TransCore Multiprotocol Reader Extreme Parts list manual

Multiprotocol
Reader Extreme (MPRX)
System Guide
Trusted Transportation Solutions
16-0079-001 Rev A 11/16
TransCore’s Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) is a radio frequency
identification (RFID) reader that is specifically designed for harsh
environment applications.
Purpose of This Guide
This guide provides site planning and testing, installing, and operating instructions for
TransCore’s Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) System, which reads Association of
American Railroads (AAR) formatted tags and TransCore Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tags.
Before you begin installing the MPRX, TransCore recommends that you familiarize yourself
with this manual.
Intended Audience
This document is intended for use by authorized TransCore MPRX dealers, installers,
and service personnel. Because the MPRX has no operator or end-user serviceable
components or features, no end-user manual or operator guide exists. Once the system
is set up and tested by the authorized installer, MPRX operation requires no end-user
intervention. Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a
commitment on the part of TransCore, LP.

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© 2016 TransCore, LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, EGO, TRU, 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.
For further information, contact:
TransCore
8600 Jeerson StreetNE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 USA
TransCore Technical Support
Web: www.transcore.com/rfidsupport
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 FIHMPRX. 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

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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 FIHMPRX.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-MPRX, 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 est
1584A-MPRX. 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 MPRX 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

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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
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:
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.

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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 MPRX
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
Purpose of This Guide ................................................i
Intended Audience .................................................... i
Chapter 1 Introduction ..........................................1–2
Licensing Requirements ........................................... 1–4
Technical Support................................................. 1–4
Chapter 2 Developing the Site Plan ...............................2–2
System Description ...............................................2–2
Overview of Site Planning ..........................................2–3
Reading of Mixed Population Tags .......................................2–3
Antenna and Tag Alignment ........................................2–4
Antenna Selection ................................................2–6
Site Layout and Trac Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
Electrical and Communications Requirements.........................2–9
Chapter 3 Choosing, Installing, Removing Tags .....................3–2
Compatible Tag Types ................................................3–2
Recommended Mounting Locations .................................3–2
Locomotive Mounting Guidelines ...................................3–6
Rail Car Mounting Guidelines.......................................3–8
Tank Car Mounting Guidelines .....................................3–10
Chapter 4 Installing the MPRX.............................................4–2
Installation Process ...............................................4–2
Pre-installation Testing of the MPRX .................................4–3
Mounting the MPRX...............................................4–9
Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side ....................................4–11
Connecting the Power Supply ......................................4–11
Connecting Communications ...................................... 4–12
Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits...................4–12
Marking the Read Zone ........................................... 4–13
Chapter 5 General Software Information ..........................5–2
Command Entry Conventions........................................ 5–2
Command Response Conventions ................................... 5–3

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Operating Parameters .............................................. 5–3
Power Fail ......................................................... 5–4
Program Download ...............................................5–4
Startup ..........................................................5–4
Tag/Message Buer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–5
Chapter 6 Communications Protocols .............................6–2
Introduction......................................................6–2
Basic Protocol ....................................................6–3
Error Correcting Protocol...........................................6–3
Data Inquiry Protocol ..............................................6–4
Basic Protocol and ECP Format .....................................6–4
Host-Addressed Failure Conditions..................................6–11
ECP Reliability...................................................6–12
CRC Calculation .................................................6–12
Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance............................6–15
Chapter 7 Commands ...........................................7–2
Introduction......................................................7–2
Operating Modes .................................................7–2
Command List....................................................7–4
Chapter 8 Configuring the MPRX..................................8–2
Configuring the Reader ............................................8–2
Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation Software..............8–3
Configuring MPRX Parameters.......................................8–11
Chapter 9 Troubleshooting and Maintenance ......................9–1
Error Messages ................................................... 9–1
MPRX Repair .....................................................9–4
Technical Support .................................................9–4
Marketing Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–5
Chapter 10 Interface to Train Recording Unit ..................... 10–2
TRU System Overview............................................10–2
MPRX to TRU Connection.........................................10–3
Chapter 11 AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRX Assembly.................. 11–2

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Required Supplies ................................................11–2
Appendix A Glossary............................................A–2
Appendix B Technical Specifications...............................B–2
Reader Specifications .............................................B–2
Appendix C Wiring Information ...................................C–2
Appendix D Command Quick Reference ...........................D–2
Command Syntax .................................................D–2
Factory Default Settings ...........................................D–2
Numerical Command List ..........................................D–3
Alphabetical Command List .......................................D–14
Appendix E Compatible Tag Information ...........................E–2
Tag Configurations ...............................................E–2
Tag Data Formats .................................................E–4

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List of Figures
Figure 2 – 1 MPRX End Views........................................................................................................2–2
Figure 2 – 2 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontalpolarization).....................................2–4
Figure 2 – 3 Horizontally PolarizedTag........................................................................................................2–5
Figure 2 – 4 Antenna Location Relative to Tag Position..........................................................2–6
Figure 2 – 5 Location of Host Port on MPRX..............................................................................2–11
Figure 2 – 6 Pin Assignments for Host Connector ...................................................................2–11
Figure 2 – 7 Location of Sense Port on MPRX.......................................................................... 2–12
Figure 2 – 8 Pin Assignments for Sense Connector ............................................................... 2–12
Figure 3 – 9 Clear Zone –Side View.............................................................................................3–4
Figure 3 – 10 Clear Zone –End View............................................................................................3–4
Figure 3 – 11 Mounting Location Examples..................................................................................3–5
Figure 3 – 12 Tag Placement Window for Locomotives – RightFront.....................................3–6
Figure 3 – 13 Right Front Placement of Tag on Locomotive.................................................... 3–7
Figure 3 – 14 Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives — LeftRear ...................... 3–7
Figure 3 – 15 Optimal Tag Placement for Locomotives ...........................................................3–8
Figure 3 – 16 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars –“A” Right Side ...................3–9
Figure 3 – 17 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -“B” LeftSide...........................3–9
Figure 3 – 18 Optimal Tag Placement for RailCars................................................................... 3–10
Figure 3 – 19 Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars –“B” Left Side ...................3–11
Figure 3 – 20 Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars ..............................................................3–11
Figure 4 – 1 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester ...........................................................................4–4
Figure 4 – 2 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End.......................4–5
Figure 4 – 3 Short Load to Earth Ground.....................................................................................4–5
Figure 4 – 4 MPRX Showing AntennaPorts................................................................................4–6
Figure 4 – 5 Location of MPRX Ground Stud.............................................................................. 4–7
Figure 4 – 6 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRX .........................................4–8
Figure 4 – 7 MPRX Outer Dimensions and Mounting Hole Locations (not to scale)....... 4–10
Figure 4 – 8 Sample Read Zone MarkingPattern..................................................................... 4–15
Figure 8 – 1 Connection Description Dialog Box........................................................................... 8–4
Figure 8 – 2 Phone Number Dialog Box........................................................................................... 8–4
Figure 8 – 3 COM 1 Properties Dialog Box........................................................................................ 8–5
Figure 8 – 4 Hyper Terminal MainScreen....................................................................................8–6
Figure 8 – 5 Sign-on Message........................................................................................................ 8–7

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Figure 8 – 6 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontalpolarization).....................................8–9
Figure 8 – 7 Successful Tag Read ................................................................................................. 8–10
Figure 8 – 8 Second Successful TagRead ................................................................................ 8–10
Figure 8 – 9 MPRX RF Control Options....................................................................................... 8–14
Figure 10 – 1 TRU Front Panel Showing Operational LEDs.................................................. 10–2
Figure 10 – 2 TRU-MPRX Communications Interface Cable Port (bottom of TRU).......... 10–3
Figure 10 – 3 MPRX-TRU Communications Interface Cable.................................................. 10–4
Figure 11 – 1 Place Nut and Grommet Over Exposed Check Tag Wires .............................11–3
Figure 11 – 2 Feed Check Tag Wires through Plastic HousingConnector...........................11–3
Figure 11 – 3 Connect Check TagWires........................................................................................11–3
Figure 11 – 4 Two Check Tag Assemblies Connected to Terminal Strip.................................11–4
Figure 11 – 5 Securing Terminal Strip into Connector Housing..............................................11–5
Figure 11 – 6 Plastic Nuts withGrommets ....................................................................................11–5
Figure 11 – 7 Nylon Cap Securely Fastened in Unused Port ..................................................11–6
Figure 11 – 8 Check Tag Assembly Secured to MPRX Port .....................................................11–6

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List of Tables
Table 1 – 1 MPRX System Guide Overview .................................................................................. 1–2
Table 1 – 2 Typographical Conventions.........................................................................................1–3
Table 2 – 1 Staggered Reader Frequencies for AAR-formatted Tag Operation .................2–8
Table 2 – 2 Staggered Reader Frequencies for Tag Operation Outside the U.S...............2–8
Table 2 – 3 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits ........................................................................ 2–10
Table 2 – 4 Power Supply Current Requirements...................................................................... 2–10
Table 2 – 5 Reader to Antenna CablePerformance................................................................. 2–13
Table 3 – 1 Tags Read by the MPRX ................................................................................................3–2
Table 4 – 1 Installation Accessories................................................................................................4–3
Table 4 – 2 MPRX-to-Host Communications Cable Pin Designations..................................4–8
Table 4 – 3 Commands for Testing RF Port-0............................................................................. 4–14
Table 4 – 4 Commands for Testing RF PORT-1......................................................................................4–16
Table 4 – 5 Commands for Testing RF PORT-2....................................................................................4–16
Table 4 – 6 Commands for Testing RF PORT-3 ......................................................................... 4–16
Table 5 – 1 Four-Character Command Structure ........................................................................ 5–1
Table 5 – 2 Sample Command Sequence....................................................................................5–2
Table 7 – 1 Select Baud Rate Commands..................................................................................... 7–6
Table 7 – 2 Select Stop Bits Commands ...................................................................................... 7–6
Table 7 – 3 Select Parity Commands............................................................................................. 7–7
Table 7 – 4 Append Time and Date Commands ....................................................................... 7–9
Table 7 – 5 Append Auxiliary InformationCommands............................................................. 7–10
Table 7 – 6 Unique ID Code Criteria..............................................................................................7–11
Table 7 – 7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames........................................................... 7–12
Table 7 – 8 Flow Control Commands ...........................................................................................7–25
Table 7 – 9 RF Control Commands ...............................................................................................7–26
Table 7 – 10 RF Attenuation CommandVariables .....................................................................7–27
Table 7 – 11 Select RF Frequency Commands............................................................................7–29

MPRX
TransCore Proprietary vii
Table 7 – 12 Presence Without Tag Report Commands..........................................................7–30
Table 7 – 13 RF Control Algorithm Commands .......................................................................... 7–31
Table 7 – 14 Timeout Period Values..................................................................................................... 7–32
Table 7 – 15 Input Inversion Options.............................................................................................7–33
Table 8 – 1 MPRX Default Configuration Settings .....................................................................8–2
Table 8 – 2 Command Sequence to Verify Communications ................................................8–8
Table 9 – 1 Error Messages............................................................................................................. 9–1
Table 9 – 2 Symptoms and Remedies ..........................................................................................9–2
Table 10 – 1 MPRX-to-TRU Interface Cable Pin and Signal Designations......................... 10–4
Table 11 – 1 Check Tag Kit Parts List...............................................................................................11–2
Table 11 – 2 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments................................................................................11–4
Table 11 – 3 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments.................................................................................11–4
Table C – 1 Communications Interfaces and Conductor Requirements...............................C–2
Table C – 2 MPRX Host Communications Cable Pin Designations ......................................C–2
Table C – 3 MPRX SENSE Communications Cable Pin Designations ..................................C–4
Table D – 1 MPRX Default Configuration Settings......................................................................D–2
Table D – 2 MPRX Commands Listed Numerically ....................................................................D–4
Table D – 3 MPRX Commands Listed Alphabetically...............................................................D–14
Table E – 1 SeGo Protocol Tags ......................................................................................................E–2
Table E – 2 AAR-formatted Tags..................................................................................................................E–3

Chapter 1
Introduction

System Guide
TransCore Proprietary
1–2
Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter presents an overview of the MPRX System Guide.
Table 1 – 1 describes the contents of each chapter.
Table 1 – 1 MPRX System Guide Overview
Chapter Number
and Title Description
Chapter 1 – Introduction Outlines the manual’s organization, provides a brief description of the
MPRX, and discusses Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing
requirements.
Chapter 2 – Developing
the Site Plan
Discusses factors to be considered when developing the site plan and before
ordering equipment and installing the MPRX. These considerations include
antenna and tag alignment, site layout and trac flow, and electrical and
communications requirements.
Chapter 3 – Choosing,
Installing, and Removing
Tags
Contains information on compatible tag models and provides procedures
for installing tags onto, and removing tags from, railcars where the MPRX is
installed.
Chapter 4 – Installing
the Multiprotocol Reader
Extreme
Lists the materials needed and provides procedures to install the MPRX,
including pre-installation testing, installing the MPRX in a railside hut or NEMA
enclosure, connecting power and communications, connecting to TransCore’s
Train Recording Unit (TRU™), and marking the read zone
Chapter 5 – General
Software Information
Provide reference information on various software-related topics
Chapter 6 –
Communications
Protocols
Provide reference information on various communications protocols.
Chapter 7 – Commands Discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used to control MPRX
configuration and operation.
Chapter 8 – Configuring
the Multiprotocol Reader
Extreme
Provides procedures for configuring and fine-tuning the MPRX after installing
it at the site, including marking the read zone.
Chapter 9 –
Troubleshooting and
Maintenance
Answers the most commonly asked questions about installing and maintaining
the MPRX.
Chapter 10 –Interface to
Train Recording Unit
Describes the interoperability between the MPRX and the TRU.
Chapter 11 – Connecting
AT5720 Check Tag-to-
MPRX Assembly
Explains how to connect one or two check tags to the MPRX.