charge the battery
as expected. Normally, this setting should be kept at the minimum value of
10.5 volts unless an unusual DC power input is being used (e.g. an external
battery pack). Note that a low power draw will still continue from the external
power source even if the voltage is below the cutoff level.
3.1.2 Diagnostics
The Diagnostic Settings menu allows the user to configure parameters relating to
alarms and diagnostic reports.
Not all information is reported with HPR Reader.
Diagnostics Settings
Send Communications – send diagnostic messages to the selected device
(e.g. battery low, memory full, low antenna current, etc.).
Alarm Indicator – Choose to beep and/or flash the orange LED indicator.
Status Report Interval –How often to run and store a new Status report.
Noise Report Interval – How often to run and store a new Noise report.
Backg. Noise High – Triggers an alarm message when RF background
noise is above the selected level.
Memory Low – Triggers an alarm message when Memory capacity has
dropped below the selected level.
Antenna Current Low – Triggers an alarm message when the antenna
current falls below the selected level.
External Power Alarm – Triggers an alarm message when external power
input voltage falls below the selected level. Note that this does not cut off
power being drawn from the DC power input, this function is achieved by the
“External Power Cutoff” parameter in the “Device” settings (see previous
subsection).
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3.1.3 Memory
The Memory Settings menu allows the user to configure parameters associated
with tag reading and data storage. Not all parameters are available with HPR
Reader.
Memory Settings
Tag Type – Selects which tag types to read (FDX-B and/or HDX)
Store Tags – When unselected, read tags will be displayed on the screen,
but will not be stored into a file.
File Number – Selects which file number to store tag reads into. The Reader
can store up to 100 different files.
Send Tags – Selects which port(s) to stream live tag read data out of.
Read Indicator – Choose to beep and/or flashing the blue Read Indicator
LED at bottom of unit when a tag is read.
Unique Mode Timeout – Choose the time before a tag of the same number
will be re-read and stored when the Reader is operating in “Unique” mode. A
value of zero performs similar to Continuous mode.
Geotag Enable – When selected will store GPS data with tag number.
Single Tag Read – When selected, the Reader will read one tag then return
to Standby mode. The READ button needs to be pressed before another tag
can be read.
NOTE: Once a tag file contains more than 20,000 tags, a "Tag File Full" alarm will
occur. Tags will continue to be recorded in this file, however only 20,000 tags can
be displayed on the Reader screen.
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3.2 Profiles
The Reader settings can be saved into “profiles” for loading at a later time. Keeping
several settings “profiles” stored on the reader allows speedy reconfiguration of the
settings for different applications.
Profiles Menu
Save
This function saves the current settings into memory. A window will appear asking
for which “Profile Number” to save to. The data in the profile will be overwritten if it
already exists. The Reader will ask for confirmation if this occurs.
Load
This function will load specific settings from memory. A message will appear asking
for the “Profile Number” to load.
Load Factory Defaults
This will reset the settings back the way they were when the Reader was first
delivered from the factory. A confirmation window will appear asking to verify this
action. When “Yes” is pressed, the Reader will automatically reset all of the
settings. Tag data will not be erased.
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4 Reading Tags
4.1 Reading RFID tags with the Reader
Upon starting up, the Reader will resume the last state it was in, i.e. Reading or
Standby. Reading can be started and stopped by pushing the "READ" button on
the device. The text at the top of the Main Screen will toggle between "Reading"
and "Standby" when the “READ” button is pressed.
NOTE: If external power is not connected to the unit, a fully charged battery will run
flat after approximately 3-10 hours of continuously being in READING mode
depending on the RF power setting.
The “Shortcut” button on the Main Screen allows quick access to tag reading
related settings via a popup menu.
Shortcut Popup
Press the Up/Down arrows to toggle from Continuous (constantly read the
same tag) to Unique (will read a particular tag again after the preset time).
Press the Right arrow to toggle reading FDX-B and/or HDX tags.
Press the Left arrow to jump to the Memory Settings screen; this is a useful
shortcut to adjust tag reading and storage settings. The Memory Settings
screen is described in Section 3.
NOTE: Ensure that the Reader is correctly configured to operate as required for
the application, paying particular attention to the Memory Settings and RF Settings.
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4.2 RF Settings & Diagnostics
Detailed information and settings related to the Radio Frequency (RF) functions of
the device are configured in the RF Menu screen. This is accessible from the Main
Menu by pressing the down arrow key.
RF Settings
This screen indicates the present antenna tuning setting, power setting, peak-to-
peak antenna voltage, and RMS antenna current. Three bar graphs show the
amount of "noise" (radio interference) present.
FDX-B Noise – This is the amount of interference that will affect the read range of
FDX-B tags. The higher the noise the lower the read range will be. FDX noise will
jump to 99% while a FDX tag is being read, this is normal.
HDX Noise – This is the amount of interference that will affect the read range of
HDX tags. The higher the noise the lower the read range will be. HDX noise will
jump to 99% while a HDX tag is being read, this is normal. HDX noise should
normally track the background noise value fairly closely unless HDX specific
interference is present.
BKG Noise – This is the amount of background noise that will affect the read range
of both FDX-B and HDX tags.
Possible sources of noise include:
Adjacent metal objects
Other electronic equipment
Motorized equipment
Structures with embedded reinforcing steel
Excessive vibration
Excessive water fluctuation or water splashing onto the antenna
Adjacent power lines or power generating equipment
Adjacent antennas that are in operation
Overhead lights and power lines
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The RF Menu allows the user to configure the following:
4.2.1 Tuning
The HPR Plus allows for manual or auto tuning of the antenna. The HPR Plus
Reader will continuously automatically tune the antenna for peak antenna
current/voltage.
NOTE: Using auto tuning will reduce the number of tag reads per second from 10
to 8.
4.2.2 Power
The transmit output power to the antenna can be set to one of 15 different power
levels. The higher the power, the greater the tag read range. However, keep in
mind this is not always a linear relationship. That is, the amount of read range
increase will become less and less with each step up in power setting. Use the
lowest practical power setting to prolong battery run time.
NOTE: Use a power setting below 70% for the handheld loop antenna. Any power
setting above this will not result in a useful read range increase and will
significantly reduce battery run time.
4.3 Testing the Unit
The supplied Fish RFID Keychain Test Tag can be placed near the loop antenna to
verify correct operation of the unit. This tag is an FDX-B tag. When the RFID tag is
placed on-axis, i.e. the fish pointing into the loop, the tag should have read range
of approximately 10cm from the centre of the loop, depending on the power setting.
The tag ID will appear on the display and the Reader may beep and/or the tag read
indicator will flash blue, depending on the audible and visual indicator settings.
NOTE: The antenna and tag should not be placed on or near any metallic object
while reading, as this will significantly reduce the tag read range.
The Antenna and FDX-B Test Tag
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4.4 Test Mode
The "Test Mode" button will count the number of successful tag reads out of 100
tag reading cycles when a tag is present in the field. This is useful for testing the
performance of an antenna setup.
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