RFID ActiveRFID User manual

433.92 MHz
OperationsManual
This document is made available to ActiveRFID product owners and users for integration purposes. Proprietary and
confidential information is contained within; therefore this document is protected by all applicable international
intellectual property laws. The information contained in this document is constantly subject to revision (see Rev. number
at top of page).

Revision 06/2016
14190 E. Jewell Avenue Suite 4 Aurora CO 80012 TEL: [phone]
www.rfidinc.com/activeRFID
ActiveRFID Operations Manual
2
Table of Contents
Product Description ....................................................................................................................................................4
Scope & Purpose.......................................................................................................................................................4
Summary...................................................................................................................................................................4
Product Identification................................................................................................................................................4
How To Contact Us...................................................................................................................................................4
Product Part Numbers & Accessories.........................................................................................................................4
Product Operations .....................................................................................................................................................6
Hardware Description ...............................................................................................................................................6
Reader .......................................................................................................................................................................6
Tags...........................................................................................................................................................................6
Quick Start Hardware Installation Guide....................................................................................................................7
Mounting the Reader.................................................................................................................................................7
ActiveRFID Reader Drawing .....................................................................................................................................8
Cabling the Reader - Power ......................................................................................................................................9
Cabling the Reader - Communications .....................................................................................................................9
Mounting an External ANT-CP Flat Panel Directional Antenna..............................................................................9
Quick Start Operations Guide...................................................................................................................................10
Reading Tags...........................................................................................................................................................10
Interfacing the Reader to your PC –Serial (RS232, RS422, RS485 & USB) ........................................................10
HyperTerminal....................................................................................................................................................10
RFID, Inc. Terminal Program.............................................................................................................................10
Interfacing the Reader to your PC –Ethernet.........................................................................................................11
Configuring the XPORT with DeviceInstaller........................................................................................................11
HyperTerminal & Ethernet.................................................................................................................................14
Setting up the Reader................................................................................................................................................15
USB Port .................................................................................................................................................................15
Wire Specifications.............................................................................................................................................15
USB Connector...................................................................................................................................................15
USB Driver Installation......................................................................................................................................15
I/O PCBA Dipswitch Settings.................................................................................................................................17
Power Requirements...........................................................................................................................................18
Wire Specifications.............................................................................................................................................18
Wiegand Reader......................................................................................................................................................19
Wiegand Output..................................................................................................................................................19
Serial Reader (RS232/RS422/RS485).....................................................................................................................20
Setting RS485 Reader Addresses .......................................................................................................................20
Ethernet Reader.......................................................................................................................................................21

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External Hardware Guide .........................................................................................................................................22
External Antenna.....................................................................................................................................................22
Relay Driver............................................................................................................................................................22
Loop Detector .........................................................................................................................................................22
Loop Detector Drawing...........................................................................................................................................23
Relay Drawing ........................................................................................................................................................24
Specifications..........................................................................................................................................................25
Tag Operating Specifications..................................................................................................................................25
Reader Operating Specifications.............................................................................................................................25
Tag Data and Reader Outputted Data Format...........................................................................................................26
Reader Commands and Responses ...........................................................................................................................27
[L] –Turn ON/OFF Flag Output ............................................................................................................................27
[R] –Turn ON/OFF RSSI Output...........................................................................................................................28
[CS] –Turn ON/OFF Checksum Output ................................................................................................................28
[D] - Duplicate Report Operating Mode.................................................................................................................28
[S] - Single Report Operating Mode Command......................................................................................................28
[Y] - Timeout of Buffered Memory Command ......................................................................................................29
[F] –Find a Specific Tag Only ...............................................................................................................................29
[C] –Report Tags only with a specific Facility Code.............................................................................................29
[P] –Polling Mode Command ................................................................................................................................30
[T] - Transfer Request (Polling) Command for a single Tag..................................................................................30
[TA] - Transfer Request (Polling) Command for all Tags in Buffer ......................................................................30
[Z] –Data Bit and Data Interval Time Lengths (for Wiegand usage only) ............................................................31
[Q] –Automatic Tuning of Tag Range...................................................................................................................31
[0] –(zero) Command to set Attenuation Gain manually.......................................................................................32
[4] –(four) Command to set Sensitivity manually..................................................................................................32
[403] & [000] –Clear all Attenuation Gain and Sensitivity Settings .....................................................................32
[6] –Ignore Tag command......................................................................................................................................33
[X] –Stop Data outputted from Reader..................................................................................................................33
[G] –Read Tag Flag Data.......................................................................................................................................33
[71] –Enable Relay.................................................................................................................................................33
[81] –Disable Relay................................................................................................................................................34
[91] –Trigger Relay................................................................................................................................................34
[J] –Relay Program Timer.......................................................................................................................................34
[LD] –Loop Detector Command.............................................................................................................................34
WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................................................35
Appendix A...............................................................................................................................................................35
External Antenna Model ANT-CP Installation Instructions & Product Drawing ....................................................35

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ActiveRFID Operations Manual
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Product Description
Scope & Purpose
This document describes the physical characteristics, functional requirements and software features
contained in the ActiveRFID 433 MHz product. It lists the product specifications, as well as
environmental and operational criteria. The purpose of this document is to describe the ActiveRFID
features, functions and options. Included in this document will be details on the installation, the
operations and any other special considerations necessary to setup and operate the product.
Summary
ActiveRFID is the brand name for a new line of 433 MHz RFID Readers and Tags. Due to a number of
changes in the 433 MHz RFID marketplace, the time is right for the introduction of this exciting new
product line. We are a U.S. company comprised of seasoned RFID professionals, both engineers and
marketing specialists. We have designed a product line that is ideally suited to the AVI (Automated
Vehicle ID), Asset/Personnel Tracking, Perimeter Security, or identification of widgets through
manufacturing process markets.
Product Identification
To identify the ActiveRFID newly developed 433 MHz Active Tag, Reader, Wiegand IO PCBA, Serial
IO PCBA and Ethernet IO PCBA, the shipping documentation is marked with the complete model part
number and final assembly number.
How To Contact Us
Customer Service: [email protected] or [email protected]
303-366-1234 x101
Tech Support: 303-910-5447 cell 9am to 6pm PST
[email protected]
Sales: 719-330-2349 cell 7am to 5pm CST
[email protected]
Not Happy?
Need Immediate Results: Contact our President
303-378-9500 cell 7am to 9pm CST
[email protected]
Product Part Numbers & Accessories
Part Number
Model Number
Description
Transponders
800-0224-01
AT-CS
Clamshell/Windshield/Personnel Tag w/replaceable battery
800-0225-01
AT-MM
Metal Mount, black w/dog ear mounting w/replaceable battery
800-0226-01
AT-DC
Deck of Cards Potted IP69 weatherproof

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800-0235-00
AT-OM
Omni-Directional, Potted IP69 weatherproof
800-0224-01-AU
AT-CS/AU
Clamshell Auto-Tune Tag
800-0225-01-AU
AT-MM/AU
Metal Mount Auto-Tune Tag
800-0226-01-AU
AT-DC/AU
Deck of Cards Potted IP69 Auto-Tune Tag
800-0235-00-AU
AT-OM/AU
Omni-Directional, Potted IP69 weatherproof Auto-Tune Tag
800-0224-01-ACL
AT-CS/ACL
Clamshell/Windshield/Pers Tag w/repl. Batt & Motion Sensor
800-0025-01-ACL
AT-MM/ACL
Metal Mount, black w/dog ears w/repl. Batt & Motion Sensor
800-0026-01-ACL
AT-DC/ACL
Deck of Cards Potted IP69 weatherproof w/Motion Sensor
800-0235-00-ACL
AT-OM/ACL
Omni-Directional, Potted IP69 weatherproof w/Motion Sensor
Readers
800-0230-30
ATR-RW
26 bit Wiegand Reader w/internal Antenna
800-0230-31/PJ
ATR-RW/PJ
26 bit Wiegand Reader w/internal Antenna & power jack
800-0231-30
ATR-RS
Serial Reader with internal Antenna
800-0231-31/9
ATR-RS/9
Serial Reader with internal Antenna & 9 PIN connector
800-0231-32/PJ
ATR-RS/PJ
Serial Reader with internal Antenna & power jack
800-0231-33/PJ9
ATR-RS/PJ9
Serial reader with internal Antenna, 9 PIN & power jack
800-0232-30
ATR-RE
TCPIP Ethernet Reader w/internal Antenna & RJ45 connector
800-0232-31/PJ
ATR-RE/PJ
TCPIP Ethernet Reader w/int. Antenna, RJ45 & power jack
Accessories
800-0233-12
ANT-CP-12
Directional Flat Panel Antenna w/12’ co-axial cable
800-0233-25
ANT-CP-25
Directional Flat Panel Antenna w/25’ co-axial cable
730-0038-10-AKIT
AKIT-10
Cable Kit, Active SMA-RP/N-TYPE 10 FT
730-0038-12-AKIT
AKIT-12
Cable Kit, Active SMA-RP/N-TYPE 12 FT
730-0038-25-AKIT
AKIT-25
Cable Kit, Active SMA-RP/N-TYPE 25 FT
730-0038-50-AKIT
AKIT-50
Cable Kit, Active SMA-RP/N-TYPE 50 FT
720-0004-01
PS12PJ
AC Power Supply, mating power jack, 12vdc 500mA
720-0004-04
PS12PT
AC Power Supply, pigtail wiring, 12vdc, 500mA
719-0071-00
EXY-SM
Small Yagi Antenna w/6’ cabling
719-0072-00
EXY-MD
Medium Yagi Antenna w/6’ cabling
719-0073-00
EXY-LG
Large Yagi Antenna w/6’ cabling
719-0070-02
ANT-WHIP6
Whip Antenna, 6”, Screw Mount, ¼ Wave Length
719-0300-30
AT-BatKit
Replacement battery & replacement peel & stick label
473-0085-00
AT-CS/BH
Badge Holder for CS Tag
Hand Held Reader
800-0240-30
ATR-3036E
Hand Held Reader, battery included, add PS12PJ as batt chgr
supply and charger

Revision 06/2016
14190 E. Jewell Avenue Suite 4 Aurora CO 80012 TEL: [phone]
www.rfidinc.com/activeRFID
ActiveRFID Operations Manual
6
Product Operations
Hardware Description
This is a TTO (Tag talk only) Radio Frequency Identification system whereby the ActiveRFID Tag
transmits its data at factory set intervals to the Reader.
Reader
The Reader provides RF to digital translation of the signal produced by the ActiveRFID RF Electronic
Transponders, referred to herein as "Tags", when placed in the proximity of a Reader. The Reader
detects and filters data bits emitted from compatible RF Tags then converts bits into the associated
computer format of ASCII RS232/RS485, Wiegand, or Ethernet communications protocols. Advanced
error detection algorithms provide error-free operation.
Unlike similar systems, the Reader does not need an external Antenna, although external Antennas are
available to increase range. The PCB etched Antenna receives the Tag’s transmission. This saves greatly
in installation time and costs. The Reader can also operate on variable power sources of 8vdc to 28vdc.
Connection to the Reader is made using low-cost shielded twisted pair cables (22 AWG up to 21 feet,
above 21 feet 16 AWG is recommended) and easy to use angle entry screw terminal connectors further
simplify installation.
Tags
Standard Tags transmit their data signal in 1 of 2 standard time intervals, 1.5, or 2.0 seconds. The overall
time of Tag transmission is 4 milliseconds. Tags can be provided timed to transmit at any time interval
required. Faster time intervals lessen Tag battery life while longer intervals lengthen Tag battery life.
Talk to your ActiveRFID contact for more information.

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Quick Start Hardware Installation Guide
Mounting the Reader
The Reader contains 4 mounting holes accessible by removing the lid. Note that these mounting holes
are located just to the inside of the 4 lid screws yet outside the lid gasket trace such that the integrity of
the IP67 housing for watertight purposes is not compromised. The diameter of the mounting screw holes
is 0.165” so be sure to use a screw of equal or lesser diameter. For best range performance, the Reader
should be oriented in a standing position, such that the PCB is perpendicular to the ground as depicted
below. If the Reader is to be mounted outside and exposed to various weather conditions, the cable
glands should be oriented down in order to prevent ingression of water from rain or snow. Also cables
should be coiled to create a drain loop below the Reader. What the Reader is mounted to makes little
difference, metallic or non-metallic, concrete, wood, metallic siding or a metal pole. Since most
applications require the Reader to be tuned to a specific range, the tuning functions will compensate for
the environment in which the Reader is placed. It should be noted that this is an IP67 rated box,
however once the cable glands were added for cabling entry, the box is no longer watertight or IP67
rated. To return the box to a watertight seal, apply Plumber’s putty or plumber’s tape to the cable glands
after wires are inserted but prior to re-tightening the cable glands.
Note: It is important to not feed both the power and communications lines through a single cable gland
as the gland will not tighten down well enough to maintain watertight integrity.

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ActiveRFID Operations Manual
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ActiveRFID Reader Drawing

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Cabling the Reader - Power
The Reader is delivered with two power connection options, either with a quick connect single male pole
jack mounted in the Reader in place of the first cable gland shown above, or with the cable gland only.
Users ordering the quick connect jack probably also ordered the AC adaptable power supply which has a
mating connector. Users providing their own power will need to loosen the first cable gland, insert their
power wiring, apply Plumber’s Putty or Plumber’s tape and then re-tighten the cable gland. See page 18
for power and wiring specifications, and the illustrations on pages 19, 20and 21 for terminal connections.
Cabling the Reader - Communications
Wiegand –Use the second cable gland (center) to install Wiegand wiring and see the illustrations on
pages 19-21 for terminal connections.
Serial Users –The Reader is delivered with two connection options, either a 9 PIN serial connector
externally cabled to the box running through the second cable gland, or with bare pigtails wiring (tinned)
such that custom lengths of your own wiring can be added.
Ethernet users –An RJ45 connector is located on the inside of the Reader box at the center. It was not
possible to flush mount the connector in the side of the box for quick connection and still preserve the
watertight integrity. Users must run Ethernet cabling through the second cable gland then crimp or apply
their own RJ45 connector.
Mounting an External ANT-CP Flat Panel Directional Antenna
To cable the Reader to the external Antenna, all cabling and connections are provided. Simply use the
farthest right most connector on the Reader depicted in the photo above and follow the directions on how
to bypass the internal Antenna on page 22. Go to Appendix A on page 35.

Revision 06/2016
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ActiveRFID Operations Manual
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Quick Start Operations Guide
Note1: Although a USB port exists for communication with the Reader for initial setup, it is not
necessary for users of Serial and Ethernet to install a USB drive and use the USB port. You can if you
like, but the same communications and setup can be accomplished via serial or Ethernet ports. Wiegand
users must use the USB port. There is a separate Quick Start Guide for Wiegand users.
Note2: This Quick Start section assumes the Reader is fully cabled and ready for operation. If not,
please cable the Reader using the instructions in this manual then return to this section.
Reading Tags
Simply plug the power supply into the Reader and into an AC outlet. At this point you will see a red
LED in the upper left corner of the PCBA illuminate solid, indicating power is on. If Tags are within
range you will hear a beep each time a Tag is read and the red LED will blink off and then back on with
each successive read. Congratulations, you have just successfully installed the Reader and are achieving
Tag reads. If there is more than 1 Tag within range all should be reading successfully.
Interfacing the Reader to your PC –Serial (RS232, RS422, RS485 & USB)
There are two options available, HyperTerminal or our own RFID, Inc. Terminal Program, a program
provided free of charge by RFID, Inc. Both a HyperTerminal link and our RFID, Inc. Terminal Program
should have been provided to you either on a CD ROM or via email.
HyperTerminal –Windows 7 and Windows Vista operating systems do not provide HyperTerminal. It
is possible to download HyperTerminal, and if this is an option you prefer, please contact RFID, Inc.
technical support and we will walk you through the download. For all other Windows operating
systems, HyperTerminal is provided as standard and executing the link provided will bring a
HyperTerminal screen up with all the Reader’s factory default settings preset in HyperTerminal
Properties except for the appropriate COM port. Since we do not know your COM port, we cannot
predefine this for you. With the Reader plugged into your PC’s COM port, apply power to the Reader
and you will see a start up message similar to this:
RFID Inc
(0180)-v.1.07
Tags should begin reporting to your HyperTerminal screen and the Reader should begin beeping
(reading Tags). If nothing appears on your screen, change your COM port. In order to do so, select the
Disconnect icon, then File, Properties, pull down and select the correct COM port, select OK, then select
the Call icon. You must disconnect and reconnect in this fashion each time in order for HyperTerminal
to recognize the change of COM port.
RFID, Inc. Terminal Program –Open the zip file named SetupRFIDTerm that should have been
provided to you. In this file are two files names setup.exe and SetupRFIDTerm.msi. Copy these two
files to a folder where you would like to store them, and then copy the files to that folder. Go to the