TransCore MPRX Multiprotocol Reader Extreme User Manual

TransCore Multiprotocol Reader Extreme

User Manual

MultiprotocolReader Extreme (MPRX)System GuideTrusted Transportation Solutions16-0079-001 Rev A 11/16TransCore’s Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) is a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader that is specifically designed for harsh environment applications. Purpose of This GuideThis guide provides site planning and testing, installing, and operating instructions for TransCore’s Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) System, which reads Association of American Railroads (AAR) formatted tags and TransCore Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tags. Before you begin installing the MPRX, TransCore recommends that you familiarize yourself with this manual.Intended AudienceThis document is intended for use by authorized TransCore MPRX dealers, installers, and service personnel. Because the MPRX has no operator or end-user serviceable components or features, no end-user manual or operator guide exists. Once the system is set up and tested by the authorized installer, MPRX operation requires no end-user intervention. Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the part of TransCore, LP.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary ii© 2016 TransCore, LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, EGO, TRU, and ENCOMPASS are registered trademarks and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.For further information, contact:TransCore8600 Jeerson Street NEAlbuquerque, New Mexico 87113 USATransCore Technical SupportWeb: www.transcore.com/rfidsupport Phone: (505) 856-8007
MPRXTransCore Proprietary iiiWARNING TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATESFEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FCC LOCATION AND MONITORING SERVICE STATEMENT 47 CFR §90.351NOTE: The user is required to obtain a Part 90 site license from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to operate this radio frequency identification (RFID) device in the United States. The FCC ID number is FIHMPRX. Access the FCC website at www.fcc.gov to obtain additional information concerning licensing requirements.NOTE: Users in all countries should check with the appropriate local authorities for licensing requirements.FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT 47 CFR §15.105ANOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate RF energy and may cause harmful interference to radio communications if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual. Operating this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case, depending on the laws in eect, the user may be required to correct the interference at their own expense.NO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS 47 CFR §15.21CAUTION: This equipment may not be modified, altered, or changed in any way without permission. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment authorization from the FCC and will void the warranty.USE OF SHIELDED CABLES AND GROUNDING 47 CFR §15.27ANOTE: Shielded cables and earth grounding the unit is recommended for this equipment to comply with FCC regulations.TRANSCORE, LP USA
System GuideTransCore Proprietary ivAVERTISSEMENT À L’ATTENTION DES UTILISATEURS AUX ÉTATSUNISDÉCLARATION 47 CFR §90.351 CODE DES RÈGLEMENTS FÉDÉRAUX DE LA FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FCC SUR LES SERVICES DE LOCALISATION ET DE CONTRÔLEREMARQUE : L’utilisateur est tenu d’obtenir une licence d’utilisation sur site Partie 90 auprès de la Federal Communications Commission (FCC) afin de pouvoir utiliser ce dispositif RFID (radio-identification) aux États-Unis ou au Canada. Le numéro d’identification de la FCC est FIHMPRX.Pour obtenir de plus amples informations concernant les exigences relatives aux licences, prière de consulter le site web de la FCC à www.fcc.gov.REMARQUE : Il est recommandé à tous les utilisateurs, quel que soit leur pays, de consulter les autorités locales compétentes sur les exigences de licence.DÉCLARATION 47 CFR §15.105A DE LA FCC SUR LES INTERFÉRENCES DES FRÉQUENCES RADIO REMARQUE : Cet appareil a été testé et déclaré conforme à la catégorie d’un appareil numérique de classe A en accord avec la partie 15 des directives de la FCC. Ces normes visent à assurer une protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles lorsque l’appareil est utilisé dans un environnement commercial. Cet appareil génère, utilise et peut émettre de l’énergie RF et peut être à l’origine d’interférences nuisibles aux communications radio s’il n’est pas installé et utilisé en suivant les directives du manuel d’instructions. Si cet appareil est utilisé dans une zone résidentielle, il est probable qu’il cause des interférences nuisibles. Dans ce cas, l’utilisateur pourrait être amené à remédier aux interférences à ses propres frais, selon les lois du pays en vigueur.AUCUNE MODIFICATION NON AUTORISÉE 47 CFR §15.21MISE EN GARDE : Il est interdit de modifier, d’altérer ou d’apporter des changements à cet appareil de quelque manière que ce soit sans autorisation. Toute modification non autorisée peut annuler l’autorisation d’utilisation accordée par la FCC et annulera la garantie.UTILISATION DE CÂBLES BLINDÉS ET MISE À LA TERRE 47 CFR §15.27AREMARQUE : Il est recommandé d’utiliser des câbles blindés et une mise à la terre avec cet appareil afin de répondre aux réglementations de la FCCTRANSCORE, LP ÉTATSUNIS
MPRXTransCore Proprietary vWARNING TO USERS IN CANADAINDUSTRY CANADA IC INDUSTRY CANADA’S RADIO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS RSS137 LOCATION AND MONITORING SERVICE IN THE BAND 902928 MHZ SECTION 2.1NOTE: The user is required to obtain a license from Industry Canada (IC), to operate this radio frequency identification (RFID) device in Canada. The IC ID number is 1584A-MPRX, access the IC website at www.ic.gc.ca to obtain additional information concerning licensing requirements. Industry Canada (IC) Industry Canada’s Radio Standard Specifications General Requirements (RSS-GEN) for Compliance of Radio Apparatus Statement Section 8.4This device complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:1 ) This device may not cause interference; and 2 ) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.AVERTISSEMENT AUX UTILISATEURS AU CANADA INDUSTRIE CANADA IC INDUSTRIE CANADA RADIO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS CNR137 EMPLACEMENT ET SERVICE DE SURVEILLANCE DANS LA BANDE 902928 MHZ, SECTION 2.1Remarque : L’utilisateur est tenu d’obtenir une licence d’Industrie Canada (IC), afin d’exploiter ce dispositif d’identification par radiofréquence au Canada. Le numéro d’identification d’IC est 1584A-MPRX. Pour obtenir de plus amples informations concernant les exigences relatives aux licences, prière de consulter le site web de d’IC à www.ic.gc.ca .Radio Standard Spécifications exigences générales Industrie Canada (IC) Industrie Canada (CNR-GEN) pour s’acquitter du Radio appareil déclaration article 8.4Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes : 1 ) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et 2 ) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary viRADIO FREQUENCY HEALTH LIMITS FOR MPRX READER USING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA IN FREQUENCY BAND OF 902.25 TO 903.75 AND 910.00 TO 921.50 MHZSeveral agencies (OSHA, FCC, IC) have environmental guidelines regulating maximum permissible exposure (MPE) or “safe” exposure levels that this product falls under. To ensure that proper safety guideline for the end users of this product, i.e. Occupational (Controlled) and General Population/Public (Uncontrolled), the recommended levels for each of the agencies are presented in the next sections with TransCore’s recommendations for safety in the last section.OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)OSHA (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 Part 1910 Subpart G 1910.97 titled “Nonionizing radiation”, a maximum safe exposure limit of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm2) during any 0.1-hour period (i.e. 6 minutes). Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915 MHz and the highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe distance was calculated to be 8in (20cm).FCC (Federal Communication Commission)FCC (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47 Chapter I Subchapter A Part 1 Subpart I Section 1.1310 titled “Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits” that the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:Occupational/Controlled ExposurePower density = frequency (in MHz)/300 mW/cm2 with an Averaging time of 6 MinGeneral Population/Uncontrolled ExposurePower density = frequency (in MHz)/1500 mW/cm2 with an Averaging time of 30 MinUsing the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 14in (36cm) for the Occupational/Controlled environment, and 31.5in (80.5cm) for the General Population/Uncontrolled environment.Industry Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada) Industry Canada (a Department of the Government of Canada) sets out the requirements in Radio Standards Specification RSS-102, Issue 5 guidelines, recommending a maximum safe
MPRXTransCore Proprietary viiOccupational/Controlled EnvironmentAgency Power Density (mW/cm2) MPE minimum distance Time (min)in cmOSHA 10 7 18 6FCC 3.05 13 32 6IC 1.95 16 40 6General Population/Public/Uncontrolled EnvironmentAgency Power Density (mW/cm2) MPE minimum distance Time (min)In cmOSHA 10 7 18 6FCC 0.61 28 72 30IC 0.28 42 106 6power density in W/m2. Thus, the maximum permissible exposure for general population/uncontrolled exposure at 915MHz is 2.77 W/m2. The average time is 6 minutes. The maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:Controlled EnvironmentPower density = 0.6455*frequency (in MHz)0.5 W/m2 with a Reference Period time of 6 MinGeneral Public/Uncontrolled EnvironmentPower density = 0.02619*frequency (in MHz)0.6834 W/m2 with a Reference Period time of 6 MinUsing the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the highest antenna gain that this equipment is certified for use in a final installation, the minimum safe distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 18in (45cm) for the Controlled environment and 47in (120cm) for the General Public/Uncontrolled environment.TransCore Recommendation on MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)The calculated power densities and MPE distance for each of the agencies respective to the environment is shown below.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary viiiWith the equipment installed and running at the maximum transmit power of 1.6W (32dBm), 0dB transmit attenuation, using the highest gain antenna that the equipment is certified for, the recommendation for each of the operation environments is as follows:1 ) The antenna should be installed at least 42in (106cm) from the General Population/Public i.e. Uncontrolled Environment.2 ) Maintenance personnel (i.e. Occupational/Controlled Environment) must remain at least 16in (40cm) from the antenna and limit their time in the environment to 6 minutes when the system is operating.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary ixLIMITES D’EXPOSITION AUX RADIOFRÉQUENCES POUR LE LECTEUR MPRX UTILISANT UNE ANTENNE EXTERNE SUR LA BANDE DE FRÉQUENCES DE 902.25 À 903.75 ET DE 910.00 À 921.50 MHZPlusieurs organismes (OSHA, FCC, IC) publient des directives environnementales qui recommandent des limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) ou des niveaux d’exposition «sûrs» auxquels cet appareil se conforme. Pour faire en sorte que chaque utilisateur final ait connaissance des directives de sécurité qui le concerne, que ce soit dans son travail (accès contrôlé) ou pour la population générale/le grand public (accès non contrôlé), TransCore présente les niveaux recommandés par chaque organisme dans ses recommandations sécuritaires détaillées dans la dernière section.OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 29, Partie 1910, Sous-partie G 1910.97, intitulée «Nonionizing radiation» (Rayonnements non ionisants), l’OSHA (organisme américain) recommande un plafond d’exposition maximale de 10 milliwatts par centimètre carré (mW/cm2) pendant une période de 0,1 heure (soit 6 minutes). En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est de 20 cm (8 po).FCC (Federal Communication Commission)Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 47, Chapitre I, Sous-chapitre A, Partie 1, Sous-partie I, Section 1.1310 intitulée «Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits» (Limites d’exposition aux rayonnements de radiofréquence), la FCC (organisme américain) établit les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) comme suit :Exposition professionnelle/contrôléeDensité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/300 mW/cm2 avec une durée moyenne de 6 min.Exposition de la population générale/non contrôléeDensité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/1500 mW/cm2 avec une durée moyenne de 30 min.En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales sont de 36 cm (14 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 80,5 cm (31,5 po) pour la population générale/environnement non contrôlé.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary xIndustrie Canada (Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada)Le Cahier des charges sur les normes radioélectriques 102, 5e édition, d’Industrie Canada (un ministère du Gouvernement du Canada) établit des recommandations pour une densité de puissance maximale sécuritaire en W/m2. Ainsi, l’exposition maximale admissible pour la population générale/non contrôlée à 915 MHz est calculée à 2,77 W/m2. La durée moyenne est de 6 minutes. Les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) sont les suivantes :Environnement contrôléDensité de puissance = 0,6455*fréquence (en MHz)0,5 W/m2 avec une durée de référence de 6 min.Grand public/environnement non contrôléDensité de puissance = 0,02619*fréquence (en MHz)0,6834 W/m2 avec une durée de référence de 6 min.En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certification d’utilisation dans une installation finale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales sont de 45 cm (18 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 120 cm (47 po) pour le grand public/environnement non contrôlé.Recommandations de TransCore sur les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE)Les densités de puissance et la distance MPE calculées par chaque organisme pour un environnement donné sont présentées ci dessous.Exposition professionnelle/environnement contrôléOrganisme Densité de puissance (mW/cm2)Distance MPE minimale Durée (en min.)po cmOSHA 10 7 18 6FCC 3,05 13 32 6IC 1,95 16 40 6Population générale/environnement non contrôléOrganisme Densité de puissance (mW/cm2)Distance MPE minimale Durée (en min.)po cmOSHA 10 7 18 6FCC 0,61 28 72 30IC 0,28 42 106 6
MPRXTransCore Proprietary xiAvec l’appareil installé et fonctionnant à la puissance de transmission maximale de 1,6W (32dBm), 0dB d’atténuation de transmission, et en utilisant le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel l’appareil a reçu une certification, les recommandations pour chaque environnement d’exploitation sont les suivantes :1 ) L’antenne devrait être installée à au moins 106 cm (42 po) de la population générale/du grand public, c’est-à-dire d’un environnement non contrôlé.2 ) Le personnel d’entretien (c’est-à-dire dans un environnement professionnel/contrôlé) doit rester à au moins 40 cm (16 po) de l’antenne et limiter son temps d’exposition à 6 minutes lorsque l’appareil est en fonctionnement.-
MPRXTransCore Proprietary i–iTable of ContentsPurpose of This Guide ................................................iIntended Audience .................................................... i Chapter 1 Introduction ..........................................1–2Licensing Requirements ........................................... 1–4Technical Support................................................. 1–4Chapter 2 Developing the Site Plan ...............................2–2System Description ...............................................2–2Overview of Site Planning..........................................2–3Reading of Mixed Population Tags .......................................2–3Antenna and Tag Alignment ........................................2–4Antenna Selection ................................................2–6Site Layout and Trac Flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–6Electrical and Communications Requirements.........................2–9Chapter 3 Choosing, Installing, Removing Tags .....................3–2Compatible Tag Types ................................................3–2Recommended Mounting Locations .................................3–2Locomotive Mounting Guidelines ...................................3–6Rail Car Mounting Guidelines.......................................3–8Tank Car Mounting Guidelines .....................................3–10Chapter 4 Installing the MPRX.............................................4–2Installation Process ...............................................4–2Pre-installation Testing of the MPRX .................................4–3Mounting the MPRX...............................................4–9Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side ....................................4–11Connecting the Power Supply ......................................4–11Connecting Communications ......................................4–12Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits................... 4–12Marking the Read Zone ........................................... 4–13 Chapter 5 General Software Information ..........................5–2Command Entry Conventions........................................ 5–2Command Response Conventions ................................... 5–3
System GuideTransCore Proprietary iiOperating Parameters .............................................. 5–3Power Fail ......................................................... 5–4Program Download ...............................................5–4Startup ..........................................................5–4Tag/Message Buer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–5Chapter 6 Communications Protocols .............................6–2Introduction......................................................6–2Basic Protocol ....................................................6–3Error Correcting Protocol...........................................6–3Data Inquiry Protocol ..............................................6–4Basic Protocol and ECP Format .....................................6–4Host-Addressed Failure Conditions..................................6–11ECP Reliability...................................................6–12CRC Calculation .................................................6–12Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance............................6–15 Chapter 7 Commands ...........................................7–2Introduction......................................................7–2Operating Modes .................................................7–2Command List....................................................7–4Chapter 8 Configuring the MPRX..................................8–2Configuring the Reader ............................................8–2Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation Software..............8–3Configuring MPRX Parameters.......................................8–11 Chapter 9 Troubleshooting and Maintenance ......................9–1Error Messages ................................................... 9–1MPRX Repair .....................................................9–4Technical Support .................................................9–4Marketing Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9–5Chapter 10 Interface to Train Recording Unit ..................... 10–2TRU System Overview............................................10–2MPRX to TRU Connection.........................................10–3Chapter 11 AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRX Assembly.................. 11–2
MPRXTransCore Proprietary iiiRequired Supplies ................................................11–2Appendix A Glossary............................................A–2Appendix B Technical Specifications...............................B–2Reader Specifications .............................................B–2Appendix C Wiring Information ...................................C–2Appendix D Command Quick Reference ...........................D–2Command Syntax .................................................D–2Factory Default Settings ...........................................D–2Numerical Command List ..........................................D–3Alphabetical Command List .......................................D–14Appendix E Compatible Tag Information ...........................E–2Tag Configurations ...............................................E–2Tag Data Formats .................................................E–4
System GuideTransCore Proprietary ivList of FiguresFigure 2 – 1 MPRX End Views ........................................................................................................ 2–2Figure 2 – 2 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontal polarization) .....................................2–4Figure 2 – 3 Horizontally Polarized Tag ........................................................................................................2–5Figure 2 – 4 Antenna Location Relative to Tag Position ..........................................................2–6Figure 2 – 5 Location of Host Port on MPRX..............................................................................2–11Figure 2 – 6 Pin Assignments for Host Connector ...................................................................2–11Figure 2 – 7 Location of Sense Port on MPRX .......................................................................... 2–12Figure 2 – 8 Pin Assignments for Sense Connector ............................................................... 2–12Figure 3 – 9 Clear Zone –Side View .............................................................................................3–4Figure 3 – 10 Clear Zone –End View ............................................................................................ 3–4Figure 3 – 11 Mounting Location Examples ..................................................................................3–5Figure 3 – 12 Tag Placement Window for Locomotives – Right Front .....................................3–6Figure 3 – 13 Right Front Placement of Tag on Locomotive .................................................... 3–7Figure 3 – 14 Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives — Left Rear ...................... 3–7Figure 3 – 15 Optimal Tag Placement for Locomotives ...........................................................3–8Figure 3 – 16 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars –“A” Right Side ...................3–9Figure 3 – 17 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -“B” Left Side ...........................3–9Figure 3 – 18 Optimal Tag Placement for Rail Cars ................................................................... 3–10Figure 3 – 19 Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars –“B” Left Side ...................3–11Figure 3 – 20 Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars ..............................................................3–11Figure 4 – 1 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester ........................................................................... 4–4Figure 4 – 2 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End .......................4–5Figure 4 – 3 Short Load to Earth Ground .....................................................................................4–5Figure 4 – 4 MPRX Showing Antenna Ports ................................................................................ 4–6Figure 4 – 5 Location of MPRX Ground Stud .............................................................................. 4–7Figure 4 – 6 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRX .........................................4–8Figure 4 – 7 MPRX Outer Dimensions and Mounting Hole Locations (not to scale) ....... 4–10Figure 4 – 8 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern ..................................................................... 4–15Figure 8 – 1 Connection Description Dialog Box ........................................................................... 8–4Figure 8 – 2 Phone Number Dialog Box ........................................................................................... 8–4Figure 8 – 3 COM 1 Properties Dialog Box ........................................................................................ 8–5Figure 8 – 4 Hyper Terminal Main Screen....................................................................................8–6Figure 8 – 5 Sign-on Message ........................................................................................................ 8–7
MPRXTransCore Proprietary vFigure 8 – 6 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontal polarization) ..................................... 8–9Figure 8 – 7 Successful Tag Read ................................................................................................. 8–10Figure 8 – 8 Second Successful Tag Read ................................................................................ 8–10Figure 8 – 9 MPRX RF Control Options ....................................................................................... 8–14Figure 10 – 1 TRU Front Panel Showing Operational LEDs.................................................. 10–2Figure 10 – 2 TRU-MPRX Communications Interface Cable Port (bottom of TRU) .......... 10–3Figure 10 – 3 MPRX-TRU Communications Interface Cable .................................................. 10–4Figure 11 – 1 Place Nut and Grommet Over Exposed Check Tag Wires .............................11–3Figure 11 – 2 Feed Check Tag Wires through Plastic Housing Connector ........................... 11–3Figure 11 – 3 Connect Check Tag Wires ........................................................................................11–3Figure 11 – 4 Two Check Tag Assemblies Connected to Terminal Strip .................................11–4Figure 11 – 5 Securing Terminal Strip into Connector Housing .............................................. 11–5Figure 11 – 6 Plastic Nuts with Grommets ....................................................................................11–5Figure 11 – 7 Nylon Cap Securely Fastened in Unused Port ..................................................11–6Figure 11 – 8 Check Tag Assembly Secured to MPRX Port .....................................................11–6
System GuideTransCore Proprietary viList of TablesTable 1 – 1 MPRX System Guide Overview .................................................................................. 1–2Table 1 – 2 Typographical Conventions .........................................................................................1–3Table 2 – 1 Staggered Reader Frequencies for AAR-formatted Tag Operation .................2–8Table 2 – 2 Staggered Reader Frequencies for Tag Operation Outside the U.S. ..............2–8Table 2 – 3 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits ........................................................................ 2–10Table 2 – 4 Power Supply Current Requirements ...................................................................... 2–10Table 2 – 5 Reader to Antenna Cable Performance ................................................................. 2–13Table 3 – 1 Tags Read by the MPRX ................................................................................................3–2Table 4 – 1 Installation Accessories................................................................................................4–3Table 4 – 2 MPRX-to-Host Communications Cable Pin Designations ..................................4–8Table 4 – 3 Commands for Testing RF Port-0 ............................................................................. 4–14Table 4 – 4 Commands for Testing RF PORT-1 ......................................................................................4–16Table 4 – 5 Commands for Testing RF PORT-2 ....................................................................................4–16Table 4 – 6 Commands for Testing RF PORT-3 ......................................................................... 4–16Table 5 – 1 Four-Character Command Structure ........................................................................ 5–1Table 5 – 2 Sample Command Sequence....................................................................................5–2Table 7 – 1 Select Baud Rate Commands ..................................................................................... 7–6Table 7 – 2 Select Stop Bits Commands ...................................................................................... 7–6Table 7 – 3 Select Parity Commands ............................................................................................. 7–7Table 7 – 4 Append Time and Date Commands .......................................................................7–9Table 7 – 5 Append Auxiliary Information Commands ............................................................. 7–10Table 7 – 6 Unique ID Code Criteria ..............................................................................................7–11Table 7 – 7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames ........................................................... 7–12Table 7 – 8 Flow Control Commands ...........................................................................................7–25Table 7 – 9 RF Control Commands ...............................................................................................7–26Table 7 – 10 RF Attenuation Command Variables .....................................................................7–27Table 7 – 11 Select RF Frequency Commands ............................................................................7–29
MPRXTransCore Proprietary viiTable 7 – 12 Presence Without Tag Report Commands .......................................................... 7–30Table 7 – 13 RF Control Algorithm Commands .......................................................................... 7–31Table 7 – 14 Timeout Period Values ..................................................................................................... 7–32Table 7 – 15 Input Inversion Options .............................................................................................7–33Table 8 – 1 MPRX Default Configuration Settings .....................................................................8–2Table 8 – 2 Command Sequence to Verify Communications ................................................8–8Table 9 – 1 Error Messages ............................................................................................................. 9–1Table 9 – 2 Symptoms and Remedies ..........................................................................................9–2Table 10 – 1 MPRX-to-TRU Interface Cable Pin and Signal Designations ......................... 10–4Table 11 – 1 Check Tag Kit Parts List ...............................................................................................11–2Table 11 – 2 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments ................................................................................ 11–4Table 11 – 3 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments .................................................................................11–4Table C – 1 Communications Interfaces and Conductor Requirements ...............................C–2Table C – 2 MPRX Host Communications Cable Pin Designations ......................................C–2Table C – 3 MPRX SENSE Communications Cable Pin Designations ..................................C–4Table D – 1 MPRX Default Configuration Settings ...................................................................... D–2Table D – 2 MPRX Commands Listed Numerically ....................................................................D–4Table D – 3 MPRX Commands Listed Alphabetically ...............................................................D–14Table E – 1 SeGo Protocol Tags ......................................................................................................E–2Table E – 2 AAR-formatted Tags ..................................................................................................................E–3
Chapter 1Introduction
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 1–2 Chapter 1 IntroductionThis chapter presents an overview of the MPRX System Guide. Table 1 – 1 describes the contents of each chapter. Table 1 – 1 MPRX System Guide OverviewChapter Number and Title DescriptionChapter 1 – Introduction Outlines the manual’s organization, provides a brief description of the MPRX, 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 MPRX. These considerations include antenna and tag alignment, site layout and trac flow, and electrical and communications requirements.Chapter 3 – Choosing, Installing, and Removing TagsContains information on compatible tag models and provides procedures for installing tags onto, and removing tags from, railcars where the MPRX is installed.Chapter 4 – Installing the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme Lists the materials needed and provides procedures to install the MPRX, including pre-installation testing, installing the MPRX in a railside hut or NEMA enclosure, connecting power and communications, connecting to TransCore’s Train Recording Unit (TRU™), and marking the read zoneChapter 5 – General Software InformationProvide reference information on various software-related topicsChapter 6 – Communications ProtocolsProvide reference information on various communications protocols.Chapter 7 – Commands Discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used to control MPRX configuration and operation.Chapter 8 – Configuring the Multiprotocol Reader ExtremeProvides procedures for configuring and fine-tuning the MPRX after installing it at the site, including marking the read zone.Chapter 9 – Troubleshooting and MaintenanceAnswers the most commonly asked questions about installing and maintaining the MPRX.Chapter 10 –Interface to Train Recording UnitDescribes the interoperability between the MPRX and the TRU.Chapter 11 – Connecting AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRX AssemblyExplains how to connect one or two check tags to the MPRX.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 1–3Chapter Number and Title DescriptionAppendix A – Glossary Contains frequently used terms.Appendix B – Technical SpecificationsProvides the MPRX specifications.Appendix C – Wiring InformationShows the wiring connections for the communications interfaces, electrical cable connections, and the external interface signal wiring.Appendix D – Command Quick ReferenceLists the MPRX factory default configuration settings and provides host software commands in numerical and alphabetical order.Appendix E – Compatible Tag InformationProvides helpful information about tags that are compatible with the MPRX.Index Provides an alphabetical listing of guide topics. Typographical ConventionsThe conventions listed in Table 1 – 1 are used in this manual.Table 1 – 2 Typographical ConventionsConvention Indication CautionConcerns 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.Factory Default Settings Identifies factory default settingsNote 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 1–4Licensing RequirementsAn FCC license provides the user with the legal authorization to operate the MPRX 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 MPRX to the frequency specified in the FCC site license. No end-user-operated controls exist on the MPRX.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 MPRX equipment is installed.Users of the MPRX in the United States must obtain a license from the FCC. In the United States, the authorized modulated (SeGo protocol operation) frequency band for this product is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz and the authorized continuous wave (AAR-formatted operation) 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://wireless.fcc.gov/uls. For further information on obtaining the license contact TransCore.CautionThis equipment can be set to frequency ranges outside those authorized for use in the U.S. by the FCC. Users in all countries should check with the appropriate local authorities for licensing requirements.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: Phone: (505) 856-8007Web: transcore.com/rfidsupportPlease be prepared to answer a series of questions that are designed to direct you to the best support resource available.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 1–5
Chapter 2Developing the Site Plan
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 2–2Chapter 2 Developing the Site PlanThis chapter provides a brief description of the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) and discusses site plan development for installing the MPRX System.System DescriptionThe MPRX is a reader that supports Association of American Railroads (AAR) formatted tags and TransCore’s low-cost, high-performance Super eGo® (SeGo) radio frequency identification (RFID) technology.The MPRX is a high-power unit that reads full frame tags. The reader output power can be adjusted using reader commands.The MPRX can multiplex up to four antennas, which allows a single reader to be used for two tracks. The MPRX can support up to two AT5720 Check Tags.ReaderThe MPRX 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 MPRX components are contained in a highly reliable, compact, and easy-to-install package. Figure 2 – 1 shows the Host connector, Sense connector, Ethernet connector, Interface Selection Switch, and antenna ports locations on opposite ends of the MPRX.Figure 2 – 1 MPRX End ViewsAntenna PortsInterface Selection SwitchHost PortSense PortEthernet Port
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 2–3TagsThe MPRX has the capability to read TransCore AAR formatted read-only full frame tags and TransCore SeGo protocol tags, for example, the AT5118 Harsh Environment Transportation Tag and the AT5120 Transportation Tag.How It WorksThe MPRX directs the RF module to generate an RF signal, which is broadcast through the external antenna mounted railside. Entering the MPRX’s reading range, a TransCore RFID tag installed on a railcar or other asset to be tracked adds its programmed identification information to the signal and reflects the signal back to the MPRX. The MPRX receives this modified, or modulated signal, and decodes the tag data carried by the reflected signal and transmits this data to the Train Recording Unit (TRU) or local host computer for processing.Overview of Site PlanningDeveloping a site plan provides the foundation for the site’s system design and establishes the following system configuration parameters:• Number and general location of primary components• Number of dierent radio frequencies requiredGathering relevant site information is crucial before applying for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or regulatory agency approval from the country where the equipment is to be used and ordering and installing MPRX(s) and tags.Also, consider the following factors when developing a site plan:• Type of tags used• Antenna and tag alignment• Site layout and rail trac flow• MPRX and/or antenna mounting requirements• MPRX electrical requirements• MPRX communications requirementsThese factors provide relevant information regarding each site’s physical and electromagnetic environment and the conditions under which the system must perform.Reading of Mixed Population TagsThe MPRX reads AAR-formatted tags and TransCore’s SeGo protocol tags. The factors that influence the readability include, but are not limited to, physical orientation and configuration, type of read-only tag, ratio of backscatter cross-section of the tags, and whether the tag is battery powered or beam powered.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 2–4Antenna and Tag AlignmentThe position of the antenna and placement of the tag on the vehicle must be compatible.Two primary criteria must be satisfied to achieve the highest read reliability:• Tag and the antenna polarization, they must be aligned in the same direction — both horizontal.• The installed tag must be in a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the antenna.CautionA tag may not be reliably read unless the preceding criteria are met.PolarizationThe polarization of the tag must be aligned in the same direction as the antenna. Figure 2 – 2 shows a horizontally polarized antenna and tag.Note: Matching the tag and antenna polarization is critical to obtain optimal system performance.Figure 2 – 2 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontal polarization)
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 2–5Figure 2 – 3 shows a tag in correct polarization for the antenna.Figure 2 – 3 Horizontally Polarized TagUnobstructed Line of SightFor optimum readability, install the MPRX and antenna(s) and the railcar’s tag so that when the railcar approaches the antenna(s), the tag is directly facing the antenna and the line of sight is clear between the antenna and the tag. If there is a physical obstruction between the tag and the antenna(s), the MPRX cannot reliably read the tags. Figure 2 – 4 illustrates possible installation locations of an antenna in relation to a tag’s mounting location on a railcar.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 2–6Figure 2 – 4 Antenna Location Relative to Tag PositionAntenna SelectionThis section contains guidelines to assist in antenna selection for an MPRX installation. The following antennas are compatible with the MPRX installation.AA3110 ParapanelAppropriate for installations with the following requirements and conditions:• 902 to 928 MHz operation• Exposure to harsh environments• Broad radiation pattern in one dimension, narrow in the other• Low antenna profile• Horizontal polarizationAA3140 PCB Log PeriodicAppropriate for installations with the following requirements and conditions:• 845 to 950 MHz operation• Exposure to harsh environments• Maximum coverage at close range (<20 ft [6.1 m])• Vertical or horizontal polarizationSite Layout and Trac FlowThe following site layout and trac flow considerations are critical when determining MPRX installation locations:• The MPRX read zone
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 2–7• Other MPRXs and antennas in the area• Reflection, refraction, and diraction of RF signals• Existing signal interference at the siteThe MPRX Read ZoneThe MPRX must be able to read the tag data properly within a specified area, called the read zone, without reading other nearby tags or interfering with other MPRXs at the site. The following are some of the factors that aect the size and shape of the read zone:• Mounting method used for the antenna• Mounting location of the antenna• Height from the ground and mounting angle of the antenna• RF output attenuation• Range discrimination setting• Other sources of interference and reflectionThe railside antenna must be positioned so that the RF signal travels to and return from the tags within the designated range and must be placed in an area where it is not likely to be bumped out of alignment. If the antenna becomes misaligned or some nearby structure is added or removed, system operation can be seriously aected.For instructions on setting the read zone, refer to “Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone” on page 8–17 Other MPRXs and Antennas in the Area — AAR-Formatted Tag OperationFor AAR-formatted (continuous wave) tag operation, sites with more than one MPRX in proximity should be configured with a frequency separation of at least 2 MHz from adjacent readers. If more than one MPRX is in a multiple track application, the frequencies should be staggered. MPRX antennas can face each other across a rail track as long as they are multiplexed and controlled by the same MPRX. For installations where multiple antennas are controlled by a host processor with multiple MPRXs, or where multiple MPRXs are used in close proximity, ensure that there is adequate frequency separation between the antennas. Contact TransCore Technical Support with any questions. Table 2 – 1 shows examples of staggered reader frequencies in a site with up to seven readers.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 2–8CautionTransCore advises locating antennas controlled by an MPRX at least 24 feet (7.3 meters) away from antennas that are controlled by another MPRX. There is no minimum spacing for antennas connected to the same MPRX.Table 2 – 1 Examples of Staggered Reader Frequencies for AAR-formatted Tag OperationTable 2 – 2 shows examples of staggered reader frequencies in a site outside the U.S. with up to four readers.Table 2 – 2 Examples of Staggered Reader Frequencies for Tag Operation Outside the U.S.Reflection, Refraction, and Diraction of RF SignalsRF signals can be reflected, refracted, or diracted by metal objects, walls, and even wet pavement or ice. Any of these factors can alter or degrade system performance. When designing your site plan, you must consider permanent structures and transient factors in the vicinity that may aect RF signals being generated by the MPRX. Permanent structures include buildings, chain link fences, guard shacks, and gates. Transient factors include passing trac and local weather conditions, such as rain or snow. Symptoms of reflection, Rail Number Reader Frequency1 911.502 918.503 913.004 915.005 921.506 917.007 910.00Rail Number Reader Frequency*1 865.252866.253865.504 866.505865.756866.757 866.00
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 2–9refraction, and diraction include reading tags that are out of the desired read zone or tags being read from another track.The most common RF reflectors are metallic surfaces. RF signals may also be partially reflected by nonconducting materials such as dirt containing high concentrations of metallic rail dust, wood, ice, asphalt, and concrete. When nonconducting materials in the system environment become wet, they increase reflection of RF signals.The antenna mounting location, aiming, and range control adjustment, and use of presence detectors can reduce interference from RF reflections. When these actions cannot adequately control reflections, other techniques such as shielding, absorbing, range sensitivity adjustment, or barriers can also be used. Refer to “Chapter 9 Troubleshooting and Maintenance” for information about troubleshooting and maintenance.Existing Signal Interference at the SiteInterference from RF and electrical sources can degrade system performance and also must also be considered in the site design. Fluorescent lights, neon signs, nearby radio stations, or power lines can interfere with the optimal operation of the system.Interference may degrade both reader and tag performance. Existing sources of interference at the site should be shielded, removed, or positioned farther from the antenna. In some cases, changing the operating frequency of the MPRX may provide a simple solution. Readers in proximity should have at least a 2 MHz frequency separation. Refer to “Other MPRXs and Antennas in the Area — AAR-Formatted Tag Operation” on page 2–7. Strong RF sources of any frequency, in proximity to the tag, can preclude the tag receiving the reader interrogation. Refer to “Chapter 4 Installing the MPRX” for information about troubleshooting and maintenance.Electrical and Communications RequirementsAll construction work at the site must be completed before installing the MPRX. Electrical and communications cables should be installed according to all applicable local and federal building code requirements. Specific instructions for positioning and installing the MPRX are discussed in “Chapter 4 Installing the MPRX”. Power and Communications CablesCable length for power and communications depends on the physical characteristics of the MPRX installation site. Table 2 – 3 lists accessory kits available for cabling options based on your site’s requirements.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 2–10Table 2 – 3 Connector Cabling Accessory KitsPart Number DescriptionMPRX-to-TRU™ six-foot (1.8-m) cable assemblyMPRX-to-TRU 20-foot (6.1-m) cable assemblyMPRX cable assembly six feet (1.8 m), no TRUMPRX cable assembly 20 feet (6.1 m), no TRUElectrical PowerWhen connecting the MPRX to a TRU in a trackside hut, the MPRX draws its power directly from the TRU. A dedicated power supply is only required when a MPRX is not connected to a TRU.The dedicated power must be 24-110VDC (Option 1) or 12-24VDC (Option 2). Consult your local and national electrical codes for installation and safety requirements.It is the installer’s responsibility to supply conversion equipment and wiring. Table 2 – 4 contains power supply current requirements.Table 2 – 4 Power Supply Current RequirementsSupply(RF On) Worst Case Maximum Current at 68°F (20°C)(RF O) Worst Case Maximum Current at 68°F (20°C)24 to 110VDC (Option 1) 1.7A at 24VDC 1A at 24VDC12-24VDC (Option 2) 2.1A at 12VDC 1.4A at 12VDC Power circuits are protected internally against power surges (±30%).Host CommunicationsYour site design must include communications between the MPRX and the TRU or other host device. The MPRX communicates with the TRU or other host device through an asynchronous RS-232, RS-422, or Ethernet interface. Figure 2 – 5 shows the MPRX communications ports and Figure 2 – 6 shows the connector pin designations.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 2–11Figure 2 – 5 Location of Host Port on MPRXFigure 2 – 6 Pin Assignments for Host ConnectorThe standard RS-232/RS-422/Ethernet connection maximum distance depends on the baud rate, cable type, and the receiving device at the other end.Pin Number Operation1RS232_TX2RS232_RX3 LOCK (Mechanical Relay)4LOCK_RTN5RS422_TX+6RS422_TX-7RS422_RX+8RS422_RX-9 COM_GND (RS232 GND)10 COM_GND (RS422 GND)11 +V In12 +V Return
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 2–12Sense ConnectionsFigure 2 – 7 Location of Sense Port on MPRXFigure 2 – 8 Pin Assignments for Sense ConnectorThe MPRX’s two RF sense input circuits are TTL (Logic Level, 0V/5V), designed to be shorted to I/O Ground (0V) to provide sense. Pin Number Operation1+12VDC2OUT13I/O GROUND4I/O GROUND5PULSE OUT6OUT07CTAG 08CTAG 19I/O GROUND10 I/O GROUND11 SENSE 112 SENSE 0
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 2–13The MPRX’s tag lock output circuit is a single-pole, double-throw relay providing a dry contact closure. These contacts are rated at 42.2V AC peak (30Vrms) or 60V DC, at 1A maximum with non-inductive load.Output circuit is not intended for the direct control of electromechanical devices such as motorized barrier arms. For such applications, the MPRX output circuit should be used to drive a secondary, appropriately rated high-power relay.Antenna InterfaceThe site design must include interface cable(s) between the MPRX and the compatible antenna(s) chosen for the site. The antenna interface is RF coaxial cable with male Type N sockets on each end.Table 2 – 5 is a summary of coaxial cable performance. Figures indicate maximum lengths of cable in feet. Note: 1.1dB of cable loss is required for proper FCC operation. Table 2 – 5 Reader to Antenna Cable PerformanceCable TypeaOverall Diameter (in.)Cable Length (ft.) 915 MHzCable Length (ft.) 870MHzMinimum LengthbMaximum LengthcMinimum LengthbMaximum LengthcRG–223 0.216 7.9 21.6 8.2 22.5RG–214 0.425 14.4 39.3 14.9 41.1FSJ1–50 0.25 19.4 52.8 19.9 54.6LDF2–50 0.375 32.8 89.4 33.7 92.7FSJ4–50B 0.5 32.1 87.6 33.1 90.6LDF4–50A 0.5 52 141.9 53.4 146.7LDF5–50A 0.875 92.2 251.4 94.8 260.4LDF6–50 1.125 135.6 369.6 139.5 383.1LDF7–50A 1.625 156.4 426.3 161.1 442.2a. Suxes 50, 50A, and 50B indicate 50-ohm cables available from the Andrew Corporation.b. These cable lengths ensure optimal system performance (1.1 dB loss).c. These cable lengths ensure adequate, but not optimal, system performance (3 dB loss).
Choosing, Installing and Removing TagsChapter 3
System GuideTransCore Proprietary3–2Chapter 3 Choosing, Installing, Removing TagsThis chapter describes the various tag types compatible with the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) and the procedures for installing and removing compatible external tags.Compatible Tag TypesThe MPRX provides the capability to read Association of American Railroads (AAR) formatted tags and TransCore Super eGo (SeGo) protocol tags. Refer to “Appendix E Compatible Tag Information” on page E–2 for information about the numerous tag models.Reader and Tag Model InteroperabilityTable 3 – 1 lists the tags that are read by the MPRX. Refer to www.transcore.com/pdf/Tag- Reader-Matrix.pdf for most current information concerning readers and supported tag protocols.Table 3 – 1 Tags Read by the MPRXRecommended Mounting LocationsEach piece of rail equipment has a specific area or 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 specifications.Beam Tags Battery Tags External Power TagsAT5110, AT5112, AT5118, AT5120*, AT5125, AT5133, AT5412, AT5413, AT5415AT5114, AT5510, AT5414, AT5549, AT5707, AT5910AT5117, AT5119, AT5704*The AT5120 Transportation Tag is used for applications in the 860 to 880 MHz frequency range.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 3–3Required Materials• Torque wrench (in/lb. range)• Bolts and nuts (#10-24 NC threaded studs and nuts)• Aluminum pop rivets• Pop rivet gunMounting SurfaceThe 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 that is the same size or larger than the tag. The mounting bracket and tag must be in contact with each other to avoid interference with transmission of radio waves.Tag PositioningEach 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 on rail cars and locomotive devices. Where possible, tags should be mounted in locations that 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 data transmission. This zone must not be obstructed by any metallic objects or protrusions.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary3–4As Figure 3 – 9 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 – 9 Clear Zone –Side ViewFigure 3 – 10 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 – 10 Clear Zone –End ViewFigure 3 – 11 shows examples of acceptable and unacceptable mounting locations based on the clear zone. Any obstructions in the clear zone may introduce reading problems
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 3–5with the tag. Refer to the mounting specifications chapters for each type of equipment for tag placement window locations.Figure 3 – 11 Mounting Location ExamplesSurface Installation TechniquesBacking 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 as 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 mounting the tag.Rivet/Bolt Mounting GuidelinesSelect a means for mounting the tag that secures the tag but does not compromise the tag case.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary3–6Aluminum 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 GuidelinesInstall 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 LocationHorizontally, 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 two feet above the top of the rail and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of the rail.Figure 3 – 12 illustrates the tag placement window on the right front portion (engineer’s side) of the locomotive.Figure 3 – 12 Tag Placement Window for Locomotives – Right Front
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 3–7Figure 3 – 13 shows the right front location of a tag on a locomotive.Figure 3 – 13 Right Front Placement of Tag on LocomotiveFigure 3 – 14 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (brakeman’s side) of the locomotive.Figure 3 – 14 Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives — Left RearTag PlacementOptimal tag placement centers the tag on the left boundary line of the tag placement window (Figure 3 – 15). 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary3–8Figure 3 – 15 Optimal Tag Placement for LocomotivesRail Car Mounting GuidelinesInstall 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 LocationHorizontally, 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.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 3–9Figure 3 – 16 illustrates the tag placement window on the right front portion (“A” end) of the rail car.Figure 3 – 16 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars –“A” Right SideFigure 3 – 17 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (“B” end) of the rail car.Figure 3 – 17 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -“B” Left Side
System GuideTransCore Proprietary3–10Tag PlacementOptimal tag placement centers the tag on the left boundary line of the tag placement window (Figure 3 – 18). 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 – 18 Optimal Tag Placement for Rail CarsTank Car Mounting GuidelinesTank 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 LocationHorizontally, 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.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 3–11Figure 3 – 19 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (“B” end) of the tank car.Figure 3 – 19 Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars –“B” Left SideTag PlacementOptimal tag placement positions the tag on the center line of the truck on the body bolster (Figure 3 – 20). 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 – 20 Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars
Installing the MPRXChapter 4
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–2Chapter 4 Installing the MPRXThis chapter lists the materials needed and presents the procedures to pre-test and install the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX).Installation ProcessAfter you have developed the site plan and identified the location to install the MPRX and antennas1, if required, you are ready to install the equipment. Installation involves the following tasks:• Power and tag read capability testing prior to final installation of the MPRX• Mounting the MPRX in a railside hut• Mounting the railside antenna(s)• Connecting the antenna(s)• Connecting the MPRX to Earth Ground and power source• Marking the read zone• Connecting the MPRX host and sense input/sense output and communicationsMaterials Supplied by TransCoreYou need the following materials to pre-test and install the MPRX. TransCore supplies some of the materials; other materials must be obtained from other sources.Contents of Shipping CartonEnsure that you have received all parts before beginning your pre-installation MPRX tests. Your MPRX is packaged with the following materials:• One MPRX• One Multiprotocol Reader Extreme Quick Start Guide• Any accessories ordered as options as shown in Table 4 – 1Required accessories are a power/communications cable harness and an AC/DC Converter or a 24 to 110VDC/12 to 24VDC power source. You also require at least one MPRX-compatible antenna and an antenna RF cable. These may be ordered as accessories from TransCore or obtained from other sources.For MPRX installation with TransCore’s Train Recording Unit (TRU™), refer to “Chapter 10 Interface to Train Recording Unit” on page 10–2.-Installation Accessory OptionsTable 4 – 1 lists optional TransCore MPRX installation accessory items.1 The MPRX is designed with RF cable connectors for use with N-type RF Cables
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–3Table 4 – 1 Installation AccessoriesAdditional Materials Needed for TestingYou need these additional materials to perform the pre-tests on the MPRX:• Test tags, supplied by the TransCore dealer or distributor.Note: The test tag must be mounted flush against a metal backplane.• Suitable 24 to 110VDC or 12 to 24VDC power wiring for the MPRX• Audible circuit tester and 9V DC battery for circuit tester power• Wire stripper• At least one MPRX-compatible antenna• Suitable RF interface coaxial cablePre-installation Testing of the MPRXBefore installing the MPRX permanently at the site, you should use an audible circuit tester to confirm that the MPRX has power and can read a tag that is in the tag read zone.Testing the MPRX Using an Audible Circuit TesterAn 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.Part No. DescriptionMPRX CableMPRX CableMPRX CableMPRX Cable20-7001-001 MPRX check tag accessory kit
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–4Figure 4 – 1 Wiring for Audible Circuit TesterTo test the MPRX, connect the antenna and power supply as described in the appropriate sections that follow.Discharging Voltage from the AntennaUse these instructions to discharge high voltage from the antenna before proceeding with further pre-installation testing of the reader connected to an antenna.Required EquipmentThis procedure requires the following equipment.• MPRX• External antenna• Grounding RF cable (long enough to reach Earth Ground source)• N-type load (e.g., 50 Ω) or RF attenuator (e.g., 20 dB)CautionDuring shipping and installation, an antenna can build up a very high voltage charge. The voltage needs to be discharged before connecting the antenna to the reader.1. Terminate the reader end of the grounding RF cable with any N-type load or RF attenuator (Figure 4 – 2).9VDCBattery6-12VDCBuzzer+ -Pin 4 onHost ConnectorPin 3 on Host Connector- +
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–5Figure 4 – 2 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End2. Connect the grounding RF cable to the antenna (refer to Item 1 in Figure 4 – 3.Figure 4 – 3 Short Load to Earth Ground3. Short the outer metal case of the load or attenuator to Earth Ground for approximately 10 seconds (refer to Item 2 in Figure 4 – 3). In this example, the operator is using the mounting pole that has been properly connected to Earth Ground.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–64. Disconnect the grounding RF cable from the antenna and connect the permanent RF cable to reader.Once the antenna is discharged and properly connected to the reader, the reader circuitry provides a DC path to keep any further charge from building up in the antenna.CautionTransCore does not recommend using a screwdriver or other tool to short the RF cable center conductor to the outer ground of the cable. This grounding method can damage the center pin or the threads of the connector.TransCore strongly advises that you use adequate Earth Ground for this voltage discharge procedure in accordance with the National Electric Code for the locale where you are installing the MPRX.Connecting the AntennaThis section explains the connection between the MPRX and antenna(s) (Figure 4 – 4).Figure 4 – 4 MPRX Showing Antenna PortsTo connect the reader and antenna1. Ensure the reader is turned o 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 end of the MPRX (Figure 4 – 4).4. For consistent performance, terminate unused antenna ports using a 50-Ohm, N–type terminator.Antenna Ports
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–7Connecting the MPRX to a Power SupplyCautionTo avoid damage to the MPRX, first connect the reader to Earth Ground using a ground cable and stake before powering up the reader or connecting to an antenna. TransCore recommends that you follow the National Electric Code or equivalent code for surge protection for the locale where you are installing the MPRX.Connect any antenna(s) or terminate the antenna ports before applying power to the reader.To connect the MPRX to a power supply1. Connect the MPRX to Earth Ground. Figure 4 – 5 shows the location of the MPRX ground stud.Figure 4 – 5 Location of MPRX Ground Stud2. Connect the MPRX to a power supply using the interface cable.The pin numbers for the reader M23 connector (Figure 4 – 6) are shown in Figure 4 – 7 and the pin assignments and corresponding wire numbers and colors are listed in Ensure proper Earth Ground for MPRX in accordance with National Electric Code for reader installation locale.Ground Stud
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–8Table 4 – 2. The TransCore part number (P/N) for the communication cable is 58-7001-003 or 58-7001-004.Figure 4 – 6 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRXTable 4 – 2 MPRX-to-Host Communications Cable Pin DesignationsHost CablePair Color Pin Number NamePair 1 White 9 SIG_GNDBlack 1 RS232 TXPair 2 White 10 SIG_GNDBrown 2 RS232 RXPair 3 White 12 +V ReturnRed 11 +V InPair 4 White 12 +V ReturnOrange 11 +V InPair 5 White 12 +V ReturnYellow 11 +V InPair 6 White 3 LockGreen 4 Lock ReturnPair 7 White 6 RS422 TX-Blue 5 RS422 TX+Pair 8 White 8 RS422 RX-Violet 7 RS422 RX+
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–9Sense CablePair Color Pin Number NamePair 1 White 3 I/O GNDBlack 7 CTAG 0Pair 2White 3 I/O GNDBrown 8 CTAG 1Pair 3White 4 I/O GNDRed 1 +12VPair 4White 4 I/O GNDOrange 1 +12VPair 5White 6 OUT 0Yellow 7 OUT 1Pair 6White 11 I/O GNDGreen 5 PULSE OUTPair 7White 9 I/O GNDBlue 12 SENSE 0Pair 8White 10 I/O GNDViolet 11 SENSE 1If the MPRX is connected directly to a TRU, all power supply connections are made through the MPRX-to-TRU cable assembly. Refer to Chapter 10, “Interface to Train Recording Unit” on page 10–1 for wiring assignments.Mounting the MPRXThis section lists procedures and materials required for mounting the MPRX on a wall or other flat surface based on the site’s requirements.In permanent installations the MPRX should be positioned as close as possible to the antenna. Long cable runs increase system sensitivity to noise. Refer to Table 2 – 5 on page 2–13 for maximum RF cable lengths.TransCore advises that for optimum heat dissipation, the MPRX should be mounted vertically with the RF antenna ports at the bottom (refer to Figure 4 – 5). Figure 4 – 8 shows the outer dimensions and mounting hole locations for preparing to install the MPRX.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–10Figure 4 – 7 MPRX Outer Dimensions and Mounting Hole Locations (not to scale)Mounting to an Enclosure Wall or Flat SurfaceRequired MaterialsYou need the following materials to install the MPRX on an enclosure wall or flat surface. Ensure the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant anchor hardware.Anchor hardware suitable for the surface on which you mount the MPRXThe MPRX weighs 5.7 lbs (2.6 kg) so choose mounting hardware that is adequate to secure the unit to a wall.After mounting the MPRX, you must connect it to a dedicated 12 to 24VDC or 24 to 110VDC power supply.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–11Caution To avoid damage to the MPRX, connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the readerMounting the Antenna Rail-SidePosition the antenna as close as possible to the MPRX. Long cable runs increase system sensitivity to noise. Refer to Table 2 – 5 on page 2–13 for maximum RF cable lengths. After mounting the antenna, you must connect it to the MPRX. Follow the procedures described previously in the section “Connecting the Antenna” on page 4–6.Note: Adjust the antenna(s) to provide the most direct line of sight to the tags.Connecting the Power SupplyAfter mounting the MPRX, connect the reader to a dedicated 12 to 24VDC or 24 to 110VDC power supply. If the MPRX is connected directly to a TRU, all power supply connections are made through the MPRX-to-TRU cable assembly.CautionTo avoid damage to the MPRX, connect the MPRX to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the antenna(s).Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.Interface Selection SwitchThe MPRX incorporates a communications interface selection switch, which allows on-the-fly changes to the communications mode. This switch allows selecting the reader’s receive communications interface. All communications interfaces are configured for simultaneous transmit, but only the interface selected by the switch is active for commands transmitted into the reader.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–12Connecting CommunicationsThe MPRX communicates through RS-232, RS-422, or Ethernet protocols.Required MaterialsYou 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 operating on a PC• If the MPRX is connected directly to a TRU, all communications connections are made through the MPRX-to-TRU cable assembly.Connecting the MPRX to the HostMPRX communications and customer interface signals are supplied from the MPRX to the host through a multiwire cable. The connector for this cable is located on the end of the MPRX (Figure 4 – 6).Plug one end of the MPRX communications/power interface connector into the M23 Host connector at the MPRX and the other end into the customer-supplied host device connector. Refer to Figure 4 – 7 and Table 4 – 2for the pin assignments, numbers, and wire colors.Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output CircuitsThe MPRX 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 are used to notify the MPRX 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 CircuitsThe MPRX supports two sense inputs – SENSE0 and SENSE1 – which require two sense input lines (SENSEx and GND) for each loop sense or a total of four sense input connections. SENSE0 is used to control RF power for the track that has antennas connected to RF Ports 0 and 1. As shown in Figure 4 – 7, the sense inputs are wired through the reader M23 Sense connector. The MPRX expects the SENSE0 circuit to close when a railcar is present (on the track with antennas connected to MPRX ports 0 and 1).SENSE1 must be closed when a railcar is present on the track connected to MPRX antenna ports 2 and 3. The reader RF switches on to the appropriate RF ports immediately upon detecting SENSEx.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–13Sense Output CircuitThe sense output is dedicated for testing and reader setup. 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 isolation transformer is required.Antenna Mux Channel IdentificationWith the MPRX in MPRX mode, it is possible to identify the tags read on the 4 channel mux individually through the output I/O. Of course, it is still possible to enable antenna stamping for the data transmissions on the selected communications interface as well.Marking the Read ZoneCautionBe sure to follow all applicable rail safety regulations when marking the read zone.The area where the MPRX reads tags at the current RF range is called the read zone. The antenna pattern, or read zone, of the MPRX would look roughly like a pearshaped balloon if you were able to see it. When installing the MPRX, 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 Verifying the Read Zone” on page 8–17 .If two MPRXs 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 MaterialsYou need test tags, which can be supplied by your TransCore dealer or distributor to mark the read zone. The test tag must be mounted flush against a metal backplane.To mark the read zone1. 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.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
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–14• Data bits: 8• Parity: none• Stop bits: 1• Flow control: none4. Cycle the power on the MPRX and ensure that the sign-on message displays.5. To test the antenna connected to RF PORT-0, input the commands listed in Table 4-3.Note: For testing purposes, the MPRX should not be in MPRX mode and should not be multiplexing between multiple antennas.MPRX mode is used for rail track smart multiplexing.Note: Settings for RF, ATA range, SeGo range, and output power are the same for all antennas.Table 4 – 3 Commands for Testing RF Port-0Entry Reader Response Notes#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRX to command mode#647XXX #Done <CR/LF> Sets operating frequency#836 #Done <CR/LF> Disables MPRX mode#850 #Done <CR/LF> Disables antenna multiplexing#644XX #Done <CR/LF> Set desired RF power#643XX #Done <CR/LF> Set desired ATA range control#645XX #Done <CR/LF> Set desired SeGo range control#6401 #Done <CR/LF> Turns on RF#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRX to data modeYou can now connect the outer marks to draw the outer boundary of the read zone.Figure 4 – 8 is a view of a sample read zone. The outer X marks show the outside edges of the read zone.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–15Figure 4 – 8 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern6. Place the MPRX in single-antenna operation using the antenna of interest. Standing at the edge of the rail sleepers closest to the antenna walk the metal- backed test tag along the track to determine the farthest read point in both directions (Refer to item D in Figure 4 – 8). Record the distance.7. In a multiple track installation, walk the tag toward the adjacent track in a straight line from the antenna face (refer to Figure 4 – 8) to determine whether the MPRX reads tags from the adjacent track. Record that distance (item Y). If the MPRX reads tags on the adjacent track, reduce the range control value, or increase RF attenuation until the MPRX cannot read tags on the adjacent track.To continue testing other antennas, ensure that the reader configurations used for RF PORT-0 antenna (Table 4 – 3) are maintained. The following tables list the required commands for testing PORT-1, PORT-2, and PORT-3.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary4–16Table 4 – 4 Commands for Testing RF PORT-1Entry Reader Response Notes#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRX to command mode#891 #Done <CR/LF> Test mode, RF PORT-1 only#6401 #Done <CR/LF> Turns on RF#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRX to data modeTable 4 – 5 Commands for Testing RF PORT-2Entry Reader Response Notes#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRX to command mode#892 #Done <CR/LF> Test mode, RF PORT-2 only#6401 #Done <CR/LF> Turns on RF#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRX to data modeTable 4 – 6 Commands for Testing RF PORT-3Entry Reader Response Notes#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRX to command mode#893 #Done <CR/LF> Test mode, RF PORT-3 only#6401 #Done <CR/LF> Turns on RF#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRX to data mode
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 4–17
General Software Information5
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 5–2 Chapter 5 General Software InformationThis chapter provides software-related information for the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) System.This chapter presents various software-related topics arranged in alphabetical order by subject. In addition to this chapter, refer to “Chapter 6 Communications Protocols” on page 6–2 and “Chapter 7 Commands” on page 7–2 ,” for more information.Command Entry ConventionsAll MPRX commands are preceded by the start-of-message character (#). The end-of- message sequence expected from the host is a carriage return (CR). The MPRX terminates 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.1Indicates the command group. This command is in Group 1- Communications Port Control.0Indicates the command subgroup. In this example, all commands with a second digit of 0 apply to the main port.0The command digit. In this example, the 0 indicates that this command aects the baud rate.5Indicates 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.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 5–3Command Response ConventionsLike the MPRX commands, responses are preceded by the # character. Many MPRX 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 MPRX with serial number SN97001P running version X.XX software is connected to a PC running a terminal emulation software package such as Windows Hyper Terminal or Procomm Plus. The command sequence verifies that communications are working correctly.Table 5 – 2 Sample Command SequenceIn command discussions, MPRX 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 MPRX response being one of the following:#PWRB 0#PWRB 1In 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 MPRX. In this example, one space is between the letter B and the number.Operating ParametersThe MPRXs maintain their operating parameters in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) so that the parameters are preserved after a power-down sequence.Entry MPRX Response Notes#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRX 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 MPRX to data mode
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 5–4Power FailThe 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 DownloadProgram download stores the MPRX application 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 custom TransCore utility hosted process.Download ConsiderationsYou should consider the following factors when performing program download:• The MPRX does not process tags while in download mode.• The MPRX does not accept any program data unless a successful erase of flash memory has been performed before transmitting the data. Erasing the flash memory typically takes two seconds.• Cycling reader power after exiting from download mode re-executes startup. If the new software has been loaded without errors, the MPRX comes up in data mode. If a flash checksum error is detected, the MPRX reenters download mode and transmits a sign-on message with a boot version of 0.00x and without a serial number.Note: The MPRX uses default boot communications parameters when operating in download mode – 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, basic protocol – and does not echo commands.Download ProceduresIf TransCore releases a new version of the MPRX software or if the MPRX does not appear to be working properly, you may need to download the software to the MPRX. Contact technical support or your TransCore MPRX sales representative.StartupUpon startup, MPRX transmits a sign-on message or a boot ROM failure message.Sign-On MessageIf startup is successful, the sign-on message appears as follows:Model E4 Series [software version] SNSSSSSS [Copyright notice]where SSSSSS is the serial number assigned to the MPRX unit being used.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 5–5Serial 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 at a baud rate fixed at 38,400 bps:Model [E4] Ver 0.00x [Copyright notice]Boot Failure MessageUpon powering up, the software performs a checksum verification on itself. The function returns a specific value for the particular version of software. If the value returned is not correct, the boot code assumes that the application code has been corrupted and a failure condition exists. If the failure message does not transmit, a communications error has occurred or the boot has 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 MPRX is operating out of boot ROM. In this case, the MPRX automatically enters download mode and waits for a new program to be loaded into the flash memory. Contact TransCore Technical Support at 505-856-8007 for assistance.Tag/Message BuerMPRXs maintain a tag buer in battery backed RAM to save tag IDs acquired when data inquiry protocol is used. This buer holds up to 500 time-stamped messages.When the buer fills, subsequent tag IDs will be lost.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 5–6
Communication ProtocolsChapter 6
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–2Chapter 6 Communications ProtocolsThis chapter describes the communications protocols for the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX).IntroductionThe MPRX supports the following communications protocols:• Basic• Error correcting• Data inquiryThe following protocol information provides reference information relevant to developing 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.Each message is framed within the start-of-message (som) and end-of-message (eom) characters so that the host device can detect the beginning and end of each message. 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 when using error correcting protocol (ECP). This interchange is completed by the message recipient returning a message acknowledgment 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 eect as if it had received a negative acknowledgment (from the host) or an Error message from the MPRX.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 MPRX as the XOFF character, which would suspend reader output without information reaching the host device. For more information, refer to “Software Flow Control” on page 8–16.Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF flow control be disabled while using ECP.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–3Basic ProtocolWith basic protocol, messages sent to and from the MPRX and the host are transmitted without error checking. For each host transmission, the MPRX returns a Done or Error message to the host.When the host device is physically close to the MPRX and no sources of interference exist, the basic protocol provides reliable communications.The host must be ready to receive reader-transmitted messages because in basic protocol the MPRX does not wait for the host to acknowledge a message before transmitting the next message. If necessary, the host may halt reader transmissions by using software flow control. Refer to “Chapter 8 Configuring the MPRX” on page 8–2 for flow control information.Error Correcting ProtocolWhen the quality of data communications is imperative or may be suspect, you can invoke ECP to ensure the integrity of data transmitted between the MPRX 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 numbers are checked to determine if the message received has the correct sequence number; if not, the recipient rejects the message.Because 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 MPRX and the host must issue a message if any received character has a parity error. However, the message must not be transmitted before receipt of the eom character. If the message is transmitted prematurely, the MPRX will issue an Error message, and the host device will issue a negative acknowledgment message.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–4Data Inquiry ProtocolData inquiry protocol is a basic protocol option that allows the host to control transmission of reader tag data. The selection of data inquiry protocol aects data mode operation. As MPRX acquires tags, it buers them but does not transmit them. Instead, the host must poll MPRX for each tag by sending a CTRL-E character (hex 5 digit). MPRX transmits one message (tag ID or report data) for each CTRL-E it receives until the buer is empty.Each tag request message sent by the host consists only of the CTRL-E character; no som or eom characters are sent. MPRX data transmission (tag ID and report data) format is the same as for basic protocol.Selection of data inquiry protocol does not aect command mode operation.Basic Protocol and ECP FormatNote: In the following text, the symbols < and > are used to represent required variable message data, and the symbols [and] are used to represent optional data. These symbols are not part of the message syntax.Reader TransmissionsThe basic protocol format and the data inquiry protocol format are as follows:<som><data><eom>The ECP format is as follows:<som><seq><data><crc><eom>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 MPRX maintains the number. The host must acknowledge reader transmissions by sending an ACK message with the same sequence number received from the MPRX. The MPRX updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid host ACK. If an ACK is not received, the MPRX retransmits the message. A reader transmission sequence is not considered complete until the MPRX receives an ACK and updates its sequence number.<data> 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.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–5 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. 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 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 MPRX is in the process of retransmitting the previous message.ECP Host ACK/NAK ResponseWith ECP, the host device responds to all data message transmissions from the MPRX using the following acknowledgment or negative acknowledgment response format.<som><seq><ack/nak><crc><eom>where<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)<seq> Echo of the sequence number received from the MPRX. The sequence number should correspond to the data message that is being positively or negatively acknowledged by the host. If the MPRX receives an ACK message with the incorrect sequence number, the data message is retransmitted. The host device resets the anticipated data message sequence number to that of the MPRX 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 MPRX sets a user-programmable timeout delay at the time each message is transmitted based on command #612NN Set Error Correcting Protocol Timeout, where NN = timeout delay. To disable the timeout delay for diagnostic purposes, issue the command #612FF Disable Error Correcting Protocol Timeout.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–6 If the timeout delay expires before the MPRX receives an ACK or NAK message from the host, a logical NAK condition will be declared. If the MPRX receives a NAK or timeout, the reader retransmits the data message. When the MPRX receives an ACK message, the system software treats the message as having been properly received by the host. The software increments the sequence number, and advances pointers to the next message in the MPRX’s message queue to prepare for sending the next message.Switch to Command Mode RequestThe host device may issue command #01 Switch to Command Mode while in data mode.The basic protocol format is as follows:<som><cmd><eom>The ECP format is as follows:<som><seq><cmd><crc><eom>where<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)<seq> Sequence number generated by the host device separately from that appearing in data messages transmitted by the MPRX<cmd> Switch to command mode (ASCII characters 01)<crc> CRC value for the message<eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)Host TransmissionThe host device initiates synchronous communications between the MPRX and the host. The host begins a sequence by issuing a command; the MPRX responds accordingly.The data inquiry protocol format is as follows:<CTRL-E>The basic protocol format is as follows:<som><cmd>[<data>]<eom>The ECP format is as follows:<som><seq><cmd>[<data>]<crc><eom>where<CTRL-E> ASCII Control E (hex 5 digit). When in data inquiry mode, each transmission of a CTRL-E by the host causes the MPRX to transmit one tag ID.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–7<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 MPRX 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. Upon receiving a host command in ECP, the MPRX replies using the command’s sequence number in its response. Therefore, the host device updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid reader response. If the sequence number is not updated before transmission of the next command, the MPRX 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 ResponseThe basic protocol format is<som><resp><eom>The ECP format is<som><seq><resp><crc><eom>where<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)<seq> Echo of sequence number received in host command message<resp> Response string. The MPRX 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
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–8This section contains examples of typical messages transmitted between the MPRX and the host device.Reader TransmissionsBasic protocol reader transmission#KING 1302<eom>Host response No host response for non-ECPECP reader transmission#4KING 1302 <crc><eom>where# Start-of-message character4 Message 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 characterHost response#4@<crc><eom>where# Start-of-message character4 Message sequence number@ ACK (acknowledgment character) (? returned for a negative acknowledgment)<crc> CRC value for the message<eom> End-of-message character
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–9Host Command TransmissionsBasic 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.ECP host transmission#7647XXX<crc><eom>where# Start-of-message character7 Message sequence number647XXX 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 characterDone Command has been invoked by the MPRXReader response#7Done<crc><eom> or #7Error<eom>For some commands, the MPRX responds with data that relates to the command, such as T0F 0, to indicate the mode enabled for a #570 Display Operating Mode Status command.#7Error<eom> will be returned if host transmission is not a legal command with legal data.Timing and SynchronizationThe ECP is largely independent of baud rate. The timeout delays previously described are a function of baud rate.The MPRX 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]
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–10whereΤchar (ms) 1000 x [ Bc / Rb ]Bc Bits per character, typically 10Rb Baud rate, 1200–38.4 KL Length of message in charactersΤidle Maximum idle period between characters (ms)Note: The MPRX 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 processing allowance for the receiver to process the message and check for error conditions.Thus, the sending timeout delay can be expressed as follows:Τsend (ms) = 9 * Τchar + ΤerrchkwhereΤerrckh (ms) Processing period to perform error checking by receiverThe host device can remotely set the MPRX’s communications parameters while in the command mode, but TransCore does not recommend this action if communications conditions are marginal.After the MPRX receives new communications parameters, the MPRX issues the Done message and switches to the new configuration immediately. The host device switches its communications parameters immediately after the transaction is complete.As noted, the message initiator, such as the MPRX in data mode and the host device in command mode, starts a timeout counter at the time a message is transmitted. If the timeout expires before receiving an acknowledgment message, a logical NAK condition is declared, and the initiator assumes the message was received in error. In this instance, the message is retransmitted until an acknowledgment message is received.The message recipient, such as the host device in data mode and the MPRX in command mode, starts a timeout counter when a <som> character is received. If the timeout 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> character, the message acquisition is aborted (reset), and retransmission of the previous message is assumed to be underway.These strategies allow for recovery during periods when communications are marginal or lost completely.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–11Reader-Addressed Failure ConditionsThe MPRX addresses the following failure conditions.Illegal Sequence Number (not in the range 0–9, A–F)If the MPRX detects an illegal sequence number in a host command message, it discards 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 NumberIf the MPRX receives the wrong sequence number in an ACK message, it responds as if a NAK had been received, and it retransmits the data.Incorrect CRCIf the MPRX 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 CommandIf the MPRX receives an illegal command, it returns its standard Error message.Transmission TimeoutIf the MPRX transmits an asynchronous message and the host does not send an ACKbefore the ECP timeout occurs, the MPRX retransmits the message.Receive TimeoutIf the MPRX 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 CollisionIf the MPRX transmits asynchronous data at the same time that the host sends a command, the MPRX gives priority to receiving the command. It processes the command and sends a message before it retransmits the asynchronous data.Host-Addressed Failure ConditionsThe host device addresses the following failure conditions.Illegal or Wrong Sequence NumberIf the host detects an illegal or wrong sequence number in a reader response, it retransmits 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.Incorrect CRCIf the host detects an incorrect CRC value in a reader message, it retransmits the command
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–12with the same sequence number. If the host detects an incorrect CRC value in an asynchronous reader transmission, it transmits a NAK message.Transmission TimeoutIf the MPRX does not respond to a host command within a specified interval, the host software retransmits the command with the same sequence number.Receive TimeoutIf 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 CollisionIf the host receives an asynchronous reader transmission at the same time it transmits a command, it ignores the asynchronous message and waits for the MPRX’s response. The MPRX retransmits asynchronous data after it transmits the command message.ECP ReliabilityAn undetected error is defined as a message having incorrect data or status but no parity 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 “Timing and Synchronization” on page 6–9.CRC CalculationThe CRC used by the ECP is based on a 16-bit algorithm. The algorithm, as implemented, operates on eight-bit characters, for example, a 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 MPRX.The MPRX 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 MPRX implements the algorithm with a 512-byte lookup table to reduce the processing 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-o between code memory and processing overhead.Example 1 presents an example of a function (CALCCRC) that calculates the CRC value through a call to a separate function (UPDCRC).
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–13unsigned 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.#dene BITS_PER_CHAR 8unsigned short updcrc (unsigned short ch, unsigned short crc){register short counter = BITS_PER_CHAR; register short temp = 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);}Example 3 contains an example of UPDCRC that does require a lookup table.#dene 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,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,
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–140xedae, 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,};Example 4 shows an example of a function that creates the lookup table.#include <stdio.h>#dene MAX_CHAR 256#dene BITS_CHAR 8#dene SIGN_BIT 0x8000#dene POLY 0x1021 unsigned short crctab [MAX_CHAR]; main (){unsigned short ch; unsigned short workval; unsigned short bit; 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;
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–15}crctab[ch] = workval;}for (ch = 0; ch != MAX_CHAR; ch++) printf(“0x%04x\n”, crctab[ch]);}Manually Disabling ECP for MaintenanceUnder certain conditions, communications between the host and MPRX 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 buered. Often the first indication that the MPRX software is in an ECP “loop” is when the user/technician sees a recurring display of the same message repeated on the monitor. The procedure described in the following paragraphs enables the maintenance 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 command 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 format:#x@‘‘‘‘<eom>where# Start-of-message characterx Message 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 characterThe following is a typical sequence after power-on limiting buered messages.Note: Ensure that no tags are in the field when you are performing this troubleshooting procedure.CautionTo avoid damage to the MPRX, ensure that you have connected the antenna or a dummy load to the reader before applying power to the reader.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary6–16Reader transmission on power-up:#0 Model …. SN <crc><eom>Manually enter: #0@````<eom>Reader transmission #2 Copyright 2008 TransCore <crc><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 ECPreader response: DoneEnter any other desired diagnostic or directive commands in basic protocol. After maintenance is complete enter the commands:#00 to return the reader to data mode#611 to return to error correcting protocol#100````<eom> to return reader to data mode
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 6–17
Chapter 7Commands
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–2 Chapter 7 CommandsThis chapter discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used to control the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) configuration and operation.IntroductionThe MPRX is delivered from the factory with specified default settings that determine how the reader operates. Commands transmitted by the host device 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 emulation mode. The MPRX can also communicate with ASCII terminals.Operating ModesThe MPRX has three modes of operation: data mode, command mode, and download mode. The software for the MPRX contains two separate programs — boot and application. The boot program has control of the MPRX on startup and when operating in download mode. The application program has control of the MPRX during data mode and command mode operation and holds the application code. Together, they control the MPRX in the three modes of operation.Data ModeThe MPRX is in the data mode upon power-up. While in the data mode, the MPRX sends all communications, such as tag IDs and reports, as data messages to the host device. Reports provide information on input status changes (input0 and input1), a presence without tag report, and buer overflow information. When MPRX mode has been enabled (#837) and while the MPRX is in data mode, the host device can send the following commands the MPRX:• Command #01 changes the MPRX from the data mode to the command mode.• Command #440 provides a one-time reset of all tag uniqueness timers at which point the previously set timeout interval resumes.• Command #8110 turns on RF port0 and sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to fire o Ctag address 0.• Command #8111 turns on RF port1 and sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to fire o Ctag address 1.
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–3• Command #8112 turns on RF port2 and sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to fire o Ctag address 0.• Command #8113 turns on RF Port 3 and sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to fire o Ctag address 1.• Command #8150 sets the check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 0.• Command #8151 sets the check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 0.• Command #8152 sets the check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 1.• Command #8153 sets the check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 1.Note: The MPRX transmits ID codes to the host device when the MPRX is in data mode.Command ModeWhile the MPRX is in the command mode, the host device sends commands to the MPRX that can be used to control the reader operation and configuration. After the MPRX receives a command, it transmits a command response message. Typically, 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, #570 Display Operating Mode Status.Communication can be lost if the host device attempts to send certain commands under marginal communication conditions. For example, if the host device transmits the command request to change the baud rate and the MPRX properly receives the request and transmits the Done message, one of the two following conditions may occur:1. If the host device receives the Done message, then both the host and the MPRX 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 does not change automatically.Note: The MPRX changes the baud rate immediately after issuing the Done message.2. However, if the host does not receive the Done message transmitted by the MPRX, the host assumes that the command was not properly sent and does not switch to the new baud rate, causing a loss of communications.CautionThe host device should not attempt to change communications parameters or protocols during marginal communications conditions; otherwise, a loss of communication can result.Download ModeIn download mode, the host can download new software to the MPRX.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, software flow control (XON/XOFF), basic protocol.
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–4While in download mode, the MPRX turns RF o, does not process tags, and does not echo host commands.Typically, TransCore trained personnel download new application code using a custom firmware loader program.Command ListReader commands are divided into groups based on a primary function. The following sections provide information about each command in command number order. Refer to “Command Quick Reference” on page D–1 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.Reader Mode Control — Command Group 0Group 0 commands control reader mode. The mode determines whether the reader is transmitting data to or receiving data from a host device 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. In addition to switching the reader to data mode, command #00 automatically saves to non-volatile memory (NVRAM) any user parameters that had been changed during the command mode session. The reader enters data mode on power up.CautionTo save user parameter changes to non-volatile memory (NVRAM), you must send command #00 before powering down the reader.When MPRX mode has been enabled (#837) and while the MPRX is in data mode, the host device can send the following commands to the MPRX:• Command #01 Switch to Command Mode Reader response:Done• Command #440 Reset UniquenessReader response:Done• Command #8110 Switch on RF Port 0, Fire O Check Tag Address 0 on Check Tag Pin 0Reader response:
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–5Done• Command #8111 Switch on RF Port 1, Fire O Check Tag Address 1 on Check Tag Pin 0Reader response:Done• Command #8112 Switch on RF Port 2, Fire O Check Tag Address 0 on Check Tag Pin 1Reader response:Done• Command #8113 Switch on RF Port 3, Fire O Check Tag Address 1 on Check Tag Pin 1Reader response:Done• Command #8150 Set Check Tag Address to 0 on Check Tag Pin 0. Reader response:Done• Command #8151 Set Check Tag Address to 1 on Check Tag Pin 0.Reader response:Done• Command #8152 Set Check Tag Address to 0 on Check Tag Pin 1.Reader response:Done• Command #8153 Set Check Tag Address to 1 on Check Tag Pin 1. Reader response:DoneNote: The MPRX transmits ID codes to the host device when the MPRX is in data mode.01 Switch to Command ModeCommand #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 o and does not acquire tags.Reader response:DoneCommunications Port Control — Command Group 1Group 1 commands configure the parameters used by the MPRX to communicate with a host device or terminal. These commands set baud rate, stop bits, parity, and end-of- line
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–6delay.100N Select Baud RateCommand #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 CommandsCautionIf ECP is enabled, ensure that the ECP timeout is sucient for the new baud rate. Refer to “Timing and Synchronization” on page 6–9.Reader response:Done101N Select Stop BitsCommand #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.Table 7 – 2 Select Stop Bits CommandsReader response:Done102N Select ParityCommand #102N selects the reader parity setting. The factory-default setting is parity disabled. The N variable specifies parity as shown in Table 7 – 3.Command Baud Rate Selected1002 12001003 24001004 48001005 9600 (factory default)1006 19.2 K1007 38.4 KCommand Stop Bits Selected1010 1 (factory default)1011 2
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–7Table 7 – 3 Select Parity CommandsReader response:DoneCommand Group 2Group 2 commands control the real-time clock which maintains the MPRX 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 TimeCommand #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.The entry format is as follows:20HH:MM:SS or 20HH:MM:SS:hhwhereHH 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:DoneCommand Data Bits Parity Selected1020 8 Disable parity (factory default)1021 7 Select even parity1022 7 Select odd parity
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–821 Set DateCommand #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/YYwhereMM 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:Done22 Display Time and DateCommand #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/YYwhereHH represents hours.MM represents minutes.SS represents seconds.hh represents hundredths of seconds.: 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.
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–9Append Information — Command Group 3Group 3 commands append useful information to reader transmissions, such as IDs, error messages, and sensor input reports. Auxiliary information such as reader number, 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 SelectionCommand #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 buer contains data. The reset reader command #63 may be transmitted to clear the buer; however, tag ID data will not be reported. If this is unacceptable, allow the buer to empty before reissuing append time and date command #30N. Append Time and Date commands are shown in Table 7 – 4.Table 7 – 4 Append Time and Date CommandsThe reader transmits messages with time and date appended as follows. One space separates the time from the date.<string>&<HH:MM:SS.hh MM/DD/YY>wherestring 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:Done31N Append Auxiliary Information SelectionCommand #31N selects the option of appending auxiliary information to transmitted IDs, presence-without-tag reports, and input status change reports. Auxiliary information 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.Command Append Option300 No time and date appended302 Time and date appended (factory default)
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–10Table 7 – 5 Append Auxiliary Information CommandsThe reader transmits messages with auxiliary information appended as:<message data>%<xx-y-zz-q-sss>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 delimitery antenna number.zz number of reads (00 to FF hexadecimal) of the previous tag on this antennaq current status of input0 and input1 (0 to 3)sss relative to tag read strengthNote: If the MPRX mode is enabled (#837) and you are using the Train Recording Unit (TRU™) as a host, a relative tag strength is appended to the end of the auxiliary data.Reader response:DoneID Filtering — Command Group 4Group 4 commands set criteria for filtering (buering or discarding) ID codes. These commands are useful for eliminating duplicate ID codes and selecting the type of tags read by the MPRX.40 Transmit All ID CodesCommand #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.Command Append Option310 No auxiliary information appended (factory default)311 Auxiliary information appended
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–11After diagnostics are complete, you may want to reinstate the uniqueness check using command #410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria.Reader response:Done410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature)Command #410N instructs the reader to buer 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 reported. 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.Table 7 – 6 Unique ID Code CriteriaEach time the reader receives a tag ID, it compares the ID with the contents of a comparison register. This register contains the following two items:Item 1 Most recently acquired IDItem 2 Second-most recently acquired ID Item 3 Third-most recently acquired ID Item 4 Fourth-most recently acquired IDWhen the uniqueness filter is set to separation of one ID, the newly acquired ID is transmitted only if it is dierent from the first item. Separation of two IDs allows transmission if the new ID is dierent from Items 1 and 2 in the comparison register. Separation of three and four IDs transmit the new ID only if it is dierent 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 time limit as set by command #44N. If an ID is buered, it will not be accepted again unless it arrives at the reader more than the timeout value from the previous arrival or until the receipt of one or more other IDs reset the uniqueness.Command Uniqueness Criteria4100 Separation of 1 ID (factory default)4101 Separation of 2 IDs4102 Separation of 3 IDs4103 Separation of 4 IDs
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–12Reader response:Done420N Select Valid ID Code CriteriaCommand #420N directs the reader to validate an ID received only after it has been obtained a specified number of times in sequence. Values for N are 1 through 4 (Table 7 – 7). The factory setting is one acquisition (N = 0).Table 7 – 7 Select Valid Code Commands and FramesThe 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 areas440 Reset UniquenessCommand 440 causes the ID filtering process set by Select Unique ID Code Criteria (#410N) to restart. It is used in conjunction with the Set Uniqueness Timeout#44N) commands. This command provides a one-time reset at which point the previously set timeout interval resumes. This command can be sent in data or command mode.44N Set Uniqueness TimeoutPlaces 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 timeout clock. The factory setting is two minutes (N = 1).Command Timeout Clock#441 2 minutes (factory setting)#442 15 seconds#443 30 secondsEntering these commands eectively expires the timeout clock, which erases all current IDs in the comparison register. In eect, the first ID that is acquired after the clock expires Command Valid Code Frames4200 1 (factory default)4201 24202 34203 4
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–13always appears to be new and is stored. Newly acquired IDs are only tested against IDs that are registered after the clock resets.The timeout clock is continually reset (does not expire) as long as the reader receives the same tag ID. For example, assume that the timeout clock is set for two 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 two minutes (each time the timeout clock expired).452 Disable Tag Translation Mode (Factory Default)Command #452 disables tag translation mode. Incoming full-frame tags will be converted directly to ASCII. They will not be translated from Association of American Railroads (AAR) and American Trucking Associations (ATA) format to ASCII.Reader response:Done453 Enable Tag Translation ModeCommand #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 converted directly to ASCII. The reader will not attempt to translate data from half-frame or dual-frame tags.Reader response:Done456 Enable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default)Command #456 enables the reader to send the Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tag initialize command as part of the multi-tag sort function. When the reader sends the SeGo protocol tag initialize command, all tags in the RF field reenter the sort process.Reader response:Done457 Disable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag SortCommand #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 identified 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:Done480 Disable ATA
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–14Command #480 disables the reader from reading ATA protocol tags.481 Enable ATACommand #481 enables the reader to read ATA protocol data from tags if the reader is programmed to read this tag protocol.484 Disable SeGoCommand #484 disables the reader from reading SeGo protocol data from tags.485 Enable SeGoCommand #485 enables the reader to read SeGo protocol data from tags if the reader is programmed to read this tag protocol.488 Disable eATACommand #488 disables the reader from reading factory-programmed eATA data from tags.489 Enable eATACommand #489 enables the reader to read factory-programmed eATA data fromSeGo protocol tags.Reader Status — Command Group 5Group 5 commands provide status reports on the parameters and operation of the reader.505 Display Software VersionCommand #505 displays the reader model number, software version information, and assigned serial number.Reader response:Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNSSSSSSwhereX.XX Version numberSSSSSS Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on the reader product label506 Display Hardware Configuration InformationCommand #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:
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–15An ASCII string from 1 to 20 characters in length520 Display Power Fail BitCommand #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 command #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> R0whereP0 No power failure detectedP1 Power failure detectedR0 Not applicable to the MPRX521 Display Reader ID NumberCommand #521 displays the reader ID that is sent in the auxiliary data field. Reader response:RDID xxwhere xx = 01 to FF (hexadecimal)522 Display Communications Port ParametersCommand #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> D0whereB2 1200 baudB3 2400 baudB4 4800 baudB5 9600 baud (factory default)B6 19.2 kbpsB7 38.4 kbpsS0 one stop bit (factory default)S1 two stop bits
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–16P0 no parity (factory default)P1 even parityP2 odd parityD0 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 isMAIN B5 S0 P0 D0indicating 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 communications parameters are always used.524 Display Appended Information StatusCommand #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>whereT0 Time not appendedT1 Time appendedD0 Date not appendedD1 Date appendedX0 Auxiliary information not appended (factory default)X1 Auxiliary information appendedOne space is required between each value. For example, if factory-default settings are assigned, the reader response isIDAP T1 D1 X0indicating time and date appended, and auxiliary information not appended.525 Display Communications Protocol StatusCommand #525 displays the status of command #610 Select Basic Communications Protocol, command #611 Select Error Correcting Protocol, or #613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol, command #614N Selected Mode of Flow Control, and command#612NN Error Correcting Protocol Timeout. Reader response:
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–17ECPS P<0 to 2> T<01 to FF> X<0 to 2> S0whereP0 Basic protocol selected (factory default)P1 ECP enabledP2 data inquiry protocol enabledTxx ECP timeout where xx = 01 to FE (hexadecimal) Timeout (ms) = 50 * xx If xx = FF timeout disabledX0 Flow control disabledX1 Software flow control enabled (factory default)S0 start of message character is #For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is:ECPS P0 TFE X1 S0which means basic protocol selected, an ECP timeout of 254 (12,700 ms or 12.7 sec), software flow control enabled, and start of message character is #.527 Display RF StatusCommand #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 MPRX). RF always is controlled by Sense0 and Sense1 when reader is in MPRX mode. Sense0 enables RF on antenna ports 0 and 1, and Sense1 enables RF on antenna ports 2 and 3. Refer to “MUX Operational Modes” on page 7–38. 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 IxxwhereC0 RF controlled by hostC1 RF controlled by presence sensor on input0, the red/green pair (factory default)O0 RF oO1 RF on
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–18T1 Uniqueness timeout of two minutesT2 Uniqueness timeout of 15 secondsT3 Uniqueness timeout of 30 secondsFxxx RF output frequency, xxx = 000 to 118 hexadecimal oset 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 valueGxx Tag decoder range (distance) for SeGo protocol tags, xx = 00 to 1F hexadecimal range valueAxx RF power attenuation, where 00 is maximum output power and 0A is minimum output power (10dB less than maximum power).I04 FixedFor example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message isRFST C1 O0 T1 Fxxx R1F G1F A00 I04which means that RF is enabled by presence sensor on input0, RF signal o, uniqueness timeout of two minutes, RF output frequency has not been set, maximum RF output 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 StatusCommand #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-o control (#692N Select RF Control Algorithm). If presence without tag reports is enabled (#6901 Enable Presence without Tag Report Option), 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>whereP0 Presence without tag reports disabled (factory default)P1 Presence without tag reports enabled
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–19D0 Minimum presence true period of 0 ms (fixed)A0 RF o on timeout onlyA1 RF o on timeout or tagA2 RF o on timeout or presence condition false (factory default)T0 RF timeout of 0 ms (always expired)T1 4 msT2 8 msT3 12 msT4 20 msT5 24 msT6 32 msT7 48 msT8 60 msT9 92 msTA 152 msTB 300 msTC 452 msTD 600 msTE 752 msTF RF timeout infinite, never expires (factory default)I0 input inversion disabled (factory default)I1 input inversion enabledFor example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message isPRST P0 D0 A2 TF I0which means that presence without tag reports is disabled, minimum presence true period is 0, RF o control on timeout or presence false, infinite RF timeout, and input inversion disabled.
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–20530 Display RF0 Filter StatusCommand #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 4> V<0 to 3>whereU0 One ID separation (factory default)U1 Two ID separationsU2 Three ID separationsU3 Four ID separationsU4 Transmit all IDsV0 Valid ID code criteria of one acquisition (factory default)V1 Valid ID code criteria of two acquisitionsV2 Valid ID code criteria of three acquisitionsV3 Valid ID code criteria of four acquisitionsFor example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message isRF0S U0 V0which means separation of one ID for uniqueness filtering and a valid ID code criteria of one acquisition.534 Display Tag Translation Mode StatusCommand #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 7–13 and “453 Enable Tag Translation Mode” on page 7–13 for more information.Reader response:TT <0 to 1>where0 tag translation mode disabled1 tag translation mode enabled
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–21537 Display Echo StatusCommand #537 displays echo mode status. In basic protocol (#610 Select Basic Communication Protocol) and data inquiry protocol (#613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol), the reader may be configured to enable (#6171 Enable Echo Mode) or disable (#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 7-26 for more information.Reader response:ECHO <0 to 1>where0 Echo status disabled (factory default)1 Echo status enabled540 Display Flash ChecksumCommand #540 displays the flash memory checksum. Reader response:PCKS I0000 Exxxxwhere0000 Not applicable to the MPRXxxxx Represents the four-byte ASCII representation of the flash memory checksum543 Display Boot ChecksumCommand #543 displays the boot ROM checksum. Reader response:BCKS xxxxwhere xxxx represents the four-byte ASCII representation of the boot ROM checksum.549 Get User-Programmable Group Select Equals (GSE) Filter DataCommand #549 queries the reader for the user-programmable GSE filter data programmed in the reader using command #697. The response data is formatted similar to the data in the configuration command.For example, if the command string shown in command #697 (refer to “697 Set User-Programmable Group Select Equals (GSE) Filter” on page 7–34) was sent to a given reader, the response to the #549 query command would be:#A4 0A 0005014202024133The reader response contains all the data fields repeated in the same sequence as displayed in the User-Programmable GSE configuration command.
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–22552 Display Antenna Multiplexing ModeCommand #552 displays the antenna multiplexing mode When the MPRX mode is enabled, the response isReader response:MUX x<0 to 3> <MPRX>wherex = 0 antenna multiplexing disabled, RF on port 0 onlyx = 1 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 activex = 2 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active and RF port 2 when sense1 activex = 3 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active and RF ports 2 and 3 when sense1 activeMPRX = MPRX mode selected560 Request Sensor Status ChangeCommand #560 displays the sensor status change reporting. Not applicable to the MPRXReader response:SSTC E<0 to 1> M<0 to 3>whereE0 Input status change reports disabled (factory default)E1 Input status change reports enabledM0 Reporting disabled (factory default)M1 Changes on input0 reportedM2 Changes on input1 reportedM3 Changes on either input reportedFor example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message isSSTC E0 M0which means that input status change reports are disabled on both input0 and input1.570 Display Operating Mode StatusCommand #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> TMM0where
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–23I ID (64 bits)E EnabledF Full transaction (eATA)D DisabledTMM0 Fixed577 Report Buered HandshakesCommand #577 reports the buered handshakes. When in MPRX mode and/or if antenna multiplexing is enabled, the response isReader response:HDSH C0 <ww> C1 <xx> C2 <yy> C3 <zz>whereww count from port 0xx count from port 1yy count from port 2zz count from port 3.Reader Control Functions — Command Group 6Group 6 commands set reader control functions such as reader ID, communication protocol, output pulse, and RF control.60NN Set Reader ID NumberCommand #60NN sets the reader ID that will be sent in the auxiliary data field (command #311). Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for NN; for example, hex digits A though F or a through fwhere NN = 00 to FF (hex for 0 to 255, factory default = 00). Reader response:Done610 Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default)Command #610 enables the basic communications protocol. Reader response:Done611 Select Error Correcting ProtocolCommand #611 enables the error correcting protocol. Reader response:Done
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–24CautionDo 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 TimeoutCommand #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 or 12.7 seconds)FF Disables the ECP timeoutReader response:DoneCautionEnsure that the ECP timeout is sucient for a given baud rate. Refer to “Timing and Synchronization” on page 6–9.613 Enable Data Inquiry ProtocolCommand #613 enable the data inquiry protocol. Refer to “Data Inquiry Protocol” on page 6–4 “ for more information.Reader response:Done614N Select Flow Control OptionCommand #614N selects the flow control option for reader-to-host communications. The factory default setting is software flow control (XON/XOFF) enabled. In download mode, flow control is not host-selectable; it is fixed at the default setting. However, during data mode and command mode operation, the following flow control options are available. The N variable specifies flow control as shown inTable 7 – 8.
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–25Table 7 – 8 Flow Control CommandsDoneIf the reader is configured for software flow control (XON/XOFF), it stops transmitting 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). Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF flow control be disabled while using the ECP.6170 Disable Echo ModeCommand #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 echoing 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:Done6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default)Command #6171 enables the reader to echo received host commands. Command#6170 disables echo mode. Reader response:Done63 Reset ReaderCommand #63 resets the power fail bit, clears all buers, resets tag uniqueness, turns o both output lines, transmits the sign-on message, and returns to the data mode.Note: This command does not reset any other configuration parameters.Command Flow Control Option6140 Disable flow control6141 Enable software flow control (factory default)
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–26Reader response:Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNSSSSSS Copyright 2008 TransCorewhereX.XXD Version numberSSSSSS Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on the reader product label.640N RF ControlCommand #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 eect when the reader is not in MPRX mode. Refer to commands #836 and #837.Table 7 – 9 RF Control CommandsCommand #6400 disables RF-by-input control command #641 Select RF-by-Input Control.Reader response:DoneCommand RF Power6400 Turns o RF6401 Turns on RF
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–27641 Select RF-by-Input Control (Factory Default)Command #641 configures the reader for RF-by-input control. The reader automatically turns on RF when it detects a presence through sense0. The reader turns o RF according to the selected RF control algorithm (#692N Select RF Control Algorithm).Note: This command only has an eect when the reader is not in MPRX mode.Reader response:Done643NN 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:Done644NN Set RF AttenuationCommand #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 0dB attenuation to a minimum power level of 200 milliwatts at 10-dB attenuation.The Set RF Attenuation command NN variables and corresponding attenuation settings are shown in Table 7 – 10.Table 7 – 10 RF Attenuation Command VariablesVariable (NN) Attenuation Setting (dB)00 0 (factory default)01 102 203 304 405 506 607 708 809 90A 10
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–28Reader response:Done645NN Set SeGo Protocol Operating Range (Distance)Command #645NN sets the read range for SeGo protocol 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:Done647XXX Select RF Operating FrequencyCommand #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 NVRAM. This value is not altered by power-down.If the NVRAM becomes corrupted, the correct operating frequency cannot be guaranteed. 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 each time it is powered up or if an attempt is made to enable the RF by host or by external sensor.Note: The authorized continuous wave (CW) frequency band for the MPRX in the U.S. is 902.25 to 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz and the authorized modulated frequency band for the MPRX in the U.S. is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz. The RF for each MPRX at the site must be set according to the frequency specified in the FCC site license. Only trained, authorized installation and maintenance personnel are permitted by FCC to set the RF.The commands to set the RF frequency are presented in Table 7 – 11.
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–29Table 7 – 11 Select RF Frequency CommandsCommand RF Frequency (MHz)647000 860.00. .. ..6470CF 911.756470D0 912.006470D1 912.256470D2 912.506470D3 912.756470D4 913.00. .. .. .6470EA 918.506470EB 918.756470EC 919.006470ED 919.256470EE 919.506470EF 919.75. .. ..657113 928.75647114 929.00647115 929.25647116 929.50647117 929.75647118 930.00
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–30Reader response:Done65 Reset Power Fail BitCommand #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 7-16 for more information.Reader response:Done66F Load Default Operating ParametersCommand #66F loads all the factory default operating parameters except RF operating frequency. Refer to Table 8-1, MPRX Default Configuration Settings” for a listing of the defaults.Reader response:Done All parameters loaded OKError A parameter load failed690N Select Presence Without Tag Report OptionCommand #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 acquisition of a valid tag. The value for N specifies the reports as shown in Table 7 – 12.Note: These commands only have an eect when the reader is not in MPRX mode.Table 7 – 12 Presence Without Tag Report CommandsReader response:DoneRefer to “Basic Protocol and ECP Format” on page 6-5 for message format information.Command Report Option6900 Disable presence without tag reports (factory default)6901 Enable presence without tag reports
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–31692N Select RF Control AlgorithmCommand #692N selects the algorithm for turning o 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.Table 7 – 13 RF Control Algorithm CommandsCommand #6920 turns o RF power based on the timeout established by command #693N Select RF Timeout Period.Command #6921 allows RF power to be turned o either after the timeout period or upon acquisition of a valid tag ID, whichever occurs first.Command #6922 turns o RF power either after the timeout period or upon the presence false condition, whichever occurs first.Reader response:Done693N Select RF Timeout PeriodCommand #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 o 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.Command RF Power O6920 On timeout only6921 Timeout or tag ID acquired6922 Timeout or presence false (factory default)
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–32Table 7 – 14 Timeout Period ValuesReader response:Done or Error.The reader returns an Error message if a valid hexadecimal digit is not substituted for N in command #693N.Note: This command only has an eect when the reader is not in MPRX mode.694N Select Input Inversion OptionCommand #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 interpreted 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.Command Timeout (ms)6930 0 (always expired)6931 46932 86933 126934 206935 246936 326937 486938 606939 92693A 152693B 300693C 452693D 600693E 752693F Infinite (never expires, factory default)
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–33Table 7 – 15 Input Inversion OptionsReader response:Done695S...S Set Serial Number (Factory Default)Command #695 assigns the reader serial number according to the format:695SSSSSSwhere SSSSSS is the serial number.The serial number may contain as many as six uppercase or lowercase ASCII alphanumeric characters.Note: The factory-assigned serial number of the reader contains seven characters. However, to maintain backward compatibility, the reader software allows only six 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:Done696S...S Store Hardware Configuration String (Factory Default)Command #696S...S stores hardware configuration information into reader memory.The hardware configuration string is assigned according to the following format:696S...Swhere 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:DoneCommand Option6940 Disable input inversion (factory default)6941 Enable input inversion
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–34697 Set User-Programmable Group Select Equals (GSE) FilterCommand #697 sets the user-programmable GSE filter.The command string is assigned according to the following format:697 MM AA DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDwhereMM = The tag uses this mask to determine which of the eight Comparison Data bytes are to be compared for the Group Select filter.AA = This field is used by the tag to determine the start address in the tag memory for the comparison data.DD…DD = Comparison Data: an 8-byte field (16 characters) used by the tag as the comparison data for the Group Select filter. The tag compares the data in this field to data in tag memory beginning at the Start Address to determine if the tag will respond to a reader Group Select request. Only the bytes having the corresponding bit set in the GSE Mask is used for this comparison.As an example, to configure a reader to have only tags with data in byte locations 10, 12, and 15 (decimal) with hexadecimal values “00,” “01,” and “02,” the following command is used:#697 A4 0A 0005014202024133To understand how the data is interpreted, it is necessary to break down the GSE Mask field, A4, into binary:A4 = 1010 0100This mask equates to the tag comparing the first, third, and sixth bytes of the Comparison Data to data in the tag beginning at address location 0A (10 decimal).The Comparison Data field is broken down in bytes with the bytes corresponding to the mask underlined in bold (for clarification):Address: 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10 11Data: 00 05 01 42 02 02 41 33where0A (10 decimal) must be equal to “00” hexadecimal, the first byte in the Comparison Data field0C (12 decimal) must be equal to “01” hexadecimal, the third byte in the Comparison Data field0F (15 decimal) must be equal to “02” hexadecimal, the sixth byte in the Comparison Data fieldReader response:Done
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–35Auxiliary Reader Control — Command Group 8Group 8 commands provide control of reader functions, such as the sense input lines.8110 Switch on RF Port 0, Fire O Check Tag Address 0 on Check Tag Pin 0Command #8110 turns on RF Port 0 and sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to fire o Ctag address 0.8111 Switch on RF Port 1, Fire O Check Tag Address 1 on Check Tag Pin 0Command #8111 turns on RF Port 1 and sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to fire o Ctag address 1.8112 Switch on RF Port 2, Fire O Check Tag Address 0 on Check Tag Pin 1Command #8112 turns on RF port2 and sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to fire o Ctag address 0.8113 Switch on RF Port 3, Fire O Check Tag Address 1 on Check Tag Pin 1Command #8113 turns on RF Port 3 and sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to fire o Ctag address 1.8142X Set Check Tag Character on Check Tag Pin 0Command #8142X sends the command on Ctag pin 0 to set the Ctag character.8143X Set Check Tag Character on Check Tag Pin 1Command #8143X sends the command on Ctag pin 1 to set the Ctag character.8150 Set Check Tag Address to 0 on Check Tag Pin 0Command #8150 sets the check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 0.8151 Set Check Tag Address to 1 on Check Tag Pin 0Command #8151 sets the check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 0.8152 Set Check Tag Address to 0 on Check Tag Pin 1Command #8152 sets the check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 1.8153 Set Check Tag Address to 1 on Check Tag Pin 1Command #8153 sets the check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 1
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–36830 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:Done831 Enable Automatic Periodic RF Status ReportCommand #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 minutes.Reader response:Done836 Disable MPRX ModeCommand #836 disables the MPRX mode. Reader response:Done837 Enable MPRX ModeCommand #837 enables the MPRX mode. Reader response:Done836 Disable AI1200 Emulation ModeCommand #842 disables the AI1200 Emulation mode. Reader response:Done837 Enable AI1200 Emulation ModeCommand #843 enables the MPRX mode. Reader response:Done850 MUX RF Port 0 (Factory Default)Command #850 enables RF Port 0, which disables antenna multiplexing. Reader response:Done
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–37851 MUX Between RF Ports 0 and 1Command #851 multiplexes between RF ports 0 and 1. Reader response:Done852 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, and 2Command #852 multiplexes between RF ports 0, 1, and 2. Reader response:Done853 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, 2, and 3Command #853 multiplexes between RF ports 0, 1, 2, and 3. Reader response:Done891 MUX Test Mode RF Port 1 OnlyCommand #891 turns on RF port 1 only for antenna mux testing. Reader response:DoneNote: Refer to “MUX Test Modes” on page 7–39 for test operation.892 MUX Test Mode RF Port 2 OnlyCommand #892 turns on RF port 2 only for antenna mux testing. Reader response:DoneNote: Refer to “MUX Test Modes” on page 7–39 for test operation.893 MUX Test Mode RF Port 3 OnlyCommand #893 turns on RF port 3 only for antenna mux testing. Reader response:DoneNote: Refer to “MUX Test Modes” on page 7–39 for test operation.
User GuideTransCore Proprietary 7–38Check Tag OperationTo enable check tag 0, issue the following commands#8110 – turn on RF port0, send the command on Ctag pin 0, to fire o Ctag address 0.#8111 – turn on RF port1, send the command on Ctag pin 0, to fire o 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 o Ctag address 0.#8113 – turn on RF port3, send the command on Ctag pin 1, to fire o 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 ModesTo enable antenna multiplexing (muxing) operational modes, issue the following commands#836/#837 – Disable/enable MPRX mode#850 – RF port 0 only (factory default)#851 – mux between RF ports 0 and 1#852 – mux between RF ports 0, 1, and 2#853 – mux between RF ports 0, 1, 2, and 3#552 – Display mux setting. This display message will include “MPRX” if MPRX mode is enabled (#837).When MPRX mode is disabled, the reader will continuously step through each port that has been enabled with #85X, stepping 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 MPRX 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,
MPRX ReaderTransCore Proprietary 7–39Sense1 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 sning, and ATA dwell of two handshakes per antenna is automatic in MPRX mode.MUX Test ModesTo enable antenna muxing test modes, issue the following commands#891 – RF port 1 only#892 – RF port 2 only#893 – RF port 3 onlyTo use these test modes, MPRX mode must be disabled (#836) and muxing must be disabled (#850). These command modes are not saved to NVM, and will be cleared by a power cycle of the reader, or by enabling either MPRX 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 disable RF on by sense, if desired.
Chapter 8Configuring the MPRX
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–2Chapter 8 Configuring the MPRXThis chapter provides instructions for configuring the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX). The information includes factory configuration parameter defaults and instructions for using terminal emulation software to verify and change the MPRX factory configuration defaults.Configuring the ReaderAfter installing the MPRX, 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.Default Operating Parameter SettingsTable 8 – 1 contains the factory default configuration settings for the MPRX operating parameters. The default configuration settings may not be the correct operating configuration 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” on page 2–2 Review the default configurations shown in Table 8 – 1 to determine which parameters, in addition to operating frequency and operating range, need to be adjusted. Refer to “Chapter 7 Commands” on page 7–2 for a complete list of parameters and the corresponding commands.Note: The dual-protocol MPRX internal timing varies depending on the operative tag read mode and the type of tag in the read field.Table 8 – 1 MPRX Default Configuration SettingsParameter Setting CommandOperating mode Data 00Baud rate 9600 1005Stop bits 1 1010Parity None 1020Time and date appended Enabled 302Auxiliary information appended Disabled 310Unique ID code criteria Separation of 1 ID 4100Tag translation mode Disabled 452
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–3Parameter Setting CommandSeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sortEnabled 456Reader ID number 00 6000Communications protocol Basic 610Error correcting protocol (ECP) timeout12.7 sec 612FEFlow control Software (XON/XOFF) 6141Echo mode Enabled 6171ATA operating range Maximum 6431FRF attenuation Full power 64400SeGo protocol tag operating rangeMaximum 6451FPresence without tag reports Disabled 6900RF-o control Timeout or no presence 6922RF timeout Never true 693FInput inversion Disabled 6940Serial number SSSSSS 695Store hardware configuration Hardware configuration not known696Automatic periodic RF status reportDisabled 830Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation SoftwareTo configure the MPRX using a PC and terminal emulation software to manually enter MPRX host commands, follow the instructions in the section “Connecting the MPRX to the Host” on page 4–12 Then, enter the appropriate configuration commands through the terminal emulation software on the host.Refer to “Chapter 7 Commands” on page 7–2 for a detailed description of all available configuration commands.Starting the Terminal Emulation SoftwareYou 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 Terminal, an application included with Microsoft Windows. Most terminal emulation applications have a
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–4similar sequence for launching.To start the terminal emulation software1. At the command prompt, type your terminal emulation start command; or if using Windows Hyper Terminal, select: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 Box2. 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
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–53. 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.The application displays the COM1 Properties dialog box as shown in Figure 8 – 3.Figure 8 – 3 COM 1 Properties Dialog Box4. 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–6Figure 8 – 4 Hyper Terminal Main ScreenVerifying CommunicationsYou must verify that the MPRX and the PC or laptop are communicating.To verify communications1. Start the terminal emulation application as described in”Starting the Terminal Emulation Software” on page 8–3.Note: When testing the MPRX using a laptop computer, TransCore recommends that you configure laptop communication parameters to match those of the host device to which the MPRX will be connected after testing and configuration are completed.2. Cycle the power on the MPRX.Upon startup, the MPRX transmits a sign-on message, displayed on the terminal emulation screen as shown in Figure 8 – 5, or a boot ROM failure message.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–7Figure 8 – 5 Sign-on MessageThe sign-on message appears as follows at a baud rate of 38,400 bps:Model [software version] SNSSSSSS [Copyright notice]where SSSSSS is the serial number assigned to the MPRX 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 not been stored into reader memory. Contact TransCore Technical Support at 505-856-8007.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 MPRX is operating out of boot ROM. In this case, the MPRX 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 5–4 .Communications can also be verified by using the command sequence in Table 8 – 2.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–8Table 8 – 2 Command Sequence to Verify CommunicationsEntry MPRX Response Notes#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches the MPRX 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 MPRX to data mode3. If a successful sign-on message is not returned, check connections and communications factors and correct any errors.To check connections and communications factors1. Confirm that the MPRX has power.2. Verify the connections between the PC and the MPRX.3. Verify the receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) connections.4. If using handshaking, verify the request to send (RTS) and clear to send (CTS) connections.5. Verify the COM port settings for the MPRX following the instructions in “Serial Port Communications” on page 8–15 .Repeat the procedures in “Verifying Communications” on page 8–6.If you still cannot verify the MPRX and PC communications, contact TransCore Technical Support.Verifying Tag Read CapabilityAfter verifying communications between the MPRX and the PC, verify the capability to read tags. The test tag should match the tag type and protocol of the tags that your system will be reading.The polarization of the test tag must be aligned in the same direction as the antenna. Figure 8 – 6 shows horizontally polarized antenna and tag.Note: Matching the tag and antenna polarization is critical to obtain optimal system performance.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–9Figure 8 – 6 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontal polarization)The test tag must be mounted flush against a metal backplane.Note: The default tag read mode of the reader is the protocol(s) programmed into the reader. Use only those test tags programmed with the correct protocol(s) for the reader.CautionTo avoid damage to the MPRX, you must connect the antenna before applying power to the reader.To verify tag read capability1. Once communications are verified, enter the following sequence of commands to turn on continuous RF:• #01• #6401• #40• #002. Pass one test tag in front of the active MPRX antenna. If the MPRX reads the tag, the terminal emulation application displays the tag information on the screen as shown in Figure 8 – 7.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–10Figure 8 – 7 Successful Tag ReadIf the tag ID is not displayed, perform the following actions:• Verify that the MPRX is in data mode (command #00 Switch to Data Mode).• Ensure that the tag you are using is compatible with the MPRX. The MPRX can read tag types that are compatible with the reader model.• An MPRX displays the tag read for any tag that is compatible with the reader programming.• Using the audible circuit tester as described in “Testing the MPRX 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 MPRX and the host.3. Pass a dierent reader-compatible test tag in front of the MPRX antenna.4. When the MPRX 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 – 8.Figure 8 – 8 Second Successful Tag ReadIf the read is unsuccessful, perform the following actions:• Ensure the tag you are using is compatible with the MPRX.• Using the audible circuit tester as described in “Testing the MPRX Using an Audible Circuit Tester” on page 4–3, 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 MPRX and the host device.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–11Configuring MPRX ParametersFollow the procedures in this section to configure MPRX parameters using a PC, laptop, or terminal emulator. The PC or laptop must be connected to and communicating with the MPRX, and the terminal emulation application must be configured correctly, as described in the section “Verifying Communications” on page 8-7.To configure parameters1. Switch to command mode by typing #01 at the prompt on the terminal emulation screen, and pressing ENTER.Note: All MPRX 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 DataUse this procedure to set appended tag data parameters using the terminal emulation application. Refer to “31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection” on page 7-10 for more information.To set appended tag data parameters1. Ensure that the host device 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 SeparationThe 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 oftwo 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 uniqueness. You can reinstate uniqueness checking with commands #4100 or #4101 Select ID Separation.Note: The MPRX internal timing varies depending on the operative tag read mode and the type of tag in the read field. Refer to section “40 Transmit All ID Codes” on page 7–10 “and section “410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature)” on page 7–11.To set ID separation parameters1. Ensure that the host device 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–12ReportsThe MPRX 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. Refer to sections “529 Display Presence Input Status” on page 7–18 and “690N Select Presence Without Tag Report Option” on page 7–30 .To set presence reporting1. Ensure that the host device 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 reporting1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #560 to display input status change report options and pressENTER.• 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 reportedReset ReaderCommand #63 Reset Reader resets uniqueness, clears the power fail bit, and transmits 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.Refer to “63 Reset Reader” on page 7–25
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–13To reset the reader1. Ensure that the host device 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 8-8.Radio FrequencyCautionThe authorized continuous wave (CW) frequency band for the MPRX in the U.S. is 902.25 to 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz and the authorized modulated frequency band for the MPRX in the U.S. is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz. The RF for each MPRX at the site must be set according to the frequency specified in the FCC site license. Only trained, authorized installation and maintenance personnel are permitted by FCC to set the RF.By using the MPRX an authorized person can set the frequency within the range from 860 to 930 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 7–28 Note: For backward compatibility to existing controllers, you can set the RF operating frequency in 500-kHz steps using command #642NN.To set the frequency range1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #647XXX – where XXX is a hexadecimal value from 000 to 118 and press ENTER. Refer to command “647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency” on page 7-29 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 command4. #527 to see the current frequency setting.CautionContact TransCore if your application requires a frequency outside of the authorized frequency range.RF TransmissionThe RF transmission can be controlled by one of the following methods:• Connecting a presence detector to the SENSE0 circuit• The host device sending software commands to the MPRXAs a factory default, the MPRX is configured to control the RF power with a presence detector. Figure 8 – 9 illustrates the methods of controlling RF sense output.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–14Figure 8 – 9 MPRX RF Control OptionsPresence Detector Controlling RF TransmissionThe presence detector can be a loop detector, a track circuit, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or another presence detection device that is connected to sense input0 to turn on the MPRX RF transmitter. In Figure 8-9, Option A shows a presence detector controlling the RF transmitter. This operation is ensures that the RF is “on” only when a train is in the MPRX read zone. Command #641 Select RF-by-Input Control (factory default) must be enabled.To set the option of the presence detector controlling the MPRX • Ensure that the host device is in command mode.• Enter command #641. Press ENTER.• Leave the setting on RF-by-input control for normal operation.Host Controlling RF TransmissionIn Figure 8 – 9, Option B shows the host controlling the RF transmitter. This is the most common implementation.If the presence detector is connected to the host device, as shown in Option B, commands #6400 RF O and #6401 RF On sent from the host device turn on and o the MPRX RF transmitter.Sense InputsThe RS–232 configuration used by the MPRX has two sense inputs — SENSE0 and SENSE1. 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 are used to notify the MPRX of train presence and are designed to be connected to a free- of-voltage dry contact. The MPRX sense inputs are designed to connect to a dry contact closure.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–15You can configure the MPRX to generate input status change reports, which are transmitted like tag IDs. The host can then respond based on the true/false (closed/open) status of the sense inputs. Refer to the section “Reports” on page 8–12“.The following procedures describe how to set sense inputs using the terminal emulation software. Refer to command “694N Select Input Inversion Option” on page 7–32 for more information.To set sense inputs1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #6940 to disable input inversion (factory default) or command3. #6941 to enable input inversion, and press ENTER.Sense Output DeviceThe sense output is dedicated for testing and set up of the reader. It is defined as the TAG_LOCK signal and indicates that 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 isolation transformer is required.Serial Port CommunicationsThe MPRX supports one RS–232 communications port. For the RS–232 communications specification, the MPRX maintains the following three sets of parameters that aect serial port communications:• Port configuration parameters (baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity)• Communications protocols (basic, error correcting)• Flow control scheme (none, software)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 issuing commands with the host device. Use the following procedures to set serial port communications parameters using the terminal emulation program.Port Configuration ParametersUse this procedure to set port configuration parameters using the terminal emulation program. Refer to sections “100N Select Baud Rate” on page 7–6, “100N Select Baud Rate” on page 7–6 through “102N Select Parity” on page 7–6 To set baud rate1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–162. Enter command #100N and press ENTER.To set stop bits1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #101N and press ENTER.To set parity1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #102N and press ENTER.Communications ProtocolUse the following procedures to set communications protocol. Refer to sections “610 Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default)” on page 7–23 through “612NN Select Error Correcting Protocol Timeout” on page 7–24 for more information.CautionDo not switch to ECP (command #611) unless the host is prepared to acknowledge each reader transmission.To select a communications protocol1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #610 to select basic protocol (factory default) or command #611 to select ECP and press ENTER.Software Flow ControlThe host can enable or disable flow control with command #614N Select Flow Control Option.The host can use software control characters (XON/XOFF) 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. 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 ECP.Use the following procedure to set flow control parameters using the terminal emulation program. Refer to section “614N Select Flow Control Option” on page 7–24 .To select flow control1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.2. Enter command #6140 to disable flow control, command #6141 to enable software flow control (factory default) and press ENTER.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–17Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read ZoneIf the read zone is too wide or too deep for your application, it can be fine-tuned by physically adjusting the external antenna mounting orientation, reprogramming the actual RF power output (#644NN Set RF Attenuation), and/or reprogramming the RF sensitivity range (#643NN Set ATA Operating Range (Distance) 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.Refer to sections “643NN Select ATA Operating Range (Distance)” on page 7–27 , “645NN Set SeGo Protocol Operating Range (Distance)” on page 7–28, and “644NN Set RF Attenuation” on page 7–27 for more information.Note: As described in “Marking the Read Zone” on page 4-14, marking the read pattern using test tags that are hand-carried by a tester gives a general idea of the read pattern but the pattern may vary somewhat when actual rail assets are read.Physically Orienting the MPRX 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 PowerYou can make the read zone smaller by adjusting the MPRX 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 power1. Ensure that your PC is communicating with the MPRX using a terminal emulation program as described in section “Verifying Communications” on page 8–6.1. Mark the current read zone as described in section “Marking the Read Zone” on page 4–13.CautionTest tags should be compatible with your MPRX. Test tags can be AAR-formatted or SeGo-protocol tags.2. Enter command #01 to switch to command mode. You are prompted with #DONE from the reader and can now enter reader commands.3. 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 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. Increasing the attenuation lowers the output RF power.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 8–184. Switch to data mode by entering command #00 and pressing ENTER.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 #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 trac by performing the following procedures:To test the read zone1. Ensure that the MPRX is in data mode.2. With the MPRX 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 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 8–8.Fine-tuning the Read Zone by Adjusting Sensitivity RangeThe MPRX read zone can be fine-tuned by using command #643NN for ATA protocol tag read mode or #645NN for SeGo protocol tag read mode to reprogram the RF sensitivity 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 pattern 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 range1. Ensure that your PC is communicating with the MPRX using a terminal emulation program as described in “Verifying Communications” on page 8-7.2. Mark the current read zone as described in “Marking the Read Zone” on page 4–13.3. 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 minimum 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
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 8–19increasing 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 trac by performing the following procedures.To test the read zone1. Ensure that the MPRX is in data mode.2. With the MPRX operating, 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.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 8–8.
Chapter 9Troubleshooting and Maintenance
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 9–1 Chapter 9 Troubleshooting and MaintenanceThis chapter contains information for troubleshooting a Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) and performing minimal maintenance checks. the chapter also includes information for returning products for repair, technical support, and contact information for providing feedback and suggestions to TransCore.Error MessagesThe MPRX transmits an error message if a command received from the host is not a recognized command or if information supplied with the command is incorrect. 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 MessagesError MessageDescription Corrective ActionError06NVRAM parameters have been lost. The MPRX will not function properly because the RF section is shut o until the frequency is reset.Reset the frequency using command#647XXX.Error07The RF phase locked loop (PLL) has lost lock and is unable to operate at its intended frequency. RF output is disabled while the MPRX attempts to reset the PLL.Reset the RF frequency. Refer to “Radio Frequency” on page 8-14 for instructions.Error08The 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.ErrorRF1Warning message that the RF board did not return an update acknowledge signalIf 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 9–2Error MessageDescription Corrective ActionErrorRF2 Warning message that the RF module did not return an INIT DONE signalIf 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 moduleIf 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.TroubleshootingYou can use the following table for troubleshooting. Should problems continue, contact TransCore for return and replacement procedures. If you contact Technical Support, use the symptom number in Table 9 – 2 to reference the problem that you are having with the MPRX.Table 9 – 2 Symptoms and RemediesSymptom NumberaSymptom Remedy1 When performing a quick test of the MPRX, the buzz box does not buzz.Check all your wiring connections and antenna connections and ensure that your buzz box is functioning.The wires from the MPRX 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. Refer to page 7-18 for more information.2The baud rate is selected correctly but nothing happens.The MPRX is not communicating with your host device. Check the power supply to your host device, and check the connections between the host device and the MPRX. Try reversing the receive and transmit connections. Also, check the position of the Interface Selection Switch.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 9–3Symptom NumberaSymptom Remedy3When testing the MPRX, all the wires are connected correctly but the unit does not respond.The MPRX 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 MPRX is VT100.Check that the MPRX communication cable is connected to the correct COM port.Verify that the external antenna is connected correctly.Also, check the position of the Interface Selection Switch.4Strange signal responses come from the MPRX when tested with the PC.Ensure that the reader is in the correct interface mode for the test tag, that is, AAR for an AAR-formatted 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 Nothing happens when the test tag is passed in front of the MPRX RF antenna.Ensure that the MPRX is powered onVerify that the reader is set to RF ON (#6401). Verify that the antenna is connected correctly.6The MPRX came from another site and does not work the way the factory defaults indicate that it should.Dierent 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.7When connected to a PC that is running terminal communications software, a just-powered up MPRX displays one of the following messages:#Model E4 Series X.XX SNSSSSSS#[Copyright notice]The MPRX works. The software is now loaded. SSSSSS is the TransCore-assigned serial number for this MPRX. However, if SSSSSS = 000000, a serial number has never been assigned. If a serial number has not been assigned to your MPRX, contact TransCore Technical Support.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 9–4Symptom NumberaSymptom Remedy8The read zone is too small, even before the RF power and range control have been adjusted.If another MPRX is in the same area, ensure that it is operating on another frequency that is at least 2 MHz dierent.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 external antenna in a dierent direction to see if interference comes from only one direction. You may require a dierent MPRX that uses another frequency.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.9 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 external antenna may need adjustment. Slightly tilt the external antenna to a dierent angle to change either the length or width of the read zone.Check the range control adjustment. Refer to “Radio Frequency” on page 8–13..10 The MPRX is reading tags out of the desired read zone.Some interference from other RF or electrical sources may be occurring. Refer to “Reflection, Refraction, and Diraction of RF Signals” on page 2–8 Verify that the read zone has been properly set up. Refer to “Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone” on page 8–17 .a Use this number to reference the problem you are having with the MPRX if you contact Transcore for Technical Support.MPRX RepairThe MPRX is designed for whole-unit replacement and is manufactured with surface- mounted components. It requires sophisticated testing and repair equipment. All testing and repairs are performed at TransCore’s factory. Please contact TransCore to obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) for returning the reader.Technical SupportAuthorized dealers and distributors are responsible for the direct support of all customers. Authorized dealers and distributors needing support can contact TransCore Technical Support at (505) 856-8007. 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.Note: End users and facility operators contacting Technical Support will be referred to the dealer responsible for the system sale.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 9–5Marketing SupportDealers requiring marketing support may call TransCore Sales Support at 800.923.4824.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 9–6
Chapter 10Interface to Train Recording Unit
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 10–2Chapter 10 Interface to Train Recording Unit This chapter describes the communication/power interface between the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) and the Train Recording Unit (TRU™).TRU System OverviewThe TRU is a system composed of hardware and software that is used at mainline rail locations in North America. The TRU records detailed information about trains, uses the information to create “consists” for the trains, and then transmits consist reports to a host computer system. A train “clean consist” report is a train listing in standing order, where orientation of tagged equipment is provided, location of untagged equipment is provided, and car count is accurate. The TRU accommodates normal operating procedures such as changes in speed and reverse and incorporates intelligence to handle both single and multi-track locations.The TRU System hardware includes the TRU “box,” RFID reader(s) or connection for the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX), antennas, wheel detectors, presence loops, external device interfaces, communications interfaces, and other optional peripherals (Figure 10 – 1).Figure 10 – 1 TRU Front Panel Showing Operational LEDs
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 10–3MPRX to TRU ConnectionThe MPRX and TRU typically are installed in the same railside hut and are connected by a communication/power cable. Figure 10 – 2 shows the TRU circular connector port for the MPRX interface cable.Figure 10 – 2 TRU-MPRX Communications Interface Cable Port (bottom of TRU)Figure 10 – 3 shows a graphical representation of the communications interface cable.10–3
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 10–4Figure 10 – 3 MPRX-TRU Communications Interface CableTable 10 – 1 lists the MPRX-to-TRU communications interface pin designations and signal descriptions.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary 10–5Table 10 – 1 MPRX-to-TRU Interface Cable Pin and Signal DesignationsMPRX Pin Signal Designation Signal Description TRU Pin1 TXD1 Transmit Data 1 82 GND Signal Ground 153 LOCK Lock 74 GND Signal Ground 145 +24RTN +24V Return 66 CTS1 Clear to Send 1 137 +24RTN +24V Return 58RTS1 Request to Send 1 129 +24V DC Input Voltage 410 GND Signal Ground 1111 +24V DC Input Voltage 312 LOCK_RTN Lock Return 1013 SENSE_1 Input Sense 1 214 RXD1 Receive Data 1 915 SENSE_0 Input Sense 0 1
Chapter 11Check Tag to MPRX Assembly
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 11–2Chapter 11 AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRX AssemblyThis document describes the procedures to assemble and connect a check tag assembly to a Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX).Required SuppliesBefore assembling the check tag antenna kit, make sure you have the necessary supplies and tools for this task. Check Tag Kit (TransCore P/N 19114-00). Table 11 – 1 lists the kit parts.Table 11 – 1 Check Tag Kit Parts ListQuantity Description1Terminal connector strip (9 position)2Self-tapping screw1 Plastic connector housing sleeve2 Plastic nut cap with rubber insert1Nylon closing cap1Check Tag Assembly InstructionsYou 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 Reader Extreme
MPRX• TransCore Proprietary 11–3To assemble the kit for two check tags1. Strip the cable insulation to expose the three check tag wires. Strip wire insulation approximately 1/4 inches to expose bare wire. Slide the plastic nut and rubber grommet over the wires (Figure 11 – 2).Figure 11 – 1 Place Nut and Grommet Over Exposed Check Tag Wires2. Pull the check tag wires through the connector housing (Figure 11 – 3).Figure 11 – 2 Feed Check Tag Wires through Plastic Housing Connector3. For Check Tag 0, insert and tighten the check tag wires to the terminal strip as shown in Figure 11 – 2 and Table 11 – 2.Figure 11 – 3 Connect Check Tag Wires
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 11–4Table 11 – 2 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments4. If connecting two check tags, repeat steps 1 through 3. Connect Check Tag 1 to the terminal strip as listed in Table 11 – 3.Table 11 – 3 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments Figure 11 – 4 shows both check tags connected to terminal strip.Figure 11 – 4 Two Check Tag Assemblies Connected to Terminal Strip5. Insert and tighten the two self-tapping screws to secure the terminal strip (Figure 11 – 5).Wire Color Pin No.Ground Black 3Power Red 4Data White 5Wire Color Pin No.Ground Black 7Power Red 8Data White 9
MPRX• TransCore Proprietary 11–5Figure 11 – 5 Securing Terminal Strip into Connector Housing6. To complete the connector assembly, tighten the nuts on the cable end snugly (Figure 11 – 6).Figure 11 – 6 Plastic Nuts with GrommetsAs the nut is tightened, the connector compresses the grommet around the check tag cable.To assemble the kit for one check tag1. Follow the procedure steps described above in steps 1 through 6, but connect only one check tag cable.CautionIf 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).
System GuideTransCore Proprietary 11–6Figure 11 – 7 Nylon Cap Securely Fastened in Unused PortTo connect the check tag assembly to the MPRXRemove the dust cover from the Check Tag port of the MPRX and plug in the check tag cable assembly (signle check tag assembly shown in Figure 11 – 8). Be sure that the two handles snap into place on the MPRX. This ensures a solid connection.Figure 11 – 8 Check Tag Assembly Secured to MPRX Port
MPRX• TransCore Proprietary 11–7
Appendix AGlossary
System GuideTransCore Proprietary A–2Appendix A GlossaryAAAR Association of American RailroadsAC alternating currentACK acknowledge (data valid)ANSI American National Standards Instituteantenna passive device that converts RF energy into magnetic energy (RF signal)ASCII American Standard Code for Information InterchangeASIC application-specic integrated circuitATA American Trucking Associationaux auxiliaryAWG AWG (American Wire Gauge) is a U.S. standard set of non-ferrous wire conductor sizesBbackscatter portion of an RF signal that is modulated by a tag and radiated back to the readerbaud measure of number of bits per second of a digital signal; for example, 9600 baud = 9600 bits per secondBCKS boot checksumBCM buer control modebps bits per secondbyte a binary character; for example, one 8-bit ASCII characterCcheck 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
MPRXTransCore Proprietary A–3cmd commandcomm communicationscommand data set that is recognized by the receiving device as intending to elicit a specic responseconduit exible steel pipe use for electrical wiringcps characters per secondCR carriage returnCRC cyclic redundancy checkCTRL controlCTS clear to sendDdata information that is processed by a computing deviceDC direct currentDIAG diagnosticEECP error correcting protocolECPS error correcting protocol statuseGo® Proprietary name for ANSI NCITS 256-2001 and ISO 18000-6B compliant TransCore products. A registered trademark of TC License, Ltd.eol end of lineeom end of messageEPROM erasable programmable read-only memoryFeld 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary A–4frames consecutive bits of data in memory that are read and written as a groupfrequency bands a range of RF frequencies assigned for transmission by an RF deviceHhex hexadecimalhexadecimal base 16 numbering system that uses the characters 0 though 9 and A through F to resent the digits 0 through 16host device, generally a computer, that is connected to the Multiprotocol Reader Ex-treme through the communications portII/O or IO circuits input/output circuitsID identication; encoded information unique to a particular tagNCITS American National Standards Institute International Committee for Information Technology standardsinterface connection point for communication with another deviceIOST I/O statusISO International Standardization OrganizationLLF line feedMm meterMHz megahertzmode method of operationMPRX Multiprotocol Reader Extremems millisecond(s)
MPRXTransCore Proprietary A–5NNAK negative acknowledgment (data not valid)Ppassback used to refer to a tag ID that is not passed on to the tag buerPC personal computerPCKS EPROM ash checksumprotocol specied convention for the format of data messages communicated between devicesPRST presence statusPWRB power fail bitRRAM random access memoryRDID reader IDread process of acquiring data from a device; for example, from a tag or from computer memoryreader controlled interrogating device capable of acquiring data from a device; for example, acquiring and interrupting data from a tagread zone the physical area in which a tag can be read by the readerRF radio frequencyRFID radio frequency identicationRFST RF statusROM read-only memoryRTC real-time clockRTS request-to-sendSSCTS status of check tag status
System GuideTransCore Proprietary A–6SeGo Super eGo (SeGo) is a superset of the eGo protocolSN serial numbersom start of messageSSTC input status change reporting optionsTtag small self-contained device acting as an identifying transponderTRU™ Train Recording UnitTT tag translationVV voltsVer version (soware)Wwrite 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 specied memory locations.XXON/XOFF protocol for controlling the ow 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 o. e actual signal for X/ON is the same bit conguration as the ASCII Ctrl-Q keyboard combination (11 hexadecimal). e X/OFF signal is the Ctrl-S character (13 hexadecimal).
MPRXTransCore Proprietary A–7
Technical SpecificationsAppendix B
System GuideTransCore Proprietary B–2Appendix B Technical SpecificationsReader SpecificationsCommunicationsa. In the U.S., the authorized continuous wave frequency band is 902.25 to a. 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz and the authorized modulated frequency band for this product is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz.b. Reading range depends on reader or external antenna configuration, tag type, tag read mode, and operating environment.Hardware FeaturesPower RequirementsPhysical AttributesFrequency Selection 860 to 930 MHz capableaReading RangeRead performance varies depending on tag, reader, and external antenna configuration and environment.Typical read range should be 12 to 17 ft (3.7 to 5.2 m).bIntegrated system with connectors for external antennasRF module, tag decoder, power supply, I/O ports, and serial communications interface all housed in a single package.Case Aluminum (Allodyne)Input Voltage 12 to 24 VDC (Option)or24 to 110VDC (Option)Size 13 x 5 x 2.49 in. (33 x 7.62 x 6.32 cm)Weight 5.9 lb (2.6 kg)
MPRXTransCore Proprietary B–3Environmental ParametersOptionsOperating Temperature -40°F to +158°F (-40°C to +70°C)Humidity 99% condensingIngress Protection IP65/IP67 Rated, with appropriate connectors.Vibration Tolerance The MPRX complies with vibration tolerance limits specified in AREMA C&S Manual, Part 11.5.1, Class COperation Shock ToleranceThe MPRX complies with shock tolerance limits specified in AREMA C&S Manual, Part 11.5.1, Class CCommunications InterfaceRS–232, RS-422, EthernetCable Accessory Kits: MPRX-to-TRU™ cable assembly, 6 ft (1.8 m): MPRX-to-TRU cable assembly, 20 ft (6.1 m) 58-7001-003: MPRX cable assembly, 6 ft (1.8 m), no TRU 58-7001-004 MPRX cable assembly, 20 ft (6.1 m), no TRUAC/DC ConverterAn AC/DC converter is available from TransCore to allow for connection to 110/220VAC sources. The transformer is rated -40 to 70C, and will power up to 2 MPRX units. Part number available upon request.
Wiring DiagramC
System GuideTransCore ProprietaryC–2Appendix C Wiring InformationThis appendix contains a graphical representation showing the wiring connector pin-outs as well as any wiring signal tables used to test and install the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) for a non-Train Recording Unit installation.Communications InterfacesTable C – 1 lists the interfaces available with the MPRX.Table C – 1 Communications Interfaces and Conductor RequirementsTable C – 2 lists the MPRX Host Communications Cable Pin Designations. The interface cable is TransCore P/N (6-foot [1.8-m] cable assembly, no TRU) or (20-foot [6.1-m] cable assembly, no TRU).Interface Number of ConductorsRS–232 3RS-422 5Ethernet 4
MPRXTransCore Proprietary C–3Table C – 2 MPRX Host Communications Cable Pin DesignationsHost CablePair Color Pin Number NamePair 1 White 9 SIG_GNDBlack 1 RS232 TXPair 2 White 10 SIG_GNDBrown 2 RS232 RXPair 3 White 12 +V ReturnRed 11 +V InPair 4 White 12 +V ReturnOrange 11 +V InPair 5 White 12 +V ReturnYellow 11 +V InPair 6 White 3 LockGreen 4 Lock ReturnPair 7 White 6 RS422 TX-Blue 5 RS422 TX+Pair 8 White 8 RS422 RX-Violet 7 RS422 RX+
System GuideTransCore ProprietaryC–4Table C – 3 lists the MPRX Sense Communications Cable Pin Designations. The interface cable is TransCore P/N (6-foot [1.8-m] cable assembly, no TRU) or (20-foot [6.1-m] cable assembly, no TRU).Table C – 3 MPRX SENSE Communications Cable Pin DesignationsSense CablePair Color Pin Number NamePair 1 White 3 I/O GNDBlack 7 CTAG 0Pair 2 White 3 I/O GNDBrown 8 CTAG 1Pair 3 White 4 I/O GNDRed 1 +12VPair 4 White 4 I/O GNDOrange 1 +12VPair 5 White 6 OUT 0Yellow 2 OUT 1Pair 6 White 11 I/O GNDGreen 5 PULSE OUTPair 7 White 9 I/O GNDBlue 12 SENSE 0Pair 8 White 10 I/O GNDViolet 11 SENSE 1
Command Quick ReferenceAppendix D
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–2Appendix D Command Quick ReferenceThis appendix lists the default configuration settings for the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) and its commands. Commands are listed both numerically and alphabetically.Command SyntaxThe 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 variable. 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 refer to Chapter 5, “This chapter provides software-related information for the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX) System.” on page 5–2.Table D – 1 lists factory default settings. Table D – 2 lists, in numerical order, all of the commands available to users. Table D – 3 lists the same commands by command name.Factory Default SettingsTable D – 1 lists the factory default settings for the MPRX.Table D – 1 MPRX Default Configuration SettingsParameter Setting CommandOperating mode Data 00Baud rate 9600 1005Stop bits 1 1010Parity None 1020Time and data appended Enabled 302Auxiliary information appended Disabled 310Unique ID code criteria Separation of 1 ID 4100Valid ID code criteria Acquisition of 1 ID 4200Uniqueness time-out 2 minutes 441Tag translation mode Disabled 452Multi-tag sort Disabled 454SeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sortEnabled 456
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–3Parameter Setting CommandReader ID number 00 6000Communications protocol Basic 610Error correcting protocol (ECP) timeout12.7 sec 612FEFlow control Software (XON/XOFF) 6141Echo mode Enabled 6171RF-by-input control Enabled 641ATA operating range (distance) Maximum 6431FRF attenuation Full power 64400SeGo protocol operating range (distance)Maximum 6451FPresence without tag reports Disabled 6900RF-o control Timeout or no presence 6922RF timeout Never true 693FInput inversion Disabled 6940Serial number SSSSSS 695Store hardware configuration Hardware configuration not known696Automatic periodic RF status reportDisabled 830Numerical Command ListThe 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, “Chapter 6 Communications Protocols” on page 6–2 ” for the complete syntax of commands and messages.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–4Table D – 2 MPRX Commands Listed NumericallyNumber Command Name Reader Message00 Switch to data mode Done01 Switch to command mode Done1002 Set baud rate = 1200 baud Done1003 Set baud rate = 2400 baud Done1004 Set baud rate = 4800 baud Done1005 Set baud rate = 9600 baud Done1006 Set baud rate = 19.2 K baud Done1007 Set baud rate = 38.4 K baud Done1010 Use one stop bit Done1011 Use two stop bits Done1020 Disable parity Done1021 Select even parity Done1022 Select odd parity Done20 Set time Done21 Set date Done22 Display time and date Time and date300 No time and date appended Done302 Time and date appended Done310 Disable aux info append Done311 Enable aux info append Done40 Transmit all IDs Done4100 Select one ID separation Done4101 Select two ID separation Done4102 Select three ID separation Done4103 Select four ID separation Done4200 Select 1 valid ID code Done4201 Select 2 valid ID codes Done4202 Select 3 valid ID codes Done4203 Select 4 valid ID codes Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–5Number Command Name Reader Message440 Reset uniqueness Done441 Set uniqueness time-out to 2 minutesDone442 Set uniqueness time-out to 15 secondsDone443 Set uniqueness time-out to 30 secondsDone452 Disable tag translation mode Done453 Enable tag translation mode Done454 Disable multi-tag sort Done455 Enable multi-tag sort Done456 Enable SeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sortDone457 Disable SeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sortDone480 Disable ATA Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.481 Enable ATA Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.484 Disable SeGo Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.485 Enable SeGo Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.488 Disable eATA Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.489 Enable eATA Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.505 Display version Model [model]Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.]
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–6Number Command Name Reader Message506 Display hardware configuration informationS...SS...S = ASCII string (maximum length of 20 characters)520 Display power fail bit PWRB Px R0P0 = no power fail has occurredP1 = power fail has occurredR0 = not applicable to the MPRX521 Display reader ID number RDID xxxx = 00–FF522 Display comm port parameters MAIN Bx Sx Px D0 B2 = 1200B3 = 2400B4 = 4800B5 = 9600B6 = 19.2B7 = 38.4S0 = one stop bit S1 = two stop bits P0 = no parityP1 = even P2 = oddD0 = EOL delay of 0 ms524 Display appended info status IDAP T0 D0 XxT0 = time not appendedT1 = time appendedD0 = date not appended D1 = date appendedX0 = aux info not appendedX1 = aux info appended
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–7Number Command Name Reader Message525 Display comm protocol ECPS Px Txx Xx S0P0 = basicP1 = ECPP2 = data Inquiry Txx = ECP timeout ms = 50 * xxFF = disabled ECP timeout X0 = no flow controlX1 = software flow control S0 = som character is #527 Display RF status RFST Cx Ox Tx Fxxx Rxx Gxx Axx I04C0 = RF controlled by host C1 = RF-by-presence sensor O0 = RF oO1 = RF onT1 = uniqueness timeout of 2 minT2 = uniqueness timeout of 15 secT3 = uniqueness timeout of 30 secFxxx = RF output frequency, xxx = 000 to 118Rxx = Tag decoder range (distance) for ATA tags, 00 to 1F hexadecimal range valueGxx = 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)I04 = fixedNote: 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.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–8Number Command Name Reader Message529 Display presence input status PRST Px D0 Ax Tx IxP0 = disable presence w/o tag reportsP1 = enable presence w/o tag reportsD0 = min presence true period of 0 msA0 = RF o on timeoutA1 = RF o on timeout or tag A2 = RF o on timeout or no presenceT0: 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 msT6: 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 msTF: RF timeout infinite, never expires (factory default)I0 = Input inversion disabled (factory default)I1 = Input inversion enabled
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–9Number Command Name Reader Message530 Display RF0 filter status RF0S Ux V0U0 = one ID separation (factory default)U1 = two ID separation U2 = transmit all IDs U3 = buer all IDsV0 = valid ID code criteria of one acquisition (factory default) V1 = valid ID code criteria of two acquisitionsV2 = valid ID code criteria of three acquisitionsV3 = valid ID code criteria of four acquisitions534 Display tag translation mode statusTT <0 to 1>0 = tag translation mode disabled1 = tag translation mode enabled537 Display echo status ECHO x0 = disabled (factory default) 1 = enabled540 Display flash checksum PCKS I0000 Exxxxxxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksum543 Display boot checksum BCKS xxxxxxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksum549 Get user-programmable group select equals (GSE) filter dataThe response data is formatted similar to the data in the configuration command.
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–10Number Command Name Reader Message552 Request sensor status change Reader response:MUX x<0 to 3> <MPRX>wherex = 0 antenna multiplexing disabled, RF on port 0 onlyx = 1 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 activex = 2 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active and RF port 2 when sense1 activex = 3 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense0 active and RF ports 2 and 3 when sense1 activeMPRX = MPRX mode selected560 Display input status change SSTC Ex MxE0 = status change reports disabledE1 = status change reports enabledM0 = no reportingM1 = report change on input0 M2 = report change on input1 M3 = report change on either input570 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 = EnabledF = Full transaction (eATA) D = Disabled577 Report buered handshakes XX = number of handshakes60NN Set reader ID number NN = 00–FF(00 = factory default)Done610 Select basic protocol Done611 Select ECP protocol Done612NN Set ECP timeoutNN = 01–FE (1–255)timeout = 50 ms * NN (if NN = FF, timeout is disabled)Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–11Number Command Name Reader Message612FE Set ECP timeout = 12.7 sec Done613 Enable data inquiry protocol Done6140 Disable flow control Done6141 Enable software flow control Done6170 Disable echo Done6171 Enable echo Done63 Reset reader Model [model]Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.] Copyright [date]TransCore6400 Turn o RF Done6401 Turn on RF Done641 Select RF-by-input control Done642NN Select RF operating frequency Done643NN Set ATA operating range (distance) NN = 00 (shortest) to 1F (longest) 1F = defaultDone644NN Set RF attenuation NN = 00 to 0ADone645NN Set SeGo protocol operating range (distance)NN = 00 (shortest) to 1F (longest)Done647XXX Select RF operating frequency from 860 to 930 in 250 kHz stepsXXX = 000 - 118 (hexadecimal)Done65 Reset power fail bit Done
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–12Number Command Name Reader Message66F Load default operating parameters (except RF operating frequency)Done6900 Disable presence without tag reportsDone6901 Enable presence without tag reportsDone6920 Turn RF o on timeout Done6921 Turn RF o on timeout/tag Done6922 Turn RF o on timeout/no presenceDone693N Set RF timeout N = 0–F(always expired, 4,8,12,20,24,32,48,60,92,152, 300,452,600,752, infinite)Done693F Set RF timeout = infinite Done6940 Disable input inversion Done6941 Enable input inversion Done695S...S Set serial number S...S = ASCII string (maximum length of 6 characters)Done696S...S Store hardware configuration string S...S = ASCII string (maximum length of 20 characters)Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–13Number Command Name Reader Message697 Set user-programmable group select equals (GSE) filter697 MM AA DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDwhereMM = determines which of the eight comparison data bytes are to be compared for the Group Select filterAA = determines the start address in the tag memory for the comparison dataD...D = 8-byte field (16 characters) used by the tag as the comparison data for the group select filterDone8110 Switch on RF port 0, fire o check tag address 0 on check tag pin 0Done8111 Switch on RF port 1, fire o check tag address 1 on check tag pin 0Done8112 Switch on RF port 2, fire o check tag address 0 on check tag pin 1Done8113 Switch on RF port 3, fire o check tag address 1 on check tag pin 1Done8142X Set check tag character on check tag pin 0Done8143X Set check tag character on check tag pin 1Done8150 Set check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 0Done8151 Set check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 0Done8152 Set check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 1Done8153 Set check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 1Done
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–14Number Command Name Reader Message830 Disable automatic periodic RF status reportDone831 Enable automatic periodic RF status reportDone836 Disable MPRX mode Done837 Enable MPRX mode Done850 MUX RF port 0 Done851 MUX between RF ports 0 and 1 Done852 MUX between RF ports 0, 1, and 2Done853 MUX between RF ports 0, 1, 2, and 3Done891 MUX test mode RF port 1 only Done892 MUX test mode RF port 2 only Done893 MUX test mode RF port 3 only DoneAlphabetical Command ListThe 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, “Chapter 7 Commands” on page 7–2 for the complete syntax of commands and messages.Table D – 3 MPRX Commands Listed AlphabeticallyCommand Name Code Reader MessageAll IDs transmit 40 DoneAppended 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
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–15Command Name Code Reader MessageATA disable 480 Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.ATA enable 481 Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.ATA operating range setNN = 00 (shortest) to 1F (longest)1F = default643NN DoneAutomatic periodic RF status report disable830 DoneAutomatic periodic RF status report enable831 DoneAux info append disable 310 DoneAux info append enable 311 DoneBasic protocol select 610 DoneBaud rate = 1200 baud set 1002 DoneBaud rate = 19.2 K baud set 1006 DoneBaud rate = 2400 baud set 1003 DoneBaud rate = 38.4 K baud set 1007 DoneBaud rate = 4800 baud set 1004 DoneBaud rate = 9600 baud set 1005 DoneBoot checksum display 543 BCKS xxxxxxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksumBuered handshake report 577 XX = number of handshakes
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–16Command Name Code Reader MessageComm port parameters display 522 MAIN Bx Sx Px D0 B0 = 110B1 = 300B2 = 1200B3 = 2400B4 = 4800B5 = 9600B6 = 19.2B7 = 38.4S0 = one stop bit S1 = two stop bits P0 = no parityP1 = even P2 = oddD0 = EOL delay of 0 msComm protocol display 525 ECPS Px Txx Xx S0 P0 = basicP1 = ECPP2 = data inquiry Txx = ECP timeout ms = 50 * xxTFF = disabled ECP timeout X0 = no flow controlX1 = software flow control S0 = SOM character is #Command mode switch 01 DoneData inquiry protocol enable 613 DoneData mode switch 00 DoneDate set 21 DoneDefault operating parameters load (except RF operating frequency)66F DoneeATA disable 488 Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.eATA enable 489 Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.Echo disable 6170 DoneEcho enable 6171 Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–17Command Name Code Reader MessageEcho status display 537 ECHO x0 = disabled1 = enabledECP protocol select 611 DoneECP timeout set = 12.7 sec 612FE DoneECP timeout setNN = 01–FE (1–255)timeout = 50 ms * NN(if NN = FF, timeout is disabled)612NN DoneEven parity select 1021 DoneFlash checksum display 540 PCKS I0000 Exxxxxxxx = 4-byte ASCII checksumFlow control disable 6140 DoneGet user-programmable group select equals (GSE) filter data549 The response data is formatted similar to the data in the configuration command.Hardware configuration information display506 S...SS...S = ASCII string (maximum length of 20 characters)Hardware configuration string storeS...S = ASCII string (maximum length of 20 characters)696S...S DoneInput inversion disable 6940 DoneInput inversion enable 6941 DoneInput status change display 560 SSTC Ex MxE0 = status change reports disabledE1 = status change reports enabledM0 = no reportingM1 = report change on input0 M2 = report change on input1 M3 = report change on either input
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–18Command Name Code Reader MessageMPRX mode disable 836 DoneMPRX mode enable 837 DoneMulti-tag sort disable 454 DoneMulti-tag sort enable 455 DoneMUX RF port 0 850 DoneMUX between RF ports 0 and 1 851 DoneMUX between RF ports 0, 1, and 2 852 DoneMUX between RF ports 0, 1, 2, and 3853 DoneMUX test mode RF port 1 only 891 DoneMUX test mode RF port 2 only 892 DoneMUX test mode RF port 3 only 893 DoneOdd parity select 1022 DoneOperating 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 = EnabledF = Full transaction (eATA) D = DisabledParity disable 1020 DonePower fail bit display 520 PWRB Px R0P0 = no power fail has occurred P1 = power fail has occurred R0 = not applicablePower fail bit reset 65 Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–19Command Name Code Reader MessagePresence input status display 529 PRST Px D0 Ax Tx IxP0 = disable presence w/o tag reportsP1 = enable presence w/o tag reportsD0 = min presence true period of 0 msA0 = RF o on timeoutA1 = RF o on timeout or tag A2 = RF o on timeout or no presenceT0: 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 msTF: RF timeout infinite, never expires (factory default)I0 = Input inversion disabled (factory default)I1 = Input inversion enabledPresence without tag reports disable6900 DonePresence without tag reports enable6901 DoneReader ID number display 521 RDID xxxx = 00–FF
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–20Command Name Code Reader MessageReader ID number set NN = 00-FF(00 = factory default)60NN DoneReader reset 63 Model [model]Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.] Copyright [date]TransCoreReport changes both 823 DoneRF attenuation set NN = 00 to 0A 644NN DoneRF o on timeout 6920 DoneRF o on timeout/no presence 6922 DoneRF o on timeout/tag 6921 DoneRF turn o 6400 DoneRF turn on 6401 DoneRF on by input control 641 DoneRF operating frequency from 860 to 930 in 250 kHz steps select XXX = 000 - 118 (hexadecimal)647XXX DoneRF operating frequency select 642NN Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–21Command Name Code Reader MessageRF status display 527 RFST Cx Ox Tx Fxxx Rxx Gxx Axx I04C0 = RF controlled by host C1 = RF-by-presence sensor O0 = RF oO1 = RF onT1 = uniqueness timeout of 2 min T2 = uniqueness timeout of 15 secT3 = uniqueness timeout of 30 secFxxx = RF output frequency, xxx = 000 to 118Rxx = Tag decoder range (distance) for ATA tags, 00 to 1F hexadecimal range valueGxx = 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)I04 = fixedIf 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.RF timeout = innite set 693F DoneRF timeout set N = 0–F(always expired, 4,8,12,20,24,32,48,60,92,152,300,452,600,752ms, infinite)693N Done
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–22Command Name Code Reader MessageRF0 filter status display 530 RF0S Ux V0U0 = one ID separation U1 = two IDU2 = transmit allSeGo disable 484 Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.SeGo enable 485 Done if MPRX model supports this tag protocol. Error if tag protocol is unsupported.SeGo protocol operating range set NN = 00 (shortest) to 1F (longest)645NN DoneSeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sort456 DoneSeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sort disable457 DoneSerial number set S...S = ASCII string (maximum length of 6 characters)695S...S DoneSet check tag character on check tag pin 08142X DoneSet check tag character on check tag pin 18143X DoneSet check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 08150 DoneSet check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 08151 DoneSet check tag address to 0 on check tag pin 18152 DoneSet check tag address to 1 on check tag pin 18153 Done
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–23Command Name Code Reader MessageSet user-programmable group select equals (GSE) filter697 MM AA DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDwhereMM = determines which of the eight comparison data bytes are to be compared for the Group Select filterAA = determines the start address in the tag memory for the comparison dataD...D = 8-byte field (16 characters) used by the tag as the comparison data for the group select filter697 DoneSoftware flow control enable 6141 DoneStop bit use one 1010 DoneStop bit use two 1011 DoneSwitch on RF port 0, fire o check tag address 0 on check tag pin 08110 DoneSwitch on RF port 1, fire o check tag address 1 on check tag pin 08111 DoneSwitch on RF port 2, fire o check tag address 0 on check tag pin 18112 DoneSwitch on RF port 3, fire o check tag address 1 on check tag pin 18113 DoneTag ID separation select four 4103 DoneTag ID separation select one 4100 DoneTag ID separation select three 4102 DoneTag ID separation select two 4101 Done
System GuideTransCore Proprietary D–24Command Name Code Reader MessageTag translation mode status display534 TT <0 to 1>0 = tag translation mode disabled1 = tag translation mode enabledTime and date appended 302 DoneTime and date display 22 Time and dateTime and date not appended 300 DoneTime set 20 DoneUniqueness reset 440 DoneUniqueness time-out set to 2 minutes441 DoneUniqueness time-out set to 15 seconds442 DoneUniqueness time-out set to 30 seconds443 DoneValid ID code select four 4203 DoneValid ID code select one 4200 DoneValid ID code select three 4202 DoneValid ID code select two 4201 DoneVersion display 505 Model [model]Ver [ver no.] SN [serial no.]
MPRXTransCore Proprietary D–25
Compatible Tag InformationE
System GuideTransCore ProprietaryE–2Appendix E Compatible Tag InformationThis appendix gives helpful information about the tags that are compatible with the Multiprotocol Reader Extreme (MPRX).Tag Configurations Table E – 1 lists the TransCore Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tags that are compatible with the MPRX.Table E – 1 SeGo Protocol TagsTag Model Number Tag Type Power SourceNumber of 6-bit ASCIICharactersaNumber of 128-Bit FramesaSpecial FeaturesAT5120 Rail Beam 20 1860 to 880 MHz frequency, chemical resistant case, metal external installAT5118 Rail Beam 20 1915 MHz frequency, high- temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5133 Transportation Beam 20 1915 MHz frequency, high- temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5412 Transportation Beam 10 1/2915 MHz frequency, high- temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5413 Rail Beam 20 1915 MHz frequency, high- temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5414 Transportation 8-year battery 10 1/2Multifrequency, high-temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5415 Transportation Beam 10 1/2915 MHz frequency, high- temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5549 Rail 10-year battery 20 1 915 MHz frequency; water- resistant, metal external installa. These fields apply to eATA-programmed tags only. Contact TransCore for information regarding tags programmed with these features.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary E–3Table E – 2 lists most AAR-formatted tag models that are compatible with the MPRX.Table E – 2 AAR-formatted TagsTag Model Number Tag Type Power SourceNumber of 6-Bit ASCII CharactersNumber of 128-Bit FramesSpecial FeaturesAT5110 Transportation Beam 20 1 915 MHz frequency, metal external installAT5112 Access control, transportationBeam 10 1/2 915 MHz frequency, metal external installAT5114 Access control, transportation10-yr battery10 1/2 Multifrequency, metal external installAT5117 Rail External 10 1/2 915 MHz frequency; weather resistant, metal external installAT5119 Rail External 10 1/2 915 MHz frequency; weather resistant, metal external installAT5125 Transportation Beam 20 1 915 MHz frequency; high- temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installAT5510 Transportation 10-yr battery20 1 Multifrequency, metal external installAT5704 Transportation External 4608 256 Multifrequency, dynamic tag, metal external installAT5707 Transportation 8-yr battery40a 2 915 MHz frequency, dynamic tag, metal external installIf desired, in place of 40 six-bit ASCII characters, the AT5707 can support up to 34 seven-bit ASCII characters.Tag Model Number Tag Type Power SourceNumber of 6-bit ASCIICharactersaNumber of 128-Bit FramesaSpecial FeaturesAT5910 Transportation 8-year battery 20 1Multifrequency, high-temperature chemical-resistant case, metal external installa. These fields apply to eATA-programmed tags only. Contact TransCore for information regarding tags programmed with these features.
System GuideTransCore ProprietaryE–4Tag Data FormatsTags 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 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.
MPRXTransCore Proprietary E–5

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