Nortech International (Pty) Ltd
This document is for information only and unless otherwise indicated, is not to form part of any contract. In
P O Box 4099 32A Wiganthorpe Road
Willowton Hub Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg 3201 South Africa
3200 South Africa Reg. No. 98/10951
Tel: (033) 345 3456 Int. Tel: +27 33 345 3456
Fax: (033) 394 6449 Int. Fax: +27 33 394 6449
mkt@nortech.co.za www.nortech .co.za
APPROVALS
Date: dd/mm/yy Rev CRN No.
22/07/98 00 0451
15/09/99 01 0640
Originator L. Grove / M.T. Maggs
Checked: ______________________________ Date: __________________
Engineering Manager: _____________________________
Approved: ______________________________ Date: __________________
Marketing: _____________________________
Checked and approved:______________________________ Date: __________________
AUTOTAG-P
USER MANUAL
NORTECH INTERNATIONAL (PTY) LTD
All rights reserved
Copyright 1999
Document No: 708UM0210-01
Date of issue: October 1999
accordance with the manufacturer’s policy of continually updating and improving design, specifications
contained herein are subject to alteration without notice.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................... 4
2. TECHNICAL DATA.......................................................................................................................6
2.1. System Parameters ................................................................................................................6
2.2. Autotag-P Base Station ATR430P series................................................................................6
2.2.1. Electrical........................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.2. Mechanical.......................................................................................................................6
2.2.3. Environmental ..................................................................................................................6
2.2.4. RF Channel......................................................................................................................6
2.2.5. Communications...............................................................................................................7
2.2.6 Relay Outputs................................................................................................................... 7
2.3. Autotag-P Tag Transponder AT430P......................................................................................8
2.3.1. Electrical........................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.2. Mechanical.......................................................................................................................8
2.3.3. Environmental ..................................................................................................................8
2.3.4. RF Channel......................................................................................................................8
2.3.5. Code ................................................................................................................................9
2.4. Autotag-P Tag with Proximity Transponder.............................................................................9
3. FCC REGULATIONS..................................................................................................................10
4. OPERATING PRINCIPLES.........................................................................................................11
4.1. Radio Frequency Communications: Important concepts.......................................................11
4.1.2. Reflection and absorption...............................................................................................12
4.1.3. Noding and nulls.............................................................................................................12
4.1.4. Radiation pattern............................................................................................................13
4.2. Autotag-P Communications Architecture...............................................................................14
4.3. Coding.................................................................................................................................. 14
4.3.1 32 Bit User Data (Tag only)............................................................................................14
4.3.2 16 Bit Installer Code.......................................................................................................15
4.3.3 8 Bit Distributor / OEM Code ..........................................................................................15
4.3.4 32 Bit Mask (Base Station Only).....................................................................................15
4.4 R.F. Communications between Base Station and Tag..........................................................15
4.4.1. Poll from the Base Station.............................................................................................. 15
4.4.2 Response from the Tag..................................................................................................15
4.4.3 Acknowledge from the Base Station...............................................................................15
4.5. Communication Protocol Options..........................................................................................16
4.5.1 Wiegand Communication Protocol..................................................................................16
4.5.2 Clock&Data Communication Protocol............................................................................. 16
4.5.3 RS-232 – Autotag-P Point-to-point Communication Protocol..........................................17
4.5.4 RS-485 – Nortech Multi-drop Communication Protocol...................................................17
5. INSTALLATION..........................................................................................................................18
5.1. Base Station.........................................................................................................................18
5.1.1 General description ........................................................................................................ 18
5.1.2. Autotag-P Base Station Packing List..............................................................................18
5.1.3. Installation......................................................................................................................19
5.1.4. Wiring.............................................................................................................................20
5.2 Tag.......................................................................................................................................21
5.2.1. General description ........................................................................................................ 21
5.2.2. Positioning......................................................................................................................21
5.2.3 Mounting ........................................................................................................................ 21
5.3. Base Station Configuration Options......................................................................................22
5.3.1 Base Station DIPSwitch settings:....................................................................................23
5.3.2 Range adjustment:.........................................................................................................25
5.3.3 Internal Diagnostic LED:.................................................................................................25
5.3.4 External Indicator Drivers ............................................................................................... 25
5.4. Commissioning.....................................................................................................................25
6. CONFIGURATION......................................................................................................................27
6.1. Wiring Detail ......................................................................................................................... 27
7. CUSTOMER FAULT ANALYSIS ................................................................................................28
APPENDIX A – WIRING DIAGRAMMS.............................................................................................30
APPENDIX B – GOOSENECK MOUNTING PLATE.........................................................................33
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 3 of 33
{tc ""}1. INTRODUCTION
The Autotag-P is a long range, hands free, vehicle identification system used in vehicular access applications.
The configuration consists of:
- a Base Station transceiver,
- portable programmable Tags.
- a loop detector (optional)
Figure 1.1. Configuration
Both the Tags and the Base Station are microprocessor controlled. This allows for increased robustness of the
RF link, and flexibility with respect to coding and system configuration.
The Tag is positioned on the windscreen and is automatically triggered when the vehicle approaches within a
set distance of the Base Station unit. Upon confirming that a Base Station unit is being communicated with, the
Tag transmits a unique code. This code is received by the Base Station and is passed on to the associated
access controllers.
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 4 of 33
Two possible modes of operation exist:
1. A loop detector informs the Base Station of the presence of a vehicle. The Base Station then transmits a Poll
signal to the Tag, which responds with an ID code. The code is verified by the Base Station, which then initiates
further action (eg. opening of a barrier).
2. The Base Station continually transmits a signal, thus waking up the Tag as soon as it comes within range.
This renders the loop redundant and reduces the cost of the system.
Both configurations have their advantages. The first has increased integrity and reduces the chance of
accidental triggering. It also drastically reduces the average radiation of the Base Station. The second has lower
configuration and installation costs.
Communication between the Base Station and the associated control system (eg. time-and-attendance monitor)
is via a choice of industry-standard protocols.
This document applies to the following models in the Autotag-P range:
AUTOTAG-P BASE STATION MODELS
FT Number Part Number Voltage Protocol
708FT0231 ATR431P-C2 115V AC Clock & Data / Wiegand and RS-232
708FT0232 ATR432P-C2 230V AC Clock & Data / Wiegand and RS-232
708FT0233 ATR434P-C2 12-24V DC Clock & Data / Wiegand and RS-232
708FT0241 ATR431P-C4 115V AC RS-485
708FT0242 ATR432P-C4 230V AC RS-485
708FT0243 ATR434P-C4 12-24V DC RS-485
AUTOTAG-P TRANSPONDER MODELS
FT Number Part Number Model
708FT0210 AT430P Programmable Tag
708FT0212 ATP430P Programmable Tag with Proximity Transponder
RELATED DOCUMENTS:
708LF0211 Autotag-P Base Station Installation Guide
708LF0210 Autotag-P Tag Installation Guide
708DS0210 Autotag-P Data Sheet
708UM0201 Autotag-P Programming Station User Manual
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 5 of 33
2. TECHNICAL DATA
2.1. System Parameters
Configuration Encoding: One Byte Distributor / OEM code (Allows for 255
unique distributor / OEM’s).
Two Byte Installer code (Allows for 65536 installers
for each Distributor / OEM code).
Refer to Autotag-P Programmable Station User Manual Document Number 708UM0201 for more
information,
2.2. Autotag-P Base Station ATR430P series
2.2.1. Electrical
Power Supply: 120V AC 708FT02X1 ATR 431P
230V AC 708FT02X2 ATR 432P
12 - 24V DC 708FT02X3 ATR 434P
(Where X = 3 – RS-232 model
= 4 – RS-485 model)
Supply Tolerance: +10%
Current Consumption: <200mA at 24V
Protection: Metal Oxide Varistor’s, LC filtering & Transorb spike protector of
the supply lines
2.2.2. Mechanical
Dimensions: 220 mm x 220 mm x 67 mm
Material: ABS Plastic
Mounting: See Mounting Instructions (Section 4.1.2)
2.2.3. Environmental
Storage Temperature: -40° C to +85°C
Operating Temperature: Mains versions -40° C to +70° C
DC versions -40° C to +85° C
Humidity: 98% max.
Environmental Sealing: IP56
Other: UV resistant
2.2.4. RF Channel
Operating Frequency: 433.92 Mhz nominal
Intentional Radiator Compliance: Complies to the following:
ETSI I-ETS 300 220 (European Community)
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 6 of 33
EMI/EMC Compliance: ETSI I-ETS 300 683
RF Output Power: Adjustable to maximum of +10 dBm (10 mW)
Transmitter Modulation Type: 100% AM (OOK), PWM
Transmit Modulation Frequency: 167 Hz to 250 Hz
Transmitter Data Rate: 10 Bytes / sec
Transmitter Stability: SAW resonator referenced
Receive Modulation Frequency: 375 Hz & 500 Hz
Receive Data Rate: 50 Bytes / sec
Receiver Stability: Crystal referenced
Polarisation: Elliptical
2.2.5. Communications
Interfacing protocols: WIEGAND, CLOCK & DATA and RS-232 or RS-485 only.
Protection: Transorbs on all external communications lines. Opto-isolator on
arming input
Connectors: Mains – 3 way plugable screw terminal
DC power & relay – 5 way plugable screw terminal
Interface and communications two by 6 way pluggable screw
terminals
2.2.6 Relay Outputs
5 Amp @ 230V AC single pole change over
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 7 of 33
2.3. Autotag-P Tag Transponder AT430P
2.3.1. Electrical
Power Supply: Replaceable 3V CR2032 lithium coin cell
Current consumption: Quiescent: <5 uA
Transmitting: <3 mA
Battery Life: 3 years +
2.3.2. Mechanical
Dimensions: 120 x 32 x 11 mm
Material: ABS Plastic
Mounting: See Mounting Instructions (Section 4.2.2)
2.3.3. Environmental
Storage Temperature: - 40° C to +85°C
Operating Temperature: -30° C to +85° C
Humidity: 98% max.
Environmental Sealing: Sealed to IP42
Other: UV resistant
2.3.4. RF Channel
Operating Frequency: 433.92 MHz.
Operating Range: 8m maximum, adjustable, depending on site conditions
Receiver Modulation Type: 100% AM (OOK), PWM
Receiver Modulation Frequency: 167 Hz to 250 Hz
Receiver Data Rate: 10 Bytes / sec
Transmitter Power: 30 µW
Transmit Modulation Frequency: 375 Hz & 500 Hz
Transmit Data Rate: 50 Bytes / sec
Stability: SAW resonator referenced
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 8 of 33
2.3.5. Code
System coding: 24 bits fixed
User coding: 32 bit programmable
No. of possible codes: Over 4 billion (232) unique codes
2.4. Autotag-P Tag with Proximity Transponder
Specifications of Proximity Transponder:
EM4002: Compatible
Operating Frequency: 125 kHz
Range: 1 – 3 cm
Coding: 32 bit fixed (not sequential)
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 9 of 33
3. FCC REGULATIONS
When this system is used in the United States of America, only the following models may be used:
AUTOTAG-P BASE STATION MODELS
FT Number Part Number Voltage Protocol
708FT0233 ATR434P-C2 12-24V DC Clock & Data / Wiegand and RS-232
708FT0234 ATR434P-C2 12-24V DC
AUTOTAG-P TRANSPONDER MODELS
FT Number Part Number Model
708FT0210 AT430P Programmable Tag
708FT0211 AT430P Programmable Tag (McGann)
User in the United States of America.
Please note the following important caution:-
Changes or modifications to this product not expressly approved by Nortech
International (Pty) Ltd, in writing, could void the user’s authority to operate
Clock & Data / Wiegand and RS-232
(McGann)
the product.
BASE STATION ID LABEL
{PRIVATE }Nortech International
(Pty) Ltd ATR434P-C2
(708FT0233)
FCC ID: XXXXX-XXXX
Frequency: 433.92 MHz
TAG FCC INFORMATION
{PRIVATE }Nortech International
(Pty) Ltd AT43P (708FT0210)
FCC ID: XXXXX-XXXX
Frequency: 433.92 MHz
Power: 30 µW
708UM0210-01 October 1999 Autotag-P User Manual Page: 10 of 33