Datamars AirStick EID User manual

Portable EID Tags Reader – User Manual

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
Contents
1. OVERVIEW ...............................................................................................................4
AirStick EID Tag Reader Description ...............................................................................4
Highlights.........................................................................................................................4
Packaging Contents .........................................................................................................4
Glossary……………………………………………………………………………………………………..5
S-ID Software ..................................................................................................................5
AirStick overview .............................................................................................................6
Keyboard and Read button ..............................................................................................7
2. Getting Started ........................................................................................................8
How to insert and remove the internal battery ...............................................................8
Charging the battery........................................................................................................9
How to Switch ON/OFF AirStick reader.........................................................................10
To switch on AirStick reader ............................................................................................ 10
To switch off AirStick reader............................................................................................ 11
Display……………………………………………………………………………………………………..12
Settings…………………………………………………………………………………………………….13
Application Menu ...........................................................................................................15
Transponder types & EID...............................................................................................16
3. Operations .............................................................................................................17
Reading an EID Ear Tag .................................................................................................17
Single Mode.................................................................................................................... 18
Continuous Mode ............................................................................................................ 18
Managing Duplicates......................................................................................................18
Linking Data to an EID...................................................................................................19
Insert and modify a VID .................................................................................................. 19
Insert and modify an Alert............................................................................................... 20
Notes ............................................................................................................................. 22
4. Session functions................................................................................................... 23
Create a New Session ....................................................................................................23
Continue Session............................................................................................................23
Sessions Options............................................................................................................26
Delete duplicates ............................................................................................................ 27
Delete a session.............................................................................................................. 28
Send Session Data .......................................................................................................... 29
Show EID details............................................................................................................. 31
5. Search Functions....................................................................................................33
Search EID .....................................................................................................................33
Search VID .....................................................................................................................38
Search Alert....................................................................................................................41

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6. AirStick connectivity ..............................................................................................45
Data transfer..................................................................................................................45
USB (wired)....................................................................................................................45
Mass storage mode......................................................................................................... 46
USB Virtual COM Port ...................................................................................................... 46
USB Keyboard wedge...................................................................................................... 46
Bluetooth®(wireless) ....................................................................................................46
Bluetooth® Virtual COM Port (SPP, Serial Port Profile)....................................................... 49
Bluetooth® Keyboard wedge........................................................................................... 49
USB Memory Stick..........................................................................................................51
Reader backup................................................................................................................ 53
Session download ........................................................................................................... 53
Reader restore................................................................................................................ 54
Session upload................................................................................................................ 54
7. Firmware update....................................................................................................55
8. Care and Maintenance............................................................................................55
9. Specification ..........................................................................................................56
10. Troubleshooting..................................................................................................57
Bad reading performances.............................................................................................57
The reader does not work..............................................................................................57
A triangle has appeared on the status toolbar ..............................................................58
11. Certification ........................................................................................................ 59
12. End of life............................................................................................................ 60
Disassembly Instructions for AirStick reader ................................................................60
Tools Required ...............................................................................................................60
Product Disassembly Process ........................................................................................60

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
1. OVERVIEW
AirStick EID Tag Reader Description
With its ergonomic and well-balanced wand, the AirStick can read electronic and visual ID tags while you
keep at a safe and comfortable distance.
Simply click a button and the animal’s ID data will be displayed on the AirStick’s clear screen where you can
zoom text of interest (EID, VID or Alert).
An audible, visible and tactile feedback will indicate a successful read and save. AirStick easily connects to
external devices wirelessly via Bluetooth or via USB in to exchange animal information.
Highlights
• Compatible with Standards ISO11784/5, ISO11784-AMD1 (FDX-B and HDX transponders)
• High reading distance (31 cm FDX-B, 37 cm HDX glass tag 32 mm)
• Flashing LED, vibration and audio to notify successful tag reading
• Robust and waterproof (IP67)
• Easy wireless connectivity via Bluetooth® and data transfer via USB
• Long life rechargeable and replaceable battery for extended use outdoors (two batteries included)
• 4 GB memory capacity (> 1 million codes stored)
• Search functions to recall animal data
Packaging Contents
• AirStick reader
• 2 Rechargeable and replaceable Li-Ion
Batteries 7.4VDC/19.24Wh/2600mAh
• AC/DC battery charger 15V 1.6A 24W 100-
240VAC
• Charger cable (provided with UK, US, AU, EU
socket depending on the Country)
• Car charger
• USB cable (to connect AirStick reader to a
device)
• USB memory stick (containing S-ID Software)
• Documentation and warranty card
• Shoulder belt
• Suitcase
Figure 1-1

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
Glossary
EID : Electronic IDentifier.
VID : Visual IDentifier. Alphanumeric code up to 16 digits that can be associated with an EID on AirStick
reader (manually entering the code) or by S-ID software (you can propose a default value or set the VID
equal to the last digits, up to 12, of the EID). *
Alert : Alphanumeric code up to 16 digits that can be associated with an EID to notify a specific condition
met by an animal (grouping, pregnancy, vaccination...) *. An Alert can be selected from a pre-defined list or
can be entered manually.
Note : A note is any data (alphanumeric codes up to 16 digits) that can be added to an EID: It is possible to
customize Up to 5 “note” fields. You can decide to classify each note to have consistent information for all
EIDs (eg. Note 1 = Date of Birth, Note 2: Place of birth….) or use it in different ways for different EIDs.
This data is read only on AirStick and can be added and edited in S-ID only.
Magnifier : Highlights the information you consider the most important (EID, VID or alert) with a bigger font
size. For the EID and the VID you can customize the number of digits you want to highlight, from 3 to 12.
Reading session : Memory file that stores reading information every time an EID is read. Default session
name: RS dd-mm-yy.csv. *
Counter : Number of EIDs stored in the current session.
* Customizable functionality on S-ID software
S-ID Software
We recommend installing S-ID software on your PC (provided with the supplied USB memory stick), which
allows you to manage your data, check for newer versions of the firmware or modify default settings.
*Refer to S-ID software manual for more information.
Check for the latest version and the instructions manual on
www.datamars.com/id-readers .

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
AirStick overview
1. LED: the light flashes red while the reader is in reading mode and turn into green when an EID is
detected. The light is switched off if no reading operations are ongoing.
2. Antenna
3. Read button (on the back):
4. Rear screwing cap (on the bottom)
5. DC Plug (charger connection)
6. Battery removal button
7. Replaceable battery
8. Mini USB port (to connect the reader to a PC via USB cable)
9. Standard USB port (to connect a USB memory stick)
5
6
8
Figure 1-2

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
Keyboard and Read button
AirStick has 4 buttons on the keyboard and a read button placed on the back (Figure 1-3, 1-4).
1,2,3 - Contextual buttons: Press a contextual button to select the corresponding command displayed in
the action toolbar on the screen.
4 - ON-OFF/Selection button. This button allows to:
Switch ON the reader: Press for about 3 seconds
(refer to “ _Switch_ON/OFF_AirStick “section for more information)
Switch OFF the reader: Press for 2 seconds and then press again to confirm ( refer to “ Switch ON/OFF AirStick
reader“ section for more information)
Select: When the reader is turned on, press to activate the select command displayed in the action toolbar
Read Button:
The read button is placed on the back of the reader and it is the only button dedicated to read an EID (refer
to “Reading an EID Ear Tag” section for more information).
1 2 3
1 2 3
4
On the action toolbar
On keyboard
Figure 1-3
Figure 1-4

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
2. Getting Started
How to insert and remove the internal battery
AirStick is provided with two batteries supplied inside the suitcase (refer to “Packaging Contents” section for more
information).
To insert the battery into AirStick reader it is very important to follow the steps described in this section:
1) Open the rear screwing cap on the bottom of the reader.
2) Insert the battery into AirStick battery compartment. The powerpack cavity is designed to allow an easy
and proper installation. The battery will “snap” into place when it is properly inserted.
To remove the battery from AirStick reader:
1) Open the rear screwing cap on the bottom of the reader.
2) Push the battery removal button.
3) Pull out the battery.
3) Close the rear screwing cap.

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Charging the battery
The battery can be charged as stand-alone using the AC/DC battery charger or the car charger, or it can be
charged while it is insert into the reader, connecting AirStick to the AC/DC charger or car charger.
By AC/DC battery charger:
Connect the AC/DC charger adaptor to the charger cable. Connect the AC/DC charger plug to the DC jack on
the battery, then plug the cable socket into a 220 VAC outlet.
By car charger:
Plug one end of the car charger into the plug jack on the battery, then plug the other end into the accessory
socket of the car.
Battery level indicator:
The battery logo shows the battery level. Please note that when the bar become red, about 30 minutes of
power charge are left.
While the battery is charging, the red and green LED indicator will light and will be steadily lit. When the
battery is fully charged, the red LED indicator will turn off and the green LED indicator will be steadily lit.
Charging Problems:
If an error occurs during the charging, the Red LED starts blinking. Here below a list of possible causes and
solutions:
Cause
Solution
The charging temperature is out of range (+5°C
and +45°C)
Keep the reader in an indoor environment at
temperature between +5 and +45°C during
charging process
Battery is exhausted
The battery must be replaced
Battery fault
Please contact the assistance

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
How to Switch ON/OFF AirStick reader
To switch on AirStick reader
Press the ON-OFF/Selection button on the reader for 3 seconds.
The Start screen
(Figure 2-1) will appear on the display and shows:
1) AirStick reader name (
customizable by S-ID Software )
2) Firmware version
3) Counter: how many EID read in the current Reading session
4) The current Reading session name
5) EID, VID, ALERT fields: the yellow icon indicate which field is highlighted in the magnifier when a tag is
read. When the reader is turned on for the first time, the magnifier highlights the EID.
Scroll down with the down arrow to change the information you want to highlight in the magnifier. When a
different field is selected (VID or Alert), the AirStick will keep this selection until a new one will be chosen.
4
1
2
3
5
Figure 2-1

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
To switch off AirStick reader
To switch off the reader press the ON-OFF/Selection button on the reader for 3 seconds (Figure 2-2) .
The following screen will appear on the display:
Press the Selection button to confirm.
The reader can be switched off in any moment except while reading. Stop reading by pressing the read
button and then turn the reader off.
Figure 2-2

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Display
AirStick reader is has a 2.8” TFT, 65000 colours display. In the Figure 2-3 is shown the display without notes
(on the left) and with them (on the right).
1
Battery level
2
Usb icon
Green when connected to a device.
Refer to “Settings” or “AirStick connectivity” sections for more information
3
Bluetooth Icon
White when Bluetooth is ON but no device connected. Green when connected to a
Bluetooth device.
Refer to “Settings” or “AirStick connectivity” sections for more information
4
Date & Time
5
Transponder type & EID
Refer to “Settings” section for more information
6
VID
7
Alert
8
Safety Lock
An Open/Closed safety lock appears to indicate if the field selected is editable or not.
9
Magnifier
An Alert is shown in the example
10
Shortcut to data
transfer
It appears while the reader is connected to a device. Green icon when ready to
s
end
Session Data
11
Application menu
12
Scroll down button
13
Selection button
It allows to select the information displayed in the magnifier and confirm
14
Settings Menu
15
Reading session
Refer to “ Session functions” section for more information
16
Counter
17
Notes
Refer to “Glossary” section for more information
17
12
13
16
2
3
4
11
14
1
5
6
7
8
9
10
15
Figure 2-3

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
Settings
Select the Settings icon and Use the arrows to navigate the Settings menu (Figure 2-4). Select the desired
setting and press the Selection button to enter the desired function.
Reading modes:
Two reading modes can be selected from the Settings Menu:
A. Single: pressing the read button only one EID will be read (to read another one you should press
the read button again).
B. Continuous: pressing the read button the AirStick continues reading tags until the read button is
pressed again (or time-out occurs). When active the icon appears on the status toolbar on the top of the
screen.
While in Single mode, you can decide to read continuously when needed. Refer to “Reading an EID Ear Tag” section for
more information.
Duplicates:
A. Not allowed
B. Allowed: when selected the icon appears on the status toolbar on the top of the screen.
Refer to “Duplicates” section for more information .
Bluetooth
®
:
Selecting this setting you can set Bluetooth functionalities navigating in the Bluetooth menu.
When the Bluetooth is active, the Bluetooth icon is displayed on the status toolbar on the top of the screen.
Refer to “ Bluetooth® (wireless) ” section for more information.
USB profiles:
A. Virtual COM Port (SPP, Serial Port Profile mode)
B. Keyboard wedge
When the reader is connected to a device via USB cable, the USB icon is displayed on the status toolbar on
Figure 2-4

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
the top of the screen. Refer to “AirStick connectivity” section for more information.
Audio:
A. ON: When the audio is active, the reader sends an audible beep each time an EID tag is detected.
B. OFF
Vibration:
A. ON: When the vibration is active, the reader vibrates each time an EID tag is detected.
B. OFF
Language selection:
Click on the icon to select the desired language.
Date & Timesetting:
Click on the icon to set Date & Time.
EID format:
With the “EID format” function you can select the desired format to store and transfer EIDs selection.
Refer to “ Transponder information & EID” Section for more information .
Magnifier digits:
It is possible to choose how many digits you want the EID and the VID highlighted on the magnifier
(configurable from 3 digits (A) to 12 (B)).
A.
B.
This setting is not applicable to the Alert which is displayed in the magnifier entirely.
Example:
EID: 00000009990000000000034 – VID: ABC0000000000034 – ALERT: CULL.
Magnifier digits = 12: EID=0000000000034; VID=0000000000034; ALERT=CULL.
Magnifier digits = 5: EID=00034; VID=00034; ALERT=CULL.
Brightness:
The Display brightness feature defines the level of the brightness of the display
A. High
B. Middle
C. Low

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Application Menu
The application menu (figure 2-5) allows to access the session functions ( A ) and the search functions ( B ).
Use the arrows to navigate the menu and press the ON-OFF/Selection button to select the desired function.
A) Session Functions:
1. “New Session”: to create a new session
2. “Continue Session”: to select an already existing session, where you can continue saving data
3. “Session Options”: to manage sessions (printing, editing EIDs, deleting data, managing duplicates)
Refer to “Session functions“ section for more information.
B) Search Functions:
4. “Search EID”: to search an existing EID in a specific session
5. “Search VID”: to search the EID marked with a specific VID
6. “Search Alert”: to search the EIDs marked with a specific Alert
Refer to “ Search Functions“ section for more information.
Figure 2-5

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Transponder types & EID
From the Settings menu it is possible to reach the “EID format” function in which you can select the
desired format to store and transfer EIDs selection.
The screen displays a list of 7 formats allowed
(Figure 2 6).
AirStick reader is able to detect both
FDX-B and HDX transponders, which are the ISO standard 11784/5.
The
Alpha Country Code is according to ISO 3166, ISO 11784/5.
The
Identity Code is according to ISO 11784/5.
ISO Long
Animal: "A0000000964000000123456" (23 char)
Industrial: "R00060000000000123456" (21 char)
ISO Short
Animal: "964 000000123456" (16 char)
Industrial: "0006 0000000000123456" (21 char)
ISO TIRIS™
(Texas
Instruments Registration and
Identification System)
Animal: "A 00000 0 964 000000123456" (26 char)
Industrial: "R 0006 0000000000123456" (23 char)
F-210
Animal: "A 00000 0 0999 000000123456" (27 char)
Industrial: "R 0006 0000000000123456" (23 char)
BDN-ITA
Animal: "10000000964000000123456" (23 char)
Industrial: "R00060000000000123456" (21 char)
South America ISO Short
(SA)
Animal: "964000000123456" (15 char)
Industrial: "0006 0000000000123456" (21 char)
Hex
Animal: “8000E1349EA72A50” (16 char)
Industrial: “0000000000528278” (16 char)
Bi-Hex
Animal: “900.E1349EA72A50” (16 char)
Industrial: “000.0000528278” (14 char)
Figure 2-6

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AirStick Reader User Manual – v. 1.0
3. Operations
Reading an EID Ear Tag
AirStick can start to read in any moment pressing the read button on the back of the reader.
For an efficient reading, the typical reading distances are:
FDX-B (glass tag 32 mm)
up to 31 cm
HDX (glass tag 32 mm) up to 38 cm
To read an EID ear tag, place the reader nearby the animal and press the read button.
The reader will display a count down the message “Reading” in the status toolbar on the bottom. The red
led will start to blink (Figure 3-1).
When AirStick detects an EID, the green led blinks and reading data is displayed on the screen
(Figure 3-2):
AirStick indicates that a successful reading has been made with a vibration and an audio notification (if these
settings are turned ON) and a green light on the antenna.
Figure 3-1
Figure 3-2

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The reading data are recorded in the current Reading session.
The Counter on the screen shows the number of EIDs stored in the current session.
While connected to an external device, each detected EID can be sent on the fly. Scroll down to select the
shortcut to send all the session content.
It is possible to read a single EID or start a reading session in a continuous way.
Refer to “Settings” section for more information.
Single Mode
Once the reader is at a proper distance from the animal, press the read button on the back of the reader to
start reading. The red blinks, and as soon as an EID tag is detected the green led blinks and AriStick stops
the reading. If the Audio and Vibrations are active, AirStick sends an audible alert and it vibrates.
Continuous Mode
Pressing the read button, the AirStick continues reading tags until the read button is pressed again when no
EID is found (time-out is reset after every reading).
In the Continuous mode, the continuous mode icon appears on the status toolbar on the top on the screen.
Press the read button to start reading once the reader is at a proper distance from the animal, and
press the read button once again to stop the Reading session.
If continuous mode is required onlyin few occasions, it’s also possible toread morethan one EID continuously
keeping the read button hold while the reader is in single mode.
Scanning will stop when the Read button is released.
Managing Duplicates
From the Setting menu it is possible to allow or not the possibility to read duplicated EIDs. Refer to “Settings”
section for more information.
• If duplicates are allowed, the duplicates icon appears on the status toolbar on the top of the
screen.
If you want to delete duplicates contained in a session, please refer to “Delete duplicates” section.

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• If duplicates are not allowed, each time an EID is read twice a duplicate message will be displayed on
AirStick’s screen
(Figure 3-3) and the counter will not increase.
(In the current reading session the same EID will be recorded only one time).
The same EID can be recorded in a different reading session.
While using a Reading session with several data (about 4000 codes), AirStick performance may slightly slow
down. We recommend downloading sessions not used and try to optimize data organization in AirStick.
Linking Data to an EID
Each time an EID is read, it is possible to link data, i.e. VID, ALERT and up to five notes (this last information
with S-ID software only). These data are shown on the reader’s screen each time the EID is read and are
available to the user with S-ID software (
Refer to S-ID software manual for more information) .
Insert and modify a VID
When an EID is detected, the related VID can be linked to it, directly by the screen of the reader or by S-ID
software*
.
*
Refer to S-ID software manual for more information
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4

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To insert the VID by the screen, scroll down with the arrow until the VID field is selected (Figure 3-4) and
press the selection button.
It is now possible to enter an alphanumeric VID up to16 digits
(Figure 3-5).
Use the “ABC” up and down arrow (
1 ) to insert the desired character. The characters order is 0,1...9, A, …,Z.
To change the orientation of the up and down arrow, keep the button pressed for 2 seconds.
To go to the next digit, use the “ABC” arrow (
2 ).
To cancel press the cancel button (
3 ).
Press the selection button to confirm the VID just entered. With S-ID you can select if the VID can
be edited (open lock) or not (closed lock).
This functionality can be customized also on S-ID Software*.
*
Refer to S-ID software manual for more information
Insert and modify an Alert
An Alert is an alphanumeric code up to 16 digits that can be associated to the EID to notifying a specific
status met by the animal (grouping, pregnancy, vaccination...).
When an EID is detected, an alert can be linked to it. The alert can be:
- selected on the reader from a pre-defined list
- typed on the reader (same approach as VID)
To select an Alert form a predefined list
(Figure 3-6) , scroll down withthe arrow until the Alert field is selected
and press the selection button. This option allows a quick selection from a list of 5 items that you can
customized by S-ID software* eg (ALERT1: Pregnant, ALERT2: Vaccinated…) . This list can be customized
by S-ID software*.
2
1
3
Figure 3-5