TagMaster XT-3 Instruction Manual

Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA
XT-3 Reader
Installation Manual & Data Sheet
MANUAL

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 2 (28)
Revision Date Comment
01 2011-08-23 First version
02 2011-12-08 Additional info added during product safety
assessment
Copyright
The copyright and ownership of this document belongs to TagMaster NA. The document may be
downloaded or copied provided that all copies contain the full information from the complete document. All
other copying requires a written approval from TagMaster NA.
Disclaimer
While effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this document TagMaster NA
assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the
information contained herein. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 3 (28)
Table of Contents
1Introduction 4
1.1 XT-3 Reader ................................................................................................. 4
1.2 TagMaster’s RFID System ............................................................................ 4
2Safety Instructions 5
2.1 Instructions ................................................................................................... 5
2.2 Warnings ...................................................................................................... 5
3Installation 6
3.1 Environmental Considerations ...................................................................... 6
3.2 Preconditions ................................................................................................ 6
3.3 Mounting the Reader .................................................................................... 7
3.4 Mounting the External Antenna (Optional) .................................................... 9
3.5 Cable Connections...................................................................................... 10
3.6 Identifying Readers across TCP/IP Networks.............................................. 11
4Testing 12
4.1 Installation Test........................................................................................... 12
4.2 Trouble Shooting ........................................................................................ 13
5Technical Data 14
5.1 Reader Overview ........................................................................................ 14
5.2 Interfaces.................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Performance Data....................................................................................... 22
5.4 Electrical Data............................................................................................. 23
5.5 Mechanical Data ......................................................................................... 25
5.6 Environmental Specification........................................................................ 27
6Contact 28
6.1 Technical Support ....................................................................................... 28
6.2 Office .......................................................................................................... 28

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 4 (28)
1 Introduction
1.1 XT-3 Reader
The XT-3 RFID reader is a full functionality EPC Gen 2 (ISO 18000-6C) reader for
access installations such as Parking, Gated Communities and Condominiums. The
reader is available in two models: XT-3 eu for the European market (865.6-867.6 MHz)
and XT-3 us for the US market (902-928 MHz). The reader has a built-in antenna and
can be expanded with an optional external antenna. The read range is five meters for
XT-3 eu and six meters for XT-3 us.
The XT-3 Reader can work as a standalone reader when using ACTS. The Readers
are equipped with all TagMaster reader application software providing suitable
functionality. ACTS (Access Control and Tracking System) software can be embedded
on the reader for standalone operation.
The reader can be configured and controlled via the Ethernet interface, either locally or
remotely via an Internet connection. The XT-3 Reader supports several standard
interfaces including Ethernet (TCP/IP), RS232, RS485 and Wiegand/Mag-stripe.
More detailed information about the reader’s functionality is available in 06-118, “GEN4
Reader User’s Manual”.
1.2 TagMaster’s RFID System
TagMaster’s RFID system consists of readers and ID-tags. Readers can work
standalone or be connected to a host computer using serial or Ethernet interfaces.
1.2.1 Reader
The reader is a device for reading ID-tags using radio frequency. Some readers have
the capability to write information to ID-tags that support this.
The reader has a built-in antenna for communication with ID-tags. Some readers can
be expanded with external antennas. The reader also has various interfaces for
communication with a host computer and other external devices. When an acceptable
ID-tag is read, the reader can for example pull a relay connected to a barrier and grant
access to a vehicle and at the same time sound the buzzer and flash the visible
indicator.
To reduce the risk of interference, several readers in close proximity to each other
should use frequency hopping or be set to different frequency channels.
1.2.2 ID-tags
An ID-tag carries information that can be read at a long distance using radio frequency.
TagMaster has a range of ID-tags with different properties. Technical data for the
different ID-tags are presented in the respective ID-tag’s data sheet.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 5 (28)
2 Safety Instructions
2.1 Instructions
Read this manual carefully before using the XT-3 reader and take notice of warnings in
order to prevent injury and product damage.
Where local regulations exist, these are to be followed. The safety information in this
manual is a supplement to local regulations. It is the responsibility of the local project
manager to make certain that local regulations are known and followed.
The relevant manual (including this safety information) must be followed in any work
performed on the TagMaster products or systems.
The use of TagMaster’s genuine spare parts and accessories are recommended.
TagMaster will not assume responsibility for any malfunction due to use of spare parts
or accessories produced by a third party.
2.2 Warnings
Warnings are used throughout this manual to alert the reader to special instructions
concerning a particular task or operation that may be hazardous if performed
incorrectly or carelessly. The warnings are preceded by the common hazard symbol.
Figure 1 Hazard Symbol
The following two levels of warnings are used:
Warning!
Warning means that an accident may occur if the safety precautions are neglected.
This type of accident may cause injury. It may also damage the product.
Caution!
Caution means that an accident may occur if the safety precautions are neglected. This
type of accident may damage the product.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 6 (28)
3 Installation
This section describes the procedure of installing the reader, including mounting the
reader and installing the necessary cables. Read through this entire section before
performing the installation.
Caution!
Install the reader in accordance with local and national building and electrical codes
and/or applicable jurisdictions i.e. state or federal laws or city ordinances. The reader
is designed for installation using Class 2 wiring. Installation shall be performed by a
qualified service technician.
3.1 Environmental Considerations
The XT-3 reader is a reliable solution for identification systems because it is unaffected
by the normal electromagnetic background noise found in industries and elsewhere.
3.1.1 Electromagnetic Interference
Industrial noise is typically present in the kHz and low MHz frequency band. The XT-3
reader uses 860-960 MHz frequencies, so typical industrial noise will not affect the
communication.
3.1.2 Electromagnetic Interference in Cables
By using specified cables, proper shielding, and grounding as well as selecting a
suitable communication interface, optimum communication reliability is ensured. For
more information about cable specifications see section 3.2.2, “Cables and Power
Supply”.
3.1.3 Lightning
In order to protect the reader from possible effects of lightning, additional surge
protection on the inputs and outputs may be needed.
3.1.4 Temperature
For most applications, normal convection cooling is sufficient for the reader. But if heat
is generated close to the reader, the use of forced cooling or heat shields should be
considered.
3.2 Preconditions
The locations of readers and ID-tags have been specified during the project planning
phase, based on considerations of communication distances and movement speeds.
The cable paths and cable types have been determined during the project planning
phase.
The power supply must comply with all relevant safety regulations.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 7 (28)
The equipment must be disconnected from all voltage sources before any installation
or service work is carried out. Capacitors inside the equipment can hold their charge
even if the equipment has been disconnected from all voltage sources.
Caution!
Damage may be the result if the equipment is switched on when parts are removed
from the controller board, or if a PCB is removed within one minute after switching off
the equipment.
3.2.1 Tools
The following tools are necessary for installation:
•Adjustable spanner
•Screwdriver, Torx T20
•Screwdriver, Philips PH00x60 or SZS 0,4x2,5
•Side cutter
•Wire stripper
•Crimping tool for ferrules
3.2.2 Cables and Power Supply
Cables and power supply are not supplied with the XT-3 reader.
All cables should be shielded and suitable for the installation environment, for instance
indoor or outdoor environment. Use flexible cables with stranded wire. The reader
chassis should be grounded during installation. This is done using the ground screw
(position 12 in Figure 4 Overview of the reader with open lid). As an alternative a
metallic cable gland can also be used to connect to the reader chassis to ground using
the power cable shielding.
The terminal blocks used are Phoenix, type PT 1.5, which allow for a cable area of 0.2
to 1.5 mm² (AWG 26-14). Stranded wires must be fitted with a ferrule before being
inserted in the termination blocks.
The cable for the RS485 interface must be a twisted pair cable and conform to the EIA
RS485 standard. When using RS485 communication, correct termination of the
interface must always be considered in order to handle transmission-line effects. The
Reader has no built-in RS-485 termination as the termination points depends on the
number of transceivers in the network.
A category 5 (CAT5e) cable is required for the Ethernet connection.
The reader shall be powered by a UL Listed or Certified, Class 2 or LPS power supply
suitable for outdoor use, rated 24 V DC, 1 A minimum. The power supply shall fulfil the
specifications in section 5.4.2, “Power supply, J31”.
3.3 Mounting the Reader
Mount the reader in a horizontal position with the cable glands on the bottom side.
Direct the reader so that the reading lobe covers the positions of the ID-tags.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 8 (28)
For optimal performance, tilt and rotate the reader into a position so that the front side
of the reader is parallel with the front side of the ID-tag to be read. Align the reader so
that the actual reading range is 60–70% of the specified maximum.
The figure below shows a typical reader installation. Note that the installation details
depend on site requirements.
TM00103
=
=
100%
60 - 70%
Figure 2 Reading lobe
How to mount the ID-tag depends on the type of tag and which object that is being
tagged. TagMaster’s windshield ID-tag should be mounted in a horizontal position in
the windshield. Note that some cars have a metallized windshield. The ID-tag must be
mounted in an area of the windshield without metallization.’
Never mount the reader close to, and directly facing, a large metal area.
Warning!
To comply with Council Recommendation 1999/519/EC and FCC regulations, this
reader must be installed to provide a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all
persons and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna
or transmitter.
Warning!
Hot surface! The back of the reader enclosure can become hot during continuous
operation in a hot environment.
The Universal Mounting Kit (Part No. 193600) from TagMaster enables the Reader to
be mounted in a wide variety of positions and angles. The kit contains all parts needed

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 9 (28)
for mounting the Reader on a wall or on a pole. The Universal Mounting Kit is suitable
for outdoor use. See separate data sheet for more details.
Figure 3 XT-3 reader mounted on a pole with Universal Mounting Kit
Mounting hole layout details are available in section 5.5.2, “Dimensions”.
Note: Do not drill any additional holes in the enclosure, as that would affect the sealing
specification.
Caution!
Never exceed the environmental and electrical limits specified in section 5, “Technical
Data”. Exceeding the limits can result in permanent damage to the reader.
3.4 Mounting the External Antenna (Optional)
The optional external antenna has the same physical dimensions and RF performance
as the reader and should be mounted in the same way as the reader (see section 3.3,
“Mounting the Reader”).
Different reader models require different external antennas:
Part No. Model
163100 External XT-3 eu antenna
163200 External XT-3 us antenna

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 10 (28)
Connect the external antenna to the reader using an RF cable with RP-TNC
connectors. Cables supplied by TagMaster are tuned to give maximum performance
while still being within the regulatory limits.
The external antenna also has built in LEDs. These can be controlled from the XT-3 by
connecting an optional M12-4 cable between the reader and the external antenna.
The following cables are available:
Part No. Model
196025 Antenna RF-cable 2.5 m
196050 Antenna RF-cable 5.0 m
196125 Antenna LED-cable 2.5 m
196150 Antenna LED-cable 5.0 m
3.5 Cable Connections
Three available openings (20mm, 16 mm and 16 mm) in the base are sealed with blind
plugs and can be used for cable connections. The XT-3 reader is delivered with one
M20 cable gland for incoming cables and is also delivered with two cable gland options
for incoming cables. Using these options it is possible to handle one or two separate
cables in the same single gland. The alternatives are 1 x 6-12 mm or 2 x 4-6 mm. This
makes it possible if for instance using TCP/IP, to have a separate shielded CAT5e
cable for communication, while still having two other shielded cables for power and
possible I/O connections.
Connect cables as described below.
1. Open the reader.
2. Cut the cable to a suitable length and pull it through the cable gland.
3. Measure enough length of the cable to reach to the terminal blocks.
4. Strip the outer insulation of the cable inside the reader.
5. Tighten the cable gland around the cable.
6. Strip the ends of the conductors and crimp a ferrule onto the stripped end of
each conductor.
7. Connect the conductors to the corresponding terminal blocks.
All screw terminals and connectors are documented in section 5.2, “Interfaces”. The
torque to be used when fastening the lid to the base of the reader using the 8 screws
should be 1.0 Nm. First use preset torque, then tighten opposite screws in pairs.
Caution!
Never disconnect the internal or external antenna cable during operation; doing so will
damage the reader! Never operate the reader close to, and directly facing a metal surface;
dosing so may damage the reader!
Caution!
Do not remove the pressure balance membrane; it will compromise the IP classification.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 11 (28)
3.6 Identifying Readers across TCP/IP Networks
If using a TCP/IP connection to the reader, the XT-3 can be identified across the
network using the unique MAC address found on the option label of the unit.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 12 (28)
4 Testing
4.1 Installation Test
After having completed the installation as described in previous section, carry out an
installation inspection and verification. If an error occurs, the guidelines in section 4.2,
“Trouble Shooting”, may be valuable.
4.1.1 Inspection
Ensure that there are no metal objects between or close to the reader and the ID-tag in
the positions where communication is to take place.
Ensure that the reader and the ID-tag are aligned properly. Avoid communication at
maximum specified distance and misalignment.
Ensure that the reader is not placed in a location where it is exposed to excessive heat
or electromagnetic interference.
4.1.2 Verification
Power up the reader and verify that it beeps once.
If the hardware fails to initiate, the reader will make two more attempts to initiate it.
Each attempt is indicated by a short beep. If the hardware does not initiate after three
attempts the reader will not read tags. See section 4.2, “Trouble Shooting” for more
information.
Verify that the reader reads ID-tags and that the read lobe covers the required area. If
specific reader application software is used, consult the corresponding software
manual for more information concerning installation test.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 13 (28)
4.2 Trouble Shooting
Caution!
If the reader malfunctions, contact TagMaster Technical Support (see section 6,
“Contact” for details). Never try to dismantle any components inside the reader, since
there are no user serviceable parts inside the reader. Any unauthorized alterations to
the reader will invalidate the warranty.
Three system status indicators on the controller board inside the reader show the
status of the unit (see section 5.1, “Reader Overview” for information on placement).
The table below explains the meaning of the different indicators.
Table 1 System status indicators
Colour Mode Indicates
On Power on
Yellow
Off Power off
Flashing System SW running
Initially on System SW loading
Green
Persistently on/off System SW fault
Flashing HW initiated and running
On Initiation process
Red
Off HW not initiated
The following table describes the most common problems encountered during
installation and proposed solutions.
Table 2 Most common problems
Problem Solution
Yellow system status
indicator is off
Check the power supply.
Green system status
indicator is on or off
Switch off the power supply, switch it on again, and
wait 30 seconds. This can be done by pulling the J31
terminal block off the board and putting it back again.
If the reader fails to start again, contact TagMaster
support.
Red system status indicator
is on or off
Switch off the power supply and switch it on again.
This can be done by pulling the J31 terminal block off
the board and putting it back again. If the reader fails
to start again, contact TagMaster support.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 14 (28)
5 Technical Data
5.1 Reader Overview
Figure 4 shows an overview of a TagMaster XT-3 reader with open lid.
Figure 4 Overview of the reader with open lid
The following table describes the position of the components inside the reader.
No Component No Component
1 Controller board 8 External antenna RF connector
2 Visible indicator 9 External antenna LED connector (M12-4)
3 Buzzer 10 Cable gland opening
4 Red system status indicator 11 Terminal blocks
5 Green system status indicator 12 Ground M3
6 Yellow system status indicator 13 Ethernet connector
7 Enclosure base 14 USB connector
21 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11
13
14
12

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 15 (28)
5.2 Interfaces
5.2.1 Connector Overview
For easy installation and service the cables are screwed into removable block
connectors.
TM00107
1 2 1 2
J1 J31 J32J51 J52
3 4 5 6 1 2 1 3 42
J2
1 3 421 23 4 5
J41
1 2 3 4 53 1 2
J42
P1
P2
P3
3 1 2
J43
3
Figure 5 Connector overview
Note: It is possible to attach or remove the terminal block connectors inside the reader
for more convenient connection of the cables.
The terminals are grouped as specified in the sections below.
5.2.2 Relay Output, Group J1
The controller board has one relay output.
Table 3 Relay Output, Group J1
Pin Signal Description
1 RCOM Common terminal
2 ROPEN Connected to RCOM when relay is open
3 RCLOSE Connected to RCOM when relay is closed
5.2.3 Wiegand/Mag-stripe, Group J2
The controller board has an access control interface that supports both Wiegand and
Mag-stripe protocols.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 16 (28)
5.2.3.1 Wiegand Interface
Table 4 Wiegand, Group J2
Pin Signal Description
1 D0 Wiegand 0 (zero) signal
2 D1 Wiegand 1 signal
3 CL Card load signal
4 GND Ground
5.2.3.2 Wiegand Timing
The following values apply when all outputs are pulled up to 5V with 1kΩresistors.
Table 5 Wiegand interface timing
Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit
tSU CL to D# setup time 0 µs
tFFall time (all signals) 125 ns
tRRise time (all signals) 5 µs
tPI Pulse interval 2 ms
tPW Pulse width 80 µs
tHCL hold time after last D# change 0 µs
t
SU
t
PI
t
PW
t
H
t
R
t
F
CL
D0
D1
≈≈≈
Figure 6 Wiegand timing diagram
5.2.3.3 Mag-stripe Interface
Table 6 Mag-stripe, Group J2
Pin Signal Description
1 CLK Mag-stripe clock signal
2 DATA Mag-stripe data signal
3 LOAD Card load signal
4 GND Ground

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 17 (28)
5.2.3.4 Mag-stripe Timing
The following values apply when all outputs are pulled up to 5V with 1kΩresistors.
Table 7 Mag-stripe interface timing
Symbol Parameter Min Typ Max Unit
tSU LOAD to CLK setup time 0 µs
tFFall time (all signals) 125 ns
tRRise time (all signals) 5 µs
tCL Clock low 150 µs
tCH Clock high 150 µs
tHLOAD hold time after last CLK change 0 µs
≈
≈
t
SU
LOAD
CLK
DATA
≈
t
CL
t
CH
t
DH
t
H
t
R
t
F
Figure 7 Mag-stripe timing diagram
5.2.4 Power Supply, Group J31
Pin 1 is internally connected to pin 3 and pin 2 is internally connected to pin 4. The
purpose is to make it possible to feed power to any peripheral equipment. Use pins 1
and 2 for power supply connection.
Table 8 Power Supply, Group J31
Pin Signal Description
1 SPL Positive DC supply input
2 RTN SPL Negative DC supply input
3 SPL Positive DC supply input, internally connected to pin 1
4 RTN SPL Negative DC supply input, internally connected to pin 2
5.2.5 Not used, Group J32
This group is not used.
5.2.6 RS485 Serial Communication Interface, Group J41
The controller board has one RS485 serial interface for both 2-wire and 4-wire
communication. RS485 supports multi-drop serial networks. The communication can
be in both full duplex (4-wire) and half duplex (2-wire).
Note: If the installation requires long cables or high data speeds it may be necessary to
use termination.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 18 (28)
Table 9 Full Duplex (4-wire) RS485 Serial Communication Interface, Group J41
Pin Signal Description
1 TX+
2 TX−
Transmitted data, from reader to host
3 GND Ground
4 RX+
5 RX−
Received data, to reader from host
Table 10 Half Duplex (2-wire) RS485 Serial Communication Interface, Group J41
Pin Signal Description
1 TX/RX+
2 TX/RX−
Transmitted and received data, to and from Host
3 GND Ground
4 NC
5 NC
Not used
5.2.7 RS232 Serial Communication Interface, Group J42
The controller board has one RS232 serial interface.
Table 11 RS232 serial communication interface, Group J42
Pin Signal Description
1 TX Transmitted data, from reader to host
2 RX Received data, to reader from host
3 GND Ground
5.2.8 Service Interface, Group J43
The service interface is used for maintenance and configuration of the reader. Do not
use the service interface as a regular system interface.
Table 12 Service Interface, Group J43
Pin Signal Description
1 TX Transmitted data, from reader to host
2 RX Received data, to reader from host
3 GND Ground

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 19 (28)
A cable for connecting the service interface to a 9-pin PC COM port should be created
as specified in Table 13.
Table 13 Cable specification: PC COM port
↔ Reader Service Interface
9-pin D-sub Connector
(female on cable)
Reader Connector
Pin Signal Pin Signal
2 RXD 1 TX
3 TXD 2 RX
5 GND 3 GND
5.2.9 Isolated Inputs, Group J51
The reader has three isolated optocoupler inputs which are protected from noisy
environments.
Table 14 Isolated Inputs, Group J51
Pin Signal Description
1 IN 1A Input signal 1
2 IN 1C Input reference 1
3 IN 2A Input signal 2
4 IN 2C Input reference 2
5 IN 3A Input signal 3
6 IN 3C Input reference 3
5.2.10 Isolated Outputs, Group J52
This group is in the XT-3 pre-configured with cables to power (J31) and an M12-4
connector in the chassis to support the LEDs of the external antenna. If required the
pre-configuration can be removed and the group used for other purposes.
The group consists of two open collector outputs.
Table 15 Isolated Outputs, Group J52
Pin Signal Description
1 OUT 1C Output 1 collector
2 OUT 1E Output 1 emitter
3 OUT SPL External supply voltage for the outputs
4 OUT 2C Output 2 collector
5 OUT 2E Output 2 emitter
5.2.11 Ethernet, Connector P1
An RJ45 connector labelled P1, with two internal indicators, is provided for Ethernet
connection. The clip for detaching the cable faces upwards from the controller board
surface to allow mid-board mounts. The Ethernet connector has eight pins and the wire
scheme is based on the T568A standard.

XT-3 Reader Installation Manual & Data Sheet Doc no. 11-267 02
© TagMaster NA 20 (28)
Note: The RJ45 connector will not pass through the cable gland. Pass the Ethernet
cable through the cable gland, before crimping the connector on the cable.
5.2.12 USB Host, Connector P2
USB devices are connected using a standard USB type A connector.
5.2.13 Micro SD Memory Card Interface, Socket P3
A standard micro SD memory card socket is used. The card socket is placed on the
underside of the controller board.