Brady BEPM10 RFID External Programming Module User Manual Brady EPM User Guide

Brady Corporation RFID External Programming Module Brady EPM User Guide

Users Guide

Brady RFIDExternal ProgrammingModuleUsers GuidePreliminaryBrady RFID EPM Users Guide Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
Table of ContentsImportant Information......................... 3Specifications...................................... 4Product Description............................ 5Basic Assembly.................................. 8Installation.......................................... 9EPM Positioning Instructions........... 10Operation.......................................... 13Maintenance..................................... 13Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 2 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
Important InformationLimited Hardware WarrantyBrady Worldwide, Inc. warrants solely to the purchaser that the hardwarecomponents of the External Programming Module will be free fromdefects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of 90days from the date of shipment by Brady Worldwide. This limitedwarranty does not extend to any components which have been subject tomisuse, neglect, accident, or improper installation or application. BradyWorldwide's liability to the purchaser's remedy for the breach of thiswarranty shall be at Brady Worldwide's option to either (i) repair orreplace defective components or (ii) upon return of the defectivecomponents, refund the purchase price paid for the components. EXCEPTFOR THE LIMITED HARDWARE WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE,BRADY WORLDWIDE AND ITS LICENSORS PROVIDE THEHARDWARE ON AN "AS IS" BASIS, AND WITHOUT WARRANTY OFANY KIND EITHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY.Limitation of LiabilityIn no event shall Brady Worldwide or its suppliers be liable for anydamages in excess of the price paid by the end user to Brady Worldwidefor the components, regardless of under what legal theory such damagesmay be alleged arising out of the use or inability to use the component,even if Brady Worldwide has been advised of the possibility of suchdamages.FCC StatementThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subjectto the following condition: (1) this device may not cause harmfulinterference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,including interference that may cause undesired operation.This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for aClass A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limitsare designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interferencewhen the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Thisequipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, ifnot installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, mayBrady RFID EPM Users Guide 3 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of thisequipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference inwhich case the user will be required to correct the interference at their ownexpense.FCC IDNUC-BEPM10SpecificationsInput Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +12V DC NominalInput CurrentWhile Activated . . . . . . . . . . 150 mAStandby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 mAFrequency of Operation . . . . . . . . . . ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying)TemperatureOperating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . +5o to 40o C (41o to 104o F)20% to 85% non-condensing R.H.Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -40o to 60o C (-40o to 140o F)20% to 85% non-condensing R.H.RS-232 Communications . . . . . . . . . 19.2kb, 8 data, 1 stop, No parityHost Software OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Win95/98 , WinNT Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 4 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
Product DescriptionBackground InformationRFID Smart Labels are an alternative to traditional RFID cards and tags.The labels operate at a higher frequency which allows the physicalconstruction to be thinner, more flexible, and lower cost. With the adventof converted labels that have RFID functionality included in them, there isa need to image and encode the label with a seemless system.Brady has altered its label creation software to include RFID encodingfunctionality along with the standard printing capabilities. Brady has alsodesigned an encoding device (External Programming Module) that is usedwith this software to image and encode RFID Smart Labels. The externalapproach of programming RFID Smart Labels allows for programmingvarious sized labels on any existing thermal transfer printer. The externalapproach also verifies that the RFID functionality of the label to verify thatit was not damaged in the printing process by high head pressure orextreme angles.Brady also sells readers that provide for various read ranges andapplications. The development of an end user application with the readerscan be achieved by using the host software routines written by Brady inconjunction with various compilers. The routines allow developers toquickly develop programs that exploit full functionality of the readers andthe RFID Smart Labels.To compliment these products, Brady also sells the RFID Smart Labels.Brady offers the labels in various sizes, various materials, and variousprotocols. Standard labels can also be customized to meet a customersneeds if desired. Brady also sells patented RFID Smart Labels with aprotective layer inside the label to protect the RF integrated chip bydistributing the head pressure across that layer.The combination of the patented label, label creation software, and theexternal programming along with Bride's traditional application andintegration support will bring the full RFID solution to hand. To learnmore about anything on this page, see the PDF's included on theCD-ROM.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 5 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
Components IncludedUpon Receipt, check the package contents for the items listed below.After checking, fill out and return product registration card.Registers your product for support,warranty, and future information.Registrationcard(This manual.) Explains how to installand properly use the EPM forencoding RFID Smart LabelsUsers GuideUsed to install EPM host libraryfunctions on host computer. Includedis also all available productdocumentation in PDF form.Software onCD-ROMConnects the EPM to a host computerRS-232 cableProvides power to the externalprogramming module.12 Vdc PowerAdapterPost for the EPM that is mounted tomounting base with screws. The EPMis mounted on the post and isadjustable with the bolt andadjustment knob.Post, bolt,adjustmentknob, andscrews.Provides rigid base for the EPM foruse with a thermal transfer printer.The foam spacers are for use withdifferent printers.Mounting base,foam spacers,and feet.Encodes RFID Smart Labels after thelabels are imaged by a thermal transferprinter.ExternalProgrammingModule (EPM)Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 6 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
External Programming Module (EM)The EMP is used with a thermal transfer printer to encode the RFID SmartLabels. The EPM is placed adjacent to the exit of the printer so labels passover the EPM and can be encoded after printing. The EPM has threeindicators to indicate the status of operation. When the EPM is setup andused correctly, it can encode a wide variety of labels.Mounting BaseThe mounting base provides a rigid base for the EPM for use with athermal transfer printer. The base is placed under the printer and held inplace by foam spacers and rubber feet. The physical construction of thebase allows for little movement of the EPM, which is important due topossible alignment issue during encoding.PostThe post is connected to the mounting base via screws providing a rigidpost eliminating the possibility of alignment issues again. The postsupports the EPM via a bolt and an adjustment knob. The bolt andadjustment knob together in the post provide the capability of adjusting theheight of the EPM above the base for use with a variety of printers. Theconstruction of the EPM and use of the adjustment knob also allows forthe ability to swing the EPM out of the way to gain access to the printedlabels and/or printer.12 Vdc adapterThe adapter provides the EPM with 12 volts DC for proper operation. Theoutput of the adapter plugs into the connector located on the mountingbase. The power is then supplied to the EPM via the coiled cable.Serial cableThe serial cable provides a communication channel between the host andthe EPM. The serial cable is connected to the connector located on themounting base. The signals are then routed (along with power) to theEPM via the coil cable.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 7 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
Basic Assembly1. Insert the bolt (8) into the open end of the post (2) and slide to themiddle of the post. Screw the knob (8) onto the bolt until tight.2. Using the three supplied screws (7) and a screwdriver, connect the post(2) to the mounting base (5) by inserting the post into the plastic parton the mounting base in which the connectors (6) are on.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 8 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
3. Put the four rubber feet (9) on the bottom side of the mounting base (5)in the four corners.4. Slide the EPM (1) opening onto the post (2) until it rests on the boltand knob (8).5. Snap the coil cord (4) connector into the bottom of the EPM6. Determine the proper height of the foam spacer by setting one of thesupplied foam spacers (3) on the top long side of the mounting base(5). The foam spacer on top of the base with feet should beapproximately 1/8" higher than the gap opening on the bottom of thedesired thermal transfer printer. Attach spacer when proper foamspacer is selected.InstallationLED FunctionsThe LEDs indicate the status of the EPM. The following are what eachLED's color correspond to: Amber - The EPM is powered on Red - The EPM is attempting to read/write a labelGreen - The EPM has successfully read/wrote a labelBrady RFID EPM Users Guide 9 Copyright 2000, Brady Worldwide Inc.
Power connectionPlug the 12Vdc into the wall outlet and the other end into the powerconnector on the backside of the plastic piece on the mounting base aroundthe post. When properly connected the red LED should light.Serial connectionPlug a end of the DB9 serial cable into the computer and the other end intothe DB9 connector next to the power connector.Verify Hardware InstallationTo verify the hardware is working correctly, the host software on theCD-ROM will need to be installed. The software contains the necessarysoftware for EPM enabled programs to interface with the EPM and it alsocontains a test program.After the software is installed a RFID Smart Label should be placed on thethin lip of the EPM. The program 'Test EPM Connectivity' should be inthe Programs menu under Brady. Run this program and click on the testbutton. The program will instruct the EPM to attempt to communicatewith the RFID Smart Label. When attempting to communicate, the red LED should light. If the RFIDSmart Label is correctly placed (program indicates how to place fortesting), the red LED should light followed by the green LED whichindicates a successful label read.The test program attempts to read the RFID Smart Label serial number anddata. If the program is successful, the program will also visually indicatethat information. If the red LED doesn't light, the EPM is not functioningcorrectly.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 10 Copyright 2000, Brady WorldwideInc.
EPM Positioning InstructionsEPM Height AdjustmentThe EPM height can be adjusted by untightening the adjustment knob onthe back of the post. The height of the EPM should be such that when theEPM mounting base is seated under the printer to use, the EPM lip shouldbe next to the exit path of the labels from the printer and approximately1/8" below the plane of the labels. When printing labels, the labels shouldfreely slide of the top of the EPM.EPM Horizontal AdjustmentThe EPM needs to be positioned correctly to work with RFID SmartLabels. A RFID Smart Label size standard doesn't exist at this time, so theoptimum placement of various labels can not be specified exactly. It canbe suggested though where the majority of the RFID Smart Label shouldbe located after being printed on by a thermal transfer printer.The EPM was intentionally designed to have a very wide and very narrow"Hot area" for encoding a RFID Smart Label. The width allows for avariety of label width while the narrowness allows for encoding of longand short labels without encoding adjacent labels. The current offering ofBrady RFID Smart Label sizes can be found on the CD-ROM provided.The EPM was also intentionally designed to have a very large "Dead area"next to the "Hot area". If a tag is completely within this area, the EPMshould not be able to communicate with it. This additionally providesprotection against encoding undesired labels adjacent to the desired label.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 11 Copyright 2000, Brady WorldwideInc.
To optimize the location of the label after being printed, it is suggested touse non-RFID labels of the same size. This allows for proper positioningof a potential RFID Smart Labels and the design and presentation of thelabels, without wasting the more costly RFID Smart labels.After being printed, a large portion of the label should be positioned overthe "Hot area". If it isn't, the positioning can be achieved by adjusting theback feed of the printer or by physically moving the EPM with respect tothe printer. The following pictures show good and bads ways to haveRFID smart labels positioned over the EPM.Good EPM/Label PositioningBad EPM/Label PositioningOnce this alignment is achieved, the previously mentioned test programcan be used to verify positioning and functionality for that specificlocation. Once the user is satisfied with functionality, the user should referto the label creation documentation on how to enable the RFID SmartLabel functionality of that package.Note: Sometimes it is best to move the EPM a little in all directionsduring testing with test software and verifying the EPM wasn't physicallylocated in an area the might occasionally not be encoded.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 12 Copyright 2000, Brady WorldwideInc.
OperationThe operation of the EPM is covered in the label creation softwaremanual. Further information not provided in that manual, can be found inthis manual. As example is the functionality of the LEDs in the'Installation' section.MaintenanceThere is no maintenance required by the EPM. If new rubber feet or foamspacers are needed, contact Brady for replacements.Brady RFID EPM Users Guide 13 Copyright 2000, Brady WorldwideInc.

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