Motorola FX7400-22350A30-US, FX7400-42350A30-US, FX, FX7400, FX7400-42310A30-WR Integrator Manual

FX Series RFID Readers

Integrator Guide

FX Series RFID Readers

Integrator Guide

72E-122490-01

Revision 3 - Beta Release

September 2009

ii FX Series RFID readers Integrator Guide

© 2009 by Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Motorola, Inc.
One Motorola Plaza
Holtsville, New York 11742-1300

http://www.motorola.com/enterprisemobility

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the patents listed on the website:

http://www.motorola.com/enterprisemobility/patents.

Warranty

For the complete Motorola hardware product warranty statement, go to:

http://www.motorola.com/enterprisemobility/warranty.

Revision History

Changes to the original manual are listed below:

Change Date Description

-01 Rev .1 06/2009 Beta release

-01 Rev .2 08/2009 Beta release

-01 Rev .3 09/2009 Beta release

iii

iv FX Series RFID readers Integrator Guide

Table of Contents

About This Guide

Introduction........................................................................................................................................... ix

Configurations................................................................................................................................. ix

Chapter Descriptions ............................................................................................................................ x

Notational Conventions......................................................................................................................... x

Related Documents and Software........................................................................................................ xi

Service Information............................................................................................................................... xi

Chapter 1: Quick Start

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Quick Start Demonstration ................................................................................................................... 1-1

Step 1, Setup ................................................................................................................................. 1-1

Step 2, Host Name Connect .......................................................................................................... 1-2

Step 3, First Time / Start-Up Login ................................................................................................ 1-3

Step 4, Set Region ......................................................................................................................... 1-4

Step 5, Read Tags ......................................................................................................................... 1-6

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 2-1

RFID Technology Overview ................................................................................................................. 2-1

RFID Components ......................................................................................................................... 2-2

FX Series RFID Readers ..................................................................................................................... 2-3

Versions and Kits ........................................................................................................................... 2-4

FX Series RFID Reader ....................................................................................................................... 2-4

FX Series RFID Readers Rear Panel .................................................................................................. 2-5

FX Series RFID Readers LEDs ..................................................................................................... 2-6

FX Series RFID Readers Features ...................................................................................................... 2-7

Configuration and Upgrading ......................................................................................................... 2-7

Tag Management ........................................................................................................................... 2-7

Device Management ...................................................................................................................... 2-7

Security .......................................................................................................................................... 2-7

Logging .......................................................................................................................................... 2-7

vi FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Connection Options ....................................................................................................................... 2-8

Chapter 3: Installation and Communication

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 3-1

Unpacking the Reader ......................................................................................................................... 3-1

Mounting and Removing the Reader ................................................................................................... 3-2

Mounting Tips ................................................................................................................................ 3-2

Mounting Using the Mounting Plate ............................................................................................... 3-2

Direct Mounting (Without the Mounting Plate) ............................................................................... 3-3

Connecting Antennas .......................................................................................................................... 3-4

Communications Connections ............................................................................................................. 3-5

Ethernet Connection ...................................................................................................................... 3-5

USB Connection ............................................................................................................................ 3-6

Powering the Reader ........................................................................................................................... 3-6

Powering the Reader via AC Power Supply .................................................................................. 3-6

Powering the Reader via Power-over-Ethernet (POE) .................................................................. 3-7

System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence ................................................................................................. 3-7

Reading Tags ...................................................................................................................................... 3-7

Chapter 4: Administrator Console

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Managing the FX Series RFID Readers .............................................................................................. 4-2

Profiles ........................................................................................................................................... 4-2

Reset Reader ................................................................................................................................. 4-2

Connect to the Reader ......................................................................................................................... 4-3

Host Name Connect ....................................................................................................................... 4-3

IP Address Connect ....................................................................................................................... 4-4

APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) ..................................................................................... 4-4

IP Address ..................................................................................................................................... 4-7

Administrator Console Login ................................................................................................................ 4-8

First Time / Start-Up Login ............................................................................................................. 4-8

Normal Login .................................................................................................................................. 4-11

Reader Administrator Console ............................................................................................................. 4-12

Administrator Console Option Selections ...................................................................................... 4-12

Status ................................................................................................................................................... 4-13

Configure Reader ................................................................................................................................ 4-14

Reader Parameters (General) ....................................................................................................... 4-14

Configure Read Points ................................................................................................................... 4-15

Configure Region ........................................................................................................................... 4-16

Configure Certificates .................................................................................................................... 4-17

Reader Statistics .................................................................................................................................. 4-18

Read Tags ........................................................................................................................................... 4-19

Communication Settings ...................................................................................................................... 4-20

Configure Network Settings ........................................................................................................... 4-20

LLRP Communications Protocol .................................................................................................... 4-22

SNMP Settings ............................................................................................................................... 4-24

System Time Management .................................................................................................................. 4-25

Access Control ..................................................................................................................................... 4-26

Table of Contents vii

Reader Profiles .................................................................................................................................... 4-27

Create a Custom Profile ................................................................................................................. 4-28

Firmware Version/Update .................................................................................................................... 4-29

FTP / FTPS Server ....................................................................................................................... 4-29

File Upload ..................................................................................................................................... 4-31

Commit/Revert ..................................................................................................................................... 4-32

System Log .......................................................................................................................................... 4-33

Shutdown ............................................................................................................................................. 4-34

Chapter 5: Installation Examples

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 5-1

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 5-1

Point of Sale (POS) ............................................................................................................................. 5-2

Example Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 5-2

Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 5-2

Back Room Inventory Fill ..................................................................................................................... 5-2

Example Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 5-2

Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Configuration and Optimization ...................................................................................................... 5-2

Exit/Entry ............................................................................................................................................. 5-3

Example Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 5-3

Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 5-3

Configuration and Optimization ...................................................................................................... 5-3

Transition/Impact Door ........................................................................................................................ 5-3

Example Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 5-3

Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 5-3

Configuration and Optimization ...................................................................................................... 5-3

Back Room Receiving ......................................................................................................................... 5-4

Example Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 5-4

Installation ...................................................................................................................................... 5-4

Configuration and Optimization ...................................................................................................... 5-4

General Read Performance Optimization ............................................................................................ 5-4

Chapter 6: Troubleshooting

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 6-1

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................... 6-1

Appendix A: Technical Specifications

FX7400 Kits ......................................................................................................................................... A-1

KT-FX74004US-01 4-Port US Reader Kit ...................................................................................... A-1

KT-FX74002US-01 2-Port US Reader Kit ...................................................................................... A-1

KT-FX74004WR-01 4-Port Global Reader Kit ............................................................................... A-1

KT-FX74002WR-01 2-Port Global Reader Kit ............................................................................... A-2

Technical Specifications ...................................................................................................................... A-2

Cable Pinouts ...................................................................................................................................... A-4

10/100bT Ethernet / POE Connector ............................................................................................. A-4

viii FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

USB Client Connector .................................................................................................................... A-5

GPIO Port Connections ................................................................................................................. A-6

Appendix B: LLRP and RM API Extensions

Appendix C: FTP Firmware Upgrade

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... C-1

Prerequisites ........................................................................................................................................ C-1

Auto Recovery ..................................................................................................................................... C-2

Update Phases .................................................................................................................................... C-2

Updating Firmware .............................................................................................................................. C-2

Appendix D: Java Upgrade Procedures

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... D-1

Appendix E: Static IP Configuration

Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... E-1

DHCP Network is Available - Set the Static IP Using the Web Console ............................................. E-1

DHCP Network Not Available - Set the Static IP Using the Web Console .......................................... E-3

DHCP Network Not Available - Edit Configuration Files to Set the Static IP ....................................... E-6

Index

About This Guide

Introduction

This Integrator Guide provides information about installing, configuring, and using the FX Series RFID readers and

is intended for use by professional installers and system integrators. The FX Series readers provide real time,

seamless tag processing for EPC Class1 Gen2 compliant tags.

NOTE Screens and windows pictured in this guide are samples and may differ from actual screens.

Configurations

This guide includes the following FX Series RFID reader configurations:

•

FX7400-42350A30-US: 4-Port RFID Reader, US

•

FX7400-22350A30-US: 2-Port RFID Reader, US

•

FX7400-42310A30-WR: 4-Port RFID Reader, Global

•

FX7400-22310A30-WR: 2-Port RFID Reader, Global

x FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Chapter Descriptions

Topics covered in this guide are as follows:

•

Chapter 1, Quick Start provides a Quick Start tag reading demonstration.

•

Chapter 2, Getting Started provides an overview of RFID technology/components and a description of the FX

Series reader and the features.

•

Chapter 3, Installation and Communication provides information on installing and setting up the FX Series

readers.

•

Chapter 4, Administrator Console describes how to connect to the reader and how to use the web-based

Administrator Console to configure and manage FX Series readers.

•

Chapter 5, Installation Examples provides sample setups and describes how to apply these to a user

installation.

•

Chapter 6, Troubleshooting describes FX Series readers troubleshooting procedures.

•

Appendix A, Technical Specifications includes the technical specifications for the reader.

•

Appendix B, LLRP and RM API Extensions provides references to Low Level Reader Protocol (LLRP) and

Reader Management (RM) extensions for the FX Series reader.

•

Appendix C, FTP Firmware Upgrade provides reader firmware upgrade information on using the web-based

Administrative Console and an FTP or FTPS server running a host computer.

•

Appendix D, Java Upgrade Procedures describes how to upgrade the host computer with a new Java

update.

•

Appendix E, Static IP Configuration describes three methods of setting the static IP address on an FX7400

RFID Reader.

Notational Conventions

The following conventions are used in this document:

•

“RFID reader” or “reader” refers to the Motorola FX Series RFID readers.

•

Italics are used to highlight the following:

• Chapters and sections in this and related documents

• Dialog box, window, links, software names, and screen names

• Drop-down list, columns and list box names

• Check box and radio button names

• Icons on a screen

•

Bold text is used to highlight the following:

• Dialog box, window and screen names

• Drop-down list and list box names

• Check box and radio button names

• Icons on a screen

• Key names on a keypad

• Button names on a screen

•

Bullets (•) indicate:

• Action items

• Lists of alternatives

• Lists of required steps that are not necessarily sequential.

•

Sequential lists (e.g., those that describe step-by-step procedures) appear as numbered lists.

Related Documents and Software

The following documents provide more information about the reader.

•

FX Series RFID Reader Regulatory Guide, p/n 72-125267-xx

•

FX Series Reader Software Interface Control Guide, p/n 72-xxxxx-xx

•

ShowCase II User Guide, p/n 72E-122491-xx

•

Application Guide for Motorola Enterprise Mobility Devices, p/n 72E-68902-xx

•

RFID 3 API

About This Guide xi

For the latest version of all software and guides, go to: http://www.motorola.com/enterprisemobility/support.

Service Information

If you have a problem with your equipment, contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility support for your region. Contact

information is available at: http://www.motorola.com/enterprisemobility/contactsupport.

When contacting Enterprise Mobility support, please have the following information available:

•

Serial number of the unit

•

Model number or product name

•

Software type and version number

Motorola responds to calls by e-mail, telephone or fax within the time limits set forth in service agreements.

If your problem cannot be solved by Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support, you may need to return your equipment

for servicing and will be given specific directions. Motorola is not responsible for any damages incurred during

shipment if the approved shipping container is not used. Shipping the units improperly can possibly void the

warranty.

If you purchased your Enterprise Mobility business product from a Motorola business partner, please contact that

business partner for support.

xii FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Chapter 1 Quick Start

Introduction

This chapter provides a Quick Start setup demonstration.

Quick Start Demonstration

The Quick Start demonstration offers a simple, temporary way to quickly set up the reader and read tags. The

demonstration includes:

•

Step 1, Setup on page 1-1

•

Step 2, Host Name Connect on page 1-2

•

Step 3, First Time / Start-Up Login on page 1-3

•

Step 4, Set Region on page 1-4

•

Step 5, Read Tags on page 1-6

Step 1, Setup

For information on complete component kits available from Motorola, see Appendix A, Technical Specifications.

1. Unpack the reader. See Unpacking the Reader on page 3-1.

2. Set up the reader and tags on a desktop.

3. Connect the antenna to antenna Port 1. See Figure 1-1.

4. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port. See Figure 1-1.

Connecting the reader to a subnet that supports DHCP is recommended. This Quick Start procedure is not
guaranteed to work if DHCP is disabled in the reader and if the reader is connected directly to a PC.

5. Connect the AC power supply to a power outlet and connect to the power port. See Figure 1-1.

NOTE This step is not required for networks supporting Power-over-Ethernet (POE).

1 - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4 GPIO 24 VD

Antenna Ports (Four Ports, Reverse TNC)

USB

Power

GPIO

10/100BaseT Ethernet

(with POE)

Reset

6. Wait for the green power LED to stay lit. See System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7 for boot-up

details.

Figure 1-1

FX Series RFID Reader Rear Panel Connections

Step 2, Host Name Connect

1. Open a browser. Recommended browsers are IE6, IE7, IE8, or Mozilla 3.

2. Enter the host name, provided on the CD label, in the browser (e.g., http://fx7400cd3b0d) and press Enter.

The

User Login window appears and the reader is ready.

NOTE Connect the reader to a network that supports host name registration and lookup to ensure the network

can access the reader using the host name. For instance, some networks can register hostnames
through DHCP. When first connecting to the reader, it is recommended to keep DHCP enabled, although
it is not guaranteed that hostname will work in this case. Use the host name provided on the CD label, or
construct it using the reader MAC address on the bottom of the reader. The host name is a string with the
prefix FX7400, followed by the last three MAC address octets. For example, for a MAC address of
00:15:70:CD:3B:0D, use the prefix FX7400, followed by the last three MAC address octets (CD, 3B, and
0D), so the host name is FX7400CD3B0D. Type http://FX7400CD3B0D in the browser address bar to
access the reader.

Quick Start 1 - 3

Step 3, First Time / Start-Up Login

When starting the reader for the first time, set a unique user ID and password.

1. In the User Login window, enter admin in the User Name: field and enter change in the Password: field.

Figure 1-2

2. Click Login. The Region Configuration window appears.

Enter Default Settings, User Login Window

NOTE Contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility support if you forget the user ID and password.

Information on page xi

NOTE The Region Configuration window does not appear for US reader configurations. For these models, the

Administrator Console main window appears.

.

See

Figure 4-1 on page 4-1

See

Service

.

1 - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Step 4, Set Region

Set the region of operation. Setting the unit to a different region is illegal.

NOTE Region configuration is not available for readers configured to operate in the United States region (under

FCC rules). In this case, skip this step.

1. In the Configure Region Settings window, select the region from the drop-down menu.

Figure 1-3

2. Select the Communication Standard, if applicable.

3. Select Frequency Hopping, if applicable.

4. Select the appropriate channel(s), if applicable.

5. Click the I understand check box.

Selecting the Region

Quick Start 1 - 5

6. Click Set Properties to complete the region selection. The Operation Successful window appears.

Figure 1-4

7. Select Commit/Revert.

Figure 1-5

8. Click Commit to save the new region configuration and apply these changes to the reader configuration file, or

click

Region Control, Operation Successful Window

Commit/Revert Window

Discard to discard the region configuration changes. When the commit completes, the Commit Successful

window appears.

1 - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Step 5, Read Tags

Select Read Tags to view the Reader Operation window..

NOTE Enable JVM support on the browser for this page to function properly. See Appendix D, Java Upgrade

Procedures.

The polling state displays the current polling setting -

Figure 1-6

•

Read Tags Window

Click Start Inventory to initiate an on-demand scan on the connected antennas and/or to enable or disable
polled read points.

Enabled or Disabled.

•

Click Stop Inventory to stop the ongoing inventory operation.

•

Select the Clear Tag List check box to clear the current tag list.

The list of tags appears in a table with the following attributes for each tag:

•

EPC Id: Unique tag EPC ID.

•

TagSeen Count: Number of times the tag is identified on the specific antenna.

•

RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indication.

•

Antenna Id: Antenna ID on which the tag is seen.

•

FirstSeen time stamp: UTC time (in microseconds) when the tag was first seen.

•

LastSeen time stamp: UTC time (in microseconds) when the tag was last seen.

Chapter 2 Getting Started

Reader and Antenna

Host Computer

Physical/Network

Connection

RF Wave and

Response

Ta gs

Introduction

This chapter provides an overview of RFID technology and components, and describes the FX Series reader and

its features.

RFID Technology Overview

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is an advanced automatic identification (Auto ID) technology that uses radio

frequency signals to identify tagged items. An RFID tag contains a circuit that can store data. This data may be

pre-encoded or can be encoded in the field. The tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

A typical RFID system consists of transponders (called tags), readers, and antennas. To read a tag the reader

sends out radio frequency waves (using attached antennas). This RF field powers and charges the tags, which are

tuned to receive radio waves. The tags use this power to modulate the carrier signal. The reader interprets the

modulated signal and converts the data to a format for computer storage. The computer application translates the

data into an understandable format.

Figure 2-1

RFID System Elements

2 - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

RFID Components

Motorola RFID solutions offer low cost, long read range, and a high read rate. These features provide real time,

end-to-end visibility of products and assets in the factory, distribution center, retail outlet, or other facility. A typical

Motorola RFID system consists of the following components:

•

Silicon based RFID tags that attach to retail products, vehicles, trailers, containers, pallets, boxes, etc.

•

Different antenna types to support applications such as dock door (area antennas), conveyor.

•

Readers power and communicate with the tags for data capture and provide host connectivity for data
migration.

Tags

Tags contain embedded chips that store unique information. Available in various shapes and sizes, tags, often

called

transponders, receive and respond to data requests. Tags require power to send data, and are available with

two power options:

•

Active Tags: typically powered by light-weight batteries and have limited life.

•

Passive Tags: the RFID reader generates an RF field that powers the tag. Passive tags are much lighter, less
expensive, and have a much longer life than active tags.

Antennas

Antennas transmit and receive radio frequency signals. A read point is the RF range of an antenna.

Readers

Readers communicate with the tags and can transfer the data to a host computer. Readers also provide features

such as filtering, CRC check, and tag writing. The FX Series readers read Gen2 (dense reader mode) RFID tags.

FX Series RFID Readers

The Motorola FX Series RFID readers are intelligent, C1G2 UHF RFID readers with RFID read performance that

provides real-time, seamless EPC-compliant tags processing. The FX Series RFID readers are designed for indoor

inventory management and asset tracking applications in large scale deployments. The readers can host

third-party, customer-driven embedded applications.

The FX Series RFID readers are based on Motorola's strategic FX Series reader platform and are easy to use,

deploy, and manage. The readers offer a variety of options for connecting to corporate networks using Ethernet or

USB connections. Features include:

•

ISO 18000-6C standard (EPC Class 1 Gen 2)

•

Dense reader mode capable

•

Cost-effective

•

Enterprise-class performance

•

Application-specific set-up for ease of installation

•

Power over Ethernet (POE) to eliminate the need for a power drop

Getting Started 2 - 3

•

SSL/SSH based security for secure data transmission

•

Attractive small package

•

Low total cost of ownership (TCO)

•

Windows® CE

•

Support for custom or third-party applications

•

Feature set for event and tag management

Figure 2-2

FX RFID Reader

2 - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Antenna Ports (Reverse TNC)

LEDs

Rear Panel

The reader provides a wide range of features that enable implementation of complete, high-performance,

intelligent RFID solutions.

The FX Series RFID reader configurations include either two or four

ports are used only with monostatic antennas.

Versions and Kits

The FX Series RFID readers are available in either a 2-port or a 4-port version, individually (reader and mounting

bracket) or in a kit that includes the reader, the mounting bracket, an antenna and a power supply. For detailed kit

information, see FX7400 Kits on page A-1.

WARNING! For Mounting in Environmental Air Handling Space (EAHS): Do not install the Mounting

Bracket, Antenna, Cables, PSU and PoE (Power Injector) in the EAHS unless they are suitable
for use in EAHS per UL 2043.

FX Series RFID Reader

monostatic

antenna ports. The monostatic

Figure 2-3

FX Series RFID Reader

Getting Started 2 - 5

Port 1 Port 2 Port 3 Port 4 GPIO 24 VD

Antenna Ports (Four Ports, Reverse TNC)

USB

Power

GPIO

10/100BaseT Ethernet

(with POE)

Reset

Figure 2-4

FX Series RFID Reader Rear Panel Connections

CAUTION Use only parts provided with the FX Series RFID readers, or Motorola approved/recommended parts.

Substituting other cables or parts can degrade system performance, damage the reader, and/or void
the warranty.

FX Series RFID Readers Rear Panel

Table 2-1

Antenna Ports
(Reverse TNC)

Reset To reset the reader insert a paper clip into the reset hole, press and hold the reset button for not

GPIO Insert a DE15 serial cable to connect to external devices.
USB ActiveSync is enabled by default on the USB client port. Use Visual Studio to use the USB port

10/100BaseT
Ethernet

Power DC connector connects to a Motorola approved power supply AC adapter (varies depending on

FX Series RFID Readers Rear Panel Description

Port Description

Two port version: Connect up to two antennas.
Four port version: Connect up to four antennas.
See

Table A-1 on page A-2

US/Canada and EU.

more than 2 seconds. This resets the reader, but retains the user ID and password.

for development. Use a remote display tool to access the Windows CE graphical interface.
Advanced users can disable and enable ActiveSync via a registry change in Windows CE,

and can create a custom communication protocol on the USB port.
Insert a standard RJ45 Ethernet cable to connect to an Ethernet network with or without POE

capability, or to a local computer.

the country). Maximum power 24 VDC, 1.2 A.

for the maximum antenna gains and RF output powers for both

2 - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

PWR ACTV STAT APP

FX Series RFID Readers LEDs

The reader LEDs indicate reader status as described in Table 2-2. For the LED boot up sequence see System

Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7.

Figure 2-5

Table 2-2

LED Function Color/Status Description

PWR Power Off

ACTV Activity Off

STAT Status Off

APP Application Green/Red/Amber Controlled through RM

FX Series RFID Readers LEDs

LED Indications

Red Solid
Red Flashing
Amber Solid
Green Solid

Amber Flashing
Green Flashing

Red Solid
Red Flashing
Green Flashing

Reader is powered off
Booting
Firmware upgrade
Application initialization after booting
Reader is powered on and operational

No RF operations
On for 500mSec indicates another tag operation
On for 500mSec indicates a tag is inventoried or read

No errors or GPIO events
Firmware update failure
On for 500 mSec indicates an error in RF operation
On for 500 mSec indicates a GPI event

FX Series RFID Readers Features

Configuration and Upgrading

Use the Administrator Console to reconfigure the reader. See Chapter 4, Administrator Console. The reader can

also accept new firmware and configuration updates.

Tag Management

The Administrator Console provides the Read tags feature. See Read Tags on page 4-19. Use client applications

based on Showcase II, Motorola EMDK (Enterprise Mobility Development Kit), or LLRP (EPCGlobal Low Level

Reader Protocol) for additional tag management operations such as

Kill.

Device Management

Quick Backup and Recovery

Use a web browser to back up and restore reader configuration by downloading the configuration XML file. Use the

Administrator Console to download the file to the reader.

Getting Started 2 - 7

Write, Lock, Filtering, Event Management and

SNMP Integration

The reader can send real time notification of specific events and failures to the SNMP server.

Security

User Level Security

Use this feature to assign different access levels to users, allowing them to perform necessary tasks without

compromising security. The reader recognizes three user access levels:

•

View - view reader configuration settings.

•

Admin - view and edit configuration settings and perform administrative tasks such as updating reader

firmware.

Logging

The reader keeps a log of all system-related activities for security and troubleshooting. The log includes

time-stamped system activities such as login attempts and hardware failures. Use the log to pinpoint problems, to

facilitate quick resolution, and to identify administrators who may require additional training to prevent future

problems. See System Log on page 4-33.

2 - 8 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Connection Options

The reader provides flexibility for connecting to networks with an Ethernet connection. Access each reader from

anywhere on the network with the unique host name or IP address. See Connect to the Reader on page 4-3.

Physical Interfaces

At the physical layer, the FX Series readers use an Ethernet interface (as the default) for command and data

communication with the reader.

The USB port enables ActiveSync on the USB client port by default. Use the USB port for development using

Visual Studio, and use a remote display tool to access the Windows CE graphical interface.

Advanced users can disable and enable ActiveSync via a registry change in Windows CE, and can create a

custom communication protocol on the USB port.

Chapter 3 Installation and Communication

Introduction

This chapter includes the following FX Series RFID reader installation and communication procedures:

•

Unpacking the Reader on page 3-1

•

Mounting and Removing the Reader on page 3-2

• Mounting Tips on page 3-2

• Mounting Using the Mounting Plate on page 3-2

• Direct Mounting (Without the Mounting Plate) on page 3-3

•

Connecting Antennas on page 3-4

•

Communications Connections on page 3-5

• Ethernet Connection on page 3-5

• USB Connection on page 3-6

•

Powering the Reader on page 3-6

• Powering the Reader via AC Power Supply on page 3-6

• Powering the Reader via Power-over-Ethernet (POE) on page 3-7

•

System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7

CAUTION The FX Series RFID readers must be professionally installed.

WARNING! For Mounting in Environmental Air Handling Space (EAHS): Any Cables used to interconnect

to other equipment must be suitable for use in EAHS as per UL2043.

Unpacking the Reader

Remove the reader from the shipping container and inspect it for damage. Keep the shipping container, it is the

approved shipping container and should be used if the reader needs to be returned for servicing.

3 - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Mounting and Removing the Reader

WARNING! When installing the antenna ensure a minimum separation distance of 9.1 in (23 cm)

between the antennas and all persons

Mounting Tips

Mount the reader in any orientation. Consider the following before selecting a location for the FX Series reader:

•

Mount the reader indoors, in operating range and out of direct sunlight, high moisture, and/or extreme
temperatures.

•

Mount the reader in an area free from electromagnetic interference. Sources of interference include
generators, pumps, converters, non-interruptible power supplies, AC switching relays, light dimmers, and
computer CRT terminals.

•

Mount the reader within 15 feet of the antennas.

•

Ensure that power can reach the reader.

•

The recommended minimum horizontal mounting surface width is 7 1/2 inches. However, the unit can mount
on surfaces as narrow as 6 inches (in locations where unit overhang is not an issue). For vertical mounting
the unit can mount on a surface as small as 6 inches by 6 inches.

.

•

Mount the reader onto a permanent fixture, such as a wall or a shelf, where it is not disturbed, bumped, or
damaged. The recommended minimum clearance on all sides of the reader is five inches.

•

Use a level for precise vertical or horizontal mounting.

Mounting Using the Mounting Plate

WARNING! For Mounting in Environmental Air Handling Space (EAHS): Do not install the Mounting

Bracket in the EAHS.

1. Position the mounting plate on a flat surface (wall or shelf). Position the release tab on the top. See Figure 3-1.

2. Mark the hole locations using the mounting plate as a guide. See Figure 3-1. Remove the mounting plate and

drill holes (appropriate for the surface material) at the marked locations.

NOTE For wood surfaces, drill two 1/8" diameter by 7/8" deep holes. For drywall/masonry surfaces, drill two

3/16" diameter by 7/8" deep (min) holes and install using the provided anchors.

Installation and Communication 3 - 3

Release Tab

Mounting Holes

Screw Head Stops
(4 typical)

Direct Mounting (Without the Mounting Plate)

Figure 3-1

3. Reposition the mounting plate over the mounting holes and secure using the supplied fasteners (as

Mounting Plate, Front

appropriate for the surface material).

NOTE Mount the reader with the cable connections up or down, depending on the installation requirements.

CAUTION Use a hand screw driver to install the mounting plate (do not use a power driver). Do not use

excessive torque, and tighten the screws so that they are just snug on the screw head stops (see

Figure 3-1). If the reader does not engage the mounting plate, loosen the screw(s) 1/8 to 1/4 turn and

try again.

4. Position the reader by aligning the markers on the metal base plate and the wall bracket, with the key-slot

holes over the mounting screws. Gently slide the reader down (see Figure 3-1) to lock into place.

5. To remove the reader, press the release tab and slide the reader up while gently pulling out.

CAUTION Not using the mounting plate can affect read performance at elevated temperatures. Also, if not using

the mounting plate, secure the reader to prevent it from coming off of the mounting screws.

To mount the unit without using the mounting bracket:

1. Use the mounting bracket as a template to locate the holes, or locate and mark the holes on 4 3/16” centers,

+/- 1/32”.

2. For wood surfaces, drill two 1/8" diameter by 7/8" deep holes on 4.192" centers. For drywall/masonry surfaces,

drill two 3/16" diameter by 7/8" deep (min) holes on 4.192" centers and install using the provided anchors.

3. Position the reader with the key-slot holes over the mounting screws and gently slide the reader down to lock

into place.

3 - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Antenna Ports (Reverse TNC)

Rear Panel

4. Adjust the screw head height to assure a snug fit. Or if the screws are accessible from the back, use machine

screws with a lock washer/nut and tighten the nut (from the back) to secure the reader.

Connecting Antennas

WARNING! When installing the antenna ensure a minimum separation distance of 9.1 in (23 cm)

between the antennas and all persons

CAUTION Power off the reader before connecting antennas. See Powering the Reader on page 3-6. Never

disconnect the antennas while the reader is powered on or reading tags. This can damage the reader.

CAUTION Do not turn on the antenna ports from a host when the antennas are not connected.

CAUTION Maximum antenna gain (including any cable loss) cannot exceed 6 dBiL.

CAUTION When mounting the antennas outside the building, connect the screen of the coaxial cable to earth

(ground) at the entrance to the building. Perform this in accordance with applicable national electrical
installation codes. In the U.S., this is required by Section 820.93 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70.

WARNING! For Mounting in Environmental Air Handling Space (EAHS): Do not install Antennas and

Antenna Cables in the EAHS unless they are suitable for use in EAHS as per UL 2043.

.

Table 3-1

Antenna Gain and Radiated Power

FX Series US EU

Max Conducted RF Power + 30dBm +29.2dBm

Max Antenna Gain Allowed (including cable loss) + 6dBiL + 6dBiL

Max Radiated Power Allowed 4W EIRP 2W ERP

To connect the antennas to the reader (see Figure 3-2):

1. For each antenna, attach the antenna reverse TNC connector to an antenna port.

2. Secure the cable using wire ties. Do not bend the cable.

Figure 3-2

FX Series RFID Reader Antenna Connection

Communications Connections

Use a standard Ethernet connection or a POE Ethernet connection to connect the FX Series reader to a host or

network.

Ethernet Connection

The reader communicates with the host using an Ethernet connection (10/100Base-T Ethernet cable). This

connection allows access to the

With a wired Ethernet connection (10/100Base-T cable), power the FX Series reader using either the reader

Motorola AC power supply, or by Power-Over-Ethernet through the Ethernet cable.

Ethernet: Power through AC Outlet

The FX Series reader communicates to the host through a 10/100Base-T Ethernet cable and receives power

through a Motorola AC power supply.

1. Route the Ethernet cable.

2. Route the power cable.

Administrator Console, used to change reader settings and control the reader.

Installation and Communication 3 - 5

3. Terminate the Ethernet cable according to Table A-2 on page A-4.

4. Connect the Ethernet cable to the LAN port on the FX Series reader. See Figure 2-4 on page 2-5.

5. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the host system LAN port.

6. Connect the Motorola AC power supply to a wall outlet.

7. Insert the power supply barrel connector into the FX Series reader power port. See Figure 2-4 on page 2-5.

8. Verify that the unit booted properly and is operational. SeeSystem Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7.

9. On a networked computer, open an internet browser and connect to the reader. See Connect to the Reader on

page 4-3.

10. Log in to the Administrator Console. See Administrator Console Login on page 4-8.

Ethernet: Power through POE

The POE installation option allows the FX Series reader to communicate and receive power on the same

10/100Base-T Ethernet cable.

1. Insert the POE Ethernet connector on the RJ45 Ethernet cable into the reader 10/100BaseT Ethernet port. See

Figure 2-4 on page 2-5.

2. Connect the other end of the cable to an Ethernet network with POE capability.

3. Verify that the reader booted properly and is operational. SeeSystem Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page

3-7.

4. On a networked computer, open an internet browser and connect to the reader. See Connect to the Reader on

page 4-3.

5. Log in to the Administrator Console. See Administrator Console Login on page 4-8.

CAUTION Do not connect to PoE networks outside the building.

3 - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

To connect to a network that is not POE capable:

1. Terminate the Ethernet cable according to Table A-2 on page A-4.

2. Connect the Ethernet cable to the FX Series reader 10/100BaseT Ethernet port. See Figure 2-4 on page 2-5.

3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to a POE power injector.

4. Connect a patch cable from the POE power injector to the host system LAN port.

5. Verify that the unit booted properly and is operational. SeeSystem Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7.

6. On a networked computer, open an internet browser and connect to the reader. See Connect to the Reader on

page 4-3.

7. Log in to the Administrator Console. See Administrator Console Login on page 4-8.

USB Connection

The USB port enables ActiveSync on the USB client port by default. Use the USB port for development using

Visual Studio, and use a remote display tool to access the Windows CE graphical interface.

Advanced users can disable and enable ActiveSync via a registry change in Windows CE, and can create a

custom communication protocol on the USB port.

NOTE The initial release does not expose RFID tag data over the USB client port. Subsequent releases may

change the USB default support. The software release notes will announce USB support in the future.

Powering the Reader

CAUTION Connect the antennas before supplying power to the reader.

WARNING! For Mounting in Environmental Air Handling Space (EAHS): Do not install Power Supplies and

PoE (Power Injector) in the EAHS unless they are suitable for use in EAHS as per UL 2043.

Powering the Reader via AC Power Supply

The Motorola approved AC power supply connects to the power port on the FX Series reader using a locking

connector (see Figure 2-4 on page 2-5). The power supply is compatible with:

•

120V 60 Hz (North America)

•

230V 50 Hz (International excluding Japan)

•

100V 50/60 Hz (Japan).

1. Insert the power supply barrel connector into the reader power port (see Figure 2-4 on page 2-5). Rotate the

connector to lock it in place.

2. Apply power to the power supply. The green Power LED stays on to indicate the reader is powered and ready.

See System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7.

To power down the reader, unplug the power supply from its power source. The green Power LED turns off to

indicate that the device is off and the system is not operational. Remove the connector from the reader power port.

Powering the Reader via Power-over-Ethernet (POE)

1. Insert the POE Ethernet connector on the RJ45 Ethernet cable into the reader 10/100BaseT Ethernet port. See

Figure 2-4 on page 2-5.

2. Connect the other end of the cable to an Ethernet network with POE capability. See System Start-up/Boot LED

Sequence on page 3-7.

To power down the reader, remove the Ethernet cable from the network. The green Power LED turns off to indicate

that the device is off and the system is not operational. Remove the connector from the 10/100BaseT Ethernet

port.

System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence

See Figure 2-5 on page 2-6 for LED locations. During system start-up:

1. All LEDs turn green.

2. All LEDs turn off and the PWR LED turns red.

3. The PWR LED turns off and then turns green.

4. When the sequence completes the green PWR LED remains on and all other LEDs are off.

Installation and Communication 3 - 7

Reading Tags

After the reader powers up, test the reader. See System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7.

1. Enable tag read using the web-based Administrator Console (see Read Tags on page 4-19) or control the

reader through a real time application such as Showcase II.

2. Present a tag so it is facing the antenna and slowly approach the antenna until the activity LED turns green,

indicating that the reader read the tag. See Figure 2-5 on page 2-6. The distance between the tag and the
antenna is the approximate read range.

NOTE For optimal read results, do not hold the tag at an angle or wave the tag, as this can cause the read

distance to vary.

3 - 8 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Chapter 4 Administrator Console

Selection Menu

Primary Information Window

Product Identification Header

Help Information Window
Toggle On/Off Button

Help Information Window Scroll Bar

Help Information Window

Introduction

This chapter describes the FX Series Reader Administrator Console functions and procedures. Access the

Administrator Console using a web browser from a host computer, and use this to manage and configure the

readers. The

information about the reader.

•

Selection Menu - selects the function window

•

Primary Information Window - provides the primary function information

•

Product Identification Header - identifies the product

•

Help Information Window:

• provides detailed information to support the primary information window

• Use the scroll bar to scroll through information

• Use the toggle on/off button to turn on/off the help information window

Administrator Console main window and support windows have four areas, each containing unique

Figure 4-1

Reader Administrator Console Main Menu

4 - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Managing the FX Series RFID Readers

The reader must be powered up (see System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7) and connected to an

accessible network. The power LED is green indicating the reader is ready. If the green power LED is not lit, reset

the reader. See Reset Reader on page 4-2.

NOTE The screens and windows are provided for illustration purposes only and may differ from actual screens.

The applications described may not be available on (or applicable to) all devices.
Procedures are not device specific and are intended to provide a functional overview.

Profiles

Use profiles for multiple reader deployments to save configuration time, as only a few APIs are needed to

completely configure a reader. See Reader Profiles on page 4-27.

Reset Reader

To reset the reader, press and hold the reset button for not more than 2 seconds. See Figure 2-4 on page 2-5 for

the reset button location. This resets the reader and retains the user ID and password. The reader reboots. See

System Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7.

NOTE Hard rebooting the reader (disconnecting power) is not recommended. A hard reboot discards all the tag

events and system log information.

Connect to the Reader

NOTE This section describes procedures in a Windows environment.

When the reader is powered up, connect to the network in one of two ways:

1. Host Name Connect on page 4-3

2. IP Address Connect on page 4-4

There are three ways to assign an IP address to the reader:

1. Using DHCP on the network

2. APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing) on page 4-4

3. Statically assign an IP

Any method of assigning the IP supports connection using hostname or IP address. Alternatively, connect the

reader directly to a local computer using Automatic Private IP Addressing (APIPA). See APIPA (Automatic Private

IP Addressing) on page 4-4.

Administrator Console 4 - 3

NOTE When using APIPA, the FX Series reader cannot communicate with computers on different subnets, or

with computers that do not use automatic private IP addressing.

Host Name Connect

The product CD label provides the host name. Connect the reader to the local network and boot it up. See System

Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7. The green power LED indicates that the reader is ready.

1. Open a browser. Recommended browsers are IE6, IE7, IE8, or Mozilla 3.

2. Enter the host name provided on the CD label in the browser (e.g., http://fx7400cd3b0d) and press Enter.

3. The Console Login window appears and the reader is ready.

4. Proceed to Administrator Console Login on page 4-8 to log in to the reader.

NOTE Connect the reader to a network that supports host name registration and lookup to ensure the network

can access the reader using the host name. For instance, some networks can register hostnames
through DHCP. When first connecting to the reader, it is recommended to keep DHCP enabled, although
it is not guaranteed that hostname will work in this case. Use the host name provided on the CD label, or
construct it using the reader MAC address on the reader back label. The host name is a string with prefix
FX7400, followed by the last three MAC address octets. For example, for a MAC address of
00:15:70:CD:3B:0D, use the prefix FX7400, followed by the last three MAC address octets (CD, 3B, and
0D), so the host name is FX7400CD3B0D. Type http://FX7400CD3B0D in the browser address bar to
access the reader.

For a network that does not support host name registration and lookup, use the Showcase II auto
discovery feature to get the IP address, and use the IP address connect method.

4 - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

IP Address Connect

Use the IP address to connect to the reader. Connect the reader to the local network and boot it up. See System

Start-up/Boot LED Sequence on page 3-7. The green power LED indicates that the reader is ready.

1. Open a browser. Recommended browsers are IE6, IE7, IE8, or Mozilla 3.

2. Enter the IP address in the browser (e.g., http://157.235.88.99) and press Enter.

3. The Console Login window appears and the reader is ready.

4. Proceed to Administrator Console Login on page 4-8 to login to the reader.

APIPA (Automatic Private IP Addressing)

If a DHCP server is not available, the FX Series readers can use APIPA to automatically provide a unique network

IP address. The FX Series readers can then use TCP/IP to communicate with other computers also using an

APIPA-generated IP address.

NOTE APIPA does not function if DHCP is disabled in the reader. When using APIPA, the FX Series reader

cannot communicate with computers on different subnets, or that do not use automatic private IP
addressing. Automatic private IP addressing is enabled by default. For additional information go to:
http://support.microsoft.com/ and search on APIPA

1. Go to Start > Settings > Network Connections > Local Area Connection Status and select Properties. Set the

DHCP to

2. In the General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and click Properties.

On (even though no DHCP server is reachable) and open a browser window.

Figure 4-2

Set Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Window

Administrator Console 4 - 5

3. Connect the FX Series reader to a local computer using a standard Ethernet cable.

NOTE Do not use an Ethernet crossover cable.

4. In the Properties window, select the General tab, select Obtain an IP Address automatically, and select Obtain

DNS Server address automatically

.

Figure 4-3

TCP/IP General Properties Window

4 - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

5. Confirm that the Alternate Configuration tab is set to Automatic Private IP address (Windows default).

Figure 4-4

6. Wait until the computer indicates the connection has limited connectivity.

Figure 4-5

7. Confirm that the computer IP address is now set to the 169.254.x.y (where x.y is the last six characters of the

TCP/IP Alternate Configuration Window

Limited Connectivity Window

FX Series reader MAC address) with a subnet mask of 255.255.0.0.

8. The CD provides the reader host name. Enter the host name into the browser (e.g., http://fx7400cd3b0d) and

press

Enter. The local computer connects to the reader.

9. The Console Login window appears and the reader is ready.

10. Proceed to Administrator Console Login on page 4-8 to log in to the reader.

Administrator Console 4 - 7

IP Address

The Administrator Console provides the reader IP address. See Figure 4-1 on page 4-1. To obtain the reader IP

address without logging into the reader, open a command window and ping the reader host name. See Host Name

Connect on page 4-3.

Figure 4-6

IP Ping Window

4 - 8 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Administrator Console Login

Use a web browser on a local computer to access the Administrator Console. See Managing the FX Series RFID

Readers on page 4-2 for the install/setup sequence. The reader has a unique first time startup sequence that

requires the installer to set a unique user ID and password and to set the region (regulatory requirement).

NOTE The recommended browsers are IE6, IE7, IE8, and Mozilla 3. These browsers have been tested and

validated to work properly. Other browsers may or may not work properly.

First Time / Start-Up Login

When starting the reader for the first time, set a unique user ID and password and set the region of reader

operation. Setting the reader to a different region is illegal.

Log In with Default User ID and Password

1. Connect to the reader with a web browser. See Connect to the Reader on page 4-3. The User Login window

appears.

Figure 4-7

User Login Window

Administrator Console 4 - 9

2. Enter admin in the User Name: field and change in the Password: field and click Login.

Figure 4-8

For global reader configurations, the

Administrator Console main window appears.

Enter User Name and Password

Region Configuration window appears. For US reader configurations, the

Set Region

Set the region of operation. Setting the unit to a different region is illegal.

NOTE Region configuration is not available for readers configured to operate in the United States region (under

FCC rules). In this case, skip this step.

Figure 4-9

Configure Region Settings Window

4 - 10 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

1. In the Configure Region Settings window, select the region from the drop-down menu.

Figure 4-10

2. Select the Communication Standard if applicable.

3. Select Frequency Hopping, if applicable.

4. Select the appropriate channel(s), if applicable.

5. Click the I understand check box.

6. Click Set Properties to complete the region selection. The Operation Successful window appears.

7. From the Reader Administrator Console (see Figure on page 4-9) select Commit/Revert.

Selecting the Region

NOTE Most changes to the reader require a commit to save them.

Administrator Console 4 - 11

Figure 4-11

8. Click Commit to apply the changes to the reader configuration file, or Discard to discard the new region

Commit/Revert Window

configuration changes.

9. When the commit completes, the Commit Successful window appears. The region is now set and stored in the

reader.

Normal Login

After setting the user ID, password, and region, the reader defaults to the normal login procedure.

1. Connect to the reader with a web browser. See Connect to the Reader on page 4-3. The User Login window

appears.

Figure 4-12

2. Enter the User Name: and Password: in the appropriate fields and click Login. The reader Administrator

Console

User Login Window

Main Menu window appears (Figure 4-13).

4 - 12 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Reader Administrator Console

Use a web browser on a local computer to access the Administrator Console reader settings and functions. See

Managing the FX Series RFID Readers on page 4-2 for setup information. The

window appears after successfully logging into the reader. See Administrator Console Login on page 4-8.

Reader Administrator Console main

Figure 4-13

Reader Administrator Console Main Window

Administrator Console Option Selections

Click an item from the selection menu on the left to select:

•

Status - see Status on page 4-13

•

Statistics - see Reader Statistics on page 4-18

•

Configure Reader - see Configure Reader on page 4-14

General - see Reader Parameters (General) on page 4-14

•

•

Read Points - see Configure Read Points on page 4-15

• Region - see Configure Region on page 4-16

•

Certificates - see Configure Certificates on page 4-17

•

Read Tags - see Read Tags on page 4-19

•

Communication - see Communication Settings on page 4-20

Communication > Network - see Configure Network Settings on page 4-20

•

•

Communication > LLRP - see LLRP Communications Protocol on page 4-22

•

Communication > SNMP - see SNMP Settings on page 4-24

•

Date/Time - see System Time Management on page 4-25

•

Access Control - see Access Control on page 4-26

•

Profiles - see Reader Profiles on page 4-27

Status

Administrator Console 4 - 13

•

Firmware - see Firmware Version/Update on page 4-29

•

Commit/Revert - see Commit/Revert on page 4-32

•

System Log - see System Log on page 4-33

•

Shutdown - see Shutdown on page 4-34

•

Logout - click Logout to immediately log out of the Administrator Console

Click Status on the selection menu to view the Reader Status window. This window displays information about the

reader and read points (antennas).

Figure 4-14

The

Reader Status window provides consolidated reader status information:

•

•

•

•

•

•

Reader Status Window

System Clock - The current system clock value, in the format [Year] [Month] [Day] [Hour: Minute: Second]

[Time Difference with UTC]. Click the link to adjust the reader date and time settings.

Up Time - Displays how long the reader has been running, in the format of [Number of Days] [Number of

Hours] [Number of Minutes] [Number of Seconds].

CPU Usage - Displays the CPU usage, the user applications (if any), and the system usage.

RAM Usage - Displays the total allocated RAM for the reader, the memory used, and free memory.

Flash Usage - Displays the flash memory usage by partition.

Refresh Interval - Sets the refresh interval (in seconds) for the window. The status information refreshes every
N seconds (where N is the user configured value for the refresh interval). The minimum refresh interval value

is 10 seconds.

4 - 14 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Configure Reader

Use the Configure Reader submenus to access the following functions.

Reader Parameters (General)

Select General in the selection menu to configure reader settings using this window.

Figure 4-15

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

These settings only affect the display. Use Commit/Revert on page 4-32 to save the changes.

Configure Reader

Name - Sets the reader name. Accepts up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Description - Describes the reader. Accepts up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Location - Provides information on the reader location. Accepts up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Contact - Name of the reader manager contact. Accepts up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

Operation Status - Displays the reader current operation status (Enabled, Disabled, or Unknown).

Antenna Check - Controls the antenna sensing feature on the reader. Disabled indicates that the reader does

not attempt to check if an antenna is connected on the ports. When
presence of an antenna on the port and only transmits RF if an antenna is connected.

Set Properties - Sends the changes to the reader.

Enabled, the reader monitors the

Administrator Console 4 - 15

Configure Read Points

Click Read points in the selection menu to view the Antenna Status and Configuration window. Use this window to

configure the read point settings and view the current read points state.

Figure 4-16

Configure Read Points

Antenna Status

Displays the status of the reader read points. Click the read point status button to view and/or change the selected

antenna configuration.

•

Connected (green button):
Read point is enabled and an antenna is connected to the port.

•

Not Connected (red button):
Read point is enabled, no antenna is connected to the port.

•

User Disabled (yellow button):
Read point is disabled by the user.

Antenna Configuration

•

Choose ReadPoint - Select a readpoint (or all) to display the configuration.

•

Description - User-specified read point description. Accepts up to 32 alphanumeric characters.

•

User Configuration - Enables or disables a specific read point. Disabling a read point blocks RF operation

using the port/antenna.

•

Air Protocol - Displays the list of air protocols the read point supports. Currently only EPC class1 GEN2 air

protocol is supported.

•

Set Properties - Click Set Properties to send the changes to the reader.

These settings only affect the display. Use Commit/Revert on page 4-32 to save the changes.

4 - 16 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Configure Region

Different countries have different RF regulatory requirements. To assure regulatory compliance, select Region to

set the reader for specific regulatory requirements in the country of reader operation using the

Settings

window. The choices on the window are limited to the selections compatible with the reader.

NOTE Region configuration is not required for readers configured to operate in the United States region (under

FCC rules).

Configure Region

Figure 4-17

•

Configure Region Settings Window

Region of Operation - Sets the country of operation. Select this from the drop-down list which includes

countries which have regulatory approval to use with the current board.

•

Communication Standard - Sets the communication standard from the list of standards chosen region

supports. If a region supports only one standard, it is automatically selected.

•

Frequency Hopping - Check to select frequency hopping. This option appears only if the chosen region of

operation supports this.

•

Selected Channels - Sets a subset of channels on which to operate (from the list of supported channels). This

option appears only if the chosen region of operation supports this.

•

Listen before Talk - Check to select the listen before talk option. This option appears only if the chosen region

of operation supports this.

•

Please confirm - Check the I understand check box.

•

Set Properties - Sends the changes to the reader. Confirm that the choices are in compliance with local

regulatory requirements by checking the

I understand check box.

These settings only affect the display. Use Commit/Revert on page 4-32 to save the changes.

Administrator Console 4 - 17

Configure Certificates

This option is only available in HTTPS mode. See Configure Network Settings on page 4-20 and set the Web

Server

option to HTTPS to select this mode.

Select

installed in the reader appears with the following properties:

Certificates to update the digital certificate of the reader and display current certificate details. The certificate

•

Subject name of the certificate

•

Issuer name

•

Validity from and to dates

•

Serial number of the certificate

•

Date of installation of the certificate

Figure 4-18

To update the certificate complete the following fields:

•

•

•

•

Certificates Configuration Window

FTPS URL – Enter the complete URL of the FTPS server including the certificate file name.

FTPS User ID – Enter the user name for the FTPS server.

FTPS Password – Enter the password for the FTPS server

PFX Password – Enter the private key password for the PFX file. Leave this field empty if the private key

password is null.

NOTE The web browser may display a prompt to install/accept the new certificate upon a successful update.

4 - 18 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Reader Statistics

Select Statistics to view the Reader Statistics window. This window provides options to view the statistics of

individual read points or combined statistics for all read points, including the success and failure values of statistics

for each read point.

Figure 4-19

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Reader Statistics Window

Choose ReadPoint - Select a specific read point or select All from the drop-down list to display the statistics.

IdentificationCount - Displays the number of successful (and failed) tag inventory.

ReadCount - Displays the number of successful (and failed) tags reads.

WriteCount - Displays the number of successful (and failed) tags written to.

Lockcount - Displays the number of successful (and failed) lock operation on tags.

KillCount - Displays the number of successful (and failed) kill operation on tags.

Reset Statistics - Resets all the success and failure counts for all the read points.

Refresh Interval - Use to set the refresh interval (in seconds) for this window. The statistics information for the

chosen read point is refreshed every
interval). The minimum value of the refresh interval is 10 seconds. Input a new value and click
a new interval.

N seconds (where N is the user-configured value for the refresh

Change to set

Read Tags

Select Read Tags to view the Reader Operation window. Click Start Inventory to initiate an on-demand scan and/or to

enable and disable polled read points.

Administrator Console 4 - 19

NOTE Enable JVM support on the browser in order for this window to function properly. See Appendix D, Java

Upgrade Procedures.

The polling state displays the current polling setting (

Enabling polling from the

polling from byte stream displays the

Administrator Console displays the Polling State: Enabled from Web message. Enabling

Polling State: Enabled from byte stream message.

Enabled or Disabled).

Figure 4-20

•

•

•

The list of tags appears in a table with the following attributes for each tag:

•

•

•

•

•

•

Read Tags Window

Start Inventory - Starts inventory operation on the connected antennas.

Stop Inventory - Stops the ongoing inventory operation.

Clear Tag List - Clears the current tag list.

EPC Id - Unique tag EPC ID.

TagSeen Count - Number of times the tag has been identified on the specific antenna.

RSSI - Received Signal Strength Indication.

Antenna Id - Antenna ID on which the tag is seen.

FirstSeen time stamp - UTC time (in microseconds) when the tag was first seen.

LastSeen time stamp - UTC time (in microseconds) when the tag was last seen.

4 - 20 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Communication Settings

Use the Communication submenus to access the following functions.

Configure Network Settings

Select Network to view the Configure Network Settings window. The reader supports both automatic TCP/IP

configuration via DHCP, and manual configuration.

The

Obtain IP Address via DHCP: button toggles the DHCP On or Off. Turning DHCP on displays the current IP

address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS server. These values are obtained from the DHCP server so

cannot be manually changed.

To manually set the values, toggle the DHCP to Off and enter the values:

•

Current IP Address (in dotted notation)

•

Subnet Mask (in dotted notation)

•

Gateway (in dotted notation)

•

DNS Server (in dotted notation)

•

MAC Address – Specifies the reader MAC address.

•

Web Server – Configures the web server in either HTTP (unsecure) or HTTPS (secure) mode.

•

Shell – Configures the Shell to either Telnet (unsecure) or SSH (secure) mode, or disables the shell.

•

File Server – Configures the File server to either FTP (unsecure) or FTPS (secure) mode, or disables the

shell.

NOTE The network configuration updates only upon clicking Commit. If the commit is not successful, the

system indicates the problem and allows repeating the operation. DHCP and IP address changes update
only upon reader reboot.

1. Click Communication > Network. The Configure Network Settings window appears.

Figure 4-21

Configure Network Settings Window

Administrator Console 4 - 21

2. Change communication related settings by entering information in the text boxes or using the drop-down lists.

See Table 4-1 for descriptions of available options.

Table 4-1

Configure Network Settings

Setting Description Possible Values

Obtain IP Address
using DHCP

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol server
running on networks can assign a dynamic IP
address to the host and readers. Contact the
system administrator to determine if the network
supports DHCP.

Current IP Address If manually assigning an IP address to the reader,

check with the system administrator to ensure the IP
address is valid in the network.

Subnet Mask A mask used to determine to what subnet an IP

address belongs.

Gateway The reader uses this IP address to access another

network.

DNS Server The reader uses the Domain Name System (DNS)

IP address to translate domain names.

MAC Address Reader MAC address.

Web Server Select the port type.

Shell Select the Shell type. Configure the Shell to either

Telnet (unsecure) or SSH (secure) mode, or disable
the shell.

Select the

On

or the

Off

button.

IP address to assign to the reader.

IP address dynamically assigned or
user-entered.

Depends on network configuration.

Depends on network configuration.

File Server Configure the file server to either FTP (unsecure) or

FTPS (secure) mode, or disable the shell.

3. Click Set Properties.

4. Click Main to return to the Administrator Console main window.

5. Click Commit/Revert. See Commit/Revert on page 4-32.

6. Click Commit to save the changes or Discard to discard the changes. See Commit/Revert on page 4-32.

Checked (enabled) / unchecked
(disabled).

4 - 22 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

LLRP Communications Protocol

Select LLRP to view the Configure LLRP Settings window. To be compatible with older releases, LLRP is not

enabled by default. To enable LLRP, commit this change by clicking

default, LLRP activates in server mode listening on port 5084.

NOTE The Administrator Console parameters that affect LLRP are region control, enable/disable antenna check,

and enable/disable state of a read point class.

Commit on the Commit/Revert window. By

Figure 4-22

LLRP-specific configuration parameters are separate from other parameters related to communications. The

configurable LLRP parameters are listed in Table 4-2.

Configure LLRP Settings Window

Administrator Console 4 - 23

Table 4-2

LLRP Communication Configuration Options

Setting Description Possible Values

LLRP Status Displays the current state of the LLRP server on the reader. Running

Not Running

Operation Mode Sets the LLPR mode in the reader. Server

Client

Client Port Configures the LLRP listening port on the reader. Variable

Default: 5084

Connect Status Indicates the LLRP client or host connection status.

and

DisconnectLLRP

connect the reader to or disconnect the reader

ConnectLLRP

ConnectLLRP
DisconnectLLRP

from an LLRP client or host.
In server mode, this button is grayed out if there is no client

connected.

Server IP

Configures the IP address of the server.

Variable

(Client mode only)

Selecting LLRP Client mode uses LLRPClient IP and LLRPClient/Server Port values to connect to the client.
In LLRP server mode, incoming requests from the client use only the LLRP Port value as the listening port.
Updated parameters persist across reader reboots.

4 - 24 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

SNMP Settings

Select SNMP to view the Configure SNMP Settings window. Use this window to configure the SNMP host settings to

allow sending Network Status Events and receiving Network Status Event notifications:

•

Send SNMP Trap To - Configures the host IP address to which the SNMP trap is sent. Leave this blank to send

no traps to any host.

•

SNMP Community String - SNMP community string to use for SNMP set and get.

•

SNMP Version - SNMP version to use in the reader. Supported versions are V1 and V2c.

•

Send Server Heartbeat - Sends a heartbeat message periodically to the configured SNMP host.

NOTE Send SNMP Trap To and Send Server Heartbeat take effect immediately after clicking Set Properties.

However, perform a Commit to persist the changes. The modified SNMP Community String and SNMP
Version are not affected until the reader reboots.

Figure 4-23

Configure SNMP Settings Window

System Time Management

Select Date Time to view the System Time Management window. Use this window to set the date and time value or to

specify an NTP synchronization server. To specify an NTP server, enter the NTP Server IP address in the

Server Address

To adjust the time manually, select the value for the local time and click the Set Date and Time. The reader clock

resets to the exact value provided (if the operation is successful or, an appropriate message displays the error). Set

time zones (including use of Daylight Savings) from this window. The date/time and time zone changes take effect

immediately and do not require a

To set the date and time:

1. Click Date Time in the Administrator Console window. The System Time Management window appears.

box, and click Set NTP Server Address. Perform a Commit to apply the change.

Administrator Console 4 - 25

NTP

Commit.

Figure 4-24

2. To synchronize the clock with a particular SNTP server, enter the server IP address in the SNTP Server

Address:

3. To set the system time manually, use the drop-down lists to select units of time, then click Set Date and Time.

4. Use the Time Zone: drop-down list to set the time zone, then click Set Time Zone.

System Time Management Window

field, click Set SNTP Parameters, and perform a Commit (see Commit/Revert on page 4-32).

NOTE SNTP (Simple Network Time Protocol) is an Internet standard protocol (built on TCP/IP) that assures

accurate synchronization to the millisecond of computer clock times in a network of computers.

It is essential to have a DNS server configured to allow adding an SNTP server on this window. If using a
static IP address, enter a valid DNS server address in the TCP/IP configuration. If this address is not
present, the reader can not add an SNTP server address from this window. Ensure the DHCP server sets
up the DNS server address while issuing the IP address.

4 - 26 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Access Control

To ensure controlled and secure access to reader Administrator Console functions, click Access Control to open the

Manage Users window. Use this window to designate which users and computers are authorized to have system

access by setting up authorized user accounts. Only users logging in with a registered user name and password

can successfully access

Users must log in and out of the system to ensure that:

•

System access is granted only to authorized users.

•

Only one user is logged in at a time to ensure that multiple users don’t make conflicting changes to the
system. Users who perform no action for a period of time are automatically logged out of the system and
must log in again.

Administrator Console functions.

Figure 4-25

To add or modify users in order to grant rights and permissions:

•

•

•

•

Manage Users Window

Add User - Select this radio button and enter a valid user name and password. Select the desired Access
Level

for this user, then click Add User. A valid user name must be unique (assigned to only one user) and

both user name and password must be between one and 32 alphanumeric characters. The user name and
password are case-sensitive. If the entry is successful, the new user name appears in the user drop-down
list. If not successful, the system indicates the problem and allows repeating the operation.

Modify User - Select this radio button and select the user name from the User Name drop-down list. Select the

Access Level for this user. Click Modify to set the new user access level.

new

Delete User - Select this radio button and select the user name from the User Name drop-down list. Click

Delete User to remove this user from the system. This user name is now free to use on a new user.

Change Password - Select this radio button and select the user name from the User Name drop-down list. On

Change Password window, enter the old password and the new password (twice) and click Change

the
Password.

Reader Profiles

Select Profiles in the selection menu to view the Reader Profiles window, which shows the current profiles on the

reader and allows performing profile-related operations. Profiles are useful for multiple reader deployments. To

configure the readers, manually download the proper configuration file, or use APIs to programmatically configure

many readers quickly. This procedure saves configuration time because only a few APIs are needed to configure a

reader completely.

NOTE Enable JVM 1.6 support on the browser in order for this window to function properly. See Appendix D,

The

Reader Profiles window uses an applet to connect to the reader. The window displays a set of provided

configuration files, or profiles, that a user can re-use and/or modify depending on their specific reader application

or use case. The profiles serve as configuration examples.

Administrator Console 4 - 27

Java Upgrade Procedures.

Figure 4-26

The

Reader Profiles window functions are:

•

•

Reader Profiles Window

Available Profiles in the Reader - Displays the available reader profiles.

Import - Click to open a file dialog and pick a profile (XML file) from the local PC and import it into the reader.

4 - 28 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

•

Export - Select an available profile and click Export to export profile information and save an .XML file onto

the local drive.

•

Set Active - Activates a selected profile. Select an available profiles and click Set Active to load the profile

content in the reader.

CAUTION Swapping profiles between readers using static IP addresses is not recommended. Activating a profile

with a static IP address changes the IP of the reader, and if not done properly can make the reader
inaccessible.

•

Delete - Select an available profile and click Delete to delete the profile.

NOTE Current Config is a special logical profile that can only be exported to the PC. This cannot be imported,

activated, or deleted. On the profile name indicates that it is the active profile.

Create a Custom Profile

The reader includes a set of provided sample profiles. These can not be changed and a new profile with the same

name cannot be imported. Export, modify, and import these profiles under a new name to create customized

profiles. This keeps the original profiles intact to use as a reference.

To view the contents of a profile, select the profile and click Export to export the profile to the PC hosting the

Reader Profiles window. The profile files are in XML format. Open the file using a text editor application (such as

Notepad) and edit the parameter to modify the reader configuration. Save the modified file under a new name.

Click Import and browse to the modified file and import the file back into the

Reader Profile window. This adds the

modified file to the list of profiles. The reader does not perform any checking when importing the file.

To validate the profile file contents, and to activate the modified profile, select the profile and click Set Active. The

reader performs checking on some of the parameter values and notifies the user if it detects an error.

Firmware Version/Update

The Firmware Version/Update window displays the current firmware version and allows upgrading to new firmware.

From the

The firmware version information window displays:

Administrator Console, click Firmware.

•

Hardware - The current hardware version.

•

Reader Application - The current reader application software version.

•

OS - The current operating system build version.

•

MAC - The current MAC (radio) firmware version.

•

Monitor - The current monitor utility version.

•

Radio API - The current radio API version.

NOTE The full version number includes a build number which does not appear on the Firmware

Version/Update window. To retrieve the full number, type http://ip.ip.ip.ip/Version.html in the browser,

where ip.ip.ip.ip denotes the reader IP or host name.

Administrator Console 4 - 29

The reader supports two different methods of updating the firmware:

•

FTP / FTPS Server

•

File Upload on page 4-31

Select either the FTP / FTPS Server radio button or the Firmware Upload radio button to select the appropriate

firmware update method.

Either method shows the current firmware update progress on the same window. After upgrading the necessary

partitions the reader reboots with a message

Reboot to indicate that the firmware upgrade completed.

FTP / FTPS Server

NOTE For more detail on upgrading using an FTP / FTPS server, see Appendix C, FTP Firmware Upgrade.

•

FTP / FTPS Server - Identifies the location of the current software updates, the response file that contains the

names of the partitions to update, and the partitions. Use an IP address or domain name in this link,
beginning with ftp:// (or ftps://).

•

User Name - Required for appropriate access to the FTP / FTPS server.

•

User Password - Password for the above FTP / FTPS User Name.

•

Update All Partitions - Check to force the update of all reader partitions. This increases firmware update time.

CAUTION This option is NOT recommended because updating all partitions increases update time and resets all

configurations including user logins. Power disruption during update can cause the reader to fail.

•

Start Update - Click to start the update. The reader application shuts down and the files listed in the

Response.txt file are downloaded, validated, and programmed into flash. The reader reboots. If files are not
downloaded or are corrupted during the download, they are not programmed into flash and the old partitions
remain. The PWR LED blinks red during the upgrade. If the upgrade fails, the STAT LED turns red. If the
upgrade succeeds, the reader resets and the PWR LED eventually turns solid green.

4 - 30 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

All partition download and flash programming takes about 15 minutes, depending on network load conditions. Do

not reboot or power off the reader while the PWR LED is blinking red.

Figure 4-27

FTP/FTPS Based Firmware Update Window

Administrator Console 4 - 31

File Upload

•

Click Choose to browse to and choose a cab file containing the incremental updates for the reader partitions.

•

Click Start Update to load the firmware and write the new files onto the flash. The reader application shuts
down and the files specified in the cab file are downloaded, validated, and programmed into flash. The reader
reboots. If all the files are not downloaded or are corrupted during the download, they are not programmed
into flash, and the old partitions remain. The PWR LED blinks red during the upgrade. If the upgrade fails, the
STAT LED turns red. If the upgrade succeeds, the reader resets and the PWR LED eventually turns solid
green.

All partition download and flash programming takes about 15 minutes, depending on network load conditions.

Typical file uploads are much less than 15 minutes since they deal with only one or a few partitions. Do not reboot

or power off the reader while the green LED is blinking.

Figure 4-28

File Based Firmware Update Window

4 - 32 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Commit/Revert

Changes made to the logical view of the Reader Network using the Administrator Console do not immediately apply

to the reader and network connections. To apply reader configuration modifications, click

the changes and notify the reader to update the configuration file. While a successful update can take several

seconds, the system continues to operate with only a one or two second period where no polling occurs.

Commit/Revert to save

From the

1. Click Commit/Revert. The Commit/Revert window appears.

Figure 4-29

2. Click Commit to save a new configuration and apply changes to the reader configuration file, to save the

Administrator Console:

Commit/Discard Window

changes to the configuration file, and to update the reader/network.
A successful update can take up to a minute, however the system continues to operate with only a brief one or
two second pause.

Click

Discard to discard changes made (during this session) to the reader configuration. This discards all

uncommitted changes.

System Log

The System Log window provides an interface to view the reader log information. There are two types of log

information.

Administrator Console 4 - 33

Figure 4-30

•

•

System Log Window

System Log - Includes the log information generated by the reader internal instructions. This is a circular

queue that holds a maximum of 200 records.

Access History - Provides a history log for reader access, including every successful access to the reader

through the web interface. This is also a circular queue which can hold a maximum of 20 records.

4 - 34 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Shutdown

To protect the integrity of the reader data, gracefully reboot the reader.

Figure 4-31

From the

1. Click the Shutdown link to display the Shut Down System window.

2. Check the Please Confirm check box to accept the system shut down and/or restart the system (this may

interrupt normal system operation).

3. Select either Restart or Shut Down from the What do you want to do drop-down list, and then click Go.

The
The
be powered off.

This window also provides an option to enable or disable the reader watchdog.

System Shutdown/Restart Window

Administrator Console:

Restart Reader option saves the user data and then restarts.
Shut down Reader server option tells the reader to save the user data, stop all reader functions, and wait to

Chapter 5 Installation Examples

Introduction

This chapter provides examples on how to optimize reader configuration in various applications.

NOTE The applications described may not be available on (or applicable to) all devices.

Procedures are not device-specific and are intended to provide a functional overview.

The installation examples are:

•

Point of Sale (POS) on page 5-2

•

Back Room Inventory Fill on page 5-2

•

Exit/Entry on page 5-3

•

Transition/Impact Door on page 5-3

•

Back Room Receiving on page 5-4

Troubleshooting

See General Read Performance Optimization on page 5-4 and Chapter 6, Troubleshooting for configuration tips

and troubleshooting information.

5 - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Point of Sale (POS)

Example Parameters

The reader reads up to 10 different tags (1" x 4" RFID embedded garment tags) in the targeted read zone.

Installation

•

One 5" x 5" (5.5 dBic with 100o beam width) antenna is mounted one foot below the service table (service
table is RF penetrable material).

•

The reader is mounted underneath the table (see Chapter 3, Installation and Communication).

Configuration

•

Reader power: 20 dBm

•

Reader profile or tag population: Small (see Reader Profiles on page 4-27)

•

Session: Session 1 (default)

Back Room Inventory Fill

Example Parameters

The reader reads 100 tagged T-shirts in a cardboard box in five seconds at a distance of 2 - 6 feet.

Installation

•

Two AN480 antennas: one antenna is mounted 1.5 feet above the box, the second antenna is mounted one
foot below the box.

•

The reader is mounted underneath the table (see Chapter 3, Installation and Communication).

Configuration and Optimization

•

Reader power: 30 dBm

•

Reader profile or tag population: Medium (see Reader Profiles on page 4-27)

•

Session: Session 1

Exit/Entry

Example Parameters

The reader reads 20 tags moving at 4 - 7 feet per second at distances up to 8 feet. The read duration is

approximately 7 seconds.

Installation

•

Two AN480 antennas are installed in a single-sided portal configuration. One antenna is mounted 2.5 feet
above the floor and the second is 4 feet above the floor.

•

The reader is mounted within 20 feet from the antennas (see Chapter 3, Installation and Communication).

Configuration and Optimization

•

Reader power: 30 dBm

•

Reader profile or tag population: Small (see Reader Profiles on page 4-27)

Installation Examples 5 - 3

•

Session: Session 1

Transition/Impact Door

Example Parameters

The reader reads 200 tags moving at 2 - 4 feet/second for seven seconds.

Installation

•

Four AN480 antennas are installed in a double-sided portal configuration. One pair of antennas is mounted
two feet above the floor and the second pair is five feet above the floor.

•

The distance of the portals is 10 feet.

•

The reader is mounted within 20 feet of the antennas (see Chapter 3, Installation and Communication).

Configuration and Optimization

•

Reader power: 30 dBm

•

Reader profile or tag population: Large (see Reader Profiles on page 4-27)

•

Session: Session 2

5 - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Back Room Receiving

Example Parameters

The reader reads 500 tags in five seconds within a distance of 10 feet.

Installation

•

Four AN480 antennas are installed in a double-sided portal configuration. One pair of antennas is mounted
two feet above the floor and the second pair is five feet above the floor.

•

The distance of the portals is 10 feet.

•

The reader is mounted within 20 feet of the antennas (see Chapter 3, Installation and Communication).

Configuration and Optimization

•

Reader power: 30 dBm

•

Reader profile or tag population: Large (see Reader Profiles on page 4-27)

•

Session: Session 2

General Read Performance Optimization

If too few of the desired tags are read:

•

Turn up the power.

•

Reduce the distance between the antenna and the tags.

If more than the desired tags are read:

•

Turn down the power.

•

Remove stray tags from the target read area.

•

The application may require post filtering of the read data.

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Introduction

Table 6-1 on page 6-1 provides the FX Series troubleshooting information.

Troubleshooting

Table 6-1

Reader error LED lights after the
reader has been in operation.

Reader error LED stays lit on power
up.

Cannot connect to the reader. User name and password is

Reader is not reading tags. 1. The tag is out of its read

Cannot access the

Console

Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

The CPU cannot
communicate.

An error occurred during the
power up sequence.

unknown.

range.

2. Antennas are not
connected.

3. Tags are damaged.

4. Tags are not EPCgen2.

5. If reading with the
reader’s web page, Java 1.6
or later is not installed.

Administrator

.

The IP address is unknown. See

Refer to the system log for error messages.

Refer to the system log for error messages.

The default user name is
password is
password, see

page 3-5

1. Move the tag into read range. See

on page 4-19

2. Connect antennas.

3. Confirm that tags are good.

4. Confirm that tags are EPCgen2.

5. Install Java 1.6. See

on page D-1

Communications Connections on page 3-5

to view the IP address, or use the host name to
connect to the reader.

change

Communications Connections on

.

.

admin

and the default

. To change the user name and

Read Tags

Java Upgrade Procedures

6 - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Table 6-1

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

Certain real time applications are no
longer functional.

Cannot log into

Console

.

Administrator

Unable to add SNTP server, reader
returning error.

The node address, IP
address, or other reader
configuration parameter(s)
were changed using the

Administrator Console

, and
the application expects the
previous configuration.

The user closed the browser
without logging out of the

Administrator Console

, so
other applications cannot
connect to the reader.

The user forgot the
password.

SNTP server is not
reachable.

SNTP server name is not
resolvable via DNS server.

DNS server is not
reachable.

Update the settings within the application. Refer to
the application manual.

Log out of the

Administrator Console

.

Press and hold the reset button for more than 5
seconds. This resets the reader configuration to
factory defaults, including the password.

Ensure the SNTP server is accessible.

Ensure the DNS server name is configured in
TCP/IP configuration.

Ensure the DNS server is accessible.

Operation failed. A user operation did not

complete, typically due to
invalid input.

Invalid User Name and/or
Password - Try again.

The user name and/or
password were not found in
the system, or do not match
the current user registry.

Session has Timed-out - Log in
again.

The current session was
inactive beyond the time-out
period, so the system
automatically logged out.

User name is not correct. The user name does not

match the current user
registry (illegal characters,
too long, too short,
unknown, or duplicate.)

User forgot the user ID.

The user name has already been
used.

The user name is duplicated
when adding a new user to
the user registry.

Validate all inputs and retry the operation. If it is
not successful, see

xi

.

Service Information on page

Accurately retype login information. If this is not
successful, see

Service Information on page xi

Log in again. As a security precaution to protect
against unauthorized system access, always log
out of the system when finished.

Accurately retype the user name.

See

Service Information on page xi

.

Enter a new user name.

.

Troubleshooting 6 - 3

Table 6-1

Not a legal IP address
(1.0.0.0 - 255.255.255.255).

Cannot reach the specified IP
address.

The SNMP Host Link is not valid.

Invalid network mask. The network mask entered

Invalid SNMP version number. The version number for

Invalid description. The description contained

Invalid password. The password does not

Name has already been used.
Serial number has already been

used.
IP address has already been used.

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

The IP address entered is
either formatted inaccurately
or cannot be accessed
(pinged).

is not formatted correctly.

SNMP protocol is not a
supported version.

invalid characters (<,>,or').

match the current user
registry (illegal characters,
too long, or too short.)

User forgot the password.

The name, serial number, or
IP address entered already
exists in the system.

Accurately retype the IP address, and make sure
the host device is connected and online. If this is
not successful, see

xi

.

Confirm the correct network mask from the
network administrator and enter it correctly.

Use version number 1 for SNMP version 1, and 2
for SNMP version 2c.

Correct the description.

Accurately retype the password.

See

Service Information on page xi

Enter a unique value for the new name, serial
number, or IP address.

Service Information on page

.

Select an item from the list. The system requires

selecting an item from the
list box before continuing.

Last command is still pending. Try
again later.

Another administrator is currently
logged in. Try again later.

Backup configuration file does not
exist.

Failed to confirm the new password. The system requires

Network configuration change(s)
have not been saved.

The system did not finish
processing the previous
command.

The system does not allow
more than one administrator
to log in at a time.

The system cannot revert to
a backup configuration
unless a backup file exists.

entering the password
identically two times.

The user requested log out
prior to committing/reverting
the changes made during
the session.

Select an item from the list box, and then continue.

Wait a few moments for the previous command to
complete before sending another command.

Wait until the other administrator logs out (or times
out) before logging in.

Commit the new configuration to create a backup
file.

Accurately retype the password twice.

Select one of the

Commit/Discard

options.

6 - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Table 6-1

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

New password is the same as the
old one.

The system requires
entering a new password
(different from the existing
password) during the

Change Password

operation.

Old password is not correct. The system requires

entering the existing
password during the

Unspecified error occurred ­code: ####

Password

A specific error message is
missing for the given status

operation.

code.

The requested page was not found.
Internal Web Server Error.

Request method was NULL.
No query string was provided.

The system experienced an
internal web server error.

The system does not permit
executing a proxy program
from the command line
rather than the web server.

Change

Enter a password that is different from the existing
password.

Accurately retype the existing password.

Note the code number, and contact Motorola
Enterprise Mobility Support. See

Information on page xi

.

Service

Contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support.
See

Service Information on page xi

No action required. The system is reporting that
this action is not permitted.

Content length is unknown. The system cannot accept

an incorrectly formatted
HTTP POST request (from
an unsupported browser
application).

Couldn't read complete post
message.

The system stopped a
POST operation before
completion.

Unhandled reply type. The system generated an

unexpected value.

Failed to open port.
Failed to connect.

Error during receive of
command.

Failed to transmit.
Failed to receive.
Error during Receive of Command.

Use a GET request instead, or update the
software.

Retry the operation, and allow it to complete.

Contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support.
See

Service Information on page xi

.

Contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support.
See

Service Information on page xi

.

Troubleshooting 6 - 5

Table 6-1

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

Invalid Device Address. The device address

information (parent) is
invalid, missing, or
formatted inaccurately.

Command parsing state error.
Missing argument for the command.

A command was formatted
inaccurately.

Command internal type cast error.
Missing operator.
Unknown operator.

The action must be confirmed. The user must confirm the

requested action before it is
executed.

NOTE If problems still occur, contact the distributor or call the local contact. See page xi for contact information.

Contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support.
See

Service Information on page xi

.

Contact Motorola Enterprise Mobility Support.
See

Service Information on page xi

.

Select the confirmation option when issuing this
request.

6 - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Appendix A Technical Specifications

FX7400 Kits

KT-FX74004US-01 4-Port US Reader Kit

•

FX7400-42310A30-US (4-port US reader)

•

AN480-CL66100WR (wide-band AN-480 antenna)

•

BRKT-70661-01R (antenna mounting bracket)

•

CBLRD-1B4001800R (15-foot RF cable)

•

50-14000-159R (power supply)

•

XX-XXXXX-XX (US power cord)

KT-FX74002US-01 2-Port US Reader Kit

•

FX7400-22310A30-US (2-port US reader)

•

AN480-CL66100WR (wide-band AN-480 antenna)

•

BRKT-70661-01R (antenna mounting bracket)

•

CBLRD-1B4001800R (15-foot RF cable)

•

50-14000-159R (power supply)

•

XX-XXXXX-XX (US power cord)

KT-FX74004WR-01 4-Port Global Reader Kit

•

FX7400-42315A30-US (4-port global reader)

•

AN480-CL66100WR (wide-band AN-480 antenna)

•

BRKT-70661-01R (antenna mounting bracket)

•

CBLRD-1B4001800R (15-foot RF cable)

•

50-14000-159R (power supply)

A - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

KT-FX74002WR-01 2-Port Global Reader Kit

•

FX7400-22315A30-US (2-port global reader)

•

AN480-CL66100WR (wide-band AN-480 antenna)

•

BRKT-70661-01R (antenna mounting bracket)

•

CBLRD-1B4001800R (15-foot RF cable)

•

50-14000-159R (power supply)

Technical Specifications

The following tables summarize the RFID reader intended operating environment and technical hardware
specifications.

Table A-1

Technical Specifications

Item FX

Physical and Environmental Characteristics

Dimensions 7.7 in. L x 5.9 in. W x 1.7 in. D

19.56 cm L x 14.99 cm W x 4.32 cm D

Mounting Dimensions

2 holes required, center to center 4.192 inches

(Mounting Holes)

Weight 1.8 lbs (kg)

Base Material Die cast aluminum, sheet metal and plastic.

LEDs Multi-color LEDs: Power, Activity, Status and Applications

FX Environmental Specifications

Operational Temperature 14° to +122° F/-10° to +50° C

Storage Temperature -40° to +158° F/-40° to +70° C

Humidity 5 to 85% non-condensing

Vibration Vibration Operational: 5.5 Grms, 0.02G2/Hz Random 20 Hz to 1000 Hz rolling off at

-6 dB/octave to 2000 Hz for 1 hour per axis in all three axes.

Connectivity

Communications 10/100 BaseT Ethernet (RJ45) w/ POE support

USB Client (USB Type B)

General Purpose I/O 2 inputs, 2 outputs, optically isolated (Terminal Block)

Power +24Vdc or POE (IEEE 802.3af)

Antenna Ports FX 7400-4: 4 mono-static ports

(Reverse Polarity TNC)

FX 7400-2: 2 mono-static ports

(Reverse Polarity TNC)

Technical Specifications A - 3

Table A-1

Compliance Information

Safety cUL 60950-01, UL 2043, IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1

RF/EMI/EMC FCC Part 15, RSS 210, EN 302 208, ICES-003

SAR/MPE FCC 47CFR2:OET Bulletin 65; EN 50364

Other ROHS, WEEE

Antenna Parameters FX Series US EU

Hardware/OS and Firmware Management

Memory Flash 64 MB; DRAM 64 MB

Operating System Microsoft Windows CE 5.0

Firmware Upgrade Web based and remote firmware upgrade capabilities

Management Protocols RM 1.0.1 (with XML over HTTP/HTTPS and

Technical Specifications (Continued)

Item FX

Class B, EN 301 489-1/3

Max Conducted RF Power + 30dBm +29.2dBm
Max Antenna Gain Allowed (including cable loss) + 6dBiL + 6dBiL
Max Radiated Power Allowed 4W EIRP 2W ERP
Maximum Beam Width N/A Per EN 302 208

SNMP binding)

Network Services DHCP, HTTPS, FTPS, SSH, HTTP, FTP, Telnet,

SNMP and NTP

Air Protocols ISO 18000-6C (EPC Class 1 Gen 2)

Frequency (UHF Band) 902 MHz to 928 MHz, 865 MHz to 868 MHz

Power Output +15dBm to +30dBm

IP addressing Static and Dynamic

Host Interface Protocol LLRP

API Support .NET, C and JAVA

Warranty

The FX7400-4 and FX7400-2 are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year
(12 months) from date of shipment, provided the product remains unmodified and is operated under normal and
proper conditions.

For the complete Motorola hardware product warranty statement, go to:

http://www.motorola.com/enterprisemobility/warranty

A - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Cable Pinouts

10/100bT Ethernet / POE Connector

The 10/100BT Ethernet / POE connector is an RJ45 receptacle. This port complies with the IEE 802.3af
specification for Powered Devices.

Figure A-1

Table A-2

Pin Pin Name Direction Description

Pin 1 TX-P O TX Data Positive Positive Vport

Pin 2 TX-N O TX Data Negative Positive Vport

Pin 3 RX-P I RX Data Positive Negative Vport

Pin 4 NC - No Connect Positive Vport

Pin 5 NC - No Connect Positive Vport

Pin 6 RX_N I RX Data Negative Negative Vport

Pin 7 NC - No Connect Negative Vport

Pin 8 NC - No Connect Negative Vport

Ethernet Connections

10/100bT Ethernet / POE Connector Pinout

POE Mode A

Function

POE Mode B

Function

USB Client Connector

The USB Client port is supplied on a USB Type B connector.

Technical Specifications A - 5

Figure A-2

Table A-3

Pin 1 5.0V_USB I 5.0V USB Power Rail

Pin 2 USB_DN I/O Data Negative

Pin 3 USB_DP I/O Data Positive

Pin 4 GND - Ground

USB Client Connector

USB Client Port Connector Pinout

Pin Pin Name Direction Description

A - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

GPIO Port Connections

These are plug terminal block types, allowing connecting and disconnecting individual wires independently.
Separate connectors are used for inputs and outputs. See Table A-4 for pin descriptions.

Figure A-3

Table A-4

Pin # Pin Name Direction Description

1 +24V DC Power O Supplies +24V DC at up to 1 Amp

2 GP output #1 O Signal for GP output #1

3 GP output #2 O Signal for GP output #2

4 GND - Ground connection

5 GP input #1 I Signal for GP input #1

6 GP input #2 I Signal for GP input #2

7 GND - Ground connection

FX Series RFID Reader GPIO Connection

GPIO Pin Outs

Appendix B LLRP and RM API Extensions

For information on Low Level Reader Protocol (LLRP) and Reader Management (RM) extensions for the FX Series
reader, refer to the FX Series Reader Software Interface Control Guide.

B - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Appendix C FTP Firmware Upgrade

Introduction

This appendix provides reader firmware upgrade information on using the web-based Administrative Console and
an FTP or FTPS server running a host computer. Use this procedure to upgrade the following software
components:

•

Monitor

•

OS

•

Reader Server Application (includes Radio API and MAC Radio firmware)

Prerequisites

The following items are required to perform the update:

•

Reader with power supply or POE connection

•

Laptop (or other host computer)

•

An Ethernet cable

•

An FTP server

•

Current firmware file examples:

• OSUpdFalcon.exe

• response.txt

• FlashUpdateUtility.dll

• FalParTblXXX.hex (Partition table, XXX is a filename variable)

• FalConfigXXXXX.hex (Config Area, XXXXX is a filename variable)

• FalMonXXXX.hex (Monitor, XXXX is a filename variable)

• FalBkupOSXXXXX.hex (Backup OS, XXXXX is a filename variable)

• FalOSXXXXX.hex (OS, XXXXX is a filename variable)

• FalPlatXXX.hex (Platform partition, XXX is a filename variable)

C - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

• FalAppXXX.hex (Application, XXX is a filename variable)

• FalRConfigXXX.hex (Reader Config, XXX is a filename variable

Refer to the release notes to determine which files were updated; not all of the files are updated in every release. If
updating the partition table, install this file first, otherwise there is no specific order necessary when installing these
files.

Auto Recovery

The Auto Recovery feature allows the reader to recover flash images that are corrupt due to a power outage during
software upgrade. If a firmware upgrade fails (e.g., due to a power outage), on the next reboot the reader retries
the update from the same remote server. If the reader cannot complete the update, a recovery web page appears
when accessing the reader management interface via a web browser. To reattempt upgrade, enter the FTP server
path and credentials.

Update Phases

The firmware update takes place in three phases:

•

Phase 1 - The reader application retrieves the Response.txt, OSUpdFalcon.exe, and FlashUpdateUtility.dll files

from the ftp server.

•

Phase 2 - The reader application shuts down and the OSUpdFalcon.exe starts. The files referenced in the
Response.txt file are retrieved from the FTP server and written to flash.

•

Phase 3 - The reader resets after all partitions update successfully. It may also update the RFID firmware if it

detects a different version in the platform partition.

A typical entry in the

;Platform partition version 31

-t4 –fFalPlat031.hex –s8680222

NOTE The Application Server, Radio API, and MAC firmware code all reside in the Platform partition.

The recovery console only supports the FTP mode update, and does not support secure FTP (FTP over
TLS explicit) or CAB file update.

The

-t parameter is the file type, -f is the name of the file, and -s the size. Ensure the file size is correct.

"

;" comments out the rest of the line.

Updating Firmware

Response.txt is:

To update the firmware using the Administrator Console and an FTP server:

1. Create a folder on a local FTP server and name it: \FXUPDT\ReleaseXXX.

2. Download the firmware files from http://www.support.symbol.com into this folder and unzip the files if they are

zipped.

3. Ensure that the host computer can ping the readers. If they cannot, consult with the network administrator.

FTP Firmware Upgrade C - 3

4. On the reader to update, access the web based Administrator Console:

a. Open a browser and type the IP address or host name of the reader to update (format example:

http://157.235.88.147). The

Reader on page 4-3.

b. Enter the user name and password. The default settings are:

Username:

admin

Password: change
The Administrator Console Main Menu appears. See Figure 4-1 on page 4-1.

5. Select Firmware. The Firmware Version/Update screen appears with the current version information.

See Figure 4-27 on page 4-30.

6. To upgrade the firmware:

a. Ensure the FTP server is running on the host computer, and that the file path is the same as when logging

on using the FTP server.

b. On the Version Control screen, enter in the following information:

For the FTP Server link, enter ftp://<ip address of host computer>/filepath
(format example: ftp://192.168.1.3// FX UPDT/ReleaseXXX).

Enter the FTP server user name.
Enter the FTP server password.

Reader Administrator Console login screen appears. See Connect to the

NOTE If using the default host computer FTP server, the system user name and password may be required

(consult the system administrator).

c. Click Start Update to start the update. The reader indicates that it is going to shutdown.

d. The PWR LED on the reader flashes red during the update. The reader application software first

downloads
down.

osupFX.exe, FlashUpdateUtility.dll, and Response.txt files, starts running Osupdate, and shuts

Osupdate then downloads all the files specified in the Response.txt file into RAM, and if successful

writes the files to Flash. If the FTP is not successful, no files are written to Flash and the STAT LED turns
solid red.

e. The update can take up to 15 minutes, depending on network load conditions and the number of partitions

being updated. Do not remove power to the reader or reboot the reader during the update.

f. The reader reboots when the update completes. The PWR LED eventually turns solid green to indicate

that the update was successful and reader is operational.

7. Log onto the web console, access the Firmware Version/Update screen, and verify the new upgrade version is

running. Some cases require the full version numbers for the software components. To do this, type
http://ip.ip.ip.ip/Version.html in the browser, where ip.ip.ip.ip denotes the reader IP or host name.

C - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Appendix D Java Upgrade Procedures

Introduction

The FX Series reader browser interface requires Java1.6 or later. To confirm the Java version in the Internet
Explorer web browser, go to

Tools > Internet Options > Advanced tab:

Figure D-1

Install Java 1.6 or later if the virtual machine configuration entries are missing, or if an earlier version is installed.
Download JVM from http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Java Version Window

D - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

Appendix E Static IP Configuration

Introduction

This appendix describes three methods of setting the static IP address on an FX7400 RFID Reader.

DHCP Network is Available - Set the Static IP Using the Web Console

1. Browse the device using the host name, e.g., FX7400CD3B1E.

2. Log onto the device.

Figure E-1

3. Click Communication, then click Network.

Reader Administration Console Login Window

E - 2 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

4. Set Obtain IP Address via DHCP to Off and enter all required information.

Figure E-2

5. Click Set Properties. You can set a static IP that doesn't belong to this DHCP network.

6. Click Commit/Revert, then click the Commit button.

Figure E-3

7. The message Reader IP Address config has changed. Needs reader reboot to take effect appears. Reset the

Reader Communication Parameters Window

Commit/Revert Window

device and use the reader with the static IP network.

Static IP Configuration E - 3

DHCP Network Not Available - Set the Static IP Using the Web Console

1. Connect the device and a PC running Windows XP to the same network that doesn't have DHCP server, or

connect the device directly to the PC.

2. Ensure both the device and PC Ethernet jack use at least one LED to indicate network connection detect.

3. If the PC uses an assigned static IP, update it to use DHCP. The PC obtains an IP that starts with 169.

Figure E-4

4. When possible, ping the hostname of the device.

Figure E-5

5. Browse the device with host name, e.g., FX7400CD3B1E.

Obtain IP Address

Ping the Hostname

E - 4 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

6. Log onto the device.

Figure E-6

7. Click Communication, then click Network.

8. Set Obtain IP Address via DHCP to Off and enter all required information.

Figure E-7

9. Click Set Properties.

Reader Administration Console Login Window

Reader Communication Parameters Window

10. Click Commit/Revert, then click the Commit button.

Static IP Configuration E - 5

Figure E-8

11. The message Reader IP Address config has changed. Needs reader reboot to take effect appears. Reset the

Commit/Revert Window

device and use the reader with the static IP network.

E - 6 FX Series RFID Readers Integrator Guide

DHCP Network Not Available - Edit Configuration Files to Set the Static IP

Use this option to configure a static IP on the reader regardless of the host network settings:

1. Establish an ActiveSync connection over USB to the reader.

2. Browse to the \ReaderConfig directory on the reader. Copy AdvReaderConfig.xml from \ReaderConfig to a local

folder.

Figure E-9

Copy AdvReaderConfig.xml