TransCore 10-4002-019, 10-4002-008, 10-4002-002, 10-4002-001, 10-4002-010 Quick Start Manual
...
Encompass® 4
Quick Start Guide
16-0106-001 Rev A 4/18
TransCore’s Encompass® 4 family of fully integrated wireless radio frequency
identification (RFID) readers are designed for use in parking, security access,
electronic vehicle registration (EVR), trac management, and low-speed
electronic toll collection applications.
This quick start guide is intended for use by authorized TransCore Encompass
series dealers, installers, and service personnel, and provides information for
site design, reader placement, testing, installation, and troubleshooting.
Trusted Transportation Solutions
Quick Start Guide
Information in this document is subject to change and does not represent a commitment on the part
of TransCore, LP.
© 2008-2018 TransCore, LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE, AMTECH, EGO, and ENCOMPASS
are registered trademarks and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their
respective owners. Contents are subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.
For further information, contact:
TransCore
8600 Jeerson Street NE
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113 USA
TransCore Technical Support
Phone: (505) 856-8007
Web: www.transcore.com
TransCore Sales Support
Phone: (800) 923-4824
TransCore Proprietary 2
Encompass 4 Reader
Table of Contents
Site Licensing .......................................................................................... 5
Designing the Site Plan ......................................................................... 5
Determine the Reader and Tag Combination ...........................................................................5
Reader Placement ............................................................................................................................6
Tag Placement on Vehicle .............................................................................................................6
Site Layout, Lane Type, and Trac Flow....................................................................................6
Interfaces to External Equipment .................................................................................................6
Electrical and Communications Requirements ........................................................................6
Pre-Installation Testing ...........................................................................7
Bench Test the Reader ...................................................................................................................7
Connect Hardware ..................................................................................................................... 7
Correct Reader Grounding ............................................................................................................9
Power the Reader ........................................................................................................................9
Frequency Plan ............................................................................................................................... 10
Configure for Wiegand Operation ..........................................................................................11
Read Test Tags .............................................................................................................................12
Installation at the Site ...........................................................................12
Before Starting Installation .......................................................................................................12
Mount Reader on Round Pole or Flat Surface ...................................................................12
Connect All Wiring ......................................................................................................................13
Apply Power .................................................................................................................................. 17
Reader Set Up ..............................................................................................................................17
Reader Commands ................................................................................ 17
Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 20
RF Interference or Poor Performance ......................................................................................22
TransCore Proprietary
3
Quick Start Guide
List of Tables
Table 1 Encompass 4 Reader Features ....................................................................................5
Table 2 Power Connections ........................................................................................................ 7
Table 3 RS–232 Interface ............................................................................................................8
Table 4 RS–422 Interface ............................................................................................................8
Table 5 Reader Frequencies Staggered for 14 Lanes ........................................................10
Table 6 Testing Commands ........................................................................................................ 11
Table 7 Wiegand Testing Commands ...................................................................................... 11
Table 8 Wiegand Interface ......................................................................................................... 11
Table 9 Return to Factory Default Commands ..................................................................... 12
Table 10 Sense Input/Output Cabling Assignments .......................................................... 13
Table 11 Frequently Used Reader Commands ...................................................................... 17
List of Figures
Figure 1 Recommended Reader Grounding ...........................................................................9
Figure 2 Frequency Separation for Four Lanes ...................................................................10
Figure 3 RS–232 Wiring Diagram ............................................................................................ 15
Figure 4 RS–422 Wiring Diagram ............................................................................................ 16
Figure 5 Sources of RF Interference ......................................................................................23
TransCore Proprietary 4
Site Licensing
Encompass® 4 Readers radiate more than 3 milliwatts of RF power, and must be licensed under Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) Section 90.239. An FCC license provides the user with the legal
authorization to operate the Encompass 4 Reader on the licensed frequencies at the site specified in the
license. The FCC license also provides the user with protection and authorization to maintain the system
should any other RFID product be used in the licensed area after the Encompass 4 Reader equipment is
installed.
The site owner must complete and file Form 601, FCC Application for Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau Radio Service Authorization. Forms are available online at the FCC Internet site https://www.fcc.
gov/licensing-databases/forms.
The authorized frequency band for this product in the United States is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz. Only an
authorized installer or service technician should set the RF frequency of the Encompass 4 Reader to the
frequency specified in the FCC site license.
Designing the Site Plan
Encompass 4 Reader
Design the site plan before ordering equipment and installing the Encompass 4 Reader. If the site
configuration diers significantly from the recommendations in this guide, contact TransCore Sales
Support.
Determine the Reader and Tag Combination
The Encompass 4 Reader is capable of reading the following protocols and formats:
• TransCore Super eGo® (SeGo)
• eGo (ISO 18000-6B)
• ATA/AAR/ISO 10374
• IAG (Interagency Group)
• Wiegand
Table 1 lists the Encompass 4 Reader models and features.
Table 1 Encompass 4 Reader Features
Reader Model Protocol(s) Wiegand
Internal External RS-232 RS-422
10-40xy-008 ATA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-001 SeGo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-019 IAG ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-002 ATA/SeGo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-010 ATA/IAG ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-004 SeGo/IAG ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-009 eGo/ATA ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
10-40xy-003 eGo/SeGo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Where x = 0 (internal antenna) or x = 1 (external antenna)
y = 2 (RS–232) or y = 4 (RS–422)
Antenna Communication
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Reader Placement
Encompass 4 Readers may be mounted on a pole at the side of the lane (side-fire), or on a gantry or
surface extending over the center of the lane (overhead). The reader should be located in a place
where it is not likely to be bumped out of alignment. Readers should not directly face each other or be
positioned back-to-back.
For a pole mount installation, readers should be installed as high as possible so that the reader can be
pointed down to control the read zone and minimize interference in the adjacent lane.
Tag Placement on Vehicle
Most TransCore RFID tags should be mounted in the center of the windshield to the right of the rearview mirror post. Refer to the installation instructions for your specific tag for more information on tag
placement.
Site Layout, Lane Type, and Trac Flow
Become familiar with the configuration of the site and its proximity to other sites. Determine what the lane
types will be, and identify any equipment that will be used, such as ticket machines or proximity readers.
The number of readers that will be required depends on the number of lanes at the site, how they are
grouped, and total entry and exit points. Measure lane widths and the distance between adjacent lanes,
taking into account any island/barrier width. TransCore recommends a lane width of 12 feet or less, with
the distance between the readers at least 12 feet or more.
Interfaces to External Equipment
For eective lane layout and transaction framing, the maximum distance from the entry loop to the reader
should be about 8 feet. The distance from the reader to the gate arm should be 3 to 4 feet before the
gate. If the read zone is much larger than 3 to 4 feet, a following car may be read (skip read), allowing a
non-tagged vehicle to enter the facility.
The readers are typically configured to be loop-activated (on by presence). Readers may be alternatively
set to have RF on continuously. The choice depends on trac volume and possible interaction with the
other in-lane components.
Electrical and Communications Requirements
The Encompass 4 Reader requires 16-20VAC, 47-63HZ, or 16-28VDC for proper operation. Contact
TransCore Sales Support for a list of recommended transformers and cable lengths.
The reader is available in RS–232 or RS–422 models. Maximum distance for RS–232 (3-wire serial) is 50
feet at 9600 baud. Maximum distance for RS–422 (4-wire dierential signal) is 4000 feet at 9600 baud.
The baud rate can be adjusted to accommodate noisy environments.
TransCore Proprietary 6
Pre-Installation Testing
Bench Test the Reader
Bench test the reader using the following equipment:
• Audible circuit tester (buzzer) or volt meter with continuity tester
• Compatible power/communications cable
• PC using a terminal emulation program such as Tera Term or Microsoft HyperTerminal
The Encompass 4 Reader uses a single 26-pin (13 twisted pair) cable to interface with power, I/O, and
communications signals. The reader cable can be directly connected to external devices or routed to
other components via an external junction box.
Connect Hardware
1. For AC powered units, connect the power wires from the cable to the transformer using the color
coding as described in Table 2. Do not apply power to the transformer at this time.
For DC powered units, connect leads to an appropriate power supply. Do not turn on the power
supply at this time.
Encompass 4 Reader
Table 2 Power Connections
Colored Wire Pair Use These Colors
Brown/Red Orange and Brown L1 (16 to 20V AC)
Orange/Red Red and Red L2 (16 to 20V AC)
2. For Encompass 4 Readers with an antenna port, connect the antenna prior to powering up the reader,
using an N-type connector.
3. Connect the leads from the audible tester to the red and white pair of wires from the
power/communications cable.
4. For RS–232 units, refer to Table 3 for wiring instructions. For RS–422 units, refer to Table 4.
5. Connect the communications cable to the appropriate terminal on the host computer.
Connect to Transformer
Terminal Strip
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Table 3 RS–232 Interface
Colored Wire Pair Use This Color Connect to Host DB9 Pin
Connect to Host DB25
Black Pin 2 Pin 3
Red/Black
Red Pin 3 Pin 2
Yellow/Black Yellow Pin 5 Pin 7
Table 4 RS–422 Interface
Colored Wire Pair Use This Color Connect to Host Signal
Yellow Receive (+)
Yellow/Red
Red Receive (-)
Black Transmit (+)
Red/Black
Red Transmit (-)
Yellow/Black Yellow Signal Ground
Pin
TransCore Proprietary 8
Correct Reader Grounding
Ground the reader following the recommended grounding shown in Figure 1.
Communications cable
Encompass 4 Reader
To Reader
To power/communications
input/output connections,
RS-232/RS-422 and Wiegand
Shield drain wire
Yellow/black wires for
communications and
sense input/output to
Signal Ground
Ensure proper Earth
Ground for drain wire in
accordance with National
Electric Code for the
reader installation locale
WD-0082
Figure 1 Recommended Reader Grounding
Set up the Terminal Emulation Application
1. Launch the terminal emulation application.
2. In the dialog boxes choose the com port to which the communications interface is attached and set
the properties as follows:
• Bits per second: 9600 baud
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop bits: 1
• Flow control: None
Power the Reader
1. Plug the AC transformer or DC power supply into an approved outlet. Switch on the power.
2. Once the reader has been powered up, a sign-on message will appear. 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 of the Encompass 4 Reader unit being used.
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Frequency Plan
The Encompass 4 Reader FCC-approved frequency band is 911.75 to 919.75 MHz. This relatively narrow
frequency band requires careful planning to maintain the desired 2 MHz frequency separation between
adjacent readers.
If readers are spread out within a facility (readers ½ mile or so apart) and loops are used, then frequencies
may be reused. Figure 2 shows frequency separation for 4 lanes.
Figure 2 Frequency Separation for Four Lanes
Table 5 shows an example of the frequency settings for up to 14 lanes, along with the two dierent
commands that can be used to set the reader operating frequency. Command #642NN is backward
compatible to older readers including the Encompass 2 reader, and provides a 0.5MHz resolution.
Command #647XXX provides a 0.25MHz resolution for setting the reader frequency. Either command may
be used to set the reader frequency. Note that the response to Command #527 (Display RF Parameters)
will include either two or three hexadecimal characters, depending on which command was last used to set
the reader frequency.
Table 5 Reader Frequencies Staggered for 14 Lanes
Lane
1 912.50 15 0D2 2 915.00 1A 0DC
3 917.50 1F 0E6 4 913.50 17 0D6
5 916.00 1C 0E0 6 918.50 21 0EA
7 914.50 19 0DA 8 917.00 1E 0E4
9 913.00 16 0D4 10 915.50 1B 0DE
11 918.00 20 0E8 12 914.00 18 0D8
13 916.50 1D 0E2 14 919.00 22 0EC
Reader
Frequency
#642 #647 Lane
Reader
Frequency
#642 #647
TransCore Proprietary 10
Encompass 4 Reader
Table 6 provides commands that can be used for testing the reader. The #40 command causes the reader to
transmit the Tag data continuously and command #6401 will cause the reader to transmit RF continuously.
Table 6 Testing Commands
Enter Reader Response What It Does
#01 #Done
#481 #Done Sets operational mode to read ATA tags
#40 #Done
#6401 #Done Turns RF ON
#00 #Done
Switches reader to command mode and
turns RF OFF
Transmits all tag IDs without regard for
uniqueness
Returns reader to data mode and turns RF
ON, if enabled
Configure for Wiegand Operation
When using a Wiegand interface, configure the reader for Wiegand operation using the commands in
Table 7. Connect the Wiegand interface wires including the Yellow or Black of the Yellow/Black pair for
signal ground, as shown in Table 8. If not using Wiegand tags, move to the next step, “Read Test Tags” on
page 12.
Table 7 Wiegand Testing Commands
Enter Reader Response What It Does
#01 #Done Switches reader to command mode
#489 #Done
#451 #Done Switches reader to Wiegand mode
#6401 #Done Turns RF ON
#00 #Done
Table 8 Wiegand Interface
Colored Wire Pair Use This Color
Blue Data0
Blue/Red
Red Data1
Yellow/Black Black Ground
Sets operational mode to read eATA data
from eGo Plus or eGo tags
Returns reader to data mode and saves
settings to NVM
Connect to Data Wire of
Wiegand Controller
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Read Test Tags
1. Hold a tag in front of the reader to determine if the data is read out on the computer screen or on the
Wiegand interface.
2. The commands listed in Table 9 return the reader to factory defaults.
Enter Reader Response What It Does
Table 9 Return to Factory Default Commands
#01 #Done
#66F #Done
#00 #Done
Installation at the Site
Complete pre-installation testing before installing the reader on site.
Before Starting Installation
Confirm the following:
• All construction is complete and electrical and communications cables are of the appropriate
length and in place.
• A watertight junction box with terminal strip is present.
• A dedicated power supply of the appropriate voltage is present.
• Placement of the readers follows the site plan.
• The readers are in the correct positions: side-fire or overhead.
Typically, readers (or antennas) are installed either on the side of the lane, pointing into the lane (side-fire)
or directly over the lane, pointed downward (center-fire or overhead).
Overhead installations are typically used in parking garages and other areas where an overhead mounting
surface already exists. These antennas are normally set to 10° down-tilt.
Side-fire installations are commonly used when the lanes are out in the open and the installation of a pole
is sucient to mount a reader.
Switches reader to command mode and turns
RF OFF
Loads all factory default operating parameters
except operating frequency
Returns reader to data mode and turns RF ON,
if enabled
Mount Reader on Round Pole or Flat Surface
Proper reader angle may require both up-down and right-left adjustment. Ensure that the correct
wall-mount or pole-mount bracket is used in the reader installation.
CAUTION:
For reliable reader operation, ensure that the reader is connected to Earth Ground.
Connect the cable shield of the communications cable to Earth Ground. TransCore strongly
recommends following the National Electric Code for lightning protection for the locale
TransCore Proprietary 12
Encompass 4 Reader
where the Encompass 4 Reader is installed. Refer to “Figure 1 Recommended Reader
Grounding” on page 9.
Connect All Wiring
1. Connect all wiring as described in “Pre-Installation Testing” on page 7 using the “RS–232 Wiring
Diagram” on page 15 or the “RS–422 Wiring Diagram” on page 16 as a guide.
2. Connect the sense input and sense output circuits using Table 10 as a guide.
3. Start the terminal emulation application Tera Term or Microsoft HyperTerminal. Refer to “Pre-Installation
Testing” on page 7.
CAUTION:
Do not ground the input power supply.
Table 10 Sense Input/Output Cabling Assignments
Pair Pin Color Signal Description Typical Function
Yellow/Black
Blue/Red
White/Red
Green/Red
Signal ground used with
b Yellow GND Logic ground
c Black GND Logic ground
E Blue WGND0 Wiegand data0 Parking/access control
F Red WGND1 Wiegand data1 Parking/access control
L White Lock
M Red Lock_RTN Tag lock return Testing/maintenance
N Green Sense Input0 Sense Input0 (loop)
P Red Sense Input0_RTN
Tag lock output, activeclosed
Sense Input0 return;
not isolated from signal
ground
RS–232, RS–422, and
Wiegand
Signal ground used with
RS–232, RS–422, and
Wiegand
Testing/maintenance
Loop and presence
detection
Loop and presence
detection
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Table 10 Sense Input/Output Cabling Assignments
Pair Pin Color Signal Description Typical Function
General-purpose sense
R Blue Sense Input1 Sense Input1
Blue/Black
input, not used for
detecting presence
Brown/Black
Orange/ Black
Green/Black
S Black Sense Input1_RTN
T Black Sense Output0_COM
U Brown Sense Output0_NO
V Black Sense Output0_COM
W Orange Sense Output0_NC
X Black Sense Output1_ COM
Y Green Sense Output1_NO
Sense Input1 return;
not isolated from signal
ground
Sense Output0 (tag
detect), common
terminal
Sense Output0
normally open terminal
Sense Output0
(tag detect output),
common terminal
Sense Output0
normally closed
terminal
Sense Output1,
common terminal
Sense Output1
normally open terminal
General-purpose sense
input, not used for
detecting presence
Switched output to
control gate
Switched output to
control gate
Switched sense output
for any external control
(light, gate, buzzer, etc.)
Switched sense output
for any external control
(light, gate, buzzer, etc.)
Switched sense output
Switched sense output
Z Black Sense Output1_ COM
White/ Black
a White Sense Output1_NC
Sense Output1,
common terminal
Switched sense output
Sense Output1
normally closed
Switched sense output
terminal
TransCore Proprietary 14
Encompass 4 Reader
TransCore Proprietary
15
Figure 3 RS–232 Wiring Diagram
Gate Controller
with Wiegand
Input
Blue (Blue/Red Pair), DATA0 for Wiegand
Twisted Pairs
Red
Orange
Red
Brown
Black (Black/Brown Pair), Form C (C)
Red/Red
2
Wiring Diagram for an Encompass® 4 (RS–232) Unit
Terminal Block Encompass 4 Connector
RS–232
RxD, Pin2 for DB9 or Pin3 for DB25
TxD, Pin3 for DB9 or Pin2 for DB25
SIG GND, Pin5 for DB9 or Pin7 for DB25
Red (Black/Red) to Reader Rápido Transformer
Black (Black/Red) to Reader Rápido Transformer
Low Current, Pulsed Relay (C) Closure Output
Low Current, Pulsed Relay (NO) Closure Output
To Plus (+) side of 6-12V DC Buzzer
To Plus (+) side of 9V Battery
Connection to Wiegand device (DATA1)
Connection to Wiegand device (DATA0)
Connection to Wiegand device (SIG GND)
1
3
4
5 (NC)
6
7
8 (NC)
9
10
11 (NC)
12
13
14 (NC)
15
16
A
B
b
H
G
K
J
T
U
L
M
E
F
N
P
Red (Black/Red Pair) RxD
Black (Black/Red Pair) TxD
Yellow (Yellow/Black Pair) Signal Ground
Black (Yellow/Black Pair) Signal Ground
Orange/Brown
Black (Black/Brown Pair), Form C (NO)
White (White/Red Pair), Tag Lock Output
Red (White/Red Pair), Tag Lock Output Return
Red (Blue/Red Pair), DATA1 for Wiegand
Green (Green/Red Pair), Presence detect
Red (Green/Red Pair), Presence detect
L1
L2
18V AC
Transformer
Dry Contact
ext. gate relay
Audible
alarm (Buzzer
w/ Battery)
WD-0113
Loop Detector
c
b
17
18
19
Quick Start Guide
TransCore Proprietary 16
Figure 4 RS–422 Wiring Diagram
Gate Controller with
Wiegand Input
Blue (Blue/Red Pair), DATA0 for Wiegand
Twisted Pairs
Red
Orange
Red
Brown
Black (Black/Brown Pair), Form C (C)
Red/Red
2
c
Wiring Diagram for an Encompass® 4 (RS–422) Unit
Terminal Block Encompass 4 Connector
RS–232
Red (Black/Red) to Reader Rápido Transformer
Black (Black/Red) to Reader Rápido Transformer
Low Current, Pulsed Relay (C) Closure Output
Low Current, Pulsed Relay (NO) Closure Output
To Plus (+) side of 6-12V DC Buzzer
To Plus (+) side of 9V Battery
Connection to Wiegand device (DATA1)
Connection to Wiegand device (DATA0)
Connection to Wiegand device (SIG GND)
1
3
4
5 (NC)
6
7
8 (NC)
9
10
11 (NC)
12
13
14
15
16
D
C
B
H
G
K
J
T
U
L
M
E
F
N
P
Red (Yellow/Red Pair) Tx (-)
Red (Red/Black Pair) Rx (-)
Orange/Brown
Black (Black/Brown Pair), Form C (NO)
White (White/Red Pair), Tag Lock Output (Dr y Contact)
Red (White/Red Pair), Tag Lock Output Return
Red (Blue/Red Pair), DATA1 for Wiegand
Green (Green/Red Pair), Presence detect
Red (Green/Red Pair), Presence detect
L1
L2
18V AC
Transformer
Dry Contact
ext. gate relay
Audible
alarm (Buzzer
w/ Battery)
WD-0114
17
18
19
A
Yellow (Yellow/Red Pair) Tx (+)
Black (Red/Black Pair) Rx (+)
Black (Yellow/Black Pair), SIG GND for Wiegand
12V AC
P1 P2
PWR RTN
RDA
1,
Receive (-)
RD B
1,
Receive (+)
TD A, Transmit (-)
TD B, Transmit (+)
SIG GND
TD
RD
GND
1
2
10
11
7
8
LDM422
Converter
Pin3 for DB9 or Pin2
for DB25
Pin 2 for DB9 or Pin3
for DB25
Pin5 for DB9 or Pin7
for DB25
2
3
7
Loop Detector
b
Yellow (Yellow/Black Pair) SIG GND for RS–422
Encompass 4 Reader
Apply Power
Apply power and verify the reader sign-on message appears on the terminal emulator application
laptop/computer.
Reader Set Up
1. Use reader commands to query status and set up the reader.
2. Make sure that each reader is set up to the appropriate settings.
3. Adjust reader angle and power to optimize read zone for each reader.
4. Check for interference from each reader or the environment, using a portable field spectrum analyzer
if one is available.
Note: If using Wiegand tags, configure the reader for Wiegand operation and connect the
Wiegand interface. Refer to “Configure for Wiegand Operation” on page 11.
5. Disconnect the computer and connect the reader to back end devices. Recheck read zone and for
interference between readers.
6. System-test the reader to verify that the gate opens when a valid tag is read.
7. Once all in lane testing is complete, perform a system test using tagged vehicles passing through
numerous lanes. The tag reads are sent to the gate controller back end system for validation.
Reader Commands
Table 11 provides the commands frequently used in testing, setting up, and tuning the Encompass 4
Reader.
NOTE: An #Error response from the reader indicates that the command was entered incorrectly.
Table 11 Frequently Used Reader Commands
Enter Reader Response What It Does
#00 #Done Returns reader to data mode
#01 #Done Switches to command mode
#40 #Done
#450 #Done Disable Wiegand mode (Default)
Transmits all tag IDs without regard for
uniqueness
#451 #Done Enable Wiegand mode, See #532
#454 #Done Disable Multitag Sort (Default)
#455 #Done Enable multi-tag sort
#46NN #Done
Set Wiegand retransmit interval in seconds
NN = 01–FF Hex (01 Default) See#533
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Table 11 Frequently Used Reader Commands
Enter Reader Response What It Does
#48N #Done Select tag mode
N = 0–9
0 = disable ATA
1 = enable ATA
2 = disable eGo
3 = enable eGo
4 = disable SeGo
5 = enable SeGo
6 = disable IAG
7 = enable IAG
8 = disable eATA
9 = enable eATA
NOTE: Encompass 4 Reader will only have tag
protocols specific to the model ordered.
#505 #Model [model]
Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.]
#527 #RFST Cx Ox T1 Fxx Rxx Gxx Axx Ixx
C0 = RF controlled by host, see #6400,
#6401
C1 = RF-by-input control, see #641
O0 = RF o, see #6400
O1 = RF on, see #6401
T1 = uniqueness timeout of 2 min, see
#441
Fxx = RF output frequency 00 to 34, (see
#642NN, #647XXX
Rxx = ATA RF output range, 00 to
1F (Default = 1F = max range), see
#643NN
Gxx = eATA SeGo/eGo range control, 00
to 1F
(Default =1F = max range) , see #645NN
Axx = RF power attenuation, 00 to
0A (Default = 00 = Max Power), see
#644NN
Display firmware version
Display RF status
Ixx (IAG Attenuation) = 00-0F (04
Default) 00=Max Power, see #646NN
TransCore Proprietary 18
Table 11 Frequently Used Reader Commands
Enter Reader Response What It Does
Encompass 4 Reader
#531 #WC x FFC y Val hhhh
Where x = 0 through 5 to line up with
#870 through #875 commands above.
y = 0 Disabled fixed facility code
y = 1 Enabled fixed facility code
hhhh = Fixed Facility code value
(Decimal)
#532 #TOF <0 to 1>, see #450, #451
0 = Wiegand disabled
1 = Wiegand enabled
#533
#WTI <01 to FF>
seconds (1-255) in hex, see #46NN
#570 #ATA:_ eGo: _ SeGo: _ IAG:_ EPC:_
SORT: _TMM:_
I = SeGo ID (64 bits)
E = enabled
F = full transaction
D = disabled
See commands #480 through #489
#63 #Model [model]
Ver [version no.] SN [serial no.]
Copyright [date]
TransCore
#6400
#Done Turn RF o
Display Wiegand Translator conversion settings
See Commands #870-#879, #863
Display Wiegand mode status
Display Wiegand retransmit interval
Display reader protocols
Reset reader equivalent to cycling power. Does
not aect operating parameter settings
#6401
#641
#642NN
(00 – FF)
#643NN
(00-1F)
#644NN
(00 – 14)
Hex
#645NN
#Done Turn RF on
#Done Select RF-by-input control (Default)
#Done
#Done
#Done
#Done
Set RF operating frequency, 0.5 MHz resolution:
915MHz = #6421A (Default). Refer to Table 5.
Set operating range for ATA protocol (distance):
(00 to 1F Hex) 1F = max range (Default)
Set RF attenuation in 1.0 dB increments; 0 to 20
dB, 00=max power for max range
Set operating range for eGo and SeGo
protocols
TransCore Proprietary
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Quick Start Guide
Enter Reader Response What It Does
#646xx
(00 – 0F)
Hex
#647xxx #Done
#Done
Table 11 Frequently Used Reader Commands
where xx = 00 to 0F (hex)
Set IAG Attenuation. Allows control of the
read zone for IAG tags. Does not aect the
performance of other tag types. 00=max power
for max range (04 Default)
Set RF operating frequency, 0.25 MHz
Resolution, #6470DC = 915MHz (Default). Refer
to Table 5.
#66F #Done
#863hhhh #Done
#870 #Done Disable wiegand conversion (factory default)
#871 #Done Enable 26 bit format
#872 #Done Enable 32 bit LSU format
#873 #Done Enable 34 bit Cardkey format
#874 #Done Enable 35 bit HID format
#875 #Done Enable 37 bit McGann format
#878 #Done Disable fixed facility code (factory default)
#879 #Done Enable fixed facility code
Load default operating parameters
(does not aect RF operating frequency)
Set facility code value (4 hex chars) (factory
default = 0000)
Troubleshooting
Communications problems between the reader and back-end host
These problems may be caused by incorrectly wiring the communications cable, using the wrong cable,
having a too-long cable run, or incorrectly setting communications parameters between host and reader.
Cable run for RS–232 exceeds 50 feet in length
Fifty feet exceeds the maximum length for RS–232 interface. The interface should be converted to
RS–422, wireless modem, fiber optic, or Wiegand.
Long RF cable runs to antennas
For the external antenna-series Encompass 4 Readers, long RF cable runs between the reader and
the antenna may cause signal degradation or loss. This scenario may be site-specific, but TransCore
recommends limiting antenna cable runs to less than 3dB of cable loss.
TransCore Proprietary 20
Encompass 4 Reader
RF is not on
The technician must verify that RF is on by presence or by using the command #6401 for RF ON
Continuously. Command #527 may be used to verify RF status (O1).
Improper grounding
Cable shielding should be connected to Earth Ground to prevent damage from lightning or power surges.
Mixed tag population
In a mixed tag population, multiple tags in the same vehicle must be separated by at least 2 inches,
preferably more.
Reader not programmed correctly
The technician must verify that all parameters are set appropriately for the reader location. Command
#527 may be used to verify reader parameters. If using Wiegand, the technician can use commands #532
and #533 to verify Wiegand status.
Readers pointed toward each other
Configure the site plan so that readers are not aimed directly facing one another or in immediate proximity
back-to-back. Refer to Figure 2.
Tag presentation
Check the installation instructions for the specific tag to ensure that tags are properly mounted in the
location determined by the reader placement.
Tag-to-reader polarization
Tag polarization must match reader polarization. Both tags and readers should be installed horizontally.
When performing a quick test of the Encompass 4 Reader, the buzz box does not buzz.
Check all the wiring connections, and ensure that the buzz box is functioning. Ensure that the correct red
and white wire pair to the leads of the buzzer are connected. Verify that RF is on (#6401). Ensure that the
reader is in the correct interface mode for the test tag using Command #570.
When testing the Encompass 4 Reader, all the wires are connected correctly but the unit does
not respond.
Check that the Encompass 4 Reader communication cable is connected to the correct COM port.
Unusual responses received from the Encompass 4 Reader when testing with PC or laptop.
Verify the baud rate is correct on the PC or laptop terminal emulator.
Nothing happens when the test tag is passed in front of the Encompass 4 Reader.
Ensure that the Encompass 4 Reader is powered on and the reader is in the correct read mode (#48N).
Verify that the reader is set to RF ON (#6401) or the red/green pair are shorted.
The Encompass 4 Reader came from another site and does not work the way the factory
defaults indicate that it should.
Dierent commands were likely used to support the other site. Restore the factory defaults by issuing
command #66F. The factory defaults will be restored except for RF operating frequency, which will be
retained.
TransCore Proprietary
21
Quick Start Guide
RF Interference or Poor Performance
Permanent structures and transient factors (such as large metal trucks) in the vicinity may aect RF signals.
Metal objects, walls, wet pavement, and ice can reflect RF signals, degrading system performance
(Figure 5).
Interference from RF and electrical sources can interfere with the optimal operation of the system.
Any RF interference at the site should be shielded, removed, or positioned farther from the Encompass 4
Reader if possible.
Figure 5 Sources of RF Interference
TransCore Proprietary 22
For more information:
Sales Support
800.923.4824
Technical Support
505.856.8007
transcore.com
Trusted Transportation Solutions
© 2008-2018 TransCore LP. All rights reserved. TRANSCORE is a registered trademark,
and is used under license. All other trademarks listed are the property of their respective
owners. Contents subject to change. Printed in the U.S.A.
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