TransCore Encompass 5 User manual

This document describes how to install and connect the check tag and antenna
assembly for Encompass® 5 and Encompass 6 Readers.
Required Supplies for Installing Check Tag Assembly
Before proceeding, make sure you have the check tag accessory kit (TransCore P/N 13-6000-001).
Table 1 lists the parts included in the kit.
Table 1 Check Tag Accessory Kit
Quantity Description
1 Check tag assembly
1 Check tag antenna assembly (Refer to Table 2)
1 DB9 ribbon cable assembly
4 #6-32 x 3/8 inch stand-o
4 #6-32 x 1/4 inch Phillips screw
2 3/4 inch round spacer
1 Coaxial inline attenuator, 8-dB, 1 watt, SMA
1 RF cable assembly
Note: The 8-decibel inline attenuator supplied with the check tag assembly kit should
be adequate for most applications; however, the attenuator value may need to be
adjusted depending on a customer’s reader and system configuration.
If you plan to use a check tag and antenna multiplexer on the same Encompass reader,
you must use a dierent data cable (TransCore P/N 08315-01) to connect the two option
assemblies to the Encompass reader DB9 port.
Trusted Transportation Solutions
16-6000-004 Rev B 11/19
Check Tag and
Antenna Assembly
Installation Instructions

You will need the following additional equipment and tools to install the check tag assembly.
• 50-ohm coaxial cable from check tag to check tag antenna (no more than 3 decibel (dB) loss in
cable).
Note: Use the same type of coaxial cable used to connect an RF antenna to an Encompass
Multiprotocol Reader.
• N-type coaxial cable connectors
• Cable terminating/crimping tools
• Torque-limiting wrench (in/lb range)
• Standard set of tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers)
Mounting and Connecting the Check Tag Assembly
To mount and connect the check tag assembly
1. Check that you have all parts as listed in Table 1.
2. Insert and tighten the four mounting stand-os.
3. Place the check tag assembly on top of the stand-os and secure with Phillips screws.
4. Fasten 8-dB inline attenuator to check tag assembly antenna SMA port (Figure 1) and tighten to 10in/lb.
5. Connect check tag antenna cable plug to other end of the inline attenuator and tighten to 10in/lb.
6. Connect the check tag assembly data cable to the DB9 ports on the check tag assembly and
Encompass reader. Secure connections by tightening screws.
Figure 1 Check Tag Assembly Mounted on Encompass Housing
Check Tag and Antenna Assembly
2

Caution
When using an enclosure that is not supplied by TransCore, to prevent damage to the SMA
connectors, TransCore strongly recommends that you provide a strain-relief bracket or other
means of securing the antenna coaxial cable that terminates at the RF cable assembly.
Do not connect the check tag antenna cable to the check tag assembly until you have completed the
antenna installation.
Required Supplies for Installing Check Tag Antenna
Before proceeding, make sure you have the Check tag antenna kit (TransCore P/N 05429-01).
Table 2 lists the parts included in the kit.
Table 2 Check Tag Antenna Kit
Quantity Description
1 Check tag antenna mounting bracket
1 N-connector antenna mount
1 Antenna connector spacer
1 3/32 inch hex wrench
2 O-ring .614 inch, .754 inch OD
1Antenna
You will need the following additional equipment and tools to install the check tag antenna:
• Standard set of tools
• Torque wrench with 0 to 100 ft-lb (0 to 136 N-m) range
Note: Check tag antenna has been factory-tuned to 912 MHz. This setting permits
operation in the 902.25 to 921.5 MHz frequency range.
Installation Instructions
3

Assembling the Check Tag Antenna
To assemble the check tag antenna and base
1. Insert whip antenna into collar (Figure 2).
Caution
Ensure the whip antenna is fully seated in the collar.
2. Tighten the lower and upper hex screws (Figure 3).
3. The check tag antenna is now ready for installation with the UTA.
Installing the Check Tag Antenna with UTA
Figure 4 shows where the check tag antenna is located in the reader system. The check tag antenna
typically is installed in front of the antenna radome. For UTA installations that use a mounting pipe, the
check tag antenna is installed on the pipe next to the antenna.
Figure 2 Whip Antenna Inserted into Collar
Figure 3 Lower and Upper Hex Screws
Check Tag and Antenna Assembly
4

To install the check tag antenna on the UTA radome
1. At the end where the check tag antenna will be mounted, place a short spacer (⁄ inch) between the
check tag antenna bracket and UTA radome. Place a lock washer and nut over each of the bolts. On
the end opposite the check tag antenna, use a 1-inch spacer (supplied with UTA), lock washer, and
locking nut over each end of the U-bolt (Figure 5).
Figure 4 Mounting Location for Check Tag Antenna
Figure 5 Check Tag Antenna Mounting on UTA Radome
Installation Instructions
5

2. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench to 50 ft-lb (68 N-m).
3. Slide the shrink-tubing over the check tag antenna cable and use heat to shrink it.
To install the check tag antenna on the mounting pipe next to the UTA
1. Place the check tag antenna along the mounting pipe and insert a U-bolt around the pole and through
the mounting bracket. Place a washer, spacer, lock washer and nut in that order over each side of the
U-bolt (Figure 6).
2. For a typical configuration, adjust the check tag antenna so that it is mounted about 1 inch (2.5 cm)
from the side of the UTA and centered above the UTA face. It should extend across about one third of
the UTA width.
3. Tighten the nuts with a torque wrench to 50 ft-lb (68 N-m).
4. Slide the shrink-tubing over the check tag antenna cable and use heat to shrink it.
Figure 6 Check Tag Antenna Mounting on Mounting Pipe
Check Tag and Antenna Assembly
6

For more information:
Sales Support
800.923.4824
Technical Support
505.856.8007
transcore.com
Trusted Transportation Solutions
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