RFID 3020 Series User manual

MODEL 3020 SERIES
READ ONLY and READ WRITE
125 KHz MicroReader
OPERATING MANUAL
Version 08.19 (represents month/year)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Start Guide page 3
Section 1 General Information page 5
1.1 Introduction page 5
1.2 Description page 5
1.3 Specifications page 6
Section 2 Preparing to Operate the Reader page 7
2.1 Power Connection page 7
2.2 Communication Connection page 7
2.3 Dip Switch Block page 7
2.4 Tag Versions page 9
2.5 Antenna Cable page 10
2.6 Antenna Mounting Considerations page 10
2.7 External Interference page 10
Section 3 Operating the MicroReader page 11
3.1 Power Up Message page 11
3.2 Receiving Tag Reads, Data page 11
3.3 Issuing Commands and Writing Tags page 11
3.4 Advanced Tag Memory Options page 13
3.5 Error Messages page 13
3.6 Relay Driver page 14
3.7 Relay Driver Electrical Characteristics page 14
Warranty page 14
If you have comments you think would improve this manual, please email us. We appreciate your
input. If you are reading a PDF version of this manual you may notice page numbers and the
above contents to be off by a page from time to time. The conversion to Acrobat has a tendency
to move sections, as the fonts do not translate perfectly.
Contact us:
RFID, Inc. 14190 E. Jewell Avenue Suite 4 Aurora, CO 80012
303-366-1234 phone [phone] fax [email protected] www.rfidinc.com

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QUICK START GUIDE
Wiring the MicroReader
Caution, mating the connection backwards can cause irreversible damage to the MicroReader. If
you’ve received the MicroReader as part of a Starter’s Kit with a wiring harness, this harness
contains a red connector block that is intended to connect to the 4 pins found on the
MicroReader, with a single pole AC power connector and 9 pin serial connector. If the red
female connector block on the wiring is not connected to the Reader when you receive it, be sure
to connect it to the male pins on the Reader by lining up the male pin that has been cut off with
the red block female connection hole that has a male pin already inserted into it. If you are
looking directly at the male pins with the PCB face up the pins left to right should be a) pin that
is cut off, b) power, c) ground for both power and RS232, d) Tx, e) Rx, and viewing the red
connector block from the rear (opposite the female holes) left to right the wiring is a) blank slot,
b) clear wire for power, c) black wire for power ground and black wire for RS232 ground, d)
black wire for Tx, e) red wire for Rx. Tx is the readers data output. Rx is the readers Data input.
Prepare the Reader for reporting to your PC
There two options available to you for achieving Tag data to your PC screen.
Using RFID, Inc.’s Terminal Program
1) Install the Windows based Demo Software from the CD-ROM provided in this kit (open the
CD, open the RFID Terminal Program and Evaluation KHz Program folders, run Setup and
follow the prompts), execute that Windows based program. Plug the Reader’s serial cable into
your PC’s serial port and power the Reader. The very first step you must perform, to the right
of the window in the program find the box marked “Open” and click on it, which should then
turn to “Close”. You are opening up your COM port for communication and above the Serial
Port Settings box the field “Serial Port Settings:” should say “Open”.The Connected box in left
center of the program should turn from red to green. In the area defined “Reader Type”, select
“Change” and from the pull down menu choose 10 Char R/W 7000 Reader for the Model 3020-
RW-8/16/32. The “Connected” indicator square in the program should turn from red to green. If
not, it will do so when selecting S for single report reading mode, or D for duplicate report
reading mode. You are now ready to read and write Tags and have them report to your PC
screen.
Using HyperTerminal
2) There is a HyperTerminal file on the CD ROM defaulted to the Reader’s communication
settings of 9600, 8, N, 1. Execute this file so that HyperTerminal can open in a window on your
PC. All Windows based software versions have HyperTerminal. You can execute the link
directly from the CD ROM by double clicking on it, or by copying the link to your own file
folder and executing from there. If you will be frequently using the Model 3020 you can also
place this link on your desktop as a shortcut. Assuming the serial cable from the Reader is
connected to your PC should see a start up message displayed to your screen and the red LED on
the MicroReader should become illuminated, this indicates the Reader has performed a self test
and is ready to be operated. This start up message can be turned off by setting the white switch
#8 on the red dip switch block to ON (push the switch up away from the numbers). If you are re-
powering the Reader, be sure to wait 30 seconds before re-applying power. You are now ready
to read and write Tags and have them reported to your PC screen. If you would like to issue the
single or duplicate read report commands through HyperTerminal, you can do so by typing [S] or

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[D], open square bracket, capital letter, closed square bracket (or carriage return).
Reading Tags
Assuming you have installed one of the above or your own terminal emulation program, simply
plug the 9 pin serial connector into your COM port and the AC power supply into an AC outlet.
Present a Tag to the Reader’s Antenna and the Tag data will be sent to your PC screen. There is
also an LED on the MicroReader which will blink when a Tag is successfully read. The Reader
is defaulted to the Single Read Mode, therefore only 1 read will occur per Tag presented, with a
0.5 second timeout before the same Tag can be read again assuming the Tag leaves the Reader’s
RF field. If a Tag remains present in the RF field, it will not be re-reported in the Single Read
Mode.
Writing Tags
Using either of the programs above, you must first define (tell the Reader) which type of RW Tag
you are attempting to program. Tags should be delivered in labeled bags indicating one of 4 Tag
types, 00, 08, 10, or 18. You must place the Reader into the correct Tag type mode in order for
programming to occur. At the bottom of the screen in RFID, Inc.’s Terminal Program, select the
“V” button and the Reader responds displaying which mode it is in. Select the “M8” button to
cycle to the next mode as ordered above. If the Reader is in the 00 mode, you must select “M8”
3 times in order to move to mode 18. Pause between selecting each M8 command to allow the
Reader to process. Place the Tag in the Reader’s RF field by presenting and leaving the Tag in
front of the Reader’s Antenna. If already programmed the Tag may read and report. In the
program, select the “P” button for prepare to write, in the data block to the right type in the Tag
data you wish to program then select the “W” button for Write. If the Tag is successfully
programmed the program will respond with “Success” then begin to read the Tag in the
Duplicate Read Mode. If the Tag does not successfully program, an error message will be
displayed, meaning the Tag is not present to the Antenna or the Reader is in the wrong
programming mode. Very small Tags have a sweet spot, so you may have to move the Tag
around in order to successfully program it. When using HyperTerminal, commanding the Reader
to the appropriate Tag writing mode is simply, type [M00], [M08], [M10], or [M18]. Type [V]
to view which mode the Reader is in. To program a Tag, simply type [Wdata].
DO NOT ISSUE SUCCESSIVE COMMANDS WITHOUT FIRST RECEIVING A RESPONSE,
BE PATIENT PLEASE, ELSE THE MICROREADER WILL LOCK UP AND POWER WILL
HAVE TO BE CYCLED IN ORDER TO RE-BOOT.
Contact us for Technical Support:
[email protected] 303-366-1234
www.rfidinc.com Extensions: 101 Customer Service or 107 Technical Support

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SECTION 1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This manual provides information pertaining to the installation and operation of Model 3020-RW
8/16/32 series MicroReaders under the following Model and Part Numbers:
Antenna on 9 PIN & Power
Model# Part Number plastic standoff Connector
3020-RW-8/16/32 710-0095-04 No No
3021-RW-8/16/32 710-0095-05 Yes No
3022-RW-8/16/32 710-0095-06 No Yes
3023-RW-8/16/32 710-0095-07 Yes Yes
Accessories
PS5PT 720-0001-01 5 volt AC Power Supply with pigtail wiring
PS5PJ 720-0001-02 5 volt AC Power Supply with Power jack con
1.2 DESCRIPTION
The Model 3020 series of MicroReaders read and/or reprogram electronic Tags (transponders),
interfacing to a PC or logic device through a serial port. The Reader provides a half-duplex
asynchronous bit serial data stream, interfacing to various equipments compatible with RS-232-C
specifications and offers TTL output. Wiegand is also available with 3 weeks notice.
The Model 3020 powers, detects, filters and amplifies the data emitted from a Tag and converts
that data into a serial string, or TTL output. Basically, the Interface provides RF to digital
translation of the signal produced by RF Electronic Tags, when scanned in proximity to the
Reader’s Antenna. Advanced error detection algorithms provide error-free operation. All
messages are transmitted in printable ASCII characters or a selectable optional TTL output.

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1.3 SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency: 125 KHz (passive Tags)
Read Write: 8, 16, or 32 ASCII characters
Protocol: Half-duplex, RS-232, TTL, (Wiegand to be released)
Baud Rate: 9600 default (19200 optional from factory)
Bits Per Character: 8
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
Error Rate: Less than 1 in 10 to the 14th readings
Serial Connector: 9 Pin D-Sub female or pigtails
Power Connector: Single male pole power jack or pigtails
Connection Pins: Standard header .025” sq. (.63mm)
with 0.1” spacing (2.54mm)
Power Input: +5vdc, 200 mA maximum, 125 mA typical
Temperature: Operating: -40 to +55 degrees C
-40 to +131 degrees F
Non-operating: -55 to +85 degrees C
-55 to +185 degrees F
Size: PCB only: 2.3125” x 1” x .375”
5.87cm x 2.54cm x .95cm
W/Ant on standoff: 2.3125” x 1” x .6875”
5.87cm x 2.54cm x 1.75cm
Antenna 1.8125” (4.6cm) diameter
Mounting Holes: .1150” (2.92mm) diameter
Weight: PCB only: 0.3 ounces (9 grams)
W/Ant on standoff: 1 ounce (29 grams)
RelayDriver: +5v @ 50 mA

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SECTION 2
PREPARING TO OPERATE THE READER
2.1 POWER CONNECTION
The Model 3020 MicroReader offers a low power consumption of just 5vdc and a typical current
draw of 125 mA, maximum 200 mA.
The Model 3020 MicroReader is deliverable in two connection types. The Reader can be ordered
with its standard bare pins for ready attachment of power and communication wiring, or with an
AMP connector pre-wired with 9 PIN D Sub serial connector and/or a single male pole connector
for power. An optional AC power supply is also available, see page 5 for these part numbers.
2.2 COMMUNICATION CONNECTION
RS-232 and TTL connection is made at the PCB Header Pins marked Gnd, Tx, and Rx.
The Model 3020 MicroReader is deliverable in two serial connection types. The MicroReader can
be ordered with pigtail wiring for connection to your own serial connector, or with a 9 PIN "D" sub
connector. With either option, a red AMP plastic connector block is delivered. The 9 PIN
connector is configured DTE, further explained below, so you must determine which type of
equipment, its settings, and which type of COM port you have.
Communication characteristics, speed, parity, and number of bits per character, must be matched
between the Reader and the connected host. If the Reader is talking at 19200 baud (bits per second)
and the host at 4800, they'll never understand each other. If Tag reports or the power up message is
reporting in an unintelligible language, this is good, at least you have established communications
and only need to change your program or host settings to 9600, 8, N, 1, at half duplex, which is the
Model 3020’s default settings, unless you have changed these default settings.
The Model 3020’s 9 PIN serial connector is configured as Data Communication Equipment
(DCE), meaning that it transmits its data on pin 2 and receives data on pin 3. Conversely, a Data

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Terminal Equipment (DTE) device receives data on Pin 2 and transmits data on Pin 3. Your PC’s
COM port is most likely configured as Data Terminal Equipment (DTE). Most terminals and
IBM-PC compatible interfaces have 9 pin COM ports configured as DTE, but if your control
device’s 9 pin COM port does not receive on pin 2, there exist simple converters called modem
eliminators, which accomplish the crossing of pins 2 and 3 for you. Since RS-232 pin
designations are not always standardized, check your host's operating manual for verification.
The important thing is to connect the 3020’s Transmit Data signal (9 PIN connector pin 2),
labeled Tx on the 3020’s pcb, to the host's Receive Data (Rx) signal, the 3020's Receive Data
signal (9 PIN connector pin 3), labeled Rx on the 3020’s pcb, to the host's Transmit Data (Tx)
signal, and the 3020’s Ground, labeled GND to the host's Ground.
If your 9 PIN COM port is Data Communications Equipment (DCE) configured a
straight connection may be made.
If your 9 PIN COM port is Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) then a null modem
connector will be necessary. The null modem switches the activity on pins 2 & 3, so
that they do not transmit and receive on the same lines. Alternatively, you may switch
the Rx and Tx wires at the MicroReader. If the Model 3020 is ordered with a 9 PIN
connector, here are the pin designations:
9 PIN# SIGNAL NAME
2 Tx - Transmitt Data
3 Rx - Receive Data
5 GND - Signal Ground
2.3 DIP SWITCH BLOCK
The Dip Switch block is used to select the functions as described in the table below. Notice, if a
block is left blank then its on/off setting is inconsequential.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
ON
LF+DATA+CR
OFF
DATA+CR+LF
ON
Power Up message Off
OFF
Power Up message On
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
RS232 Signal levels
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
ON
ON
TTL signal levels
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
Factory Firmware upload
LF+DATA+CR or DATA+CR+LF
With these functions you can select how data is output via RS232, either Line Feed then Tag data

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then Carriage Return or Tag Data then Carriage Return then Line Feed.
Power Up Message
<LF>RFID Inc<CR>
<LF>V.X.XX (0099)-RW<CR>
This function can be turned on or off.
RS232 or TTL Communications
These dip switch settings control which type of communication protocol you require.
LED
The led is normally on. When a Tag is read, the LED will blink off for 50mS then return to its
on state.
2.4 TAG VERSIONS
It is important to understand the Tag versions RFID, Inc. offers on our 125 KHz product line, if you
intend to write to more than one type of Tag. RFID, Inc. uses 4 different EEPROM ASIC chips for
its RW Tags and 1 ROM chip for its RO Tags. Although the Model 3020-RW can operate with all
5 chips simultaneously, the MicroReader’s Tag Mode will need to be changed through the Mode
command, see page 12 below, if you intend to write to different versions of Tags. This is a
necessary evil in our wanting to be able to offer so many Tag options on the same product line,
indeed with the same Reader. The RW chip versions are:
1. 00 = HQS (Ferrite Antenna Tags)
2. 08 = HQU (Ferrite Antenna Tags)
3. 10 = LQS (Planar Antenna Tags)
4. 18 = LQU (Planar Antenna Tags)
If you intend to only use one type of Tag, then your MicroReader can be set to that Mode and never need to be
altered again. It may assist you at this point to view the Tag models available in our Rcubed2 Data Sheet, but here
is a listing of the Tags and their associated chip type, in general, you will be notified if a chip and Tag package are
cross manufactured:
00HQS = RW Model 1775
08HQU = RW Models 1774
10LQS = RW Models 1763, 1765, 1766, 1767, 1768, 1769, 1770, 1773, 1776, 1784
18LQU = RW Models 1771, 1772, 1781, 1783, 1786, 1787, 1788, 1791, 1795, 1796
Read Only Tag versions are not addressed in this section, as they are not subject to the Tag Mode. Also, once a
Tag is programmed it is not necessary be in the correct Mode to read a Tag. All 4 different Tag chips can be read
while the MicroReader is in any Mode.
The Tag Modes are defined as the 00, 08, 10, and 18, aptly named to equate to the chips defined above. Setting the
Reader to the correct Mode allows it to correctly program the particular chip being used, according to its bit
structure.

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2.5 ANTENNA CABLE (if an externally cabled Antenna is employed)
The Antenna lengths, 12’, 19’ or 30’, are custom and part of the Antenna’s attenuated circuit, therefore altering the
length of the Antenna cable will affect read and write range between the Antenna and a Tag. Custom cables can be
accommodated without losing read range by altering capacitance at the PCB. Please ask us for such customization.
Read & Write specifications as documented in the R3-2 product data sheet are quoted for 12’ of cable. Using the
standard 19’ & 33’ cable options garners 25% and 50% less read range respectively.
2.6 ANTENNA MOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS
The Model 7000’s Antenna operation and resulting read range could be affected by large metal objects in close
proximity. These objects distort the field area created by the Antenna as well as absorb some of the energy it
creates. The Model 5110 Antenna is specifically designed for metal mounting however. The following guidelines
should be used in determining mounting locations:
1. Small isolated metal objects such as screws or washers do not significantly affect antennas.
2. Large conductive areas such as metal plates, screens, etc., should be kept at least 4 inches from the
Antenna.
3. The impact on Antenna operation is primarily a function of the area enclosed by the conductor. That is, a
closed loop of wire having the same area as the antenna base can have nearly the same impact as a solid
sheet of metal of the same area. For example, running the Antenna Cable in the same conduit as the power
and serial cables is not a good idea.
4. As a general rule of thumb, an Antenna may be spaced half its diameter from metal to regain full
functionality.
5. There is truly only one way to discover how an Antenna will function in a heavy metal environment, install
a system and test.
2.7 EXTERNAL INTERFERENCE (EMI)
Since the Model 3020 transmits and receives electromagnetic fields, it is susceptible to interference from external
sources of electromagnetic interference. EMI will cause a reduced read and write range. At its frequency of
operation, the effect of external sources falls off rapidly with distance. Low-level sources of interference within 10
feet or so of the Antenna may degrade the operation of the unit, and higher-level sources up to 100 feet away.
Power input lines should be well filtered and free of switching spikes caused by thyristors, SCR's, etc., which
create interference across a broad spectrum of frequencies. Also watch out for interference from motors and some
lighting systems. A simple method of testing whether EMI is effecting read range, move the Reader system to
another environment or clean room. Or, operate the Reader system by simultaneously turning off suspected
sources of EMI and test read range.

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SECTION 3
OPERATE THE READER
3.1 POWER UP MESSAGE
With one of the demonstration software running, power the Model 3020 on. Whenever the Reader is powered
up or reset, it issues a power up message unless this function is turned off via the Dip Switch Block settings.
This message lets you know that a self-diagnostic test has been performed and the MicroReader is ready for use.
In any program you have developed, or any generic terminal program the following power up message should
be received:
RFID Inc
V.x.xx (0099)-RW (version numbers will differ dependent upon part number)
The issuance of this message signifies that at least one-way communication, the transmission function, is
working properly. Each line of the power up message is preceded by a Line Feed (<LF>) and ended by a
Carriage Return (<CR>).
3.2 RECEIVING TAG READS, DATA
To test communication from the host to the Reader, issue a Carriage Return (hit return). The response you get
should be that of a question mark. If successful, you now know two-way communication has been established.
When a Tag is scanned, 10 characters of data should be received. This data is available only in an ASCII
representation of hex format, that is, the characters of 0-9 and A-F. They are followed by a carriage return <CR>
and line feed <LF>.
A Tag will report in one of the following two formats dependent upon the selection settings on the Dip Switch
Block:
<LF>xxxxxxxxxx<CR>, where x equals data characters.
xxxxxxxxxx<CR><LF>, where x equals data characters.
3.3 ISSUING COMMANDS AND WRITING TAGS
These are standard ASCII strings used in HyperTerminal or your developed program. These commands are not
applicable to the RFID Terminal program.
Any command must be preceded by an open square bracket, “ [ “ and followed by a closed square bracket “ ] “ or a
carriage return. The MicroReader recognizes both a closed square bracket and a carriage return as the same
keystroke. All programming must be done in capital letters. If you are using the RFID, Inc. terminal program you
may notice the program automatically converts any data input to be written, into capitals.

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There are basically only 5 commands available with the Model 3020-RW, the Mode and Tag Version command,
the Write command, and the Single or Duplicate Tag Report Mode command.
Mode Command
Enter: [Mxx] where xx equals the mode desired
Response: OK
If mode 18 is desired, enter [M18]
Version Command
This command allows the user to ascertain which Tag Mode the Reader is in for writing purposes.
Enter: [V]
Response: 00, 08, 10, or 18
Duplicate Tag Report Command
This mode allows the Reader to continually report a Tag as long as it is present to the Reader’s Antenna. It will
repeatedly be read and reported out the serial port. The Read LED will continue to flash and the relay output will
continue to be pulled low. You can program a Tag while the Reader is in the Duplicate Mode and continually
reading the Tag.
Enter: [D]
Response: OK
The Reader can only be exited from this mode by issuance of the Single Tag Report command.
Single Tag Report Command
The Reader is always factory defaulted to the Single Tag Report Mode.
Enter: [S]
Response: OK
Polling Mode Tag Report Command
Enter: [P]
Response: OK

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Transfer Tag Data Command
Use this command in polling mode to request if a Tag is present to the Reader.
Enter: [T]
Response: Tag data or “e” if no Tag is present
Write Command
Enter: [W123]
Response: TAG PROGRAMMED (followed by a Tag read) 1230000000
Notice that if all characters are not defined the MicroReader will fill the undefined characters with zeros. Also, if
more characters than allowed are attempted to be written the MicroReader will truncate to the amount allowed
8/16/32 Command
This command will allow you to change the number of allowable ASCII characters in the Tag. Tags are delivered
defaulted to 16 characters, so a change is made to 8 or 32, a Tag must be reprogrammed in order to be read.
Enter: [B08] or [B16] or [B32]
Acknowledged with: OK
This will be held in non-volatile memory, meaning that if you power the MicroReader off it’s last 8/16/32 setting
will return when re-powered.
3.4 ADVANCED TAG MEMORY OPTIONS
It is important for you to understand that any Read Write Tag holds 256 bits of memory, and that memory can be
managed in many different ways. Many different options are available to you.
RFID, Inc. does offer Reader versions utilizing lock bits, that once executed will lock all or part of the Tag’s data,
irreversibly. Differing Tag memory management can also be made available using 8, 16, or 32 ASCII characters.
Larger memory 1k and 2k bit EEPROM chips could also be used to offer more data characters.
If you feel you need advanced Tag memory options, please contact us.
3.5 ERROR MESSAGES
1. ?.
Receipt of this message indicates the command attempted was not understood by the MicroReader. Check to see
that the correct command is being used and if capital letters were not used.

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2. Invalid Character (during writing attempt).
Receipt of this message indicates a character other than 0-9 and A-F was attempted or that the capital letters were
not used.
3. Failed or No Tag (during write attempt).
Receipt of this message indicates a Tag was not present to the MicroReader’s Antenna or that the incorrect Tag
Mode is being used.
DO NOT ISSUE SUCCESSIVE COMMANDS WITHOUT FIRST RECEIVING A RESPONSE, BE PATIENT
PLEASE, ELSE THE MICROREADER WILL LOCK UP AND POWER WILL HAVE TO BE CYCLED IN
ORDER TO RE-BOOT.
3.6 RELAY DRIVER
The Model 3020-RW MicroReader does have the ability to drive a relay. Viewing the photo on page 7, here are
located to through holes to which your own 5VDC relay driver can be installed. If you need assistance in building
a relay, please contact us. The square hole is considered hole 1, it is connected to +5 volts through a 200 mA and
linked to a 100 Ohm resistor. The round hole, hole 2, is connected to a mosfet transistor. Hole 2 remains high and
pulls low for 50mS during a Tag read.
3.7 RELAY DRIVER ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Maximum current load: 50mA
Relay Coil voltage: 5VDC
Built in series resistance: 100 Ohms
NOTE: if you want to use a relay with a higher coil voltage, contact us for assistance
WARRANTY
RFID, Inc. products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from date of
shipment. RFID, Inc. shall, at its option, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective and are
returned with freight prepaid to RFID, Inc.’s plant within the warranty period. The foregoing warranty shall not
apply to defects resulting from abuse, misuse, accident, alteration, neglect or unauthorized repair or installation.
RFID, Inc. shall have the right of final determination as to the existence and cause of the defect.
The warranty set forth above is exclusive and no other warranty whether written or oral, is expressed or implied.
RFID, Inc. specifically disclaims the implied warranties or merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
The remedies provided herein are Buyer's sole and exclusive remedies. In no event shall RFID, Inc. be liable for
direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, (including loss of profits) whether based on contract,
tort, or any other legal theory.

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