Sirit IDentity 6204 User manual

IDentity 6204
USER’s GUIDE
V1.02
January 26, 2012
© 2012 Sirit Inc., All Rights Reserved. “Sirit”, the Sirit Design, “RFID by Sirit”, the RFID by Sirit Design and “vision beyond sight” are all
trademarks of Sirit Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
This product is covered by one or more of the following patents: U.S. Patent No. 7,199,713, 7,209,040, 6,346,881, and 6,617,962.
Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability
The content of this manual is for information use only and is subject to change without notice. Sirit assumes no responsibility or liability for
any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this publication. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Sirit.
Sirit products are not designed, intended, authorized or warranted to be suitable for life support applications or any other life critical
applications which could involve potential risk of death, personal injury, property damage, or environmental damage.
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
•Consult FSTech-Sirit or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est
autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout
brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
About Sirit, a Federal Signal Technologies Company
Sirit, a Federal Signals Technologies Company, designs, develops, manufactures and sells Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
technology. Targeted at a diverse set of markets RFID technology has become a core technology for applications including: electronic toll
collection, access control, cashless payment systems, product identification, and supply chain management systems including logistics,
warehousing and manufacturing, and asset management.
Federal Signal Technologies
2 Technology
Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: [phone]
Fax [phone]
Web: www.fstech.com
Sirit
1321 Valwood Parkway, Suite 620
Carrollton, Texas 75006 United States
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Toll Free: 1.866.338.9586
Web: www.sirit.com

Preface
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide i
Preface
Intended audience
This document is intended for those who wish to setup and operate the
IDentity 6204 Radio Frequency Identification system. Before attempting to
install, configure, and operate this product, you should be familiar with the
following:
hWindows-based software installation and operation
hDevice communication parameters including Ethernet and serial
communications
hRFID reader configuration including antenna placement
hBasic digital input/output control
What’s in this guide
The information in this guide is presented as follows:
Chapter 1 - Reader Overview:This chapter provides a brief overview of the IDentity
6204 hardware and software.
Chapter 2 - Reader Equipment Installation – This chapter describes how to
mechanically and electrically install the reader.
Chapter 3 - Reader Startup Tool (RST) Software Installation – This chapter
describes how to install the Microsoft Windows RST application.
Chapter 4 - Reader Operation – This chapter describes how to initially test a reader
and how to operate deployed readers.
Chapter 5 - Reader Startup Tool (RST) – This chapter describes the RST and the
various functions you can perform with this Microsoft Windows application.
Chapter 6 - Reader Configuration Tool (RCT) – This chapter describes the RCT and
the various functions you can perform with this embedded reader application.
Chapter 7 - Configuring Digital Inputs and Outputs – This chapter describes how to
setup the reader’s digital inputs and outputs.
Chapter 8 - Specifications – This chapter detailed mechanical, electrical, and
environmental specifications for the IDentity 6204.
Chapter 9 - Safety Instructions – This chapter provides important safety information
about the IDentity 6204. All users must read this section before installing or
operating this reader.
Appendix A – Error Handling – This appendix lists IDentity 6204 errors and
warnings. Corrective actions are provided where applicable.

ii IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
What’s New in this Version
Version 1.0 of this User’s Guide is the first release.
Conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual:
Bold courier font indicates code entered by the user
(values) within parentheses indicate parameters
(values)in italics indicate user defined variables.
<n> indicates a variable number used in a function that can apply to
several different devices such as antennas or I/O ports.
WARNING: Warnings advise the reader that a hazardous condition can be created by a
particular action that can cause bodily injury or extreme damage to equipment
ATTENTION This warning indicates that the device is susceptible to Electro Static
Discharge and appropriate precautions must be taken to avoid equipment
damage.
Caution: Cautions advise the reader that a condition can be created by a particular action
that can cause equipment damage or result in equipment operation that violates
regulatory requirements.
NOTES
Important information
and other tips are
presented in light
blue boxes to the left
of the applicable
section.

Contents
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide iii
Table of Contents
1Reader Overview...................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Reader Hardware .................................................................................................................................1
1.2. Reader Software...................................................................................................................................2
2Reader Equipment Installation..........................................................................................................3
2.1. Mechanical Installation.......................................................................................................................3
2.2. Electrical Installation...........................................................................................................................5
2.2.1. Connecting the Serial Port.........................................................................................................6
2.2.2. Connecting and Configuring the Ethernet Port.........................................................................6
2.2.3. Connecting the External Antenna .............................................................................................7
2.2.4. Connecting Digital Inputs/Outputs............................................................................................7
2.2.5. Connecting the Power ...............................................................................................................7
3Reader Startup Tool (RST) Software Installation ............................................................................8
3.1. Installing RST Software.......................................................................................................................8
3.2. Windows 7 Setup..................................................................................................................................9
3.3. Reader Startup................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4. Initial Reader Setup.......................................................................................................................... 11
4Reader Operation.............................................................................................................................. 15
4.1. Basic Operation with RST................................................................................................................. 15
4.2. Deployed Reader Operation with RCT............................................................................................ 17
5Reader Startup Tool (RST) ............................................................................................................... 19
5.1. View Readers on the Network......................................................................................................... 19
5.2. Configure Reader with the Setup Wizard...................................................................................... 20
5.3. Customize Discovery Options.......................................................................................................... 21
5.4. View or Change the Reader’s Network Settings........................................................................... 22
5.5. Reader Test Tool (RTT)...................................................................................................................... 23
5.5.1. General Page ...........................................................................................................................23
5.5.2. Tag Performance Page ............................................................................................................27
5.5.3. Tag Management Page............................................................................................................29
5.5.4. Macros Page............................................................................................................................30
5.5.5. Event Handling Page...............................................................................................................32
5.5.6. Antenna Settings Page.............................................................................................................33

Contents
iv IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
5.6. Reader Diagnostics Tool (RDT)........................................................................................................ 34
5.6.1. Channel Statistics....................................................................................................................34
5.6.2. Alarms.....................................................................................................................................35
5.6.3. Tag Report...............................................................................................................................36
5.6.4. Spectrum Analyzer..................................................................................................................37
5.6.5. Power Ramp Tool ...................................................................................................................38
6Embedded Reader Configuration Tool (RCT)................................................................................ 39
6.1. Basic Configuration........................................................................................................................... 40
6.1.1. Configuration Page Header.....................................................................................................40
6.1.2. Manage Profiles ......................................................................................................................41
6.1.3. Set Tag Protocol......................................................................................................................43
6.1.4. Setup Ethernet/LAN................................................................................................................44
6.1.5. Setup Serial Port......................................................................................................................45
6.1.6. Setup Digital Accessories .......................................................................................................46
6.1.7. Setup Antenna/Cables.............................................................................................................47
6.1.8. Set Regulatory Mode (Region) ...............................................................................................48
6.1.9. Setup Summary.......................................................................................................................48
6.2. Advanced Functions.......................................................................................................................... 49
6.2.1. Firmware Management ...........................................................................................................49
6.2.2. Import/Export Configuration ..................................................................................................50
6.2.3. Command Line........................................................................................................................52
6.3. Expert Configuration......................................................................................................................... 53
6.3.1. Expert Configuration – Setup .................................................................................................53
6.3.2. Expert Configuration – Tag ....................................................................................................54
6.3.3. Expert Configuration – Version..............................................................................................55
6.3.4. Expert Configuration – Information .......................................................................................56
6.3.5. Expert Configuration – Communication.................................................................................57
6.3.6. Expert Configuration – Antennas............................................................................................58
6.3.7. Expert Configuration – Digital I/O.........................................................................................59
6.3.8. Expert Configuration – Modem..............................................................................................60
6.4. User Application Management........................................................................................................ 61
6.5. Change Operating Mode................................................................................................................... 62
6.6. View Tags............................................................................................................................................ 63
6.7. Check Reader Status........................................................................................................................ 64
6.8. Review Logs ....................................................................................................................................... 66

Contents
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide v
7Configuring Digital Inputs and Outputs..........................................................................................67
7.1. Digital Inputs...................................................................................................................................... 67
7.2. Digital Outputs................................................................................................................................... 67
7.3. Low Latency Digital Input/Output Operation................................................................................ 67
7.4. Digital I/O Monitoring and Control Scripts.................................................................................... 69
7.4.1. scan_trigger.py........................................................................................................................69
7.4.2. scan_trigger_timer.py..............................................................................................................70
7.4.3. signal_read.py .........................................................................................................................70
7.4.4. signal_read_crc_error.py.........................................................................................................71
7.4.5. rf_mon.py................................................................................................................................71
7.5. Digital Input Alarm Generation....................................................................................................... 72
7.6. Digital I/O Hardware Connection.................................................................................................... 73
8Specifications..................................................................................................................................... 74
8.1.1. Reader Specifications..............................................................................................................74
8.1.2. Environmental Specifications .................................................................................................75
8.1.3. AC/DC Power Adapter Specifications....................................................................................75
8.1.4. RS-232 Specifications.............................................................................................................75
8.1.5. Digital Input/Output Specifications ........................................................................................75
8.1.6. Ethernet LAN Specifications ..................................................................................................75
8.1.7. IDentity 6204 Antenna Specifications ....................................................................................76
8.1.8. Bulkhead Connector/Interface Cable Pinout...........................................................................79
9Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................ 80
9.1. Power Disconnect Device................................................................................................................. 80
9.2. RF Safety............................................................................................................................................. 80
9.3. Electrostatic Discharge..................................................................................................................... 80
9.4. Regulatory Compliance.................................................................................................................... 80
AError Handling.................................................................................................................................... 81
A.1. Critical Errors..........................................................................................................................81
A.2. Major Errors............................................................................................................................82
A.3. Warnings .................................................................................................................................86
A.4. Informational Messages ..........................................................................................................88

Contents
vi IDentity 6204 User’s Guide

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Overview
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide 1
1Reader Overview
1.1. Reader Hardware
The IDentity 6204 is a multi-protocol, multi-regional Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) System that operates in the 860 – 960 MHz UHF band.
The reader is configured at the factory to operate within a specific
regulatory region (for example: FCC Part 90).
Figure 1 IDentity 6204 UHF Reader
As shown in the following figure, the IDentity 6204 reader supports four
Tx/Rx antennas (not shown). The reader is also equipped with RS-232 serial
and Ethernet interfaces.
Figure 2 IDentity 6204 Power and I/O Connections

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Overview
2 IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
1.2. Reader Software
The IDentity 6204 is shipped with two software applications that you can
use to configure and control the reader.
Reader Startup Tool (RST)
The RST is a Microsoft Windows based application you install on your
computer. With RST, you can view all readers on your network. After
selecting a reader, you can modify its communication, network, and
operational parameters. You can also read tags, review tag data, and
perform diagnostics. This RST is primarily intended for initially configuring a
reader prior to deployment. After deployment, use the Embedded Reader
Configuration Tool (RCT). Detailed information on the RST is provided in
Chapter 5.
Embedded Reader Configuration Tool (RCT)
This RCT is an embedded reader application that allows you to access your
readers across a LAN or WAN. Enter the IP address of the reader into your
Web browser and the RCT allows you to fully modify and operate the reader.
With the same functionality as the RST, this application allows you to modify
the reader’s communication, network, and operational parameters. You can
also read tags, review tag data, perform diagnostics, and upload new
software. This application is primarily intended for configuring and
managing deployed readers. Detailed information on the RCT is provided in
Chapter 6.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Equipment Installation
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide 3
2Reader Equipment Installation
2.1. Mechanical Installation
The IDentity 6204 is available with two mounting flanges suitable for most
pole and wall mount applications. Any mounting surface must be able to
support a minimum static load of 11.0 pounds (5 kg) plus any additional
live load due to environmental conditions.
Figure 3 IDentity 6204 Mechanical Dimensions and Mounting Hole Locations (Dimensions in Inches)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Equipment Installation
4 IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
To mount the IDentity 6204 reader assembly, refer to Figure 3 and perform
the following:
1Prepare the mounting surface to accept the 10 mounting bolts. The
hole pattern should match that shown in Figure 3 and the mounting
surface must be able to support 11 lbs (5 kg).
2Mount the reader.
3Locate the Interface Cable.
4Connect the cable to the reader’s bulk head connector and twist to lock
in place.
5Connect the antenna cables (see Figure 4).
6Adjust the angle of the antennas and tighten the hardware.
WARNING: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement. The antennas used for this transmitter
must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 1 meter from all
persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Equipment Installation
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide 5
2.2. Electrical Installation
A general installation diagram is shown in the following figure. Refer to
Chapter 7 – Specifications for specific information.
Figure 4 IDentity 6204 Electrical Connections
Caution: The IDentity 6204 is designed to meet the regulatory requirements in those
jurisdictions in which it is offered. Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by Sirit Technologies for compliance could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment.
ATTENTION IDentity 6204 antenna ports may be susceptible to damage from static
discharge or other high voltage. Use proper Electrostatic Discharge
(ESD) precautions to avoid static discharge when handling or making
connections to the IDentity 6204 reader antenna or communication ports.
Equipment failure can result if the antenna or communication ports are
subjected to ESD.
Installation Notice
Installation of the IDentity
6204 is only to be
performed by trained, Sirit
approved personnel.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Equipment Installation
6 IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
2.2.1. Connecting the Serial Port
The IDentity 6204 RS-232 serial port provides communication up to
115200 Baud. This port is accessed through the bulkhead connector on the
reader. If you are using the serial port for reader communication, connect a
serial cable from the COM port on your PC to the serial port on the reader.
See Figure 2 for location of the connector.
Refer to the Chapter 8 – Specifications for details on the bulkhead
connector.
2.2.2. Connecting and Configuring the Ethernet Port
The IDentity 6204 Ethernet port is accessed through the bulkhead
connector. If you are communicating with your reader across a Local Area
Network (LAN), connect an Ethernet cable from your hub or router to the
bulkhead connector.
By default, the reader is configured to use a DHCP server to obtain its IP
address and related information. In the event a DHCP server is unavailable,
the reader will boot with an IP address in the 169.254.x.x subnet.
In the absence of other readers on the same network, and if no other
network traffic is observed which references 169.254.1.1, the reader will
select that address; otherwise, it will select a random address on the
169.254.x.x subnet.
IP address settings can be changed using RST. Refer to the View or Change
the Reader’s Network Settings section in Chapter 5.
Refer to the Chapter 8 – Specifications for details on the bulkhead
connector.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Reader Equipment Installation
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide 7
2.2.3. Connecting the External Antenna
The IDentity 6204 supports four external Tx/Rx antennas. Connect the
antenna to the antenna port located on the bottom of the reader.
Refer to Chapter 7 – Specifications for specific information regarding the
external antenna and antenna cable.
Caution: The IDentity 6204 is equipped with four external RF ports. If activated, these RF
ports must be properly terminated with a 50 ohm load or a functional UHF
antenna before power up. Always power down the reader before removing an
antenna or load from an RF port.
ATTENTION The IDentity 6204 antenna ports may be susceptible to damage from
static discharge or other high voltage. Use proper Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid static discharge when handling or
making connections to the IDentity 6204 reader antenna or
communication ports. Equipment failure can result if the antenna or
communication ports are subjected to ESD.
2.2.4. Connecting Digital Inputs/Outputs
The IDentity 6204 is equipped with a general purpose digital input/output
(I/O) port that provides four optically isolated 5-24 VDC input signals and
four open-collector output signals. The digital inputs can be used as general
purpose inputs or to trigger the reader for tag reading. These inputs can be
configured to provide an external read trigger from proximity sensors, photo
switches, or other devices.
The digital outputs can be used as general purpose outputs, to indicate tag
reading activity, or to indicate the reader is transmitting (RF On). The
outputs can also be configured to trigger conveyor gates or other access
control and sorting devices. For detailed information on configuring the
digital inputs and outputs refer to Chapter 7.
2.2.5. Connecting the Power
The IDentity 6204 operates on 24 Vdc provided through the bulkhead
connector on the rear of the reader. Connect the power supply to the reader
and connect the power supply to your 100–240 Vac, 50-60 Hz power
source. Allow 30 seconds for the reader to initialize.
Refer to the Chapter 8 – Specifications for details on the bulkhead
connector.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 RST Software Installation
8 IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
3Reader Startup Tool (RST) Software Installation
3.1. Installing RST Software
The IDentity 6204 is delivered with a Microsoft Windows application called
Reader Startup Tool (RST). You can use this application to initially configure
your reader as well as read and display tag data.
Install RST
1To install RST, load your product CD and double-click the
RSTInstaller.msi file:
2Press Next> 3Read the License Agreement. Select
I Agree and press Next>
4Select Reader Tool Suite. Press Next>. 5Verify the path and folder where RST will
be installed. Press Next>.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 RST Software Installation
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide 9
5Press Next>.6After the installation completes, press
Close.
3.2. Windows 7 Setup
If you have a Windows 7 operating system, your firewall may block UDP
traffic and consequently RST may not discover your readers. Perform the
following to configure your system:
For Microsoft Firewall
1Log into your computer as Administrator.
2Navigate to the Control Panel and select
Control Panel →System and Security.
3Select Allow a program through Windows firewall.
4Scroll down the list and locate Startup Tool, check it, and press OK.
5If Startup Tool is not in the list, press Allow another program.
6Locate Startup Tool, check it, and press OK.
7Restart RST and it should discover readers.
For Third-Party Firewalls
1Log into your computer as Administrator.
2Set your firewall to allow RST to receive UDP traffic on port 50000 and
50001.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 RST Software Installation
10 IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
3.3. Reader Startup
To begin using your reader, open the RST application.
Open RST
1From your Windows desktop, select:
Start→Programs→Sirit→Reader Startup Tool (RST)
2If this is the first time starting the RST application, you may receive a
Windows Security Alert. This warning indicates that the firewall is
blocking the RST application.
3If the warning window is hidden under the RST windows, collapse the
RST window.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 RST Software Installation
IDentity 6204 User’s Guide 11
4Press Unblock.
5Press Refresh on the RST
6The RST main page will display any readers currently connected to the
network.
3.4. Initial Reader Setup
To configure a specific reader, perform the following:
Reader Setup
1Select the reader on the main RST page by clicking the button to the left
of the reader Mac address.
2Press the button on the RST tool bar or select Setup
Wizard from the Tools pull-down menu.
3The IDentity 6204 Reader Setup Wizard (RSW) is displayed.
NOTE:
Earlier versions of
Microsoft Windows™
may not provide the
Security Alert popup.
IF RST does not
discover your reader,
check your Windows
Firewall/Security
settings.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 RST Software Installation
12 IDentity 6204 User’s Guide
4Press Next> and enter the Login (admin) and Password. If this is the
first time configuring your reader, enter: readeradmin.
5After entering your Login and Password, press Next>