Guard RFID Solutions SP1, TR1 Users manual

Tag Reader

Installation Manual and User Guide

Document Number: 07-00002-000

Signpost – Installation Manual and User Guide

N

Introduction

Tag Reader is a device that is designed to operate in conjunction with a Tag and a Signpost. Basic Tag
Reader functionality is shown in diagram below:

Signpost

The Signpost generates modulated RF signal at 125 kHz frequency, which is detected by the Tag. Upon
detection of Signpost signal, the Tag transmits its own signal on 434 MHz frequency to one or more Tag
Readers. Tag Readers process information and based on internal database, they activate outputs while
simultaneously passing information to the Server computer which is running application software.

125 kHz

434 MHz

Tag Tag Reader

Ethernet

etwork

There are two types of tag Readers: Tag Reader Door Controller and Tag Reader Receiver.
Tag Reader Receiver is used when only to collect all the messages from the Tags and pass them toi the

Server. Tag Reader Door Controller has the same functionality, but additionally, it is used for perimeter
protection by controlling the door it is assigned to.

Installation

Position

The main function of a Tag Reader is to receive RF communication from Tags. It is important to select
carefully mounting location of the Tag Reader which will not interfere with a cap ability of the device to
receive RF messages from the Tags. This is accomplished by avoiding mounting in the proximity of metal
objects, cables, electrical devices, etc.

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Signpost – Installation Manual and User Guide

Due to a nature of RF communication, it is hard to predict communication range between a Tag and a Tag
Reader. This is heavily dependent on surrounding ambient, architecture, even people and equipment
movement. However, in order to install the system, the assumption of certain communication range has to
be made. To achieve complete RF coverage of a typical office style area (including typical healthcare
facility), good starting point is to position Tag Readers in a grid pattern with 25-foot centers. During
system testing this assumption may need some adjusting (accomplished by moving Tag Readers in either
direction), but in majority of cases, it is proven to be a good general rule of thumb.

Locations in which Tag Reader is shielded by metal tiles or walls should be avoided, or density of Tag
Readers should be increased.

Wiring

Tag Reader requires 3 types of wiring to be fully functional:

- Power Supply:
o 12VDC power supply which is capable of delivering 0.3A of continuous current. AWG-

18 or heavier wire should be used (depending on wire length).

- Networking:
o Ethernet CAT-5 cable with RJ-45 should be used for communication between a Tag

Reader and the Server.

- Peripheral:
o This is applicable To Tag Reader DC only. It includes wiring for Door Switch Input,

Bypass Input and Relay Output. Door Switch and Bypass Inputs can use AWG-20 or
heavier wire, but Relay Output should use AWG-18 or heavier wire.

All Tag Reader’s wiring connections are accessible without opening the enclosure.

Configuration

Tag Reader configuration is accomplished via 3-position DIP switch located inside the enclosure.
The functionality of these switches is as follows:

- Switch 1: Communication to Host disabled.

o “0” Æ Communication enabled
o “1” Æ Communication disabled

- Switch 2: Mode of alarm operation
o “0” Æ Continuous Alarm (Tag Reader will continue alarming after the Tag has left

Signpost field until the alarm is acknowledged by Bypass)

o “1” ÆNon-Continuous Alarm (Tag Reader will stop alarming when the tag leaves the

Signpost field)

- Switch 3: Alarm Buzzer enabled

o “0” Æ Alarm Buzzer disabled
o “1” Æ Alarm Buzzer enabled

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