ThingMagic Astra-EX User Manual
Mercury6(M6) and Astra-EX
User Guide
For firmware version 4.17 and later
875-0058-05 RevB
1
Government Limited Rights Notice: All documentation and manuals were developed at
private expense and no part of it was developed using Government funds.
The U.S. Governmentʼs rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or
disclose the technical data contained herein are restricted by paragraph (b)(3) of the
Rights in Technical Data — Noncommercial Items clause (DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(3)),
as amended from time-to-time. Any reproduction of technical data or portions thereof
marked with this legend must also reproduce the markings. Any person, other than the
U.S. Government, who has been provided access to such data must promptly notify
ThingMagic.
ThingMagic, Mercury, Reads Any Tag, and the ThingMagic logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of ThingMagic, A Division of Trimble.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of
Trimble or other companies.
©2013 ThingMagic – a division of Trimble Navigation Limited. ThingMagic and The
Engine in RFID are registered trademarks of Trimble Navigation Limited. Other marks
may be protected by their respective owners. All Rights Reserved.d
ThingMagic, A Division of Trimble
One Cambridge Center, 11th floor
Cambridge, MA 02142
866-833-4069
05 Revision B
November, 2013
2
Introduction 7
Hardware Overview 9
What’s in the Box 9
M6 Reader 9
Astra-EX Reader 9
Ports and Connectors 9
Antenna Connections 9
Ethernet/PoE 11
USB Accessory 11
Console 11
GPIO 11
DC Power 11
Reset Button 11
Contents
Programming Interfaces 13
MercuryAPI 13
Demo Applications 13
LLRP 13
On-Reader Applications 14
Setting Up the Reader 15
Equipment Required 15
Setup Procedure 16
Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader 16
Powering Up the Reader 17
Interpreting the Reader Indicator LED 17
Connecting Your PC to the Reader 18
Communicating with the Reader using a Link-local Address 18
Logging On to the Reader 22
Networking the Reader 25
Setting Up the Network Hardware 25
3
Using the Wireless Network 26
Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) 29
Using DHCP 30
M6 and Astra-EX Setup 30
PC Setup 30
Automatic Hostname: M6-xxxxxx or Astra-EX-xxxxxx 32
MAC Address 32
Fallback Interface Options 33
Fallback to the Same Physical Interface 33
Fallback to the Other Physical Interface 33
Reader Discovery 36
Using mDNS 36
Reader Listing 36
Identify Reader 37
Connecting to the USB Console Port 39
Using GPIO 40
Inputs 40
Outputs 40
Connector Pinout 41
Controlling the Reader 43
Using the Browser-Based Interface 43
Status Page 44
Query Page 45
Settings Page 50
Restart Page 57
Diagnostics Page 58
Statistics Page 59
Firmware Upgrade Utility 59
Using Safe Mode 61
Force M6 and Astra-EX to boot in safe mode 61
Advanced Reader Functionality 63
Protocol Support 63
ISO 18000-6C (Gen2) 63
ISO 18000-6B 64
Protocol Configuration Options 64
Tag Read Meta Data 64
Reader RF Power 66
Power Settings for Authorized Antennas and Cables 66
Setting the Reader RF Power 68
4
Mounting the Reader 69
M6 69
Astra-EX 69
Variables Affecting Performance 70
Environmental 70
Tag Considerations 71
Multiple Readers 71
M6 Specifications 72
UHF RFID Antenna Interface 72
Power 72
Environmental 73
Physical Dimensions 73
Supported UHF Tag Protocols 73
Data/Control/Wireless Interfaces 73
Performance 74
Regulatory & Safety 74
User Memory 74
Astra-EX Specifications 75
UHF RFID Antenna Interface 75
Power 75
Environmental 76
Physical Dimensions 76
Supported UHF Tag Protocols 76
Data/Control/Wireless Interfaces 76
Performance 77
Regulatory & Safety 77
User Memory 77
Compliance and IP Notices 78
Regulatory Compliance 78
Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement 78
Industry Canada 78
Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Cable Information 81
Authorized Antennas 81
Authorized Cables 82
Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions 83
Appendix C: Advanced Administration 85
Changing the Web Interface uid/passwd 85
Changing console/root password: 86
Appendix D: Troubleshooting 87
5
Troubleshooting Table 87
Reset to the Default Configuration 88
Collecting Diagnostic Data for ThingMagic Support 88
Analyzing the Boot Logs 89
6
Introduction
This document assumes usage of an M6 and Astra-EX with firmware version 4.17 or later.
M6 and Astra-EX
User Guide
This document explains how to set up the Mercury6 (M6) and Astra-EX Readers, how to
configure themfor network operation, and how to use the browser-based interface. See
the corresponding M6 and Astra-EX Firmware Release Notes for operational differences
that what is in this User Guide specific to a firmware version.
Separate appendices contain specifications and antenna information that are specific to
the M6 and Astra-EX Reader.
Applications to control the M6 and Astra-EX can be written using the high level
MercuryAPI. The MercuryAPI supports Java, .NET and C programming environments.
The MercuryAPI Software Development Kit (SDK) contains sample applications and
source code to help developers get started demoing and developing functionality. For
more information on the MercuryAPI see the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and the
MercuryAPI SDK, available on the ThingMagic website.
This document is broken down into the following sections:
Hardware Overview - Provides detailed specifications of the M6 and Astra-EX
hardware and physical interfaces.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 7
Introduction
Programming Interfaces - Describes the programming interfaces, including on-reader
applications, where to find code samples, and the LLRP interface.
Connecting to the M6 and Astra-EX - Describes the methods available for connecting
to the M6 and Astra-EX over the ethernet, WiFi and USB Console interfaces.
– Setting Up the Reader
Host PC to the M6 and Astra-EX.
– Networking the Reader
static IP settings.
- Connect using a direct ethernet connection from a
- Connect over ethernet LAN or WiFi using DHCP or
– Connecting to the USB Console Port
console for command-line interface access and troubleshooting.
- Connect to the M6 and Astra-EX
Using GPIO - Details the GPIO physical interface specs and how to control it via the
MercuryAPI.
Controlling the Reader - Describes the browser-based interface and the configuration
and testing options available through it.
Advanced Reader Functionality - Provides descriptions of the M6 and Astra-EX
advanced protocol specific configuration options that ares supported through the use
of the MercuryAPI
Reader RF Power - Provideds guidelines and limitations for setting the RF Power of
the M6 and Astra-EX.
Mounting the Reader and Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions - Provides
details of the physical dimensions of the M6 and Astra-EX.
M6 Specifications
Compliance and IP Notices
Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Cable Information - Lists the authorized
Antennas and cables which can be used with the M6 and Astra-EX-NA in FCC
regions.
Appendix C: Advanced Administration - Provides the steps for some advanced
administration settings, such as changing reader passwords.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting - Provides recommended debugging steps for common
problems along with data to gather when submitting a problem case to ThingMagic
support.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 8
Hardware Overview
Whatʼs in the Box
M6 Reader
– M6 Reader
– WiFi antenna (with Wifi enabled M6 only)
– Ferrite Bead (to be applied when Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Astra-EX Reader
– Astra-EX Reader
– WiFi antenna (with Wifi enabled Astra-EX only)
Hardware Overview
)
– Ferrite Bead (to be applied when Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
Ports and Connectors
Antenna Connections
The M6 supports four monostatic bidirectional RF antennas through four Reverse Polarity
TNC (RP-TNC or R-TNC) connectors: labeled RFID1 through RFID4 on the M6 - Figure
1.
The Astra-EX supports two monostatic bidirectional RF antennas through one integrated
antenna and one Reverse Polarity TNC (RP-TNC or R-TNC) connector: labeled RFID -
Figure 2.
The maximum RF power that can be delivered to a 50 ohm load from the external port is
1.4 Watts, or +31.5 dBm (regulatory requirements permitting).
The RF ports can only be energized one at a time.
)
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 9
Figure 1: M6 RFID and WiFi Antenna Ports
WARNING!
WARNING!
Figure 2: Astra-EX RFID and WiFi Antenna Ports
Antenna Requirements
Hardware Overview
The performance of the M6 is affected by antenna quality. Antennas that provide good 50
ohm match at the operating frequency band perform best. Specified sensitivity
performance is achieved with antennas providing 17 dB return loss or better across the
operating band. Damage to the reader will not occur for any return loss of 1 dB or greater.
Damage may occur if antennas are disconnected during operation or if the M6
and Astra-EX sees an open or short circuit at its antenna port.
To comply with FCC’s RF radiation exposure requir ements, the antenna(s) used
for this transmitter must be installed such that a minimum separation distance
of 25cm is maintained between the radiator (antenna) & user’s/nearby people’s
body at all times and must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with
any other antenna or transmitter.
Antenna Detection
To minimize the chance of damage due to transmitting on open ports or antenna
disconnection, the M6 and Astra-EX supports antenna detection. Detection is performed
automatically at startup and before RF operations. In order to be detectable antennas
must present a DC resistance of ~10k Ohms or less.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 10
Figure 3: M6 and Astra-EX Digital Connectors
Ethernet/PoE
See Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE).
USB Accessory
Reserved for future use.
Hardware Overview
Console
See Connecting to the USB Console Port.
GPIO
See Using GPIO
DC Power
See Power for DC Power supply requirements. The connector used (Switchcraft Inc.
761KS12) has the following specifications:
– 2.5mm hollow center pin
– Lock Ring Thread Size: 7/16-32 UN2B thread
– Handle Thread Size: 5/16-24 UNF 2A
– Electrical: Current (carry) 5A at 65°C
– IP68 Rated
Reset Button
Using a non-conductive object press and hold for 2 seconds to perform a soft reset. Press
and hold for 4 seconds to Force M6 and Astra-EX to boot in safe mode
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 11
. For dust and
Hardware Overview
moisture protection the Reset button is covered by a screw. To press the Reset the screw
must be removed.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 12
Programming Interfaces
MercuryAPI
Applications to control the M6 and Astra-EX reader, and all ThingMagic Reader products,
can be written using the high level MercuryAPI. The MercuryAPI supports Java, .NET and
C (for on-reader applications) programming environments. The MercuryAPI Software
Development Kit (SDK) contains sample applications and source code to help developers
get started demoing and developing functionality. For more information on the
MercuryAPI see the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and the MercuryAPI SDK, available
on the ThingMagic website.
Demo Applications
The primary, “Quick Start”, demo for reading tags is the Query Page of the Web Interface.
For more advanced functionality, and also a starting place for building custom
applications, a demo application is provided in the MercuryAPI SDK package. The
executable for this example is included in the MercuryAPI SDK package (available on
rfid.thingmagic.com/devkit) under /cs/samples/exe/Universal-Reader-Assistant2.0.exe.
Programming Interfaces
LLRP
See the Universal-Reader- Assistant 2.0 User Guide (on rfid.thingmagic.com/devkit) for
usage details.
LLRP is the EPCglobal standard (http://www.epcglobalinc.org/standards/llrp/llrp_1_0_1-
standard- 20070813.pdf) used for communication between the M6 and Astra-EX and a
client application. The M6 and Astra-EX should be “drop-in compatible” with systems
supporting the standard LLRP protocol. Middleware such as BizTalk and WebSphere
have standard LLRP adapters that can work with the M6 and Astra-EX. In many cases
custom extensions are implemented to support non-standard configuration options and
commands, which are often reader specific. If your LLRP based client uses such custom
extensions it is likely that modifications will need to be made to support the M6 and AstraEX. In addition some M6 and Astra-EX functionality is only available through the use of
custom extensions.
For more information on direct use of LLRP, the ThingMagic custom extensions and the
open source LLRP ToolKit please contact ThingMagic support
(support@thingmagic.com).
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 13
On-Reader Applications
The M6 and Astra-EX Reader, starting with firmware v4.9.2 and MercuryAPI v1.11.1 (FW
v4.17 and API v1.19 for Astra-EX), support running custom applications on the reader,
built using the MercuryAPI C Language interface. Most programs written using the C API
can be compiled to run as a client application or run on the reader.
Please see the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide | On-Reader Applications Guide,
available for download from http://rfid.thingmagid.com/devkit.
Programming Interfaces
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 14
Setting Up the Reader
Note
This section describes the steps to setup all the necessary components and connect to
the Readerʼs browser-based interface.
Equipment Required
To set up Single Reader Operation, you need the reader and some additional hardware.
The additional hardware required includes:
A computer with a Java-enabled web browser
Ethernet cable (CAT5e, shielded, 5ʼ)
Wideband antenna(s) [not required for Astra-EX]
Coax cable(s) (with RP-TNC connectors) [not required for Astra-EX]
Setting Up the Reader
To install the M6 and Astra-EX Reader, no software is required.
To set up the Reader as part of a larger scale deployment that uses Wireless Network
(WLAN) connection or Power Over Ethernet (PoE), refer to Networking the Reader
.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 15
Setup Procedure
Note
The steps required to set up and run the M6 and Astra-EX Reader are:
1. Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader
2. Powering Up the Reader
3. Connecting Your PC to the Reader
Setting Up the Reader
4. Communicating with the Reader using a Link-local Address
5. Logging On to the Reader
Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader
The M6 Reader supports up to four monostatic antennas. The default power setting that
you configure is applicable to all antennas, although per-antenna settings are supported.
See Settings Page
Before you apply power to the Reader, you must connect at least one antenna to an RFID
antenna port. When the Reader is powered on, any port that is not connected and
meeting the Antenna Detection
Use only authorized antennas and cables. See Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX
Antenna and Cable Information.
for configuration options.
requirements is disabled.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 16
Setting Up the Reader
Powering Up the Reader
You can power up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader using:
DC power supply - NOTE: Sold separately
Power over Ethernet (PoE) - NOTE: Required cable sold separately
To power up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader using a DC power supply:
1. Plug the power supply into the Reader's DC power input connector.
2. Connect the extension cord to the power supply and plug it into a 100-240VAC
power outlet. The Reader immediately begins to power up.
There is no on/off switch on the Reader. While the Reader is powering up, the
power LED is solid amber. The Reader is ready for operation after
approximately 60 seconds when the power LED changes to solid green.
To power-up the Reader using PoE, see Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
By default, if both DC power supply and PoE are provided to the M6 and Astra-EX
Reader, the Reader will use only the DC power supply as the source of power. In this
situation, if DC power is turned off, then the Reader requires a hard power cycle (a
software or reset button reboot are not sufficient) in order to function properly and use
PoE (even if it is already plugged in).
.
Interpreting the Reader Indicator LED
The M6 and Astra-EX Reader has one main multi-color LED that indicates Reader
activity. By observing the color and the state of the LED, you can determine the current
operational status of the M6 and Astra-EX Reader.
The colors displayed by the LED include:
Solid Amber: Indicates that the Reader is starting up.
Blinking Amber: Indicates reader is trying to aquire an IP address using
primary network configuration. If fallback address is being used LED may stay in
blinking state.
Solid Green: Indicates that the Reader has a valid IP address and is ready for
operation.
Blinking Green: Indicates that the RF field is ON and the unit is reading/writing
tags.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 17
Setting Up the Reader
Note
Solid Red: Indicates that there is a failure in the RFID subsystem.
Blinking Green/Red: Identify Reader function has been invoked. Should only be
in this mode for about 1 minute.
Additionally, when the Reader is connected to a PC or a network outlet, the two small
LEDs adjacent to the Ethernet (POE LAN) port indicate Network Status and Network
Activity.
Connecting Your PC to the Reader
You can provide network connectivity to the M6 and Astra-EX Reader using either
Ethernet or WIFI. For instructions on connecting the Reader to a network using WLAN or
PoE, see the section Networking the Reader
With a direct connection to a PC, with default/factory configuration the reader will use
Zero Configuration networking (also referred to as Automatic Private IP Addressing on
Windows) to get a link local address.
To connect your Reader directly to your PC:
.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable to your PC.
2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Readerʼs POE LAN port.
Communicating with the Reader using a Link-local Address
If you are using an operating system other than Windows 7, consult your network
administrator regarding how to set up your PCʼs TCP/IP connection.
If you are using Windows 7, perform the following steps to set up (or verify) your PC's
TCP/IP connection. On most PCs this is the default configuration:
1. Select Start from the Start bar, and then select Control Panel.
2. Under Network and Internet, select “View network status and tasks”.
3. In the left menu select “Change adapter settings”.
4. The Local Area Connection Status window appears, as shown in Figure 4.
Link-local addressing does not work if DHCP is disabled on the reader. If the
readerʼs Network Settings
will not work.
have been modified to use a static IP address this setup
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 18
Setting Up the Reader
Note
Previous M6 firmware, v4.9.3 and earlier, did not support link-local addressing. By
default the reader would fallback to a static IP address, 10.0.0.101, if a DCHP
server was not available. If this functionality is desired please contact ThingMagic
support for assistance in enabling it.
Figure 4: Local Area Connection Status Window
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 19
Setting Up the Reader
5. Click the Properties button.
The Local Area Connections Properties window appears, as shown in Figure 5.
Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window
6. Scroll down and select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) version youʼre using. If you
donʼt know which, change both.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 20
Setting Up the Reader
7. Click on the Properties button.
The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window appears. The General tab
should have both “Obtain an IP Address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server
address automatically” selected. On the Alternate Configuration tab “Automatic
private IP address” should be selected, as shown in
Figure 6.
Figure 6: Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties Window
8. Click OK to save and exit the window.
9. Click OK in the Local Area Connection Properties window.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 21
Setting Up the Reader
Note
Logging On to the Reader
You may use any Java-enabled web browser to log on to the Reader.
To log on to the Reader:
1. Launch your web browser and log on to the Reader by entering the Reader's
Automatic Hostname: M6-xxxxxx or Astra-EX-xxxxxx
2. Press Enter.
The Login dialog box appears.
3. Enter the following:
Default user name: “web”
Password: “radio” (all lower-case).
4. Click OK.
The Reader displays its browser-based interface. The initial page that appears
is the Status page, as shown in Figure 7.
in the address bar.
On some systems, especially when Communicating with the Reader using a Link-
local Address, the hostname must end in “.local” for the connection to succeed. i.e.
m6-21071f.local
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 22
Figure 7: M6 and Astra-EX Status Page
Setting Up the Reader
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 23
Setting Up the Reader
5. Check the Connected Antenna Ports fields. If the text is green, it indicates that
antenna is connected.
6. Do one of the following steps:
To connect the Reader to the network and log in remotely, see Networking the
Reader.
To start reading tags and controlling the Reader, see Controlling the Reader.
This section guides you through all the available Reader functions available
through the web interface, including how to read tags, change settings, load
firmware, and reboot the Reader into Safe Mode.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 24
Networking the Reader
Note
You can set up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader to use either manual IP addressing or
DHCP. By default, the Reader has automatic addressing enabled that boots up looking
for a DHCP server. If no DHCP server is found it will use a Link-local address.
DHCP can be used to automatically assign the Reader's IP address, subnet mask, default
gateway, NTP Server, DNS server, and hostname. During the initial boot sequence, if the
Reader does not get a DHCP-assigned IP address, a link-local address will be negotiated
with any connected device(s). However, the Reader will periodically check to see if a
DHCP server is available. See the Troubleshooting Table
IP address if using the Automatic Hostname: M6-xxxxxx or Astra-EX-xxxxxx
work.
Networking the Reader
for assistance determining the
doesnʼt
The following section explains how to set up your PC and Reader Using DHCP
section also explains how to manually configure the Reader without a DHCP server, how
to setup advanced Fallback Interface Options
ZeroConf protocol, Bonjour
TM
, for subnet Reader Discovery, without a DHCP server.
Setting Up the Network Hardware
Whether you use DHCP or static network addressing, make sure that the network is
connected before powering up the Reader. If the Reader does not automatically get the
address from a DHCP server, then, by default, a link-local address is used.
Before setting up your network:
Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Reader and the other end to an
Ethernet switch or hub.
Check that all antennas are securely connected, and then power-up the
Reader.
Connect your PC to the same network as that of the Reader.
. This
(wired and wireless) and how to use the
Some older 10baseT network hubs do not work properly with the Reader. If you
encounter connectivity problems, we recommend using nothing below 10/100baseT
hubs/switches.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 25
Networking the Reader
CAUTION!
!!
Using the Wireless Network
You can connect the M6 and Astra-EX Reader through the wireless network, only if the
WiFi SKU is purchased. In this configuration, the Ethernet cable connection is not used.
To connect the M6 and Astra-EX Reader to a wireless network:
1. Click on Settings in the Web Interface navigation menu to access the Settings
Page, as shown in Figure 8.
2. Select the Network Interface tab then the Wireless (802.11) radio button in the
All Interfaces section.
3. Enter the appropriate information into the Wireless Authentication Mode, Select
the Wireless SSID, and Wireless Key for the Wireless Interface fields.
4. Once the wireless settings are entered click the Test Wifi button. This will
temporarily bring down the active network interface and try to connect to the
wireless network as configured. Success or failure will be indicated and the
active interface re-established. If the test fails then there is a problem with the
configuration settings and they should not be saved.
Do not navigate away from the settings page or disconnect from the network during a wifi test.
5. If the test was successful click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the
page.
6. As soon as Save is clicked the new network settings will be applied. This may
cause a temporary disconnect from the reader and may require a new IP
address to be entered or wait until the DNS server is updated with the new IP
address.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 26
Networking the Reader
CAUTION!
!
!
Once the reader Network Interface is switched to wireless it will no longer be accessible on the wired interface by default. During initial configuration, prior to switching to wireless, it maybe useful to configure the
wired interface as a fallback as described in Fallback Interface Options. If the
wireless settings were not configured correctly and no fallback setup,
the reader will not be accessible over the network interfaces. In that
case the only methods of recovery is by Connecting to the USB Console Port or
Using Safe Mode.
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 27
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