TransCore AI1422E User manual

16-0058-001 Rev C 3/2020
The AI1422E is the next generation of TransCore’s on-board readers. The
streamlined AI1422E incorporates the latest technology while maintaining the
functionality of the original AI1422.
The AI1422E is available in two compliance options: FCC or ETSI. The FCC
compliant version is an ATA only 902.25-921.50 MHz fixed frequency reader. The
ETSI compliant version is an ATA only 865.75-867.5 MHz frequency hopping reader.
This guide provides on-site test procedures useful in troubleshooting, as well as
AI1422E command codes and information on character translation. This information
is intended for use by authorized TransCore AI1422E dealers, installers, and service
personnel.
Trusted Transportation Solutions
AI1422E Reader
User Guide

ii
AI1422E Reader User Guide
Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the part of
TransCore, LP.
© 2018-2020 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.
For further information, contact:
TransCore
8600 Jeerson StreetNE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 USA
TransCore Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]
TransCore Sales Support
Phone: [phone]
Web: Transcore.com
Lantronix ® Technical Support (Ethernet Support)
Phone: [phone]
Web: www.lantronix.com/support/

iii
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 FIHAI1422E. 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 withoutpermission.
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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AI1422E Reader User Guide
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 FIHAI1422E.
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

v
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-AI1422E, 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-AI1422E. 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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AI1422E Reader User Guide
RADIO FREQUENCY HEALTH LIMITS FOR AI1422 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 8 in (20 cm).
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 “Radio frequency 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 14 in (36 cm) for the Occupational/
Controlled environment, and 31.5 in (80.5 cm) 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:

vii
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 18 in (45 cm) for the Controlled
environment and 47 in (120 cm) 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.
With the equipment installed and running at the maximum transmit power of 2.0W (33dBm), 0
dB 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 47 in (120 cm) from the General Population/Public i.e.
Uncontrolled Environment.
2 ) Maintenance personnel (i.e. Occupational/Controlled Environment) must remain at least 18in
(45 cm) from the antenna and limit their time in the environment to 6 minutes when the system
is operating.
Occupational/Controlled Environment
Agency Power Density (mW/cm2) MPE minimum distance Time (min)
in cm
OSHA 10 8 20 6
FCC 3.05 14 36 6
IC 1.95 18 45 6
General Population/Public/Uncontrolled Environment
Agency Power Density (mW/cm2) MPE minimum distance Time (min)
in cm
OSHA 10 8 20 6
FCC 0.61 31.5 80 30
IC 0.28 47 120 6

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AI1422E Reader User Guide
LIMITES D’EXPOSITION AUX RADIOFRÉQUENCES POUR LE LECTEUR AI1422
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.

ix
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 8 20 6
FCC 3,05 14 36 6
IC 1,95 18 45 6
Population générale/environnement non contrôlé
Organisme Densité de puissance (mW/
cm2)
Distance MPE minimale Durée (en min.)
po cm
OSHA 10 8 20 6
FCC 0,61 31,5 80 30
IC 0,28 47 120 6

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AI1422E Reader User Guide
Avec l’appareil installé et fonctionnant à la puissance de transmission maximale de 2,0 W (33 dBm),
0 dB 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 120 cm (47 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 45 cm (18 po) de l’antenne et limiter son temps d’exposition à 6 minutes
lorsque l’appareil est en fonctionnement.

xi
Licensing Requirements
To operate a radio frequency (RF) system in a given country, the user must first obtain permission from the
regulatory agency that controls radio operations in that country. Most countries require type and safety
approval, as well as licensing for RF transmitters. Users in all countries should check with the appropriate
local authorities for licensing requirements.
U.S. Licensing
This AI1422E Reader System requires an FCC Part 90 license to operate in the U.S. The authorized
frequency bands in the U.S. are 902.25-903.75 and 910.00-921.50 MHz only if the reader does not
modulate (i.e. ATA only). If the reader does modulate (SeGo) the frequency range is constricted to 911.75-
919.75.
The user is responsible for filing the FCC license according to FCC regulations. Access the FCC Web site
at https://www.fcc.gov/licensing-databases/forms or at https://www.fcc.gov/licensing to obtain additional
information concerning licensing requirements.
An FCC license provides the user with the legal authorization to operate the RFID systems on the licensed
frequencies at the site specified in the license. Only an authorized installer or service technician can set
the frequency for the AI1422E Reader System to that specified in the FCC site license.
The FCC license also provides the user with protection and authorization to maintain the system should
any other RFID be used in the licensed area after the AI1422E Reader System is installed.

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AI1422E Reader User Guide
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements .............................................xi
Chapter1System Overview ......................................1–1
AI1422E Models .................................................. 1–2
Chapter2Interface Connections .................................2–5
Chapter3Installation...........................................3–9
General .........................................................3–9
Mechanical ......................................................3–9
Electrical Power ..................................................3–9
Installing Wires into Connector .................................... 3–13
Chapter4System Test Procedures ..............................4–16
Required Tools and Equipment ....................................4–16
Testing Basic Operation ..........................................4–16
Reading the Tag ................................................. 4–17
Chapter5Communications Protocols............................5–19
Basic Protocol ...................................................5–19
Error Correcting Protocol .........................................5–19
Chapter6Commands .........................................6–21
Operating Modes ................................................6–21
Command List...................................................6–26
Communications Port Control .....................................6–27
Real-time Clock..................................................6–29
ID Filtering ......................................................6–30
Reader Status ...................................................6–34
Reader Control Functions ........................................6–42
Chapter7Troubleshooting and Maintenance .....................7–50
Required Tools and Equipment ....................................7–50
Troubleshooting .................................................7–50
Error Messages..................................................7–52
AI1422E Reader Repair ...........................................7–53
Technical Support................................................7–53

xiii
AppendixACharacter Conversion.............................. A–54
AppendixBTechnical Specifications ............................ B–55
AppendixCLantronix® Ethernet Module .........................C–57
Interface through Ethernet Port ....................................C–58
AppendixDCommand Quick Reference ........................ D–64
AppendixECyclic Redundancy Check ...........................E–84

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AI1422E Reader User Guide
List of Figures
Figure 1 Typical Reader System Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . .1–1
Figure 2 Antenna-to-Tag Centerline Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . 1–4
Figure 3 Front Panel of an AI1422E Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–5
Figure 4 Pin Designations for M12 Connector . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
Figure 5 IO Interface Drawing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6
Figure 6 RS–232, DB–9 Interface Connector Pin-outs. . . . . . . 2–8
Figure 7 AI1422 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
Figure 8 Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–9
Figure 9 Remove Plug from Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–10
Figure 10 Remove Screw and Plug Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–10
Figure 11 Remove Wire Harness from Insert Clip . . . . . . . . . .3–10
Figure 12 Cable Gland Assembly - Rear of Plug . . . . . . . . . .3–10
Figure 13 Pin Numbering: Plug Wire Harness . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11
Figure 14 Thread Wires Through Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11
Figure 15 Thread Wires Through Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–11
Figure 16 Insert Wire Harness into Insert Clip. . . . . . . . . . . .3–12
Figure 17 Reassemble and Tighten Set Screw . . . . . . . . . . .3–12
Figure 18 Reassemble Cable Gland Assembly . . . . . . . . . . .3–12
Figure 19 Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–13
Figure 20 Reinstall Power Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–13
Figure 21 Power the Unit to ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–13
Figure 22 Connector Latch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–14
Figure 23 Remove Plug from Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–14
Figure 24 Location of Ground Stud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–14
Figure 25 Proper Single Ground Screw Diagram. . . . . . . . . .3–15
Figure 26 Power Source Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4–16
Figure 27 AI1422E Reader Mechanical Dimensions . . . . . . . B–56
Figure 28 Install the Stand-alone DeviceInstaller. . . . . . . . . C–58

xv
Figure 29 Launch DeviceInstaller from the Start Menu . . . . . C–58
Figure 30 Change IP Address and Subnet Mask of NIC Card. . C–59
Figure 31 Prompt if Computer has Multiple NIC cards . . . . . . C–59
Figure 32 NIC Card Options Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–60
Figure 33 Check for Updates Prompt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–60
Figure 34 Disable Firewall to Allow Access . . . . . . . . . . . . C–61
Figure 35 Lantronix DeviceInstaller Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . C–61
Figure 36 Finding the IP address of a Reader . . . . . . . . . . C–62
Figure 37 PuTTY Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–62
Figure 38 PuTTY Connection Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C–63

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AI1422E Reader User Guide
List of Tables
Table 1 Data Mode Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–21
Table 2 Asynchronous Interrogator Tag Data Message Fields . 6–22
Table 3 Status Request Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–23
Table 4 Status Response Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–24
Table 5 Retransmit Request Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . . 6–25
Table 6 Retransmit Response Message Fields . . . . . . . . . . 6–25
Table 7 Select Baud Rate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–28
Table 8 Select Stop Bits Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–28
Table 9 Select Parity Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–29
Table 10 Unique ID Code Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–31
Table 11 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames . . . . . . . 6–32
Table 12 Software Flow Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . 6–43
Table 13 RF Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–44
Table 14 RF Attenuation Command Variables . . . . . . . . . . . 6–45
Table 15 Presence Without Tag Report Commands . . . . . . . 6–46
Table 16 RF Control Algorithm Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–47
Table 17 Timeout Period Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–47
Table 18 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–52
Table 19 TransCore 6-Bit-Per-Character Conversion . . . . . . . A–54
Table 20 AI1422E Reader System Specifications . . . . . . . . . B–55
Table 21 AI1422E Default Configuration Settings. . . . . . . . . D–64
Table 22 Legacy Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–66
Table 23 AI1422E Commands Listed Numerically . . . . . . . . D–67
Table 24 AI1422E Commands Listed Alphabetically . . . . . . . D–75
Table 25 Select RF Operating Frequency Commands . . . . . . D–82

Chapter1System Overview
The AI1422E Reader System is a microprocessor-controlled, single-
antenna unit that uses a unique communications protocol to interface
with vehicle identification (ID) equipment.
This reader system uses radio frequency (RF) energy to read data from tags. The AI1422E
Reader System then decodes the tag ID information, validates the ID code, and transmits
tag data directly to a host processor for real-time data processing and use.
Communications (terminal) programs usually do not provide adequate data processing
capability. Your host computer software can be customized to provide the required
capabilities.
The AI1422E Reader System consists of the AI1422E Reader, which consists of a reader and
RF module, combined with a TransCore antenna, a TransCore tag, a host processor system,
and a power source. Figure 1 illustrates a typical reader system configuration.
Power
Source
AI1422E
Host Processor
System
RS232
RS422
Ethernet
Antenna
TAG
Figure 1 Typical Reader System Configuration
Chapter 1 System Overview
TransCore Proprietary 1–1

AI1422E Models
The AI1422E is available in two compliance options: FCC or ETSI. The FCC compliant version
(P/N 10-1422-500) is an ATA only 902-928 MHz fixed frequency reader. The ETSI compliant version
(P/N 10-1422-800) is an ATA only 865.75-867.5 Mhz frequency hopping reader.
Transponder Interrogator
The transponder interrogator reads 60 bits half frame and 120 bits full frame of user-programmable data
in the transponder.
The transponder interrogator is operated in a continuous read mode, and any tag entering its read field
has its data automatically read and relayed to the host computer. In many applications this function is
implemented by installing the reader on a vehicle with restricted movement, such as a rail car or monorail
bus. The tags are embedded in the roadway at various locations in the vehicle’s path. The data read from
the tag allows the host computer to assess the vehicle’s location and make any appropriate response to
that information.
The transponder interrogator is an independent tag decoder that combines a reader and RF source
to provide automatic identification and data storage within a single, compact unit. The transponder
interrogator includes the following components:
• 19-inch rack-mount design (1U)
• RS232/RS422/Ethernet input/output (I/O) link
• Real-time clock
• Reader and RF module, combined in one unit
Reader Power Regulation and Filtering
The AI1422E Reader System uses an input voltage ranging from 24 VDC to 110 VDC (12 VDC to 150 VDC
Min/Max). The reader system incorporates a high-performance, DC-to-DC power supply that converts
voltage in this range to 24 VDC. This voltage conversion is internal to the unit, and should be transparent to
the end-user.
Antenna
TransCore has multiple antennas for use with the AI1422E Reader, covering multiple applications such
as heavy rail, light rail, European regions, and more. Contact TransCore for assistance with antenna
selection.
AI1422E Reader User Guide
TransCore Proprietary
1–2

Tags (Transponders)
The AI1422E Reader System uses TransCore’s half-frame and full-frame read-only tags. When selecting a
tag for an application that requires the tag to be placed on the road bed, several design elements need to
be kept in mind.
Beam-powered tags have a shorter footprint than battery or switch-powered tags, and thus the maximum
top speed of the vehicle will be less, all other factors equal.
Battery tags have an inherently larger footprint, but the battery life limitation will require the operating
company to replace the tags every 8 to 10 years. The presence of the battery and its reactive mass reduces
the reliability of the tag, particularly when the tag is placed near high shock or vibration locations such as
switches.
Switch-powered tags have RF characteristics similar to battery tags, but the tags derive power from the
railway switch.
Tag Mounting
All tags used with the AI1422E must be mounted on a flat metal plate. The internal antennas of these tags
are tuned for the backplane of the tag to be in contact with a flat metal surface. This metal surface does
not need to be extended beyond the outer dimensions of the tag, and having a larger metal surface will
not aect the immediate performance of the tag.
Metal located to the sides or above the tag can aect the tag’s performance. Metal surfaces or objects
should not be placed closer than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the side edges of the tag to ensure that the tag’s
antenna tuning remains within design criteria. Metal placed above the tag can cause shadowing of the RF
beam, both in the incident and return directions, and should be avoided. The only exception to this rule
would be metal placed for the purpose of aecting the read range of the tag or footprint of the system, and
the placement of such metal should be done with careful planning and testing to ensure proper system
performance. With battery-powered tags, the arrangement of intentional metallic obstructions may be the
best way to limit the broad footprint of these tags, as well as improve the repeatability of the TLS signal
with respect to its absolute position relative to the tag. These tag mounting details are determined by the
customer on the basis of each customer’s overall system design and requirements. Keep in mind that metal
placed too close in proximity to the tag will aect the tag’s antenna tuning, and may unintentionally aect
principal design parameters such as VSWR or the impedance match of single paths internal to the tag, to
name a few examples.
Antenna-to-Tag CenterlineAlignment
For best performance, mount tags so that the centerline of the tags and the centerline of the reader
antennas are within ±2.9 inches (±7.5 cm) of each other (Figure 2).
Chapter 1 System Overview
TransCore Proprietary 1–3

AI1422E Reader User Guide
TransCore Proprietary
1–4
Antenna-to-Tag Distance
Many installations have been installed with a nominal 11.8 in (30 cm) distance from the backplane of the
reader antenna to the back edge of the tag (Figure 2).
Figure 2 Antenna-to-Tag Centerline Tolerance