TransCore AP4119 User manual

Trusted Transportation Solutions
P/N 16-4119-001 Rev B 3/2023
AP4119 Rail Tag
Programmer
User Guide
The AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer User Guide provides information necessary for
installing, operating, and troubleshooting the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer.
This Guide describes the proper setup and operation of the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer and provides
procedures useful for troubleshooting problems encountered after installation.
The AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer User Guide is designed to be used by technical personnel responsible
for setting up and operating the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer and related software.
Figure 1 AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer

AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer User Guide
TransCore Proprietary
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© 2022-2023 TransCore LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, and EGO are registered
trademarks and are used under license. All other trademarks listed are the property of their respective
owners. Contents subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.
For further information, contact:
TransCore
8600 Jeerson Street NE
Albuquerque, NM 87113 USA
Web: www.transcore.com
TransCore Technical Support
Phone: (505) 856-8007
email: [email protected]

TransCore Proprietary iii
WARNING TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATES
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 radio frequency (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 regulations in eect, the users 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 from TransCore, LP. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment
authorization from the FCC and will void the TransCore warranty.
USE OF SHIELDED CABLES IS REQUIRED
47 CFR §15.27(A)
NOTE: Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to comply with FCC regulations.
TRANSCORE, LP
USA

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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Programmer Basics ............................1–7
Factory Supplied and Optional Equipment ..................................1–7
Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage ................................1–8
Connecting to a Host Device..............................................1–9
AP4119 Host Software...................................................1–11
Chapter 2 Configuring the Programmer ................. 2–13
Permissions .......................................................... 2–13
PT5780 Permissions Tag ............................................... 2–13
AAR Tag Programming ................................................. 2–16
Generic/Non-AAR Tag Programming ......................................2–17
Chapter 3 Operating the Programmer ................... 3–18
Before You Program Tags............................................... 3–18
Indicator Lights ....................................................... 3–19
Sign-On .............................................................. 3–19
Command Execution Protocol........................................... 3–19
Serial Command Set ...................................................3–20
Programming a Tag....................................................3–25
Verifying Tag Data .....................................................3–26
Security Characters....................................................3–26
Regulatory Region .....................................................3–27
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting ............................ 4–31
Appendix A Tag Programmer Specifications..............A–32
Appendix B RS–232 Connector Pin-outs.................B–33
Appendix C 6-Bit ASCII Format.........................C–34
Appendix D 4-Bit ASCII Hex Codes .....................D–35
Appendix E Programmer Response Codes ...............E–36
Appendix F Security Characters ........................F–38
Appendix G Commands ...............................G–39

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List of Figures
Figure 1 AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Figure 2 Programming Workstation with ESD Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–8
Figure 3 RS–232 and USB Connectors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–9
Figure 4 Host Software Installer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–11
Figure 5 Label Printer and USB Drivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–11
Figure 6 Tag Programming Host Software Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–12
Figure 7 Permissions Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–13
Figure 8 AP4119 Tag Programmer LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–14
Figure 9 Permissions Tag Being Slid into Tag Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–15
Figure 10 AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–19
Figure 11 Tag Being Slid into Tag Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–25
Figure 12 Programmer Adapter and AT5549 EOT Tag Being Slid into Tag Holder. . . . . . . 3–28

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List of Tables
Table 1 Accessory Kit P/N 19143-01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–7
Table 2 PC Interface Protocol Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–10
Table 3 Data format code, AP4119 handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–16
Table 4 Rail tag Page 3 layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–17
Table 5 List of Regional Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–28
Table 6 Region Codes and Operating Frequency Hop Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–29
Table 7 Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–31
Table 8 AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Physical and Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . A–32
Table 9 RS–232 Connector Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B–33
Table 10 6-Bit ASCII Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–34
Table 11 4-Bit ASCII Hex Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–35
Table 12 Programmer Response Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E–36
Table 13 Permission File Download Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E–37
Table 14 Permissions Tag Download Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E–37
Table 15 ASCII Security Characters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F–38
Table 16 Serial Command Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .G–39

Chapter 1 Programmer Basics
TransCore Proprietary 1–7
Chapter 1 Programmer Basics
This chapter lists the factory-supplied and optional equipment for the AP4119
programmer, and describes how to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage
to tags, connect to a host device, and install the optional tag programming software
to the host computer.
Factory Supplied and Optional Equipment
The programmer is shipped with the items listed. Make sure all of the items are included when unpacking
the order:
• AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer
• Programmer Accessory Kit P/N 19143-01 (Table 1)
Table 1 Accessory Kit P/N 19143-01
Accessory Kit Item Qty
(ea)
Power transformer and cable to convert AC voltage to 24 VDC 1
Power cord 1
Programmer-to-PC RS–232 connecting cable 1
Programmer-to-PC USB Type A Cable 1
Static-suppression wrist strap with cord 1
TransCore USB flash drive with AP4119 Tag Programmer Host Software 1
AP4119 Programmer User Guide 1
If any of the items in Table 1 are missing from the order, contact the TransCore distributor.
Note: The AT5549 End-of-Train Tag requires a Programmer Adapter (P/N 20-4119-001) in order to
seat the AT5549 tag during programming. This adapter is an optional purchase item.
The AP4119 requires a host computer system such as a PC or communications terminal for operation.
TransCore does not supply this equipment for the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer.

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Preventing Electrostatic Discharge Damage
Caution
TransCore tags are sensitive to ESD, and precautions are necessary to ensure proper tag
programming operation. Use the grounded ESD static-suppression wrist strap when using the
programmer. Additional protection from ESD is recommended where practical.
Static is generated by friction. Some causes of static include the following:
• Shoes moving across a carpeted or plastic floor
• Hot air blowing into a room from a hot-air duct
• Rubbing tags together
• Rubbing tags across a tabletop
• Wearing certain types of clothing
ESD may cause significant damage to the tag and will adversely aect a tag’s operating performance.
Typical symptoms of ESD include the following:
• Inability to program the tag
• Greatly reduced operating range
• Tag operating failure
Anti-static Workstation
In a factory or fixed indoor environment, position the programmer in an anti-static workstation. Well-
designed workstations use a system of multiple precautions against ESD. Figure 2 shows an anti-static
workstation.
Contact TransCore Technical Support with any questions concerning the suitability of the programming
station or environment.
Take precautions to prevent ESD from aecting programming operations. A list of some of the most
eective precautions follows. The potential for ESD damage decreases when two or more precautions are
used together.
Figure 2 Programming Workstation with ESD Controls

Chapter 1 Programmer Basics
TransCore Proprietary 1–9
ESD Wrist Strap
Caution
Always attach the ESD wrist strap before beginning programming operations in any setting.
1. Be sure the programmer is connected to an earth ground.
2. Connect the banana plug of the ESD wrist strap to the ESD jack on the front of the unit.
3. Attach the ESD strap to your wrist.
Antistatic Mat
The anti-static work mat on which the programmer sits should be connected to earth ground through the
standard 1 M-Ohm resistance that should be provided with the mat. The mat also should be clean and free
of any electrical path to direct earth ground.
Ionized Air Blower
An ionized air blower may be set up at the workstation to provide additional ESD protection. Ionized air
blowers neutralize tags from static build-up before programming.
ESD-Safe Tags Container
Keep tags in the original box on an anti-static mat or within an ESD-safe container until they are
programmed. Grounded metallic containers are best for inhibiting ESD.
Connecting to a Host Device
The programmer requires connection to a host device — a host computer or communications terminal —
for normal operation. Figure 3 shows the RS-232 and USB connectors from the programmer to the host.
For RS–232, if the host system is a PC or a communications terminal, a null modem is not needed.
The tag programmer’s PC interface complies with the RS–232 and USB standard for data terminal
equipment and uses the protocol settings listed in Table 2. Refer to Appendix B for specifications of the
programmer’s RS–232 pin-outs.
HW-0341C
Figure 3 RS–232 and USB Connectors

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Table 2 PC Interface Protocol Settings
Protocol Setting
Data Rate 9600 bps
Data Bits 8
Parity None
Stop Bits 1
Software Flow Control None
Hardware Flow Control None
Download USB Drivers
Before using the AP4119 programmer with a USB connection, the proper drivers may need to be installed
on the host computer. The USB drivers can be installed during the AP4119 Host installation process (“Rail
Tag Programmer Host Software” on page 1–11). Alternatively, the FTDI USB drivers can be manually
installed by following the next steps:
1. Connect the USB cable from the USB port at the back of the AP4119 to one of the host computer’s USB
ports.
2. Allow the device driver to be detected and installed automatically. If the device driver fails to
automatically load, disconnect the AP4119 from the host computer.
3. Locate and download the device driver setup executable file for your operating system from https://
ftdichip.com/drivers/
Detailed installation guides can be found here: https://ftdichip.com/document/installation-guides/.
4. Launch the downloaded software and follow the steps to install the driver.
5. Reconnect the AP4119 and allow it to be detected by the operating system.
Note: While any hyperlinks included in this section were valid at the time of publication, TransCore
cannot guarantee their long term validity.
Connect the programmer to the host computer
1. Connect the RS–232 or USB cable from the unit to the host computer system.
2. Switch on power to the programmer. The POWER then READY LEDs should illuminate. When the
READY LED illuminates, begin using the tag programmer. The tag programmer has factory default
settings installed to allow tag reads only.
To configure the tag programmer for your tag requirements, use a PT5780 permissions tag or
License Certificate (requires AP4119 Host Software) to program specific operational and security
information into the programmer. “Chapter 2 Configuring the Programmer” on page 2–13 instructs
the user in configuring the tag programmer using the permissions tag.
If the READY LED does not illuminate or if the host system cannot communicate with the tag
programmer, refer to “Chapter 4 Troubleshooting” on page 4–31.

Chapter 1 Programmer Basics
TransCore Proprietary 1–11
AP4119 Host Software
The AP4119 Tag Programmer Host Software can be found on the provided TransCore USB Drive. The host
software is not necessary to use the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer. Many customers prefer to use their
specific host software to communicate with the tag programmer. However, the AP4119 Tag Programmer
host software is required to download License Certificates to the AP4119 and to upgrade the AP4119 Rail
Tag Programmer software. Refer to the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Host Software User Guide
(16-4119-003) for detailed instructions.
Rail Tag Programmer Host Software
Install the rail tag programmer host software on the PC after properly connecting the hardware. The PC
must have both a hard disk and a USB port.
1. Make sure the PC is running.
2. Insert the provided USB Flash drive into an available USB port.
3. Open the AP4119 Host folder and click on the Install icon (Figure 4). Follow the instructions to create a
folder on the PC hard drive.
The host software is installed on the PC in C:\Program Files\Transcore\AP4119 Host and an icon is
added to the computer’s desktop as well as adding a shortcut to the computer’s Start Menu.
4. Install the USB and Label Printer Drivers (Figure 5).
Drivers are located on the PC in C:\Program Files\Transcore\AP4119 Host\Drivers.
The driver packages that need to be installed are:
• CDM212364_Setup.exe (The AP4119 USB Port Driver)
• DLS8Setup.8.7.2.exe (The DYMO® Label Printer Driver)
Figure 4 Host Software Installer
Figure 5 Label Printer and USB Drivers

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5. Remove the USB flash drive from the computer USB port and reboot the PC.
Figure 6 shows the host software main screen.
For complete instructions on how to install and operate the tag programming host software, refer to the
AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Host Software User Guide.
Figure 6 Tag Programming Host Software Screen

Chapter 2 Configuring the Programmer
TransCore Proprietary 2–13
Chapter 2 Configuring the Programmer
This chapter briefly defines permissions and instructs how to configure the AP4119
Rail Tag Programmer using a PT5780 Permissions Tag.
Permissions
An AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer requires specific setup data before it can be used to program tags.
Configuration of the programmer is done using a permissions tag or a License Certificate (requires AP4119
Host Software). Refer to the Host Software User Guide for download instructions. The permissions tag
transfers parameters, such as permissions expiration date and application tag permissions (read/write/
authentication access rights and ownership matching) to the rail tag programmer via an RF signal. Initial tag
programmer configuration can be performed at the factory or at the customer site using a permissions tag.
PT5780 Permissions Tag
TransCore’s permissions tag (Figure 7) is specifically designed to configure the AP4119 Rail Tag
Programmer. During programmer configuration, the permissions tag data is validated by the programmer
and, if valid, stored in the AP4119 tag programmer’s nonvolatile memory.
Tag programmer configuration information transferred from the permissions tag to the tag programmer can
include:
• Rail tag owner values
• Rail tag ATA frame security character values
• Rail tag read and write access, by page
• Rail tag programmer control number (CN) matching
• Rail tag programmer lifetime dates
• Rail tag programmer control/configuration
• ATA mode programming permissions
• Generic/non-AAR programming enable/disable
A permissions tag can be used once during a programmer’s expected life cycle, or may be required on
an ongoing basis during programmer use. Also, a dierent permissions tag can be used at any time in the
programmer’s lifetime to update or reconfigure the programmer. In some cases, multiple permissions tags
for a single programmer may be required at a given site to enable tag programming by multiple owners, or
to selectively enable or disable various programmer features.
Figure 7 Permissions Tag

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Ordering a Permissions Tag
Contact TransCore Order Administration to obtain the appropriate Permissions Tag for your system
requirements.
AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Control Number and Serial Number
The CN is an eight-character alphanumeric string and is printed on a label on the rear panel of the
AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer (e.g., CN: 43213131). The Serial Number is printed on the same label
(e.g.,SerialNo.545445456).
Permissions Tag Expiration Date
The expiration of the permissions tag can vary according to customer requirements. Depending on
customer requirements, a tag permissions period may range from two years to an indefinite programming
period. The expiration date, which is laser-etched into the tag face, should coincide with the expiration
or termination of the tag programming certification or authorization. The expiration date appears in the
following date format EXP: DD/MM/YYYY, e.g., 22/11/2021.
Once validated, the permissions tag settings are stored in the tag programmer. Nonvolatile permissions
tag settings, including expiration settings, will survive power cycles, resets, soft or warm boot, and flash
application code download operations.
Configuring the Rail Tag Programmer Using the Permissions Tag
This section instructs how to configure the AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer using the permissions tag.
To use a Permissions Tag
1. Switch on the tag programmer and wait for the READY LED to illuminate (Figure 8).
Figure 8 AP4119 Tag Programmer LEDs

Chapter 2 Configuring the Programmer
TransCore Proprietary 2–15
2. Insert the permissions tag into the tag holder and close the door (Figure 9).
3. The Verify LED will illuminate. After the programmer has been properly configured, the programmer
responds with 3 short beeps.
4. Remove the permissions tag from the tag holder.
5. Insert a rail tag into the tag holder and close the door.
6. Start the tag programmer application, such as TransCore’s host software program or a terminal
emulation software program, and test the programmer permissions by writing to and/or reading from
the rail tag. Refer to “Serial Command Set” on page 3–20 for programming and verifying tags.
If the AP4119 tag programmer did not accept the permissions tag, you will not be able to program
rail tags. Check the permissions tag expiration date (etched into the tag face) to ensure the tag is
valid. Enter #44 Request Expiration Date to retrieve the permissions expiration. Refer to
“#44<cr> Request Expiration Date” on page 3–24 for more information. Finally, compare the
permissions tag CN to the tag programmer CN (located on label axed to back of tag programmer)
to ensure they match.
Note: If the permissions tag has not expired and its CN matches the tag programmer CN, contact
TransCore Technical Support.
Permissions Tag/Programmer Control Number Matching
The AP4119 tag programmer checks the permission tag’s CN against its own CN prior to implementing the
permissions tag settings. If the permissions tag CN value does not match or is invalid, then the permissions
tag settings are discarded. If the permissions tag CN value matches, the tag programmer implements the
permissions tag data.
Figure 9 Permissions Tag Being Slid into Tag Holder

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AAR Tag Programming
This section applies to AAR-compliant tag programming, with the permissions tag settings as required to
support AAR-compliant tag programming. AAR-compliant programming requires validation and evaluation
of some of the incoming data.
AAR User Data Type Detection and Format Delimiting
The AP4119 tag programmer supports two basic AAR programming modes:
• Programming of rail tag as an AAR-compliant rail tag, or
• Programming of rail tag as an ASCII tag, according to the AAR Standard for Automatic Equipment
Identification (S-918) definition
The programmer evaluates the incoming data as being in one of the two programming mode categories,
or responds with an error condition and prevents improper tag programming. Upon receiving a legacy
AP4118 Tag Programmer-compatible command, the tag programmer evaluates the incoming user data
to determine the data format code (DFC) value as specified in AAR Specification S-918. Table 3 lists the
supported DFC values.
If the DFC is any value not listed in Table 3, the AP4119 creates an error condition and #Error response,
and tag programming stops.
Table 3 Data format code, AP4119 handling
6-Bit
Binary DFC
Value
Value Definition
(per AAR Standard S-918) AP4119 Handling
000000 6-bit ASCII format
Allow programming: security character
enforcement required. Tag type handling not
required.
110011
AAR-compliant: other; non-
dynamic, non-passive alarm; AAR/
ATA/ISO
Allow programming: enforce tag type and
security characters. (This is the predominant DFC
value for a rail tag.)
110100 AAR rail: toll road Allow programming: enforce tag type and
security characters
AAR Rail Tag Security Character Handling
Upon receiving a legacy AP4118-compatible tag programming command, the AP4119 programmer checks
the incoming security characters embedded in the user data. If the incoming characters are secure, the
AP4119 programmer then checks the secure characters against the security characters in the permissions
tag. The data remains the same if a match is made; otherwise an immediate data compare error occurs.
This error is due to security characters being replaced by space characters.
Non-secure characters can be written to the tag without look-up or comparison. Regardless of the
incoming programming command format (6-bit or 4-bit), the security characters reside in bits 106 through
117 of the actual tag ATA frame data. The AP4119 programmer treats the security field as two 6-bit
characters. Refer to “Table 10 6-Bit ASCII Codes” on page C–34 for the entire 6-bit ASCII character set.

Chapter 2 Configuring the Programmer
TransCore Proprietary 2–17
Generic/Non-AAR Tag Programming
This section applies to programming of non-AAR-compliant tags, with the permissions tag settings factory-
programmed to support this programming mode.
In this programming mode, the programmer does not enforce all of the restrictions described in “AAR Tag
Programming” on page 2–16. This mode permits nearly unrestricted programming of all user data bits in
the ATA/AAR frame data space in the rail tag, excluding the security characters. This mode’s programming
functions are summarized here:
• No rail tag owner look up or matching; all associated data in the permissions tag are ignored
• No security character lookup or matching in this mode, only non-secure characters may be
programmed (refer to “Table 10 6-Bit ASCII Codes” on page C–34); ignore all associated data in
the permissions tag
AP4119 Programmer CN and Permissions Tag ID Programming
During each tag programming operation, for both ATA and non-ATA data and addresses, the rail tag should
be programmed with adequate information to allow tracing of the most recent tag programming operation
to a specific programmer and/or permissions tag. Page 3 (hex address 0x18) of the rail tag is allocated for
storing this information. Table 4 lists the Page 3 layout in the rail tag.
Table 4 Rail tag Page 3 layout
BYTE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
7
Rail Tag Data
Address 0x18 0x19 0x1A 0x1B 0x1C 0x1D 0x1E 0x1F
Rail Tag Data
Values
Least-significant 4 bytes of the
PERMISSIONS TAG’s unique ID
Programmer CN (32 bits, 4 bytes)
(DWORD)
Safeguarding the Permissions Information
Once the AP4119 tag programmer is configured, keep the permissions tag and/or license certificate
available for future reference.

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Chapter 3 Operating the Programmer
This chapter describes how to program a tag and how to verify or read data from
a tag. This chapter also lists the serial command set and describes the security
character operation.
Before Programming Tags
Before beginning programming, set up the programmer station as described in “Chapter 1 Programmer
Basics” on page 1–7. The programmer must be connected to a host system using a customer-
supplied programming software or TransCore AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer (TP) host software, or to a
communications terminal. Manually enter the serial control commands if a communications terminal will be
used.
Configure the programmer using a permissions tag as described in “Chapter 2 Configuring the
Programmer” on page 2–13.
“Chapter 1 Programmer Basics” on page 1–7 provides instructions for installing the TP software. The
accompanying AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Host Software User Guide provides detailed instructions for
operating the TP software.
Note: If the TransCore TP software on the host computer is being used, do not use the serial
commands listed in this chapter.
To operate the programmer using a communications terminal or a personal computer (PC) that does
not use TransCore’s TP software, follow the steps in “Programming a Tag” and/or “Verifying Tag Data”
sections of this chapter. Use the programmer commands listed in the “Serial Command Set” in this
chapter.
The tag programmer is powered by 24 VDC power supply converter that plugs into a standard 110V AC,
50-60 Hz electrical outlet. Refer to “Chapter 1 Programmer Basics” or to Appendix A on page A–32 for
additional information.
Caution
TransCore tags are sensitive to ESD, and precautions are necessary to ensure proper tag
programming operation. Use the grounded ESD static-suppression wrist strap when using
the programmer. Additional protection from ESD is recommended where practical. Refer to
“Chapter 1 Programmer Basics” on page 1–7 for recommended practices to protect the tags
against ESD damage.

Chapter 3 Operating the Programmer
TransCore Proprietary 3–19
Indicator Lights
Figure 10 shows the indicator lights used by the programmer during operation.
PROGRAM The tag is being programmed.
VERIFY The programmer has read and verified the tag identification (ID) code.
ERROR An error has occurred while programming the current tag.
POWER The programmer is receiving power.
READY The programmer is ready to program tags.
Sign-On
Expect to see the following sign-on message on the screen of the host system or a communications
terminal upon power-up or after sending the programmer command #30:
#Model AP4119 Ver X.XX
#Copyright 2022 TransCore
where X.XX is the current software version.
Command Execution Protocol
The programmer sends an appropriate acknowledgment to the host device upon the successful or
unsuccessful execution of any command received.
Figure 10 AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer Indicator Lights

AP4119 Rail Tag Programmer User Guide
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All programmer commands are in the following format:
where
#abcxxxxxx...xxxxxx<cr>
#start of command character. All commands must start with this character.
abc the command
xxx... user data
<cr> carriage return
If command execution is successful, the programmer sends the response
#Done<cr>
If command execution is unsuccessful, the programmer sends the response
#Error<cr>
Serial Command Set
Programmer commands are listed below. Use these commands by following the format described in the
“Command Execution Protocol” section above.
Note: The tag may be placed into the tag holder before issuing the command, or with the tag
holder door open, enter the command and place the tag into the tag holder within 10 seconds. If the
tag is not placed in the tag holder and the door is not closed within 10 seconds,the programmer will
abort this command. See “Programming a Tag” on page 3–25 for tag insertion instructions.
#120<cr> Enable Tone Generator
The default state of the audible tone generator is tone-enabled. The tone generator creates audible
responses described as a beep, triple beep, and solid tone. This command re-enables the programmer’s
audible response capability after it has been disabled by the #121 command.
Response:
#Done<cr>
#121<cr> Disable Tone Generator
This command disables the programmer’s audible response capability. The default state of the audible
tone generator is tone-enabled.
Response:
#Done<cr>
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