Siemens RF310M01 User Manual

Operating Instructions · 07/2007

SIMATIC RF310M

Mobile Reader

simatic sensors

DOCUMENTATION

SIMATIC Sensors

RFID Systems

SIMATIC RF310M

Mobile Reader

Operating Instructions

07/2007

J31069-D0191-U001-A1-7618

	Introduction	1
	Description	2
	Power supply	3
	Commissioning	4
	Operation	5
	SIMATIC RF310M software	6
	Advanced functions	7
	Error messages of the
		8
	SIMATIC RF310M
	application
	Troubleshooting	9
	Technical Specifications	10
	Appendix	A

Safety Guidelines

This manual contains notices you have to observe in order to ensure your personal safety, as well as to prevent damage to property. The notices referring to your personal safety are highlighted in the manual by a safety alert symbol, notices referring only to property damage have no safety alert symbol. These notices shown below are graded according to the degree of danger.

DANGER

indicates that death or severe personal injury will result if proper precautions are not taken.

WARNING

indicates that death or severe personal injury may result if proper precautions are not taken.

CAUTION

with a safety alert symbol, indicates that minor personal injury can result if proper precautions are not taken.

CAUTION

without a safety alert symbol, indicates that property damage can result if proper precautions are not taken.

NOTICE

indicates that an unintended result or situation can occur if the corresponding information is not taken into account.

If more than one degree of danger is present, the warning notice representing the highest degree of danger will be used. A notice warning of injury to persons with a safety alert symbol may also include a warning relating to property damage.

Qualified Personnel

The device/system may only be set up and used in conjunction with this documentation. Commissioning and operation of a device/system may only be performed by qualified personnel. Within the context of the safety notes in this documentation qualified persons are defined as persons who are authorized to commission, ground and label devices, systems and circuits in accordance with established safety practices and standards.

Prescribed Usage

Note the following:

WARNING

This device may only be used for the applications described in the catalog or the technical description and only in connection with devices or components from other manufacturers which have been approved or recommended by Siemens. Correct, reliable operation of the product requires proper transport, storage, positioning and assembly as well as careful operation and maintenance.

Trademarks

All names identified by ® are registered trademarks of the Siemens AG. The remaining trademarks in this publication may be trademarks whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the owner.

Disclaimer of Liability

We have reviewed the contents of this publication to ensure consistency with the hardware and software described. Since variance cannot be precluded entirely, we cannot guarantee full consistency. However, the information in this publication is reviewed regularly and any necessary corrections are included in subsequent editions.

Siemens AG	Ordernumber: J31069-D0191-U001-A1-7618	Copyright © Siemens AG 2007.
Automation and Drives	07/2007	Technical data subject to change
Postfach 48 48
90437 NÜRNBERG
GERMANY

Table of contents

1	Introduction................................................................................................................................................		7
2	Description.................................................................................................................................................		9
	2.1	Application area.............................................................................................................................	9
	2.2	Features.......................................................................................................................................	10
	2.3	Design..........................................................................................................................................	11
	2.4	Antenna and antenna field...........................................................................................................	12
3	Power supply...........................................................................................................................................		13
	3.1	Inserting the battery.....................................................................................................................	13
	3.2	Charging function.........................................................................................................................	14
	3.3	Using other batteries....................................................................................................................	15
	3.4	The backup battery......................................................................................................................	15
4	Commissioning........................................................................................................................................		17
	4.1	Scope of supply ...........................................................................................................................	17
	4.2	Switching on the device...............................................................................................................	18
	4.3	Basic settings...............................................................................................................................	19
	4.3.1	Setting the language....................................................................................................................	19
	4.3.2	Adjusting the acoustic signal volume...........................................................................................	20
	4.3.3	Adjusting the screen backlighting and contrast...........................................................................	20
5	Operation.................................................................................................................................................		21
	5.1	The keypad ..................................................................................................................................	21
	5.1.1	The shift keys...............................................................................................................................	21
	5.1.2	Key functions................................................................................................................................	22
	5.2	The SIMATIC RF310M menu ......................................................................................................	24
6	SIMATIC RF310M software.....................................................................................................................		25
	6.1	Overview of functions...................................................................................................................	25
	6.2	Starting the SIMATIC RF310M software .....................................................................................	26
	6.3	The data editor.............................................................................................................................	26
	6.4	The functions in the "File" menu..................................................................................................	28
	6.4.1	Loading a file................................................................................................................................	28
	6.4.2	Save.............................................................................................................................................	28
	6.4.3	Exit...............................................................................................................................................	29
	6.5	The functions in the "Tag" menu..................................................................................................	30
	6.5.1	Progress and timeout display.......................................................................................................	31
	6.5.2	Requirements for operating the tag functions..............................................................................	32
	6.5.3	Read tag (MDS)...........................................................................................................................	34
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Table of contents

	6.5.4	Read OTP ...................................................................................................................................	35
	6.5.5	Reading the tag configuration data .............................................................................................	36
	6.5.6	Writing to the tag .........................................................................................................................	37
	6.5.7	Write OTP ....................................................................................................................................	38
	6.5.8	Read tag status ...........................................................................................................................	39
	6.5.9	Reading the tag ID ......................................................................................................................	39
	6.5.10	Initialize the tag ...........................................................................................................................	39
	6.6	The functions in the "Editor" menu ..............................................................................................	40
	6.6.1	Jump to Address .........................................................................................................................	40
	6.6.2	Display .........................................................................................................................................	41
	6.6.3	Clear ............................................................................................................................................	41
	6.6.4	Data Edit ......................................................................................................................................	42
	6.7	The functions in the "Extras" menu .............................................................................................	43
	6.7.1	Password .....................................................................................................................................	44
	6.7.2	Language ....................................................................................................................................	44
	6.7.3	Address Setup .............................................................................................................................	45
	6.7.4	Tag Type Selection .....................................................................................................................	46
	6.7.5	SLG Status ..................................................................................................................................	47
	6.8	The functions in the "?" menu .....................................................................................................	48
7	Advanced functions .................................................................................................................................		49
	7.1	File storage on the RF310M ........................................................................................................	49
	7.2	Copying data from and to the Mobile Reader .............................................................................	50
	7.2.1	Prerequisites ...............................................................................................................................	50
	7.2.2	Working with the Active Sync program .......................................................................................	51
	7.2.3	Organization of the file READ.HEX .............................................................................................	53
	7.3	The automatic power - saving function .........................................................................................	54
	7.4	System reset ...............................................................................................................................	54
8	Error messages of the SIMATIC RF310M application..............................................................................		55
9	Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................		61
10	Technical Specifications ..........................................................................................................................		63
A	Appendix	..................................................................................................................................................	65
	A.1	FCC information ..........................................................................................................................	65
	A.2 .................................................................................................................................	Accessories	65
	A.3 ............................................................................	Ordering components for advanced functions	66
	A.4 ......................................................................................................	Developing user applications	66
	A.5 ..................................................................................................................................	ASCII table	67
	A.6 ....................................................................................................................	Service and support	68
	A.7 ......................................................................................................................................	Contacts	68
	A.8 .......................................................................................................................................	Training	69
	Glossary ..................................................................................................................................................		71
	Index........................................................................................................................................................		73

6	SIMATIC RF310M Mobile Reader
	Operating Instructions, 07/2007, J31069-D0191-U001-A1-7618

Introduction

1

Purpose of this document

These operating instructions contain information required for starting up and using the RF310M device.

The documentation is aimed at commissioning engineers and machine operators who start up the application themselves, and it describes the functions of the "SIMATIC RF310M" software.

Scope of validity of this document

This documentation is valid for the SIMATIC RF310M Mobile Reader and describes the delivery status from July 2007.

Further information

The present instructions are a supplement to the operating instructions of the basic device PSION WORKABOUT PRO.

The documents "Quick Reference Guide" and "Regulatory & Warranty Guide" for "WORKABOUT PRO C/M-E Hand-Held Computer" are included with the device. Please note the information they contain.

You can find further information in the PSION User Manual and in the documentation for the docking station.

Conventions

The following terms/abbreviations are used synonymously in this document:

●tag, transponder, mobile data memory (MDS), data carrier

●Reader, read/write device (SLG)

History

Previous editions of these operating instructions:

Edition	Remarks
07/2007	First edition

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Introduction

8	SIMATIC RF310M Mobile Reader
	Operating Instructions, 07/2007, J31069-D0191-U001-A1-7618

Description

2

SIMATIC RF310M expands the RF300 RF identification system with a powerful mobile handheld reader for applications in the areas of production and service. In addition, it is an indispensable aid for startup and testing.

2.1Application area

The RF300 Mobile Reader is intended especially for the SIMATIC RF300 RFID system. The enclosed SIMATIC RF310M software allows user-friendly, distributed reading and writing of all RF300 tags.

The Mobile Reader can also be used in harsh environments. The Mobile Reader is extremely rugged and protected against spray water. The backlit display is easy to read even under unfavorable lighting conditions.

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Description

2.2 Features

2.2Features

The SIMATIC RF310M Mobile Reader consists of a powerful, rugged and flexible handheld computer (PSION WORKABOUT PRO) and an integral read/write unit for the SIMATIC RF300 RFID system. It meets the requirements of mobile RFID data acquisition in harsh environments in an extremely user-friendly and ergonomic design. Based on communications standards, the device guarantees simple integration into existing or planned infrastructure.

The following functions can be executed:

Functions

●Reading the data from the tag (data memory)

●Writing the data to the tag

●Deleting the entire data memory (overwriting it with a filler)

●Reading and displaying the ID number of the tag

●Reading the data carrier status (MDS status)

●Reading the status of the read/write unit (SLG)

●Representing and editing the data in hexadecimal and ASCII format

●Activatable/deactivatable password protection for all write functions and for terminating the program

●Menu prompting in English and German (switchable)

●Saving of the read-in RF300 data to files. The Mobile Reader has approximately 1.8 MB available for this purpose.

The RFID read/write unit of RF300 is integrated into the PSION basic unit. Communication with the basic unit is handled via the internal serial scanner port that also supplies the power for the RFID unit.

Accessories

The charging and docking station (including wide-range power supply unit, 100 to 240 V AC, 50 to 60 Hz) for recharging the battery and connecting to PCs via USB port must be ordered separately. This station has a charging bay for an additional replacement battery. See Accessories (Page 65).

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Description

2.3 Design

2.3Design

The RF300 Mobile Reader consists of a basic unit and an integral read/write head ( ) of the SIMATIC RF300.

The basic unit is a PSION Workabout PRO and represents a global standard among mobile readers.

The SIMATIC RF310M software is stored in an integral flash disk secure against power failure. The program launches automatically when the Mobile Reader is switched on.

The separately available accessories include a charging and docking station ( ) with USB port for data exchange with the PC.

All RF300 data memories can be edited with the Mobile Reader. It is not possible to edit data memories of other RFID systems.

Design of the SIMATIC RF310M		Item	Description
			Read/write head
			Holder for input pen
			On/off button
			Charging cradle
			Power supply
			ASCII keypad
			Numeric keys
			Charge indicator (LED)
			Display
			Function indicator (LED) for
			read/write operations
			LED lights up:
			• Green: an action is being
			successfully carried out.
			This increases the power
			consumption of the
			RF310M via the
			read/write head.
			• Red: Internal error
			processing of the
			application; no action is
			required from the user.

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Description

2.4 Antenna and antenna field

2.4Antenna and antenna field

Read head with integral antenna

The antenna is housed in the read head under a cover.

Figure 2-1 Read head with antenna

Direction of propagation of the high-frequency field

The read/write area for transponders is above and below the front part of the housing. Transponders cannot be read or written to from the end.

The figure below shows the direction of propagation of the HF field of the antenna.

Figure 2-2 Propagation of the HF field

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Power supply

3

3.1Inserting the battery

The Mobile Reader's battery is located on the rear of the unit.

Steps for inserting the battery

1.Use the other end of the input pen as a screwdriver:

2.Turn the screws counter-clockwise.

3.To remove the cover, lift the screw side first.

4.Hold the battery at an angle when inserting so that the side of the battery with the direction arrow is inserted into the battery compartment first.

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Power supply

3.2 Charging function

3.2Charging function

Complete charging of an empty battery takes approximately 5 hours.

Starting the charging operation

The charging operation is started as soon as you insert the PSION Workabout Pro into the charging cradle.

WARNING

Explosion hazard when using a different charging cradle.

Use only the original charging cradle from PSION. Use of another charging station can result in explosions and serious personal injury.

Detecting the level of charge

You can check the level of charge via the charge indicator (LED) on the Mobile Reader:

Table 3-1	Status LED
LED color	LED status	Meaning
Green	Flashing	Charging in progress.
	Permanently lit	Battery is fully charged.
Red	Flashing	Charging not in progress. Battery fault!
	Permanently lit	External temperature too high.

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Power supply 3.3 Using other batteries

3.3Using other batteries

Other AA batteries can be used in the PSION Workabout Pro . These can be rechargeable lithium ion batteries or non-rechargeable alkaline batteries.

CAUTION

Information in the PSION manual concerning the use of other batteries

When using other batteries, please note the information in the PSION User Manual!

Unsuitable batteries can result in damage.

3.4The backup battery

The backup battery in the unit PSION Workabout Pro is used for retaining the application data when the main batteries are uncharged. The backup battery is a lithium cell that cannot be charged. Please note that a new backup battery (in the case of an empty or removed main battery) can only retain the data in the RAM for a few minutes.

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Power supply

3.4 The backup battery

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Commissioning

4

4.1Scope of supply

The scope of supply of the RF310M comprises several components.

Ordered components	Order No.
Mobile Reader SIMATIC RF310M	6GT2803-0AA00
with integral RFID read/write unit for RF300

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Commissioning

4.2 Switching on the device

4.2Switching on the device

Requirements for startup

●The Mobile Reader SIMATIC RF310M is ready-mounted

●The unit's battery is charged (see Charging function (Page 14)).

Note

Before switching the device on for the first time, you must insert the Mobile Reader into the charging cradle and charge it for approximately 5 hours.

Switching on the device

To switch the Mobile Reader on, press and hold the red "ENTER ON" button for at least one second.

Figure 4-1 <ENTER ON>/<OFF> key

After switching on, the first power-up lasts a few seconds. The RF310M application launches automatically.

Switching the device off

To switch the SIMATIC RF310M Mobile Reader off, press the blue key and then the <ENTER ON> key.

Automatic shutdown of the device

The device shuts down automatically if no key is pressed for 5 minutes. After switching on again, the Mobile Reader continues to operate with the same interface it was using before it was manually or automatically switched off.

See also

The automatic power-saving function (Page 54)

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Commissioning 4.3 Basic settings

4.3Basic settings

4.3.1Setting the language

You can set the following menu languages for operating the Mobile Reader SIMATIC RF310M:

●English

●German

Procedure for selecting the language

Select the desired language in the "Language selection" window of the "Extras > Language" menu and confirm with "OK".

Figure 4-2 Language selection window

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Commissioning 4.3 Basic settings

4.3.2Adjusting the acoustic signal volume

The tag functions trigger an acoustic signal indicating whether the operations were successful or were terminated with an error. You can switch these acoustic acknowledgements/signals on and off and you can regulate their volume.

Adjusting the volume of the acoustic signals

1.Press the blue key twice in succession so that "BLUE KEY" appears on the right of the display.

2.Regulate the volume of the acoustic signals using the keys "A" (quieter) and "B" (louder).

Figure 4-3 Keys for regulating the volume

Specific setting of the acoustic signals

Select "My Computer > Control Panel > Volume & Sounds" on the desktop.

On the "Volume" tab, you can regulate the volume between "Soft" and "Loud" using the bar.

You can also permit or deactivate acoustic signals for different messages by activating the relevant checkboxes.

4.3.3Adjusting the screen backlighting and contrast

You can adjust the brightness of the screen by pressing the following key:

Key Function

Changing the backlighting

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Operation

5

5.1The keypad

5.1.1The shift keys

Pressing a shift key causes a change in the function of the subsequently pressed keys. The following keys of the SIMATIC RF310M are shift keys:

●<SHIFT>

●<CTRL>

●<ALT>

●<ORANGE>

(changes the key assignment in accordance with the orange-colored labeling on the keypad)

●<BLUE>

(changes the key assignment in accordance with the blue-colored labeling on the keypad)

Activating the shift keys:

When you press a shift key, the name of the selected switch key appears in lowercase in the task bar, e.g. "org key", "blue key". Any subsequently pressed key then changes its function, the display in the task bar disappears and the shift key is deactivated again.

Defining shift keys

If the shift key is to remain set, it must be pressed twice in succession. The display in the task bar then appears in uppercase, e.g. "ORG KEY, "BLUE KEY".

If the shift key is pressed a third time, it is deactivated again and the display in the task bar disappears.

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Operation

5.1 The keypad

5.1.2Key functions

Overview of the keypad

Figure 5-1 Overview of the keypad

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Operation 5.1 The keypad

Key functions

Table 5-1		Key functions
Item	Key	Designation	Function
			Enable navigation to the left, right, up and down in the
		Arrow keys	display.

		Closes the currently open menu, dialog window or started
	<ESC>	application and leads back to the previous interface.
	<CTRL>
		Shift key:
		Changes the function of other keys
	<BLUE>
	<SPACE>	Inserting spaces.
		In a Windows dialog window, checkboxes can be
		activated or deactivated with the <SPACE> key.
		Display of uppercase letters (A-Z) and symbols also
	<SHIFT>	specified on the numeric keys (e.g. &, *,...).
	<BKSP>	Moves the cursor to the left to delete the last entered
		character.
	<DEL>	Removes the character following the cursor.
	(blue key and
	<BKSP>)
	<ORANGE>	Shift key:
		Changes the function of other keys
	<ALT>
		Moves the cursor to the right or down at specific intervals.
	<TAB>

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