R F Technologies SKRCF01 Hand-Held Seeker Tag Locator User Manual 0510 1006

R F Technologies Inc Hand-Held Seeker Tag Locator 0510 1006

User Manual

User GuideP/N: XXXXxReleased: 07/05/04Mobile Locating SystemUser GuideUsers must read this Guide before using the product
Copyright 2005 by RF Technologies, Inc.All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or byany means without written permission from RF Technologies, Inc.ContentsSystem Overview................................................................................4Seeker Installation.............................................................................6Using the Seeker Software...............................................................15Integrating with MRM....................................................................17Troubleshooting............................................................................. 20Specifications..................................................................................22SpecificationsPocket PCOperating System: Pocket PC 2003Recommended Processor: 400MHz (or higher)Recommended Memory: 64MB Main Memory (or higher)Must have at least one Compact Flash slotOperating Time (Battery Life): See Pocket PC ManualRF Transceiver CardInterface: CompactFlashRead Range: 0-500 FeetFrequency: 433 MHzCompliance: FCC Part 15Capacity: 240 Dept. & 240 TagsTotal Capacity: 57,600 TagsSoftwarePinPoint Seeker ApplicationIntegrates with PinPoint Mobile Resource Manager Software version 3.5 or higher.TagDimensions: 1.9" x 1.38" x 0.7"Battery Life: 2 YearsPower Source: 3.6V Lithium BatteryFrequency: 433 MHzCompliance: FCC Part 15Water ResistantFederal Communication Commission (FCC) ComplianceThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation.This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if notinstalled and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmfulinterference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residentialarea is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be requiredto correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or modifications notexpressly approved by the party responsible for compliance voids the user’sauthority to operate the equipment.FCC Radiation Exposure StatementThis equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for anuncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating inconjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.22
3Important WarningsIt is important for your facility to implement and enforce the following warnings inorder to keep all equipment functioning properly.WARNING: User TrainingIt is the responsibility of the facility to implement structured training proceduresfor all employees using the system. Only users who have received adequatetraining on the use of the system should use the system.Failure to adequately train employees may cause system failure due to user error.In addition, incorrect use of the equipment may also result in system failure.WARNING: System Maintenance and TestingIt is the responsibility of the facility to establish and facilitate a regularmaintenance schedule of your (Safe Place® and Code Alert®) system. Thisincludes regular inspection, testing, and cleaning.Failure to provide regular maintenance and testing of these products may resultin equipment and/or system failure.WARNING: Installation and ConfigurationIt is the responsibility of the facility to follow the installation instructionscarefully and to use the components and supplies specified by RF Technologies,Inc. for all (Safe Place® and Code Alert®) installations.Failure to use the components and supplies specified by RF Technologies, Inc.may result in equipment and/or system failure.WARNING: Failure to follow the Warnings and Cautions in this guidevoids any or all Product Warranties.WARNING: If you do not already have procedures in place, you mustestablish procedures for your staff to follow in the event of InfantSystem alarms. Existing procedures may require modification toincorporate the Infant System alarms. Failure to create or modify theseprocedures can result in unnecessary patient agitation. If the application starts reacting slowly?* The history table may be too large to provide adequate performance. Checkthe number of entries in the history table by opening the Settings window. Ifthe number of entries is over 10,000 entries you may want to Clear History.Getting the tag to sound or flash* The beeper and light are controlled by checkboxes on the Find Tags window.Make sure the correct selections are made before performing a search.Tags appear and disappear during consecutive searches from the same area* Certain tags may be just outside of the consistent read range of the mobilereader. The environment may also affect the consistency of searches. Metalwalls and other construction materials can adversely affect the read range ofsearches.Viewing and analyzing data on another machine* The history table can be exported to a Comma Separated Values (CSV) file.This file can then be viewed by spreadsheet applications such as MicrosoftExcel. To export a CSV file open the Settings window. Click Export History.A save file dialog will appear. Save the file to a known location. Retrievethe file through the sync cradle and Microsoft Active-Sync applicationexplorer. See the Pocket PC documentation for details on using Active-Sync.Selecting the correct communications port* In most cases the Seeker application will detect the Plug and Play ID of theReceiver Card and configure it for the correct communications port. If theapplication can not find the Receiver Card it is possible to manually configurethe communications port. Open the Settings window. In the CommunicationPort box, select a comm port ID. Attempt to perform a Find operation from theFind Tags window. Check the status of the Receiver Card LED to determine ifthe application is communicating with the card. Repeat until the correct portis identified.21
320PrefaceAbout this GuideThe Seeeker User Guide is intended for users who apply, clean, and care for InfantTransmitters. It includes detailed information about the Infant Transmitters andminimizing false alarmsContact InformationFor more information about RF Technologies, Inc. products go to www.rft.com. For technicalsupport, contact (800) 669-9946 or (262) 790-1771. For questions or comments aboutPinPoint Seeker documentation, contact the RF Technologies Technical Publications team attechpubs@rft.com.This guide explains the basic features of Seeker System. This guide is intended foraudiences who are using the Seeker System in their facilities for a basic understaingof the the Seeker System functionality.Product WarrantyProduct Warranty information can be found on the with your original system proposal andinvoice.IntroductionSeeker Software Information This information is located on the About Tab in the Setting window. It displays theapplication version and operating system version.To display Seeker software information1 Tap Settings from the Main Window.2 Select the About Tab.HELPFUL HINTSBe sure to have this informationavailable when contactingthe RFTechnologies Customer SupportTeam.TroubleshootingUse the following Troubleshooting tips.If the Pocket PC application no longer responds:* Reboot the Pocket PC with a hard-reset. Typically a hard-reset can beperformed by pressing a recessed reset button on the Pocket PC. Consultthe Pocket PC user manual for the location of the reset button.* It is also possible that the battery is nearing expiration in the mobile reader.Consult the Pocket PC user Manual for details on replacing or rechargingthe battery.* The receiver card may have come loose in the socket. Remove and reinsertthe receiver card in the compact flash socket.If the Pocket PC does not communicate with the MRM Services* Make sure that the host name and port are properly entered on the SettingsServices tab. Make sure that the services are running on their respectivehost machines.
4The Seeker Mobile Locating System is an asset tracking system utilizing amobile reader to allow remote reading of RFID tags. The Seeker mobile readerconsists of a Pocket PC with a custom receiver card installed. The mobile reader isused to “search” an area for “tags” which are attached to various resources. Thereader can find an individual tag, or search for all tags with a specific department id.When a tag is within range of the mobile reader an audible beep and light can begenerated by the tag so a user can locate the equipment within the area beingsearched. The beep and light features can be disabled if desired.A local database in the mobile reader creates associations between theresources and the tags. When a tag is found the mobile reader will display thedepartment id, tag id, resource name, description and the signal strength whichprovides an estimated distance from reader to tag.A picture of the resource can also be associated with the taginformation.The Seeker Mobile Locating System can be combined with the PinPointMobile Resource Manager software to provide extended visibility to the datacaptured through the reader. Information from the mobile reader can be uploaded tothe PinPoint databases and then viewed by PinPoint applications. Additionally,utilization and location reports can be generated using captured data from themobile reader.System OverviewAdditional SettingsYou can specify the polling threshold value, the communications port, and thelocations ruleset from this window.Threshold – Indicates the minimum signal strength required for a tag to be displayedin the tag list.Demo – When in demo mode eachFind operation will return a tag in thetag list. This can be used for trainingand demonstration purposes. Tagsreturned are always in departmentone.Comm Port – In cases were theapplication does not automaticallydiscover the compact flash receivercard the comm port can be manuallyselected.Ruleset – Select the ruleset to beused to retrieve locations from thePinPoint Configurator Service. Onceselected the user must performanother download to retrieve thelocations.Use Resource Name – Whenselected the Find Tags window willdisplay the Resource name box instead of the department and tag boxes. ResourceNames come from the local offline tags database created by the tag Entry window.Clear History – Clears the local storage History table by deleting all of its entries.Should be performed when record retrieval becomes slow during history views.Export History – Creates a CSV file of the current history data. Displays a FileSave Dialog window.Uses for the System include* Locate misplaced equipment* Remotely identify inventory* Find equipment scheduled for maintenance* Remote inventory of valuable assetsSpecial Features include* User-programmable RFID tags* Compact size* 0-100ft range through walls, up to 500ft in “clear air”* Tag beeper and light helps physically locate equipment* Down-loadable data to host using sync cradle19
5System Components18The following components comprise the Seeker system.TagsTags are small in size and can be attached to resourcesusing the included adhesive tape. When a tag is foundby the mobile reader it responds with its unique id anda status message indicating its battery condition. Tagscan be instructed to beep and flash a light when foundallowing users to gain a rough indication of where thetag is located.Receiver CardThe CompactFlash receiver card includes the receivercircuitry and the microprocessor for decoding the tagsignals to obtain the department id, tag id and the statusof the tag. The information is then transferred to the Pocket PC.Pocket PCThe Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) includes the MicrosoftPocket PC Operating System. The PDA supports theCompactFlash standard CF+/Type II for the addition of thereceiver card.SoftwareThe software and documentation are provided on a CD-ROM.Downloading Data from MRMAll the tables required for operation of online mode are retrieved from the ConfiguratorService. A dialog is displayed that shows thestatus of each table as it is downloaded.To download data from MRM1 Be sure the Seeker is in WorkingOnlinemode.2 Tap Download from the Main Window.Uploading Data from MRMEach time a Tag is received, a record is created in the History table in the Seeker database.This record includes a timestamp, tag id, and location (if online) and other relevantinformation. To make this information visible to the entire PinPoint system the informationmust be uploaded to the PinPoint Recorder Service. The Recorder Service will then store itin the PPDataLog database table.To upload data to MRM1. Be sure the application is in WorkingOnline mode.2. Tap Upload from the Main Window.The PinPoint Services host name andport must be entered in the SettingsServices tab.HELPFUL HINTSThe PinPoint Services host name andport must be entered in the SettingsServices tab.HELPFUL HINTS
617To install the Seeker SoftwareSeeker Installation Be sure the card is fit properly in the compact flashconnector.The Receiver Card does not require a custom driverand should communicate directly with the SeekerInstalling Software1. Using your sync cable or cradle, connect your Pocket PC to the computer. For additional information, see the documentation that arrived with the PocketPC.2. Insert the software and documentation CD into the drive on the computer.3. Using Microsoft Windows Explore or My Computer, navigate to x:\, where x isthe CD drive letter.4. Double-click setup.exe.5. Follow the instruction on the screen to finish the installation. The Seeker application will be uploaded to the Pocket PC through the synccradle.Installing the Receiver CardTo Install the Receiver Card• Insert the Receiver card into the compact flash slot onthe Pocket PC.application.You can easily integrate the Seeker database with the PinPoint Mobile ResourceManager software. This is a feature option that comes with the Seeker. For moreinformation, contact RF Technologies, Inc. at (800) 669-9946 or (262)790-1771.Service SettingsThe PinPoint Services are required whenintegrating with the MRM database. TheServices Tab in the Seeker application emablesyou to configure the host name and port forthe PinPoint Services. A network connectionis created when the Pocket PC is placed in thesync cradle. When download or upload isselected from the main window, the Pocket PCcommunicates through the networkconnection and retrieves the data. To find the correct Configurator and Recorder hostnames and port, see your PinPoint MRM Administrator.To enter a host name and port1 Tap Settings.2 Tap Services3 In the Host box, type the machinename of the computer hosting theservice.4 In the Port box, type the portnumber used by the service.Integrating with MRM
Mounting TagsThe Seeker Tag can be attached using an adhesive pad that can be purchased with theTag. The following section provides detailed steps about applying the Tag using theadhesive.To apply the adhesive pad to the Tag1. Remove an adhesive pad from the strip of paper.2. Turn the Tag onto its front.3. Line the adhesive pad up with the back of the Tag.4. Apply the adhesive pad.5. Verify that the pad is applied correctly and is nothanging over the sides of the Tag.To attach a Tag to a resource using an adhesive pad1. Obtain the asset to which you want to apply the tag.2. Remove the adhesive plastic guard.3. Firmly attach the tag to the asset.4. Press firmly on the tag to verify that it adhered to theassetMounting Suggestions•The front of the tag should face the expected position from which searches will beperformed.•Do not place the tag inside of a metal container because the signal will be blocked.•Test for Tag reception by performing a search after you mount the Tag.•Do not block the sounder hole on the Tag or tag volume is decreased.•Perform a search to verify that the audible tone is loud enough and that the light isvisible.You can use other ways to attach a tag to a resource. Forexample, a loop mount zip tie.NOTE: Before mounting the tags be sure to program them to reflect the correctdepartment and tag IDs. See Programming Tags for more information.It is much easier to search for a resource if we can associate it with its attached tag.The Tag Entry window performs the association between the tag and its resource.To associate a tag with a resource1. In the Tag Entry list, select an itemto edit.2. Click Edit.The Edit Tag window appears.3. In the Resource box, type the namefor this resource.4. In the Description box, type adescription for this resource.5. Click … to open the Save Dialogwindow.6. Select the bitmap to be used torepresent the resource.7. Click OK, to save the changes.Editing TagsDeleting TagsTo delete a tag resource association1. In the Tag Entry list, select an item to delete.2. Click Delete.The item disappears from the list.716
Using the Seeker SoftwareThis section provides detailed information about using the Seeker Software toFind Tags, Add Tags, etc.To start the Seeker Software1. On the Pocket PC, tap Start->Programs->Seeker.If this is the first time the you haveused the Seeker application on thisPocket PC, a progress bar is displayedbecaduring the creation of the databaseand tables.Once the database and tables have beencreated the Seeker Main window willappear.During start-up the application willsearch for the receiver card and selectthe appropriate communication port forits operation. If the card can not befound it may be necessary to use theSettings window to select and try eachof the available communication portsuntil the correct one is found.The Main WindowThis window is the main navigation area.Find Tags – Window to select department and tagids or resource name to search for.Work Online/Offline – Determines if the mode ofoperation for the application. This determines whichdatabase is used.Write Tags – Writes and erases the dept and tag idsin a tag.View History – Records of each find are stored inthe Pocket PC. This utility is used to review thesearchival records. Main Window OfflineProgramsAdding TagsIt is much easier to search for a resource if we can associate it with its attached tag.The Tag Entry window performs the association between the tag and its resource.To associate a tag with a resource1. Click Add.The Add Tag window appears.2. In the Department box, select adepartment ID.3. In the Tag box, select a tag id.4. In the Resource box, type the name for thisresource.5. In the Description box, type a descriptionfor this resource.6. Click … to open the Save Dialog window.7. Select the bitmap to be used to representthe resource.8. Click OK, to save the tag association.Add TagTag EntryAudible Beeper and LightRemote Programming of Department and Tag ID815
Settings – Changes settings such as threshold,ruleset selection, clearing the history, andexporting the history to a CSV file.Main Window OnlineWorking in Online and Offline Mode•In the offline mode the Tag Entryselection is made available. The Tag Entrywindow makes the association between atag and its resource.•In the online mode two additionalselections will appear: Download andUpload. These selections assist in stayingsynchronized with a PinPoint MobileResource Manager software system.Finding ResourcesThe Find Tags window appears in one of three modes.Working offline using Resource NamesYou must select a resource to search for by selecting its resource name from Resourcebox. Department searches can not be performed when using the resource names.To operate in this mode select the Use Resource Names checkbox in the Settingswindow.Working online using PinPoint DataYou select the location they are currently occupying and the tag to find. When tagsare received they are matched to a record in the local database. The databaseinformation is used to provide additional details about the tag and asset. Departmentsearches can not be performed when working online.Working offline using Dept and TagSelect a department and a tag. In offline mode the user can select a department andthen “any” tag or a specific tag in the tag combo.NOTE: In online mode the locations and resources are retrieved from thePinPoint Mobile Resource Manager. Consult the section Integrating withMobile Resource Manager for details.Programming TagsTo assist in categorizing assets and performing efficient searchesthe tags can be grouped by programming a department id intoeach tag. A tag must be blank before a new department and tag idcan be programmed into them. Any tag that is blank and receivesthe write message will have the new ids set into them.To erase a tag1. On the Main window, tap Write Tags.2 In the Department drop -down, selecta department ID number.2. In the Tag box, select a tag id.3. Click Erase.4. Tag should beep indicating it has beenerased.To write to a blank tag1. In the Department box, select a newdepartment id.2. In the Tag box, select a new tag id.3. Click Write.4. Tag should beep indicating it hasaccepted the new values.HELPFUL HINTSBe sure to attach a label to the Tag that indicates its new departmentand Tag ID.The initial Tag ID can be determined by looking at the serial numberlabel.DO NOT program two Tags with the same department and Tag ID.914
Selecting a Tag to FindIn offline mode the user can select a department and then “any” or a specific tagin the Tag box.To find a tag1. In the Department box, select adepartment id.2. In the Tag box, select a tag id.3. Select the Beep check box, to hearthe tag beep. Select the Light checkbox to see the tag flash.4. Move the Power Output slider tothe right to increase the outputrange.Adjusting the Power Outputincreases and decreases the range atwhich tags respond. A loweroutput setting decreases thenumber of tags that respond tosearch.5. Click Find to start searching fortags.During a search a progress bar isdisplayed. The tag count in the lower leftcorner will be incremented as tags arereceived. Once all the tags are receivedthe progress bar will indicate “Complete”and the tag list will be filled with the tagsreceived.•When using resource names select theresource name from the Resource boxthen click Find.NOTE: Only one mobile reader at a time should perform a search.Viewing Tag HistoryEach time a tag is received a record is created in the History table in the SQL CEServer Seeker database. The historical records can be viewed through the ViewHistory screen. Each record is presented with a timestamp of when the tag wasfound and the resource name or department/tag id.The historical records can be filtered using the Date Time Picker. Sequences ofrecords from a start to an end date can be displayed.To select a start and end date1. Click Start Date arrow to display theDate Picker.View HistorySelect a Date RangeHELPFUL HINTSIf searches become slow you can clearthe histroy table from the Settingswindow.The resource name is displayed if it isavailable.View History window defaults totoday’s date for both start and end.2. Select Start Date from the Date Picker.3. Click End Date arrow to display asecond Date Picker.4. Select End Date from the Date Picker.5. History List will update with the newrange of values.6. The number of records returned by thedate range is displayed in the lower leftcorner.1013
Find ResultsEach Tag received is displayed with itstag id, dept id, battery status and theradio signal strength indication (RSSI) atwhich it was received. The RSSIindicates a relative distance from thereader. If the tag has a low battery an iconwill appear above the signal strength bar.Low Battery IndicatorRadio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI)Tag Details OfflineFind Tags OnlineUsing MRM DataIf a resource name and description isavailable the first line of the tag list entrywill contain the resource name and thesecond line will contain the description ofthe resource.Selecting a tag in the tag list displaysfurther details about the tag.Find Tags OfflineTag Details OnlineViewing Tag DetailsSelecting a tag in the list displays the TagDetails window.The Tag Details window providesadditional information about the tag andallows the specific tag to be found again.In offline mode the tag id, department id,manufacturing date, low battery status, andthe signal strength are displayed. Ifavailable the resource name, description,and resource image will be displayed.In online mode the tag id, resource,manufacturing date, low battery status,signal strength and description aredisplayed. The resource and descriptioncome from the database.To further determine the location of a Tag1. Click Find to search for this specific tag.2. The RSSI bar graph will beupdated with a new signal strengthvalue.The tag will beep and light basedon the checkbox selections fromthe previous find.NOTE: If the tag is not found againduring a Find the signal strength barwill turn light gray.11 12

Navigation menu