TransCore 05716 LOCATION MONITORING SERVICE TRANSMITTER User Manual MPRR SG

TransCore LOCATION MONITORING SERVICE TRANSMITTER MPRR SG

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05716 User Manual HTML Version

Users Manual

TransCore

8600 Jefferson Street NE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113

October 2010

P/N 412123

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

This version of the MPRR guide is preliminary information,

which was provided to Rogers Lab to satisfy FCC licensing

submittal requirements.

This document can be used for internal review only. Please

forward any review comments to john.stikar@transcore.com.

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE THIS DOCUMENT OUTSIDE OF

TRANSCORE.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the part of

TC License, Ltd.

trademarks of TC License, Ltd. All other trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners.

Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.

For further information, contact:

TransCore

3410 Midcourt Road, Suite 102

Carrollton, Texas 75006 USA

Phone: (214) 461-4031

Fax: (214) 461-6478

Technical Support

Web: transcore.com/rfidsupport

For comments or questions about this document, e-mail tech.pubs@transcore.com.

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 FCC to operate this radio frequency

identification (RFID) device in the United States. See product label for FCC ID number. Access the FCC

Web site at www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html or at wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=online_filing 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 effect, 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

from TransCore, LP. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment authorization from the FCC and

will void the TransCore warranty.

USE OF SHIELDED CABLES IS REQUIRED

47 CFR §15.27(a)

NOTE: Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to comply with FCC regulations.

TransCore, LP

USA

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Health Limits for Multiprotocol Rail Reader Using Exter-

nal Antenna (902 to 928 MHz)

Within the United States, environmental guidelines regulating safe exposure levels are

issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Section 1910.97 of OSHA Safety and Health Standards 2206 legislates a maximum

safe exposure limit of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) averaged over 6

minutes at 902 MHz.

Although not binding, other organizations such as the American National Standards

Institute (ANSI) have issued similar guidelines that are more restrictive than the

OSHA limits (ANSI C95.1). ANSI guidelines recommend a maximum safe power

density in mW/cm2 of:

Frequency (in MHz)

1500

Thus, the maximum permissible exposure for general population/uncontrolled expo-

sure at 902 MHz is 0.60 mW/cm2. The power limit is a six-minute average.

The RF power density generated by the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) was cal-

culated using a maximum antenna gain of 9.5 dBd, equivalent to the antenna gain of

the external antenna.

Warning

At 2 W conducted into the antenna and a distance of 30 inches (77 cm) from the

antenna, the maximum power density calculated was less than 0.60 mW/cm2. Install

the antenna at least 30 inches (77 cm) from the general public. Maintenance per-

sonnel must remain at least 14 inches (35 cm) from antenna when system is operat-

ing.

The data confirms that the TransCore MPRR effectively meets OSHA requirements

and thus does not represent an operating hazard to either the general public or mainte-

nance personnel.

Contents

Health Limits for Multiprotocol Rail Reader Using External Antenna

(902 to 928 MHz). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

1 Introduction

Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

System Guide Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Licensing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

2 Developing the Site Plan

System Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

How It Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Overview of Site Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Reading of Mixed Population Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Antenna and Tag Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Polarization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Unobstructed Line of Sight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Antenna Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AA3100 Yagi (without radome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AA3101 Yagi (with radome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AA3110 Parapanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

AA3140 PCB Log Periodic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Site Layout and Traffic Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

The MPRR Read Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Other MPRRs in the Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction of RF Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Existing Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

vii

Electrical and Communications Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Junction Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Power and Communications Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Electrical Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Host Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Input/Output Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Antenna Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

3 Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

Compatible Tag Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Reader and Tag Model Interoperability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Recommended Mounting Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Mounting Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Tag Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Surface Installation Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Rivet/Bolt Mounting Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Locomotive Mounting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Tag Placement Window Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Tag Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Rail Car Mounting Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Tag Placement Window Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Tag Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Tank Car Mounting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Tag Placement Window Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Tag Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

4 Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Installation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Materials Supplied by TransCore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Contents of Shipping Carton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Installation Accessory Options (TBD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Additional Materials Needed for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Testing the MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Connecting the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Connecting the MPRR to a Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Mounting the MPRR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Mounting to an Enclosure Wall or Flat Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

viii

Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting the Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Connecting the MPRR to the Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Sense Input Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Sense Output Circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Marking the Read Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

5 General Software Information

Command Entry Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Command Response Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Power Fail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Program Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Download Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Download Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Sign-On Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Boot Failure Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Tag/Message Buffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

6 Communications Protocols

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Basic Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Error Correcting Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Basic Protocol and ECP Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Reader Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

ECP Host ACK/NAK Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Switch to Command Mode Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Host Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Reader Command Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Sample Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Contents

Reader Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Host Command Transmissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Timing and Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Reader-Addressed Failure Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Illegal Sequence Number (not in the range 0–9, A–F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Wrong Sequence Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Incorrect CRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Illegal Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Transmission Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Receive Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Host-Addressed Failure Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Illegal or Wrong Sequence Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Incorrect CRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Transmission Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Receive Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

ECP Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

CRC Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

7 Commands

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Data Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Command Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Download Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Reader Mode Control — Command Group 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

00 Switch to Data Mode (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

01 Switch to Command Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Communications Port Control — Command Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

100N Select Baud Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

101N Select Stop Bits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

102N Select Parity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Command Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

20 Set Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

21 Set Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

22 Display Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Append Information — Command Group 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

30N Append Time and Date Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

ID Filtering — Command Group 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

40 Transmit All ID Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

420N Select Valid ID Code Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

43 Buffer All ID Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

440 Reset Uniqueness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

44N Set Uniqueness Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

452 Disable Tag Translation Mode (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

453 Enable Tag Translation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

454 Disable Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

455 Enable Multi-tag Sort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

456 Enable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort

(Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

457 Disable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort . . . . . . . . . 7-13

480 Disable ATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

481 Enable ATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

484 Disable SeGo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

485 Enable SeGo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

488 Disable eATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

489 Enable eATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

496 Disable Alternate Group Select (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

497 Enable Alternate Group Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

Reader Status — Command Group 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

505 Display Software Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

506 Display Hardware Configuration Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

510 Display RF Transceiver FPGA Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

511 Display RF Transceiver I Filter Chip Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

512 Display RF Transceiver Q Filter Chip Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

513 Display DSP Board Actel Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

520 Display Power Fail Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

521 Display Reader ID Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

522 Display Communications Port Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

524 Display Appended Information Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

525 Display Communications Protocol Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

527 Display RF Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

529 Display Presence Input Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

530 Display RF0 Filter Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

534 Display Tag Translation Mode Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

537 Display Echo Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

540 Display Flash Checksum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

543 Display Boot Checksum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

552 Display Antenna Multiplexing Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

560 Request Sensor Status Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

570 Display Operating Mode Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

577 Report Buffered Handshakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

Reader Control Functions — Command Group 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

60NN Set Reader ID Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

610 Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

611 Select Error Correcting Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

612NN Select Error Correcting Protocol Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

Contents

613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

614N Select Flow Control Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

6170 Disable Echo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

63 Reset Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

640N RF Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

641 Select RF-by-Input Control (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

643NN Select ATA Operating Range (Distance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

644NN Set RF Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

645NN Set SeGo Protocol Operating Range (Distance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

65 Reset Power Fail Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28

66F Load Default Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

690N Select Presence Without Tag Report Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

692N Select RF Control Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

693N Select RF Timeout Period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30

694N Select Input Inversion Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31

695S...S Set Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31

696S...S Store Hardware Configuration String. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

Auxiliary Reader Control — Command Group 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8142X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8143X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8152 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

830 Disable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . 7-33

831 Enable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

836 Disable MPRR Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

837 Enable MPRR Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

850 MUX RF Port 0 (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

851 MUX Between RF Port 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

852 MUX Between RF Ports 0 and 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

853 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, and 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

891 MUX RF Port 1 Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

892 MUX RF Port 2 Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

893 MUX RF Port 3 Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

Check Tag Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35

MUX Operational Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35

MUX Test Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36

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8 Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Configuring the Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

General Configuration Labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Default Operating Parameter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Starting the Terminal Emulation Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Verifying Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Verifying Tag Read Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

Configuring MPRR Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

Appended Tag Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

ID Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13

Reset Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14

Radio Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14

RF Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Vehicle Detector Controlling RF Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Host Controlling RF Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Sense Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Sense Output Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Serial Port Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Port Configuration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17

Communications Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17

Software Flow Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Physically Orienting the MPRR Antenna(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19

Fine-Tuning the Read Zone by Lowering Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19

Fine-tuning the Read Zone by Adjusting Sensitivity Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20

9 Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

MPRR Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

Marketing Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

Find a Problem with the MPRR or Have Suggestions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

10 Interface to Train Recording Unit

TBD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

Contents

xiii

11 AT5270 Check Tag-to-MPRR Assembly

Required Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

A Glossary

B Reader Specifications

Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Hardware Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Physical Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Environmental Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

C Communications Interfaces

D Command Syntax

Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

Numerical Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

Alphabetical Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-16

E Tag Configurations

Tag Data Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

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Contents

List of Figures

Figure 2-2 Antenna Location Relative to Tag Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Figure 2-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Figure 2-4 Pin Assignments for Communications Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Figure 3-1 Clear Zone - Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Figure 3-2 Clear Zone - End View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Figure 3-3 Mounting Location Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Figure 3-4 Tag Placement Window for Locomotives -- Right Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Figure 3-5 Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives -- Left Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Figure 3-6 Optimal Tag Placement for Locomotives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Figure 3-7 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “A” Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Figure 3-8 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “B” Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Figure 3-9 Optimal Tag Placement for Rail Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Figure 3-10 Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars -- “B” Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Figure 3-11 Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-12

Figure 4-2 MPRR Showing Antenna Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Figure 4-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Figure 4-4 Pin Assignments for Signal to Host Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Figure 4-5 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-12

Figure 8-2 Phone Number Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

Figure 8-3 COM 1 Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

Figure 8-4 Hyper Terminal Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Figure 8-5 Sign-on Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Figure 8-6 Successful Tag Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11

Figure 8-7 Second Successful Tag Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11

Figure 8-8 MPRR RF Control Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Figure 11-1 Place Nut and Grommet Over Exposed Check Tag Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Figure 11-2 Feed Check Tag Wires through Plastic Housing Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Figure 11-3 Connect Check Tag Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Figure 11-4 Two Check Tag Assemblies Connected to Terminal Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5

Figure 11-5 Securing Terminal Strip into Connector Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5

Figure 11-6 Plastic Nuts with Grommets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6

Figure 11-7 Nylon Cap Securely Fastened in Unused Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6

Figure 11-8 Check Tag Assembly Secured to MPRR Port

(single check tag assembly shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-7

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

xvi

Contents

xvii

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Examples of Staggered Reader Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Table 2-2 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Table 2-3 Power Supply Current Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Table 2-4 Reader to Antenna Cable Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Table 3-1 Tags Read by the MPRR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Table 4-2 Commands for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-11

Table 5-2 Sample Command Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Table 7-2 Select Stop Bits Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Table 7-3 Select Parity Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Table 7-4 Append Time and Date Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

Table 7-5 Append Auxiliary Information Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Table 7-6 Unique ID Code Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Table 7-7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

Table 7-8 Flow Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

Table 7-9 RF Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

Table 7-10 RF Attenuation Command Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

Table 7-11 Select RF Frequency Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

Table 7-12 Presence Without Tag Report Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

Table 7-13 RF Control Algorithm Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

Table 7-14 Timeout Period Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30

Table 7-15 Input Inversion Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31

Table 8-2 MPRR Default Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Table 8-3 Command Sequence to Verify Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

Table 9-2 Symptoms and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

Table 11-1 Check Tag Kit Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

Table 11-2 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Table 11-3 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-5

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

xviii

Introduction

1-3

Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter is the introduction to this manual and provides information

pertaining to the audience, organization, document conventions, system

description, and license information for the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

System.

Purpose

This guide provides site planning and testing, installing, and operating instructions for

TransCore’s Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) System, which reads TransCore

Super eGo® (SeGo) and American Trucking Associations (ATA)/International Orga-

nization for Standardization (ISO) protocols. Before you begin installing the MPRR,

TransCore recommends that you read this entire manual.

Audience

This document is intended to be used by authorized TransCore MPRR dealers, install-

ers, and service personnel. Because the MPRR has no operator- or end-user service-

able components or features, no end-user manual or operator guide exists. Once the

system is set up and tested by the authorized installer, MPRR operation requires no

end-user intervention.

System Guide Organization

The chapters of this guide and a description of the contents are listed below.

•Chapter 1, “Introduction,” explains the purpose and describes the audience for the

guide, outlines the manual’s organization, provides a brief description of the

MPRR, 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 MPRR.

These considerations include antenna and tag alignment, site layout and traffic

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 MPRR is installed.

•Chapter 4, “Installing the MPRR,” lists the materials needed and provides proce-

dures to install the MPRR. Steps include:

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

1-4

• Pre-testing

• Installing the MPRR in a railside hut or NEMA enclosure (TBD)

• Connecting power and communications

• Connecting to TransCore’s Train Recording Unit (TRU)

• Marking the read zone

•Chapter 5, “General Software Information,” and Chapter 6, “Communications

Protocols,” provide reference information on various software-related topics and

communications protocols.

•Chapter 7, “Commands,” discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used

to control MPRR configuration and operation.

•Chapter 8, “Configuring the MPRR,” provides procedures for configuring and

fine-tuning the MPRR after installing it at the site.

•Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting and Maintenance,” answers the most commonly

asked questions about installing and maintaining the MPRR.

•Chapter 10, "Interfacing with Train Recording Unit," describes the interoperabil-

ity between the MPRR and TRU.

•Chapter 11, "Assembling and Connecting AT5720 Check Tags to the MPRR,"

explains how to connect one or two check tags to the MPRR.

•Appendix A, “Glossary,” contains frequently used terms.

•Appendix B, “Technical Specifications,” provides the MPRR specifications.

•Appendix C, “Wiring Tables,” shows the wiring connections for the communica-

tions interfaces, electrical cable connections, and the external interface signal wir-

ing.

•Appendix D, “Command Quick Reference,” lists the MPRR factory default con-

figuration settings and provides host software commands in numerical and alpha-

betical order.

•Appendix E, “Compatible Tag Information,” provides helpful information about

tags that are compatible with the MPRR.

•Index provides an alphabetical listing of guide topics. (To be provided in the final

version of the guide)

Introduction

1-5

Typographical Conventions

The conventions listed in Table 1-1 are used in this manual:

Licensing Requirements

An FCC license provides the user with the legal authorization to operate the MPRR on

the licensed frequencies at the site specified in the license. Only an authorized installer

or service technician can set the RF frequency of the MPRR to the frequency specified

in the FCC site license. No end-user-operated controls exist on the MPRR.

The FCC license may provide the user with protection and authorization to maintain

the system should any other RFID product be used in the licensed area after the

MPRR equipment is installed.

Users of the MPRR in the United States must obtain a license from the FCC. In the

United States, the authorized modulated frequency band for this product is 911.75 to

Table 1-1 Typographical Conventions

Convention Indication

Concerns about a procedure.

Code Code, including keywords and variables within text and as

separate paragraphs, and user-defined program elements

within text appear in courier typeface.

Dialog Box Title Title of a dialog box as it appears on screen.

Menu Item Appears on a menu. Capitalization follows the interface.

Note Auxiliary information that further clarifies the current

discussion. These important points require the user’s

attention. The paragraph is in italics and the word Note is

bold.

NUL Zero-value ASCII character or a zero-value byte.

NULL Zero-value pointers. Null-terminated string refers to strings

of printable ASCII characters with a zero-value byte placed

in memory directly after the last printable character of the

string.

This procedure might cause harm to the equipment and/or

the user.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

1-6

919.75 MHz and the authorized continuous wave frequency band is 902.25 to 903.75

MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz.

The user is responsible for filing the FCC license according to FCC regulations, but

the TransCore dealer will provide assistance and support as necessary to complete

these forms. Forms are available online at the FCC internet site http://wire-

less.fcc.gov/uls. For further information on obtaining the license contact TransCore.

Technical Support

Authorized dealers and distributors are responsible for the direct support of all

customers. Authorized dealers and distributors needing technical support can contact:

Technical Support

Web: transcore.com/rfidsupport

TransCore

3410 Midcourt Road, Suite 102

Carrollton, Texas 75006 USA

Phone: (214) 461-4031

Fax: (214) 461-6478

Please be prepared to answer a series of questions that are designed to direct you to the

best support resource available.

Developing the Site Plan

2-3

Chapter 2

Developing the Site Plan

This chapter provides a brief description of the Multiprotocol Rail

Reader (MPRR) and discusses site plan development for installing the

MPRR System.

System Description

The MPRR is a reader that supports the low-cost, high-performance SeGo radio fre-

quency identification (RFID) technology. The MPRR also supports TransCore ATA/

ISO tag types.

The MPRR is a high-power unit that can read both half- and full-frame tags. The

reader output power can be adjusted using reader commands.

Reader

The MPRR consists of an input/output (I/O) module, a power supply, a reader logic

board (also called a tag decoder), and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver

(called the RF module) in a compact enclosure. These MPRR components are con-

tained in a highly reliable, compact, and easy-to-install package. Figure 2-1 shows the

end views of an MPRR.

Figure 2-1 MPRR End Views

Tags

3-3

Chapter 3

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

This chapter describes the various tag types compatible with the

Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) and the procedures for installing and

removing compatible internal and external tags.

Compatible Tag Types

The MPRR provides the capability to read the various TransCore tags employing

Super eGo (SeGo) protocol. Depending on options ordered, the MPRR can read SeGo

protocol, ATA-protocol, and ISO-compliant tags.

See Appendix E for information about the numerous tag models.

Reader and Tag Model Interoperability

Table 3-1 lists the tags that are read by the MPRR. See www.transcore.com/pdf/Tag-

Reader-Matrix.pdf for most current information concerning readers and supported tag

protocols.

Recommended Mounting Locations

Each piece of rail equipment has a specific area or window for optimum tag place-

ment. Tag positioning in the tag placement window is based on the center of the tag in

reference to window physical specifications.

Required Materials

•Torque wrench (in/lb. range)

•Bolts and nuts (#10-24 NC threaded studs and nuts)

•Aluminum pop rivets

•Pop rivet gun

Table 3-1 Tags Read by the MPRR

Reader Beam Tags Battery Tags

MPRR AT5110; AT5112; AT5113;

AT5118; AT5125; AT5133; AT5114; AT5510; AT5541; AT5549

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

3-4

Mounting Surface

The mounting surface must be metal, vertical, and smooth within the area of the tag. If

the mounting area does not meet this requirement, you must use a metal mounting

bracket.

If the mounting surface is irregular or non-metal (e.g., fiberglass), the tag must be

attached to a metal bracket to provide an electrical reflector for the tag. Use a 1/8-inch

(0.32-cm) or thicker smooth metal bracket whose dimensions are at least equal to

those of the tag. Mounting brackets are preferred for application of the tag such that

the tag and the bracket are in intimate contact to avoid interference with transmission

of radio waves.

Tag Positioning

Each piece of equipment has a specific area or tag placement window for optimum tag

placement. Tag positioning in the tag placement window is based on the center of the

tag in reference to window physical parameters.

The tag placement window is on opposite ends and opposite sides of the equipment.

The front and rear ends of the equipment are referred to as the “A” end and “B” end.

The “B” end represents the hand brake end and the “A” end represents the opposite

end looking forward. To determine left and right sides, stand at the “B” end and look

toward the front end of the equipment.

Refer to the appropriate section for tag placement window location rail cars and

locomotive devices. Where possible, tags should be mounted in locations to minimize

the likelihood of damage from equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and other hazards.

Mount the tag on a plane perpendicular to the rail (back of the tag against the

equipment) with the long edge of the tag horizontal to the rail.

There is a clear zone surrounding the tag and toward the wayside that allows for

unobstructed transmission of data. This zone must not be obstructed by any metallic

objects or protrusions.

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

3-5

As Figure 3-1 illustrates, there should be no obstructions in the area extending 45º

from the center line of the tag to one inch outside either narrow side of the tag. The

side view depicts the tag as viewed from the top of the equipment.

Figure 3-1 . Clear Zone - Side View

Figure 3-2 illustrates that there should be no obstructions in the area extending 60º

from the center line of the tag to 1 inch outside either long side of the tag. The end

view depicts the tag as viewed from the end of the equipment.

Figure 3-2 . Clear Zone - End View

Figure 3-3 shows examples of acceptable and unacceptable mounting locations based

on the clear zone. Any obstructions in the clear zone may introduce reading problems

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

3-6

with the tag. Refer to the mounting specifications chapters for each type of equipment

for tag placement window locations.

Figure 3-3 . Mounting Location Examples

Surface Installation Techniques

Backing plates are preferred for attaching tags to equipment, but tags may be mounted

directly to the car at the owner’s discretion. Aluminum material is permitted a s a

substitute for the mounting plate material specified, when required for compatibility

with the car surface.

When painting the backing plates, protect the studs from paint.

Two approved methods for mounting tags and backing plates on locomotives and

railcars are rivet and bolt mounting.

Note: Weld the backing plate to the freight car side sheet, but be certain the backing

plate is kept flat. If the car side sheet is deformed, spacing of welds may vary to

accommodate waviness of the freight car side.

Note: Allow the backing plate to cool after welding before applying the tag.

Rivet/Bolt Mounting Guidelines

Select a means for mounting the tag that secures the tag but does not compromise the

tag case.

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

3-7

Aluminum pop rivets are permissible, but TransCore advises against using high-

pressure rivets for mounting the tag.

If using bolts and nuts to mount the tag, avoid using excessive torque, which may

crack or break the tag case. Tighten the nut until snug, then tighten an additional 1/2

turn only.

Locomotive Mounting Guidelines

Install two tags on each locomotive on opposite ends and opposite sides of the

equipment. Install one on the right front (engineer’s side) and another on the left rear

(fireman’s side).

Tag Placement Window Location

Horizontally, the tag placement window extends from the center line of the truck to

2to feet from the center line of the inside axle (measure toward the center of the

vehicle). Vertically, the tag placement window begins two feet above the top of the rail

and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of the rail.

Figure 3-4 illustrates the tag placement window on the right front portion (engineer’s

side) of the locomotive.

Figure 3-4 . Tag Placement Window for Locomotives -- Right Front

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

3-8

Figure 3-5 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (brakeman’s

side) of the locomotive.

Figure 3-5 . Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives -- Left Rear

Tag Placement

Optimal tag placement centers the tag on the left boundary line of the tag placement

window (Figure 3-6). Alternately, the center of the tag may be mounted anywhere

within the tag placement window, provided there are no obstructions to the tag’s clear

zone.

Figure 3-6 . Optimal Tag Placement for Locomotives

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

3-9

Rail Car Mounting Guidelines

Install two tags on each rail car on opposite ends and opposite sides of the equipment.

Install one on the right front (“A” end) and another on the left rear (“B” end).

Tag Placement Window Location

Horizontally, the tag placement window extends from the center line of the truck to

two feet from the center line of the inside axle (measure toward the center of the

vehicle). Vertically, the tag placement window begins at two feet above the top of the

rail end and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of the rail. The tag

should not cover car stenciling.

Figure 3-7 illustrates the tag placement window on the right front portion (“A” end) of

the rail car.

Figure 3-7 . Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “A” Right Side

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

3-10

Figure 3-8 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (“B” end) of

the rail car.

Figure 3-8 . Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “B” Left Side

Tag Placement

Optimal tag placement centers the tag on the left boundary line of the tag placement

window (Figure 3-9). Alternately, the tag may be mounted so that the center of the tag

falls anywhere within the tag placement window, provided there are no obstructions of

the tag’s clear zone.

Figure 3-9 . Optimal Tag Placement for Rail Cars

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

3-11

Tank Car Mounting Guidelines

Tank car mounting is essentially the same as that for rail cars, except that the tag

placement window area has been expanded 18 inches to the right of the center of the

truck.

Tag Placement Window Location

Horizontally, the tag placement window extends from 18 inches to the right of the

center line of the truck to two feet from the center line of the inside axle (measured

toward the center of the vehicle). Vertically, the tag placement window begins at two

feet above the top of the rail and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of

the rail. The tag should not cover car stenciling.

Figure 3-10 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (“B” end) of

the tank car.

Figure 3-10 . Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars -- “B” Left Side

Tag Placement

Optimal tag placement positions the tag on the center line of the truck on the body

bolster (Figure 3-11). Alternately, the tag may be mounted so that the center of the tag

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

3-12

falls anywhere within the tag placement window, provided there are no obstructions of

the tag’s clear zone.

Figure 3-11 . Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

4-3

Chapter 4

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

This chapter lists the materials needed and presents the procedures to

pre-test and install the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR).

Installation Process

After you have developed the site plan and identified the location to install the MPRR

and antennas1, if required, you are ready to install the equipment. Installation involves

the following tasks:

•Pre-installation testing of MPRR power and tag read capability

•Mounting the MPRR in a railside shack

•Mounting the railside antenna(s)

•Connecting the antenna(s)

•Connecting the MPRR power

•Marking the read zone

•Connecting the MPRR host and sense input/sense output and communications

Materials Supplied by TransCore

You need the following materials to pre-test and install the MPRR. TransCore supplies

some of the materials; other materials must be obtained from other sources.

Contents of Shipping Carton

Ensure that you have received all parts before beginning your pre-installation MPRR

tests. Your MPRR is packaged with the following materials:

•One MPRR

•One MPRR Quick Start Guide

•Any accessories ordered as options as shown in Table 4-1

Required accessories are a power/communications cable harness and a 110V AC-to-

18V AC wall transformer, a 12 to 18V AC step-up transformer, or a 16 to 28V DC

power source. You also require at least one MPRR-compatible antenna and an antenna

RF cable. These may be ordered as accessories from TransCore or obtained from other

sources.

1. The MPRR is designed with RF cable connectors for use with N-type RF cables.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

4-4

Installation Accessory Options

Table 4-1 lists optional TransCore MPRR installation accessory items.

Additional Materials Needed for Testing

You need these additional materials to perform the pre-tests on the MPRR:

•Test tags, supplied by the TransCore dealer or distributor

•Suitable 16 to 20V AC or 16 to 28V DC power wiring for the MPRR

•Audible circuit tester and 9V DC battery for circuit tester power

•Wire stripper

•At least one MPRR-compatible antenna

•Suitable RF interface coaxial cable

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRR

Before installing the MPRR permanently at the site, you should use an audible circuit

tester to confirm that the MPRR has power and can read a tag presented in the tag read

zone.

Testing the MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester

An audible circuit tester is also called a buzz box. These boxes are available at some

electronic parts supply stores, or you can make a buzz box, as shown in Figure 4-1.

The buzz box is powered by a 9V DC battery and is equipped with two alligator-clip

leads. When you touch the leads together, the box makes an audible sound.

Table 4-1 Installation Accessories

Part No. Description

58-7001-001 MPRR-to-Train Recording Unit (TRU) six-foot cable assembly

58-7001-002 MPRR-to-TRU 20-foot cable assembly

58-7001-003 MPRR cable assembly, no TRU

20-7001-001 MPRR check tag accessory kit

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

4-5

Figure 4-1 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester

To test the MPRR, connect the antenna and power supply as described in the appropri-

ate section below.

Connecting the Antenna

This section explains the connection between the MPRR and antenna(s).

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

•During shipping and installation, an external antenna can build up a very high

voltage charge. The voltage needs to be discharged before connecting the

antenna to the reader.

•Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antennas.

•Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

4-6

Figure 4-2 MPRR Showing Antenna Ports

To connect the reader and antenna

1. Ensure the reader is turned off and unplugged.

2. Connect one end of the RF interface cable to the antenna.

3. Connect the other end of the RF interface cable to the appropriate antenna port on

the side of the MPRR. See Figure 4-2.

4. For consistent performance, terminate unused antenna ports using a 50-Ohm, N-

type terminator.

Connecting the MPRR to a Power Supply

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

•Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antennas.

•Connect the antenna before applying power to the reader.

To connect the MPRR to a power supply

1. Connect the MPRR to a power supply using the interface cable (P/N TBD).

The pin assignments for the signals on the reader DB15 connector (Figure 4-3) is

shown in Figure 4-4. If the MPRR is connected directly to a TransCore Train Record-

ing Unit (TRU), all power supply connections are made through the MPRR-to-TRU

cable assembly.

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

4-7

Figure 4-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR

Figure 4-4 Pin Assignments for Signal to Host Connectors

Mounting the MPRR

This section lists procedures and materials required for mounting the MPRR on a wall

or other flat surface based on the site’s requirements.

In permanent installations the MPRR should be positioned as close as possible to the

antenna. Long cable runs increase system sensitivity to noise. See Table 2-4 on page

2-12 for maximum RF cable lengths.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

4-8

Mounting to an Enclosure Wall or Flat Surface

Required Materials

You need the following materials to install the MPRR on an enclosure wall or flat sur-

face. Ensure the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant anchor hardware.

•Anchor hardware suitable for the surface on which you mount the MPRR

The MPRR weighs 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) so choose mounting hardware that is adequate

to secure the unit to a wall.

Caution

Connect the reader bracket to earth ground using a ground cable and stake.

TransCore recommends that you follow the National Electric Code or equivalent

code for lightning protection for the locale where you are installing the MPRR.

After mounting the MPRR, you must connect it to a dedicated 16 to 20V AC or 16 to

28V DC power supply.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

•Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antenna(s).

•Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.

Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side

The antenna should be positioned as close as possible to the MPRR. Long cable runs

increase system sensitivity to noise. See Table 2-4 on page 2-12 for maximum RF

cable lengths (TBD). This section provides guidelines for mounting antennas.

After mounting the antenna, you must connect it to the MPRR. Follow the procedures

described previously in the section “Connecting the Antenna” on page 4-5.

Note: Adjust the antenna(s) to provide the most direct line of sight to the tags.

Connecting the Power Supply

After mounting the MPRR and antenna, connect the reader to a dedicated 16 to 20V

AC or 16 to 28V DC power supply. If the MPRR is connected directly to a TRU, all

power supply connections are made through the MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

•During shipping and installation, an external antenna can build up a very high

voltage charge. The voltage needs to be discharged before connecting the

antenna to the reader.

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

4-9

•Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antenna(s).

•Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.

Connecting Communications

The MPRR communicates through RS–232 protocol.

Required Materials

You need the following materials to connect the communications cable to the host

device:

•Host device

•Any terminal emulation program such as Procomm Plus™ or Hyper Terminal™

running on a PC

•If the MPRR is connected directly to a TRU, all communications connections are

made through the MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly.

Connecting the MPRR to the Host

MPRR communications and customer interface signals are supplied from the MPRR

to the host through a multiwire cable. The connector for this cable is located on the

end of the MPRR.

Plug one end of the MPRR communications/power interface connector into the DB15

connector at the MPRR and the other end, using the customer-supplied wiring, into the

host device.

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits

The MPRR has two sense input circuits and a tag lock output circuit available. Sense0

is used to enable RF on antenna ports 0 and 1 if enabled, and Sense1 is used to enable

RF on antenna ports 2 and 3. The sense input circuits can be used to notify the

MPRR of train presence and are designed to be connected to a free-of-voltage dry

contact. The tag lock output circuit is a single-pole, double-throw relay that provides a

normally closed and normally open dry contact. The relay contact is rated at 42.2V

AC peak (30 Vrms) or 60V DC at 1 A maximum. If controlling an external gate or

device requiring high current, an isolation transformer is required.

Sense Input Circuits

The MPRR supports two sense inputs – sense input0 and sense input1 – which require

two sense input lines (SENSEx and GND) for each loop sense or a total of four sense

input connections. Sense input0 is the presence detection and is used to control RF

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

4-10

power. As shown in Figure 4-4, the sense inputs are wired through the reader DB15

connector. The MPRR expects the sense input0 circuit to close when a railcar is

present (on the track with antennas connected to ports 0 and 1). Sense1 must be closed

when a railcar is present on the track connected to antenna ports 2 and 3. The mini-

mum presence true period is fixed at 0 ms, which indicates that no delay occurs in

closing the circuit when a railcar is present.

Sense Output Circuit

The sense output is dedicated for testing and set up of the reader. It is defined as

the TAG_LOCK signal, which indicates a valid tag is in the read field.

This sense output is a dry contact that provides a normally open and normally closed

sense output. The relay contacts are rated at 42.2V AC peak (30 Vrms) or 60V DC at

1 A maximum. If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an iso-

lation transformer is required.

Marking the Read Zone

Caution

Be sure to follow all applicable rail safety regulations when marking the read zone.

The area where the MPRR reads tags at the current RF range is called the read zone.

The antenna pattern, or read zone, of the MPRR would look roughly like a pear-

shaped balloon if you were able to see it. When installing the MPRR, you should first

mark the unit’s read zone using the RF range set at the factory-default maximum. You

can later adjust the read zone using the techniques discussed in “Fine-Tuning and Ver-

ifying the Read Zone” on page 8-18.

If two MPRRs are installed near each other, TransCore recommends that you fine-tune

each reader for the ideal read zone before connecting it permanently to sense input/

sense output and communications cables. A minimum of 2 MHz frequency separation

and 40 feet (12.2 m) of antenna separation between the two adjacent readers is

required for correct operation.

Required Materials

You need the following materials to mark the read zone:

•Test tags, supplied by the TransCore dealer or distributor

To mark the read zone

1. Confirm that you have correctly connected the power supply/communications

cable as described in this chapter.

2. Start the terminal emulation application Microsoft HyperTerminal by selecting

Programs>Accessories>Communications>HyperTerminal and press

ENTER.

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

4-11

3. In the HyperTerminal dialog boxes choose the com port to which the

communications interface is attached and set the properties as:

• Bits per second: 9600 baud

• Data bits: 8

• Parity: none

• Stop bits: 1

• Flow control: none

4. Cycle the power on the MPRR and ensure that the sign-on message displays.

5. Input the commands listed in Table 4-2.

You can now connect the outer marks to draw the outer boundary of the read zone.

Figure 4-5 is a view of a sample read zone. The outer X marks show the outside

edges of the read zone.

Table 4-2 Commands for Testing

Entry Reader Response Notes

#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRR to command mode

#647XXX #Done <CR/LF> Sets frequency

#6401 #Done <CR/LF> Turns on RF

#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRR to data

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

4-12

Figure 4-5 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern

6. Place the MPRR in single-antenna operation using the antenna of interest.

Standing at the edge of the rail sleepers closest to the antenna walk the test tag

along the track to determine the farthest read point in both directions (see D in

Figure 4-5). Record the distance.

7. In a multiple track installation, walk the tag toward the adjacent track in a line

with the antenna (see Figure 4-5) to determine whether the MPRR reads tags

from the adjacent track. Record that distance (Y). If the MPRR reads tags on the

adjacent track, reduce the range control value, or increase RF attenuation until

the MPRR cannot read tags on the adjacent track.

General Software Information

5-3

Chapter 5

General Software Information

This chapter provides software-related information for the Multiprotocol

Rail

Reader (MPRR) System.

This chapter presents various software-related topics arranged in alphabetical order by

subject. In addition to this chapter, see Chapter 6, “Communications Protocols,” and

Chapter 7, “Commands,” for more information.

Command Entry Conventions

All MPRR commands are preceded by the start-of-message character (#). The end-of-

message sequence expected from the host is a carriage return (CR). The MPRR termi-

nates messages with a return and a line-feed (CR/LF). For example, the command

#01 Switch To Command Mode is typed as follows:

#01<ENTER>

where <ENTER> is the Enter or Return key.

Some command characters may be represented by the letter N. This letter indicates

you are to supply a value. Maximum valid entries are the numbers 0 through 9 and the

uppercase letters A through F. These letters allow for as many as 16 available user

responses and are based on the hexadecimal numbering system.

Commands have at least two characters following the # character. Table 5-1 shows the

basic structure of a four-character command.

Table 5-1 Four-Character Command Structure

#1005 Set Baud Rate To 9600 Baud

# All commands are preceded by the # character.

1 Indicates the command group. This command is in Group 1-

Communications Port Control.

0 Indicates the command subgroup. In this example, all commands with

a second digit of 0 apply to the main port.

0 The command digit. In this example, the 0 indicates that this command

affects the baud rate.

5 Indicates the setting. Normally this is a variable and is usually a

hexadecimal value from 0 through F. In this example, 5 sets the baud

rate to 9600, the factory setting. In some commands, this digit may be

a four-place hexadecimal string or a character string.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

5-4

Command Response Conventions

Like the MPRR commands, responses are preceded by the # character. Many MPRR

commands respond with #Done or #Error indicating the command was or was not

recognized and completed. Other commands respond with a four-character identifier

followed by one or more values.

Table 5-2 shows an example of a command/reply sequence. This example assumes

that an MPRR with serial number SN97001P running version X.XX software is con-

nected to a PC running a terminal emulation software package such as Windows

Hyper Terminal or Procomm Plus. The command sequence verifies that communica-

tions are working correctly.

In command discussions, MPRR response characters may be shown in brackets < >.

The use of brackets indicates that the response is a value in the range of characters.

The brackets are not part of the response. For example, the response to command

#520 Display Power Fail Bit is either a 0 or a 1. In the command discussion, the

response is shown as:

#PWRB <0-1>

with actual MPRR response being one of the following:

#PWRB 0

#PWRB 1

In this example, PWRB is the four-character identifier for power fail bit, and the 0 or 1

is the value. All spaces shown in the response are actual spaces sent from the MPRR.

In this example, one space is between the letter B and the number.

Operating Parameters

The MPRRs maintain their operating parameters in non-volatile memory (NVRAM)

so that the parameters are preserved after a power-down sequence.

Table 5-2 Sample Command Sequence

Entry MPRR Response Notes

#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRR to

command mode.

#505 <CR> #Model E4 Series Ver X.XX

SN08001P <CR/LF> Reports the software

version and serial number.

#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRR to data

mode.

General Software Information

5-5

Power Fail

The system maintains a power fail flag. The host transmits command #520 Display

Power Fail Bit to determine if a power down has occurred. This flag is cleared by both

command #63 Reset Reader and command #65 Reset Power Fail Bit.

Program Download

Program download stores the MPRR applications software into the reader’s flash

memory. Program download is used to install program upgrades, add features, and to

recover from corrupted program data.

Note: Program download is a hosted process. Exercise caution so that you don’t inad-

vertently enter download mode.

Download Considerations

You should consider the following factors when performing program download:

•The MPRR does not process tags while in download mode.

•The MPRR does not accept any program data unless a successful erase of flash

memory has been performed before transmitting the data. Erasing the flash mem-

ory typically takes two seconds.

•Exiting from download mode re-executes startup. If the new software has been

loaded without errors, the MPRR comes up in data mode. If a flash checksum

error is detected, the MPRR reenters download mode and transmits a sign-on mes-

sage with a boot version of 0.00x and without a serial number.

Note: The MPRR uses default communications parameters when operating in down-

load mode – 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, basic protocol – and does

not echo commands.

Download Procedures

If TransCore releases a new version of the MPRR software or if the MPRR seems not

to be working properly, you may need to download the software to the MPRR. Con-

tact technical support or your TransCore MPRR sales representative.

Startup

Upon startup, MPRR transmits a sign-on message or a boot ROM failure message.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

5-6

Sign-On Message

If startup is successful, the sign-on message appears as follows:

Model E4 Series [software version] SNYYYYYY

[Copyright notice]

where YYYYYY is the serial number assigned to the MPRR unit being used.

Serial number 000000 is the default setting and is not a valid number. If this number

appears in the sign-on message, the serial number has never been stored into reader

memory. The serial number must be assigned by factory-authorized personnel using

command #695S...S Set Serial Number. Because only six digits are allowed in

the software, when setting the serial number skip the fourth (middle) digit of the

seven-digit number shown on the reader label.

If the flash memory checksum does not indicate verification, the sign-on message

appears as follows:

Model [E4] Ver 0.00x

[Copyright notice]

Boot Failure Message

The software performs a checksum function on itself. The function returns a specific

value for the particular version of software. If the value returned is not correct, the

boot ROM checksum assumes that locations have been corrupted and a failure condi-

tion exists. If the boot ROM checksum is not correct, a boot failure message is trans-

mitted. If the failure message does not transmit, a communications error has occurred

or the boot failed to the extent that it cannot transmit the failure message.

If the failure message version number equals 0.00 and no serial number exists, the

flash memory checksum has failed, and the MPRR is operating out of boot ROM. In

this case, the MPRR automatically enters download mode and waits for a new pro-

gram to be loaded into the flash memory. Follow the instructions in “Program Down-

load” on page 5-5 to download a new program.

Tag/Message Buffer

In basic communication protocol, the MPRR does not provide tag memory storage

beyond the quantity required for uniqueness checking. This feature allows adequate

buffering of tag data under normal operating conditions. The MPRR cannot operate as

a stand-alone component. When the buffer fills, subsequent tag IDs will be lost.

In error correcting protocol (ECP), a buffer of up to three additional tag reads will be

held in case a host system is unable to acknowledge tag reads in real time.

Communications Protocols

6-3

Chapter 6

Communications Protocols

This chapter describes the communications protocols for the

Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR).

Introduction

The MPRR supports the following communications protocols:

•Basic

•Error correcting protocol (ECP)

The following protocol information provides reference information relevant to devel-

oping host software.

Communications are performed using the 7-bit ASCII code with optional parity, thus

providing easy setup, testing, and diagnostics with standard ASCII terminals and

serial printers. Parity must be enabled to achieve the specified undetected error rate.

Each message is framed within the start-of-message (som) and end-of-message (eom)

characters so that the host computer can detect the beginning and end of each mes-

sage. This convention is most important under marginal communications conditions

during which the host may receive extraneous noise-induced characters between

reader transmissions. In such instances, the host is capable of ignoring any messages

that do not conform to the som...eom frame sequence.

Both data mode and command mode require a two-way message interchange is when

using ECP. This interchange is completed by the message recipient returning a mes-

sage acknowledgement to the message sender.

With ECP, all transmissions require a message. If a message is not received, the sender

will time out with the same effect as if it had received a negative acknowledgment

(from the host) or an Error message from the MPRR.

Software (XON/XOFF) flow control is optionally supported. Be careful in the use of

XON/XOFF since noise-induced characters may be interpreted by the MPRR as the

XOFF character, which would suspend reader output without information reaching the

host computer. For more information see “Software Flow Control” on page 8-18.

Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF flow control be disabled while using

ECP.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-4

Basic Protocol

With basic protocol, messages sent to and from the MPRR and the host are transmitted

without error checking. For each host transmission, the MPRR returns a Done or

Error message to the host.

When the host computer is physically close to the MPRR and no sources of interfer-

ence exist, the basic protocol provides reliable communications.

The host must be ready to receive reader-transmitted messages because in basic proto-

col the MPRR does not wait for the host to acknowledge a message before transmit-

ting the next message. If necessary, the host may halt reader transmissions by using

software or hardware flow control. Refer to Chapter 8 for flow control information.

Error Correcting Protocol

When the quality of data communications is imperative or may be suspect, you can

invoke ECP to ensure the integrity of data transmitted between the MPRR and the

host.

Note: TransCore recommends that basic protocol (not ECP) be used when commands

are entered manually at the keyboard.

Error correction is accomplished with the use of a cyclic redundancy check (CRC)

value that is based on the message data. The originator (reader or host) calculates the

CRC value of a message and includes it in the transmitted message.

The recipient (reader or host) also calculates a CRC value for the received message. If

the transmitted message data is correct, the CRC value calculated by the recipient will

agree with the CRC value calculated by the originator. If the CRC values do not agree,

the recipient rejects the message.

Message sequence numbers are also included when using ECP. These sequence num-

bers are checked to determine if the message received has the correct sequence num-

ber; if not, the recipient rejects the message.

Since the seven-bit ASCII code is used and there are eight data bits per character, the

eighth bit can optionally be used to support parity. Where parity is selected, the CRC

value calculation includes the parity of each character in the calculation of the CRC

value.

Parity is required to achieve the most reliable communications. If parity is enabled,

both the MPRR and the host must issue a message if any received character has a par-

ity error. However, the message must not be transmitted before receipt of the eom

character. In this case, the MPRR will issue an Error message, and the host com-

puter will issue a negative acknowledgment message.

Communications Protocols

6-5

Basic Protocol and ECP Format

Note: In the following text, the symbols < and > are used to represent required vari-

able message data, and the symbols [and] are used to represent optional data. These

symbols are not part of the message syntax.

Reader Transmissions

The basic protocol format and the data inquiry protocol format are as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)

<seq> Sequence number (ASCII hex) that represents an even number in

the range 0–9, A–F (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, A, C, E). The MPRR maintains

the number. The host must acknowledge reader transmissions by

sending an ACK message with the same sequence number

received from the MPRR. The MPRR updates its sequence

number upon receipt of a valid host ACK. If an ACK is not

received, the MPRR retransmits the message. A reader

transmission sequence is not considered complete until the

MPRR receives an ACK and updates its sequence number.

<data> An ASCII string up to 72 characters long. This string may contain

tag data, a presence without tag report; an input status change

report; an Error06, Error07, Error08, or Error11

message; or a sign-on message. Auxiliary data may also be

included.

<crc> Field containing four ASCII digits that represent the 16-bit CRC

value calculated on the message. The CRC value is calculated on

bytes between the som character and the first <crc> byte.

When the host receives a properly framed message, it can

calculate a 16-bit CRC value. The calculation is applied to the

character string that immediately follows the <som> and that

ends with the character immediately preceding the first <crc>

character.

The transmitted CRC value can then be compared with the binary

equivalent of the received <crc> characters. If the transmitted

and received CRC values do not match, the recipient assumes the

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-6

message was received in error, and transmits a NAK message

response.

<eom> End-of-message characters (ASCII CR and LF). The system

includes both a carriage return (CR) and line feed (LF) to

facilitate the use of terminals and printers.

If the host receives a <som> character in the middle of a data

message, the message in progress is aborted. The assumption is

that an <eom> was lost and the MPRR is in the process of

retransmitting the previous message.

ECP Host ACK/NAK Response

With ECP, the host computer responds to all data message transmissions from the

MPRR using the following acknowledgment or negative acknowledgment response

format.

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)

<seq> An echo of the sequence number received from the MPRR. The

sequence number should correspond to the data message that is

being positively or negatively acknowledged by the host. If the

MPRR receives an ACK message with the incorrect sequence

number, the data message is retransmitted.

The host computer resets the anticipated data message sequence

number to that of the MPRR before communications can resume

without error.

<ack/nak> ASCII @ character for ACK response; ASCII ? character for NAK

response

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)

The MPRR sets a user-programmable timeout delay at the time each message is trans-

mitted based on command #612NN Set Error Correcting Protocol Timeout, where NN

= timeout delay. To disable the timeout delay for diagnostic purposes, issue the com-

mand #612FF Disable Error Correcting Protocol Timeout.

If the timeout delay expires before the MPRR receives an ACK or NAK message from

the host, a logical NAK condition will be declared. If the MPRR receives a NAK or

timeout, the reader retransmits the data message.

When the MPRR receives an ACK message, the system software treats the message as

having been properly received by the host. The software increments the sequence

Communications Protocols

6-7

number, and advances pointers to the next message in the MPRR’s message queue to

prepare for sending the next message.

Switch to Command Mode Request

The host computer may issue command #01 Switch to Command Mode while in data

mode.

The basic protocol format is as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)

<seq> Sequence number generated by the host computer separately

from that appearing in data messages transmitted by the MPRR

<cmd> Switch to command mode (ASCII characters 01)

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)

Host Transmission

The host computer initiates synchronous communications between the MPRR and the

host. The host begins a sequence by issuing a command; the MPRR responds accord-

ingly.

The basic protocol format is as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)

<seq> Sequence number (ASCII hex digit) that represents an odd

number in the range 0–9, A–F (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, B, D, F). The host

should use odd sequence numbers in its command since the

MPRR uses even sequence numbers in its transmissions. This

method eliminates the possibility of a synchronous host

command and an asynchronous reader transmission having the

same sequence number.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-8

Upon receiving a host command, the MPRR echoes the

command’s sequence number in its response. Therefore, the host

computer updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid

reader message. If the sequence number is not updated before

transmission of the next command, the MPRR will not service the

new command; it will retransmit its previous message. A

command/message sequence is not complete until the host

updates its sequence number.

<cmd> Command code, a string that contains from two to four ASCII

hex characters

[<data>] Optional data field, an ASCII string of as many as 20 characters

in length. For example, the store hardware configuration string

command is #696S...S or command #696 Store Hardware

Configuration String followed by the data string S...S.

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)

Reader Command Response

The basic protocol format is

The ECP format is

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)

<seq> Echo of sequence number received in host command message

<resp> Response string. The MPRR returns Done, Error, or another

ASCII string depending on the host transmission. This string can

be up to 72 characters long.

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR and LF)

Sample Messages

This section contains examples of typical messages transmitted between the MPRR

and the host computer.

Communications Protocols

6-9

Reader Transmissions

Basic protocol reader transmission

#KING 1302<eom>

Host response

No host response for non-ECP

ECP reader transmission

#4KING 1302 <crc><eom>

where

#Start-of-message character

4Message sequence number

KING 1302 Message data: Tag ID is shown.

Other sample message data could be as follows:

IOST C0 O2 I0 D24 (display I/O status)

Error06 (frequency not set)

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

Host response

#4@<crc><eom>

where

#Start-of-message character

4Message sequence number

@ ACK (acknowledgment character)

(? returned for a negative acknowledgment)

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

Host Command Transmissions

Basic protocol host transmission

#647XXX<eom>

Reader response

#Done<eom> or #Error<eom>

#Error<eom> is returned if the host transmission is not a legal command with legal

data.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-10

ECP host transmission

#7647XXX<crc><eom>

where

#Start-of-message character

7Message sequence number

647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency command where

647XXX is the command and XXX is a hexadecimal value from

000 to 118. In this example, XXX sets the RF frequency to 903

MHz.

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

Done Command has been invoked by the MPRR

Reader response

#7Done<crc><eom> or #7Error<eom>

For some commands, the MPRR responds with data that relates to the command, such

as T0F 0, to indicate (TBD) mode enabled for a #XXX Display (TBD) Mode Status

command.

#7Error<eom> will be returned if host transmission is not a legal command with

legal data.

Timing and Synchronization

The ECP is largely independent of baud rate. The timeout delays previously described

are a function of baud rate.

The MPRR supports an ECP timeout, which applies equally to both transmit and

receive.

The receiver’s minimum timeout delay equals the time to transmit/receive the longest

anticipated message at the current baud rate setting. Additional margin should be

included for idle periods between characters; for example, processing overhead, if

any. The timeout delay period can be expressed as follows:

Τrec (ms) = L x [Τchar + Τidle]

where

Τchar (ms) 1000 x [ Bc / Rb ]

BcBits per character, typically 10

Communications Protocols

6-11

RbBaud rate, 1200–38.4 K

LLength of message in characters

Τidle Maximum idle period between characters (ms)

Note: The MPRR supports baud rates between 1200 and 38.4 K.

Likewise, the sender must set a timeout delay equal to the delay of nine characters at

the current baud rate setting. For example, the time required to shift out the <eom>

character plus the time to shift in the ACK or NAK message to be received plus a pro-

cessing allowance for the receiver to process the message and check for error condi-

tions.

Thus, the sending timeout delay can be expressed as follows:

Τsend (ms) = 9 * Τchar + Τerrchk

where

Τerrckh (ms) Processing period to perform error checking by receiver

The host computer can remotely set the MPRR’s communications parameters while in

the command mode, but TransCore does not recommend this action if communica-

tions conditions are marginal.

After the MPRR receives new communications parameters, the MPRR issues the

Done message and switches to the new configuration immediately. The host computer

switches its communications parameters immediately after the transaction is com-

plete.

As noted, the message initiator, such as the MPRR in data mode and the host computer

in command mode, starts a timeout counter at the time a message is transmitted. If the

timeout expires before receiving an acknowledgement message, a logical NAK condi-

tion is declared, and the initiator assumes the message was received in error. In this

instance, the message is retransmitted until an acknowledgement message is received.

The message recipient, such as the host computer in data mode and the MPRR in com-

mand mode, starts a timeout counter when a <som> character is received. If the time-

out expires without the receipt of an <eom>, the message acquisition is aborted

(reset), and the receiver waits for the next <som> character.

If the message recipient receives a second <som> character before an <eom> charac-

ter, the message acquisition is aborted (reset), and retransmission of the previous mes-

sage is assumed to be underway.

These strategies allow for recovery during periods when communications are marginal

or completely lost.

Note: It is important that the host computer limit the period during which the MPRR

remains in command mode to avoid losing tag IDs. RF is off in command mode and no

tags can be read.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-12

Reader-Addressed Failure Conditions

The MPRR addresses the following failure conditions.

Illegal Sequence Number (not in the range 0–9, A–F)

If the MPRR detects an illegal sequence number in a host command message, it dis-

cards the received message and sends no response. If it receives an illegal sequence

number in an ACK message, it responds as if a NAK had been received and retransmits

the data.

Wrong Sequence Number

If the MPRR receives the wrong sequence number in an ACK message, it responds as

if a NAK had been received, and it retransmits the data.

Incorrect CRC

If the MPRR detects an incorrect CRC value in a host command message, it discards

the received message. No response is sent. If it receives an incorrect CRC value in an

ACK message, it responds as if a NAK had been received, and it retransmits the data.

Illegal Command

If the MPRR receives an illegal command, it returns its standard Error message.

Transmission Timeout

If the MPRR transmits an asynchronous message and the host does not send an ACK

before the ECP timeout occurs, the MPRR retransmits the message.

Receive Timeout

If the MPRR receives a <som> but does not receive a matching <eom> before the

ECP timeout occurs, it discards the incomplete message and resets its receiver.

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision

If the MPRR transmits asynchronous data at the same time that the host sends a com-

mand, the MPRR gives priority to receiving the command. It processes the command

and sends a message before it retransmits the asynchronous data.

Host-Addressed Failure Conditions

The host computer addresses the following failure conditions.

Illegal or Wrong Sequence Number

If the host detects an illegal or wrong sequence number in a reader response, it retrans-

mits the command with the same sequence number. If the host detects an illegal

sequence number in an asynchronous reader transmission, it sends a NAK message.

Communications Protocols

6-13

Incorrect CRC

If the host detects an incorrect CRC value in a reader message, it retransmits the com-

mand with the same sequence number. If the host detects an incorrect CRC value in an

asynchronous reader transmission, it transmits a NAK message.

Transmission Timeout

If the MPRR does not respond to a host command within a specified interval, the host

software retransmits the command with the same sequence number.

Receive Timeout

If the host receives a <som> but does not receive a matching <eom> within a specified

timeout interval, it discards the incomplete message and resets its receiver.

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision

If the host receives an asynchronous reader transmission at the same time it transmits

a command, it ignores the asynchronous message and waits for the MPRR’s response.

The MPRR retransmits asynchronous data after it transmits the command message.

ECP Reliability

An undetected error is defined as a message having incorrect data or status but no par-

ity or CRC errors. An error transaction is defined as a message having either a parity

or CRC error. Laboratory testing indicates an undetected error rate of less than one

undetected error per 1,000,000 error transactions with parity enabled.

To ensure this error rate is not exceeded, the host must enable parity and adhere

closely to the timing specifications discussed previously in this chapter in the “Timing

and Synchronization” section.

CRC Calculation

The CRC used by the ECP is based on a 16-bit algorithm. The algorithm, as imple-

mented, operates on eight-bit characters, for example, seven-bit ASCII character plus

one optional parity bit. The 16-bit result is converted to four ASCII hex characters and

is appended to messages transmitted by the MPRR.

The MPRR accepts four ASCII < ` > characters (60 hex) as a wild card CRC value in

lieu of a valid four-character CRC value to facilitate testing and diagnostic checkout.

The MPRR implements the algorithm with a 512-byte lookup table to reduce the pro-

cessing overhead requirements.

To simplify the implementation of the CRC algorithm by host software developers,

several examples of the calculation are provided in C source code on the following

pages. The calculation may be performed with or without a lookup table, depending

on the trade-off between code memory and processing overhead.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-14

Example 3 contains an example of UPDCRC that does require a lookup table.

Example 1 presents an example of a function (CALCCRC) that calculates the CRC

value through a call to a separate function (UPDCRC).

unsigned short calccrc(char *message)

{

unsigned short crc = 0;

for ( ; *message != (char)0;message++)

crc = updcrc(*message & 0xff, crc);

return (crc)

}

Example 2 shows an example of UPDCRC that does not require a lookup table.

#define BITS_PER_CHAR 8

unsigned short updcrc (unsigned short ch, unsigned short

crc)

{

while (--counter >= 0)

if (temp & 0x8000) {

temp <<= 1;

temp += (((ch <<= 1) & 0x0100) != 0);

temp ^= 0x1021;

}

else {

temp <<= 1;

temp += (((ch <<= 1) & 0x0100) != 0);

}

return(temp);

}

#define updcrc(cp, crc)( crctab[((crc >> 8) & 255)]^ (crc << 8) ^ cp

static unsigned short crctab [256] = {

0x0000, 0x1021, 0x2042, 0x3063, 0x4048, 0x50a5, 0x60c6, 0x70e7,

0x8108, 0x9129, 0xa14a, 0xb16b, 0xc18c, 0xd1ad, 0xe1ce, 0xf1ef,

0x1231, 0x0210, 0x3273, 0x2252, 0x52b5, 0x4294, 0x72f7, 0x62d6,

0x9339, 0x8318, 0xb37b, 0xa35a, 0xd3bd, 0xc39c, 0xf3ff, 0xe3de,

0x2462, 0x3443, 0x0420, 0x1401, 0x64e6, 0x74c7, 0x44a4, 0x5485,

0xa56a, 0xb54b, 0x8528, 0x9509, 0xe5ee, 0xf5cf, 0xc5ac, 0xd58d,

Communications Protocols

6-15

Example 4 shows an example of a function that creates the lookup table.

#include <stdio.h>

#define MAX_CHAR 256

#define BITS_CHAR 8

#define SIGN_BIT 0x8000

#define POLY 0x1021

unsigned short crctab [MAX_CHAR];

main ()

{

unsigned short ch;

unsigned short workval;

unsigned short bit;

0x3653, 0x2672, 0x1611, 0x0630, 0x76d7, 0x66f6, 0x5695, 0x46b4,

0xb75b, 0xa77a, 0x9719, 0x8738, 0xf7df, 0xe7fe, 0xd79d, 0xc7bc,

0x48c4, 0x58e5, 0x6886, 0x78a7, 0x0840, 0x1861, 0x2802, 0x3823,

0xc9cc, 0xd9ed, 0xe98e, 0xf9af, 0x8948, 0x9969, 0xa90a, 0xb92b,

0x5af5, 0x4ad4, 0x7ab7, 0x6a96, 0x1a71, 0x0a50, 0x3a33, 0x2a12,

0xdbfd, 0xcbdc, 0xfbbf, 0xeb9e, 0x9b79, 0x8b58, 0xbb3b, 0xab1a,

0x6ca6, 0x7c87, 0x4ce4, 0x5cc5, 0x2c22, 0x3c03, 0x0c60, 0x1c41,

0xedae, 0xfd8f, 0xcdec, 0xddcd, 0xad2a, 0xbd0b, 0x8d68, 0x9d49,

0x7e97, 0x6eb6, 0x5ed5, 0x4ef4, 0x3e13, 0x2e32, 0x1e51, 0x0e70,

0xff9f, 0xefbe, 0xdfdd, 0xcffc, 0xbf1b, 0xaf3a, 0x9f59, 0x8f78,

0x9188, 0x81a9, 0xb1ca, 0xa1eb, 0xd10c, 0xc12d, 0xf14e, 0xe16f,

0x1080, 0x00a1, 0x30c2, 0x20e3, 0x5004, 0x4025, 0x7046, 0x6067,

0x83b9, 0x9398, 0xa3fb, 0xb3da, 0xc33d, 0xd31c, 0xe37f, 0xf35e,

0x02b1, 0x1290, 0x22f3, 0x32d2, 0x4235, 0x5214, 0x6277, 0x7256,

0xb5ea, 0xa5cb, 0x95a8, 0x8589, 0xf56e, 0xe54f, 0xd52c, 0xc50d,

0x34e2, 0x24c3, 0x14a0, 0x0481, 0x7466, 0x6447, 0x5424, 0x4405,

0xa7db, 0xb7fa, 0x8799, 0x97b8, 0xe75f, 0xf77e, 0xc71d, 0xd73c,

0x26d3, 0x36f2, 0x0691, 0x16b0, 0x6657, 0x7676, 0x4615, 0x5634,

0xd94c, 0xc96d, 0xf90e, 0xe92f, 0x99c8, 0x89e9, 0xb98a, 0xa9ab,

0x5844, 0x4865, 0x7806, 0x6827, 0x18c0, 0x08e1, 0x3882, 0x28a3,

0xcb7d, 0xdb5c, 0xeb3f, 0xfb1e, 0x8bf9, 0x9bd8, 0xabbb, 0xbb9a,

0x4a75, 0x5a54, 0x6a37, 0x7a16, 0x0af1, 0x1ad0, 0x2ab3, 0x3a92,

0xfd2e, 0xed0f, 0xdd6c, 0xcd4d, 0xbdaa, 0xad8b, 0x9de8, 0x8dc9,

0x7c26, 0x6c07, 0x5c64, 0x4c45, 0x3ca2, 0x2c83, 0x1ce0, 0x0cc1,

0xef1f, 0xff3e, 0xcf5d, 0xdf7c, 0xaf9b, 0xbfba, 0x8fd9, 0x9ff8,

0x6e17, 0x7e36, 0x4e55, 0x5e74, 0x2e93, 0x3eb2, 0x0ed1, 0x1ef0,

};

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-16

unsigned short carry;

for (ch = 0; ch != MAX_CHAR; ch++) {

workval = ch << BITS_CHAR;

for (bit = BITS_CHAR; bit != 0; bit--) {

carry = (workval & SIGN_BIT);

workval <<= 1;

if (carry)

workval ^= POLY;

}

crctab[ch] = workval;

}

for (ch = 0; ch != MAX_CHAR; ch++)

printf("0x%04x\n", crctab[ch]);

}

Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance

Under certain conditions, communications between the host and MPRR may be lost

temporarily and maintenance may be required. The reader or host is sending out a

message and waiting for an acknowledgment. When the acknowledgment is not

received, the message is sent again. Additional messages are also buffered. Often the

first indication that the MPRR software is in an ECP “loop” is when the user/techni-

cian sees a recurring display of the same message repeated over and over again on the

monitor. The procedure described in the following paragraphs enables the mainte-

nance technician to change configuration or test tag reading manually.

Assuming that the ECP timeout is at the factory default of 12.7 seconds (or other value

that allows enough time for the commands to be manually entered) the following com-

mand sequence may be used to break out of an ECP loop. This command sequence

uses four ASCII < ` > characters (60 hex) as wild card CRC values.

Note: The ASCII <`> character (60 hex) is commonly located on the ~ key.

You must acknowledge existing messages by issuing commands with the generic for-

mat:

#x@‘‘‘‘<eom>

where

#Start-of-message character

xMessage sequence number. This must be the same as the

sequence number of the message being acknowledged

@ACK (acknowledgment character)

<‘‘‘‘> Wild card CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

Communications Protocols

6-17

The following is a typical sequence after power-on limiting buffered messages.

Note: Ensure that no tags are in the field when you are performing this troubleshoot-

ing procedure.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR, ensure that you have connected the antenna or a

dummy load to the reader before applying power to the reader.

Reader transmission on power-up:

#0 Model …. SN <crc><eom>

Manually enter: #0@````<eom>

Manually enter: #2@````<eom>

Manually enter: #101‘‘‘‘<eom> this puts reader into command mode

Reader response: #1Done<crc><eom>

Manually enter: #3610‘‘‘‘<eom> this puts reader into basic protocol,

disabling ECP

reader response: Done

Enter any other desired diagnostic or directive commands in basic protocol. After

maintenance is complete enter the command:

#00 to return the reader to data mode

#611 to return to error correcting protocol,

and then either cycle power or issue

#100````<eom> command to return

reader to data mode

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-18

Commands

7-3

Chapter 7

Commands

This chapter discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used to

control the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) configuration and

operation.

Introduction

The MPRR is delivered from the factory with specified default settings that determine

how the reader operates. Commands transmitted by the host computer can change the

default settings and control additional features. The commands can be transmitted by

manually entering the commands at the host keyboard if the host is in terminal emula-

tion mode. The MPRR can also communicate with ASCII terminals.

Operating Modes

The MPRR has three modes of operation: data mode, command mode, and download

mode. The software for the MPRR contains two separate programs — boot and appli-

cation. The boot program has control of the MPRR on startup and when operating in

download mode. The application program has control of the MPRR during data mode

and command mode operation and holds the application code. Together, they control

the MPRR in the three modes of operation.

Data Mode

The MPRR is in the data mode upon power-up. While in the data mode, the MPRR

sends all communications as data messages, such as tag IDs and reports, to the host

computer. Reports provide information on input status changes (input0 and input1), a

presence without tag report, and buffer overflow information. The host computer can

send only two commands to the MPRR while in data mode:

•Command #01 Switch To Command Mode changes the MPRR from the data

mode to the command mode. See “01 Switch to Command Mode” on page 7-5.

Note: The MPRR transmits ID codes to the host computer when the MPRR is in data

mode. If the MPRR remains in the command mode with tags passing through the read

zone, all tag IDs are not reported.

Command Mode

While the MPRR is in the command mode, the host computer sends commands to the

MPRR that can be used to control the operation and configuration of the reader. After

the MPRR receives a command, it transmits a command response message. Typically,

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-4

the command message contains Error, Done, or data relating specifically to the

command request. These messages may be of variable length since some commands

require information as part of the message; for example, Display ATA Mode Status.

Communications can be lost if the host computer attempts to send certain commands

under marginal communications conditions. For example, if the host computer trans-

mits the command request to change the baud rate and the MPRR properly receives

the request and transmits the Done message, one of the two following conditions may

occur:

•If the host computer receives the Done message, then both the host and the

MPRR switch to the new baud rate, and communications are maintained.

Note: In many applications, the host must be set to the new baud rate as it will not

change automatically.

Note: The MPRR changes the baud rate immediately after issuing the Done message.

•However, if the host does not receive the Done message transmitted by the

MPRR, the host assumes that the command was not properly sent and does not

switch to the new baud rate, causing a loss of communications.

Caution

The host computer should not attempt to change communications parameters or

protocols during marginal communications conditions; otherwise, a loss of commu-

nications can result.

Download Mode

In download mode, the MPRR allows the host to download new software.

While in download mode, the reader communications port parameters are fixed at the

following factory-default settings: 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, soft-

ware flow control (XON/XOFF), basic protocol.

While in download mode, the MPRR turns RF off, does not process tags, and does not

echo host commands.

Command List

Reader commands are divided into groups based on primary function. The following

sections provide information about each command in command number order. Refer

to Appendix D for listings of commands in numerical and alphabetical order.

In the following text, the symbols < and > represent variable message data. These

symbols are not part of the message syntax.

Hex digits (0–9, A–F) in either uppercase or lowercase characters may be used in data

strings and for hex digits A–F.

Commands

7-5

Reader Mode Control — Command Group 0

Group 0 commands control reader mode. The mode determines whether the reader is

transmitting data to or receiving data from a host computer or terminal.

00 Switch to Data Mode (Factory Default)

Command #00 switches the reader to data mode, which allows the reader to transmit

tag data (ID codes) to the host. The reader enters data mode on power up.

While operating in data mode, the reader accepts the following commands:

•Command #01 Switch to Command Mode

Reader response:

Done

01 Switch to Command Mode

Command #01 switches the reader to command mode, which allows the reader to

accept commands from a host or terminal. While in command mode, the reader turns

RF off and does not acquire tags.

Reader response:

Done

Communications Port Control — Command

Group 1

Group 1 commands configure the parameters used by the MPRR to communicate with

a host computer or terminal. These commands set baud rate, stop bits, parity, and end-

of-line delay.

100N Select Baud Rate

Command #100N selects the reader baud rate. The factory-default setting is 9600

baud. The N variable specifies the baud rate shown in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1 Select Baud Rate Commands

Command Baud Rate Selected

1002 1200

1003 2400

1004 4800

1005 9600 (factory default)

1006 19.2 K

1007 38.4 K

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-6

Caution

If ECP is enabled, ensure that the ECP timeout is sufficient for the new baud rate.

Reader response:

Done

101N Select Stop Bits

Command #101N selects the number of stop bits for reader character transmission.

The factory default setting is 1 stop bit. The N variable specifies the number of stop

bits as indicated in Table 7-2.

Reader response:

Done

102N Select Parity

Command #102N selects the reader parity setting. The factory-default setting is par-

ity disabled. The N variable specifies parity as shown in Table 7-3.

Reader response:

Done

Command Group 2

Group 2 commands control the real-time clock which maintains the MPRR internal

time and date. This time and date can be appended to IDs, error messages, and sensor

input reports. An internal battery supports the clock, so time and date are preserved if

main power is lost.

20 Set Time

Command #20 sets the time. Enter the time in the proper format: two-digit decimal

entries with no spaces between characters and using colons as delimiters.

Table 7-2 Select Stop Bits Commands

Command Stop Bits Selected

1010 1 (factory default)

1011 2

Table 7-3 Select Parity Commands

Command Data Bits Parity Selected

1020 8 Disable parity (factory default)

1021 7 Select even parity

1022 7 Select odd parity

Commands

7-7

The entry format is as follows:

20HH:MM:SS or 20HH:MM:SS:hh

where

HH represents hours (00 to 23).

MM represents minutes (00 to 59).

SS represents seconds (00 to 59).

hh represents hundredths of a second (00 to 99).

:is the time delimiter.

If hundredths of a second is not specified, the reader sets the hundredths register to 00.

Reader response:

Done

21 Set Date

Command #21 sets the date. Enter the date in the proper format: two-digit decimal

entries with no spaces between characters and using forward slashes “/” as delimiters.

The entry format is as follows:

21MM/DD/YY

where

MM represents the month (01 to 12).

DD represents the day (01 to 31).

YY represents the last two digits of the year (00 to 99).

/is the date delimiter.

Reader response:

Done

22 Display Time and Date

Command #22 displays the reader’s current time and date. One space separates the

time and the date output.

Reader response:

HH:MM:SS.hh MM/DD/YY

where

HH represents hours.

MM represents minutes.

SS represents seconds.

hh represents hundredths of seconds.

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-8

:is the time delimiter.

MM represents the month.

DD represents the day.

YY represents the last two digits of the year.

/is the date delimiter.

Append Information — Command Group 3

Group 3 commands append useful information to reader transmissions, such as IDs,

error messages, and sensor input reports. Auxiliary information such as reader num-

ber, antenna number (or manual entry code), number of times the previous tag was

read, and sensor input status can be appended to the ID using the Group 3 commands.

30N Append Time and Date Selection

Command #30N selects the option of appending the time and date to transmitted IDs,

error messages, presence without tag reports, and input status change reports. The

factory default setting is time and date appended (command #302).

The reader returns an Error message if its tag buffer contains data. The reset reader

command #63 may be transmitted to clear the buffer; however, tag ID data will not be

reported. If this is unacceptable, allow the buffer to empty before re-issuing append

time and date command #30N. Append Time and Date commands are shown in Table

7-4

The reader transmits messages with time and date appended as follows. One space

separates the time from the date.

where

string is a tag ID, error message, or report.

& separates <string> from the time and date.

HH:MM:SS is the time delimiter.

MM/DD/YY is the date delimiter.

Reader response:

Done

Table 7-4 Append Time and Date Commands

Command Append Option

300 No time and date appended

302 Time and date appended (factory default)

Commands

7-9

31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection

Command #31N selects the option of appending auxiliary information to transmitted

IDs, presence-without-tag reports, and input status change reports. Auxiliary informa-

tion is not appended to error messages. The factory-default setting is no auxiliary

information appended. The N variable specifies whether or not auxiliary information

is to be appended. Append Auxiliary Information commands are shown in Table 7-5.

The reader transmits messages with auxiliary information appended as:

where

%separates the auxiliary information and signals the host

computer that auxiliary information is appended.

xx reader ID. Value can be set with command #60NN.

-auxiliary information delimiter

yantenna number. Value fixed at 0.

zz number of reads (00 to FF hexadecimal) of the previous tag

qcurrent status of input0 and input1 (0 to 3). Not applicable to the

MPRR.

Reader response:

Done

ID Filtering — Command Group 4

Group 4 commands set criteria for filtering (buffering or discarding) ID codes. These

commands are useful for eliminating duplicate ID codes and selecting the type of tags

read by the MPRR.

40 Transmit All ID Codes

Command #40 instructs the reader to transmit all IDs without regard for uniqueness.

This command can be useful when tuning the read zone and mapping the footprint or

performing diagnostics.

After diagnostics are complete, you may want to reinstate the uniqueness check using

command #410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria.

Table 7-5 Append Auxiliary Information Commands

Command Append Option

310 No auxiliary information appended (factory default)

311 Auxiliary information appended

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-10

Reader response:

Done

410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature)

Command #410N instructs the reader to buffer and transmit ID codes according to

the following test: an ID is read if previously decoded IDs have changed value at

least N+1 times since the new ID was last received. IDs that do not pass the test are not

read. The factory-default setting is command #4100, which selects a separation of

one ID. Variable N specifies ID separation as shown in Table 7-6.

Each time the reader receives a tag ID, it compares the ID with the contents of a com-

parison register. This register contains the following two items:

Item 1 Most recently acquired ID (different from Item 2)

Item 2 Second-most recently acquired ID (different from Item 3)

Item 3 Third-most recently acquired ID (different from Item 4)

Item 4 Fourth-most recently acquired ID

When the uniqueness filter is set to separation of one ID, the newly acquired ID is

transmitted only if it is different from the first item. Separation of two IDs allows

transmission if the new ID is different from Items 1 and 2 in the comparison register.

Separation of three and four IDs transmit the new ID only if it is different from the

first three and the first four items, respectively.

Note: A new ID can fail the filter test and not be transmitted; however, it remains

stored in the comparison register.

The uniqueness test has a two-minute time limit. If an ID is buffered, it will not be

accepted again unless it arrives at the reader more than two minutes from the previous

arrival or until the receipt of one or more other IDs reset the uniqueness.

Reader response:

Done

420N Select Valid ID Code Criteria

Command #420N directs the reader to validate an ID received only after it has been

Table 7-6 Unique ID Code Criteria

Command Uniqueness Criteria

4100 Separation of 1 ID (factory default)

4101 Separation of 2 IDs

4102 Separation of 3 IDs

4103 Separation of 4 IDs

Commands

7-11

obtained a specified number of times in sequence. Values for N are 0 through 3 (Table

7-7). The factory setting is one acquisition (N = 0).

The validation procedure is executed before the unique ID test (Select Unique ID

Code Criteria [#410N] commands). IDs that do not pass the validation test are not

reported.

For example, command #4203 specifies that the same ID must be obtained from the

antenna/RF module 4 times in succession before it is considered for the uniqueness

test. This feature is useful in installations where RF reflections may cause a single tag

to be read multiple times or where an occasional ID might be read from fringe areas

43 Buffer All ID Codes

Command #43 buffers all acquired ID codes. It effectively cancels any uniqueness

criteria previously set by select unique ID code criteria command 410N.

Note: Command #43 is for diagnostic purposes only.

After diagnostics are complete, reset the select unique ID code criteria using

command 410N.

Reader response:

Done

440 Reset Uniqueness

Command 440 causes the ID filtering process set by Select Unique ID Code Criteria

(#410N) to restart. It is used in conjunction with the Variable Timeout #44N) com-

mands. This command provides a one-time reset at which point the previously set

time-out interval resumes. This command can be sent in data or command mode.

44N Set Uniqueness Timeout

Places a time limit on the uniqueness criterion set by Select Unique ID Code Criteria

(#410N). The parameter N sets the number of minutes on the time-out clock. The

factory setting is two minutes (N = 1).

Command Time-Out Clock

#441 2 minutes (factory setting)

Table 7-7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames

Command Valid Code Frames

4200 1 (factory default)

4201 2

4202 3

4203 4

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-12

#442 15 seconds

#443 30 seconds

Entering these commands effectively expires the time-out clock, which erases all cur-

rent IDs in the comparison register. In effect, the first ID that is acquired after the

clock expires always appears to be new and is stored. Newly acquired IDs are only

tested against IDs that are registered after the clock resets.

The time-out clock is continually reset (does not expire) as long as the reader receives

the same tag ID. For example, assume that the time-out clock is set for 2 minutes and

there is a railcar parked on a siding in front of the reader. Without this reset feature, the

railcar’s ID would be reported every 2 minutes (each time the time-out clock expired).

452 Disable Tag Translation Mode (Factory Default)

Command #452 disables tag translation mode. Incoming full-frame tags will be

directly converted to ASCII. They will not be translated from Association of

American Railroads (AAR) and American Trucking Associations (ATA) format to

ASCII.

Reader response:

Done

453 Enable Tag Translation Mode

Command #453 enables the translation of tags in AAR and ATA formats. Specific

data fields, such as owner ID and car number, will be extracted from these tags,

translated according to AAR or ATA standards, and converted to ASCII. Tags that are

not programmed in AAR or ATA format will be directly converted to ASCII. The

reader will not attempt to translate data from half-frame or dual-frame tags.

Reader response:

Done

454 Disable Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default)

Command #454 is a default set in the factory to disable the multi-tag sort function.

Reader response:

Done

455 Enable Multi-tag Sort

Command #455 enables the multi-tag sort function that allows the reader to identify

unique tags within a group of Intellitag-based tags. Multi-tag sort allows full operation

of the tags and reader to be carried out with any number of tags in the presence of the

reader.

Reader response:

Done

Note: Enabling the multi-tag sort function adversely affects the vehicle speed at

which tags may be read. If there is only one Intellitag-based tag in the vehicles of the

target population, multi-tag sort should be disabled.

Commands

7-13

456 Enable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag

Sort (Factory Default)

Command #456 enables the reader to send the SeGo protocol tag initialize command

as part of the multi-tag sort function. When the reader sends the SeGo protocol tag ini-

tialize command, all tags in the RF field reenter the sort process.

Reader response:

Done

457 Disable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag

Sort

Command #457 disables the reader from sending the SeGo protocol tag initialize

command as part of the multi-tag sort function. Any SeGo protocol tags already iden-

tified by the reader during the sort process will not be re-identified as long as they

remain powered in the RF field. The reader will only identify new tags that come into

the RF field or tags that do not remain powered in the RF field.

Reader response:

Done

480 Disable ATA

Command #480 disables the reader from reading ATA protocol tags.

481 Enable ATA

Command #481 enables the reader to read ATA protocol data from tags if the reader

is programmed to read this tag protocol.

484 Disable SeGo

Command #484 disables the reader from reading SeGo protocol data from tags.

485 Enable SeGo

Command #485 enables the reader to read SeGo protocol data from tags if the reader

is programmed to read this tag protocol.

488 Disable eATA

Command #488 disables the reader from reading factory-programmed eATA data

from tags.

489 Enable eATA

Command #489 enables the reader to read factory-programmed eATA data from

SeGo protocol tags.

496 Disable Alternate Group Select (Factory Default)

Command #496 disables the alternate group select function that allows the reader to

distinguish tags meeting specific criteria pre-programmed into the tags.

Reader response:

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-14

Done

497 Enable Alternate Group Select

Command #497 enables the alternate group select function that allows the reader to

distinguish tags meeting specific criteria pre-programmed into the tags.

Reader response:

Done

Reader Status — Command Group 5

Group 5 commands provide status reports on the parameters and operation of the

reader.

505 Display Software Version

Command #505 displays the reader model number, software version information, and

assigned serial number.

Reader response:

Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNYYYYYY

where

X.XX Version number

YYYYYY Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on

the reader product label

506 Display Hardware Configuration Information

Command #506 displays hardware configuration information stored in the reader

memory by the user. Hardware configuration information is empty by default until

you set the information to any 20 character ASCII string desired using command

#696S...S.

Reader response:

An ASCII string from 1 to 20 characters in length

510 Display RF Transceiver FPGA Version

Command #510 displays RF FPGA VER = XX.XX

511 Display RF Transceiver I Filter Chip Version

Command #511 displays FIL IC I VER = XX.XX

512 Display RF Transceiver Q Filter Chip Version

Command #512 displays FIL IC Q VER = XX.XX

513 Display DSP Board Actel Version

Command #513 displays DSP FPGA VER = XX.XX

Commands

7-15

520 Display Power Fail Bit

Command #520 displays the value of the reader power fail bit. The power fail bit

changes from 0 to 1 when power to the reader is interrupted. To reset the bit, use com-

mand #63 Reset Reader or command #65 Reset Power Fail Bit. On initial power-up,

the host should transmit one of these two commands to clear the power fail bit.

Reader response:

PWRB P<0 to 1>R0

where

P0 No power failure detected

P1 Power failure detected

R0 Not applicable to the MPRR

521 Display Reader ID Number

Command #521 displays the reader ID that is sent in the auxiliary data field.

Reader response:

RDID xx

where xx = 01 to FF (hexadecimal)

522 Display Communications Port Parameters

Command #522 displays the selected communications port parameters, including the

baud rate (#100N), the number of stop bits (#101N), the parity scheme (#102N), and

the end-of-line delay.

Reader response:

MAIN B<2 to 7> S<0 to 1> P<0 to 2> D0

where

B2 1200 baud

B3 2400 baud

B4 4800 baud

B5 9600 baud (factory default)

B6 19.2 kbps

B7 38.4 kbps

S0 one stop bit (factory default)

S1 two stop bits

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-16

P0 no parity (factory default)

P1 even parity

P2 odd parity

D0 00 ms end-of-line delay (fixed)

One space is required between each value. For example, if factory default settings are

assigned, the reader message is

MAIN B5 S0 P0 D0

indicating 9600 baud, one stop bit, no parity, and 0 ms end-of-line delay.

Note: The information transmitted in response to command #522 applies to data and

command mode operation only. While operating in download mode, default communi-

cations parameters are always used.

524 Display Appended Information Status

Command #524 displays the information being appended to the reader transmissions.

Command #31N appends information.

Reader response:

IDAP T<0 to 1> D<0 to 1> X<0 to 1>

where

T0 Time not appended

T1 Time appended

D0 Date not appended

D1 Date appended

X0 Auxiliary information not appended (factory default)

X1 Auxiliary information appended

One space is required between each value. For example, if factory-default settings are

assigned, the reader response is

IDAP T1 D1 X0

indicating time and date appended, and auxiliary information not appended.

Note: Time and date may be appended to ID codes, error messages, presence without

tag reports, and input status change reports. Auxiliary information may only be

appended to ID codes, presence without tag reports, and input change reports.

Commands

7-17

525 Display Communications Protocol Status

Command #525 displays the status of command #61N Selected Communications

Protocol, command #614N Selected Mode of Flow Control, and command #612NN

ECP Timeout.

Reader response:

ECPS P<0 to 1> T<01 to FF> X<0 to 2> S0

where

P0 Basic protocol enabled (factory default)

P1 ECP enabled

Txx ECP timeout where xx = 01 to FE (hexadecimal)

Timeout (ms) = 50 * xx

If xx = FF timeout disabled

X0 Flow control disabled

X1 Software flow control enabled (factory default)

X2 Hardware flow control enabled

S0 start of message character is #

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is:

ECPS P0 TFE X1 S0

which means basic protocol enabled, an ECP timeout of 254 (12,700 ms, 12.7 sec),

software flow control enabled, and start of message character is #.

527 Display RF Status

Command #527 displays the current status of the RF module. The reader response

indicates whether RF is controlled externally by the host, set by command #640N RF

Control, or internally by input set by command #641 (not applicable to the MPRR).

RF always controlled by Sense0 and Sense1 when reader is in MPRR mode. See

“MUX Operational Modes” on page 7-35. Command #527 also displays the current

RF status and the uniqueness timeout.

Note: If you enter RF settings using command #642NN, the display command for RF

output frequency, F is “Fxx” and indicates use of the backward-compatible frequency

entry method.

Reader response:

RFST C<0 to 1> O<0 to 1> T<1 to 3> Fxxx Rxx Gxx Axx Ixx

where

C0 RF controlled by host

C1 RF controlled by presence sensor on input0, the red/green pair

(factory default)

O0 RF off

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-18

O1 RF on

T1 Uniqueness timeout of two minutes

T2 Uniqueness timeout of 15 seconds

T3 Uniqueness timeout of 30 seconds

Fxxx RF output frequency, xxx = 000 to 118 hexadecimal offset in 250

kHz from 860 MHz. If an invalid frequency value is stored

(corrupted NVRAM), then xxx = “XXX” to indicate an error in

the frequency setting.

Rxx Tag decoder range (distance) for ATA tags, xx = 00 to 1F

hexadecimal range value

Gxx Tag decoder range (distance) for SeGo protocol tags, xx = 00 to

1F hexadecimal range value

Axx RF power attenuation, where 00 is maximum output power and

0A is minimum output power (10dB less than maximum power).

Ixx IAG RF power attenuation, where 00 is maximum output power

and 0F is minimum output power (15 dB less than maximum

power)

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

RFST C1 O0 T1 Fxx R1F G1F A00 I04

which means that RF is enabled by presence sensor on input0, RF signal off, unique-

ness timeout of two minutes, RF output frequency has not been set, maximum RF out-

put range for ATA tags, maximum RF output range for eGo and eGo Plus tags, full RF

power, and IAG power set at 4 dB attenuation.

529 Display Presence Input Status

Command #529 displays the parameters associated with presence detection and RF

control. The reader’s message indicates if presence without tag reports are enabled/

disabled (#690N Select Presence without Tag Report Option), if input inversion is

enabled/disabled (#694N Select Input Inversion Option), and the minimum presence

true period (always true). The reader’s message also reports the selected RF timeout

(#693N Select RF Timeout Period) and the selected means of RF-off control (#692N

Select RF Control Algorithm). If presence without tag reports is enabled (#6901

Enable Presence without Tag Reports), the reader transmits a report if a presence is

detected without the subsequent acquisition of a valid tag.

Note: RF timeout values vary depending on the operative tag read mode and the type

of tag in the read field. All times are approximate.

Reader response:

PRST P<0 to 1> D0 A<0 to 2> T<0 to F> I<0 to 1>

Commands

7-19

where

P0 Presence without tag reports disabled (factory default)

P1 Presence without tag reports enabled

D0 Minimum presence true period of 0 ms (fixed)

A0 RF off on timeout only

A1 RF off on timeout or tag

A2 RF off on timeout or presence condition false (factory default)

T0 RF timeout of 0 ms (always expired)

T1 4 ms

T2 8 ms

T3 12 ms

T4 20 ms

T5 24 ms

T6 32 ms

T7 48 ms

T8 60 ms

T9 92 ms

TA 152 ms

TB 300 ms

TC 452 ms

TD 600 ms

TE 752 ms

TF RF timeout infinite, never expires (factory default)

I0 input inversion disabled (factory default)

I1 input inversion enabled

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-20

PRST P0 D0 A2 TF I0

which means that presence without tag reports is disabled, minimum presence true

period is 0, RF off control on timeout or presence false, infinite RF timeout, and input

inversion disabled.

530 Display RF0 Filter Status

Command #530 displays the parameter set for the RF input, including the selected

unique ID code criteria (#410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria) and the valid ID code

criteria, which are fixed at one acquisition.

Reader response:

RF0S U<0 to 2> V0

where

U0 One ID separation (factory default)

U1 Two ID separations

U2 Transmit all IDs

V0 Valid ID code criteria of one acquisition (fixed)

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

RF0S U0 V0

which means separation of one ID for uniqueness filtering and a valid ID code criteria

of one acquisition.

534 Display Tag Translation Mode Status

Command #534 displays tag translation mode status, enabled or disabled. If tag

translation mode is enabled, incoming full-frame tags in AAR or ATA format are

translated according to ISO standards. Refer to “452 Disable Tag Translation Mode

(Factory Default)” on page 7-12 and “453 Enable Tag Translation Mode” on page 7-

12 for more information.

Reader response:

TT <0 to 1>

where

0tag translation mode disabled

1tag translation mode enabled

537 Display Echo Status

Command #537 displays echo mode status. In basic protocol (#610 Select Basic

Protocol), the reader may be configured to enable (#6171 Enable Echo Mode) or dis-

able (#6170 Disable Echo Mode) the echo of received commands. Refer to sections

6170 Disable Echo Mode and “6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default)” on page 7-

25 for more information.

Commands

7-21

Reader response:

ECHO <0 to 1>

where

0Echo status disabled (factory default)

1Echo status enabled

540 Display Flash Checksum

Command #540 displays the flash memory checksum.

Reader response:

PCKS I0000 Exxxx

where

0000 Not applicable to the MPRR

xxxx Represents the four-byte ASCII representation of the flash

memory checksum

543 Display Boot Checksum

Command #543 displays the boot ROM checksum.

Reader response:

BCKS xxxx

where xxxx represents the four-byte ASCII representation of the boot ROM check-

sum.

552 Display Antenna Multiplexing Mode

Command #552 displays the antenna multiplexing mode When the MPRR mode is

enabled, the response is

Reader response:

MUX <x>

where

x = 0 antenna multiplexing disabled, RF on port 0 only

x = 1 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active

x = 2 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active and

RF port 2 when sense1 active

x = 3 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active and

RF ports 2 and 3 when sense1 active

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-22

560 Request Sensor Status Change

Command #560 displays the sensor status change reporting. Not applicable to the

MPRR

Reader response:

SSTC E<0 to 1>M<0 to 3>

where

E0 Input status change reports disabled (factory default)

E1 Input status change reports enabled

M0 Reporting disabled (factory default)

M1 Changes on input0 reported

M2 Changes on input1 reported

M3 Changes on either input reported

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

SSTC E0 M0

which means that input status change reports are disabled on both input0 and input1.

570 Display Operating Mode Status

Command #570 displays the currently selected tag read mode.

Reader response:

ATA:<E, D> eGo:<I, F, D> SeGo:<I, F, D> IAG:<E, D> Sort:<E, D>

where

I ID (64 bits)

E Enabled

F Full transaction (eATA)

D Disabled

577 Report Buffered Handshakes

Command #577 reports the buffered handshakes. When in MPRR mode and/or if

antenna multiplexing is enabled, the response is

Reader response:

HDSH C0 <ww> C1 <xx> C2 <yy> C3 <zz>

where

ww is count from part 0, xx is count from part 1, yy is count from part 2, and zz is

count from part 3.

Commands

7-23

Reader Control Functions — Command Group 6

Group 6 commands set reader control functions such as reader ID, communication

protocol, output pulse, and RF control.

60NN Set Reader ID Number

Command #60NN sets the reader ID that will be sent in the auxiliary data field (com-

mand #311). Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for NN; for example, hex

digits A though F or a through f

where NN = 00 to FF (hex for 0 to 255, factory default = 00).

Reader response:

Done

610 Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default)

Command #610 enables the basic communications protocol.

Reader response:

Done

611 Select Error Correcting Protocol

Command #611 enables the error correcting protocol.

Reader response:

Done

Caution

Do not switch to ECP (command #611 Select Error Correcting Protocol) unless

the host is prepared to acknowledge each reader transmission.

612NN Select Error Correcting Protocol Timeout

Command #612NN selects the timeout interval for ECP. This timeout applies to the

transmission of tag, report, and error messages and to the receipt of host commands.

The transmit timeout is initiated immediately after the end-of-message sequence CR/

LF is transmitted. If the host does not acknowledge the message within the specified

interval, the reader times out and retransmits the message.

The receive timeout is initiated upon receipt of the start-of-message character (#). If

the end-of-message character (CR) is not received within the specified interval, the

reader discards the partially received message and resets its receiver.

Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for NN; for example, hex digits A

through F or a through f.

The value for NN specifies the timeout interval as follows:

ms 50 * NN for NN = 01 to FE (1–254)

FE Factory default (12,700 ms, 12.7 seconds)

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-24

FF Disables the ECP timeout

Reader response:

Done

Caution

Ensure that the ECP timeout is sufficient for a given baud rate.

613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol

Command #613 enable the data inquiry protocol.

Reader response:

Done

614N Select Flow Control Option

Command #614N selects the flow control option for reader-to-host communications.

The factory default setting is software flow control (XON/XOFF) enabled. In down-

load mode, flow control is not host-selectable; it is fixed at the default setting. How-

ever, during data mode and command mode operation, the following flow control

options are available. The N variable specifies flow control as shown in Table 7-8.

Reader response:

Done

If the reader is configured for software flow control (XON/XOFF), it stops transmit-

ting if it receives an XOFF character (host software command 13H). It does not

resume transmitting until it receives an XON character (host software command 11H).

If the reader is configured for hardware flow control (RTS/CTS, request to send/clear

to send), it stops transmission if it detects that the CTS line is no longer asserted. It

resumes transmission when this line is asserted again.

Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF flow control be disabled while using

the ECP.

6170 Disable Echo Mode

Command #6170 disables the reader’s echo of received host commands. If operating

in basic protocol or data inquiry protocol, the reader echoes by default. As the reader

receives a host command, it echoes each character of the command. Once the entire

command has been received and processed, the reader transmits its response. If echo-

Table 7-8 Flow Control Commands

Command Flow Control Option

6140 Disable flow control

6141 Enable software flow control (factory default)

6142 Enable hardware flow control

Commands

7-25

ing is disabled with command #6170, the reader does not echo the command, but

only transmits its response. The reader never echoes while in ECP or download mode

operation.

Reader response:

Done

6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default)

Command #6171 enables the reader to echo received host commands. Command

#6170 disables echo mode.

Reader response:

Done

63 Reset Reader

Command #63 resets the power fail bit, clears all buffers, resets tag uniqueness, turns

off both output lines, transmits the sign-on message, and returns to the data mode.

Note: This command does not reset any other configuration parameters.

Reader response:

Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNYYYYYY

where

X.XXD Version number

YYYYYY Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on

the reader product label.

640N RF Control

Command #640N directly controls the RF module. The N value controls the RF

power as shown in Table 7-9.

Note: These commands only have an effect when the reader is not in MPRR mode.

See commands #836 and #837.

Command #6400 disables RF-by-input control command #641 Select RF-by-Input

Control.

Table 7-9 RF Control Commands

Command RF Power

6400 Turns off RF

6401 Turns on RF

6402 Turns on continuous wave (CW) RF until

command 6400 or 641 is received by the

reader.

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-26

Reader response:

Done

641 Select RF-by-Input Control (Factory Default)

Command #641 configures the reader for RF-by-input control. The reader automati-

cally turns on RF when it detects a presence through sense0. The reader turns off RF

according to the selected RF control algorithm (#692N Select RF Control Algorithm).

Note: This command only has an effect when the reader is not in MPRR mode.

Reader response:

Done

643NN Select ATA Operating Range (Distance)

Command #643NN selects the read range for ATA tags where NN is a hexadecimal

value from 00 to 1F; the range increases with increasing NN value. The range can be

adjusted for 32 discrete values where 00 is the shortest range and 1F is the longest

range. The default range value is 1F.

Reader response:

Done

644NN Set RF Attenuation

Command #644NN sets the attenuation control for the output RF power where NN is

a hexidecimal value from 00 to 0A. Settings for attenuation are 1.0 dB increments

over a range of 10 dB of attenuation from the maximum power setting of 2 watts at 0-

dB attenuation to a minimum power level of 200 milliwatts at 10-dB attenuation.

The Set RF Attenuation command NN variables and corresponding attenuation set-

tings are shown in Table 7-10.

Table 7-10 RF Attenuation Command Variables

Variable (NN) Attenuation

Setting (dB)

00 0 (factory default)

01 1

02 2

03 3

04 4

05 5

06 6

07 7

Commands

7-27

Reader response:

Done

645NN Set SeGo Protocol Operating Range (Distance)

Command #645NN sets the read range for SeGo protocol tags where NN is a hexadec-

imal value from 00 to 1F; the range increases with increasing NN value. The range can

be adjusted for 32 discrete values where 00 is the shortest range and 1F is the longest

range. The default range value is 1F.

Reader response:

Done

647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency

Command #647XXX sets the reader RF from 860 to 930 MHz in 250-kHz steps,

where XXX is a hexadecimal value from 000 to 118. After the reader’s frequency is

set, the value is stored in non-volatile RAM (NVRAM). This value is not altered by

power-down.

If the NVRAM becomes corrupted, the correct operating frequency cannot be guaran-

teed. In this circumstance, the RF section shuts down and the reader sends an

Error06 message to the host. Until the frequency is reset using command #647XXX,

the unit displays the same error message every time it is powered up or if an attempt is

made to enable the RF by host or by external sensor.

The commands to set the RF frequency are presented in Table 7-11.

08 8

09 9

0A 10

Table 7-11 Select RF Frequency Commands

Command RF Frequency (MHz)

647000 860.00

6470CF 911.75

6470D0 912.00

Table 7-10 RF Attenuation Command Variables (continued)

Variable (NN) Attenuation

Setting (dB)

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-28

Reader response:

Done

65 Reset Power Fail Bit

Command #65 resets the power fail bit to 0. The bit changes from 0 to 1 when power

is restored to the reader. Upon reader power-up, the host transmits either command

#65 or #63 Reset Reader to properly initialize this bit. The current state of the power

fail bit may be displayed. Refer to “520 Display Power Fail Bit” on page 7-15 for

more information.

6470D1 912.25

6470D2 912.50

6470D3 912.75

6470D4 913.00

6470EA 918.50

6470EB 918.75

6470EC 919.00

6470ED 919.25

6470EE 919.50

6470EF 919.75

657113 928.75

647114 929.00

647115 929.25

647116 929.50

647117 929.75

647118 930.00

Table 7-11 Select RF Frequency Commands (continued)

Command RF Frequency (MHz)

Commands

7-29

Reader response:

Done

66F Load Default Operating Parameters

Command #66F loads all the factory default operating parameters except RF operat-

ing frequency. Refer to Table 8-2, MPRR Default Configuration Settings” for a listing

of the defaults.

Reader response:

Done All parameters loaded OK

Error A parameter load failed

690N Select Presence Without Tag Report Option

Command #690N enables or disables the presence without tag report option. If the

presence without tag reporting option is enabled using command #6901, input

reports are transmitted when a tag presence is detected without the subsequent acqui-

sition of a valid tag. The value for N specifies the reports as shown in Table 7-12.

Note: These commands only have an effect when the reader is not in MPRR mode.

Reader response:

Done

Refer to “Basic Protocol and ECP Format” on page 6-5 for message format informa-

tion.

692N Select RF Control Algorithm

Command #692N selects the algorithm for turning off RF power when RF-by-input

control is enabled using command #641 Select RF-by-Input Control.

The values for N specify the RF control algorithms as shown in Table 7-13.

Note: These commands only have an effect when the reader is not in MPRR mode.

Table 7-12 Presence Without Tag Report Commands

Command Report Option

6900 Disable presence without tag reports (factory

default)

6901 Enable presence without tag reports

Table 7-13 RF Control Algorithm Commands

Command RF Power Off

6920 On timeout only

6921 Timeout or tag ID acquired

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-30

Command #6920 turns off RF power based on the timeout established by command

#693N Set RF Timeout Period.

Command #6921 allows RF power to be turned off either after the timeout period or

upon acquisition of a valid tag ID, whichever occurs first.

Command #6922 turns off RF power either after the timeout period or upon the pres-

ence false condition, whichever occurs first.

Reader response:

Done

693N Select RF Timeout Period

Command #693N selects the RF timeout period used by command #692N Select RF

Control Algorithm. Values for N range from 0 through F.

Command #693F disables the RF timeout. The reader turns off the RF immediately

following the acquisition of a valid tag, whether or not it is unique.

Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for N; for example, hex digits A

through F or a through f. The commands and corresponding timeouts are shown in

Table 7-14.

Note: These commands only have an effect when the reader is not in MPRR mode.

6922 Timeout or presence false (factory default)

Table 7-14 Timeout Period Values

Command Timeout (ms)

6930 0 (always expired)

6931 4

6932 8

6933 12

6934 20

6935 24

6936 32

6937 48

6938 60

6939 92

693A 152

Table 7-13 RF Control Algorithm Commands

Command RF Power Off

Commands

7-31

Reader response:

Done or Error.

The reader returns an Error message if a valid hexadecimal digit is not substituted

for N in command #693N.

694N Select Input Inversion Option

Command #694N enables or disables input inversion. When inversion is enabled, an

open circuit input is interpreted as a closed circuit, and a closed circuit input is inter-

preted as an open circuit. This feature allows greater flexibility in the attachment of

external equipment to the reader inputs. For example, some proximity sensors indicate

presence with an open circuit. In this instance, command #6941 can enable input

inversion so that an open circuit input indicates a presence. The values for N represent

the two inversion options as shown in Table 7-15.

Reader response:

Done

695S...S Set Serial Number

Command #695 assigns the reader serial number according to the format:

695SSSSSS

where SSSSSS is the serial number.

The serial number may contain as many as six uppercase or lowercase ASCII alphanu-

meric characters.

Note: The factory-assigned serial number of the reader contains seven characters.

However, to maintain backward compatibility, the reader software allows only six

693B 300

693C 452

693D 600

693E 752

693F Infinite (never expires, factory

default)

Table 7-15 Input Inversion Options

Command Option

6940 Disable input inversion (factory default)

6941 Enable input inversion

Table 7-14 Timeout Period Values (continued)

Command Timeout (ms)

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-32

characters to be entered. When setting the serial number, skip the fourth (middle)

character of the seven-character number shown on the reader product label.

Note: Once assigned, the serial number is preserved during power-down and the

loading of default parameters.

Reader response:

Done

696S...S Store Hardware Configuration String

Command #696S...S stores hardware configuration information into reader mem-

ory.

The hardware configuration string is assigned according to the following format:

696S...S

where S...S is the hardware configuration string that may contain as many as 20

uppercase or lowercase ASCII alphanumeric characters.

Note: Once assigned, configuration information is preserved during power-down and

the loading of default parameters.

Reader response:

Done

Auxiliary Reader Control — Command Group 8

Group 8 commands provide control of reader functions, such as the sense input lines.

8110

Command #8110 turns on RF port0, sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to fire off

Ctag address 0.

8111

Command #8111 turns on RF port1 and sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to fire off

Ctag address 1.

8112

Command #8112 turns on RF port2 and sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to fire off

Ctag address 0.

8113

Command #8113 turns RF port3 and sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to fire off

Ctag address 1.

8142X

Command #8142X sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to set the Ctag character.

Commands

7-33

8143X

Command #8143X sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag character.

8150

Command #8150 sets the check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 0.

8151

Command #8151 sets the check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 0.

8152

Command #8152 send the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag address to 0.

8153

Command #8153 send the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag address to 1.

830 Disable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report (Factory

Default)

Command #830 is a default set in the factory to disable the automatic periodic RF

status report.

Reader response:

Done

831 Enable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report

Command #831 enables the automatic periodic RF status report. This function sends

out a periodic RF status report if no other message (a tag read) is sent from the reader

for a period of time. This message is the same message that would be sent in response

to the #527 Display RF Status command. Enabling this function is helpful in some

sites where there may not be much tag activity, and the user wants an automatic way to

ensure the communication channel with the reader is still intact. With this function

enabled, the host system will get a message from the reader at least every three min-

utes.

Reader response:

Done

836 Disable MPRR Mode

Command #836 disables the MPRR mode.

Reader response:

Done

837 Enable MPRR Mode

Command #837 enables the MPRR mode.

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-34

Reader response:

Done

850 MUX RF Port 0 (Factory Default)

Command #850 enables RF port 0.

Reader response:

Done

851 MUX Between RF Port 0

Command #851 multiplexes between RF port 0.

Reader response:

Done

852 MUX Between RF Ports 0 and 1

Command #852 multiplexes between RF ports 0 and 1.

Reader response:

Done

853 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, and 2

Command #853 multiplexes between RF ports 0, 1, and 2.

Reader response:

Done

891 MUX RF Port 1 Only

Command #891 multiplexes RF port 1 only.

Reader response:

Done

892 MUX RF Port 2 Only

Command #892 multiplexes RF port 2 only.

Reader response:

Done

893 MUX RF Port 3 Only

Command #893 multiplexes RF port 3 only.

Reader response:

Done

Commands

7-35

Check Tag Operation

To enable check tag 0, issue the following commands

#8110 – turn on RF port0, send the command on Ctag pin 0, to fire off Ctag address 0.

#8111 – turn on RF port1, send the command on Ctag pin 0, to fire off Ctag address 1.

#8142X – send the command on Ctag pin 0 to set the Ctag character.

#8150 – send the command on Ctag pin 0 to set the Ctag address to 0.

#8151 – send the command on Ctag pin 0 to set the Ctag address to 1.

To enable check tag 1, issue the following commands

#8112 – turn on RF port2, send the command on Ctag pin 1, to fire off Ctag address 0.

#8113 – turn on RF port3, send the command on Ctag pin 1, to fire off Ctag address 1.

#8143X – send the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag character.

#8152 – send the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag address to 0.

#8153 – send the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag address to 1.

MUX Operational Modes

To enable antenna multiplexing (muxing) operational modes, issue the

following commands

#836/#837 – Disable/enable MPRR mode

#850 – RF port 0 only (factory default)

#851 – mux between RF port 0

#852 – mux between RF port 0, 1

#853 – mux between RF port 0, 1, 2

#552 – Display mux setting. This display message will include “MPRR” if MPRR

mode is enabled (#837).

When MPRR mode is disabled, the reader will continuously step through each port

that has been enabled with #85X, running through whichever tag protocols are

enabled on each port, in order. The reader turning RF on will be qualified “RF on by

sense” setting. Command #6401 is used to turn RF on continuously and bypass the RF

on by sense. Sense0 is used for all antennas that are enabled, if RF is turned on by

sense, #641.

When MPRR mode is enabled, you must use Sense0 and Sense1 to turn on RF and

read tags. Sense0, when shorted to reader signal ground, will enable tag reads on RF

ports 0 and 1 (if enabled with #851) and Sense1 will enable tag reads on Ports 2 and 3

(if enabled with #853). For example, if commands #837 and #853 have been entered,

Sense0 is open, Sense1 shorted, and the reader is in data mode, the reader will attempt

tag reads toggling between RF ports 2 and 3 only. Smart muxing, ATA tag data sniff-

Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

7-36

ing and ATA dwell of two handshakes per antenna is automatic in MPRR mode.

MUX Test Modes

To enable antenna muxing test modes, issue the following commands

#891 – RF port 1 only

#892 – RF port 2 only

#893 – RF port 3 only

To use these test modes, MPRR mode must be disabled (#836) and muxing must be

disabled (#850). These command modes are not saved to non volatile memory, and

will be cleared by a power cycle of the reader, or by enabling either MPRR mode or

muxing. When these modes are enabled, the reader will continually run through

whichever tag protocols have been enabled, but only on the selected RF port. These

test mode commands are qualified by the RF on by sense settings. Use #6401 to dis-

able RF on by sense, if desired.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail

Reader

8-3

Chapter 8

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

This chapter provides instructions for configuring the Multiprotocol Rail

Reader (MPRR), including factory configuration parameter defaults and

instructions for using terminal emulation software to check and change

the MPRR factory configuration defaults.

Configuring the Reader

After installing the MPRR, you need to configure its operating parameters. Terminal

settings should be initially set at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no

flow control.

General Configuration Labeling

Each MPRR and its shipping carton are labeled to indicate the unit’s general configu-

ration. Table 8-1 contains explanations of the MPRR label fields.

Table 8-1 MPRR Configuration Label Fields

Field Description

1st TransCore reader designator (10-)

2nd Model number

To be provided in the final version of the guide (7032-)

3rd Interface

To be provided in the final version of the guide (TBD-)

4th To be provided in the final version of the guide (TBD-)

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-4

Default Operating Parameter Settings

Table 8-2 contains the factory default configuration settings for the MPRR operating

parameters.The default configuration settings may not be the correct operating config-

uration settings for a specific site. Changes to the configuration settings may have to

be made, depending on the site plan, as described in Chapter 2 “Developing the Site

Plan.”

Review the default configurations shown in Table 8-2 to determine which parameters,

in addition to operating frequency and operating range, need to be adjusted. Refer to

Chapter 7, “Commands,” for a complete list of parameters and the corresponding

commands.

Note: The dual-protocol MPRR internal timing varies depending on the operative tag

read mode and the type of tag in the read field.

Table 8-2 MPRR Default Configuration Settings

Parameter Setting Command

Operating mode Data 00

Baud rate 9600 1005

Stop bits 1 1010

Parity None 1020

Time and data appended Enabled 302

Auxiliary information appended Disabled 310

Unique ID code criteria Separation of 1 ID 4100

Tag translation mode Disabled 452

Multi-tag sort Disabled 454

SeGo protocol tag initialization

during multi-tag sort Enabled 456

Alternate group select Disabled 496

Reader ID number 00 6000

Communications protocol Basic 610

Error correcting protocol (ECP)

timeout 12.7 sec 612FE

Flow control Software (XON/XOFF) 6141

Echo mode Enabled 6171

ATA operating range Maximum 6431F

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-5

a. Local laws apply. The authorized frequency band for the TransCore MPRR in the

United States is 911.75 MHz to 919.75 MHz. Contact TransCore if your application

requires a frequency outside of this range.

Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation Software

To configure the MPRR using a PC and terminal emulation software to manually

enter MPRR host commands, follow the instructions in the section “Connecting the

MPRR to the Host” on page 4-9. Then, enter the appropriate configuration commands

through the terminal emulation software on the host.

See Chapter 7, “Commands,” for a detailed description of all available configuration

commands.

Starting the Terminal Emulation Software

You can use a PC and any terminal emulation software to enter the host commands to

download flash software, configure reader operating parameters, perform diagnostics,

and retrieve tag data. The following procedures show examples using Hyper Termi-

nal™, an application included with Microsoft Windows. Most terminal emulation

applications have a similar sequence for launching.

To start the terminal emulation software

1. At the command prompt, type your terminal emulation start command; or if

using Windows Hyper Terminal, select:

RF attenuation Full power 64400

SeGo protocol tag operating

range Maximum 6451F

Sense output pulse duration 228 ms 67C

Presence without tag reports Disabled 6900

RF-off control Timeout or no presence 6922

RF timeout Never true 693F

Input inversion Disabled 6940

Serial number NNNNNN 695

Store hardware configuration Hardware configuration not

known 696

Input status change reports Disabled 820

Automatic periodic RF status

report Disabled 830

Table 8-2 MPRR Default Configuration Settings (continued)

Parameter Setting Command

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-6

Programs>Accessories>Hyperterm

and press ENTER.

The application displays the Connection Description dialog box as shown in

Figure 8-1.

Figure 8-1 Connection Description Dialog Box

2. Enter a name for the session and click OK.

The application displays the Phone Number dialog box as shown in Figure 8-2.

Figure 8-2 Phone Number Dialog Box

3. From the Connect using pull-down list, choose the Com 1 option (or whichever

com port on the PC to which the RS-232 cable is attached) and click OK.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-7

The application displays the COM1 Properties dialog box as shown in

Figure 8-3.

Figure 8-3 COM 1 Properties Dialog Box

4. In the pull-down lists on the COM1 Properties dialog box, choose the following

values:

•Bits per second: 9600 baud

•Data bits: 8

•Parity: None

•Stop bits: 1

•Flow control: None

Click OK.

The application displays the configparms - Hyper Terminal main screen as

shown in Figure 8-4.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-8

Figure 8-4 Hyper Terminal Main Screen

Verifying Communications

You must verify that the MPRR and the PC or laptop are communicating.

To verify communications

1. Start the terminal emulation application as described previously in “Starting the

Terminal Emulation Software” on page 8-5.

Note: When testing the MPRR using a laptop, TransCore recommends that you con-

figure laptop communication parameters to match those of the host computer to which

the MPRR will be connected after testing and configuration are completed.

2. Cycle the power on the MPRR.

Upon startup, the MPRR transmits a sign-on message, displayed on the terminal

emulation screen as shown in Figure 8-5, or a boot ROM failure message.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-9

Figure 8-5 Sign-on Message

The sign-on message appears as follows:

Model [software version] SNYYYYYY

[Copyright notice]

where YYYYYY is the serial number assigned to the MPRR skipping the fourth

character printed on the reader product label.

Serial number 000000 is the default setting and is not a valid number. If this

number appears in the sign-on message, the serial number has never been stored

into reader memory. Contact TransCore Technical Support.

If the flash memory checksum is not verifiable, the sign-on message appears as

follows:

Model [E4 BOOT] Ver 0.00 A

[Copyright notice]

If the failure message version number equals 0.00 E and no serial number exists,

the flash memory checksum has failed, and the MPRR is operating out of boot

ROM. In this case, the MPRR automatically enters download mode and waits for

a new program to be loaded into the flash memory. Follow the instructions in

“Program Download” on page 5-5.

Communications can also be verified by using the command sequence in

Table 8-3.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-10

Table 8-3 Command Sequence to Verify Communications

3. If a successful sign-on message is not returned, check connections and

communications factors and correct any errors.

To check connections and communications factors

1. Confirm that the MPRR has power.

2. Verify the connections between the PC and the MPRR.

3. Verify the receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) connections.

4. If using handshaking, verify the RTS and CTS connections.

5. Verify the COM port settings for the MPRR using the instructions in “Serial Port

Communications” on page 8-16.

Repeat the procedures in “Verifying Communications” on page 8-8.

If you still cannot verify the MPRR and PC communications, use the information in

“Technical Support” on page 9-6 to contact TransCore.

Verifying Tag Read Capability

After verifying communications between the MPRR and the PC, verify the capability

to read tags.

Note: The default tag read mode of the reader is the protocol(s) programmed into the

reader. Table 8-1 shows how to determine which tag protocol(s) your MPRR

supports. Use only those test tags programmed with the correct protocol(s) for the

reader.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR using an external antenna, you must connect the

antenna before applying power to the reader.

To verify tag read capability

1. Once communications are verified as described in “Verifying Communications”

on page 8-8, enter the following sequence of commands to turn on continuous

RF:

• #01

• #6401

• #40

• #00

Entry MPRR Response Notes

#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches the MPRR to command

mode.

#505 <CR> #Model E4 Series Ver X.XX

SN97001P <CR/LF> Reports the software version and

serial number.

#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns the MPRR to data mode.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-11

2. Pass one test tag in front of the unit. If the MPRR reads the tag, the terminal

emulation application displays the tag information on the screen as shown in

Figure 8-6.

Figure 8-6 Successful Tag Read

If the tag ID is not displayed, perform the following actions:

•Verify that the MPRR is in data mode (command #00 Switch to

Data Mode).

•Ensure that the tag you are using is compatible with the MPRR.

The MPRR can read tag types that are compatible with the reader

model.

•An MPRR displays the tag read for any tag that is compatible

with the reader programming. Table 8-1 shows how to determine

which tag protocol(s) your MPRR supports.

•Using the audible circuit tester as described in “Testing the

MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester” on page 4-4, verify that

the reader is capable of reading the tag in the read zone. If it is,

the problem is probably in the communications between the

MPRR and the host.

3. Pass a different reader-compatible test tag in front of your MPRR.

4. When the MPRR reads the second tag successfully, the terminal emulation

application displays that tag’s information in the main screen below the

information for the first tag, as shown in Figure 8-7.

Figure 8-7 Second Successful Tag Read

Successful

Tag Read

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-12

If the read is unsuccessful, perform the following actions:

•Ensure the tag you are using is compatible with the MPRR.

•Using the audible circuit tester as described in “Testing the

MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester” on page 4-4, verify that

the reader is capable of reading the tag in the read zone. If it is,

the problem is probably in the communications between the

MPRR and the host computer.

Configuring MPRR Parameters

Follow the procedures in this section to configure MPRR parameters using a PC, lap-

top, or terminal emulator. The PC or laptop must be connected to and communicating

with the MPRR, and the terminal emulation application must be configured correctly,

as described in the section “Verifying Communications” on page 8-8.

To configure parameters

1. Switch to command mode by typing #01 at the prompt on the terminal

emulation screen, and pressing ENTER.

Note: All MPRR commands are preceded by the start-of-message character (#).

2. To meet requirements of your site, make changes to default operating parameters

as described in the following sections.

The following sections contain procedures to set some of the parameters that are

commonly changed to meet the requirements of a specific site. Procedures are

listed in alphabetical order by parameter.

Appended Tag Data

Use this procedure to set appended tag data parameters using the terminal emulation

application. See “31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection” on page 7-9 for more

information.

To set appended tag data parameters

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #311 to append auxiliary information or command #310 to

have no auxiliary information appended (factory default). Press ENTER.

ID Separation

The host can select a unique ID separation of one ID or two IDs. The reader default

operation is for a unique ID separation of one ID and a uniqueness timeout of

two minutes. You can disable the uniqueness check using command #40 Transmit All

ID Codes. In this case, every tag ID received is transmitted without regard to unique-

ness. You can reinstate uniqueness checking with commands #4100 or #4101 Select

ID Separation.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-13

Note: The MPRR internal timing varies depending on the operative tag read mode

and the type of tag in the read field.

See section “40 Transmit All ID Codes” on page 7-9 and section “410N Select Unique

ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature)” on page 7-10.

To set ID separation parameters

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #4100 to select a separation of one ID; enter command #4101

to select a separation of two IDs. Press ENTER.

Reports

The MPRR can be configured to transmit presence without tag reports and input status

change reports. A presence without tag report is transmitted in data mode only, and

only if the system has a presence detector. This report is sent if a presence is detected

without the detection of a valid tag ID. See sections “529 Display Presence Input Sta-

tus” on page 7-18 and “690N Select Presence Without Tag Report Option” on page 7-

29.

If configured with command #82N Select Input Status Change Report Option to

transmit input status change reports, the reader will transmit a message to the host

computer any time the inputs change state. Input status change reports are transmitted

in data mode only. Input status change reporting is disabled by default. See “560

Request Sensor Status Change” on page 7-22. Also refer to Chapter 6, ”Communica-

tions Protocols” for information on message formats.

To set presence reporting

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #529 to display presence input status and press ENTER. P0

indicates presence without tag reports disabled (factory default), and P1 indicates

presence without tag reports enabled.

3. Enter command #6901 to enable presence without tag reports, or enter

command #6900 to disable presence without tag reports (factory default). Press

ENTER.

To set input status change reporting

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #560 to display input status change report options and press

ENTER.

• EO = input status change reports disabled (factory default)

• E1 = input status change reports enabled

• M0 = reporting disabled (factory default)

• M1 = changes on input0 reported

• M2 = changes on input1 reported

• M3 = changes on either input reported

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-14

3. Enter command #821 to report any change on input0, command #822 to report

any change on input 1, command #823 to report changes on input0 and input1,

or command #820 to disable status change reports (factory default). Press

ENTER.

Reset Reader

Command #63 Reset Reader resets uniqueness, clears the power fail bit, and trans-

mits the sign-on message. The reader returns to data mode following the completion

of this command.

Note: This command does not reset any of the configuration parameters.

See “63 Reset Reader” on page 7-25.

To reset the reader

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #63. Press ENTER.

The terminal emulation screen displays the sign-on message as shown in Figure

8-5 on page 8-9.

Radio Frequency

Caution

The authorized continuous wave (CW) frequency band for the MPRR in the U.S. is

902.25 to 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz. The authorized modulated fre-

quency band for the MPRR in the U.S. is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz. The RF for each

MPRR at the site must be set according to the frequency specified in the FCC site

license. Only trained, authorized installation and maintenance personnel are per-

mitted by FCC to set the RF.

By using the MPRR an authorized person can set the frequency within the range from

902 to 928 MHz in 0.25 MHz steps. You can set the frequency by using a terminal

emulation program and issuing the frequency command, as discussed in section

“647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency” on page 7-27.

Note: For backward compatibility to existing controllers, you can set the RF operat-

ing frequency in 500-kHz steps using command #642NN.

To set the frequency range

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #647XXX – where XXX is a hexadecimal value from 000 to 118

– and press ENTER. See command “647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency”

on page 7-27 for a complete listing of the hexadecimal values and the

corresponding frequencies.

3. To verify that the RF has been changed to the proper setting, type in command

#527 to see the current frequency setting.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-15

Caution

Contact TransCore if your application requires a frequency outside of the autho-

rized frequency range.

RF Transmission

The RF transmission can be controlled by one of the following methods:

•Connecting a vehicle detector to the sense input0 circuit

•The host device sending software commands to the MPRR

As a factory default, the MPRR is configured to control the RF power with a vehicle

detector. Figure 8-8 illustrates the methods of controlling RF sense output.

Figure 8-8 MPRR RF Control Options

Vehicle Detector Controlling RF Transmission

The vehicle detector can be a loop detector, an infrared sensor, or an ultrasonic detec-

tor that is connected to sense input0 to turn on the MPRR RF transmitter. In Figure 8-

8, Option A shows a vehicle detector controlling the RF transmitter. This operation is

preferred because the RF transmits only when a vehicle is in the MPRR read zone.

Command #641 Select RF-by-Input Control (factory default) must be enabled.

To set the option of the vehicle detector controlling the MPRR

Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

Enter command #641. Press ENTER.

Leave the setting on RF-by-input control for normal operation.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-16

Host Controlling RF Transmission

In Figure 8-8, Option B shows the host controlling the RF transmitter.

If the vehicle detector is connected to the host computer, as shown in Option B, com-

mands #6400 RF Off and #6401 RF On sent from the host computer turn on and off

the MPRR RF transmitter.

Sense Inputs

The RS–232 configuration used by the MPRR has two sense inputs — sense input0

and sense input1. Sense0 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 0 and 1 if enabled, and

Sense1 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 2 and 3. The sense input circuits can be

used to notify the MPRR of train presence and are designed to be connected to a free-

of-voltage dry contact. The MPRR sense inputs are designed to connect to a dry con-

tact closure.

You can configure the MPRR to generate input status change reports, which are trans-

mitted like tag IDs. The host can then respond based on the true/false (closed/open)

status of the sense inputs. See the section “Reports” on page 8-13.

The following procedures describe how to set sense inputs using the terminal emula-

tion software. See command “694N Select Input Inversion Option” on page 7-31 for

more information.

To set sense inputs

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #6940 to disable input inversion (factory default) or command

#6941 to enable input inversion, and press ENTER.

Sense Output Device

The sense output is dedicated for testing and set up of the reader. It is defined as

the TAG_LOCK signal, which indicates a valid tag is in the read field.

This sense output is a dry contact that provides a normally open and normally closed

sense output. The relay contacts are rated at 42.2V AC peak (30 Vrms) or 60V DC at

1 A maximum. If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an iso-

lation transformer is required.

Serial Port Communications

The MPRR supports one RS–232 communications port. For the RS–232 communica-

tions specification, the MPRR maintains the following three sets of parameters that

affect serial port communications:

•Port configuration parameters (baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity)

•Communications protocols (basic, error correcting)

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-17

•Flow control scheme (none, software, hardware)

The default serial port configuration for each of these three parameters is as follows:

•9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity

•Basic communications protocol

•Software flow control (XON/XOFF)

You can change these parameters in data mode and command mode operation by issu-

ing commands with the host device. Use the following procedures to set serial port

communications parameters using the terminal emulation program.

Port Configuration Parameters

Use this procedure to set port configuration parameters using the terminal emulation

program. Consult sections “100N Select Baud Rate" through “102N Select Parity” on

page 7-6.

To set baud rate

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #100N and press ENTER.

To set stop bits

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #101N and press ENTER.

To set parity

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #102N and press ENTER.

Communications Protocol

Use the following procedures to set communications protocol. Consult sections “610

Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default)" through “612NN Select

Error Correcting Protocol Timeout” on page 7-23 for more information.

Caution

Do not switch to ECP (command #611) unless the host is prepared to acknowledge

each reader transmission.

To select a communications protocol

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #610 to select basic protocol (factory default) or command

#611 to select ECP and press ENTER.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-18

Software Flow Control

Two modes of flow control are supported — software (XON/XOFF) and hardware

(CTS - clear to send). The host can enable or disable flow control with command

#614N Select Flow Control Option.

The host can use software control characters (XON/XOFF) or the hardware CTS

handshake line to interrupt reader transmissions. When the reader is configured for

software flow control, it stops transmitting if it receives the XOFF character from the

host (host software command 13H). It resumes transmitting only when it receives the

XON character (host software command 11H) from the host. Likewise, when the

reader is configured for hardware flow control, it stops transmitting if it detects that

the CTS line is no longer asserted. It resumes transmitting when this line is asserted. If

flow control is not needed, the reader should be configured for no flow control

(#6140 Disable Flow Control).

Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF flow control be disabled while using

the error correcting protocol.

Use the following procedure to set flow control parameters using the terminal emula-

tion program. See section “614N Select Flow Control Option” on page 7-24.

To select flow control

1. Ensure that the host computer is in command mode.

2. Enter command #6140 to disable flow control, command #6141 to enable

software flow control (factory default), or command #6142 to enable hardware

flow control and press ENTER.

Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone

If the read zone is too wide or too deep for your application, it can be fine-tuned by

physically adjusting the MPRR or external antenna mounting orientation, reprogram-

ming the actual RF power output (#644NN Set RF Attenuation), and/or reprogram-

ming the RF sensitivity range (#643NN Set ATA Operating Range and #645NN Set

SeGo Protocol Tag Operating Range). The combination of these adjustments allows

you to confine the read zone to the area where tagged vehicles pass.

See sections “643NN Select ATA Operating Range (Distance)” on page 7-26, “645NN

Set SeGo Protocol Operating Range (Distance)” on page 7-27, and “644NN Set RF

Attenuation” on page 7-26 for more information.

Note: As described in “Marking the Read Zone” on page 4-10, marking the read pat-

tern using test tags that are not mounted to vehicles give a general idea of the read

pattern but the pattern will vary somewhat when actual vehicles with tags are tested.

Final adjustments must be made with tags properly mounted on a variety of vehicles.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-19

Physically Orienting the MPRR Antenna(s)

You can manually adjust the location of the read zone by loosening the antenna(s)

mounting hardware and pointing the antenna in the desired direction. The unit should

be aligned to point directly at the tag as it enters the desired read zone.

Fine-Tuning the Read Zone by Lowering Output Power

You can make the read zone smaller by adjusting the MPRR RF power output from a

maximum of 2 watts to a minimum of 200 milliwatts using command #644NN Set RF

Attenuation.

To adjust the read zone by lowering output power

1. Ensure that your PC is communicating with the MPRR using a terminal

emulation program as described in section “Verifying Communications” on page

8-8.

2. Mark the current read zone as described in section “Marking the Read Zone” on

page 4-10.

Caution

Test tags should be compatible with your MPRR. Test tags can be ATA-protocol,

ISO-compliant, or SeGo-protocol tags.

3. Enter command #01 to switch to command mode. You are prompted with

#DONE from the reader and can now enter reader commands.

4. Enter in command #64401 to lower the RF power by 1 dB below 2 watts

(default). Press ENTER.

Note: In the command #644NN, NN can be any hexadecimal value from 00 to

0A. Settings for attenuation are 1.0 dB increments over a range of 10 dB of atten-

uation from the maximum power setting of 2 watts at 0 dB attenuation to a mini-

mum power level of 200 milliwatts at 10 dB attenuation. Increasing the

attenuation lowers the output RF power.

5. Switch to data mode by entering command #00 and pressing ENTER.

6. Verify that the read zone has decreased by moving the tag through the desired

read area. If the read zone is still too large, switch to command mode and enter

the command #64402 to lower the output RF power another 1 dB. Continue

increasing the NN value until the read zone matches the desired read zone.

When the desired read zone is established, test the read zone with simulated and

real traffic by performing the following procedures:

To test the read zone

1. Ensure that the MPRR is in data mode.

2. With the MPRR running, place one tag behind your back while you hold another

tag in the new read zone. If a valid read, the data from the tag held in the read

zone displays on the PC screen.

3. Switch tags, placing the other tag behind your back and holding the first tag in

the read zone. If a valid read, the data from this tag held in the read zone displays

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-20

on the PC screen. If both tags are read, you have successfully adjusted the read

range.

4. If one or both tags did not read, follow the suggestions in “Verifying Tag Read

Capability” on page 8-10.

5. As a last test, attach test tags to vehicles and simulate traffic going through the

read zone to verify that the system performs accurately in a live environment.

Fine-tuning the Read Zone by Adjusting Sensitivity Range

The MPRR read zone can be fine-tuned by using command #643NN for ATA tag

read mode or #645NN for SeGo protocol tag read mode to reprogram the RF sensi-

tivity range. Sensitivity range adjustments have less impact on the read pattern than

RF power adjustment, thus RF power adjustment should be used as the main read pat-

tern adjustment tool. Sensitivity range control may be helpful in stopping some tag

reads on the very edges of the read pattern. To produce a noticeable change in the read

pattern, you must decrease the range sensitivity by more than one increment.

To adjust the read zone by adjusting sensitivity range

1. Ensure that your PC is communicating with the MPRR using a terminal

emulation program as described in “Verifying Communications” on page 8-8.

2. Mark the current read zone as described in “Marking the Read Zone” on page 4-

10.

3. Enter command #01 to switch to command mode. You are prompted with

#DONE from the reader and can now enter reader commands.

4. Enter command #64318 or #64518 to decrease the range sensitivity seven

increments below the maximum (default). Press ENTER.

Note: In the command #643NN or #645NN,NN can be any hexadecimal

value from 00 to 1F. The reader’s receiver becomes less sensitive to tag signals

as the value of NN is lowered from the maximum sensitivity of 1F to the mini-

mum sensitivity of 00.

5. Verify that the read zone has decreased by moving the tag through the desired

read area. If the read zone is still too large, switch to command mode and enter

the command #64317 or #64517 to decrease the range another increment.

Continue increasing the NN value until the read zone matches the desired read

zone.

When the desired read zone is established, test the read zone with simulated and

real traffic by performing the following procedures.

To test the read zone

1. Ensure that the MPRR is in data mode.

2. With the MPRR running, place one tag behind your back while you hold another

tag in the new read zone. If a valid read, the data from the tag held in the read

zone displays on the host device screen.

3. Switch tags, placing the other tag behind your back and holding the first tag in

the read zone. If a valid read, the data from this tag held in the read zone displays

on the host device screen.

Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

8-21

4. If both tags are read, you have successfully adjusted the read range. If one or both

tags did not read, follow the suggestions in “Verifying Tag Read Capability” on

page 8-10.

5. As a last test, attach test tags to vehicles and simulate traffic going through the

read zone to verify that the system performs accurately in a live environment.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8-22

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

9-3

Chapter 9

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

This chapter contains information for troubleshooting a Multiprotocol

Rail Reader (MPRR) and performing minimal maintenance checks. It also

includes information for returning products for repair, obtaining support,

and contact information for providing feedback and suggestions to

TransCore.

Error Messages

The MPRR transmits an error message if a command received from the host is not a

recognized command or if information supplied with the command is not correct. The

reader sends this message to diagnostic commands if the reader fails the specified test.

Table 9-1 contains a list of error messages.

Table 9-1 Error Messages

Error

Message Description Corrective Action

Error06 NVRAM parameters have been lost. The

MPRR will not function properly because

the RF section is shut off until the

frequency is reset.

Reset the frequency using command

#647XXX.

Error07 The RF phase locked loop (PLL) has lost

lock and is unable to operate at its

intended frequency. RF output is disabled

while the MPRR attempts to reset the PLL.

Reset the RF frequency. Refer to “Radio

Frequency” on page 8-14 for instructions.

Error08 The RF PLL has successfully regained

lock and has been reset to its proper

operating frequency. The RF section is

returned to its state prior to losing lock

(enabled/disabled). Error08 will only be

issued after Error07 has been issued.

No action necessary; the previous error

has been corrected.

ErrorRF1 Warning message that the RF board did

not return an update acknowledge signal If the reader indicates a single ErrorRF1

event and recovers from the error, no

corrective action is required. You may want

to track this error message if it should

occur again. If the reader indicates

repeated ErrorRF1 warning messages

then return the reader to the factory.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

9-4

Troubleshooting

You can use the following table for troubleshooting. Should problems continue, con-

tact TransCore for return and replacement procedures. If you contact Technical Sup-

port, use the symptom number in Table 9-2 to reference the problem that you are

having with the MPRR.

ErrorRF2 Warning message that the RF module did

not return an INIT DONE signal If the reader indicates a single ErrorRF2

event and recovers from the error, no

corrective action is required. You may want

to track this error message if it should

occur again. If the reader indicates

repeated ErrorRF2 warning messages

then return the reader to the factory.

ErrorRF3 Warning message of unexpected status

read, including status byte, from RF

module

If the reader indicates a single ErrorRF3

event and recovers from the error, no

corrective action is required. You may want

to track this error message if it should

occur again. If the reader indicates

repeated ErrorRF3 warning messages

then return the reader to the factory.

Table 9-1 Error Messages (continued)

Error

Message Description Corrective Action

Table 9-2 Symptoms and Remedies

Symptom

NumberaSymptom Remedy

1 When performing a quick

test of the MPRR, the buzz

box does not buzz.

Check all your wiring connections and antenna connections (if

using external antenna), and ensure that your buzz box is

functioning.

The wires from the MPRR are grouped in pairs. You could find

more than one red wire, more than one black wire, and so on.

You must connect the correct red and white wire pair to the

leads from the battery.

Verify that RF is on. Using a terminal emulation program, you

may switch to command mode and issue command #527 to

determine RF status. See page 7-17 for more information.

2 The baud rate is selected

correctly but nothing

happens.

The MPRR is not communicating with your PC. Check the

power supply to your PC, and check the connections between

the PC and the MPRR. Try reversing the receive and transmit

connections.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

9-5

3 When testing the MPRR, all

the wires are connected

correctly but the unit does

not respond.

The MPRR may not have the software loaded inside the unit.

Contact Technical Support as described on page 9-6.

If you are using a terminal emulation program, check that the

terminal emulation setting on the MPRR is VT100.

Check that the MPRR communication cable is connected to

the correct COM port.

Verify that the external antenna is connected correctly.

4 Strange signal responses

come from the MPRR when

tested with the PC.

Ensure that the reader is in the correct interface mode for the

test tag, i.e., ATA mode for an ATA tag.

Check the system defaults using a terminal emulation

program. Both PC and reader should be set to 9600 baud, 8

bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.

5 When a tag is moved in front

of the antenna, a clicking

sound comes from the

MPRR.

The MPRR works. The sound is the relay inside the MPRR

that is controlled by a lock signal. The relay is actuated when a

tag is in the read zone. (TBD)

6 Nothing happens when the

test tag is passed in front of

the MPRR or external

antenna.

Ensure that the MPRR is powered on and is in predefined

output mode. (#621)

Verify that the reader is set to RF ON (#6401).

Verify that the external antenna is connected correctly.

7 The MPRR came from

another site and does not

work the way the factory

defaults indicate that it

should.

Different commands were probably used to support the other

site’s specific configuration. You can restore the factory

defaults by using a terminal emulation program to switch to

command mode and issuing command #66F Load Default

Operating Parameters. All factory defaults except RF

frequency will be restored.

8 When connected to a PC

that is running terminal

communications software, a

just-powered up MPRR

displays one of the following

messages:

#Model E4 Series X.XX

SNYYYYYY

#[Copyright notice]

The MPRR works. The software is now loaded. YYYYYY is

the TransCore-assigned serial number for this MPRR.

However, if YYYYYY = 000000, a serial number has never

been assigned. If a serial number has not been assigned to

your MPRR, contact TransCore Technical Support.

Table 9-2 Symptoms and Remedies (continued)

Symptom

NumberaSymptom Remedy

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

9-6

aUse this number to reference the problem you are having with the MPRR if you contact Transcore for Tech-

nical Support.

MPRR Repair

The MPRR is designed for whole-unit replacement and is manufactured with surface-

mounted components. It requires sophisticated testing and repair equipment. All test-

ing and repairs are performed at TransCore’s factory. Please contact TransCore to

obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) for returning the reader.

Technical Support

Authorized dealers and distributors are responsible for the direct support of all cus-

tomers. Authorized dealers and distributors needing support can locate the appropriate

contact phone number at www.transcore.com/rfidsupport. Send faxes to (214) 461-

6478 ATTN: Technical Support. Please be prepared to answer a series of questions

that are designed to direct you to the best TransCore support resource available. These

questions will relate to symptoms, configuration, model, and tags used.

9 The read zone is too small,

even before the RF power

and range control have been

adjusted.

If another MPRR is in the same area, ensure that it is

operating on another frequency that is at least 2 MHz different.

Check for possible interference from another nearby RF

source: fluorescent lights, neon signs, high voltage power

lines, nearby cellular telephone, or radio stations. Lights will

need to be removed or shielded. Point the MPRR or external

antenna in a different direction to see if interference comes

from only one direction. You may require a different MPRR

that uses another frequency. (TBD)

Verify that the RF power is set to an appropriate value.

Verify that the range adjustment is set to the maximum.

Verify that the reader is getting at least 16V.

10 The perimeter of the read

zone has been defined, but

there is a “hollow” spot in the

center of the zone that does

not read tags.

The angle of the MPRR or external antenna may need

adjustment. Slightly tilt the MPRR or external antenna to a

different angle to change either the length or width of the read

zone.

Check the range control adjustment. See “Radio Frequency”

on page 8-14.

11 The MPRR is reading tags

out of the desired read zone. Some interference from other RF or electrical sources may be

occurring. See “Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction of RF

Signals” on page 2-8.

Verify that the read zone has been properly set up. See “Fine-

Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone” on page 8-18.

Table 9-2 Symptoms and Remedies (continued)

Symptom

NumberaSymptom Remedy

Troubleshooting and Maintenance

9-7

Note: End users and facility operators contacting Technical Support will be referred

to the dealer responsible for the system sale.

Marketing Support

Dealers requiring marketing support may call TransCore Marketing at

(214) 461-4031, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time, Monday through Fri-

day. Send faxes to (214) 461-6478 ATTN: TransCore Marketing.

Find a Problem with the MPRR or Have Suggestions?

Send faxes to (214) 461-6478 ATTN: MPRR product manager.

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

9-8

Interface to Train Recording Unit

10-3

Chapter 10

Interface to Train Recording Unit

This chapter will describe the interface between the Multiprotocol Rail

Reader (MPRR) and the Train Recording Unit (TRU).

TBD

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

10-4

AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRR Assembly

11-3

Chapter 11

AT5270 Check Tag-to-MPRR Assembly

This document describes the procedures to assemble and connect a

check tag assembly to a Multiprotocol Rail Reader.

Required Supplies

Before assembling the check tag antenna kit, make sure you have the necessary sup-

plies and tools. Check Tag Kit (TransCore P/N 20-7001-001). Table 11-1 lists the kit

parts.

You need the following additional materials and/or tools to complete the installation.

•AT5720 Check Tag(s)

•Jeweler flat-blade screwdriver

•Standard tools (Phillips screwdriver, wire stripper, crescent wrench)

•Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Procedures

To assemble the kit for two check tags

1. Strip the cable insulation to expose the three check tag wires. Strip wire

insulation approximately 1/4 inch to expose bare wire. Slide the plastic nut and

rubber grommet over the wires (Figure 11-1).

Table 11-1 Check Tag Kit Parts List

Quantity Description

1 Terminal connector strip (9 position)

2 Self-tapping screw

1 Plastic connector housing sleeve

2 Plastic nut cap with rubber insert

1 Nylon closing cap

1 Check Tag Assembly Instructions

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

11-4

Figure 11-1 Place Nut and Grommet Over Exposed Check Tag Wires

2. Pull the check tag wires through the connector housing (Figure 11-2).

Figure 11-2 Feed Check Tag Wires through Plastic Housing Connector

3. For Check Tag 0, insert and tighten the check tag wires to the terminal strip as

shown in Figure 11-3 and Table 11-2.

Figure 11-3 Connect Check Tag Wires

Table 11-2 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments

Wire Color Pin No.

Ground Black 3

Power Red 4

Data White 5

AT5270 Check Tag-to-MPRR Assembly

11-5

4. If connecting two check tags, repeat steps 1 through 3. Connect Check Tag 1 to

the terminal strip as listed in Table 11-3.

Figure 11-4 shows both check tags connected to terminal strip.

Figure 11-4 Two Check Tag Assemblies Connected to Terminal Strip

5. Insert and tighten the two self-tapping screws to secure the terminal strip (Figure

11-5).

Figure 11-5 Securing Terminal Strip into Connector Housing

Table 11-3 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments

Wire Color Pin No.

Ground Black 7

Power Red 8

Data White 9

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

11-6

6. To complete the connector assembly, tighten the nuts on the cable end snugly

(Figure 11-6).

Figure 11-6 Plastic Nuts with Grommets

As the nut is tightened, the connector compresses the grommet around the check

tag cable.

To assemble the kit for one check tag

1. Follow the procedure steps described above in steps 1 through 6, but connect

only one check tag cable.

Caution

If connecting only one check tag, you must insert and secure the nylon closing cap

into the unused terminal connector to protect the terminal strip from possible

contamination.

2. To cover the unused terminal connector, insert the nylon closing cap into the

plastic cap with rubber grommet and tighten snugly (Figure 11-7).

Figure 11-7 Nylon Cap Securely Fastened in Unused Port

To connect the check tag assembly to the Multiprotocol Reader

Remove the dust cover from the Check Tag port of the MPRR and plug in the

check tag cable assembly (Figure 11-8). Be sure that the two handles snap into

place on the MPRR. This ensures a solid connection.

AT5270 Check Tag-to-MPRR Assembly

11-7

Figure 11-8 Check Tag Assembly Secured to MPRR Port (single check tag

assembly shown)

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

11-8

Glossary

A-3

Appendix A

Glossary

AAR Association of American Railroads

AC alternating current

ACK acknowledge (data valid)

ANSI American National Standards Institute

antenna passive device that converts RF energy into magnetic energy (RF signal)

ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange

ASIC application-specific integrated circuit

ATA American Trucking Association

aux auxiliary

AWG AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a U.S. standard set of non-ferrous wire conductor

sizes

backscatter portion of an RF signal that is modulated by a tag and radiated back to the reader

baud measure of number of bits per second of a digital signal; for example, 9600 baud =

9600 bits per second

BCKS boot checksum

BCM buffer control mode

bps bits per second

byte a binary character; for example, one 8-bit ASCII character

check tag tag mounted inside a reader assembly, inside or in close proximity to an external

antenna that is used to check operation of the reader

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

A-4

cmd command

comm communications

command data set that is recognized by the receiving device as intending to elicit a specific

response

conduit flexible steel pipe use for electrical wiring

cps characters per second

CR carriage return

CRC cyclic redundancy check

CTRL control

CTS clear to send

data information that is processed by a computing device

DC direct current

DIAG diagnostic

ECP error correcting protocol

ECPS error correcting protocol status

eol end of line

eom end of message

EPROM erasable programmable read-only memory

field physical area/space in which a tag can be read by the reader; also, an element of a data

record/frame. For example, division within a tag's data frame.

frames consecutive bits of data in memory that are read and written as a group

frequency bands a range of RF frequencies assigned for transmission by an RF device

Glossary

A-5

hex hexadecimal

hexadecimal base 16 numbering system that uses the characters 0 though 9 and A through F to

resent the digits 0 through 16

host device, generally a computer, that is connected to the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

through the communications port

I/O or IO circuits input/output circuits

IAG E-ZPass® Interagency Group, North American RFID tag protocol

ID identification; encoded information unique to a particular tag

INCITS American National Standards Institute International Committee for Information

Technology standards

interface connection point for communication with another device

IOST I/O status

ISO International Standardization Organization

LF line feed

mmeter

MHz megahertz

mode method of operation

MPRR Multiprotocol Rail Reader

ms milliseconds

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

A-6

NAK negative acknowledgment (data not valid)

passback used to refer to a tag ID that is not passed on to the tag buffer

PC personal computer

PCKS EPROM flash checksum

protocol specified convention for the format of data messages communicated between devices

PRST presence status

PWRB power fail bit

RAM random access memory

RDID reader ID

read process of acquiring data from a device; for example, from a tag or from computer

memory

reader controlled interrogating device capable of acquiring data from a device; for example,

acquiring and interrupting data from a tag

read zone the physical area in which a tag can be read by the reader

RF radio frequency

RFID radio frequency identification

RFST RF status

ROM read-only memory

RTC real-time clock

RTS request-to-send

SCTS status of check tag status

SeGo Super eGo (SeGo) is a superset of the eGo protocol

Glossary

A-7

SN serial number

som start of message

SSTC input status change reporting options

tag small self-contained device acting as an identifying transponder

Tau timeout delay

TRU Train Recording Unit

TT tag translation

Vvolts

Ver version (software)

write process of recording data; for example, writing to computer memory or to a tag’s

memory. Writing writes over (erases) previous data stored at the specified memory

locations.

XON/XOFF protocol for controlling the flow of data between computers and other devices on an

asynchronous serial connection. X/ON and X/OFF are signals to turn a transmitter on

or off. The actual signal for X/ON is the same bit configuration as the ASCII Ctrl-Q

keyboard combination (11 hexadecimal). The X/OFF signal is the Ctrl-S character (13

hexadecimal).

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

A-8

Technical Specifications

B-3

Appendix B

Technical Specifications

Reader Specifications

Communications

Hardware Features

Power Requirements

Physical Attributes

Frequency Selection 860 to 930 MHz capable

Reading Range Read performance varies depending on tag,

reader, and external antenna (if required) config-

uration and environment.

Typical read range should be 12 to 17 ft (3.7 to

5.2 m).a

a. Reading range depends on reader or external antenna configu-

ration, tag type, tag read mode, and operating environment.

Integrated system with

connector for external

antenna

RF module, tag decoder, power supply, I/O ports,

and serial communications interface all housed in

a single package.

Case (TBD)

Input Voltage 16 to 20V AC, 47 to 63 Hz

16 to 28V DC

Size 13 x 5 x 2.49 inches (33 x 7.62 x 6.32 cm)

Weight 5.1 pounds (2.31 kg)

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

B-4

Environmental Parameters

Options

Operating Temperature -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C)

Humidity 95% noncondensing

Vibration Tolerance 0.5 Grms, 10 to 500 Hz TBD

Communications Interface RS–232 or RS–422

Cable Accessory Kits 58-7001-001: MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly, 6

ft (1.8 m)

58-7001-002: MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly, 20

ft (6.1 m)

58-7001-003: MPRR cable assembly, no TRU

Transformer A Class C transformer is available to allow 110V

AC to 18V AC conversion.

Include the part number 76-1620-005 when

ordering.

A Class C transformer (part number 76-1620-

008) to allow 220V AC to 18V AC conversion is

available by special request.

Wiring Information

C-3

Appendix C

Wiring Information

This appendix will contain a graphical representation that shows the

wiring connections as well as any wiring signal tables that may be

needed used to test and install the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR).

Communications Interfaces

Table C-1 lists the interfaces available with the MPRR.

Table C-1 Communications Interfaces and Conductor Requirements

Interface Number of

Conductors

RS–232 3

RS–232 with RTS and CTS hardware handshake signals 5

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

C-4

Figure C-1 shows the pin assignments for the RS–232 interface signal to the host male

DB9 and DB15 connectors.

Figure C-1 DB9 and DB25 Connector Pin Assignments for Signal to Host

Command Quick Reference

D-3

Appendix D

Command Quick Reference

This appendix lists the default configuration settings for the

Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) and its commands. Commands are

listed both numerically and alphabetically.

Command Syntax

The command numbers consist of from 2 to 4 hex digits. The letters N or S may follow

a command number. The letter N indicates that part of the command number is vari-

able. The letter S indicates the requirement for an alphanumeric data string that is to

be included immediately following the command number. Hex digits (0–9, A–F) in

either uppercase or lowercase characters may be used in data strings and for hex digits

A–F. For more information see Chapter 5, “General Software Information” .

Table D-1 lists factory default settings. Table D-2 on page D-5 lists, in numerical

order, all of the commands available to users. Table D-3 on page D-16 lists the same

commands by command name.

Factory Default Settings

Note: Table D-1 lists the factory default settings for the MPRR.

Table D-1 MPRR Default Configuration Settings

Parameter Setting Command

Operating mode Data 00

Baud rate 9600 1005

Stop bits 1 1010

Parity None 1020

Time and data appended Enabled 302

Auxiliary information appended Disabled 310

Unique ID code criteria Separation of 1 ID 4100

Valid ID code criteria Acquisition of 1 ID 4200

Uniqueness time-out 2 minutes 441

Tag translation mode Disabled 452

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-4

Multi-tag sort Disabled 454

SeGo protocol tag initialization

during multi-tag sort Enabled 456

Second alternate group select Disabled 458

Third alternate group select Disabled 490

Fourth alternate group select Disabled 492

Fifth alternate group select Disabled 494

Alternate group select Disabled 496

Reader ID number 00 6000

Communications protocol Basic 610

Error correcting protocol (ECP)

timeout 12.7 sec 612FE

Flow control Software (XON/XOFF) 6141

Buffer control mode Disabled 6160

Echo mode Enabled 6171

Set output control Turn on both outputs 6203

Sense output control Predefined 621

RF-by-input control Enabled 641

ATA operating range Maximum 6431F

RF attenuation Full power 64400

SeGo protocol operating range Maximum 6451F

Sense output pulse duration 228 ms 67C

Presence without tag reports Disabled 6900

RF-off control Timeout or no presence 6922

RF timeout Never true 693F

Input inversion Disabled 6940

Serial number NNNNNN 695

Store hardware configuration Hardware configuration not

known 696

Input status change reports Disabled 820

Table D-1 MPRR Default Configuration Settings (continued)

Parameter Setting Command

Command Quick Reference

D-5

Numerical Command List

The following conventions are used in Table D-2:

•Items in bold italics identify factory default settings.

•Only the command-related data portion of the reader message is shown.

Refer to Chapter 6, “Communication Protocols,” for the complete syntax of com-

mands and messages.

Automatic periodic RF status

report Disabled 830

Table D-1 MPRR Default Configuration Settings (continued)

Parameter Setting Command

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically

Number Command Name Reader Message

00 Switch to data mode Done

01 Switch to command mode Done

06 Transmit buffer entry Done, error, or tag data

Done = buffer empty

Error = not in buffer control

mode

Tag data = highest priority tag

1002 Set baud rate = 1200 baud Done

1003 Set baud rate = 2400 baud Done

1004 Set baud rate = 4800 baud Done

1005 Set baud rate = 9600 baud Done

1006 Set baud rate = 19.2 K baud Done

1007 Set baud rate = 38.4 K baud Done

1010 Use one stop bit Done

1011 Use two stop bits Done

1020 Disable parity Done

1021 Select even parity Done

1022 Select odd parity Done

20 Set time Done

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-6

21 Set date Done

22 Display time and date Time and date

300 No time and date appended Done

302 Time and date appended Done

310 Disable aux info append Done

311 Enable aux info append Done

40 Transmit all IDs Done

4100 Select one ID separation Done

4101 Select two ID separation Done

4102 Select three ID separation Done

4103 Select four ID separation Done

4200 Select 1 valid ID code Done

4201 Select 2 valid ID codes Done

4202 Select 3 valid ID codes Done

4203 Select 4 valid ID codes Done

43 Buffer all ID codes Done

440 Reset uniqueness Done

441 Set uniqueness time-out to 2

minutes Done

442 Set uniqueness time-out to 15

seconds Done

443 Set uniqueness time-out to 30

seconds Done

454 Disable multi-tag sort Done

455 Enable multi-tag sort Done

456 Enable SeGo protocol tag

initialization during multi-tag

sort

Done

457 Disable SeGo protocol tag

initialization during multi-tag sort Done

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-7

458 Disable second alternate group

select Done

459 Enable second alternate group

select Done

480 Disable ATA Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

481 Enable ATA Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

484 Disable SeGo Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

485 Enable SeGo Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

488 Disable eATA Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

489 Enable eATA Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

490 Disable third alternate group

select Done

491 Enable third alternate group

select Done

492 Disable fourth alternate group

select Done

493 Enable fourth alternate group

select Done

494 Disable fifth alternate group

select Done

495 Enable fifth alternate group select Done

496 Disable alternate group select Done

497 Enable alternate group select Done

505 Display version Model [model]

Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.]

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-8

506 Display hardware configuration

information S...S

S...S = ASCII string

(maximum length of 20

characters)

510 Display RF transceiver FPGA

version RF FPGA VER = XX.XX

511 Display RF transceiver I filter chip

version FIL IC I VER = XX.XX

512 Display RF transceiver Q filter

chip version FIL IC Q VER = XX.XX

513 Display DSP board Actel version DSP FPGA VER = XX.XX

520 Display power fail bit PWRB Px R0

P0 = no power fail has occurred

P1 = power fail has occurred

R0 = not applicable

521 Display reader ID number RDID xx

xx = 00–FF

522 Display comm port parameters MAIN Bx Sx Px D0

B2 = 1200

B3 = 2400

B4 = 4800

B5 = 9600

B6 = 19.2

B7 = 38.4

S0 = one stop bit

S1 = two stop bits

P0 = no parity

P1 = even

P2 = odd

D0 = EOL delay of 0 ms

524 Display appended info status IDAP T0 D0 Xx

T0 = time not appended

T1 = time appended

D0 = date not appended

D1 = date appended

X0 = aux info not appended

X1 = aux info appended

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-9

525 Display comm protocol ECPS Px Txx Xx S0

P0 = basic

P1 = ECP

P2 = echo Inquiry

Txx = ECP timeout

ms = 50 * xx

FF = disabled ECP timeout

X0 = no flow control

X1 = software flow control

X2 = hardware flow control

S0 = som character is #

526 Display I/O status IOST Cx Ox Ix Dx

C0 = host controls outputs

C1 = predefined output mode

O0 = both outputs off

O1 = output0 on

O2 = output1 on

O3 = both outputs on

I0 = both inputs false

I1 = input0 true

I2 = input1 true

I3 = both inputs true

D0 - DF = output pulse duration

where

D0 = 4 ms

D1 = 8 ms

D2 = 12 ms

D3 = 16 ms

D4 = 20 ms

D5 = 24 ms

D6 = 32 ms

D7 = 40 ms

D8 = 48 ms

D9 = 60 ms

DA = 76 ms

DB = 152 ms

DC = 228 ms

DD = 300 ms

DE = 376 ms

DF = 752 ms

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-10

527 Display RF status RFST Cx Ox Tx Fxxx Rxx Gxx

Axx Ixx

C0 = RF controlled by host

C1 = RF-by-presence sensor

O0 = RF off

O1 = RF on

T1 = uniqueness timeout of 2

min

T2 = uniqueness timeout of 15

sec

T3 = uniqueness timeout of 30

sec

Fxxx = RF output frequency,

xxx = 000 to 118

Rxx = Tag decoder range

(distance) for ATA tags, 00 to 1F

hexadecimal range value

Gxx = Tag decoder range

(distance) for eGo Plus Tags, 00

to 1F hexadecimal range value

Axx = RF power attenuation, 00

max to 0A min (10 dB less than

max)

Ixx = IAG RF power attenuation,

00 max to 0F min (15 dB less

than max)

Note If you enter RF settings

using command

#642NN, the display

command for RF output

frequency, F is "Fxx" and

indicates use of the

backward-compatible

frequency entry method.

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-11

529 Display presence input status PRST Px D0 Ax Tx Ix

P0 = disable presence w/o tag

reports

P1 = enable presence w/o tag

reports

D0 = min presence true period

of 0 ms

A0 = RF off on timeout

A1 = RF off on timeout or tag

A2 = RF off on timeout or no

presence

T0: RF timeout of 0 ms (always

expired)

T1: RF timeout of 4 ms

T2: RF timeout of 8 ms

T3: RF timeout of 12 ms

T4: RF timeout of 20 ms

T5: RF timeout of 24 ms

T6: RF timeout of 32 ms

T7: RF timeout of 48 ms

T8: RF timeout of 60 ms

T9: RF timeout of 92 ms

TA: RF timeout of 152 ms

TB: RF timeout of 300 ms

TC: RF timeout of 452 ms

TD: RF timeout of 600 ms

TE: RF timeout of 752 ms

TF: RF timeout infinite, never

expires (factory default)

I0 = Input inversion disabled

(factory default)

I1 = Input inversion enabled

530 Display RF0 filter status RF0S Ux V0

U0 = one ID separation

U1 = two ID separation

U2 = transmit all IDs

U3 = buffer all IDs

V0 = valid ID code criteria of

one acquisition (fixed)

534 Display tag translation mode

status TT <0 to 1>

0 = tag translation mode

disabled

1 = tag translation mode

enabled

535 Display buffer control status BCM <0 to 1>

0 = buffer control mode disabled

1 = buffer control mode enabled

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-12

536 Display dual-frame processing

mode DUAL <0 to 3>

0 = reset uniqueness on A,

transmit A

1 = reset uniqueness on B,

transmit B

2 = reset uniqueness on A,

transmit both A and B

3 = reset uniqueness on B,

transmit both A and B

537 Display echo status ECHO x

0 = disabled

1 = enabled

540 Display flash checksum PCKS I0000 Exxxx

xxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksum

543 Display boot checksum BCKS xxxx

xxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksum

550 Display periodic check tag status SCTS M0 (fixed)

551 Display selected check tag option CTAG 0 (fixed)

560 Display input status change SSTC Ex Mx

E0 = status change reports

disabled

E1 = status change reports

enabled

M0 = no reporting

M1 = report change on input0

M2 = report change on input1

M3 = report change on either

input

570 Display operating mode status ATA:<E, D> eGo:<I, F, D>

SeGo:<I, F, D> IAG:<E, D>

Sort:<E, D>

I = ID (64 bits)

E = Enabled

F = Full transaction (eATA)

D = Disabled

577 Report buffered handshakes XX = number of handshakes

60NN Set reader ID number

NN = 00–FF

(00 = factory default)

Done

610 Select basic protocol Done

611 Select ECP protocol Done

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-13

612NN Set ECP timeout

NN = 01–FE (1–255)

timeout = 50 ms * NN

(if NN = FF, timeout is

disabled)

Done

612FE Set ECP timeout = 12.7 sec Done

613 Enable data inquiry protocol Done

6140 Disable flow control Done

6141 Enable software flow control Done

6142 Enable hardware flow control Done

6160 Disable buffer control mode Done

6161 Enable buffer control mode Done

6170 Disable echo Done

6171 Enable echo Done

6200 Turn both outputs off Done

6201 Turn output0 on Done

6202 Turn output1 on Done

6203 Turn both outputs on Done

621 Select predefined output mode Done

63 Reset reader Model [model]

Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.]

TransCore

6400 Turn off RF Done

6401 Turn on RF Done

6402 Turns on continuous wave RF

until commands 6400 or 641 are

received by the reader

Done

641 Select RF-by-input control Done

642NN Select RF operating frequency Done

643NN Set ATA operating range

NN = 00 (shortest) to 1F (longest)

1F = default

Done

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-14

644NN Set RF attenuation

NN = 00 to 0A Done

645NN Set SeGo protocol operating

range NN = 00 (shortest) to

1F (longest)

Done

647XXX Select RF operating frequency

from 860 to 930 in 250 kHz steps

XXX = 000 - 118 (hexadecimal)

Done

65 Reset power fail bit Done

66F Load default operating

parameters (except RF operating

frequency)

Done

67C Output pulse duration = 228 ms

set Done

67N Set output pulse duration N = 0–F

(4,8,12,16,20,24,32,40,48,60,76,

152, 228,300,376,752 ms)

Done

6900 Disable presence without tag

reports Done

6901 Enable presence without tag

reports Done

6920 Turn RF off on timeout Done

6921 Turn RF off on timeout/tag Done

6922 Turn RF off on

timeout/no presence Done

693N Set RF timeout

N = 0–F

(always expired, 4,8,12,20,24,

32,48,60,92,152, 300,452,

600,752, infinite)

Done

693F Set RF timeout = infinite Done

6940 Disable input inversion Done

6941 Enable input inversion Done

695S...S Set serial number

S...S = ASCII string

(maximum length of 6

characters)

Done

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-15

696S...S Store hardware

configuration string

S...S = ASCII string

(maximum length of 20

characters)

Done

820 Disable status change

reports Done

821 Report change on input0 Done

822 Report change on input1 Done

823 Report changes on both Done

830 Disable automatic periodic RF

status report Done

831 Enable automatic periodic RF

status report Done

Table D-2 MPRR Commands Listed Numerically (continued)

Number Command Name Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-16

Alphabetical Command List

The following conventions are used in Table D-3:

•Items in bold italics identify factory default settings.

•Only the command-related data portion of the reader message is shown.

Refer to Chapter 7 for the complete syntax of commands and messages.

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically

Command Name Code Reader Message

All IDs buffer 43 Done

All IDs transmit 40 Done

Alternate fifth group select

disable 494 Done

Alternate fifth group select enable 495 Done

Alternate fourth group select

disable 492 Done

Alternate fourth group select

enable 493 Done

Alternate group select disable 496 Done

Alternate group select enable 497 Done

Alternate second group select

disable 458 Done

Alternate second group select

enable 459 Done

Alternate third group select

disable 490 Done

Alternate third group select

enable 491 Done

Appended info status display 524 IDAP T0 D0 Xx

T0 = time not appended

T1 = time appended

D0 = date not appended

D1 = date appended

X0 = aux info not appended

X1 = aux info appended

ATA disable 480 Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

Command Quick Reference

D-17

ATA enable 481 Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

ATA operating range set

NN = 00 (shortest) to 1F (longest)

1F = default

643NN Done

Automatic periodic RF status

report disable 830 Done

Automatic periodic RF status

report enable 831 Done

Aux info append disable 310 Done

Aux info append enable 311 Done

Basic protocol select 610 Done

Baud rate = 1200 baud set 1002 Done

Baud rate = 19.2 K baud set 1006 Done

Baud rate = 2400 baud set 1003 Done

Baud rate = 38.4 K baud set 1007 Done

Baud rate = 4800 baud set 1004 Done

Baud rate = 9600 baud set 1005 Done

Boot checksum display 543 BCKS xxxx

xxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksum

Buffer control mode disable 6160 Done

Buffer control mode enable 6161 Done

Buffer control status display 535 BCM <0 to 1>

0 = buffer control mode disabled

1 = buffer control mode enabled

Buffer entry transmit 06 Done, error, or tag data

Done = buffer empty

Error = not in buffer control mode

Tag data = highest priority tag ID

Buffered handshake report 577 XX = number of handshakes

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-18

Comm port parameters display 522 MAIN Bx Sx Px D0

B0 = 110

B1 = 300

B2 = 1200

B3 = 2400

B4 = 4800

B5 = 9600

B6 = 19.2

B7 = 38.4

S0 = one stop bit

S1 = two stop bits

P0 = no parity

P1 = even

P2 = odd

D0 = EOL delay of 0 ms

Comm protocol display 525 ECPS Px Txx Xx S0

P0 = basic

P1 = ECP

P2 = data inquiry

Txx = ECP timeout

ms = 50 * xx

TFF = disabled ECP timeout

X0 = no flow control

X1 = software flow control

X2 = hardware flow control

S0 = SOM character is #

Command mode switch 01 Done

Data inquiry protocol enable 613 Done

Data mode switch 00 Done

Date set 21 Done

Default operating parameters

load (except RF operating

frequency)

66F Done

DSP board Actel version display 513 DSP FPGA VER = XX.XX

Dual-frame processing mode

display 536 DUAL <0 to 3>

0 = reset uniqueness on A,

transmit A

1 = reset uniqueness on B,

transmit B

2 = reset uniqueness on A,

transmit both A and B

3 = reset uniqueness on B,

transmit both A and B

eATA disable 488 Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-19

eATA enable 489 Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

Echo disable 6170 Done

Echo enable 6171 Done

Echo status display 537 ECHO x

0 = disabled

1 = enabled

ECP protocol select 611 Done

ECP timeout set = 12.7 sec 612FE Done

ECP timeout set

NN = 01–FE (1–255)

timeout = 50 ms * NN

(if NN = FF, timeout is disabled)

612NN Done

SeGo protocol operating range

set NN = 00 (shortest) to 1F

(longest)

645NN Done

SeGo protocol tag initialization

during multi-tag sort 456 Done

SeGo protocol tag initialization

during multi-tag sort disable 457 Done

Even parity select 1021 Done

Flash checksum display 540 PCKS I0000 Exxxx

xxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksum

Flow control disable 6140 Done

Hardware configuration

information display 506 S...S

S...S = ASCII string

(maximum length of

20 characters)

Hardware configuration string

store

S...S = ASCII string

(maximum length of 20

characters)

696S...S Done

Hardware flow control enable 6142 Done

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-20

I/O status display 526 IOST Cx Ox Ix Dx

C0 = host controls outputs

C1 = predefined output mode

O0 = both outputs off

O1 = output0 on

O2 = output1 on

O3 = both outputs on

I0 = both inputs false

I1 = input0 true

I2 = input1 true

I3 = both inputs true

D0 - DF = output pulse duration

where

D0 = 4 ms

D1 = 8 ms

D2 = 12 ms

D3 = 16 ms

D4 = 20 ms

D5 = 24 ms

D6 = 32 ms

D7 = 40 ms

D8 = 48 ms

D9 = 60 ms

DA = 76 ms

DB = 152 ms

DC = 228 ms

DD = 300 ms

DE = 376 ms

DF = 752 ms

Input inversion disable 6940 Done

Input inversion enable 6941 Done

Input status change display 560 SSTC Ex Mx

E0 = status change reports

disabled

E1 = status change reports

enabled

M0 = no reporting

M1 = report change on input0

M2 = report change on input1

M3 = report change on either

input

Input0 change report 821 Done

Input1 change report 822 Done

Multi-tag sort disable 454 Done

Multi-tag sort enable 455 Done

Odd parity select 1022 Done

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-21

Operating mode status display 570 ATA:<E, D> eGo:<I, F, D>

SeGo:<I, F, D> IAG:<E, D>

Sort:<E, D>

I = ID (64 bits)

E = Enabled

F = Full transaction (eATA)

D = Disabled

Output pulse duration = 228 ms

set 67C Done

Output pulse duration set

N = 0–F

(4,8,12,16,20,24,32,40,48,60,76,

152, 228,300,376,752 ms)

67N Done

Output0 turn on 6201 Done

Output1 turn on 6202 Done

Outputs turn off both 6200 Done

Outputs turn on both 6203 Done

Parity disable 1020 Done

Periodic check tag status display 550 SCTS M0 (fixed)

Power fail bit display 520 PWRB Px R0

P0 = no power fail has occurred

P1 = power fail has occurred

R0 = not applicable

Power fail bit reset 65 Done

Predefined output mode select 621 Done

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-22

Presence input status display 529 PRST Px D0 Ax Tx Ix

P0 = disable presence w/o tag

reports

P1 = enable presence w/o tag

reports

D0 = min presence true period

of 0 ms

A0 = RF off on timeout

A1 = RF off on timeout or tag

A2 = RF off on timeout or no

presence

T0: RF timeout of 0 ms (always

expired)

T1: RF timeout of 4 ms

T2: RF timeout of 8 ms

T3: RF timeout of 12 ms

T4: RF timeout of 20 ms

T5: RF timeout of 24 ms

T6: RF timeout of 32 ms

T7: RF timeout of 48 ms

T8: RF timeout of 60 ms

T9: RF timeout of 92 ms

TA: RF timeout of 152 ms

TB: RF timeout of 300 ms

TC: RF timeout of 452 ms

TD: RF timeout of 600 ms

TE: RF timeout of 752 ms

TF: RF timeout infinite, never

expires (factory default)

I0 = Input inversion disabled

(factory default)

I1 = Input inversion enabled

Presence without tag reports

disable 6900 Done

Presence without tag reports

enable 6901 Done

Reader ID number display 521 RDID xx

xx = 00–FF

Reader ID number set

NN = 00-FF

(00 = factory default)

60NN Done

Reader reset 63 Model [model]

Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.]

TransCore

Report changes both 823 Done

RF attenuation set

NN = 00 to 0A 644NN Done

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-23

RF CW turns on until commands

6400, 6401, or 641 are received

by reader

6402 Done

RF off on timeout 6920 Done

RF off on timeout/no presence 6922 Done

RF off on timeout/tag 6921 Done

RF turn off 6400 Done

RF turn on 6401 Done

RF on by input control 641 Done

RF operating frequency from 860

to 930 in 250 kHz steps select

XXX = 000 - 118 (hexadecimal)

647XXX Done

RF operating frequency select 642NN Done

RF status display 527 RFST Cx Ox Tx Fxxx Rxx Gxx

Axx Ixx

C0 = RF controlled by host

C1 = RF-by-presence sensor

O0 = RF off

O1 = RF on

T1 = uniqueness timeout of 2

min

T2 = uniqueness timeout of 15

sec

T3 = uniqueness timeout of 30

sec

Fxxx = RF output frequency,

xxx = 000 to 118

Rxx = Tag decoder range

(distance) for ATA tags, 00 to 1F

hexadecimal range value

Gxx = Tag decoder range

(distance) for eGo Plus Tags, 00

to 1F hexadecimal range value

Axx = RF power attenuation, 00

max to 0A min (10 dB less than

max)

Ixx = IAG RF power attenuation,

00 max to 0F min (15 dB less

than max)

If you enter RF settings using

command #642NN, the display

command for RF output

frequency, F is "Fxx" and

indicates use of the backward-

compatible frequency entry

method.

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-24

RF timeout = infinite set 693F Done

RF timeout set

N = 0–F

(always expired, 4,8,12,20,24,32,

48,60,92,152,300,452,600,752

ms, infinite)

693N Done

RF transceiver FPGA version

display 510 RF FPGA VER = XX.XX

RF transceiver I filter chip version

display 511 FIL IC I VER = XX.XX

RF transceiver Q filter chip

version display 512 FIL IC Q VER = XX.XX

RF0 filter status display 530 RF0S Ux V0

U0 = one ID separation

U1 = two ID

U2 = transmit all

SeGo disable 484 Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

SeGo enable 485 Done if MPRR model supports

this tag protocol. Error if tag

protocol is unsupported.

Selected check tag option display 551 CTAG 0 (fixed)

Serial number set

S...S = ASCII string

(maximum length of 6

characters)

695S...S Done

Software flow control enable 6141 Done

Status change reports disable 820 Done

Stop bit use one 1010 Done

Stop bit use two 1011 Done

Tag ID separation select four 4103 Done

Tag ID separation select one 4100 Done

Tag ID separation select three 4102 Done

Tag ID separation select two 4101 Done

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Command Quick Reference

D-25

Tag translation mode status

display 534 TT <0 to 1>

0 = tag translation mode

disabled

1 = tag translation mode enabled

Time and date appended 302 Done

Time and date display 22 Time and date

Time and date not appended 300 Done

Time set 20 Done

Uniqueness reset 440 Done

Uniqueness time-out set to 2

minutes 441 Done

Uniqueness time-out set to 15

seconds 442 Done

Uniqueness time-out set to 30

seconds 443 Done

Valid ID code select four 4203 Done

Valid ID code select one 4200 Done

Valid ID code select three 4202 Done

Valid ID code select two 4201 Done

Version display 505 Model [model]

Ver [ver no.] SN [serial no.]

Table D-3 MPRR Commands Listed Alphabetically (continued)

Command Name Code Reader Message

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

D-26

Compatible Tag Information

E-3

Appendix E

Compatible Tag Information

This appendix gives helpful information about the tags that are

compatible with the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR).

Tag Configurations

Table E-1 lists the TransCore Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tags that are compatible

with the MPRR.

Table E-2 lists most ATA tag models that are compatible with the MPRR.

Table E-1 SeGo Protocol Tags

Tag Tag Type Power

Source

Number

of 6-bit ASCII

Charactersa

Number

of 128-Bit

FramesaSpecial Features

AT5118

Rail Beam

20 1 Very thin, flexible, multi-

layer lamination

10 1/2

AT5133 20 1 Very thin, flexible, multi-

layer lamination, tamper

detection10 1/2

AT5549 20 1 Water-resistant, exterior-

mounted

10 1/2

a. These fields apply to eATA-programmed tags only. Contact TransCore for information regarding tags

programmed with these features.

Table E-2 ATA Protocol Tags

Tag Model

Number TagType Power

Source

Number

of 6-Bit

ASCII

Characters

Number of

128-Bit

Frames Special Features

AT5110 Trans-

portation Beam 20 1 915 MHz frequency, metal external

install

AT5112 Access

control,

transpor-

tation

Beam 10 1/2 915 MHz frequency, metal external

install

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

E-4

a. If desired, in place of 40 six-bit ASCII characters, the AT5707 can support

up to 34 seven-bit ASCII characters.

Tag Data Formats

Tags are programmed at the TransCore factory with the tag model number, date of

manufacture, and data format. Contact TransCore for special order entry procedures

for the format that applies to your system. The following four tag data formats can be

used:

•10-character alphanumeric ASCII — Four alphanumeric characters are fixed and

can be used to identify either the dealer or the user. The remaining six positions

are numeric and should be unique for each tag issued. For example, the entry

ACME000001 might be specified as the first tag on the order entry form from

ACME Rail Lines.

•20-character alphanumeric ASCII — Four alphanumeric characters are typically

fixed and the remaining 16 positions are numbered sequentially.

•AAR/ISO — For requirements for this format, refer to ISO 10374 and the most

recent version of Association of American Railroads Standard for Automatic

Equipment Identification.

AT5114 Access

control,

transpor-

tation

10-yr

battery 10 1/2 Multifrequency, metal external

install

AT5125 Trans-

portation Beam 20 1 915 MHz frequency; high-

temperature chemical-resistant

case, metal external install

AT5510 Trans-

portation 10-yr

battery 20 1 Multifrequency, metal external

install

AT5704 Trans-

portation External 4608 256 Multifrequency, dynamic tag, metal

external install

AT5707 Trans-

portation 8-yr

battery 40a2 915 MHz frequency, dynamic tag,

metal external install

Table E-2 ATA Protocol Tags (continued)

Tag Model

Number TagType Power

Source

Number

of 6-Bit

ASCII

Characters

Number of

128-Bit

Frames Special Features

Compatible Tag Information

E-5

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

E-6

TransCore 05716 LOCATION MONITORING SERVICE TRANSMITTER User Manual MPRR SG

TransCore LOCATION MONITORING SERVICE TRANSMITTER MPRR SG

Users Manual

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