Symbol Technologies AR4126 Users manual

AR400 RFID Reader Integrator Guide

72E-71810-01

Revision .1

April 2005

© 2005 by Symbol Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form, or by any electrical or mechanical means, without

permission in writing from Symbol. This includes electronic or mechanical means, such as phot ocopying, recording, or
information storage and retrieval systems. The material in this manual is subject to change without notice.

The software is provided strictly on an “as is” basis. All software, including firmware, furnished to the user is on a
licensed basis. Symbol grants to the user a non-transferable and non-exclusive licen se to u se each software or
firmware program delivered hereunder (licensed program). Except as noted below, su ch license may not be assigned,
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incorporate any form or portion of a licensed program with other program material, create a derivative work from a
licensed program, or use a licensed program in a network without written permission from Symbol. The user agrees to
maintain Symbol’s copyright notice on the licensed programs delivered hereunder, and to include the same on any
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Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any software or product to improve reliability, function, or design.
Symbol does not assume any product liability arising out of, or in connection with, the application or use of any

product, circuit, or application described herein.
No license is granted, either expressly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise under any Symbol Technologies, Inc.,

intellectual property rights. An implied license only exists for equipment, circuits, and subsystems contained in Symbol
products.

Symbol, Spectrum One, and Spectrum24 are registered trademarks of Symbol Technologies, Inc. Bluetooth is a
registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG. Microsoft, Windows and ActiveSync are either registered trademarks or
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trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, New York 11742-1300

http://www.symbol.com

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the patents listed on the website: www.symbol.com/patents

About This Guide

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

Chapter Descriptions...........................................................................................................ix

Notational Conventions .......................................................................................................ix

Related Documents and Software.......................................................................................ix

Service Information...............................................................................................................x

Symbol Support Center................................................................................................................x

Contents

Chapter 1. Getting Started

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

RFID Technology.............................................................................................................. 1-3

RFID Components .....................................................................................................1-3

The AR400 RFID Reader.................................................................................................1-4

Multiple Connection Options...................................................................................... 1-4

Flexible Read Point Configurations............................................................................ 1-4

Configuration and Upgrading..................................................................................... 1-4

Tag Management....................................................................................................... 1-5

Event Management.................................................................................................... 1-5

Device Management.................................................................................................. 1-5

Security ......................................................................................................................1-5

LEDs................................................................................................................................. 1-6

Chapter 2. Installation and Communication

AR400 Physical Connections.......................................................................................... 2-3

Installing the AR400.......................................................................................................... 2-3

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

Mounting the AR400 ..................................................................................................2-4

Connecting Antennas to the AR400........................................................................... 2-4

Portal Setup ............................................................................................................... 2-4

Powering the AR400.................................................................................................. 2-4

Verifying Hardware Functionality ...............................................................................2-5

Connecting the AR400 for Communication...................................................................... 2-5

Ethernet Connection .................................................................................................. 2-5

RS232 Connection..................................................................................................... 2-5

Reading Tags ...................................................................................................................2-7

Chapter 3. Administrator Console

Managing the AR400....................................................................................................... 3-3

Using the Setup Wizard....................................................................................................3-4

Status................................................................................................................................ 3-5

Scan Control..................................................................................................................... 3-6

Scheduling a Periodic Scan Read Point.................................................................... 3-7

Query.............................................................................................................................. 3-11

Writing a Tag ..................................................................................................................3-13

Writing Tips..............................................................................................................3-14

Filtering........................................................................................................................... 3-15

Creating a Filter Rule............................................................................................... 3-15

Read Point Classes........................................................................................................ 3-21

Read Point Zones........................................................................................................... 3-22

Adding and Modifying Read Point Zones................................................................. 3-23

Renaming, Enabling, and Disabling the AR400............................................................. 3-24

Configuring Individual Read Points..........................................................................3-26

Event Notification............................................................................................................3-27

Visibility Events........................................................................................................3-27

Threshold Event....................................................................................................... 3-27

Network Status Event............................................................................................... 3-27

Exception Events .....................................................................................................3-27

Selecting Event Notification Options........................................................................3-28

Committing / Discarding Changes..................................................................................3-30

Managing Trusted Hosts ................................................................................................ 3-31

Managing Users.............................................................................................................. 3-32

User Maintenance.................................................................................................... 3-33

Chapter 4. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Introduction...................................................................................................................... 4-3

Reader Maintenance - Changing Communication Settings............................................. 4-3

Setting Date and Time......................................................................................................4-5

Getting Firmware Version Number................................................................................... 4-6

Monitoring Logs................................................................................................................ 4-8

Backing Up the Configuration...........................................................................................4-8

Restoring a Configuration.................................................................................................4-9

Backup / Restore Example....................................................................................... 4-10

Logging Out from the Console........................................................................................ 4-11

Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................. 4-12

Appendix A. Specifications

Technical Specifications.................................................................................................. A-3

Cable Pinouts ...................................................................................................................A-5

Ethernet Connections.................................................................................................A-5

RS232 Port Connections............................................................................................A-5

RS485 Port Connections............................................................................................A-6

About This Guide

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

Chapter Descriptions...........................................................................................................ix

Notational Conventions .......................................................................................................ix

Related Documents and Software.......................................................................................ix

Service Information...............................................................................................................x

Symbol Support Center................................................................................................................x

Introduction

This Integrator Guide provides information about installing, configuring, and using the AR400 RFID

Reader. The AR400 is a multi-protocol RFID reader providing real-time, seamless tag processing for all

EPC-compliant tags: Class 0 (Read Only), Class 0 (Read/Write, also known as Class 0+), and Class 1

(Read/Write).

Chapter Descriptions

Topics covered in this guide are as follows:

• Chapter 1, Getting Started provides an overview of RFID technology and components, and a description of

the AR400 Reader and its features.

• Chapter 2, Installation and Communication provides information on installing the AR400 and setting it up for

communication.

• Chapter 3, Administrator Console describes how to use the web-based Administrator Console to configure

and manage the AR400 reader.

• Chapter 4, Maintenance and Troubleshooting describes how to use the reader maintenance console to

perform low-level reader maintenance tasks, and how to upgrade the reader with new firmware and FPGA
versions. It also includes troubleshooting tips.

• Appendix A, Specifications lists the hardware specifications and reader interface details.

Notational Conventions

The following conventions are used in this document:

• Italics are used to highlight the following:

• chapters and sections in this and related documents

• dialog box, window and screen names

• drop-down list and list box names

• check box and radio button names

• icons on a screen.

• Bold text is used to highlight the following:

• 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 AR400 RFID Reader.

• AR400 Quick Reference Guide, p/n 72-71774-xx

• DC200 Integrator Guide, p/n 72E-71772-01

• RFID API Programmer Guide, p/n 72E-71803-xx

• TagVis User Guide, p/n 72E-71804-xx

• ReaderComm5DLL Developer Guide, p/n 72E-71805-xx

For the latest version of this guide and all guides, go to: http://www.symbol.com/manuals.

Service Information

If you have a problem with the equipment, contact the Sym for your region. See Sym for contact

information. Before calling, have the model number, serial number and several bar code symbols at

hand.

Call the Support Center from a phone near the scanning equipment so that the service person can try

to talk you through the problem. If the equipment is found to be working properly and the problem is

symbol readability, the Support Center will request samples of bar codes for analysis at our plant.

If the problem cannot be solved over the phone, you may need to return the equipment for servicing. If

that is necessary, you will be given specific directions.

Symbol Technologies 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 the original shipping container was not kept, contact Symbol to have another sent to
you.

Symbol Support Center

For service information, warranty information or technical assistance contact or call the Symbol Support
Center in:

United States

Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, New York 11742-1300
1-800-653-5350

Asia/Pacific

Symbol Technologies Asia, Inc.
(Singapore Branch)

230 Victoria Street #05-07/09
Bugis Junction Office Tower
Singapore 188024
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Canada

Symbol Technologies Canada, Inc.
5180 Orbitor Drive
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 5L9
1-866-416-8545 (Inside Canada)
905-629-7226 (Outside Canada)

Australia

Symbol Technologies Pty. Ltd.
432 St. Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
1-800-672-906 (Inside Australia)
[phone] (Outside Australia)

United Kingdom

Symbol Technologies
Symbol Place
Winnersh Triangle, Berkshire RG41 5TP
United Kingdom
0800 328 2424 (Inside UK)
[phone] (Outside UK)

Austria/…sterreich

Symbol Technologies Austria GmbH
Prinz-Eugen Strasse 70 / 2.Haus
1040 Vienna, Austria
01-5055794-0 (Inside Austria)
[phone] (Outside Austria)

Denmark/Danmark

Symbol Technologies AS
Dr. Neergaardsvej 3
2970 Hørsholm
7020-1718 (Inside Denmark)
[phone] (Outside Denmark)

France

Symbol Technologies France
Centre d'Affaire d'Antony
3 Rue de la Renaissance
92184 Antony Cedex, France
01-40-96-52-21 (Inside France)
[phone] (Outside France)

Latin America Sales Support

2730 University Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33065 USA
1-800-347-0178 (Inside United States)
[phone] (Outside United

States)
954-340-9454 (Fax)

Europe/Mid-East Distributor Operations

Contact your local distributor or call
[phone]

Germany/Deutschland

Symbol Technologies GmbH
Waldstrasse 66
D-63128 Dietzenbach, Germany
6074-49020 (Inside Germany)
[phone] (Outside Germany)

Mexico/MŽxico

Symbol Technologies Mexico Ltd.
Torre Picasso
Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho No 88
Lomas de Chapultepec CP 11000
Mexico City, DF, Mexico
5-520-1835 (Inside Mexico)
[phone] (Outside Mexico)

Finland/Suomi

Oy Symbol Technologies
Kaupintie 8 A 6
FIN-00440 Helsinki, Finland
9 5407 580 (Inside Finland)
[phone] (Outside Finland)

Italy/Italia

Symbol Technologies Italia S.R.L.
Via Cristoforo Columbo, 49
20090 Trezzano S/N Navigilo
Milano, Italy
2-484441 (Inside Italy)
[phone] (Outside Italy)

Netherlands/Nederland

Symbol Technologies
Kerkplein 2, 7051 CX
Postbus 24 7050 AA
Varsseveld, Netherlands
315-271700 (Inside Netherlands)
[phone] (Outside Netherlands)

Norway/Norge

Symbol’s registered and mailing
address:

Symbol Technologies Norway
Hoybratenveien 35 C
N-1055 OSLO, Norway

Symbol’s repair depot and shipping
address:

Symbol Technologies Norway
Enebakkveien 123
N-0680 OSLO, Norway

[phone]

South Africa

Symbol Technologies Africa Inc.
Block B2
Rutherford Estate
1 Scott Street
Waverly 2090 Johannesburg
Republic of South Africa
11-809 5311 (Inside South Africa)
[phone] (Outside South Africa)

Spain/Espa–a

Symbol Technologies S.L.
Avenida de Bruselas, 22
Edificio Sauce
Alcobendas, Madrid 28108
Spain
91 324 40 00 (Inside Spain)
[phone] (Outside Spain)
Fax: [phone]

Sweden/Sverige

“Letter” address:
Symbol Technologies AB
Box 1354
S-171 26 SOLNA
Sweden

Visit/shipping address:
Symbol Technologies AB
Solna StrandvŠg 78
S-171 54 SOLNA
Sweden

Switchboard: 08 445 29 00 (domestic)
Call Center: [phone]

(international)
Support E-Mail:

[e-mail]

If you purchased your Symbol product from a Symbol Business Partner, contact that Business Partner
for service.

1

1 Getting Started

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

RFID Technology.............................................................................................................. 1-3

RFID Components .....................................................................................................1-3

The AR400 RFID Reader.................................................................................................1-4

Multiple Connection Options...................................................................................... 1-4

Flexible Read Point Configurations............................................................................ 1-4

Configuration and Upgrading..................................................................................... 1-4

Tag Management....................................................................................................... 1-5

Event Management.................................................................................................... 1-5

Device Management.................................................................................................. 1-5

Security ......................................................................................................................1-5

LEDs................................................................................................................................. 1-6

Introduction

The AR400 Reader is a ready-to-connect network element that offers a variety of options for connecting
to corporate networks via Ethernet or serial connections. A Setup Wizard facilitates reader
configuration.

RFID Technology

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an advanced automatic identification (Auto ID) technology that
uses radio frequency signals to identify “tagged” items. A typical RFID system consists of transponders
called tags, readers, and antennas, which function as follows:

• An RFID tag contains a chip that can store a limited amount of data. This data may be pre-encoded or can be

encoded in the field. Tags come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

• A 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 transmit data back to the reader, which the
reader converts to a format for computer storage. The computer application translates the data into an
understandable format.

Tags

RF Wave and

Response

Reader and Antenna

Physical/Network

Connection

Host Computer

Figure 1-1. RFID System Elements

RFID Components

Symbol’s RFID solutions offer low cost, long read range, and a very high read rate, providing real-time,
end-to-end visibility of products and assets in the factory, distribution center, retail outlet, or other
facility. A typical Symbol RFID system consists of the following components:

• Silicon-based RFID tags that can be attached to vehicles, trailers, containers, pallets, boxes, etc.

• Different types of antennas to support applications such as dock door (area antennas), conveyor and, in the

future, Smart Shelf (Shelf Antennas).

• Readers that power and communicate with the tags for data capture and provide host connectivity for data

migration.

Tags

Tags contain embedded chips that store information unique to the objects to which they are applied.
Available in various shapes and sizes, tags, often called transponders, receive and respond to requests
for their data. 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: powered by the reader’s RF field. Passive tags are much lighter, less expensive, and have a

much longer life than active tags.

Antennas

Antennas transmit and receive radio frequency signals under the control of a reader. Antennas do not
perform processing. A read point is the RF range of an antenna.

Readers

Readers are devices that provide a means for communicating with the tags and transferring their data
to a host computer. Readers also provide features such as filtering, parity checks, and tag writing.

The AR400 RFID Reader

The Symbol AR400 is an intelligent, multi-protocol reader that provides real-time, seamless tag
processing for all EPC-compliant tags: Class 0 (Read Only), Class 0 (Read/Write, also known as Class
0+), and Class 1 (Read/Write). Class 0 and Class 1 protocols are run in the Ultra-High Frequency
range

(~900MHz).

Figure 1-2. AR400 Reader, Top and Side Views

The AR400 provides a wide range of features that enable implementation of complete, high­performance, and intelligent RFID solutions.

Multiple Connection Options

The AR400 provides flexibility for connecting to networks via Ethernet or serial connection. Because
each AR400 is identified by its unique IP address, it is accessible from anywhere on the network. The
AR400 can also be configured to obtain its IP address from a DHCP server, automating the IP address
and default Gateway configurations.

Flexible Read Point Configurations

Connect up to eight antennas (four transmit and four receive) to a single AR400. This decreases the
per-read-point cost. Logically combine antennas to create a single, “wide” read point with a much
greater range than that of a single antenna.

Configuration and Upgrading

The AR400 is easy to reconfigure for an application via the Setup Wizard. The AR400 can also accept
new firmware and configuration under host control.

Tag Management

Ad Hoc Querying

Use ad hoc querying to send a query about tag visibility. The AR400 replies with either “Tag(s) Visible,”
“Not Known” (never seen or imported), or “Not Visible” (previously seen but now missing, with last seen
timestamp).

Tag Filtering

Use tag filtering to apply filters during read operations. A filter can include or exclude a tag based on
the specified bit pattern. The AR400 offers two types of filtering:

• Pre-Processing: The AR400 restricts its ability to read tags as directed by the include or exclude filtering

specification.

• Post Processing: The AR400 reads all tags it sees, and applies its filters before it reports these tags to the host

computer.

Tag List

Use the tag list feature to send information about tags from the host to the reader. The host can purge
the tag list to remove this information from the reader when it’s not needed.

Event Management

Event Notification

Use event notification to receive notification about certain events. For example, receive immediate
notification of a tag visibility change, or bundle all notifications and receive them later.

Exception Notification and Heart Beat Notification

The AR400 supports sending exception notifications via Simple Network Management Protocol
(SNMP). The "heart beat" notification feature sends periodic messages that indicate whether or not the
reader is functional.

Device Management

Quick Backup and Recovery

To back up and restore reader configuration, use any Web browser to download the configuration XML
file, then download the file to the reader using the Administrator Console.

SNMP Integration

The AR400 can send real-time notification of specific events and failures to the SNMP server.

Security

Trusted Hosts

The AR400 allows specifying the IP addresses of hosts that are allowed to connect to the reader. Use
this security feature to prevent unauthorized network hosts from communicating with the reader.

User Level Security

The AR400 recognizes three access levels to assign to users:

• View - view reader configuration settings.

• Edit - view and edit configuration settings.

• Maintenance - view and edit configuration settings, and perform administrative tasks such as
updating reader firmware.

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

Logging

The AR400 keeps a log of all system-related activities for security and troubleshooting. Use the log,
which includes time-stamped system activities such as good and bad tag reads, login attempts,
hardware failures, and other events, to pinpoint problems to facilitate quick resolution, and to identify
administrators who require additional training to prevent future problems.

LEDs

The AR400 LEDs indicate reader status as described in LED Indications .

Table 1-1. LED Indications

LED Description

Green Reader is powered on

Red Error condition or non-operational mode, e.g., boot-up

Yellow Successful tag read

2

Installation and Communication

AR400 Physical Connections.......................................................................................... 2-3

Installing the AR400.......................................................................................................... 2-3

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

Mounting the AR400 ..................................................................................................2-4

Connecting Antennas to the AR400........................................................................... 2-4

Portal Setup ............................................................................................................... 2-4

Powering the AR400.................................................................................................. 2-4

Verifying Hardware Functionality ...............................................................................2-5

Connecting the AR400 for Communication...................................................................... 2-5

Ethernet Connection .................................................................................................. 2-5

RS232 Connection..................................................................................................... 2-5

Reading Tags ...................................................................................................................2-7

AR400 Physical

LEDs

Connections

Substituting other cables or parts can degrade system performance, damage the AR400,
and/or void the warranty.

10/100BaseT Ethernet

Antenna/Read Points

RS232

RS422/485

Control I/O Port

RF Conductors

Figure 2-1. AR400 Parts

Use only the parts provided with the AR400 reader or recommended by Symbol.

Installing the AR400

Mounting Tips

Consider the following before selecting a location for the AR400 reader:

• Mount the AR400 indoors, in operating range, and out of direct sunlight, high moisture, or extreme

temperatures.

• Mount the AR400 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 AR400 within 15 feet of the antennas.

• Ensure the AR400’s power cord can reach the power source outlet.

• Mount the AR400 onto a permanent fixture, such as a wall or a shelf, where it won't be disturbed,
bumped, or damaged. Allow a minimum of five inches of clearance on all sides of the AR400.

When installing the antenna, ensure a minimum separation distance of 9.1 in (23

cm) between the antenna and human beings.

Mounting the AR400

1. Position the AR400 on the wall or shelf, ensuring 5 inches (12.7 cm) of clearance on all sides.

2. Using the pre-drilled holes at the corners of the AR400 as a guide, drill four holes in the wall or shelf
for mounting the AR400.

3. Secure the AR400 to the wall or shelf using four 1-inch long #10 screws.

Connecting Antennas to the AR400

Power off the AR400 before connecting the antennas. Never disconnect the
antennas while the AR400 is powered on or reading tags (when the yellow LED is lit).
Doing so can damage the AR400.

Do not turn on the antenna ports from a host to which antennas are not connected.

1. Attach the N-Male plug (large end) of an antenna connector cable to antenna 1.

2. Attach the DIN 1.0/2.3 jack connectors (small ends) of the cable to the TX
the AR400.

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

Repeat these steps to connect antenna 2 to Tx

/Rx2, antenna 3 to TX3/RX3, and antenna 4to TX4/RX4.

2

and RX1 connectors on

1

Portal Setup

In portal situations such as dock doors, ensure the TX for an antenna on one side of the portal faces
the TX of the opposing antenna. Similarly, ensure the antennas’ respective RXs face each other, as

shown in Portal Alignment .

Antenna Pair 1

Antenna Pair 2

Figure 2-2. Portal Alignment

Powering the AR400

Connect the antennas before supplying power to the AR400.

To power on (and off) the AR400:

1. Connect the provided 24 VDC power supply to the AR400’s power port.

2. Plug the power supply into a 24 V power outlet. The green Power LED on the AR400 lights to
indicate the AR400 is powered on.

3. To power off the AR400, unplug the power supply from the power outlet. The green Power LED
turns off to indicate that the device is powered off and the system is not operational.

Do not power off the AR400 until the yellow LED is off, indicating that reads are not in

process.

Verifying Hardware Functionality

Power On Test

The red Error LED lights when power is supplied to the AR400, then turns off. The green Power LED
lights when the AR400 completes power-up and is operational.

Read Test

After the AR400 powers up, test the read range to verify that it meets requirements.

1. Enable polling using the Web-based AR400 Administrator Console. See Scan Control on page 3-6.

2. Control the AR400 through a real-time application such as TagVis. Refer to the TagVis User Guide.

3. Present a tag so it is facing the antenna.

4. Walk slowly toward the antenna until the AR400 lights the yellow Read LED to indicate that it
detected and read the tag. The distance between the tag and the antenna is the approximate read
range.

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.

Connecting the AR400 for Communication

Connect the AR400 to a host or network via Ethernet or RS232.

Ethernet Connection

The AR400 communicates to the host via a 10/100Base-T Ethernet cable and receives power via a
Symbol AC power supply. Ethernet connection allows access to the AR400’s Administrator Console,
used to change AR400 settings.

To connect the AR400 via Ethernet:

1. Connect the RJ45 Ethernet cable to the 10/100Base-T Ethernet port on the AR400. See AR400
Parts . Ensure the Ethernet cable is terminated according to Table A-2 on page A-5.

2. Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable into the host system’s LAN port.
If not connecting to an Ethernet network, connect one end of an Ethernet crossover cable (not
provided) to the Ethernet card on the computer, and the other end to the TCP/IP port on the AR400.

3. On a networked computer, open an Internet browser and enter the IP address of the AR400 (the
default IP address of the AR400 is 192.168.127.254). The Administrator Console login window
appears.

4. Log in to the AR400 Administrator Console. If desired, change settings for the AR400, such as the
IP address. See Chapter 3, Administrator Console.

RS232 Connection

Serial communication allows accessing the AR400’s Administrator Console using terminal software in
order to change AR400 settings. Use this method of administration rather than the Web-based method
in the following situations:

• When the IP address of the AR400 is unknown.

• When the AR400 obtains its IP address via DHCP but you need to know the IP address.

• When crossover cables are not available and you need to change the IP address of the AR400 as per the

network's addressing scheme.

• Other situations when AR400 administration is necessary without connecting to the Web-based Administrator
Console.

• The Web-based Administrator Console is disabled.

To connect the AR400 via RS232:

1. Connect a DB9 serial cable to the AR400’s RS232 port. See AR400 Parts. Ensure the cable is
terminated according to Table A-3 on page A-5.

2. Plug the other end of the cable into the host computer.

3. On the host computer, launch a terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal) and configure
it as follows:

• Terminal Type: VT-100

• Port: COM 1-4 (depending on the COM port used)

• Terminal Settings:

• 38400 bps transfer rate

• 8 data bits

• no parity

• 1 stop bit

• no flow control

• no hardware compression

4. After establishing a connection with the AR400, type AdvancedReaderConsole on the host
computer and press Enter.

5. Enter admin as the username and change as the password. These are the default settings. You
cannot change the password from the serial console. To change the password (or create a new
user account) use the Web-based Administrator Console.

The host displays the Current Configuration menu:

Current Configuration:
Serial Number : redacted
MAC Address : redacted

1 -- DHCP : OFF
2 -- IP Address : 192.168.127.254
3 -- IP Port : 3000
4 -- Network Mask : 255.255.255.0
5 -- Gateway : 192.168.1.1
6 -- HTTP Server is : ON
7 -- HTTP Port is : 80
8 -- RS485 Node Address : 4

9 -- Commit Change
10 -- Discard Change
11 -- Exit
12 -- Reboot

13 -- Show system log
14 -- Trace system log : OFF

Select the menu number to change the item value:

6. To change a setting, enter the menu number, press Enter, then enter the new configuration value.
For example, to change the IP address, enter 2 to select IP Address, then press Enter. Enter a new
IP address value.

7. Enter 9, then press Enter, to apply the change.

Reading Tags

To read tags while communicating with the host serially, connect the AR400’s RS-422/485 interface to
a serial port on the host computer. Symbol provides an RS485-to-USB SeaLevel converter box and
cable which connects the AR400 to the host's USB port for serial communication.

To connect the AR400 to a host computer and read tags in real time, connect through TCP/IP and use
a real-time application such as TagVis. Refer to the TagVis Developer Guide, or the user guide
provided with the application.

3

Administrator Console

Managing the AR400....................................................................................................... 3-3

Using the Setup Wizard....................................................................................................3-4

Status................................................................................................................................ 3-5

Scan Control..................................................................................................................... 3-6

Scheduling a Periodic Scan Read Point.................................................................... 3-7

Query.............................................................................................................................. 3-11

Writing a Tag ..................................................................................................................3-13

Writing Tips..............................................................................................................3-14

Filtering........................................................................................................................... 3-15

Creating a Filter Rule............................................................................................... 3-15

Read Point Classes........................................................................................................ 3-21

Read Point Zones........................................................................................................... 3-22

Adding and Modifying Read Point Zones................................................................. 3-23

Renaming, Enabling, and Disabling the AR400............................................................. 3-24

Configuring Individual Read Points..........................................................................3-26

Event Notification............................................................................................................3-27

Visibility Events........................................................................................................3-27

Threshold Event....................................................................................................... 3-27

Network Status Event............................................................................................... 3-27

Exception Events .....................................................................................................3-27

Selecting Event Notification Options........................................................................3-28

Committing / Discarding Changes..................................................................................3-30

Managing Trusted Hosts ................................................................................................ 3-31

Managing Users.............................................................................................................. 3-32

User Maintenance.................................................................................................... 3-33