TransCore AI142205618 LMS TRANSMITTER User Manual 411237 002 AI1422 RDR UG

TransCore LMS TRANSMITTER 411237 002 AI1422 RDR UG

USERS MANUAL

AI1422 Half-Frame ReaderUser GuideTransCore, Inc.19111 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300Dallas, Texas 75287-3106October 2004P/N 411237-003
©2004 TC IP, Ltd. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE is a registered trademark. The trademark is used under license. All other trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners. Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.Products covered by this document are protected by one or more of the following U.S. patents 4,739,328; 4,864,158; 4,999,636; and foreign equivalent patents. Other patents pending.For further information, contact:TransCore19111 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300Dallas, Texas 75287-3106 USA Phone: (972) 733-6600Fax: (972) 733-6699TransCore Action Center (TrAC)19111 Dallas Parkway, Suite 300Dallas, Texas 75287-3106 USA Phone: (800) 755-0378Fax: (972) 733-6695
WARNING TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATESFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT47 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 Federal Communications Commission (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 radio frequency (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 users may be required to correct the interference at their own expense.NO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS47 CFR §15.21CAUTION: This equipment may not be modified, altered, or changed in any way without permission from TransCore, Inc. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment authorization from the FCC and will void the TransCore warranty.USE OF SHIELDED CABLES IS REQUIRED47 CFR §15.27(a)Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to comply with FCC regulations.A license issued by the FCC is required to operate this RF identification device in the United States. Contact TransCore, Inc. for additional information concerning licensing requirements for specific devices.TransCore, Inc.USA
Contents
viiContents1 Before You BeginPurpose of This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Intended Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Guide Topics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-42 System OverviewSystem Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Transponder Interrogator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Reader Power Regulation and Filtering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4Transponders (Tags) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-43 Interface ConnectionsDescription of AI1422 Reader System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Antenna Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Main RS–232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3Aux RS–232 Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4Customer I/O Interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4Lock LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5Main Power LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5RF Power LED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5Trigger Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5Channels A, B, and C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide viii4 System Test ProceduresRequired Tools and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3Testing Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3Measuring RF Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Measuring System Noise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6Reading the Tag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85 Command CodesDefault Command Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Asynchronous Reader Data Telegram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Health Status Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Retransmit Request. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3Diagnostic Command Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4Diagnostic Command Code Syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4Diagnostic Command Code Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-46 TroubleshootingRequired Tools and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Failure Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3Unit Will Not Read Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4Unit Will Not Retain Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4Maintenance Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4A Character ConversionB Technical SpecificationsC Diagnostic Command Codes List
Contents ixList of FiguresFigure 2-1 Typical Reader System Configuration 2-3Figure 3-1 Front Panel of AI1422 Transponder Interrogator 3-3Figure 3-2 RS–232, DB25 Interface Connector Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4Figure 3-3 Customer I/O Interface Pin-outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5Figure 4-1 Power Source Connections 4-4Figure 4-2 Locations for DC Voltage Adjustment Measuring RF Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Figure 4-3 Antenna Interface on Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5Figure 4-4 Typical Waveform with a Tag in the Reader Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Figure 4-5 Typical Quiescent Noise Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7Figure 4-6 Typical Beat Frequency Interference Waveform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8List of TablesTable 1-2 Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4Table 4-1 System Noise Test Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6Table A-1 TransCore 6-Bit-Per-Character Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3Table B-1 AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide x
1Before You Begin
1-3Chapter 1Before You BeginThe AI1422 Half-Frame Reader User Guide provides information necessary for interfacing the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System to a host computer system.Purpose of This GuideThis user guide provides information for interfacing the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System with a host processor system, also called a host computer system. This guide also provides on-site test procedures useful in troubleshooting any problems encountered after installation. Command codes, which allow the user to configure the reader system for communicating with the host computer, are discussed in Chapter 4. The ASCII character conversion to TransCore 6-bit character codes is provided in Appendix A.Intended AudienceThe intended audience for the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader User Guide is engineers and technicians. These people are involved in the design, specification, and installation of AI1422 Half-Frame Reader Systems.Related DocumentsAP4110 Programmer’s GuideGuide TopicsThis document presents the following information:Chapter 1 – Before You BeginDescribes the purpose, intended audience, guide topics, related documentation, and document conventions.Chapter 2 – AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System OverviewProvides an overview of the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System’s features, options, and accessories.Chapter 3 – Interface ConnectionsDescribes the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System interface connectors and identifies their primary functions.Chapter 4 – System Test ProceduresProvides testing procedures that the user can use to fine-tune the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide1-4Typographical ConventionsTable 1-2 lists the conventions used in this manual.Chapter 5 – Firmware Command CodesDiscusses the firmware command code that are used to configure the AI1422 Reader for communication with a personal computer or other host computer.Chapter 6 – Maintenance and TroubleshootingProvides maintenance procedures and troubleshooting indications that are used to keep the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System operating.Appendix A – Character ConversionsProvides TransCore 6-bit-per-character conversions from the standard ASCII character set.Table 1-2 Typographical Conventions Convention IndicationThis procedure might cause harm to the equipment and/or the user.Concerns about a procedureCode 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 screenFunction Start with the characters, G4, and are in mixed case with no underscores, and include parentheses after the name, as in G4FunctionName().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 boldface.NUL Zero-value ASCII character or a zero-value byteNULL 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.
2System Overview
2-3Chapter 2System OverviewThe AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System is a microprocessor-controlled, single-antenna unit that uses a unique communications protocol to interface with vehicle identification (ID) equipment.System OverviewThis reader system uses radio frequency (RF) energy to read data from tags. The AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System then decodes the tag ID information, validates the ID code, and transmits tag data directly to a host processor for real-time data process-ing and use.Communications (terminal) programs usually do not provide adequate data processing capability. Your host computer software can be customized to provide the required capabilities.The AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System consists of the AI1422 Transponder Interro-gator, which consists of a reader and RF module, combined with a TransCore antenna, a TransCore tag, a host processor system, and a power source. Figure 2-1 illustrates a typical reader system configuration.Figure 2-1 Typical Reader System ConfigurationTransponder InterrogatorThe transponder interrogator reads 60 bits of user-programmable data in the transpon-der.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide2-4The transponder interrogator is operated in a continuous read mode, and any tag enter-ing its read field has its data automatically read and relayed to the host computer. In many applications this function is implemented by installing the reader on a vehicle with restricted movement, such as a railcar or monorail bus. The tags are imbedded in the roadway at various locations in the vehicle’s path. The data read from the tag allows the host computer to assess the vehicle’s location and make any appropriate response to that information.The transponder interrogator is an independent tag decoder that combines a reader and RF source to provide automatic identification and data storage within a single, compact unit. The transponder interrogator includes the following components:•19-inch rack-mount design•Serial input/output (I/O) link•Real-time clock•32K buffer storage in static random access memory (SRAM) with battery backup•Reader and RF module, combined in one unitReader Power Regulation and FilteringThe reader system uses an input voltage ranging from 8V DC to 140V DC. The AI1422 Reader System incorporates a high-performance, DC-to-DC power supply that converts voltage in this range to 13.5V DC. TransCore offers three input voltage options, 8V DC to 32V DC, 28V DC to 140V DC, and 14V DC to 70V DC.AntennaTransCore has two antennas that can operate with the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader Sys-tem, the AA3233 Rail Antenna and the AA3234 Light Rail Antenna. The AA3233 Rail Antenna can be used where high shock and vibration conditions exist. The AA3234 Light Rail Antenna can be used for light rail applications that require a low profile for mounting on the carriage of commuter trains and people-mover systems.Transponders (Tags)The AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System can use TransCore’s half-frame read-only tags.
3Interface Connections
3-3Chapter 3Interface ConnectionsThis chapter describes the interface connections and their primary functions. Description of AI1422 Reader SystemBecause the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System combines a reader and radio fre-quency (RF) module into a single unit, you must connect the following items to the system: the external DC power, the customer input/output (I/O), the main and auxil-iary RS–232 interfaces, and the antenna. These interface connectors are located on the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System front panel as shown in Figure 3-1.Figure 3-1 Front Panel of AI1422 Transponder InterrogatorAntenna InterfaceAttach the antenna cable directly to the antenna interface on the front panel of the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System. The antenna cable length depends on the installa-tion.Main RS–232 InterfaceThe main RS–232 interface is a standard DB25 plug connector used with a host pro-cessor. During operation, a host processor system uses the reader system functions in real-time operating mode. In real-time mode, tag IDs are read and passed on to the host processor. Figure 3-2 illustrates the RS–232, DB25 plug connector pin-outs.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide3-4Figure 3-2 RS–232, DB25 Interface Connector Pin-outsAux RS–232 InterfaceThe auxiliary RS–232 interface is used as a backup monitoring system to the main RS–232 interface. The auxiliary interface monitors data from the transponder interro-gator. The auxiliary RS–232 interface is a standard DB25 plug connector. This port is not wired to receive data and cannot accept commands.Customer I/O InterfaceA mating connector for the customer I/O interface is supplied with each unit. This connector allows a screw terminal, point-to-point wiring interface. Figure 3-3 shows the pin-outs on the customer I/O interface connector.
Interface Connections3-5Figure 3-3 Customer I/O Interface Pin-outsThe customer I/O interface connector contains the lock light-emitting diode (LED), main power LED, RF power LED, the trigger signals, and channels A, B, and C.Lock LEDThe transistor-transistor-logic (TTL) lock signal shows the presence of a tag. The lock signal goes active high when a valid tag is in the RF field of the antenna and may be connected to an LED for monitoring purposes.Main Power LEDThe TTL main power signal goes active high when the ON/OFF switch on the front panel is switched to on. The switch is connected to +5V through a 300 ohm resistor and is connected to an LED on the front panel, which may be used for power monitor-ing purposes.RF Power LEDThe TTL RF power LED goes active high when the reader system is configured for the RF power to be on and the ON/OFF switch is set to on. It is connected to +12V through a resistor and may be connected to a LED for RF power monitoring purposes.Trigger SignalsThe trigger connection turns on the RF power when a ground is applied and the AI1422 Reader System has been programmed with the RF Follows Trigger command (!642).
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide3-6Channels A, B, and CThe analog intermediate frequency channel A, B, and C signals represent the three channels generated by the AI1422 Reader System. These channels can be used to measure tag signal quality.Power ConnectionThe power connector on the front panel of the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System is a panel mount circular connector of type Cannon CA 3100 E16-10P-F80-T12.
4System Test Procedures
4-3Chapter 4 System Test ProceduresThis chapter provides testing procedures that will help you fine-tune your reader system and test basic operation, measure radio frequency (RF) power, measure system noise, read tags, and monitor the system.Required Tools and EquipmentThe following tools and equipment are required:•50-ohm, 5-watt (W) load (N-type connector)•Personal computer (PC) with terminal emulator software•Appropriate power source for your reader•Digital multimeter•RF power meter•100 MHz oscilloscope•Antenna, cable, and connectorsTesting Basic OperationTo test the system operation, configure the reader system as outlined in the following steps.CAUTIONThe following procedures will cause RF power to be turned on and off at various times. Do not operate the system without a 50-ohm, 5-W load attached to the RF output. When any RF cable is disconnected, the associated RF power measurement unit must be turned off.1. Connect a 50-ohm, 5-W load (termination) to the antenna interface located on the front panel of the reader system.2. Configure a terminal emulator (a PC running communications software) to 2400 or 9600 baud, no parity, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit.3. Connect the emulator to the main RS–232 interface located on the front panel of the reader system. 4. Switch off the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the reader system.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide4-45. Connect a power source to pins A (+) and B (-) on the DC power input front panel connector (Figure 4-1).Figure 4-1 Power Source Connections6. Switch on the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the reader system.7. Type the command ~~CC (CC must be entered in upper case) and press Enter.Note: For information on entering command codes, refer to Chapter 5, Command Codes.8. Type !22 and press Enter. The time and date will be returned. If the time and date are not received, check communications connections, cycle power, and repeat.If the time and date are incorrect, use !20 and/or !21 to correct this information, then type the following commands.!20hh:mm:ss sets time!21MM/DD/YY sets date!642 sets RF to follow the trigger!41 enables tag reportingThe entered command and !Done response will be returned after each properly executed command.9. Connect a jumper between pins 14 (ground) and 15 (trigger) on the customer input/output (I/O) connector to turn on the RF power. Figure 3-3 on page 3-5 in Chapter 3 shows the location of pins 14 and 15.10. Connect a voltage output meter to pins 20 (+) and 23 (-) at the back of the Melcher DC-DC converter. Figure 4-2 shows the location of pins 20 and 23.11. Adjust the R1 knob (Figure 4-2) to obtain 13.5V DC.
System Test Procedures4-5Figure 4-2 Locations for DC Voltage Adjustment Measuring RF PowerMeasuring RF PowerTo measure the RF power1. Set the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the reader system to off.2. Connect an RF power meter of known accuracy to the antenna interface on the front panel of the reader system (Figure 4-3). Power measured at the antenna connector should be 0.8 W (29 dBm).Figure 4-3 Antenna Interface on Front PanelCautionSome RF power meters have input power restrictions, and 0.8 W can severely dam-age the RF meter if applied directly. Use supplemental attenuators of known accu-racy with these types of meters and add the attenuation amount to the resulting RF power measurement.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide4-63. If a cable is used with the power meter, the cable loss must be determined by measuring all cables with an RF power meter of known accuracy. Calculate the resultant RF power levels using the formula dB = 10log P in/P out. Add this loss to the meter reading to determine the actual RF power output.4. Set the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the reader system to on.5. Repeat steps 6 through 8 under the section “Testing Basic Operation” on page 4-3 to configure the unit to operating conditions.The RF power measurement should read greater than 0.8 W.Example of RF power measurement with a 645-mW meter reading using a cable: 10log 645 +28.1 dBm Test cable loss 0.9 dB Total +29.0 dBm = 0.8 WMeasuring System NoiseWith the equipment configured the same as for the RF power measurement test described above, connect a 100 MHz oscilloscope to the customer I/O interface according to the parameters listed in Table 4-1.Table 4-1 System Noise Test ParametersFigures 4-4 through 4-6 depict waveforms generated at selected channels, as shown by an oscilloscope. Figure 4-4 illustrates the desired waveform generated during normal operation with a valid tag in the reader field.Channel PinsA8 (ground) and 9B10 (ground) and 11C12 (ground) and 13
System Test Procedures4-7Figure 4-4 Typical Waveform with a Tag in the Reader FieldFigure 4-5 depicts typical quiescent noise levels with the RF connector configured with a 50-ohm, 5-W terminator. Quiescent noise levels vary from unit to unit with channel C having the most representative noise level.Figure 4-5 Typical Quiescent Noise WaveformFigure 4-6 shows the typical beat frequency interference waveform caused by a simi-lar frequency interrogator system connected to an antenna in proximity to the system under test.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide4-8Figure 4-6 Typical Beat Frequency Interference WaveformReading the TagTo verify that the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System is properly reading tags1. Switch the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the reader system to off.2. Using your own cable, connect the laptop PC to the reader system at the main RS–232 interface.3. Connect the antenna to the antenna interface on the front panel of the reader system.4. Connect three customer-supplied light-emitting diodes (LED) between the ground pin and lock LED, the ground pin and the main power LED, and the ground pin and the RF power LED. All of these pins are located on the customer I/O interface on the front panel of the reader system. 5. Set the ON/OFF switch located on the front panel of the reader system to on.6. Connect a jumper between pins 14 (ground) and 15 (trigger) on the customer I/O interface to trigger the RF on (Figure 3-3 on page 3-5).7. Monitor the LEDs on the box, and verify that the main power LED and the RF power LED are lit.8. Position a programmed TransCore half-frame rail tag with a backplate within 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) of the antenna. No other tag can be in this 2 to 3 foot (0.6 to 0.9 m) area during this test.9. Verify that the lock LED is lit and that the PC is acquiring the tag data. 10. Remove the tag from the antenna field. The PC should stop reading the tag data.
System Test Procedures4-911. Disable the trigger by disconnecting the jumper.12. Set the on/off switch located on the front panel of the reader system to off.Note: Repeat this test several times. Each time, the lock LED should be lit and the PC should be reporting the tag data.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide4-10
5 Command Codes
5-3Chapter 5Command CodesThis chapter describes the default and diagnostic command codes that enable you to develop host computer programs to control the functions of the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System.Default Command CodesThe default command codes enable communications between the host computer and the reader system. These codes, also referred to as the communications protocol, are in a binary format. TransCore strongly recommends that a person with software writing capabilities write this communications protocol.The transponder identification (ID) can be 3 or 10 bytes, which corresponds to 2400 or 9600 baud, respectively. These bytes are 6-bits coded. See Appendix A, “Character Conversion,” of this user guide.Asynchronous Reader Data TelegramThe reader system sends a data telegram when it reads a unique tag ID.<7EH><7EH><01H><transponder count><transponder ID<CR>Health Status RequestYou will need to write a script file to download the following binary string for the health status request.<7EH><7EH><40><CR>The response is<7EH><7EH><02H><Transponder count><host computer telegrams-bad CRC><incomplete host telegram> <Reserved><Reserved><Reserved><CR>Retransmit RequestYou will need to write a script file to download the retransmit request.<7EH><7EH><42H><CR>The response is<7EH><7EH><01H><transponder count><transponder ID><CR>
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide5-4Diagnostic Command CodesDiagnostic commands are used to check or fine-tune the reader system.Diagnostic Command Code SyntaxUnlike default command codes that require a script file, diagnostic codes are typed by the user. The general syntax of diagnostic commands is to begin with an exclamation character, !, followed by the command code and a list of parameters. No spaces should be between characters, and the command is sent by pressing Enter or carriage return <CR>.As characters are typed, they are automatically displayed on the terminal (except for the ~~CC command). As soon as the command is terminated with Enter or a <CR>, the reader system responds to the command as follows:!Done command recognized and accepted or!Error command not recognizedThe normal response is !Done. Other responses, for example, the time/date response, provide a description of the entry made or command completed.The reader system operates using two distinct command sets. The first command set contains the system default commands when the system is turned on. The second command set contains diagnostic and other fine-tuning codes.Diagnostic Command Code ListingThe following commands are used for diagnostics or to fine-tune the reader system.Escape Command!~~CCPressing the escape command disables the reader system default command codes and allows the reader system to accept the other diagnostic and fine-tuning command codes.The response isNo response is returnedBaud Rate Select!100xCommand !100x selects the baud rate, where x = 0 to 6:0 = 110 baud 1 = 300 baud 2 = 1200 baud
Command Codes5-53 = 2400 baud 4 = 4800 baud 5 = 9600 baud (factory setting) 6 = 19.2 kbaudThe response is!Done or !ErrorNote: The !Done response is issued at the setting that existed before invoking the new command. All subsequent communications will be at the new baud rate.Stop Bits!101xCommand !101x selects the stop bits, where x = 0 or 1:0= 1 stop bit (factory setting)1 = 2 stop bitsThe response is!Done or !ErrorNote: The !Done response is issued at the setting that existed before invoking the new command. All subsequent communications will be at the stop bit mode.Parity Select!102x Command !102x is used to select parity, where x = 0 to 2:0 = disable parity (factory setting)1 = enable even parity2 = enable odd parityThe response is!Done or !ErrorNote: The !Done response is issued at the setting that existed before invoking the new command. All subsequent communications will be at the new parity mode.Set the Time in the Real-Time Clock!20hh:mm:sswherehh = hours (00–23)
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide5-6mm = minutes (00–59)ss = seconds (00–59)The response is!Done or !ErrorNote: The time must be entered exactly as shown with no spaces between characters and colons as delimiters. All entries use decimal characters 0 through 9.Set the Date in the Real-Time Clock!21MM/DD/YY whereMM = month (01–12)DD = day (01–31)YY = year (00–99)The response is!Done or !ErrorNote: The date must be entered exactly as shown with no spaces between characters and with forward slashes (/) as delimiters. All entries use decimal characters 0 through 9.Display Time and Date!22 wherehh = hours (00–23)mm = minutes (00–59)ss = seconds (00–59)dd = hundredths of secondsMM = monthDD = dayYY = yearThe response is!hh:mm:ss.dd MM/DD/YY or !ErrorNote: There are two spaces between the time and the date.
Command Codes5-7Real-Time Transmission to Host Enabled (factory setting)!305When a tag identification (ID) is acquired by the radio frequency (RF) source, it is immediately sent out on the RS–232 port. The tag ID is not stored in the data buffer.The response is!Done or !ErrorTransmit All Tag ID Codes!41Command !41 transmits to the host computer all tag IDs received by the antenna.The response is!Done or !ErrorNote: This command is to be used for diagnostic purposes only.Return to Default Command Codes!63Command !63 returns the host computer to the default command codes.The response isNo response is returnedRF Follows Trigger!642Command !642 switches RF power on continuously. The response is!Done or !ErrorNote: This command is for diagnostic purposes only.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide5-8
6Troubleshooting
6-3Chapter 6TroubleshootingThis section lists routine maintenance procedures to keep the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System operating correctly and diagnostic procedures for troubleshooting an improperly working reader system.Required Tools and EquipmentThe following tools and equipment are required:•50-ohm, 5-watt (W) load (N-type connector)•Personal computer (PC) with terminal emulator software•Appropriate power source for your reader•Digital multimeter•RF power meter•100 MHz oscilloscope•Antenna and cableTroubleshootingNo loop-back mode to restore defaults, such as baud rate, means that troubleshooting is required.Failure ModesNo Communication — To determine if there is a problem in the communications hardware, the following two commands should be repeated together for testing pur-poses:!~~CC escape to diagnostic mode!22 display time and dateIf functioning properly, the time and date will be displayed after the second command, which means that the reader is communicating. If the reader is not functioning prop-erly, then perform the following checks.•Does the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System have adequate power? If not, ensure reader has 13.5V DC ±1.0V DC.•Is the main power switch on? If not, switch it on.
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User Guide6-4•Is the main power switch light-emitting diode (LED) lit? If not, turn on power switch.•Is the front panel fuse blown? If so, replace it with a 1.5 amp (A) slo-blo fuse.•Is the reader’s DC-DC converter functioning? If so, the OK LED on upper left corner of front panel will be lit.•Are you using a null modem cable connection? If not, switch to a null modem connection.•Have you set the correct baud rate? If an incorrect baud rate is suspected, select and send each baud rate in turn, using the !100x Baud Rate Select command, and wait for a response.Unit Will Not Read TagsThe suggestions listed here assume that the user has already verified proper serial communications, and the command !305 has been entered successfully to enable real-time transmission to the host computer. If RF POWER LED, which is recom-mended for customer I/O connector, is lit, the indication is that the AI1422 is querying for tags. If the LOCK LED, which is recommended for the customer I/O connector, is lit, the indication is that the reader system is retrieving tag data. If either LED is not lit, then check the following items:•Verify that the antenna connection is good.•Verify that the antenna cable is in good condition.•Verify that a single, known valid tag is in the antenna field.•Verify that the trigger remains activated and the unit power is on.•Verify that a tag being alternated with a tag containing different data to avoid uniqueness filtering.Unit Will Not Retain SettingsIf the unit will not retain information, such as time and date stamp or baud rate between power cycles, the internal battery backup has failed and the unit must be returned for repair. Contact TransCore at the telephone number listed at the front of this user guide.Maintenance ProceduresExcept for the 1.5-A slo-blo fuse in the front panel of the unit, there are no user-ser-viceable parts in the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System.
ACharacter Conversion
A-3Appendix ACharacter ConversionTable A-1 lists the TransCore 6-bit-per-character conversion from the standard ASCII character set.Table A-1 TransCore 6-Bit-Per-Character Conversion spc 000000 6010110 L101100!000001 7010111 M101101"000010 8011000 N101110#000011 9011001 O101111$000100 :011010 P110000%000101 ;011011 Q110001&000110 <011100 R110010'000111 =011101 S110011(001000 >011110 T110100)001001 ?011111 U110101*001010 @100000 V110110+001011 A100001 W110111,001100 B100010 X111000-001101 C100011 Y111001.001110 D100100 Z111010/001111 E100101 [1110110010000 F100110 \1111001010001 G100111 ]1111012010010 H101000 ^1111103010011 I101001 _1111114010100 J1010105010101 K101011
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User GuideA-4
BTechnical Specifications
B-3Appendix BTechnical SpecificationsTable B-1 lists the specifications of the AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System.Table B-1 AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System SpecificationsSpecification DescriptionSize 19.0 x 5.25 x 9.0 in (48.3 x13.34 x 22.9 cm)Weight 12.0 lb (5.4 kg)Operating temperature +32°F to +158°F (+0°C to +70°C)Power requirement 13.5V DC ±1.0V DC @25WAvailable frequency range 902–928 MHzApproved frequency range for Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada902.25–903.75 MHz and 910.00–921.50 MHzReceiver RF bandwidth ≅1.2 MHzReceiver sensitivity -48 dBmTransmitter frequency stability ±5.0 ppm over operating temperature rangeTransmitter RF power 0.8W ±0.1WCommunications port RS–232, 110 to 19,200 baudOther featuresReal-time calendar clockOptional 8V–32V DC, 14V–70V DC, or 28V-140V DC power supply
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User GuideB-4
CDiagnostic Command Codes List
C-3Appendix CDiagnostic Command Codes List Command Function!~~CC Escape (CC must be entered in upper case)!100x Baud Rate Select!101x Stop Bits!102x Parity Select!20hh:mm:ss Set the Time in the Real-Time Clock!21MM/DD/YY Set the Date in the Real-Time Clock!22 Display Time and Date!305 Real-Time Transmission to Host Enabled (factory setting)!41 Transmit All Tag ID Codes!63 Return to Default Command Codes!642 RF Follows Trigger
AI1422 Half-Frame Reader System User GuideC-4

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