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Mercury 3
RFID Reader
Installation and Service Guide
The Mercury 3 RFID Reader uses RFID (radio
frequency identification) technology to read data
stored on RFID tags and labels. The RFID Reader
operates as an SQL (structured query language)
server, providing tag data in response to requests
from another application. A separate software
application may be used to direct its operation and
provide a user interface.
The RFID Reader supports UHF (ultra high
frequency) and HF (high frequency) antennas
which are available separately. The reader
provides two UHF and two HF antenna ports and
transfers data to a computer through an Ethernet
port.
About this Guide
This installation and service guide explains how to
install the Mercury 3 RFID Reader and use the
browser-based interface.
Use the instructions provided with the antennas to
install and service the antennas.
If you need assistance...
Call the RFID support line at 1-800-543-9740.
Before You Begin
Installation Requirements
• The RFID reader is shipped with a certified
limited power source with a cable length of
1.8m (6ft).
• Use only authorized antennas and cables to
maintain FCC approval (see Authorized
Antennas on page 2).
• In order to comply with FCC requirements for
RF exposure safety, a separation distance of
at least 22cm (8.7in.) needs to be maintained
between the radiating elements of the antenna
and the bodies of nearby persons.
Contents
About this Guide ....................................................1
Before You Begin................................................... 1
Installation.............................................................. 4
Service ................................................................... 5
Specifications......................................................... 9
Declarations........................................................... 9
© ThingMagic 2003
MERCURY 3 RFID READER INSTALLATION AND SERVICE GUIDE (8200-0222-01, REV. 1/A)
• Antennas must be mounted within 3.6m (12ft)
cable distance of the reader.
• Provide strain relief for all reader connections.
• A shielded Ethernet cable must be used to
communicate with other devices.
• Multiple readers and antennas can be used in
combination to enhance detection at specific
locations provided the software application is
able to synchronize antenna operation.
Performance Considerations
RFID reader performance may be affected by
external factors including:
• Tag variables
• Environment
Performance tests conducted under typical
operating conditions at your site are recommended
to help you optimize system performance.
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Tag Variables
There are several variables associated with tags
that can affect reader performance:
• Application surface — Some materials interfere
with tag performance including metal and
moisture. Tags applied to items made from or
containing these materials may not perform as
expected.
• Tag orientation — Reader performance is
affected by the orientation of the tag in the
antenna field.
• Tag model — many tag models are available.
Each model has its own performance
characteristics.
Environment
RFID Reader performance may be affected by the
following:
• Metal surfaces such as desks, filing cabinets,
book shelves, and waste baskets may
enhance or degrade reader performance.
Mount antennas as far as possible from metal
surfaces that are adversely affecting system
performance.
Authorized Antennas
IDANTM1000-915L
IDANTM1000-915L is a linear polarized antenna
that reads data from 915MHz tags. It has a read
range of up to 3.6m (12ft) from the antenna.
Coverage area of up to 7.3m (24ft) may be
achieved by using two antennas, one on each side
of the opening.
The antenna is shipped with 3.6m (12ft) of cable
and an appropriate connector for the RFID reader.
A mounting bracket suitable for attaching the
antenna to a standard 1/4 inch–20 thread stud is
included.
IDANTM1000-915C
• Devices that operate at 900MHz such as
cordless phones or wireless LANs can interfere
with reader performance.
These devices may degrade performance of
the reader. The reader may also adversely
affect performance of the 900MHz device.
• Antennas operating in close proximity may
interfere with one another, degrading reader
performance.
Interference from other antennas may be
eliminated or reduced by using either one or
both of the following strategies:
− Affected antennas may be synchronized by
a separate user application using a timemultiplexing strategy.
− Antenna power can be reduced by
reconfiguring the RF Transmit Power
setting for the reader.
IDANTM1000-915C is a circular polarized antenna
that reads data from 915MHz tags. It has a read
range of up to 1.8m (6ft) from the antenna.
Coverage area of up to 3.6m (12ft) may be
achieved by using two antennas, one on each side
of the opening.
The antenna is shipped with 3.6m (12ft) of cable
and an appropriate connector for the RFID reader.
A mounting bracket suitable for attaching the
antenna to a standard 1/4 inch–20 thread stud is
included.
MERCURY 3 RFID READER INSTALLATION AND SERVICE GUIDE (8200-0222-01, REV. 1/A)
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IDANTM1000-915S
IDANTM1000-915S reads data from 915MHz tags.
It has a read range of up to 1.5m (5ft) from the
antenna and is designed for installation on retail or
warehouse shelves. The antenna has a particularly
wide beam.
The antenna is shipped with 3.6m (12ft) of cable
and an appropriate connector for the RFID reader.
IDANTM1000-1356T
IDANTM1000-1356T reads data from 13.56MHz
tags. It has a read range of up to 0.3m (1ft.) from
the antenna. Coverage area of up to 0.6m (2ft)
may be achieved by using two antennas, one on
each side of the opening.
IDANTM1000-1356P
IDANTM1000-1356P reads data from 13.56MHz
tags. It has a read range of up to 0.3m (1ft.) from
the antenna. Coverage area of up to 0.6m (2ft)
may be achieved by using two antennas, one on
each side of the opening.
The antenna is shipped with 3.6m (12ft) of cable
and an appropriate connector for the RFID reader.
Mounting Hardware
Mounting brackets designed to attach an antenna
to a standard 1/4 inch–20 thread stud can be
mounted to any of the following camera mounts:
ADMC1361 Wall mount – black
ADMC1362 Wall/ceiling mount – beige
ADMC1365 “J” type ceiling mount – beige
ADMC1366 Wall/ceiling mount – gray
ADCM100T “T” bar mount – chrome
The antenna is shipped with 3.6m (12ft) of cable
and an appropriate connector for the RFID reader.
A mounting bracket suitable for attaching the
antenna to a standard 1/4 inch–20 thread stud is
included.
MERCURY 3 RFID READER INSTALLATION AND SERVICE GUIDE (8200-0222-01, REV. 1/A)
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