AMX Control System Accessories Anterus User Manual
Operation/Reference Guide
Anterus
RFID Solution
ANT-RDR Reader
ANT-BDG Badge
ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag
™
Control System Accessories
Last Updated: 10/22/2008
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Anterus™ RFID Solution ..................................................................................... 1
Overview .................................................................................................................. 1
ANT-RDR RFID Reader.............................................................................................. 2
ANT-RDR Product Specifications ..................................................................................... 3
ANT-RDR Mounting/Installation ...................................................................................... 3
Anterus RFID Tags .................................................................................................... 4
RFID Tags - Internal Battery ............................................................................................ 4
ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag...................................................................................... 5
ANT-TAG Product Specifications .................................................................................... 5
ANT-TAG Mounting/Installation ...................................................................................... 6
ANT-TAG Antenna Orientation ....................................................................................... 6
ANT-BDG ID Badge Tag ........................................................................................... 6
ANT-BDG Product Specifications .................................................................................... 7
ANT-BDG Mounting/Installation ..................................................................................... 7
ANT-BDG Antenna Orientation ....................................................................................... 7
Signal Strength Behavior of AMX RFID Tags and Readers ....................................... 8
Environmental Factors .............................................................................................. 8
Non-Ideal Antenna Gain .................................................................................................. 8
Antenna Elevation ........................................................................................................... 8
People and Objects ......................................................................................................... 9
Multipath Fading............................................................................................................. 9
Analysis..................................................................................................................... 9
Measured Data................................................................................................................ 9
Conclusions ................................................................................................................... 10
Installation ........................................................................................................11
Overview ................................................................................................................ 11
Connecting the ANT-RDR To a NetLinx Master ...................................................... 11
Connecting Additional ANT-RDRs........................................................................... 11
Wiring Guidelines.......................................................................................................... 12
Cable Types and Maximum Distances..................................................................... 12
Pre-manufactured AXlink cable ..................................................................................... 12
Power Distribution ........................................................................................................ 12
Calculating AXlink wiring distances............................................................................... 12
Assigning the ANT-RDR Device Address ................................................................ 13
Anterus RFID Solution
i
Table of Contents
Anterus Configuration Manager .......................................................................15
Overview ................................................................................................................ 15
Accessing the RFID Configuration Manager ........................................................... 15
RFID Configuration Manager (Main page) .............................................................. 17
Global Register Page .............................................................................................. 19
Global Reader Configuration Options ........................................................................... 20
Adding a Tag to the System.......................................................................................... 21
Removing a Tag from the System.................................................................................. 21
Anterus Tags Configuration Options ............................................................................. 22
Viewing Tag Details....................................................................................................... 23
Reader Configuration Pages ................................................................................... 24
Reader Configuration Options ...................................................................................... 25
Programming ....................................................................................................27
Anterus Duet Module - Overview ........................................................................... 27
Implementing the Anterus Duet Module ....................................................................... 27
Port Mapping ................................................................................................................ 28
Channels........................................................................................................................ 28
NetLinx Send Commands .............................................................................................. 28
AxLink Programming Overview .............................................................................. 28
Send Commands ........................................................................................................... 28
AXLink Channels............................................................................................................ 30
AXLink Levels ................................................................................................................ 31
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Anterus RFID Solution
Anterus™ RFID Solution
Overview
The Anterus™ RFID Solution provides a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) solution from AMX
that extends the capabilities of the integrated A/V or control system. Anterus provides the ability to
monitor devices for asset control, as well as to define control system functionality based on the presence
of an RF Tag.
ANT-RDR Readers interface to the NetLinx Master via the AXLink bus. Anterus Tags actively send RF
messages communicating their information to ANT-RDR Readers at a distance. By design, the Tags are
active at all times. The ANT-RDR filters RF messages to ensure only messages from RF Tags in the
AMX system are forward to the control system.
Each ANT-RDR Reader detects Anterus RF Tags within its monitored zone of up to 100 feet
(30 m).
Anterus products are designed to not interfere with WiFI and Zigbee frequency spectrum used
by other AMX products
The Anterus RFID Solution is intended for asset tracking and system control. It is not
to be used as a primary asset or personnel security system.
Anterus™ RFID Solution
Anterus components include:
ANT-RDR Reader (FG5172): The ANT-RDR connects to the NetLinx controller to initiate
system events when an Anterus RF asset tag or ID badge passes into its zone. See the ANT-
RDR RFID Reader section on page 2 for product details.
ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag (FG5172-01): The ANT-TAG device/asset tag attaches to
devices to identify and track their location and trigger system events. See the ANT-TAG
Device/Asset Tag section on page 5 for product details.
ANT-BDG Badge Tag (FG5172-03): The ANT-BDG badge tag is worn by personnel to
identify them, track their location within a facility, and trigger system events while in
proximity to an Anterus reader. See the ANT-BDG ID Badge Tag section on page 6 for
product details.
Anterus Duet Module: The Anterus Duet Module interfaces ANT-RDR Readers with
NetLinx controllers. See the Programming section on page 27 for details.
Anterus RFID Solution
1
Anterus™ RFID Solution
ANT-TAG
Device/set Tag
ANT-RDR
RFID Reader
FIG. 1 Anterus RFID Group
ANT-BDG
Badge Tag
ANT-RDR RFID Reader
The ANT-RDR (FG5172) connects to the NetLinx controller to initiate system events whenever an ANTTAG Device/Asset tag, or ANT-BDG ID badge passes into its zone (FIG. 2).
RF Stub Antenna (433 MHz)
8-position
DEVICE
DIP Switch
AxLink/RF
Status LEDs
Front
FIG. 2 ANT-RDR RFID Reader
The ANT-RDR communicates with the NetLinx Master via AXLink, which supports up to
Rear
4-pin AxLink
Connector
255 devices on a single AXLink bus spanning for a total distance of 3000 feet (915 m).
The ANT-RDR uses a 4-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (male) connector to provide data and power
to the ANT-RDR via the AXLink bus.
2
Anterus RFID Solution
Anterus™ RFID Solution
AXLink supports multiple topologies including Star, Daisy-Chain, or a combination of
both Star and Daisy-Chain.
ANT-RDR Product Specifications
The following table provides product specifications for the ANT-RDR Reader:
ANT-RDR Specifications
Front Panel Components: • RF Status LED (red): Indicates reception from RFID tag.
• AXLINK Status LED (green): Blinks to indicate the device is installed and
communicating properly.
Solid ON = Power on, but no master connection.
Solid OFF = No power
• RF Stub Antenna (433.92 MHz)
Rear Panel Components: • AxLink connector - 4-pin 3.5 mm mini-Phoenix (male) connector provides data
and power to the ANT-RDR.
• DEVICE ID 8-position DIP Switch - Used to set the unique binary device
number. The device number is set by the total value of DIP switch positions
that are ON (down).
RF Specifications: • Transmission Frequency: 433.92 MHz
• Transmission Range: Up to 100 feet/30 meters (adjustable)
Note: Tag and Reader communication distances assume optimal orientation
between Tag and Reader. Read distances may also vary as a result of the presence of metal and environmental conditions.
System Limitations: • Up to 30 ANT-RDRs per system
• Up to 250 tags (ANT-TAG or ANT-BDG) per ANT-RDR
Power Requirements: • 780 mW; ±12 VDC, 90 mA (max.)
• Power provided by 4-pin AxLink connector.
Environmental: • Operational temperature: 32º F to 140º F (0º C to 60º C)
• Storage temperature: -4º F to 158º F (-20º C to 70º C)
• Humidity: 5% to 90% (non condensing)
Enclosure: Black Metal Powder coat
Dimensions (HWD): • .906 x 2.500 x 3.424 (23.01 mm x 63.50 mm x 86.96 mm)
• Does not include antenna.
Weight: 4 oz. (113.4 grams)
Certification: The following standards applied in accordance with Article 5 of the directive,
1999/5/EC:
• EN 300 220-1 V1.2.1 (1997-11)
• ETS 300 683 (1997-03)
Other AMX Equipment: • AC-DIN-EXTR DIN Rail Mounting Bracket (FG532-05)
Anterus products are designed to not interfere with WiFI and Zigbee frequency
spectrum used by other AMX products.
ANT-RDR Mounting/Installation
The ANT-RDR can be DIN-Rail mounted using the (optional) AC-DIN-EXTR DIN Rail Mounting
Bracket (FG532-05). Refer to the documentation included with the AC-DIN-EXTR DIN for mounting
instructions.
Anterus RFID Solution
3
Anterus™ RFID Solution
Anterus RFID Tags
The two types of RFID Tags (ANT-TAG, and ANT-BDG) are described in the following subsections:
ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag
FIG. 3 Anterus RFID Tags
RFID Tags - Internal Battery
An internal lithium battery powers the Anterus RFID Tags. Each RFID Tag will, for the duration of its
life, transmit a Radio Frequency (RF) signal at a pre-set time interval. The Tag life is estimated at 5 years
at a transmission time interval of approximately 10 seconds. The life span of the Tag ends when the
battery life is exhausted. Battery status can be inferred by interrogating the internal Tag Age Counter
Va l u e.
ANT-BDG ID Badge Tag
The internal lithium battery in the Anterus RFID Tags cannot be replaced.
Additional and replacement tags are available from AMX. Contact your customer service representative
for details.
4
Anterus RFID Solution
Anterus™ RFID Solution
ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag
The ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag (FG5172-01) attaches to devices to identify and track location, and
trigger system events (FIG. 4). .
FIG. 4 ANT-TAG Device/Asset Tag
Attach the ANT-TAG to a stationary or mobile asset to monitor the location of the asset. A tagged asset
may be a non-controllable object not traditionally connected to a Master Control System, or a mobile
device that is regularly moved throughout a facility.
ANT-TAG Product Specifications
ANT-TAG Specifications
RF Specifications: • Tx Frequency: 433 Mhz
• Field strength: < 1600 µV/m
• Modulation: ASK
• Stability: Saw Stabilized
• External Antenna
Electrical Specifications: • Power: Internally powered Lithium Battery (non-replaceable)
• Battery Life span: approximately 5 years.
Note: All of the Anterus RFID tags run on non-replaceable batteries, which
provide approximately five years of normal use. Additional and replacement tags
are available from AMX. Contact your customer service representative for
details.
Environmental: • Operational temperature: 32º F to 140º F (0º C to 60º C)
• Storage temperature: -4º F to 158º F (-20º C to 70º C)
• Humidity: 5% to 90% (non condensing)
Enclosure: • ABS (ultrasonically sealed) IP 65
• Charcoal Grey
Dimensions (HWD): 2.52" x 1.18" x .35" (64 mm x 30 mm x 9 mm)
Weight: 0.8 oz. (22.68 grams)
Certifications: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and,
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
The following standards applied in accordance with Article 5 of the directive,
1999/5/EC:
• EN 300 220-1 V1.2.1 (1997-11)
• ETS 300 683 (1997-03)
Any modification of this device without the express consent of the manufacturer
could void the user authority to operate the equipment.
Anterus RFID Solution
5
Anterus™ RFID Solution
ANT-TAG Mounting/Installation
ANT-TAG Tags can be mounted on a variety of non-metallic items. Where permanent fixing is required,
VHB double-sided tape is used (L-TA400).
ANT-TAG Antenna Orientation
For optimal RF reception, the tags should be mounted in the same orientation as the antenna used on the
reader. The system will still function if the orientations do no match however, the range will be
decreased. It is best to mount all tags in the same orientation no matter if it matches the orientation of the
antenna. The tag’s vertical orientation is with the antenna of the tag facing up or down. The tag’s
horizontal orientation is with the antenna to the either side. FIG. 5 provides an Orientation Diagram for
the ANT-RDR, and ANT-TAG:
Vertical Orientation
ANT-RDR ANT-TAG
FIG. 5 ANT-RDR / ANT-TAG Antenna Orientation
Horizontal Orientation
ANT-RDR ANT-TAG
ANT-BDG ID Badge Tag
The ANT-BDG badge tag (FG5172-02) is worn by personnel to identify them, track their location within
a facility and trigger system events while in proximity to an ANT-RDR RFID Reader (FIG. 6).
FIG. 6 ANT-BDG ID Badge Tag
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Anterus RFID Solution
Anterus™ RFID Solution
ANT-BDG Product Specifications
ANT-BDG Specifications
RF Specifications: • Tx Frequency: 433 Mhz
• Field strength: < 1600 µV/m
• Modulation: ASK
• Stability: Saw Stabilized
Electrical Specifications: • Power: Internally powered Lithium Battery (non-replaceable)
• Battery Life span: approximately 5 years.
Note: All of the Anterus RFID tags run on non-replaceable batteries, which
provide approximately five years of normal use. Additional and replacement tags
are available from AMX. Contact your customer service representative for details.
Environmental: • Operational temperature: 32º F to 140º F (0º C to 60º C)
• Storage temperature: -4º F to 158º F (-20º C to 70º C)
• Humidity: 5% to 90% (non condensing)
Enclosure: • ABS (ultrasonically sealed) IP 65
•Black
Dimensions (HWD): 3.38" x 2.12" x .19" (86 mm x 54 mm x 5mm)
Weight: 0.8 oz. (22.68 grams)
Certifications: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and,
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
The following standards applied in accordance with Article 5 of the directive, 1999/
5/EC:
• EN 300 220-1 V1.2.1 (1997-11)
• ETS 300 683 (1997-03)
Any modification of this device without the express consent of the manufacturer
could void the user authority to operate the equipment.
ANT-BDG Mounting/Installation
ANT-BDG Tags can be mounted on a variety of items. Where permanent fixing is required VHB doublesided tape is used (Product number L-TA200); otherwise, the tags may be worn on a necklace or clipped
to clothing.
If you will be fixing personnel photos to the ANT-BDG, use a Badge/Slot Punch capable of a throat
reach of 1/4” (FIG. 7).
Depth =.25” (6.35mm)
Punch-out height =
.25” (6.35mm)
Punch-out width = 1.625” (41.27mm)
ANT-BDG - Slot Punch dimensions
FIG. 7
ANT-BDG Antenna Orientation
ANT-BDG ID Badge tags are typically worn on a necklace or clipped to clothing, which typically results
in a vertical antenna orientation. There is a horizontal orientation for the ANT-BDG Tags, but it is
typically reserved for installations that use the ANT-BDG Tags as windshield-mounted vehicle tags.
Anterus RFID Solution
7
Anterus™ RFID Solution
Signal Strength Behavior of AMX RFID Tags and Readers
The AMX RFID system tracks assets and personnel by measuring the strength of the RF signal received
from a periodically transmitting badge or tag. Every reader within communication range measures the
signal strength and reports it to the master controller. Most often the asset or person will be located
closest to the reader reporting the strongest strength. There are, however, several environmental factors
that impact the strength of the received signal. The following subsections describe these factors, present
measured data, and describe the overall behavior to be expected from a system based on measurement of
signal strength of a transmitted UHF radio signal.
Environmental Factors
Several environmental phenomena have potential for changing the actual received level. They are each
discussed in the following sections. These effects are important to understand and keep in mind, as their
net effect will typically be to make the tag appear to be farther away than it actually is. Also be aware,
these factors can and do occur simultaneously and are additive in their effects.
Non-Ideal Antenna Gain
The ideal antenna would be one that transmits or receives with equal efficiency in all directions. In the
real world such an antenna, with a perfectly spherical gain pattern, does not exist. Commonly used
antenna types generally fall miserably short, with blind spot nulls in one or more directions. Both the
badge and asset tags employ a technique referred to as diversity antennas to achieve an omnidirectional
pattern that is much closer to the ideal, but still not quite the ideal perfect sphere. The reader antenna,
when oriented vertically, has a doughnut-shaped pattern, receiving equally well in all directions in a
horizontal plane. It has substantial blind spots when trying to receive from above or below, so it is
important to keep the reader antenna vertical if all tags to be read are on the same floor of a facility.
Antenna Elevation
RF signal strength loss is affected by the elevation of both the transmitting and receiving antennas above
ground. In general, if either or both ends are close to the floor the received signal will be weaker. This is
especially pronounced at greater distances. FIG. 8 illustrates this phenomenon. Thus, if maximum range
is required by a specific application the readers should be mounted at least a couple meters above the
ground.
FIG. 8 Antenna Height Influence on Received Signal Strength
8
Anterus RFID Solution
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