TransCore encompass 4 User manual

TransCore’s Encompass 4 Reader System is a dual-protocol reader that reads
TransCore Super eGo® (SeGo), eGo, American Trucking Associations/International
Organization for Standardization (ATA/ISO), or Inter-Agency Group (IAG) tag protocols.
This guide provides site planning and testing, installing, and operating instructions.
This information is intended for use by authorized TransCore dealers, installers, and
service personnel.
Encompass® 4
Reader System Guide
Trusted Transportation Solutions
16-0114-001 Rev A 9/2020

© 2009-2020 TransCore, LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, EGO, and
ENCOMPASS are registered trademarks and are used under license. All other trademarks are
the property of their respective owners. Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.
Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the
part of TransCore, LP.
For further information, contact:
TransCore
8600 Jeerson StreetNE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113
USA
TransCore Technical Support
Web: www.transcore.com
Phone: [phone]
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WARNING TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATES
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FCC
LOCATION AND MONITORING SERVICE STATEMENT
47 CFR §90.351
NOTE: The user is required to obtain a Part 90 site license from the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) to operate this radio frequency identification (RFID) device in the United States.
The FCC ID number is FIH0596465PT90. Access the FCC website at www.fcc.gov to obtain additional
information concerning licensing requirements.
NOTE: Users in all countries should check with the appropriate local authorities for licensing
requirements.
FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
47 CFR §15.105A
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate RF energy and may cause harmful interference to radio
communications if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual. Operating this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case, depending on the
laws in eect, the user may be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
NO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS
47 CFR §15.21
CAUTION: This equipment may not be modified, altered, or changed in any way without
permission. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment authorization from the
FCC and will void the warranty.
USE OF SHIELDED CABLES AND GROUNDING
47 CFR §15.27A
NOTE: Shielded cables and earth grounding the unit is recommended for this equipment to comply
with FCC regulations.
TRANSCORE, LP
USA
TransCore Proprietary iii

AVERTISSEMENT À L’ATTENTION DES
UTILISATEURS AUX ÉTATSUNIS
DÉCLARATION 47 CFR §90.351 CODE DES
RÈGLEMENTS FÉDÉRAUX DE LA FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FCC SUR LES
SERVICES DE LOCALISATION ET DE CONTRÔLE
REMARQUE : L’utilisateur est tenu d’obtenir une licence d’utilisation sur site Partie 90 auprès
de la Federal Communications Commission (FCC) afin de pouvoir utiliser ce dispositif RFID
(radio-identification) aux États-Unis ou au Canada. Le numéro d’identification de la FCC est
FIH0596465PT90. Pour obtenir de plus amples informations concernant les exigences relatives aux
licences, prière de consulter le site web de la FCC à www.fcc.gov.
REMARQUE : Il est recommandé à tous les utilisateurs, quel que soit leur pays, de consulter les
autorités locales compétentes sur les exigences de licence.
DÉCLARATION 47 CFR §15.105A DE LA FCC SUR
LES INTERFÉRENCES DES FRÉQUENCES RADIO
REMARQUE : Cet appareil a été testé et déclaré conforme à la catégorie d’un appareil numérique
de classe A en accord avec la partie 15 des directives de la FCC. Ces normes visent à assurer
une protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles lorsque l’appareil est utilisé dans un
environnement commercial. Cet appareil génère, utilise et peut émettre de l’énergie RF et peut
être à l’origine d’interférences nuisibles aux communications radio s’il n’est pas installé et utilisé en
suivant les directives du manuel d’instructions. Si cet appareil est utilisé dans une zone résidentielle,
il est probable qu’il cause des interférences nuisibles. Dans ce cas, l’utilisateur pourrait être amené à
remédier aux interférences à ses propres frais, selon les lois du pays en vigueur.
AUCUNE MODIFICATION NON AUTORISÉE
47 CFR §15.21
MISE EN GARDE : Il est interdit de modifier, d’altérer ou d’apporter des changements à cet
appareil de quelque manière que ce soit sans autorisation. Toute modification non
autorisée peut annuler l’autorisation d’utilisation accordée par la FCC et annulera la
garantie.
UTILISATION DE CÂBLES BLINDÉS ET MISE À LA TERRE
47 CFR §15.27A
REMARQUE : Il est recommandé d’utiliser des câbles blindés et une mise à la terre avec cet appareil
afin de répondre aux réglementations de la FCC
TRANSCORE, LP
ÉTATSUNIS
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WARNING TO USERS IN CANADA
INDUSTRY CANADA IC INDUSTRY CANADA’S RADIO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS RSS137
LOCATION AND MONITORING SERVICE IN THE BAND 902928 MHZ SECTION 2.1
NOTE: The user is required to obtain a license from Industry Canada (IC), to operate this radio
frequency identification (RFID) device in Canada. The IC ID number is 1584A-0596465PT90, access the
IC website at www.ic.gc.ca to obtain additional information concerning licensing requirements.
Industry Canada (IC) Industry Canada’s Radio Standard Specifications General Requirements (RSS-GEN) for
Compliance of Radio Apparatus Statement Section 8.4
This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
1 ) This device may not cause interference; and
2 ) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
AVERTISSEMENT AUX UTILISATEURS AU CANADA
INDUSTRIE CANADA IC INDUSTRIE CANADA RADIO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS CNR137
EMPLACEMENT ET SERVICE DE SURVEILLANCE DANS LA BANDE 902928 MHZ, SECTION 2.1
Remarque : L’utilisateur est tenu d’obtenir une licence d’Industrie Canada (IC), afin d’exploiter ce
dispositif d’identification par radiofréquence au Canada. Le numéro d’identification d’IC est1584A-
0596465PT90. Pour obtenir de plus amples informations concernant les exigences relatives aux
licences, prière de consulter le site web de d’IC à www.ic.gc.ca .
Radio Standard Spécifications exigences générales Industrie Canada (IC) Industrie Canada (CNR-
GEN) pour s’acquitter du Radio appareil déclaration article 8.4
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.
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RADIO FREQUENCY HEALTH LIMITS FOR ENCOMPASS 4 READER
USING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA IN FREQUENCY BAND
OF 902.25 TO 903.75 AND 910.00 TO 921.50 MHZ
Several agencies (OSHA, FCC, IC) have environmental guidelines regulating maximum permissible
exposure (MPE) or “safe” exposure levels that this product falls under. To ensure that proper safety
guideline for the end users of this product, i.e. Occupational (Controlled) and General Population/Public
(Uncontrolled), the recommended levels for each of the agencies are presented in the next sections
with TransCore’s recommendations for safety in the last section.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
OSHA (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) Title 29 Part 1910 Subpart G 1910.97 titled “Nonionizing radiation”, a maximum safe exposure
limit of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) during any 0.1-hour period (i.e. 6 minutes). Using
the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915 MHz and the highest
antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe distance
was calculated to be 8in (20cm).
FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
FCC (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
Title 47 Chapter I Subchapter A Part 1 Subpart I Section 1.1310 titled “Radiofrequency radiation exposure
limits” that the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:
Occupational/Controlled Exposure
Power density = frequency (in MHz)/300 mW/cm2with an Averaging time of 6 Min
General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure
Power density = frequency (in MHz)/1500 mW/cm2 with an Averaging time of 30 Min
Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the
highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe
distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 14in (36cm) for the Occupational/Controlled
environment, and 31.5in (80.5cm) for the General Population/Uncontrolled environment.
Industry Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)
Industry Canada (a Department of the Government of Canada) sets out the requirements in Radio
Standards Specification RSS-102, Issue 5 guidelines, recommending a maximum safe power density
in W/m2. Thus, the maximum permissible exposure for general population/uncontrolled exposure at
915MHz is 2.77 W/m2. The average time is 6 minutes. The maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is the
following:
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Controlled Environment
Power density = 0.6455*frequency (in MHz)0.5 W/m2with a Reference Period time of 6 Min
General Public/Uncontrolled Environment
Power density = 0.02619*frequency (in MHz)0.6834 W/m2with a Reference Period time of 6 Min
Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the
highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe
distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 18in (45cm) for the Controlled environment
and 47in (120cm) for the General Public/Uncontrolled environment.
TransCore Recommendation on MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)
The calculated power densities and MPE distance for each of the agencies respective to the
environment is shown below.
Occupational/Controlled Environment
Agency Power Density (mW/cm2)MPE minimum distance Time (min)
in cm
OSHA 10 7 18 6
FCC 3.05 13 32 6
IC 1.95 16 40 6
General Population/Public/Uncontrolled Environment
Agency Power Density (mW/cm2)MPE minimum distance Time (min)
In cm
OSHA 10 7 18 6
FCC 0.61 28 72 30
IC 0.28 42 106 6
With the equipment installed and running at the maximum transmit power of 1.6W (32dBm),
0dB transmit attenuation, using the highest gain antenna that the equipment is certified for, the
recommendation for each of the operation environments is as follows:
1 ) The antenna should be installed at least 42in (106cm) from the General Population/
Public i.e. Uncontrolled Environment.
2 ) Maintenance personnel (i.e. Occupational/Controlled Environment) must remain at
least 16in (40cm) from the antenna and limit their time in the environment to 6 minutes
when the system is operating.
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LIMITES D’EXPOSITION AUX RADIOFRÉQUENCES POUR LE LECTEUR ENCOMPASS 4
UTILISANT UNE ANTENNE EXTERNE SUR LA BANDE
DE FRÉQUENCES DE 902.25 À 903.75 ET DE 910.00 À 921.50 MHZ
Plusieurs organismes (OSHA, FCC, IC) publient des directives environnementales qui recommandent
des limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) ou des niveaux d’exposition «sûrs»
auxquels cet appareil se conforme. Pour faire en sorte que chaque utilisateur final ait connaissance
des directives de sécurité qui le concerne, que ce soit dans son travail (accès contrôlé) ou pour
la population générale/le grand public (accès non contrôlé), TransCore présente les niveaux
recommandés par chaque organisme dans ses recommandations sécuritaires détaillées dans la
dernière section.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 29, Partie 1910, Sous-partie G 1910.97, intitulée
«Nonionizing radiation» (Rayonnements non ionisants), l’OSHA (organisme américain) recommande un
plafond d’exposition maximale de 10 milliwatts par centimètre carré (mW/cm2) pendant une période de
0,1 heure (soit 6 minutes). En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de
cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation
dans une installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est de 20 cm (8 po).
FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 47, Chapitre I, Sous-chapitre A, Partie 1,
Sous-partie I, Section 1.1310 intitulée «Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits» (Limites d’exposition
aux rayonnements de radiofréquence), la FCC (organisme américain) établit les limites d’exposition
maximale autorisée (normes MPE) comme suit :
Exposition professionnelle/contrôlée
Densité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/300 mW/cm2avec une durée moyenne de 6 min.
Exposition de la population générale/non contrôlée
Densité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/1500 mW/cm2avec une durée moyenne de 30 min.
En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain
d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une installation
finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales sont de 36 cm (14
po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 80,5 cm (31,5 po) pour la population générale/
environnement non contrôlé.

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Industrie Canada (Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada)
Le Cahier des charges sur les normes radioélectriques 102, 5eédition, d’Industrie Canada (un ministère
du Gouvernement du Canada) établit des recommandations pour une densité de puissance maximale
sécuritaire en W/m2. Ainsi, l’exposition maximale admissible pour la population générale/non contrôlée
à 915 MHz est calculée à 2,77 W/m2. La durée moyenne est de 6 minutes. Les limites d’exposition
maximale autorisée (normes MPE) sont les suivantes :
Environnement contrôlé
Densité de puissance = 0,6455*fréquence (en MHz)0,5 W/m2avec une durée de référence de 6 min.
Grand public/environnement non contrôlé
Densité de puissance = 0,02619*fréquence (en MHz)0,6834 W/m2avec une durée de référence de 6 min.
En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain
d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une installation
finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales sont de 45
cm (18 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 120 cm (47 po) pour le grand public/
environnement non contrôlé.
Recommandations de TransCore sur les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE)
Les densités de puissance et la distance MPE calculées par chaque organisme pour un environnement
donné sont présentées ci dessous.
Exposition professionnelle/environnement contrôlé
Organisme Densité de puissance (mW/
cm2)
Distance MPE minimale Durée (en min.)
po cm
OSHA 10 7 18 6
FCC 3,05 13 32 6
IC 1,95 16 40 6
Population générale/environnement non contrôlé
Organisme Densité de puissance (mW/
cm2)
Distance MPE minimale Durée (en min.)
po cm
OSHA 10 7 18 6
FCC 0,61 28 72 30
IC 0,28 42 106 6

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Avec l’appareil installé et fonctionnant à la puissance de transmission maximale de 1,6W (32dBm), 0dB
d’atténuation de transmission, et en utilisant le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel l’appareil a reçu
une certification, les recommandations pour chaque environnement d’exploitation sont les suivantes :
1 ) L’antenne devrait être installée à au moins 106 cm (42 po) de la population générale/
du grand public, c’est-à-dire d’un environnement non contrôlé.
2 ) Le personnel d’entretien (c’est-à-dire dans un environnement professionnel/contrôlé)
doit rester à au moins 40 cm (16 po) de l’antenne et limiter son temps d’exposition à 6
minutes lorsque l’appareil est en fonctionnement.

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Table of Contents
Chapter1Introduction ...........................................1–1
System Guide Organization .........................................1–1
System Description ................................................1–1
Reader ...........................................................1–1
Tags ............................................................ 1–2
How It Works..................................................... 1–2
Licensing Requirements ........................................... 1–2
Chapter2Developing the Site Plan...............................2–4
Overview ........................................................2–4
Reading of Mixed Population Tags ..................................2–4
Reader, Tag, and Antenna Alignment ................................2–5
Antenna Selection ................................................2–9
Site Layout, Mounting Requirements, and Trac Flow ................2–10
Electrical and Communications Requirements .......................2–15
Chapter3 Choosing, Installing, Removing Tags ...................3–20
Compatible Tag Types ............................................3–20
Windshield Sticker Tag General Installation Instructions ............... 3–21
Hard Case Tag General Installation Instructions .....................3–24
Installing eGo Plus Exterior-Mounted Tags ..........................3–26
Chapter4Installing the Encompass 4 Reader .....................4-32
Installation Process .............................................. 4-32
Pre-installation Testing of the Encompass 4 Reader .................. 4-33
Mounting the Encompass 4 Reader ................................ 4-40
Mounting the Antenna............................................ 4-49
Connecting Communications ...................................... 4-55
Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits .................. 4-59
Marking the Read Zone ........................................... 4-63

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Chapter5General Software Information .........................5–67
Command Entry Conventions......................................5–67
Command Response Conventions .................................5–68
Operating Parameters ............................................5–69
Power Fail ......................................................5–69
Program Download ..............................................5–69
Startup .........................................................5–70
Chapter6Communications Protocols............................6–71
Introduction..................................................... 6–71
Basic Protocol ...................................................6–72
Error Correcting Protocol .........................................6–72
Data Inquiry Protocol .............................................6–73
Basic Protocol and ECP Format ....................................6–73
ECP Reliability...................................................6–80
CRC Calculation .................................................6–81
Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance ...........................6–84
Chapter7Commands .........................................7–86
Introduction.....................................................7–86
Operating Modes ................................................7–86
Command List...................................................7–88
Chapter8Configuring the Encompass 4 Reader..................8–133
Configuring the Reader ..........................................8–133
Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation Software ...........8–135
Configuring Encompass 4 Parameters .............................8–139
Chapter9Troubleshooting and Maintenance ....................9–149
Error Messages.................................................9–149
Troubleshooting ................................................9–150
Encompass 4 Reader Repair......................................9–153
Technical Support...............................................9–153
AppendixAGlossary ...........................................A–1

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AppendixBTechnical Specifications ..............................B–1
Reader Specifications ............................................. B–1
AppendixCWiring Tables .......................................C–1
Cable Supplied with the Encompass 4 Reader ........................C–1
Input/Output Cabling Assignments ..................................C–3
AppendixD Command Quick Reference ..........................D–1
Command Syntax .................................................D–1
Factory Default Settings ...........................................D–1
Numerical Command List ..........................................D–3
Alphabetical Command List .......................................D–10
AppendixECompatible Tag Information ..........................E–1
Tag Configurations................................................ E–1
Tag Data Formats .................................................E–4

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List of Figures
Figure 1 Encompass 4 Reader System Front and Side Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–2
Figure 2 Tag and Reader Orientation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
Figure 3 Encompass 4 Reader Location Relative to Tag Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
Figure 4 Typical Tag Positions for U.S. Driver’s Side Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–7
Figure 5 Typical Tag Positions for U.S. Passenger’s Side Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Figure 6 Typical Tag Positions Used with Overhead Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–8
Figure 7 Gate Application with Center Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–12
Figure 8 Parking Garage Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–13
Figure 9 Overhead Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–14
Figure 10 WST Tag Location for Optimal Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–22
Figure 11 Tag Location for Large Trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–23
Figure 12 Location of Release Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–23
Figure 13 Rub Tag to Bond Adhesive to Windshield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–23
Figure 14 HC Tag Location for Optimal Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–24
Figure 15 Remove backing to expose adhesive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–25
Figure 16 Correct Tag Orientation for an Exterior-Mounted Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–26
Figure 17 Mounting Locations for the LPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–27
Figure 18 Correct Tag Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–27
Figure 19 Upper Placement over the Top Area of the License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–28
Figure 20 Obstruction Free Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–28
Figure 21 Spacer Positioned Behind Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–29
Figure 22 Guidelines for exterior tag placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–31
Figure 23 Removing adhesive strip backing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–31
Figure 24 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester (Buzzer) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-34
Figure 25 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Figure 26 Short Load to Earth Ground. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-35
Figure 27 Back of Encompass 4 Reader Showing Antenna Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-36
Figure 28 Pin Assignments for Signal to Host Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
Figure 29 Correct Orientation of Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-41
Figure 30 Back of the Encompass 4 Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42

TransCore Proprietary xv
Figure 31 Factory Mounted Bracket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-42
Figure 32 Pole-Mount Bracket Assembly. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Figure 33 The Encompass 4 Reader Attached to the Pole Mount Bracket. . . . . . . . . . . 4-43
Figure 34 Front and Top Views of the Encompass 4 Reader Position. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-44
Figure 35 Wall Mount Bracket Accessory (part number 54-1620-001) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-45
Figure 36 Wall Mount Bracket Attached to the Encompass 4 Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-46
Figure 37 Factory-Mounted Bracket Attached to Wall Mount Bracket . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-47
Figure 38 Pole Mount Bracket Attached to Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-47
Figure 39 Connecting the Encompass 4 Assembly to Pole Mount Bracket . . . . . . . . . . 4-48
Figure 40 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-49
Figure 41 Short Load to Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-50
Figure 42 Front and Top Views of the Curb-Side Antenna Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
Figure 43 Encompass 4 Reader Installation with Overhead Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-53
Figure 44 Recommended Reader Cable Grounding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
Figure 45 RS-232 Cable Extension Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
Figure 46 Wiegand Cable Extension Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
Figure 47 Sample Circuit Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60
Figure 48 Sample Circuit Connections for IAG Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60
Figure 49 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-65
Figure 50 Synchronization Bus Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7–124
Figure 51 RF ON by Sense Input (641 Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8–142

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide
TransCore Proprietary
xvi
List of Tables
Table 1 Examples of Staggered Reader Frequencies ................................2–11
Table 2 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits ....................................... 2–15
Table 3 Power Supply Requirements ............................................. 2–16
Table 4 Recommended Cable Length from Transformer to the Encompass 4 Reader ... 2–17
Table 5 Communications Interfaces and Conductor Requirements  .................. 2–17
Table 6 Recommended Cables ................................................. 2–19
Table 7 Installation Accessories ..................................................4-33
Table 8 AC Transformer Connections for Colored-Wire 13-Pair Cable ..................4-37
Table 9 Low Voltage DC Cable Connections for the Colored-Wire 13-Pair Cable ........4-37
Table 10 Commands for Bench Testing ........................................... 4-40
Table 11 RS–232 Interface Signal Wiring for Colored-Wire 13-Pair Cable .............. 4-56
Table 12 RS–422 Interface Signal Wiring for Colored-Wire 13-Pair Cable ...............4-57
Table 13 Wiegand Interface Signal Wiring for Colored-Wire 13-Pair Cable.............. 4-58
Table 14 Sense Input/Output Cabling 13-Pair Assignments ...........................4-61
Table 15 Four-Character Command Structure......................................5–67
Table 16 Sample Command Sequence ...........................................5–68
Table 17 Select Baud Rate Commands............................................7–89
Table 18 Select Stop Bits Commands .............................................7–89
Table 19 Select Parity Commands ................................................7–90
Table 20 Append Time and Date Commands .....................................7–92
Table 21 Append Auxiliary Information Commands ................................7–92
Table 22 Unique ID Code Criteria................................................7–94
Table 23 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames ...............................7–95
Table 24 Alternate Group Select................................................7–100
Table 25 Open/Closed Conditions for Output Status ..............................7–106
Table 26 Open/Closed Conditions for Output Status (IAG Applications) .............. 7–107
Table 27 Open/Closed Conditions for Input Status ................................ 7–107
Table 28 Display Operating Status Mode .........................................7–113
Table 29 Flow Control Commands ...............................................7–115
Table 30 Output Control Commands .............................................7–116
Table 31 RF Control Commands .................................................7–117
Table 32 RF Frequency Commands .............................................7–118
Table 33 RF Attenuation Command Variables .....................................7–121
Table 34 Select RF Operating Frequency Commands .............................7–122
Table 35 Example of Encompass 4 Reader Plaza Synchronization Bus Settings .......7–125
Table 36 Output Pulse Duration Commands......................................7–126

TransCore Proprietary xvii
Table 37 Presence Without Tag Report Commands ............................... 7–127
Table 38 RF Control Algorithm Commands....................................... 7–127
Table 39 Timeout Period Values ...............................................7–128
Table 40 Input Inversion Options ...............................................7–129
Table 41 Input Status Change Report Options .....................................7–131
Table 42 Encompass 4 Reader Configuration Label Fields .........................8–133
Table 43 Encompass 4 Reader Default Configuration Settings ......................8–134
Table 44 Command Sequence to Verify Communications .......................... 8–137
Table 45 ID Separation Commands .............................................8–140
Table 46 Error Messages ......................................................9–149
Table 47 Symptoms and Remedies...............................................9–151
Table 48 RS–232 Interface Signal Wiring for Alternate Wire 15-Pair Cable .............. C–1
Table 49 RS–422 Interface Signal Wiring for Alternate Wire 15-Pair Cable .............C–2
Table 50 Wiegand Interface Signal Wiring for Alternate Wire 15-Pair Cable .............C–2
Table 51 AC Transformer Connections for Alternate Wire 15-Pair Cable................C–3
Table 52 Low Voltage DC Cable Connections for Alternate Wire 15-Pair Cable..........C–3
Table 53 Sense Input/Output Cabling Assignments for Alternate Wire 15-Pair Cable.....C–4
Table 54 All Cabling Assignments for Colored-Wire Pair Cable or Alternate Wire Cable ..C–6
Table 55 Encompass 4 Reader Default Configuration Settings........................D–1
Table 56 Encompass 4 Reader Commands Listed Numerically .......................D–3
Table 57 Encompass 4 Reader Commands Listed Alphabetically.....................D–10
Table 58 Compatible TransCore Tags ..............................................E–1
Table 59 Legacy Tags ...........................................................E–2

Chapter1Introduction
System Guide Organization
TransCore oers the Encompass 4 Reader in two models: one with an integrated antenna and one that
requires connection to an external antenna. In this system guide, information and instructions for both
Encompass 4 Reader models are presented. Where separate instructions dictate, a section detailing one
Encompass 4 Reader model is followed immediately with a section detailing the other reader model. In this
system guide, the reader with an integrated antenna is listed first. In cases where the information does not
warrant a separate section, the addition of “...or antenna” distinguishes between the Encompass 4 Reader
models.
System Description
The Encompass 4 Reader System is a dual-protocol reader supporting the low-cost, high-performance
SeGo radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. SeGo technology provides the capability to read
miniature RFID tags in a myriad of options including rugged, durable, or thin flexible forms such as the
eGo Plus Micro Mini Sticker Tag. The Encompass 4 Reader System also supports legacy transportation
applications such as gated toll, parking, or security gate access and is designed to be compatible
with existing TransCore SmartPass® parking access control applications certified for licensed use. The
Encompass 4 Reader System also supports TransCore ATA/ISO tag types, as well as the IAG tag protocol.
The Encompass 4 Reader System is a high-power unit that can read both half-frame and full-frame tags.
The reader output power can be adjusted using reader commands.
Reader
The Encompass 4 Reader System consists of an input/output (I/O) module, a reader logic board (also
called a tag decoder), a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver (called the RF module), and a patch
antenna.
Note: A dedicated electrical power supply must be present at the site and available to the
Encompass 4 Reader at all times. Refer to “Electrical Power” on page 2–16.
A second version of the Encompass 4 Reader is designed to be used with a high-performance external
antenna. These Encompass 4 Reader System components are contained in a highly reliable, compact, and
easy-to-install environmentally-sealed package. Figure 1 shows the front and side views of an Encompass
4 Reader System.
Chapter 1 Introduction
TransCore Proprietary 1–1

Tags
The Encompass 4 Reader System has the capability to read TransCore SeGo, ATA and IAG protocol tags,
and ISO-compliant read-only full- and half-frame tags. The reader can be ordered with up to two protocols
enabled.
How It Works
The Encompass 4 Reader System directs the RF module to generate an RF signal, which is broadcast
through the integrated or external antenna. Entering the Encompass 4 Reader System’s reading range, a
TransCore RFID tag installed on a vehicle or other object to be tracked adds its programmed identification
information to the signal and reflects the signal back to the Encompass 4 Reader System. The Encompass
4 Reader System receives this modified, or modulated signal, and decodes the tag data carried by the
reflected signal and transmits this data to a local host computer for processing.
Licensing Requirements
Users of the Encompass 4 Reader System in the United States must obtain a license from the FCC. In the
United States, the authorized modulated frequency band for this product is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz and the
authorized continuous wave frequency band is 902.25 to 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz.
An FCC license provides the user with the legal authorization to operate the Encompass 4 on the licensed
frequencies at the site specified in the license. Only an authorized installer or service technician can set
the RF frequency of the Encompass 4 Reader System to the frequency specified in the FCC site license.
HORIZONTALLY POLARIZED READER
FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW
MOUNTING
BRACKETS
HW-023B
Figure 1 Encompass 4 Reader System Front and Side Views
Encompass 4 Reader System Guide
TransCore Proprietary.
1–2

The FCC license may provide the user with protection and authorization to maintain the system should any
other RFID product be used in the licensed area after the Encompass 4 equipment is installed.
The user is responsible for filing the FCC license application before use. It can take up to two months
before the application is granted. The TransCore dealer will provide assistance and support as necessary.
Registration
New users will need to register with the Commission Registration System (CORES). Registration will enable
the user to:
• Receive and manage a 10-digit FCC Registration number (FRN)
• View financial status with the FCC and make payments
Online filing is available to submit the application and related technical drawings.
Visit the FCC Universal Licensing System (ULS) webpage at https://www.fcc.gov/wireless/systems-utilities/
universal-licensing-system.
Application and License
Application and license status can be searched from the ULS home page.
Readers must be installed and in use within a year of the license grant. If the FCC is not notified that the
readers are active, the license will be automatically deleted.
An FCC license typically has a 10-year term. Licenses should be renewed 90 days or less before the
expiration date.
For further information on obtaining a license from the FCC, contact TransCore technical support.
Note: The FCC continually updates and improves the web interface for online license applications.
This information in this section is subject to change.
Chapter 1 Introduction
TransCore Proprietary 1–3