RF Code Scorpion I User manual

Scorpion I Reader User’s Guide
RF Code, Inc. Publication: 03801674-01
Issue Date Comment Revision
November 8, 2001 Initial Release 00
is the trademark of RF Code, Inc.
1250 South Clearview Ave. Mesa, AZ 85208 [phone] www.rfcode.com
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Scorpion I Reader
II Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc.
FCC Certification
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
The Scorpion I’s two major components are independently certified and comply with
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules, part 15.
1. This Scorpion I Reader complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
2. The system operates by using Scorpion I tags that have been certified or are in
the certification process. These devices comply with part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) these devices may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) these devices must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
a. FCC ID: N3S2001B01 for standard 7 second Spider Tag P/N:
05101297-06.
b. FCC ID: N3S2001B02 for 13 second Spider Tag P/N: 05101297-07, for
25 second Spider Tag P/N: 05101297-20, for 50 second Spider Tag
P/N: 05101297-21.
c. FCC ID: N3S2001B03 for 2 second Scorpion I Tag P/N: 05101297-26,
for 5 second Scorpion I Tag P/N: 05101297-27, for 10 second Scorpion I
Tag P/N: 05101297-28, for 15 second Scorpion I Tag P/N: 05101297-
29.
d. FCC IDs: N3S2001B04/5 have been reserved for Scorpion I Tags
w/motion sensors and Scorpion II tags, respectively. The Emissions
Designator for 1. is 400KL1D and for 2. and 3. it is 400KP1D.
Warning: Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. III
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION...............................................................................................................1
2 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................................1
3SCOPE..................................................................................................................................1
4 SCORPION I READER......................................................................................................2
4.1 SCORPION I READER PHYSICAL I/O................................................................................2
4.2 SCORPION I READER INTERNAL SETTINGS......................................................................5
4.3 SCORPION I READER ANTENNAS ....................................................................................7
4.4 SCORPION I READER ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITS..............................................................8
4.5 SCORPION I READER MOUNTING....................................................................................8
4.6 SCORPION TAGS .............................................................................................................9
List of Figures
Figure 1 Scorpion I Reader (Front View)..........................................................................2
Figure 2 Scorpion I (Rear View) .....................................................................................3
Figure 3 Scorpion I Internal Configuration Points..............................................................5
Figure 4 Scorpion I Physical Mounting Dimensions...........................................................9

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. 1
1 Introduction
The RF Code Scorpion I System is an RFID monitoring system designed to report
tags within defined reader operating ranges. The system utilizes “beacon” tags
that periodically report their presence with an encoded radio transmission. The
Scorpion I Reader is a dual channel radio receiver tuned to the Scorpion I Tag
transmission frequency.
The Scorpion I includes a Client Bridge as the interface between the Scorpion I
Reader and an Ethernet network. The reader receives the message and decodes
the tag’s identity each time the tag transmits. The reader sends the tag identity
information through the Client Bridge to the RF Code Concentrator LI software
application for processing. The Client Bridge can be configured to operate as a
wired connection to the Ethernet 10/100 network, using an RJ-45 connector, or
using an IEEE 802.11b wireless connection to the host computer.
2 Purpose
This manual provides instructions for the Scorpion I Reader setup and operation.
The Scorpion I Reader has different modes of operation and optional functions
that are user-selected, depending on the system’s operational requirements.
3 Scope
The instructions in this manual show how to configure the Scorpion I Reader for
physical options contained within the device itself. Operational Instructions for the
Scorpion I System using RF Code’s Concentrator LI software are found in the
Concentrator LI User’s Guide; RF Code publication IS1007

Scorpion I IIIAR Reader
2Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc.
4 Scorpion I Reader
The Scorpion I Reader contains the internal components of an RF Code Scorpion I
Reader and an Ethernet Client Bridge and is housed in a 12” x 8.5” x 2” painted,
aluminum chassis with screw-on cover. The reader works with Scorpion I Tags
that periodically transmit an encoded radio signal identity. The reader decodes
each tag’s signal and sends that information to the host processor, using the
Ethernet Client Bridge as a communication interface to the local area network
(LAN).
4.1 Scorpion I Reader Physical I/O
Figure 1 Scorpion I Reader (Front View)
Each Scorpion I Reader Antenna Post (A & B) supplies an RF signal to the
two parallel radio receivers in the Scorpion I Reader. Reference Paragraph
4.3, Page 7 for antenna positioning for optimum performance. The antenna
input impedance is 50 ohms nominal.
Charge Indicator is on while the reader is in operation. The light may or may
not be on while the power is applied, even when the reader’s power switch is
off.
On- Ready Indicator light, when illuminated, indicates the Scorpion I Reader
has power applied through the external power connector and the power switch
is on.
Tag Activity Indicator light is used for two purposes: to show the status of
the reader while in standby mode and to show tag detections while in active
mode.
Fast Charge
On - Ready Tag Activity
Charge
indicator Poweron
indicator Tag Activity indicator
Wireless Ethernet
Antenna
Scorpion I
Reader Antenna
A
B

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. 3
1. While in active mode, the light flashes at random indicating the reader
has read one or more tags each time it flashes. Because the reader
can decode tags faster than the light can be turned on and off, a single
flash may indicate more than one tag being decoded. When the
Scorpion I Reader is using the auto-registration mode, the activity light
flashes may indicate auto-registration activity prior to reporting tag IDs
to the network.
2. While in standby mode, the reader’s Tag Activity light turns on and off
at a distinctively cyclic rate that indicates the reader is in standby mode.
The Wireless Ethernet Antenna is positioned on the outside of the Scorpion I
chassis while being plugged into the Client Bridge inside the chassis. The
antenna is on the end of a PCMCIA card that is plugged into the Client Bridge
through a cutout in the Scorpion I enclosure.
Figure 2 Scorpion I (Rear View)
Ethernet Connector is an RJ-45 Ethernet jack to be used as the termination
point when this reader is part of a wired Ethernet LAN network. This reader
can be connected to a standard 10 Mbps network or a 10/100 Mbps network
that can switch speeds down to 10 Mbps.
Chassis Ground Terminator is a screw terminal that can be used to
electrically ground the Scorpion I chassis. Normally this termination is not
used because the reader is grounded through the third wire ground lead in the
power connector. The only time this Chassis Ground terminator should be
used is if the ground through the power connection is not connected.
Caution: Do not install this reader with both grounds connected. If
both grounds are connected, severe damage to the reader may result
during a near proximity lightning strike.
Chassis Ground
Terminator Power Connector Power On/Off Switch
Ethernet
Connector
l
O
1
0
+
10-24 VAC/DC 1A
Network

Scorpion I IIIAR Reader
4Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc.
Power On/Off Switch supplies power to the reader. The switch is on when it
is in the 1 position.
Power Transformer has a three-pin keyed connector
used to supply power from the power source to the
reader. The power transformer supplied with the
Scorpion I provides the reader with 18 volts AC. The
power transformer plugs into a standard 110 – 125
VAC wall outlet. The cable’s active leads are labeled
~and ~, the Gnd lead is connected to the wall outlet
ground. The “Open” terminal is not used in this
application. The factory- supplied cable is connected
to the transformer using wire colors shown below the
termination blocks. The factory supplied cable terminates in a circular 97
Series screw connector at the Scorpion I Reader.
If the reader is being supplied with DC power, the DC power is supplied
through the black and white wires (either polarity) with the blue wire connected
to earth ground.
Black White Blue
Open ~ ~ Gnd

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. 5
4.2 Scorpion I Reader Internal Settings
The Scorpion I Reader has three major components inside the enclosure:
•Scorpion I Reader printed circuit board (PCB);
•Power Supply PCB; and,
•Ethernet Client Bridge.
All three components have physical configuration capabilities that affect how
the reader works.
Figure 3 Scorpion I Internal Configuration Points
There are two Scorpion I Reader printed circuit boards that comprise the
Scorpion I Reader. The PCB on the side of the enclosure extends the two
antenna posts through the side of the enclosure. The main PCB is the
processor and data interface to the outside world. These two boards operate
as one Scorpion I Reader through a right angle connector.
The main PCB has a power switch (SW2) that must remain in the On position,
all the time. The main PCB also has an eight-position Dipswitch (SW1) that
permits the selection of specific functions and baud rates used by the reader.
The SW1 Dipswitch factory setting is switches two and six on and all other
switches off as shown in Figure 3. Each time the reader is turned on, it is
restored to the default settings which is determined by this switch. Most of the
reader’s configuration controls are implemented by serial download
3
4
5
6
7
2
8
1
Scorpion I
Power Supply
Ethernet
Client
Bridge
3M 6M
11M 22M
6H 3H
45M
12H
PowerSwitch
SW2
Function Select
Switch SW1
Watchdog Time
SelectP2

Scorpion I IIIAR Reader
6Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc.
commands to the embedded Scorpion I Reader in the chassis. Instructions for
the Scorpion I Reader’s operation using RF Code’s Concentrator LI are found
in the Concentrator LI user’s guide; RF Code publication number 03801400-
11.
To implement a feature required in the Scorpion I’s operation, the reader is
supplied with an empty battery holder. Batteries are not used in the Scorpion I
application. Do not install batteries in the battery holder.
Caution: By installing batteries, the reader will lose a functional
feature and could possibly create a physical hazard to the user.
The Power Supply printed circuit board provides power to the Scorpion I
Reader and the Client Bridge inside the enclosure. The power supply PCB
receives its power from the external power connector and will operate with 10
to 18 volts, either AC or DC input.
The power supply PCB also provides a communication watchdog between the
Scorpion I Reader and the Client Bridge. The watchdog monitors the
communication handshake lines between the two devices. If there is no
communications activity from either the Client Bridge or the Scorpion I Reader
for the period of time selected by the P2 jumper, the watchdog power cycles
(momentarily turns off the power) to both devices at the same time. Power
cycling restarts both units in their default startup configuration, which permits
them to resume normal communications.
The inactivity watch time is set with a Jumper on P2 termination strip. The
inactivity watch time can be set as short as three minutes (3M), and as long as
twelve hours (12H), with six intermediate steps between these extremes. The
watchdog times are approximate and not intended for exact timing. The
factory setting is three minutes and can be changed by removing the selection
jumper from the three-minute (3M) P2 terminals and placing it on the desired
P2 terminals. Note: do not operate the reader with the jumper removed; the
watchdog requires a valid jumper position to operate correctly.
The Ethernet Client Bridge can be operated using the wireless 802.11b
Ethernet link or the wired RJ-45 connection. If wired Ethernet is to be used,
remove the wireless PCMCIA card from the Client Bridge while the unit’s
power is turned off. Connect the Ethernet access RJ-45 cable into the reader.

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. 7
If wireless Ethernet is used, plug the wireless PCMCIA card into the Client
Bridge while the unit’s power is turned off. Do not attempt to use the wired RJ-
45 connection at the same time the wireless PCMCIA card is plugged in.
4.3 Scorpion I Reader Antennas
The type of antennas used and the
reader’s range setting determine the
effective read range. The normal
reader range features are defined
using ¼ wave helical antennas. These
antennas are appropriate for most
reader applications. Optional antennas
that offer diverse receiving properties are available for the Scorpion I Reader.
Contact your Scorpion I Reader distributor for more information.
The Scorpion I Reader has two receiver channels
that can operate independently, or jointly, to provide
tag signal diversity reception. The reader can
operate with one antenna on either antenna post;
the benefit of receiver diversity reception is obtained with both antennas
attached.
To achieve the best receiver diversity, it is desirable to have the antennas
positioned at different angles from the reader. Because the tags
may be located at various places and orientations around the
reader, the signal path to the reader may vary for each tag.
Because the signal path is different for each tag, one antenna
may see the signal while the other may not. Keep the
antennas separated; having the antennas overlapped cancels the
effectiveness of each antenna. It may be necessary to experiment with
antenna positions to achieve optimum coverage.

Scorpion I IIIAR Reader
8Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc.
4.4 Scorpion I Reader Environmental Limits
Operating Temperature -20 + 60°C
Storage Temperature -40 + 75°C
Operating humidity <95% Non-condensing at 50°C
Storage humidity <98% Non-condensing at 50°C
The Scorpion I Reader enclosure is designed to meet the requirements of
NEMA 12 indoor installation standards.
4.5 Scorpion I Reader Mounting
This reader mounting discussion defines the reader antenna’s mounting
locations. If the antennas are mounted on the reader, then these installation
instructions apply to the reader with the antennas installed on the reader.
As a general rule, the higher the antenna is positioned above the ground or
floor, the better the reader’s detection range. Detached antennas with low
loss SMA coaxial extension cables connected to the reader may be used to
separate the reader from the antennas.
To minimize RF interference, maintain a four to six foot separation between
the Scorpion I Reader antennas and potential RF radiators such as
computers, monitors, printers and electronic office equipment. The local radio
environment can limit the reader’s effective range. Grounded and reflective
metallic structures around the reader’s antennas and/or tags affects the
system’s performance.
As a general rule, the reader’s antennas should be mounted as high as
reasonably possible. However, mounting the antennas on the ceiling that is
also the floor of the story above may be detrimental because the antennas are
located near a “grounded floor”. The difference is, the floor is now above the
reader instead of below the reader. It may be necessary to experiment to find
the optimum position for placing the reader’s antennas.
Figure 4 shows the chassis mounting tabs on the Scorpion I Reader. The
dimensions are in inches.

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. 9
Figure 4 Scorpion I Physical Mounting Dimensions
4.6 Scorpion Tags
This reader operates in conjunction with Scorpion tags
that periodically transmit a radio frequency encoded
identity. This transmission is intended tobe received
the reader, decoded, and passed on to the system
database for processing.
12.25
13.25
14.00
2.00
1.125
8.75
14.15
Wireless LAN
Antenna
Power Switch
Reader Antenna
Connections
2.0
Chassis Mounting
Tab

Scorpion I IIIAR Reader
10 Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc.
Problem Analysis
This is a brief list of potential problems, with possible solutions, that may be
encountered while using the Scorpion I Reader. If the problem cannot be
resolved using this remedy chart, please call the distributor from which you
obtained the Scorpion I System for help in resolving the problem.
Condition Symptom Remedy
There are no tags being
read at the reader !The reader power light is off !Plug in the reader power pack
!Turn on the reader power switch
There are no tags being
read at the reader. !The reader power light is on
!The reader detect light is flashing
on and off at a regular interval
!The reader is in standby mode and
needs to be configured and
enabled for operation.
There are no tags being
read at the reader. !The reader has power but is
unresponsive to system
communications or remote restart
commands.
!Verify the LAN is connected and
the Client Bridge can be “Pinged”
There are no tags being
read at the reader. The
reader has been
configured and enabled.
!The reader power light is on
!The reader detect light is not
flashing
!The system is receiving the “status”
message from the reader.
!Verify the antennas are attached to
the reader and / or move the tags
closer to the reader.
!Change the range setting on the
reader to a longer range to see the
available tags.
!Verify the communication medium
between the reader and the
computer is operational.
!Verify that the configured group
code is the same as the tags being
read.
!Verify the computer program is
setup correctly to receive tag IDs.
Tag IDs do not drop off
the computer display
when the tags are moved
away from the reader
!The ¼ wave helical antenna(s) are
installed on the reader !Change the reader’s range setting
to a shorter range.
!Verify that the data path from the
reader to the computer is
functional
The Scorpion I Reader
reports erratic tag
movement in Exception
mode.
!Reports normal tag information
while in Continuous mode. !Verify that the tag timeout time is
configured 25% larger than the
transmission interval from the tag.

Scorpion I Reader
Copyright 2001 RF Code, Inc. 11
Notes: ______________________________________
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