TransCore 05716 Users Manual

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

This version of the MPRR guide is preliminary information, which was provided to Rogers Lab to satisfy FCC licensing submittal requirements.

This document can be used for internal review only. Please forward any review comments to john.stikar@transcore.com.

DO NOT DISTRIBUTE THIS DOCUMENT OUTSIDE OF TRANSCORE.

TransCore

8600 Jefferson Street NE

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113

October 2010

P/N 412123

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

For comments or questions about this document, e-mail tech.pubs@transcore.com.

Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the part of TC License, Ltd.

© 2010 TC License, Ltd. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, and EGO are registered trademarks of TC License, Ltd. All other trademarks listed are the property of their respective owners. Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.

For further information, contact:

TransCore 3410 Midcourt Road, Suite 102 Carrollton, Texas 75006 USA

Phone: (214) 461-4031 Fax: (214) 461-6478

Technical Support

Web: transcore.com/rfidsupport

WARNING TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATES

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

LOCATION AND MONITORING SERVICE STATEMENT

47 CFR §90.351

NOTE: The user is required to obtain a Part 90 site license from the FCC to operate this radio frequency

identification (RFID) device in the United States. See product label for FCC ID number. Access the FCC Web site at www.fcc.gov/Forms/Form601/601.html or at wireless.fcc.gov/index.htm?job=online_filing to obtain additional information concerning licensing requirements.

NOTE: Users in all countries should check with the appropriate local authorities for licensing requirements.

FCC RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

47 CFR §15.105(a)

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device

pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate RF energy and may cause harmful interference to radio communications if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual. Operating this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case, depending on the laws in effect, the user may be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

NO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS

47 CFR §15.21

CAUTION: This equipment may not be modified, altered, or changed in any way without permission

from TransCore, LP. Unauthorized modification may void the equipment authorization from the FCC and will void the TransCore warranty.

USE OF SHIELDED CABLES IS REQUIRED

47 CFR §15.27(a)

NOTE: Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to comply with FCC regulations.

TransCore, LP

USA

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Health Limits for Multiprotocol Rail Reader Using External Antenna (902 to 928 MHz)

Within the United S tates, environmental guidelines regulatin g safe exposure levels are issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Section 1910.97 of OSHA Safety and Health Standards 2206 legislates a maximum safe exposure limit of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm minutes at 902 MHz.

Although not binding, other organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have issued similar guidelines that are more restrictive than the OSHA limits (ANSI C95.1). ANSI guidelines recommend a maximum safe power density in mW/cm

of:

) averaged over 6

Frequency

(in MHz)

1500

Thus, the maximum permissible exposure for general population /uncontrolled exposure at 902 MHz is 0.60 mW/cm

. The power limit is a six-minute average.

The RF power density generated by the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) was calculated using a maximum antenna gain of 9.5 dBd, equivalent to the antenna gain of the external antenna.

Warning

At 2 W conducted into the antenna and a distance of 30 inches (77 cm) from the

antenna, the maximum power density calculated was less than 0.60 mW/cm

. Install the antenna at least 30 inches (77 cm) from the general public. Maintenance personnel must remain at least 14 inches (35 cm) from antenna when system is operating.

The data confirms that the TransCore MPRR effectively meets OSHA requirements and thus does not represent an operating hazard to either the general public or maintenance personnel.

Contents

Health Limits for Multiprotocol Rail Reader Using External Antenna

(902 to 928 MHz). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

1 Introduction

Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Audience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

System Guide Organization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Typographical Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Licensing Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6

2 Developing the Site Plan

System Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

How It Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Overview of Site Planning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Reading of Mixed Population Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Antenna and Tag Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Polarization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Unobstructed Line of Sight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Antenna Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AA3100 Yagi (without radome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AA3101 Yagi (with radome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

AA3110 Parapanel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

AA3140 PCB Log Periodic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Site Layout and Traffic Flow. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

The MPRR Read Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Other MPRRs in the Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction of RF Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Existing Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Electrical and Communications Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Junction Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Power and Communications Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Electrical Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Host Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Input/Output Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11

Antenna Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

3 Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

Compatible Tag Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Reader and Tag Model Interoperability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Recommended Mounting Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

Mounting Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Tag Positioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

Surface Installation Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Rivet/Bolt Mounting Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6

Locomotive Mounting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Tag Placement Window Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Tag Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Rail Car Mounting Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Tag Placement Window Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Tag Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Tank Car Mounting Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Tag Placement Window Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

Tag Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-11

4 Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Installation Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Materials Supplied by TransCore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Contents of Shipping Carton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3

Installation Accessory Options (TBD). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Additional Materials Needed for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Testing the MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

Connecting the Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5

Connecting the MPRR to a Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-6

Mounting the MPRR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

Mounting to an Enclosure Wall or Flat Surface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

vii

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting the Power Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Connecting Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Connecting the MPRR to the Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Sense Input Circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-9

Sense Output Circuit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Marking the Read Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Required Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

5 General Software Information

Command Entry Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Command Response Conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Power Fail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Program Download . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Download Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Download Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Startup. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

Sign-On Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Boot Failure Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Tag/Message Buffer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

6 Communications Protocols

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Basic Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Error Correcting Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

viii

Basic Protocol and ECP Format. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Reader Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

ECP Host ACK/NAK Response. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Switch to Command Mode Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Host Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Reader Command Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Sample Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Contents

Reader Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Host Command Transmissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-9

Timing and Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Reader-Addressed Failure Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Illegal Sequence Number (not in the range 0–9, A–F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Wrong Sequence Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Incorrect CRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Illegal Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Transmission Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Receive Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Host-Addressed Failure Conditions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Illegal or Wrong Sequence Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Incorrect CRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Transmission Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Receive Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

ECP Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

CRC Calculation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-16

7 Commands

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Data Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Command Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

Download Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

Reader Mode Control — Command Group 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

00 Switch to Data Mode (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

01 Switch to Command Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

Communications Port Control — Command Group 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

100N Select Baud Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

101N Select Stop Bits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

102N Select Parity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Command Group 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

20 Set Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

21 Set Date. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

22 Display Time and Date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-7

Append Information — Command Group 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

30N Append Time and Date Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8

31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

ID Filtering — Command Group 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

40 Transmit All ID Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9

410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature) . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

420N Select Valid ID Code Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

43 Buffer All ID Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

440 Reset Uniqueness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

44N Set Uniqueness Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

452 Disable Tag Translation Mode (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

453 Enable Tag Translation Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

454 Disable Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

455 Enable Multi-tag Sort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12

456 Enable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort

(Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

457 Disable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort. . . . . . . . . 7-13

480 Disable ATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

481 Enable ATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

484 Disable SeGo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

485 Enable SeGo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

488 Disable eATA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

489 Enable eATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

496 Disable Alternate Group Select (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-13

497 Enable Alternate Group Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

Reader Status — Command Group 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

505 Display Software Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

506 Display Hardware Configuration Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

510 Display RF Transceiver FPGA Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

511 Display RF Transceiver I Filter Chip Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

512 Display RF Transceiver Q Filter Chip Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

513 Display DSP Board Actel Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-14

520 Display Power Fail Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

521 Display Reader ID Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

522 Display Communications Port Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15

524 Display Appended Information Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-16

525 Display Communications Protocol Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

527 Display RF Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-17

529 Display Presence Input Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-18

530 Display RF0 Filter Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

534 Display Tag Translation Mode Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

537 Display Echo Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-20

540 Display Flash Checksum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

543 Display Boot Checksum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

552 Display Antenna Multiplexing Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-21

560 Request Sensor Status Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

570 Display Operating Mode Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

577 Report Buffered Handshakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-22

Reader Control Functions — Command Group 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

60NN Set Reader ID Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

610 Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

611 Select Error Correcting Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

612NN Select Error Correcting Protocol Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-23

Contents

613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

614N Select Flow Control Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

6170 Disable Echo Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-24

6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

63 Reset Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

640N RF Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

641 Select RF-by-Input Control (Factory Default) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

643NN Select ATA Operating Range (Distance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

644NN Set RF Attenuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-26

645NN Set SeGo Protocol Operating Range (Distance) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

65 Reset Power Fail Bit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-28

66F Load Default Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

690N Select Presence Without Tag Report Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

692N Select RF Control Algorithm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

693N Select RF Timeout Period. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-30

694N Select Input Inversion Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31

695S...S Set Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31

696S...S Store Hardware Configuration String. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

Auxiliary Reader Control — Command Group 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8142X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-32

8143X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8150 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8152 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

8153 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

830 Disable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report (Factory Default). . . . . . . . 7-33

831 Enable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

836 Disable MPRR Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

837 Enable MPRR Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-33

850 MUX RF Port 0 (Factory Default). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

851 MUX Between RF Port 0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

852 MUX Between RF Ports 0 and 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

853 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, and 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

891 MUX RF Port 1 Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

892 MUX RF Port 2 Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

893 MUX RF Port 3 Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-34

Check Tag Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35

MUX Operational Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-35

MUX Test Modes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-36

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

8 Configuring the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Configuring the Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

General Configuration Labeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3

Default Operating Parameter Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

Configuring Parameters with Terminal Emulation Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Starting the Terminal Emulation Software. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5

Verifying Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

Verifying Tag Read Capability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

Configuring MPRR Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

Appended Tag Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

ID Separation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12

Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-13

Reset Reader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14

Radio Frequency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-14

RF Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Vehicle Detector Controlling RF Transmission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-15

Host Controlling RF Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Sense Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Sense Output Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Serial Port Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-16

Port Configuration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17

Communications Protocol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-17

Software Flow Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-18

Physically Orienting the MPRR Antenna(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19

Fine-Tuning the Read Zone by Lowering Output Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-19

Fine-tuning the Read Zone by Adjusting Sensitivity Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-20

9 Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

MPRR Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-6

Marketing Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

Find a Problem with the MPRR or Have Suggestions? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-7

10 Interface to Train Recording Unit

TBD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

xii

11 AT5270 Check Tag-to-MPRR Assembly

Required Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

A Glossary B Reader Specifications

Communications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Hardware Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Physical Attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Environmental Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4

Contents

C Communications Interfaces D Command Syntax

Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

Numerical Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-5

Alphabetical Command List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-16

E Tag Configurations

Tag Data Formats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-4

xiii

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

xiv

List of Figures

Figure 2-2 Antenna Location Relative to Tag Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-6

Figure 2-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Figure 2-4 Pin Assignments for Communications Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Figure 3-1 Clear Zone - Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Figure 3-2 Clear Zone - End View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Figure 3-3 Mounting Location Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Figure 3-4 Tag Placement Window for Locomotives -- Right Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7

Figure 3-5 Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives -- Left Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Figure 3-6 Optimal Tag Placement for Locomotives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-8

Figure 3-7 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “A” Right Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-9

Figure 3-8 Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “B” Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10

Figure 3-9 Optimal Tag Placement for Rail Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-10

Figure 3-10 Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars -- “B” Left Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Figure 3-11 Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Figure 4-2 MPRR Showing Antenna Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-6

Figure 4-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

Figure 4-4 Pin Assignments for Signal to Host Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

Figure 4-5 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12

Figure 8-2 Phone Number Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

Figure 8-3 COM 1 Properties Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-7

Figure 8-4 Hyper Terminal Main Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-8

Figure 8-5 Sign-on Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9

Figure 8-6 Successful Tag Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11

Figure 8-7 Second Successful Tag Read . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-11

Figure 8-8 MPRR RF Control Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-15

Figure 11-1 Place Nut and Grommet Over Exposed Check Tag Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Figure 11-2 Feed Check Tag Wires through Plastic Housing Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Figure 11-3 Connect Check Tag Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Figure 11-4 Two Check Tag Assemblies Connected to Terminal Strip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Figure 11-5 Securing Terminal Strip into Connector Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Figure 11-6 Plastic Nuts with Grommets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-6

Figure 11-7 Nylon Cap Securely Fastened in Unused Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-6

Figure 11-8 Check Tag Assembly Secured to MPRR Port

(single check tag assembly shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-7

Contents

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

xvi

List of Tables

Table 2-1 Examples of Staggered Reader Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Table 2-2 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Table 2-3 Power Supply Current Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Table 2-4 Reader to Antenna Cable Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12

Table 3-1 Tags Read by the MPRR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Table 4-2 Commands for Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11

Table 5-2 Sample Command Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-4

Table 7-2 Select Stop Bits Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Table 7-3 Select Parity Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-6

Table 7-4 Append Time and Date Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8

Table 7-5 Append Auxiliary Information Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-9

Table 7-6 Unique ID Code Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10

Table 7-7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11

Table 7-8 Flow Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-24

Table 7-9 RF Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25

Table 7-10 RF Attenuation Command Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-26

Table 7-11 Select RF Frequency Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-27

Table 7-12 Presence Without Tag Report Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-29

Table 7-13 RF Control Algorithm Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-29

Table 7-14 Timeout Period Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-30

Table 7-15 Input Inversion Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-31

Table 8-2 MPRR Default Configuration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-4

Table 8-3 Command Sequence to Verify Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-10

Table 9-2 Symptoms and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-4

Table 11-1 Check Tag Kit Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-3

Table 11-2 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-4

Table 11-3 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-5

Contents

xvii

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

xviii

Introduction

Purpose

Audience

Chapter 1

Introduction

This chapter is the introduction to this manual and provides information pertaining to the audience, organization, document conventions, system description, and license information for the Multiprotocol Rail Reader System.

This guide provides site planning and testing, installing, and operating instructions for TransCore’s Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) System, which reads TransCore

Super eGo nization for Standardization (ISO) protocols. Before you begin installing the MPRR, TransCore recommends that you read this entire manual.

(SeGo) and American Trucking Associations (ATA)/International Orga-

This document is intended to be used by authorized TransCore MPRR dealers, installers, and service personnel. Because the MPRR has no operator- or end-user serviceable components or features, no end-user manual or operator guide exists. Once the system is set up and tested by the authorized installer, MPRR operation requires no end-user intervention.

System Guide Organization

The chapters of this guide and a description of the contents are listed below.

• Chapter 1, “Introduction,” explains the purpose and describes the audience for the

guide, outlines the manual’s organization, provides a brief description of the MPRR, and discusses Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensing requirements.

• Chapter 2, “Developing the Site Plan,” discusses factors to be considered when

developing the site plan and before ordering equipment and installing the MPRR. These considerations include antenna and tag alignment, site layout and traffic flow, and electrical and communications requirements.

• Chapter 3, “Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags,” contains information on

compatible tag models and provides procedures for installing tags onto, and removing tags from, railcars where the MPRR is installed.

• Chapter 4, “Installing the MPRR,” lists the materials needed and provides proce-

dures to install the MPRR. Steps include:

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

• Pre-testing

• Installing the MPRR in a railside hut or NEMA enclosure (TBD)

• Connecting power and communications

• Connecting to TransCore’s Train Recording Unit (TRU)

• Marking the read zone

• Chapter 5, “General Software Information,” and Chapter 6, “Communications

Protocols,” provide reference information on various software-related topics and

communications protocols.

• Chapter 7, “Commands,” discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used

to control MPRR configuration and operation.

• Chapter 8, “Configuring the MPRR,” provides procedures for configuring and

fine-tuning the MPRR after installing it at the site.

• Chapter 9, “Troubleshooting and Maintenance,” answers the most commonly

asked questions about installing and maintaining the MPRR.

• Chapter 10, "Interfacing with Train Recording Unit," describes the interoperabil-

ity between the MPRR and TRU.

• Chapter 11, "Assembling and Connecting AT5720 Check Tags to the MPRR,"

explains how to connect one or two check tags to the MPRR.

• Appendix A, “Glossary,” contains frequently used terms.

• Appendix B, “Technical Specifications,” provides the MPRR specifications.

• Appendix C, “Wiring Tables,” shows the wiring connections for the communica-

tions interfaces, electrical cable connections, and the external interface signal wiring.

• Appendix D, “Command Quick Reference,” lists the MPRR factory default con-

figuration settings and provides host software commands in numerical and alphabetical order.

• Appendix E, “Compatible Tag Information,” provides helpful information about

tags that are compatible with the MPRR.

• Index provides an alphabetical listing of guide topics. (To be provided in the final

version of the guide)

1-4

Typographical Conventions

The conventions listed in Table 1-1 are used in this manual:

Table 1-1 Typographical Conventions

Convention Indication

Concerns about a procedure.

Introduction

Code

Dialog Box Title Menu Item

Note

NUL Zero-value ASCII character or a zero-value byte. NULL Zero-value pointers. Null-terminated string refers to strings

Licensing Requirements

Code, including keywords and variables within text and as separate paragraphs, and user-defined program elements within text appear in courier typeface.

Title of a dialog box as it appears on screen . Appears on a menu. Capitalization follows the interface. Auxiliary information that further clar ifies the current

discussion. These important points require the user’s attention. The paragraph is in italics and the word Note is bold.

of printable ASCII characters with a zero-value byte placed in memory directly after the last printable character of the string.

This procedure might cause harm to the equipment and/or the user.

An FCC license provides the user with the legal authorization to operate the MPRR on the licensed frequencies at the site specified in the license. Only an authorized installer or service technician can set the RF frequency of the MPRR to the frequency specified in the FCC site license. No end-user-operated controls exist on the MPRR.

The FCC license may provide the user with protection and authorization to maintain the system should any other RFID product be used in the licensed area after the MPRR equipment is installed.

Users of the MPRR in the United States must obtain a license from the FCC. In the United States, the authorized modulated frequency band for this product is 911.75 to

1-5

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

919.75 MHz and the authorized continuous wave frequency band is 902.25 to 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz.

The user is responsible for filing the FCC license according to FCC regulations, but the TransCore dealer will provide assistance and support as necessary to complete these forms. Forms are available online at the FCC internet site http://wire-

less.fcc.gov/uls. For further information on obtaining the license contact TransCore.

Technical Support

Authorized dealers and distributors are responsible for the direct support of all customers. Authorized dealers and distributors needing technical support can contact:

Technical Support Web: transcore.com/rfidsupport

TransCore 3410 Midcourt Road, Suite 102 Carrollton, Texas 75006 USA

Phone: (214) 461-4031 Fax: (214) 461-6478

Please be prepared to answer a series of questions that are designed to direct you to the best support resource available.

1-6

Developing the Site Plan

This chapter provides a brief description of the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) and discusses site plan development for installing the MPRR System.

System Description

The MPRR is a reader that supports the low-cost, high-performance SeGo radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. The MPRR also supports TransCore ATA/ ISO tag types.

The MPRR is a high-power unit that can read both half- and full-frame tags. The reader output power can be adjusted using reader commands.

Reader

The MPRR consists of an input/output (I/O) module, a power supply, a reader logic board (also called a tag decoder), and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver (called the RF module) in a compact enclosure. These MPRR components are contained in a highly reliable, compact, and easy-to-install package. Figure 2-1 shows the end views of an MPRR.

Chapter 2

Developing the Site Plan

Figure 2-1 MPRR End Views

How It Works

The MPRR directs the RF module to generate an RF signal, which is broadcast through the external antenna mounted railside. Entering the MPRR’s reading range, a TransCore RFID tag installed on a railcar or other asset to be tracked adds its pro-

2-3

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

grammed identification information to the signal and reflects the signal back to the MPRR. The MPRR receives this modified, or modulated signal, and decodes the tag data carried by the reflected signal and transmits this data to a local host computer for processing.

Overview of Site Planning

Developing a site plan provides the foundation for the site’s system design and establishes the following system configuration parameters:

• Number and general location of primary components

• Number of different radio frequencies required

Gathering relevant site information is crucial before applying for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval and ordering and installing MPRR(s) and tags.

Also, consider the following factors when developing a site plan:

• Type of tags used

• Antenna and tag alignment

• Site layout and rail traffic flow

• MPRR and/or antenna mounting requirements

• MPRR electrical requirements

• MPRR communications requirements

These factors provide relevant information regarding each site’s physical and electromagnetic environment and the conditions under which the system must perform.

Reading of Mixed Population Tags

The MPRR reads TransCore’s Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tags and the American Trucking Association (ATA) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) read-only tags, whether powered by battery or beam, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)-based tags with Intellitag technology.

The factors that influence the readability include, but are not limited to physical orientation and configuration, type of read-only tag, ratio of backscatter cross-section of the tags, and whether the tag is battery- or beam-powered.

Antenna and Tag Alignment

The position of the antenna and placement of the tag on the vehicle must be compatible.

Two primary criteria must be satisfied to achieve the highest read reliability:

2-4

Developing the Site Plan

• Polarization of the tag and the antenna must be aligned in the same direction —

both horizontal.

• The installed tag must be in a direct, unobstructed line of sight to the antenna.

Caution

A tag may not be reliably read unless the preceding criteria are met.

Polarization

The polarization of the tag must be aligned in the same direction as the antenna, as shown in Figure 2-1.

Note: Matching the tag and antenna polarization is critical to obtain optimal system performance.

Figure 2-1 Tag and Antenna Orientation

Unobstructed Line of Sight

For optimum readability , install the MPRR and antenna(s) and the railcar’s tag so that when the railcar approaches the antenna(s), the tag is directly facing the antenna and the line of sight is clear between the antenna and the tag. If there is a physical obstruction between the tag and the antenna(s), the MPRR cannot reliably read the tags. Fig-

ure 2-2 illustrates possible installation locations of an antenna in relation to a tag’s

mounting location on a railcar. If the tags are not in the recommended location, reliable optimum operation requires lower train speeds.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Figure 2-2 Antenna Location Relative to Tag Position

Antenna Selection

This section contains guidelines that assist in antenna selection for an MPRR installation that uses an external antenna. The following antennas are compatible with the MPRR installation.

AA3100 Yagi (without radome)

Appropriate for installations with the following requirements and conditions:

• 902 to 928 MHz operation

• Non-icing environments

• Relatively symmetrical reading range

• Antenna profile not a major consideration

AA3101 Yagi (with radome)

Appropriate for installations with the following requirements and conditions:

• 902 to 928 MHz operation

• Exposure to harsh environments

2-6

• Relatively symmetrical reading range

• Antenna profile not a major consideration

Developing the Site Plan

AA3110 Parapanel

Appropriate for installations with the following requirements and conditions:

• 902 to 928 MHz operation

• Exposure to harsh environments

• Broad radiation pattern in one dimension, narrow in the other

• Low antenna profile

• Horizontal polarization

AA3140 PCB Log Periodic

Appropriate for installations with the following requirements and conditions:

• 845 to 950 MHz operation

• Exposure to harsh environments

• Maximum coverage at close range (<20 ft [6.1 m])

• Vertical or horizontal polarization

Site Layout and Traffic Flow

The following site layout and traffic flow considerations are critical when determining MPRR installation locations:

• The MPRR read zone

• Other MPRR units and antennas in the area

• Reflection, refraction, and diffraction of RF signals

• Existing signal interference at the site

The MPRR Read Zone

The MPRR must be able to read the tag data properly within a specified area, called the read zone, without reading other nearby tags or interfering with other MPRRs at the site. The following are some of the factors that affect the size and shape of the read zone:

• Mounting method used for the antenna

• Mounting location of the antenna

• Height from the ground and mounting angle of the antenna

2-7

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

• RF output attenuation

• Range discrimination setting

• Other sources of interference and reflection

The railside antenna must be positioned so that the RF signal travels to and return from the tags within the designated range and must be placed in an area where it is not likely to be bumped out of alignment. If the antenna becomes misaligned or some nearby structure is added or removed, system operation can be seriously affected.

For instructions on setting the read zone, see “Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read

Zone” on page 8-18.

Other MPRRs in the Area

Sites with more than one MPRR in proximity should have them configured with a frequency separation of at least 2 MHz from adjacent readers. If more than one MPRR is in a side-by-side or multiple track application, the frequencies should be staggered. MPRR antennas can face each other across a rail track as long as they are multiplexed and controlled by the same MPRR. Table 2-2 shows examples of staggered reader frequencies in a site with up to 5 readers.

Table 2-1 Examples of Staggered Reader Frequencies

Rail Number Reader Frequency Rail Number Reader Frequency

1 911.75 2 913.75 3 915.75 4 917.75

5919.75

Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction of RF Signals

RF signals can be reflected, refracted, or diffracted by metal objects, walls, and even wet pavement or ice. Any of these factors can alter or degrade system performance. When designing your site plan, you must consider permanent structures and transient factors in the vicinity that may affect RF signals being generated by the MPRR. Permanent structures include buildings, chain link fences, guard shacks, and gates. Transient factors include passing traffic and local weather conditions, such as rain or snow . Symptoms of reflection, refraction, and diffraction include reading tags that are out of the desired read zone or tags being read from another track.

The most common RF reflectors are metallic surfaces. RF signals may also be partially reflected by nonconducting materials such as dirt, wood, ice, asphalt, and concrete. When nonconducting materials in the system environment become wet, they increase reflection of RF signals.

2-8

Developing the Site Plan

The antenna mounting location, aiming, and range control adjustme nt, and use of presence detectors can reduce interference from RF reflections. When these actions cannot adequately control reflections, other techniques such as shielding, absorbing, range sensitivity adjustment, or barriers can also be used. See Chapter 9, “Trouble-

shooting and Maintenance” for more information.

Existing Interference

Interference from RF and electrical sources can degrade system performance and mu st also be considered in the site design. Fluorescent lights, neon signs, nearby radio stations, or power lines can interfere with the optimal operation of the system. The magnetic impulse noise from relays that control gate opening and closing can also disrupt the RF signal.

Interference may degrade both reader and tag performance. Existing interference at the site may be shielded, removed, or positioned further from the antenna. In some cases, changing the operating frequency of the MPRR may provide a simple solution. Readers in proximity should have at least a 2 MHz frequency separation. See “Other

MPRRs in the Area” on page 2-8. Strong RF sources of any frequency, in proximity to

the tag, can preclude the tag receiving the reader interrogation. See Chapter 9, “Trou-

bleshooting and Maintenance.”

Electrical and Communications Requirements

All construction work at the site must be completed before installing the MPRR. Electrical and communications cables should be installed according to all applicable local and federal building code requirements. Specific instructions for positioning and installing the MPRR are discussed in Chapter 4, “Installing the MPRR.”

Junction Box

Use a watertight junction box that meets applicable local and national building codes for connecting power and communications wiring. The junction box houses the terminal strip for power and communications connections. TransCore recommends a NEMA Type-4 junction box with a back mounting panel.

Power and Communications Cables

Cable length for power and communications depends on the physical characteristics of the MPRR installation site. Ta ble 2-2 lists accessory kits available for cabling options based on your site’s requirements.

2-9

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Table 2-2 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits

Part Number Description

58-7001-001 MPRR-to-TRU six-foot cable assembly 58-7001-002 MPRR-to-TRU 20-foot cable assembly 58-7001-003 MPRR cable assembly, no TRU

Electrical Power

A dedicated electrical power supply must be present at the site and available to the MPRR at all times. The power must be 16-20V AC or 16-28V DC. A step-down transformer is available (North America only) to convert a 120V AC duplex wall outlet with ground to 18V AC, as is a step-up transformer to convert a low-voltage 12V AC outlet to 18V AC. Consult your local and national electrical codes for installation and safety requirements.

Note: MPRRs installed outside North America requir e a locally supp lied transformer.

If 18V AC or 18V DC power is available, the transformer option is unnecessary. TransCore offers a Class C transformer accessory kit (part number 76-1620-005) for

sites where 110V AC is available. It is the installer’s responsibility to supply conversion equipment and wiring for other voltages. T able 2-3 contains p ower supply current requirements.

Table 2-3 Power Supply Current Requirements

(RF On)

Supply

16 to 20V AC 1.7 A at 18V AC 1 A at 18V AC 16 to 28V DC 1.7 A at 18V DC 1 A at 18V DC

Worst Case

Maximum Current at

68°F (20°C)

(RF Off)

Standby Operating

Current at 68°F

(20°C)

Power circuits are protected internally against power surges.

Host Communications

Your site design must include communications between the MPRR and a host device. The MPRR communicates with the host device through an asynchronous serial line. This serial line is an RS port and Figure 2-4 shows the connector pin designations.

–232 interface. Figure 2-3 shows the MPRR communications

2-10

Developing the Site Plan

Figure 2-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR

Figure 2-4 Pin Assignments for Communications Connectors

The standard RS–232 connection maximum distance depends on the baud rate, cable type, and the RS

–232 device at the other end.

Input/Output Circuits

The MPRR’s two RF sense input circuits are designed to connect to dry contact closures. The MPRR’s tag lock output circuit is a single-pole, double-throw relay providing a dry contact closure. These contacts are rated at 42.2V AC peak (30V

DC, at 1 A maximum with noninductive load.

) or 60V

rms

2-11

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Output circuit is not intended for the direct control of electromechanical devices such as motorized barrier arms. For such applications, the MPRR output circuit should be used to drive a secondary, appropriately rated high-power relay.

Antenna Interface

The site design must include interface cable(s) between the MPRR and the compatible antenna(s) chosen for the site. The antenna interface is RF coaxial cable with male Type N sockets on each end.

Table 2-4 is a summary of coaxial cable performance. Figures indicate maximum

lengths of cable in feet.

Table 2-4 Reader to Antenna Cable Performance

Cable Type

RG–223 0.216 6 18 RG

–214 0.425 12 37

FHJ1

–50 0.250 16 48

FSJ1

–50 0.250 15 45

LDF2

–50 0.375 28 85

FSJ4

–50B 0.500 27 83

LDF4

–50A 0.500 42 128

LDF5

–50A 0.875 76 229

LDF6

–50 1.125 103 310

LDF7

–50A 1.625 122 366

a. Suffixes 50, 50A, and 50B indicate 50-ohm cables available from the Andrew

Corporation. b. These cab le lengths ensure optimal system performance (1 dB loss). c. These cable lengths ensure adequate, but not optimal, system performance (3 dB

loss).

Overall

Diameter (in.)

915MHz

Low Medium

Loss

2-12

Choosing, Installing, and Removing

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

This chapter describes the various tag types compatible with the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) and the procedures for installing and removing compatible internal and external tags.

Compatible Tag Types

The MPRR provides the capability to read the various TransCore tags employing Super eGo (SeGo) protocol. Depending on options ordered, the MPRR can r ead SeGo protocol, ATA-protocol, and ISO-compliant tags.

See Appendix E for information about the numerous tag models.

Reader and Tag Model Interoperability

Table 3-1 lists the tags that are read by the MPRR. See www.transcore.com/pdf/TagReader-Matrix.pdf for most current information concerning readers and supported tag

protocols.

Chapter 3

Table 3-1 Tags Read by the MPRR

Reader Beam Tags Battery Tags

MPRR AT5110; AT5112; AT5113;

AT5118; AT5125; AT5133;

Recommended Mounting Locations

Each piece of rail equipment has a specific area or window for optimum tag placement. T ag positioning in the tag placement window is based on the center of the tag reference to window physical specifications.

Required Materials

• Torque wrench (in/lb. range)

• Bolts and nuts (#10-24 NC threaded studs and nuts)

• Aluminum pop rivets

• Pop rivet gun

AT5114; AT5510; AT5541; AT5549

3-3

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Mounting Surface

The mounting surface must be metal, vertical, and smooth within the area of the tag. If the mounting area does not meet this requirement, you must use a metal mounting bracket.

If the mounting surface is irregular or non-metal (e.g., fiberglass), the tag must be attached to a metal bracket to provide an electrical reflector for the tag. Use a 1/8-inch (0.32-cm) or thicker smooth metal bracket whose dimensions are at least equal to those of the tag. Mounting brackets are preferred for application of the tag such that the tag and the bracket are in intimate contact to avoid interference with transmission of radio waves.

Tag Positioning

Each piece of equipment has a specific area or tag placement window for optimum tag placement. Tag positioning in the tag placement window is based on the center of the tag in reference to window physical parameters.

The tag placement window is on opposite ends and opposite sides of the equipment. The front and rear ends of the equipment are referred to as the “A” end and “B” end. The “B” end represents the hand brake end and the “A” end represents the opposite end looking forward. To determine left and right sides, stand at the “B” end and look toward the front end of the equipment.

Refer to the appropriate section for tag placement window location rail cars and locomotive devices. Where possible, tags should be mounted in locations to minimize the likelihood of damage from equipment such as forklifts, cranes, and other hazards.

Mount the tag on a plane perpendicular to the rail (back of the tag against the equipment) with the long edge of the tag horizontal to the rail.

There is a clear zone surrounding the tag and toward the wayside that allows for unobstructed transmission of data. This zone must not be obstructed by any metallic objects or protrusions.

3-4

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

As Figure 3-1 illustrates, there should be no obstructions in the area extending 45º from the center line of the tag to one inch outside either narrow side of the tag. The side view depicts the tag as viewed from the top of the equipment.

Figure 3-1 . Clear Zone - Side View

Figure 3-2 illustrates that there should be no obstructions in the area extending 60º

from the center line of the tag to 1 inch outside either long side of the tag. The end view depicts the tag as viewed from the end of the equipment.

Figure 3-2 . Clear Zone - End View

Figure 3-3 shows examples of acceptable and unacceptable mounting locations based

on the clear zone. Any obstructions in the clear zone may introduce reading problems

3-5

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

with the tag. Refer to the mounting specifications chapters for each type of equipment for tag placement window locations.

Figure 3-3 . Mounting Location Examples

Surface Installation Techniques

Backing plates are preferred for attaching tags to equipment, but tags may be mounted directly to the car at the owner’s discretion. Aluminum material is permitted a s a substitute for the mounting plate material specified, when required for compatibility with the car surface.

When painting the backing plates, protect the studs from paint. Two approved methods for mounting tags and backing plates on locomotives and

railcars are rivet and bolt mounting.

Note: Weld the backing plate to the freight car side sheet, but be certain the backing plate is kept flat. If the car side sheet is deformed, spacing of welds may vary to accommodate waviness of the freight car side.

Note: Allow the backing plate to cool after welding before applying the tag.

Rivet/Bolt Mounting Guidelines

Select a means for mounting the tag that secures the tag but does not compromise the tag case.

3-6

Aluminum pop rivets are permissible, but TransCore advises against using highpressure rivets for mounting the tag.

If using bolts and nuts to mount the tag, avoid using excessive torque, which may crack or break the tag case. Tighten the nut until snug, then tighten an additional 1/2 turn only.

Locomotive Mounting Guidelines

Install two tags on each locomotive on opposite ends and opposite sides of the equipment. Install one on the right front (engineer’s side) and another on the left rear (fireman’s side).

Tag Placement Window Location

Horizontally, the tag placement window extends from the center line of the truck to 2to feet from the center line of the inside axle (measure toward the center of the vehicle). Vertically, the tag placement window begins two feet above the top of the rail and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of the rail.

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

Figure 3-4 illustrates the tag placement window on the right front portion (engineer’s

side) of the locomotive.

Figure 3-4 . Tag Placement Window for Locomotives -- Right Front

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Figure 3-5 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (brakeman’s

side) of the locomotive.

Figure 3-5 . Tag Placement Window Location for Locomotives -- Left Rear

Tag Placement

Optimal tag placement centers the tag on the left boundary line of the tag placement window (Figure 3-6). Alternately, the center of the tag may be mounted anywhere within the tag placement window, provided there are no obstructions to the tag’s clear zone.

3-8

Figure 3-6 . Optimal Tag Placement for Locomotives

Rail Car Mounting Guidelines

Install two tags on each rail car on opposite ends and opposite sides of the eq uipment. Install one on the right front (“A” end) and another on the left rear (“B” end).

Tag Placement Window Location

Horizontally, the tag placement window extends from the center line of the truck to two feet from the center line of the inside axle (measure toward the center of the vehicle). Vertically, the tag placement window begins at two feet above the top of the rail end and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of the rail. The tag should not cover car stenciling.

Figure 3-7 illustrates the tag placement window on the right front portion (“A” end) of

the rail car.

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

Figure 3-7 . Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “A” Right Side

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Figure 3-8 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (“B” end) of

the rail car.

Figure 3-8 . Tag Placement Window Location for Rail Cars -- “B” Left Side

Tag Placement

Optimal tag placement centers the tag on the left boundary line of the tag placement window (Figure 3-9). Alternately, the tag may be mounted so that the center of the tag falls anywhere within the tag placement window, provided there are no obstructions of the tag’s clear zone.

3-10

Figure 3-9 . Optimal Tag Placement for Rail Cars

Tank Car Mounting Guidelines

Tank car mounting is essentially the same as that for rail cars, except that the tag placement window area has been expanded 18 inches to the right of the center of the truck.

Tag Placement Window Location

Horizontally, the tag placement window extends from 18 inches to the right of the center line of the truck to two feet from the center line of the inside axle (measured toward the center of the vehicle). Vertically, the tag placement window begins at two feet above the top of the rail and extends to a maximum of five feet above the top of the rail. The tag should not cover car stenciling.

Figure 3-10 illustrates the tag placement window on the left rear portion (“B” end) of

the tank car.

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

Figure 3-10 . Tag Placement Window Location for Tank Cars -- “B” Left Side

Tag Placement

Optimal tag placement positions the tag on the center line of the truck on the body bolster (Figure 3-11). Alternately, the tag may be mounted so that the center of the tag

3-11

Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

falls anywhere within the tag placement window, provided there are no obstructions of the tag’s clear zone.

Figure 3-11 . Optimal Tag Placement for Tank Cars

3-12

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

This chapter lists the materials needed and presents the procedures to pre-test and install the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR).

Installation Process

After you have developed the site plan and identified the location to install the MPRR and antennas

the following tasks:

• Pre-installation testing of MPRR power and tag read capability

• Mounting the MPRR in a railside shack

• Mounting the railside antenna(s)

• Connecting the antenna(s)

Chapter 4

, if required, you are ready to install the equipment. Installation involves

• Connecting the MPRR power

• Marking the read zone

• Connecting the MPRR host and sense input/sense output and communications

Materials Supplied by TransCore

You need the following materials to pre-test and install the MPRR. TransCore supplies some of the materials; other materials must be obtained from other sources.

Contents of Shipping Carton

Ensure that you have received all parts before beginning your pre-installation MPRR tests. Your MPRR is packaged with the following materials:

• One MPRR

• One MPRR Quick Start Guide

• Any accessories ordered as options as shown in Table 4-1

Required accessories are a power/communications cable harness and a 110V AC-to18V AC wall transformer, a 12 to 18V AC step-up transformer, or a 16 to 28V DC power source. You also require at least one MPRR-compatible antenna and an antenna RF cable. These may be ordered as accessories from TransCore or obtained from other sources.

1. The MPRR is designed with RF cable connectors for use with N-type RF cables.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Installation Accessory Options

Table 4-1 lists optional TransCore MPRR installation accessory items.

Table 4-1 Installation Accessories

Part No. Description

58-7001-001 MPRR-to-Train Recording Unit (TRU) six-foot cable assembly 58-7001-002 MPRR-to-TRU 20-foot cable assembly 58-7001-003 MPRR cable assembly, no TRU 20-7001-001 MPRR check tag accessory kit

Additional Materials Needed for Testing

You need these additional materials to perform the pre-tests on the MPRR:

• Test tags, supplied by the TransCore dealer or distributor

• Suitable 16 to 20V AC or 16 to 28V DC power wiring for the MPRR

• Audible circuit tester and 9V DC battery for circuit tester power

• Wire stripper

• At least one MPRR-compatible antenna

• Suitable RF interface coaxial cable

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRR

Before installing the MPRR permanently at the site, you should use an audible circuit tester to confirm that the MPRR has power and can read a tag presented in the tag read zone.

Testing the MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester

An audible circuit tester is also called a buzz box. These boxes are available at some electronic parts supply stores, or you can make a buzz box, as shown in Figure 4-1. The buzz box is powered by a 9V DC battery and is equipped with two alligator-clip leads. When you touch the leads together, the box makes an audible sound.

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Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Figure 4-1 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester

T o test the MPRR, connect the antenna and po wer supply as described in the appropriate section below.

Connecting the Antenna

This section explains the connection between the MPRR and antenna(s).

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

• During shipping and installation, an external antenna can build up a very high

voltage charge. The voltage needs to be discharged before connecting the antenna to the reader.

• Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antennas.

• Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Figure 4-2 MPRR Showing Antenna Ports

To connect the reader and antenna

1. Ensure the reader is turned off and unplugged.

2. Connect one end of the RF interface cable to the antenna.

3. Connect the other end of the RF interface cable to the appropriate antenna port on the side of the MPRR. See Figure 4-2.

4. For consistent performance, terminate unused antenna ports using a 50-Ohm, Ntype terminator.

Connecting the MPRR to a Power Supply

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

• Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antennas.

• Connect the antenna before applying power to the reader.

To connect the MPRR to a power supply

1. Connect the MPRR to a power supply using the interface cable (P/N TBD).

4-6

The pin assignments for the signals on the reader DB15 connector (Figure 4-3) is shown in Figure 4-4. If the MPRR is connected directly to a TransCore Train Recording Unit (TRU), all power supply connections are made through the MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly.

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Figure 4-3 Location of Communications/Power Port on MPRR

Figure 4-4 Pin Assignments fo r Signal to Host Connectors

Mounting the MPRR

This section lists procedures and materials required for mounting the MPRR on a wall or other flat surface based on the site’s requirements.

In permanent installations the MPRR should be positioned as close as possible to the antenna. Long cable runs increase system sensitivity to noise. See Table 2-4 on page

2-12 for maximum RF cable lengths.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Mounting to an Enclosure Wall or Flat Surface

Required Materials

You need the following materials to install the MPRR on an enclosure wall or flat surface. Ensure the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant anchor hardware.

• Anchor hardware suitable for the surface on which you mount the MPRR

The MPRR weighs 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) so choose mounting hardware that is adeq uate to secure the unit to a wall.

Caution

Connect the reader bracket to earth ground using a ground cable and stake. TransCore recommends that you follow the National Electric Code or equivalent code for lightning protection for the locale where you are installing the MPRR.

After mounting the MPRR, you must connect it to a dedicated 16 to 20V AC or 16 to 28V DC power supply.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

• Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antenna(s).

• Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.

Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side

The antenna should be positioned as close as possible to the MPRR. Long cable runs increase system sensitivity to noise. See Table 2 - 4 on page 2-12 for maximum RF cable lengths (TBD). This section provides guidelines for mounting antennas.

After mounting the antenna, you must connect it to the MPRR. Follow the procedures described previously in the section “Connecting the Antenna” on page 4-5.

Note: Adjust the antenna(s) to provide the most direct line of sight to the tags.

Connecting the Power Supply

After mounting the MPRR and antenna, connect the reader to a dedicated 16 to 20V AC or 16 to 28V DC power supply. If the MPRR is connected directly to a TRU, all power supply connections are made through the MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly.

4-8

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR

• During shipping and installation, an external antenna can build up a very high

voltage charge. The voltage needs to be discharged before connecting the antenna to the reader.

• Connect the MPRR to ground before powering up the reader or connecting the

antenna(s).

• Connect the antenna(s) before applying power to the reader.

Connecting Communications

The MPRR communicates through RS–232 protocol.

Required Materials

You need the following materials to connect the communications cable to the host device:

• Host device

• Any terminal emulation program such as Procomm Plus™ or Hyper Terminal™

running on a PC

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

• If the MPRR is connected directly to a TRU, all communications connections are

made through the MPRR-to-TRU cable assembly.

Connecting the MPRR to the Host

MPRR communications and customer interface signals are supplied from the MPRR to the host through a multiwire cable. The connector for this cable is located on the end of the MPRR.

Plug one end of the MPRR communications/power interface connector into the DB15 connector at the MPRR and the other end, using the customer-supplied wiring, into the host device.

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits

The MPRR has two sense input circuits and a tag lock output circuit available. Sense0 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 0 and 1 if enabled, and Sense1 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 2 and 3. The sense input circuits can be used to notify the MPRR of train presence and are designed to be connected to a free-of-voltage dry contact. The tag lock output circuit is a single-pole, double-throw relay that provides a normally closed and normally open dry contact. The relay contact is rated at 42.2V AC peak (30 Vrms) or 60V DC at 1 A maximum. If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an isolation transformer is required.

Sense Input Circuits

The MPRR supports two sense inputs – sense input0 and sense input1 – which require two sense input lines (SENSEx and GND) for each loop sense or a total of four sense input connections. Sense input0 is the presence detection and is used to control RF

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

power. As shown in Figure 4-4, the sense inputs are wired through the reader DB15 connector. The MPRR expects the sense input0 circuit to close when a railcar is present (on the track with antennas connected to ports 0 and 1). Sense1 must be closed when a railcar is present on the track connected to antenna ports 2 and 3. The minimum presence true period is fixed at 0 ms, which indicates that no delay occurs in closing the circuit when a railcar is present.

Sense Output Circuit

The sense output is dedicated for testing and set up of the reader. It is defined as

the TAG_LOCK signal, which indicates a valid tag is in the read field.

This sense output is a dry contact that provides a normally open and normally closed sense output. The relay contacts are rated at 42.2V AC peak (30 V

1 A maximum. If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an isolation transformer is required.

Marking the Read Zone

) or 60V DC at

rms

Caution

Be sure to follow all applicable rail safety regulations when marking the read zone.

The area where the MPRR reads tags at the current RF range is called the read zone. The antenna pattern, or read zone, of the MPRR would look roughly like a pearshaped balloon if you were able to see it. When installing the MPRR, you should first mark the unit’ s read zone using the RF range set at the fact ory-default maxi mum. You can later adjust the read zone using the techniques discussed in “Fine-Tuning and Ver-

ifying the Read Zone” on page 8-18.

If two MPRRs are installed near each other, TransCore recommends that you fine-tune each reader for the ideal read zone before connecting it permanently to sense input/ sense output and communications cables. A minimum of 2 MHz frequency separation and 40 feet (12.2 m) of antenna separation between the two adjacent readers is required for correct operation.

Required Materials

You need the following materials to mark the read zone:

• Test tags, supplied by the TransCore dealer or distributor

To mark the read zone

1. Confirm that you have correctly connected the power supply/communications cable as described in this chapter.

4-10

2. Start the terminal emulation application Microsoft HyperTerminal by selecting

Programs>Accessories>Communications>HyperTerminal and press ENTER.

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

3. In the HyperTerminal dialog boxes choose the com port to which the communications interface is attached and set the properties as:

• Bits per second: 9600 baud

• Data bits: 8

• Parity: none

• Stop bits: 1

• Flow control: none

4. Cycle the power on the MPRR and ensure that the sign-on message displays.

5. Input the commands listed in Table 4-2.

Table 4-2 Commands for Testing

Entry Reader Response Notes

#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Switches MPRR to command mode

#647XXX #Done <CR/LF > Sets frequency #6401 #Done <CR/LF> Turns on RF

#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF> Returns MPRR to data

You can now connect the outer marks to draw the outer boundary of the read zone.

Figure 4-5 is a view of a sample read zone. The outer X marks show the outside

edges of the read zone.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

4-12

Figure 4-5 Sample Read Zone Marking Pattern

6. Place the MPRR in single-antenna operation using the antenna of interest. Standing at the edge of the rail sleepers closest to the antenna walk the test tag along the track to determine the farthest read point in both directions (see D in

Figure 4-5). Record the distance.

7. In a multiple track installation, walk the tag toward the adjacent track in a line with the antenna (see Figure 4-5) to determine whether the MPRR reads tags from the adjacent track. Record that distance (Y). If the MPRR reads tags on the adjacent track, reduce the range control value, or increase RF attenuation until the MPRR cannot read tags on the adjacent track.

General Software Inform ation

This chapter provides software-related information for the Multiprotocol Rail

Reader (MPRR) System.

This chapter presents various software-related topics arranged in alphabetical order by subject. In addition to this chapter, see Chapter 6, “Communications Protocols,” and Chapter 7, “Commands,” for more information.

Command Entry Conventions

All MPRR commands are preceded by the start-of-message character (#). The end-ofmessage sequence expected from the host is a carriage return (CR). The MPRR terminates messages with a return and a line-feed (CR/LF). For example, the command

#01 Switch To Command Mode is typed as follows:

#01<ENTER>

where <ENTER> is the Enter or Return key.

Chapter 5

Some command characters may be represented by the letter N. This letter indicates you are to supply a value. Maximum valid entries are the numbers 0 through 9 and the uppercase letters A through F. These letters allow for as many as 16 available user responses and are based on the hexadecimal numbering system.

Commands have at least two characters following the # character. Table 5-1 shows the basic structure of a four-character command.

Table 5-1 Four-Character Command Structure

#1005 Set Baud Rate To 9600 Baud

# All commands are preceded by the # character. 1 Indicates the command group. This command is in Group 1-

Communications Port Control.

0 Indicates the command subgroup. In this example, all commands with

a second digit of 0 apply to the main port.

0 The command digit. In this exa mple, the 0 indicates t hat this command

affects the baud rate.

5 Indicates the setting. Normally this is a variable and is usually a

hexadecimal value from 0 through F. In this example, 5 sets the baud rate to 9600, the factory setting. In some commands, this digit may be a four-place hexadecimal string or a character string.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Command Response Conventions

Like the MPRR commands, responses are preceded by the # character. Many MPRR commands respond with #Done or #Error indicating the command was or was not recognized and completed. Other commands respond with a four-character identifier followed by one or more values.

Table 5-2 shows an example of a command/reply sequence. This example assumes

that an MPRR with serial number SN97001P running version X.XX software is connected to a PC running a terminal emulation software package such as Windows Hyper Terminal or Procomm Plus. The command sequence verifies that communications are working correctly.

Table 5-2 Sample Command Sequence

Entry MPRR Response Notes

#01 <CR> #Done <CR/LF>

#505 <CR> #Model E4 Series Ver X.XX

SN08001P <CR/LF>

#00 <CR> #Done <CR/LF>

In command discussions, MPRR response characters may be shown in brackets < >. The use of brackets indicates that the response is a value in the range of characters. The brackets are not part of the response. For example, the response to command #520 Display Power Fail Bit is either a 0 or a 1. In the command discussion, the response is shown as:

#PWRB <0-1>

with actual MPRR response being one of the following:

#PWRB 0 #PWRB 1

In this example, PWRB is the four-character identifier for power fail bit, and the 0 or 1 is the value. All spaces shown in the response are actual spaces sent from the MPRR. In this example, one space is between the letter B and the number.

Switches MPRR to command mode.

Reports the software version and serial number.

Returns MPRR to data mode.

Operating Parameters

The MPRRs maintain their operating parameters in non-volatile memory (NVRAM) so that the parameters are preserved after a power-down sequence.

5-4

Power Fail

The system maintains a power fail flag. The host transmits command #520 Display Power Fail Bit to determine if a power down has occurred. This flag is cleared by both command #63 Reset Reader and command #65 Reset Power Fail Bit.

Program Download

Program download stores the MPRR applications software into the reader’s flash memory. Program download is used to install program upgrades, add features, and to recover from corrupted program data.

Note: Program download is a host ed pr ocess. Exercise caution so that you don’t inadvertently enter download mode.

Download Considerations

You should consider the following factors when performing program download:

General Software Information

Startup

• The MPRR does not process tags while in download mode.

• The MPRR does not accept any program data unless a successful erase of flash

memory has been performed before transmitting the data. Erasing the flash memory typically takes two seconds.

• Exiting from download mode re-executes startup. If the new software has been

loaded without errors, the MPRR comes up in data mode. If a flash checksum error is detected, the MPRR reenters download mode and transmits a sign-on message with a boot version of 0.00x and without a serial number.

Note: The MPRR uses default communications parameters when operating in download mode not echo commands.

– 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, basic protocol – and does

Download Procedures

If TransCore releases a new version of the MPRR software or if the MPRR seems not to be working properly, you may need to download the software to the MPRR. Contact technical support or your TransCore MPRR sales representative.

Upon startup, MPRR transmits a sign-on message or a boot ROM failure message.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Sign-On Message

If startup is successful, the sign-on message appears as follows:

Model E4 Series [software version] SNYYYYYY [Copyright notice]

where YYYYYY is the serial number assigned to the MPRR unit being used. Serial number 000000 is the default setting and is not a valid number. If this number

appears in the sign-on message, the serial number has never been stored into reader memory. The serial number must be assigned by factory-authorized personnel using command #695S...S Set Serial Number. Because only six digits are allowed in the software, when setting the serial number skip the fourth (middle) digit of the seven-digit number shown on the reader label.

If the flash memory checksum does not indicate verification, the sign-on message appears as follows:

Model [E4] Ver 0.00x

[Copyright notice]

Boot Failure Message

The software performs a checksum function on itself. The function returns a specific value for the particular version of software. If the value returned is not correct, the boot ROM checksum assumes that locations have been corrupted and a failure condition exists. If the boot ROM checksum is not correct, a boot failure message is transmitted. If the failure message does not transmit, a communications error has occurred or the boot failed to the extent that it cannot transmit the failure message.

If the failure message version number equals 0.00 and no serial number exists, the flash memory checksum has failed, and the MPRR is operating out of boot ROM. In this case, the MPRR automatically enters download mode and waits for a new program to be loaded into the flash memory. Follow the instructions in “Program Down-

load” on page 5-5 to download a new program.

Tag/Message Buffer

In basic communication protocol, the MPRR does not provide tag memory storage beyond the quantity required for uniqueness checking. This feature allows adequate buffering of tag data under normal operating conditions. The MPRR cannot operate as a stand-alone component. When the buffer fills, subsequent tag IDs will be lost.

In error correcting protocol (ECP), a buffer of up to three additional tag reads will be held in case a host system is unable to acknowledge tag reads in real time.

5-6

Communications Protocols

Introduction

Chapter 6

Communications Protocols

This chapter describes the communications protocols for the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR).

The MPRR supports the following communications protocols:

• Basic

• Error correcting protocol (ECP)

The following protocol information provides reference information relevant to developing host software.

Communications are performed using the 7-bit ASCII code with optional parity, thus providing easy setup, testing, and diagnostics with standard ASCII terminals and serial printers. Parity must be enabled to achieve the specified undetected error rate.

Each message is framed within the start-of-message (som) and end-of-message (eom) characters so that the host computer can detect the beginning and end of each message. This convention is most important under marginal communications conditions during which the host may receive extraneous noise-induced characters between reader transmissions. In such instances, the host is capable of ignoring any messages that do not conform to the som...eom frame sequence.

Both data mode and command mode require a two-way message interchange is when using ECP. This interchange is completed by the message recipient returning a message acknowledgement to the message sender.

With ECP, all transmissions require a message. If a message is not received, the sender will time out with the same effect as if it had received a negative acknowledgment (from the host) or an Error message from the MPRR.

Software (XON/XOFF) flow control is optionally supported. Be careful in the use of XON/XOFF since noise-induced characters may be interpreted by the MPRR as the XOFF character , which would suspend re ader output without information reaching the host computer. For more information see “Software Flow Control” on page 8-18.

Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF flow control be disabled while using ECP.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Basic Protocol

With basic protocol, messages sent to and from the MPRR and the host are transmitted without error checking. For each host transmission, the MPRR returns a Done

Error

When the host computer is physically close to the MPRR and no sources of interference exist, the basic protocol provides reliable communications.

The host must be ready to receive reader-transmitted messages because in basic protocol the MPRR does not wait for the host to acknowledge a message before transmitting the next message. If necessary, the host may halt reader transmissions by using software or hardware flow control. Refer to Chapter 8 for flow control information.

message to the host.

Error Correcting Protocol

When the quality of data communications is imperative or may be suspect, you can invoke ECP to ensure the integrity of data transmitted between the MPRR and the host.

Note: TransCo r e r ecommends that basic pr otocol (n ot ECP) be used when commands are entered manually at the keyboard.

Error correction is accomplished with the use of a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) value that is based on the message data. The originator (reader or host) calculates the CRC value of a message and includes it in the transmitted message.

The recipient (reader or host) also calculates a CRC value for the received message. If the transmitted message data is correct, the CRC value calculated by the recipient will agree with the CRC value calculated by the originator. If the CRC values do not agree, the recipient rejects the message.

Message sequence numbers are also included when using ECP. These sequence numbers are checked to determine if the message received has the correct sequence number; if not, the recipient rejects the message.

Since the seven-bit ASCII code is used and there are eight data bits per character, the eighth bit can optionally be used to support parity. Where parity is selected, the CRC value calculation includes the parity of each character in the calculation of the CRC value.

Parity is required to achieve the most reliable communications. If parity is enabled, both the MPRR and the host must issue a message if any received character has a parity error. However, the message must not be transmitted before receipt of the eom character. In this case, the MPRR will issue an Error message, and the host computer will issue a negative acknowledgment message.

6-4

Basic Protocol and ECP Format

Note: In the following text, the symbols < and > are used to represent required variable message data, and the symbols [and] are used to represent optional data. These symbols are not part of the message syntax.

Reader Transmissions

The basic protocol format and the data inquiry protocol format are as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character)

Communications Protocols

<seq> Sequence number (ASCII hex) that represents an even number in

the range 0–9, A–F (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, A, C, E). The MPRR maintains the number. The host must acknowledge reader transmissions by sending an ACK message with the same sequence number received from the MPRR. The MPRR updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid host ACK. If an ACK is not received, the MPRR retransmits the message. A reader transmission sequence is not considered complete until the MPRR receives an ACK and updates its sequence number.

<data> An ASCII string up to 72 characters long. This string may contain

tag data, a presence without tag report; an input status change report; an Error06, Error07, Error08, message; or a sign-on message. Auxiliary data may also be included.

<crc> Field containing four ASCII digits that represent the 16-bit CRC

value calculated on the message. The CRC value is calculated on bytes between the som character and the first <crc> byte.

When the host receives a properly framed message, it can calculate a 16-bit CRC value. The calculation is applied to the character string that immediately follows the <som> and that ends with the character immediately preceding the first <crc> character.

or Error11

The transmitted CRC value can then be compared with the binary equivalent of the received <crc> characters. If the transmitted and received CRC values do not match, the recipient assumes the

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

<eom> End-of-message characters (ASCII CR and LF). The system

ECP Host ACK/NAK Response

With ECP, the host computer responds to all data message transmissions from the MPRR using the following acknowledgment or negative acknowledgment response format.

where

message was received in error, and transmits a NAK message response.

includes both a carriage return (CR) and line feed (LF) to facilitate the use of terminals and printers.

If the host receives a <som> character in the middle of a data message, the message in progress is aborted. The assumption is that an <eom> was lost and the MPRR is in the process of retransmitting the previous message.

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character) <seq> An echo of the sequence number received from the MPRR. The

sequence number should correspond to the data message that is being positively or negatively acknowledged by the host. If the MPRR receives an ACK message with the incorrect sequence number, the data message is retransmitted.

The host computer resets the anticipated data message sequence number to that of the MPRR before communications can resume without error.

<ack/nak> ASCII @ character for ACK response; ASCII ? character for NAK

response

<crc> CRC value for the message <eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)

The MPRR sets a user-programmable timeout delay at the time each message is transmitted based on command #612NN Set Error Correcting Protocol Timeout, where NN = timeout delay. To disable the timeout delay for diagnostic purposes, issue the command #612FF Disable Error Correcting Protocol Timeout.

If the timeout delay expires before the MPRR receives an ACK the host, a logical NAK condition will be declared. If the MPRR receives a NAK or timeout, the reader retransmits the data message.

or NAK message from

6-6

When the MPRR receives an ACK message, the system software treats the message as having been properly received by the host. The software increments the sequence

Communications Protocols

number, and advances pointers to the next message in the MPRR’s message queue to prepare for sending the next message.

Switch to Command Mode Request

The host computer may issue command #01 Switch to Command Mode while in data mode.

The basic protocol format is as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character) <seq> Sequence number generated by the host computer separately

from that appearing in data messages transmitted by the MPRR

<cmd> Switch to command mode (ASCII characters 01) <crc> CRC value for the message <eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)

Host Transmission

The host computer initiates synchronous communications between the MPRR and the host. The host begins a sequence by issuing a command; the MPRR responds accordingly.

The basic protocol format is as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character) <seq> Sequence number (ASCII hex digit) that represents an odd

number in the range 0–9, A–F (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, B, D, F). The host should use odd sequence numbers in its command since the MPRR uses even sequence numbers in its transmissions. This method eliminates the possibility of a synchronous host command and an asynchronous reader transmission having the same sequence number.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

<cmd> Command code, a string that contains from two to four ASCII

[<data>] Optional data field, an ASCII string of as many as 20 characters

<crc> CRC value for the message

Upon receiving a host command, the MPRR echoes the command’s sequence number in its response. Therefore, the host computer updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid reader message. If the sequence number is not updated before transmission of the next command, the MPRR will not service the new command; it will retransmit its previous message. A command/message sequence is not complete until the host updates its sequence number.

hex characters

in length. For example, the store hardware co nfiguration string command is #696S...S or command #696 Store Hardware Configuration String followed by the data string S...S.

<eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR)

Reader Command Response

The basic protocol format is

The ECP format is

where

<som> Start-of-message (ASCII # character) <seq> Echo of sequence number received in host command message <resp> Response string. The MPRR returns

ASCII string depending on the host transmission. This string can be up to 72 characters long.

<crc> CRC value for the message <eom> End-of-message character (ASCII CR and LF)

Done, Error, or another

6-8

Sample Messages

This section contains examples of typical messages transmitted between the MPRR and the host computer.

Reader Transmissions

Basic protocol reader transmission

#KING 1302<eom>

Host response

No host response for non-ECP

ECP reader transmission

#4KING 1302 <crc><eom>

where

# Start-of-message character 4 Message sequence number

KING 1302 Message data: Tag ID is shown.

Other sample message data could be as follows: IOST C0 O2 I0 D24 (display I/O status) Error06 (frequency not set)

Communications Protocols

<crc> CRC value for the message <eom> End-of-message character

Host response

#4@<crc><eom>

where

# Start-of-message character 4 Message sequence number @ ACK (acknowledgment character)

(? returned for a negative acknowledgment)

<crc> CRC value for the message <eom> End-of-message character

Host Command Transmissions

Basic protocol host transmission

#647XXX<eom>

Reader response

#Done<eom> or #Error<eom>

#Error<eom> is returned if the host transmission is not a legal command with legal

data.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

ECP host transmission

#7647XXX<crc><eom>

where

# Start-of-message character 7 Message sequence number 647XXX Select RF Operating Frequency command where

647XXX is the command and XXX is a hexadecimal value from 000 to 118. In this example, XXX sets the RF frequency to 903 MHz.

<crc> CRC

value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character Done Command has been invoked by the MPRR

Reader response

#7Done<crc><eom> or #7Error<eom>

For some commands, the MPRR responds with data that relates to the command, such as T0F 0, to indicate (TBD) mode enabled for a #XXX Display (TBD) Mode Status command.

#7Error<eom> will be returned if host transmission is not a legal command with legal data.

Timing and Synchronization

The ECP is largely independent of baud rate. The timeout delays previously described are a function of baud rate.

The MPRR supports an ECP timeout, which applies equally to both transmit and receive.

6-10

The receiver’s minimum timeout delay equals the time to transmit/receive the longest anticipated message at the current baud rate setting. Additional margin should be included for idle periods between characters; for example, processing overhead, if any. The timeout delay period can be expressed as follows:

rec (ms) = L x [Τchar + Τidle]

where

char (ms) 1000 x [ B

c Bits per character, typically 10

/ Rb ]

Communications Protocols

b Baud rate, 1200–38.4 K

R L Length of message in characters

idle Maximum idle period between characters (ms)

Note: The MPRR supports baud rates between 1200 and 38.4 K.

Likewise, the sender must set a timeout delay equal to the delay of nine characters at the current baud rate setting. For example, the time required to shift out the <eom> character plus the time to shift in the ACK or NAK message to be received plus a processing allowance for the receiver to process the message and check for error conditions.

Thus, the sending timeout delay can be expressed as follows:

send (ms) = 9 * Τchar + Τerrchk

where

errckh (ms) Processing period to perform error checking by receiver

The host computer can remotely set the MPRR’s communications parameters whi le in the command mode, but TransCore does not recommend this action if communications conditions are marginal.

After the MPRR receives new communications parameters, the MPRR issues the Done message and switches to the new configuration immediately. The host computer switches its communications parameters immediately after the transaction is complete.

As noted, the message

initiator , such as the MPRR in da ta mode and the host computer

in command mode, starts a timeout counter at the time a message is transmitted. If the timeout expires before receiving an acknowledgement message, a logical NAK condition is declared, and the initiator assumes the message was received in error. In this instance, the message is retransmitted until an acknowledgement message is received.

The message recipient, such as the host computer in data mode and the MPRR in command mode, starts a timeout counter when a <som> character is received. If the timeout expires without the receipt of an <eom>, the message acquisition is aborted (reset), and the receiver waits for the next <som> character.

If the message recipient receives a second <som> character before an <eom> character, the message acquisition is aborted (reset), and retransmission of the previous message is assumed to be underway.

These strategies allow for recovery during periods when communications are marginal or completely lost.

Note: It is important that the host computer limit the period during which the MPRR remains in command mode to avoid losing tag IDs. RF is off in command mode and no tags can be read.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Reader-Addressed Failure Conditions

The MPRR addresses the following failure conditions.

Illegal Sequence Number (not in the range 0–9, A–F)

If the MPRR detects an illegal sequence number in a host command message, it discards the received message and sends no response. If it receives an illegal sequence number in an ACK the data.

Wrong Sequence Number

If the MPRR receives the wrong sequence number in an ACK message, it responds as

NAK had been received, and it retransmits the data.

if a

Incorrect CRC

If the MPRR detects an incorrect CRC value in a host command message, it discards the received message. No response is sent. If it receives an incorrect CRC value in an ACK message, it responds as if a NAK had been received, and it retransmits the data.

message, it responds as if a NAK had been received and retrans mits

Illegal Command

If the MPRR receives an illegal command, it returns its standard Error message.

Transmission Timeout

If the MPRR transmits an asynchronous message and the host does not send an ACK before the ECP timeout occurs, the MPRR retransmits the message.

Receive Timeout

If the MPRR receives a <som> but does not receive a matching <eom> before the ECP timeout occurs, it discards the incomplete message and resets its receiver.

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision

If the MPRR transmits asynchronous data at the same time that the host sends a command, the MPRR gives priority to receiving the command. It processes the command and sends a message before it retransmits the asynchronous data.

Host-Addressed Failure Conditions

The host computer addresses the following failure conditions.

Illegal or Wrong Sequence Number

If the host detects an illegal or wrong sequence number in a reader response, it retransmits the command with the same sequence number. If the host detects an illegal sequence number in an asynchronous reader transmission, it sends a NAK

message.

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Communications Protocols

Incorrect CRC

If the host detects an incorrect CRC value in a reader message, it retransmits the command with the same sequence number. If the host detects an incorrect CRC value in an asynchronous reader transmission, it transmits a NAK

message.

Transmission Timeout

If the MPRR does not respond to a host command within a specified interval, the host software retransmits the command with the same sequence number.

Receive Timeout

If the host receives a <som> but does not receive a matching <eom> within a specified timeout interval, it discards the incomplete message and resets its receiver.

Asynchronous Message/Command Message Collision

If the host receives an asynchronous reader transmission at the same time it transmits a command, it ignores the asynchronous message and waits for the MPRR’s response. The MPRR retransmits asynchronous data after it transmits the command message.

ECP Reliability

An undetected error is defined as a message having incorrect data or status but no parity or CRC errors. An error transaction is defined as a message having either a parity or CRC error. Laboratory testing indicates an undetected error rate of less than one undetected error per 1,000,000 error transactions with parity enabled.

To ensure this error rate is not exceeded, the host must enable parity and adhere closely to the timing specifications discussed previously in this chapter in the “Timing and Synchronization” section.

CRC Calculation

The CRC used by the ECP is based on a 16-bit algorithm. The algorithm, as implemented, operates on eight-bit characters, for example, seven-bit ASCII character plus one optional parity bit. The 16-bit result is converted to four ASCII hex characters and is appended to messages transmitted by the MPRR.

The MPRR accepts four ASCII < ` > characters (60 hex) as a wild card CRC value in lieu of a valid four-character CRC value to facilitate testing and diagnostic checkout.

The MPRR implements the algorithm with a 512-byte lookup table to reduce the processing overhead requirements.

To simplify the implementation of the CRC algorithm by host software developers, several examples of the calculation are provided in C source code on the following pages. The calculation may be performed with or without a lookup table, depending on the trade-off between code memory and processing overhead.

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

Example 1 presents an example of a function (CALCCRC) that calculates the CRC value through a call to a separate function (UPDCRC).

Example 2 shows an example of UPDCRC that does not require a lookup table.

unsigned short calccrc(char *message) { unsigned short crc = 0; for ( ; *message != (char)0;message++) crc = updcrc(*message & 0xff, crc); return (crc) }

#define BITS_PER_CHAR 8 unsigned short updcrc (unsigned short ch, unsigned short crc) {

register short counter = BITS_PER_CHAR; register short temp = crc; while (--counter >= 0) if (temp & 0x8000) { temp <<= 1; temp += (((ch <<= 1) & 0x0100) != 0); temp ^= 0x1021; } else { temp <<= 1; temp += (((ch <<= 1) & 0x0100) != 0); } return(temp);

}

Example 3 contains an example of UPDCRC that does require a lookup table.

#define updcrc(cp, crc)( crctab[((crc >> 8) & 255)]^ (crc << 8) ^ cp

static unsigned short crctab [256] = { 0x0000, 0x1021, 0x2042, 0x3063, 0x4048, 0x50a5, 0x60c6, 0x70e7,

0x8108, 0x9129, 0xa14a, 0xb16b, 0xc18c, 0xd1ad, 0xe1ce, 0xf1ef, 0x1231, 0x0210, 0x3273, 0x2252, 0x52b5, 0x4294, 0x72f7, 0x62d6, 0x9339, 0x8318, 0xb37b, 0xa35a, 0xd3bd, 0xc39c, 0xf3ff, 0xe3de, 0x2462, 0x3443, 0x0420, 0x1401, 0x64e6, 0x74c7, 0x44a4, 0x5485, 0xa56a, 0xb54b, 0x8528, 0x9509, 0xe5ee, 0xf5cf, 0xc5ac, 0xd58d,

6-14

Communications Protocols

0x3653, 0x2672, 0x1611, 0x0630, 0x76d7, 0x66f6, 0x5695, 0x46b4, 0xb75b, 0xa77a, 0x9719, 0x8738, 0xf7df, 0xe7fe, 0xd79d, 0xc7bc, 0x48c4, 0x58e5, 0x6886, 0x78a7, 0x0840, 0x1861, 0x2802, 0x3823, 0xc9cc, 0xd9ed, 0xe98e, 0xf9af, 0x8948, 0x9969, 0xa90a, 0xb92b, 0x5af5, 0x4ad4, 0x7ab7, 0x6a96, 0x1a71, 0x0a50, 0x3a33, 0x2a12, 0xdbfd, 0xcbdc, 0xfbbf, 0xeb9e, 0x9b79, 0x8b58, 0xbb3b, 0xab1a, 0x6ca6, 0x7c87, 0x4ce4, 0x5cc5, 0x2c22, 0x3c03, 0x0c60, 0x1c41, 0xedae, 0xfd8f, 0xcdec, 0xddcd, 0xad2a, 0xbd0b, 0x8d68, 0x9d49, 0x7e97, 0x6eb6, 0x5ed5, 0x4ef4, 0x3e13, 0x2e32, 0x1e51, 0x0e70, 0xff9f, 0xefbe, 0xdfdd, 0xcffc, 0xbf1b, 0xaf3a, 0x9f59, 0x8f78, 0x9188, 0x81a9, 0xb1ca, 0xa1eb, 0xd10c, 0xc12d, 0xf14e, 0xe16f, 0x1080, 0x00a1, 0x30c2, 0x20e3, 0x5004, 0x4025, 0x7046, 0x6067, 0x83b9, 0x9398, 0xa3fb, 0xb3da, 0xc33d, 0xd31c, 0xe37f, 0xf35e, 0x02b1, 0x1290, 0x22f3, 0x32d2, 0x4235, 0x5214, 0x6277, 0x7256, 0xb5ea, 0xa5cb, 0x95a8, 0x8589, 0xf56e, 0xe54f, 0xd52c, 0xc50d, 0x34e2, 0x24c3, 0x14a0, 0x0481, 0x7466, 0x6447, 0x5424, 0x4405, 0xa7db, 0xb7fa, 0x8799, 0x97b8, 0xe75f, 0xf77e, 0xc71d, 0xd73c, 0x26d3, 0x36f2, 0x0691, 0x16b0, 0x6657, 0x7676, 0x4615, 0x5634, 0xd94c, 0xc96d, 0xf90e, 0xe92f, 0x99c8, 0x89e9, 0xb98a, 0xa9ab, 0x5844, 0x4865, 0x7806, 0x6827, 0x18c0, 0x08e1, 0x3882, 0x28a3, 0xcb7d, 0xdb5c, 0xeb3f, 0xfb1e, 0x8bf9, 0x9bd8, 0xabbb, 0xbb9a, 0x4a75, 0x5a54, 0x6a37, 0x7a16, 0x0af1, 0x1ad0, 0x2ab3, 0x3a92, 0xfd2e, 0xed0f, 0xdd6c, 0xcd4d, 0xbdaa, 0xad8b, 0x9de8, 0x8dc9, 0x7c26, 0x6c07, 0x5c64, 0x4c45, 0x3ca2, 0x2c83, 0x1ce0, 0x0cc1, 0xef1f, 0xff3e, 0xcf5d, 0xdf7c, 0xaf9b, 0xbfba, 0x8fd9, 0x9ff8, 0x6e17, 0x7e36, 0x4e55, 0x5e74, 0x2e93, 0x3eb2, 0x0ed1, 0x1ef0, };

Example 4 shows an example of a function that creates the lookup table.

#include <stdio.h> #define MAX_CHAR 256

#define BITS_CHAR 8 #define SIGN_BIT 0x8000 #define POLY 0x1021 unsigned short crctab [MAX_CHAR]; main ()

{ unsigned short ch; unsigned short workval; unsigned short bit;

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

unsigned short carry; for (ch = 0; ch != MAX_CHAR; ch++) { workval = ch << BITS_CHAR; for (bit = BITS_CHAR; bit != 0; bit--) { carry = (workval & SIGN_BIT); workval <<= 1; if (carry) workval ^= POLY; } crctab[ch] = workval;

} for (ch = 0; ch != MAX_CHAR; ch++) printf("0x%04x\n", crctab[ch]); }

Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance

Under certain conditions, communications between the host and MPRR may be lost temporarily and maintenance may be required. The reader or host is sending out a message and waiting for an acknowledgment. When the acknowledgment is not received, the message is sent again. Additional messages are also buffered. Often the first indication that the MPRR software is in an ECP “loop” is when the user/technician sees a recurring display of the same message repeated over and over again on the monitor. The procedure described in the following paragraphs enables the maintenance technician to change configuration or test tag reading manually.

Assuming that the ECP timeout is at the factory default of 12.7 seconds (o r other value that allows enough time for the co mmands to be manually entered) the following command sequence may be used to break out of an ECP loop. This command sequence uses four ASCII < ` > characters (60 hex) as wild card CRC values.

Note: The ASCII <`> character (60 hex) is commonly located on the ~ key.

You must acknowledge existing messages by issuing commands with the generic format:

#x@‘‘‘‘<eom>

where

# Start-of-message character

6-16

x Message sequence number. This must be the same as the

sequence number of the message being acknowledged

@ ACK (acknowledgment character) <‘‘‘‘> Wild card CRC value for the message <eom> End-of-message character

Communications Protocols

The following is a typical sequence after power-on limiting buffered messages.

Note: Ensure that no tags are in the field when you are performing this troubleshooting procedure.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRR, ensure that you have connected the antenna or a dummy load to the reader before applying power to the reader.

Reader transmission on power-up:

#0 Model …. SN <crc><eom>

Manually enter: #101‘‘‘‘<eom> this puts reader into command mo de Reader response: #1Done<crc><eom> Manually enter: #3610‘‘‘‘<eom> this puts reader into basic protocol,

disabling ECP reader response: Done Enter any other desired diagnostic or directive commands in basic protocol. After

maintenance is complete enter the command:

#00 to return the reader to data mode or

#611 to return to error correcting protocol,

and then either cycle power or issue #100````<eom> command to return reader to data mode

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Multiprotocol Rail Reader System Guide

6-18

Commands

This chapter discusses the host-transmitted commands that are used to control the Multiprotocol Rail Reader (MPRR) configuration and operation.

Introduction

The MPRR is delivered from the factory with specified default settings that determine how the reader operates. Commands transmitted by the host computer can change the default settings and control additional features. The commands can be transmitted by manually entering the commands at the host keyboard if the host is in terminal emulation mode. The MPRR can also communicate with ASCII terminals.

Operating Modes

The MPRR has three modes of operation: data mode, command mode, and download mode. The software for the MPRR contains two separate programs — boot and application. The boot program has control of the MPRR on startup and when operating in download mode. The application program has control of the MPRR during data mode and command mode operation and holds the application code. Together, they control the MPRR in the three modes of operation.

Chapter 7

Commands

Data Mode

The MPRR is in the data mode upon power-up. While in the data mode, the MPRR sends all communications as data messages, such as tag IDs and reports, to the host computer. Reports provide information on input status changes (input0 and input1), a presence without tag report, and buffer overflow information. The host computer can send only two commands to the MPRR while in data mode:

• Command #01 Switch To Command Mode changes the MPRR from the data

mode to the command mode. See “01 Switch to Command Mode” on page 7-5.

Note: The MPRR transmits ID codes to the host computer when the MPRR is in data mode. If the MPRR remains in the command mode with tags passing through the read zone, all tag IDs are not reported.

Command Mode

While the MPRR is in the command mode, the host computer sends commands to the MPRR that can be used to control the operation and configuration of the reader. After the MPRR receives a command, it transmits a command response message. Typically,

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

the command message contains Error, Done, or data relating specifically to the command request. These messages may be of variable length since some commands require information as part of the message; for example, Display ATA Mode St atus.

Communications can be lost if the host computer attempts to send certain commands under marginal communications conditions. For example, if the host computer transmits the command request to change the baud rate and the MPRR properly receives the request and transmits the occur:

• If the host computer receives the Done message, then both the host and the

MPRR switch to the new baud rate, and communications are maintained.

Note: In many applications, the host must be set to the new baud rate as it will not change automatically.

Note: The MPRR changes the baud rate immediately after issuing the Done message.

• However, if the host does not receive the Done message transmitted by the

MPRR, the host assumes that the command was not properly sent and does not switch to the new baud rate, causing a loss of communications.

Done message, one of the two following conditions may

Caution

The host computer should not attempt to change communications parameters or protocols during marginal communications conditions; otherwise, a loss of communications can result.

Download Mode

In download mode, the MPRR allows the host to download new software. While in download mode, the reader communications port parameters are fixed at the

following factory-default settings: 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, software flow control (XON/XOFF), basic protocol.

While in download mode, the MPRR turns RF off, does not process tags, and does not echo host commands.

Command List

Reader commands are divided into groups based on primary fun ction. The following sections provide information about each command in command number order. Refer to Appendix D for listings of commands in numerical and alphabetical order.

In the following text, the symbols < and > represent variable message data. These symbols are not part of the message syntax.

7-4

Hex digits (0–9, A–F) in either uppercase or lowercase characters may be used in data strings and for hex digits A–F.

Commands

Reader Mode Control — Command Group 0

Group 0 commands control reader mode. The mode determines whether the reader is transmitting data to or receiving data from a host computer or terminal.

00 Switch to Data Mode (Factory Default)

Command #00 switches the reader to data mode, which allows the reader to transmit tag data (ID codes) to the host. The reader enters data mode on power up.

While operating in data mode, the reader accepts the following commands:

• Command #01 Switch to Command Mode

Reader response:

Done

01 Switch to Command Mode

Command #01 switches the reader to command mode, which allows the reader to accept commands from a host or terminal. While in command mode, the reader turns RF off and does not acquire tags.

Reader response:

Done

Communications Port Control — Command Group 1

Group 1 commands configure the parameters used by the MPRR to communicate with a host computer or terminal. These commands set baud rate, stop bits, parity, and endof-line delay.

100N Select Baud Rate

Command #100N selects the reader baud rate. The factory-default setting is 9600 baud. The N variable specifies the baud rate shown in Table 7-1.

Table 7-1 Select Baud Rate Commands

Command Baud Rate Selected

1002 1200 1003 2400 1004 4800 1005 9600 (factory default) 1006 19.2 K 1007 38.4 K

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

Caution

If ECP is enabled, ensure that the ECP timeout is sufficient for the new baud rate.

Reader response:

Done

101N Select Stop Bits

Command #101N selects the number of stop bits for reader character transmission. The factory default setting is 1 stop bit. The N variable specifies the number of stop bits as indicated in Table 7-2.

Table 7-2 Select Stop Bits Commands

1010 1 (factory default) 1011 2

Command Stop Bits Selected

Reader response:

Done

102N Select Parity

Command #102N selects the reader parity setting. The factory-default setting is parity disabled. The

Table 7-3 Select Parity Commands

Command Data Bits Parity Selected

1020 8 Disable parity (factory default)

1021 7 Select even parity 1022 7 Select odd parity

N variable specifies parity as shown in Table 7-3.

Reader response:

Done

Command Group 2

Group 2 commands control the real-time clock which maintains the MPRR internal time and date. This time and date can be appended to IDs, error messages, and sensor input reports. An internal battery supports the clock, so time and date are preserved if main power is lost.

7-6

20 Set Time

Command #20 sets the time. Enter the time in the proper format: two-digit decimal entries with no spaces between characters and using colons as delimiters.

Commands

The entry format is as follows:

20HH:MM:SS or 20HH:MM:SS:hh

where

HH represents hours (00 to 23). MM represents minutes (00 to 59). SS represents seconds (00 to 59). hh represents hundredths of a second (00 to 99). : is the time delimiter.

If hundredths of a second is not specified, the reader sets the hundredths register to 00. Reader response:

Done

21 Set Date

Command #21 sets the date. Enter the date in the proper format: two-digit decimal entries with no spaces between characters and using forward slashes “/” as delimiters. The entry format is as follows:

21MM/DD/YY

where

MM represents the month (01 to 12). DD represents the day (01 to 31). YY represents the last two digits of the year (00 to 99). / is the date delimiter.

Reader response:

Done

22 Display Time and Date

Command #22 displays the reader’s current time and date. One space separates the time and the date output.

Reader response:

HH:MM:SS.hh MM/DD/YY

where

HH represents hours. MM represents minutes. SS represents seconds. hh represents hundredths of seconds.

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

: is the time delimiter. MM represents the month. DD represents the day. YY represents the last two digits of the year. / is the date delimiter.

Append Information — Command Group 3

Group 3 commands append useful information to reader transmissions, such as IDs, error messages, and sensor input reports. Auxiliary information such as reader number, antenna number (or manual entry code), number of times the previous tag was read, and sensor input status can be appended to the ID using the Group 3 commands.

30N Append Time and Date Selection

Command #30N selects the option of appending the time and date to transmitted IDs, error messages, presence without tag reports, and input status change reports. The factory default setting is time and date appended (command #302).

The reader returns an

Error message if its tag buffer contains data. The reset reader

command #63 may be transmitted to clear the buffer; however, tag ID data will not be reported. If this is unacceptable, allow the buffer to empty before re-issuing append time and date command #30N. Append Time and Date commands are shown in Table

7-4

Table 7-4 Append Time and Date Commands

Command Append Option

300 No time and date append ed 302 Time and date appended (fac tory default)

The reader transmits messages with time and date appended as follows. One space separates the time from the date.

where

string is a tag ID, error message, or report. & separates <string> from the time and date.

HH:MM:SS is the time delimiter.

7-8

MM/DD/YY is the date delimiter. Reader response:

Done

Commands

31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection

Command #31N selects the option of appending auxiliary information to transmitted IDs, presence-without-tag reports, and input status change reports. Auxiliary information is not appended to error messages. The factory-default setting is no auxiliary information appended. The N variable specifies whether or not auxiliary information is to be appended. Append Auxiliary Information commands are sh own in Table 7-5.

Table 7-5 Append Auxiliary Information Commands

Command Append Option

310 No auxiliary information appended (factory default)

311 Auxiliary information appended

The reader transmits messages with auxiliary information appended as:

where

% separates the auxiliary information and signals the host

computer that auxiliary information is appended.

xx reader ID. Value can be set with command #60NN.

- auxiliary information delimiter y antenna number. Value fixed at 0. zz number of reads (00 to FF hexadecimal) of the previous tag q current status of input0 and input1 (0 to 3). Not applicable to the

MPRR.

Reader response:

Done

ID Filtering — Command Group 4

Group 4 commands set criteria for filtering (buffering or discarding) ID codes. These commands are useful for eliminating duplicate ID codes and selecting the type of tags read by the MPRR.

40 Transmit All ID Codes

Command #40 instructs the reader to transmit all IDs without regard for uniqueness. This command can be useful when tuning the read zone and mapping the footprint or performing diagnostics.

After diagnostics are complete, you may want to reinstate the uniqueness check using command #410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria.

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

Reader response:

Done

410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria (Anti-passback Feature)

Command #410N instructs the reader to buffer and transmit ID codes according to the following test: an ID is read if previously decoded IDs have changed value at least N+1 times since the new ID was last received. IDs that do not pass the test are not read. The factory-default setting is command #4100, which selects a separation of one ID. Variable N specifies ID separation as shown in Table 7-6.

Table 7-6 Unique ID Code Criteria

Command Uniqueness Criteria

4100 Separation of 1 ID (factory default)

4101 Separation of 2 IDs 4102 Separation of 3 IDs 4103 Separation of 4 IDs

Each time the reader receives a tag ID, it compares the ID with the contents of a comparison register. This register contains the following two items:

Item 1 Most recently acquired ID (

different from It em 2)

Item 2 Second-most recently acquired ID (different from Item 3) Item 3 Third-most recently acquired ID (

different from Item 4)

Item 4 Fourth-most recently acquired ID When the uniqueness filter is set to separation of one ID, the newly acquired ID is

transmitted only if it is different from the first item. Separation of two IDs allows transmission if the new ID is different from Items 1 and 2 in the comparison register. Separation of three and four IDs transmit the new ID only if it is different from the first three and the first four items, respectively.

Note: A new ID can fail the filter test and not be transmitted; however, it remains stored in the comparison register.

The uniqueness test has a two-minute time limit. If an ID is buffered, it will not be accepted again unless it arrives at the reader more than two minutes from the previous arrival or until the receipt of one or more other IDs reset the uniqueness.

7-10

Reader response:

Done

420N Select Valid ID Code C riteria

Command #420N directs the reader to validate an ID received only after it has been

Commands

obtained a specified number of times in sequence. Values for N are 0 through 3 (Table

7-7). The factory setting is one acquisition (N = 0).

Table 7-7 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames

Command Valid Code Frames

4200 1 (factory default)

4201 2 4202 3 4203 4

The validation procedure is executed before the unique ID test (Select Unique ID Code Criteria [#410N] commands). IDs that do not pass the validation test are not reported.

For example, command #4203 specifies that the same ID must be obtained from the antenna/RF module 4 times in succession before it is considered for the uniqueness test. This feature is useful in installations where RF reflections may cause a single tag to be read multiple times or where an occasional ID might be read from fringe areas

43 Buffer All ID Codes

Command #43 buffers all acquired ID codes. It effectively cancels any uniqueness criteria previously set by select unique ID code criteria command 410N.

Note: Command #43 is for diagnostic purposes only.

After diagnostics are complete, reset the select unique ID code criteria using command 410N.

Reader response:

Done

440 Reset Uniqueness

Command 440 causes the ID filtering process set by Select Unique ID Code Criteria (#410N) to restart. It is used in conjunction with the Variable Timeout #44N) com-

mands. This command provides a one-time reset at which point the previously set time-out interval resumes. This command can be sent in data or command mode.

44N Set Uniqueness Timeout

Places a time limit on the uniqueness criterion set by Select Unique ID Code Criteria (#410N). The parameter N sets the number of minutes on the time-out clock. The factory setting is two minutes (N = 1).

Command Time-Out Clock

#441 2 minutes (factory setting)

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

#442 #443 30 seconds

Entering these commands effectively expires the time-out clock, which erases all current IDs in the comparison register. In effect, the first ID that is acquired after the clock expires always appears to be new and is stored. Newly acquired IDs are only tested against IDs that are registered after the clock resets.

The time-out clock is continually reset (does not expire) as long as the reader receives the same tag ID. For example, assume that the time-out clock is set for 2 minutes and there is a railcar parked on a siding in front of the reader. W ithout this reset feature, the railcar’s ID would be reported every 2 minutes (each time the time-out clock expired).

15 seconds

452 Disable Tag Translation Mode (Factory Default)

Command #452 disables tag translation mode. Incoming full-frame tags will be directly converted to ASCII. They will not be translated from Association of American Railroads (AAR) and American Trucking Associations (ATA) format to ASCII.

Reader response:

Done

453 Enable Tag Translation Mode

Command #453 enables the translation of tags in AAR and ATA formats. Specific data fields, such as owner ID and car number, will be extracted from these tags, translated according to AAR or ATA standards, and converted to ASCII. Tags that are not programmed in AAR or ATA format will be directly converted to ASCII. The reader will not attempt to translate data from half-frame or dual-frame tags.

Reader response:

Done

454 Disable Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default)

Command #454 is a default set in the factory to disable the multi-tag sort function. Reader response:

Done

455 Enable Multi-tag Sort

Command #455 enables the multi-tag sort function that allows the reader to identify unique tags within a group of Intellitag-based tags. Multi-tag sort allows full operation of the tags and reader to be carried out with any number of tags in the presence of the reader.

Reader response:

Done

Note: Enabling the multi-tag sort function adversely affects the vehicle speed at which tags may be read. If there is only one Intellitag-based tag in the vehicles of the target population, multi-tag sort should be disabled.

7-12

Commands

456 Enable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default)

Command #456 enables the reader to send the SeGo protocol tag initialize command as part of the multi-tag sort function. When the reader sends the SeGo protocol tag initialize command, all tags in the RF field reenter the sort process.

Reader response:

Done

457 Disable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort

Command #457 disables the reader from sending the SeGo protocol tag initialize command as part of the multi-tag sort function. Any SeGo protocol tags already identified by the reader during the sort process will not be re-identified as long as they remain powered in the RF field. The reader will only identify new tags that come into the RF field or tags that do not remain powered in the RF field.

Reader response:

Done

480 Disable ATA

Command #480 disables the reader from reading ATA protocol tags.

481 Enable ATA

Command #481 enables the reader to read ATA protocol data from tags if the reader is programmed to read this tag protocol.

484 Disable SeGo

Command #484 disables the reader from reading SeGo protocol data from tags.

485 Enable SeGo

Command #485 enables the reader to read Se Go protocol data from tags if the reader is programmed to read this tag protocol.

488 Disable eATA

Command #488 disables the reader from reading factory-programmed eATA data from tags.

489 Enable eATA

Command #489 enables the reader to read factory-programmed eATA data from SeGo protocol tags.

496 Disable Alternate Group Select (Factory Default)

Command #496 disables the alternate group select function that allows the reader to distinguish tags meeting specific criteria pre-programmed into the tags.

Reader response:

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

Done

497 Enable Alternate Group Select

Command #497 enables the alternate group select function that allows the reader to distinguish tags meeting specific criteria pre-programmed into the tags.

Reader response:

Done

Reader Status — Command Group 5

Group 5 commands provide status reports on the parameters and operation of the reader.

505 Display Software Version

Command #505 displays the reader model number , software version information, and assigned serial number.

Reader response:

Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNYYYYYY

where

X.XX Version number YYYYYY Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on

the reader product label

506 Display Hardware Configuration Information

Command #506 displays hardware configuration information stored in the reader memory by the user. Hardware configuration information is empty by default until you set the information to any 20 character ASCII string desired using command #696S...S.

7-14

Reader response:

An ASCII string from 1 to 20 characters in length

510 Display RF Transceiver FPGA Version

Command #510 displays RF FPGA VER = XX.XX

511 Display RF Transceiver I Filter Chip Version

Command #511 displays FIL IC I VER = XX.XX

512 Display RF Transceiver Q Filter Chip Version

Command #512 displays FIL IC Q VER = XX.XX

513 Display DSP Board Actel Version

Command #513 displays DSP FPGA VER = XX.XX

Commands

520 Display Power Fail Bit

Command #520 displays the value of the reader power fail bit. The power fail bit changes from 0 to 1 when power to the reader is interrupted. To reset the bit, use command #63 Reset Reader or command #65 Reset Power Fail Bit. On initial power-up, the host should transmit one of these two commands to clear the power fail bit.

Reader response:

PWRB P<0 to 1>R0

where

P0 No power failure detected P1 Power failure detected R0 Not applicable to the MPRR

521 Display Reader ID Number

Command #521 displays the reader ID that is sent in the auxiliary data field. Reader response:

RDID xx

where xx = 01 to FF (hexadecimal)

522 Display Communications Port Parameters

Command #522 displays the selected communications port parameters, including the baud rate (#100N), the number of stop bits (#101N), the parity scheme (#102N), and the end-of-line delay .

Reader response:

MAIN B<2 to 7> S<0 to 1> P<0 to 2> D0

where

B2 1200 baud B3 2400 baud B4 4800 baud B5 9600 baud (factory default) B6 19.2 kbps B7 38.4 kbps S0 one stop bit (factory default) S1 two stop bits

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Encompass 4 Reader System Guide

P0 no parity (factory default) P1 even parity P2 odd parity D0 00 ms end-of-line delay (fixed)

One space is required between each value. For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

MAIN B5 S0 P0 D0

indicating 9600 baud, one stop bit, no parity, and 0 ms end-of-line delay.

Note: The information transmitted in response to command #522 applies to data and command mode operation only. While operating in download mode, default communications parameters are always used.

524 Display Appended Information Status

Command #524 displays the information being appended to the reader transmissions. Command #31N appends information.

Reader response:

IDAP T<0 to 1> D<0 to 1> X<0 to 1>

where

T0 Time not appended T1 Time appended D0 Date not appended D1 Date appended X0 Auxiliary information not appended (factory default) X1 Auxiliary information appended

One space is required between each value. For example, if factory-default settings are assigned, the reader response is

IDAP T1 D1 X0

indicating time and date appended, and auxiliary information not appended.

Note: Time and date may be appended to ID codes, error messages, pr esence without tag reports, and input status change reports. Auxiliary information may only be appended to ID codes, presence without tag reports, and input change reports.

7-16

TransCore 05716 Users Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

List of Figures

Purpose

Audience

Introduction

System Guide Organization

Typographical Conventions

Licensing Requirements

Technical Support

System Description

Reader

Developing the Site Plan

Tags

How It Works

Overview of Site Planning

Reading of Mixed Population Tags

Antenna and Tag Alignment

Polarization

Unobstructed Line of Sight

Antenna Selection

AA3100 Yagi (without radome)

AA3101 Yagi (with radome)

AA3110 Parapanel

AA3140 PCB Log Periodic

Site Layout and Traffic Flow

The MPRR Read Zone

Other MPRRs in the Area

Reflection, Refraction, and Diffraction of RF Signals

Existing Interference

Electrical and Communications Requirements

Junction Box

Power and Communications Cables

Electrical Power

Host Communications

Input/Output Circuits

Antenna Interface

Choosing, Installing, and Removing Tags

Compatible Tag Types

Reader and Tag Model Interoperability

Recommended Mounting Locations

Required Materials

Mounting Surface

Tag Positioning

Surface Installation Techniques

Rivet/Bolt Mounting Guidelines

Locomotive Mounting Guidelines

Tag Placement Window Location

Tag Placement

Rail Car Mounting Guidelines

Tag Placement Window Location

Tag Placement

Tank Car Mounting Guidelines

Tag Placement Window Location

Tag Placement

Installing the Multiprotocol Rail Reader

Installation Process

Materials Supplied by TransCore

Contents of Shipping Carton

Installation Accessory Options

Additional Materials Needed for Testing

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRR

Testing the MPRR Using an Audible Circuit Tester

Connecting the Antenna

Connecting the MPRR to a Power Supply

Mounting the MPRR

Mounting to an Enclosure Wall or Flat Surface

Required Materials

Mounting the Antenna Rail-Side

Connecting the Power Supply

Connecting Communications

Required Materials

Connecting the MPRR to the Host

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits

Sense Input Circuits

Sense Output Circuit

Marking the Read Zone