TransCore MPRXFHV1 User Manual

MPRX-FH Reader

User Guide

16-0142-001 Rev A 1/2020

TransCore’s Multiprotocol Reader Extreme Frequency Hopper (MPRX-FH) is a radio frequency identiﬁcation (RFID) reader designed for harsh environment applications. This guide provides site planning, testing, and operating instructions for this system.

This guide is intended for use by authorized TransCore dealers, professional installers, and service personnel. The MPRX-FH must be installed by a professional installer. Once installed, conﬁgured, and veriﬁed by testing, the end user cannot change the conﬁguration (transmit power, etc) of the MPRX-FH. If changes are required, the end user must contact their authorized TransCore dealer, professional installer, and/or service personnel for additional service.

Trusted Transportation Solutions

MPRX-FH User Guide

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

© 2020 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 Jeerson 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

Lantronix ® Technical Support (Ethernet Support)

Phone: (949) 453-7198 Web: www.lantronix.com/support/

Approved Antenna List

TRANSMITTERS FOR DETACHABLE ANTENNAS

This radio transmitter, ISED ID: 1584A-MPRXV1, has been approved by Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

The MPRX-FH complies with FCC Part 15.247 and IC RSS-247 rules and has been designed to operate with the listed antennas presented in Table 1. The eective maximum gain of each antenna is listed as well as the required attenuation to ensure that eective gain of greater than the allowed 6dB cannot occur. The required attenuation presented in Table 1 also includes any cable loss that is included with the system.

To reduce potential interference to other systems, antenna gain and type should be selected in a way that the EIRP (equivalent isotropically radiated power) is no more than the allowed 36dBm, preferably as low as possible that is needed for proper operation of the system.

Table 1 Approved Antenna List

FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE

Manufacture Part Number Polarization

Huber Suhner 1309.17.0111/85018546 Circular 5.50 0.00

Kathrein 52010087 Circular 11.00 5.00

Kathrein 52010249 Linear 11.00 5.00

Kathrein 52010092 Circular -30.00 0.00

Laird S9028P Linear 8.00 2.00

Laird S9025PR Circular 5.50 0.00

MARS Antennas & RF Systems LTD.

Mobile Mark PN6-915RCP-1C-WHT-6 RH Circular 6.00 0.00

Mobile Mark PN6-915LCP-1C-WHT-6 LH Circular 6.00 0.00

Mobile Mark PL8-915RCP-1Y-WHT-12 RH Circular 8.00 2.00

Mobile Mark HD7-915RCP-BLK RH Circular 7.00 1.00

MTI Wireless Edge LTD. MT-263007/TRH/A/K Circular 11.50 5.50

TransCore AA3152 UTA Linear 14.00 8.00

TransCore AA3237 Linear 6.00 0.00

TransCore AA3110 Linear 12.50 6.50

TransCore AA3153 Linear 10.50 4.50

MA-IS91-T2 Linear 10.50 4.50

Gain (dBi)

Min lnline Loss

Required (dB)

Table 1 has the antenna polarization, peak linear dBi (decibels over isotropic) gain ﬁgures, and the

required loss required between the MPRX-FH and the antenna. This loss can include the cable loss for the length of the cable required to set up system.

Example: To set up an MPRX-FH reader for use with the AA3152 antenna using a cable length of LMR-400 with an average attenuation of 3.94dBi and a length of 115ft, the cable loss would be 4.53dBi. With a gain of 14dBi

iii

MPRX-FH User Guide

from the AA3152, and another external attenuator with a value of at least 3.47dBi or greater, this setup would meet the FCC rule of the maximum EIRP of 36dBm.

Liste des antennes approuvées

ÉMETTEURS RADIO POUR ANTENNES DÉMONTABLES

Cet émetteur radio, n Développement économique Canada pour fonctionner avec les types d’antennes qui ﬁgurent dans la liste ci-dessous, sous réserve du gain maximal admissible indiqué. Il est strictement interdit d’utiliser tout type d’antenne qui ne ﬁgure pas sur cette liste et dont le gain est supérieur au gain maximal indiqué sur la liste, tous types confondus, avec cet appareil.

Le MPRX-FH est conforme à la section15.247 des règles de la FCC et aux règles du CNR-247, et est conçu pour fonctionner avec les antennes énumérées dans la liste du tableau1. La liste prescrit le gain maximal apparent de chaque antenne, ainsi que l’atténuation requise pour faire en sorte qu’un gain apparent supérieur aux 6dB admis ne peut se produire. L’atténuation requise indiquée au Tableau 1 comprend en outre toute atténuation de câble qui est comprise dans le système.

ISDE 1584A-MPRXV1, a obtenu l’homologation d’Innovation, Sciences et

AVIS DE CONFORMITÉ À LA FCC

Pour limiter les interférences potentielles sur d’autres systèmes, le gain et le type d’antenne doivent être choisis de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dépasse pas les 36dBm admissibles et, de préférence, soit la plus faible possible compte tenu des exigences de fonctionnement du système.

Tableau1 – Liste des antennes approuvées

Fabricant Numéro de pièce Polarisation

Huber Suhner 1309.17.0111/85018546 Circulaire 5,50 0,00

Kathrein 52010087 Circulaire 11,00 5,00

Kathrein 52010249 Linéaire 11,00 5,00

Kathrein 52010092 Circulaire -30,00 0,00

Laird S9028P Linéaire 8,00 2,00

Laird S9025PR Circulaire 5,50 0,00

MARS Antennas & RF Systems LTD

Mobile Mark PN6-915RCP-1C-WHT-6

Mobile Mark PN6-915LCP-1C-WHT-6

Mobile Mark PL8-915RCP-1Y-WHT-12

Mobile Mark HD7-915RCP-BLK

MTI Wireless Edge LTD MT-263007/TRH/A/K Circulaire 11,50 5,50

MA-IS91-T2 Linéaire 10,50 4,50

Circulaire sens horaire

Circulaire sens antihoraire

Circulaire sens horaire

Gain (dBi)

6,00 0,00

8,00 2,00

7,00 1,00

Atténuation de câble minimale

requise (dB

)

TransCore AA3152 UTA Linéaire 14,00 8,00

TransCore AA3237 Linéaire 6,00 0,00

TransCore AA3110 Linéaire 12,50 6,50

TransCore AA3153 Linéaire 10,50 4,50

Le tableau1 indique la polarisation de chaque antenne, le gain linéaire maximal en dBi (décibels par rapport à l’antenne isotrope) et l’atténuation requise entre le MPRX-FH et l’antenne. Cette atténuation peut comprendre

l’atténuation de câble sur toute la longueur de câble requise pour installer le système.

Par exemple:

Pour installer un lecteurMPRX-FH à utiliser avec l’antenneAA3152 au moyen d’un câbleLMR-400 à atténuation moyenne de 3,94dBi, d’une longueur de 115pi, l’atténuation de câble serait de 4,53dBi. Le gain de l’antenneAA3152 étant 14dBi, en utilisant un autre atténuateur externe d’une valeur de 3,47dBi ou plus, cette installation respecte la p.i.r.e maximale de 36dBm imposée par la FCC.

MPRX-FH User Guide

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 eect, the user may be required to correct the interference at their own expense.

CAUTION:

This equipment may not be modiﬁed, altered, or changed in any way without permission. Unauthorized modiﬁcation may void the equipment authorization from the FCC and will void the warranty.

TO USERS IN THE UNITED STATES

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMISSION FCC

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

47 CFR §15.105A

NO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS

47 CFR §15.21

USE OF SHIELDED CABLES AND GROUNDING

47 CFR §15.27A

NOTE: Shielded cables and earth grounding the unit is recommended for this equipment to

comply with FCC regulations.

TRANSCORE, LP

USA

AVERTISSEMENT À L’ATTENTION DES

UTILISATEURS AUX ÉTATSUNIS

DÉCLARATION 47 CFR §15.105A DE LA FCC SUR

LES INTERFÉRENCES DES FRÉQUENCES RADIO

REMARQUE : Cet appareil a été testé et déclaré conforme à la catégorie d’un appareil numérique de classe A en accord avec la partie 15 des directives de la FCC. Ces normes visent à assurer une protection raisonnable contre les interférences nuisibles lorsque l’appareil est utilisé dans un environnement commercial. Cet appareil génère, utilise et peut émettre de l’énergie RF et peut être à l’origine d’interférences nuisibles aux communications radio s’il n’est pas installé et utilisé en suivant les directives du manuel d’instructions. Si cet appareil est utilisé dans une zone résidentielle, il est probable qu’il cause des interférences nuisibles. Dans ce cas, l’utilisateur pourrait être amené à remédier aux interférences à ses propres frais, selon les lois du pays en vigueur.

AUCUNE MODIFICATION NON AUTORISÉE

47 CFR §15.21

MISE EN GARDE : IL EST INTERDIT DE MODIFIER, D’ALTÉRER OU D’APPORTER DES CHANGEMENTS

À CET APPAREIL DE QUELQUE MANIÈRE QUE CE SOIT SANS AUTORISATION. TOUTE MODIFICATION NON AUTORISÉE PEUT ANNULER L’AUTORISATION D’UTILISATION ACCORDÉE PAR LA FCC ET ANNULERA LA GARANTIE.

UTILISATION DE CÂBLES BLINDÉS ET MISE À LA TERRE

47 CFR §15.27A

REMARQUE : Il est recommandé d’utiliser des câbles blindés et une mise à la terre avec cet appareil aﬁn de répondre aux réglementations de la FCC

TRANSCORE, LP

ÉTATSUNIS

vii

MPRX-FH User Guide

This device contains licence-exempt transmitter(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Inovation, Science and Economic Development Canada’s licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.

2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Cet appareil contient des émetteurs(s)/récepteurs exemptés de licence qui sont conformes à l’EXEMPTION de RSS(s) d’Innovation, Science et Developpement économique Canada). L’ opération est soumise aux deux conditions suivantes:

1 ) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage.

2 ) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage

est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.

WARNING TO USERS IN CANADA

AVERTISSEMENT AUX UTILISATEURS AU CANADA

viii

RADIO FREQUENCY HEALTH LIMITS FOR MPRXFH READER

USING AN EXTERNAL ANTENNA IN

FREQUENCY BAND OF 902 TO 928 MHZ

Several agencies (OSHA, FCC, IC) have environmental guidelines regulating maximum permissible exposure (MPE) or “safe” exposure levels that this product falls under. To ensure that proper safety guideline for the end users of this product, i.e. Occupational (Controlled) and General Population/Public (Uncontrolled), the recommended levels for each of the agencies are presented in the next sections with TransCore’s recommendations for safety in the last section.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

OSHA (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 Part 1910 Subpart G 1910.97 titled “Nonionizing radiation”, a maximum

safe exposure limit of 10 milliwatts per square centimeter (mW/cm

) during any 0.1-hour period (i.e. 6 minutes). Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915 MHz and the highest antenna gain that this equipment is certiﬁed for use in a ﬁnal installation, the minimum safe distance was calculated to be 8in (20cm).

FCC (Federal Communication Commission)

FCC (an agency of The United States of America) legislates in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 47 Chapter I Subchapter A Part 1 Subpart I Section 1.1310 titled “Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits” that the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:

Occupational/Controlled Exposure

Power density = frequency(in MHz)/300 mW/cm

with an Averaging time of 6 Min

General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure

Power density = frequency(in MHz)/1500 mW/cm

with an Averaging time of 30 Min

Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the highest antenna gain that this equipment is certiﬁed for use in a ﬁnal installation, the minimum safe distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 14in (36cm) for the Occupational/Controlled environment, and 31.5in (80.5cm) for the General Population/ Uncontrolled environment.

Industry Canada (Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada)

Industry Canada (a Department of the Government of Canada) sets out the requirements in Radio Standards Speciﬁcation RSS-102, Issue 5 guidelines, recommending a maximum safe

power density in W/m uncontrolled exposure at 915MHz is 2.77 W/m

. Thus, the maximum permissible exposure for general population/

. The average time is 6 minutes. The maximum

permissible exposure (MPE) is the following:

Controlled Environment

0.5

Power density = 0.6455*frequency(in MHz)

W/m2 with a Reference Period time of 6 Min

MPRX-FH User Guide

Power density = 0.02619*frequency(in MHz)

Using the frequency (in the middle of the band of operation of this equipment) of 915MHz and the highest antenna gain that this equipment is certiﬁed for use in a ﬁnal installation, the minimum safe distance was calculated. The MPE minimum distances are 13in (32cm) for the Controlled environment and 33in (84cm) for the General Public/Uncontrolled environment.

TransCore Recommendation on MPE (Maximum Permissible Exposure)

The calculated power densities and MPE distance for each of the agencies respective to the environment is shown below.

General Public/Uncontrolled Environment

0.6834

W/m2 with a Reference Period time of 6 Min

Occupational/Controlled Environment

Agency Power Density

MPE minimum distance Time (min)

(mW/cm2)

in cm

OSHA 10 5.5 14 6

FCC 3.05 10.2 26 6

IC 1.95 12.6 32 6

General Population/Public/Uncontrolled Environment

Agency Power Density

MPE minimum distance Time (min)

(mW/cm2)

In cm

OSHA 10 5.5 14 6

FCC 0.61 22.0 56 30

IC 0.28 33.0 84 6

With the equipment installed and running at the maximum transmit power of 1.0W (30dBm), 0 dB transmit attenuation, using a 6dBi gain antenna that the equipment is certiﬁed for, the recommendation for each of the operation environments is as follows:

1 ) The antenna should be installed at least 33in (84cm) from the General Population/Public i.e.

Uncontrolled Environment.

2 ) Maintenance personnel (i.e. Occupational/Controlled Environment) must remain at least 13in

(32cm) from the antenna and limit their time in the environment to 6 minutes when the system is operating.

LIMITES D’EXPOSITION AUX RADIOFRÉQUENCES POUR LE LECTEUR MPRXFH

UTILISANT UNE ANTENNE EXTERNE SUR LA BANDE

DE FRÉQUENCES DE 902.25 À 903.75 ET DE 910.00 À 921.50 MHZ

Plusieurs organismes (OSHA, FCC, IC) publient des directives environnementales qui recommandent des limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) ou des niveaux d’exposition «sûrs» auxquels cet appareil se conforme. Pour faire en sorte que chaque utilisateur ﬁnal ait connaissance des directives de sécurité qui le concerne, que ce soit dans son travail (accès contrôlé) ou pour la population générale/le grand public (accès non contrôlé), TransCore présente les niveaux recommandés par chaque organisme dans ses recommandations sécuritaires détaillées dans la dernière section.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 29, Partie 1910, Sous-partie G 1910.97, intitulée «Nonionizing radiation» (Rayonnements non ionisants), l’OSHA (organisme américain) recommande un plafond d’exposition maximale de 10 milliwatts par centimètre carré (mW/

) pendant une période de 0,1 heure (soit 6 minutes). En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz

cm (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certiﬁcation d’utilisation dans une installation ﬁnale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est de 20 cm (8 po).

FCC (Federal Communication Commission)

Dans le Code des réglementations fédérales (CFR), Titre 47, Chapitre I, Sous-chapitre A, Partie 1, Sous-partie I, Section 1.1310 intitulée «Radiofrequency radiation exposure limits» (Limites d’exposition aux rayonnements de radiofréquence), la FCC (organisme américain) établit les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) comme suit :

Exposition professionnelle/contrôlée

Densité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/300 mW/cm

avec une durée moyenne de 6 min.

Exposition de la population générale/non contrôlée

Densité de puissance = fréquence (en MHz)/1500 mW/cm

avec une durée moyenne de 30 min.

En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certiﬁcation d’utilisation dans une installation ﬁnale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales sont de 36 cm (14 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 80,5 cm (31,5 po) pour la population générale/environnement non contrôlé.

MPRX-FH User Guide

Industrie Canada (Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada)

Le Cahier des charges sur les normes radioélectriques 102, 5 (un ministère du Gouvernement du Canada) établit des recommandations pour une densité

de puissance maximale sécuritaire en W/m population générale/non contrôlée à 915 MHz est calculée à 2,77 W/m de 6 minutes. Les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE) sont les suivantes :

Environnement contrôlé

Densité de puissance = 0,6455*fréquence (en MHz)

Grand public/environnement non contrôlé

Densité de puissance = 0,02619*fréquence (en MHz)

En utilisant la fréquence de 915 MHz (milieu de la bande de fréquences de cet appareil) et le gain d’antenne maximal pour lequel cet appareil a reçu une certiﬁcation d’utilisation dans une installation ﬁnale, la distance minimale sécuritaire est la suivante : les distances MPE minimales sont de 32 cm (13 po) pour l’environnement professionnel/contrôlé et de 84 cm (33 po) pour le grand public/environnement non contrôlé.

édition, d’Industrie Canada

. Ainsi, l’exposition maximale admissible pour la

. La durée moyenne est

0,5

W/m2 avec une durée de référence de 6

min.

0,6834

W/m2 avec une durée de référence de 6 min.

Recommandations de TransCore sur les limites d’exposition maximale autorisée (normes MPE)

Les densités de puissance et la distance MPE calculées par chaque organisme pour un environnement donné sont présentées ci dessous.

Exposition professionnelle/environnement contrôlé

Organisme

Densité de puissance

(mW/cm

)

Distance MPE minimale

Durée (en min.)

po cm

OSHA 10 5,5 14 6

FCC 3,05 10,2 26 6

IC 1,95 12,6 32 6

Population générale/environnement non contrôlé

Organisme

Densité de puissance

(mW/cm

)

Distance MPE minimale

Durée (en min.)

po cm

OSHA 10 5,5 14 6

xii

FCC 0,61 22,0 56 30

IC 0,28 33,0 84 6

Avec l’équipement installé et fonctionnant à la puissance de transmission maximale de 1,0 W (30dBm), 0 dB transmettent l’atténuation, à l’aide d’une antenne à gain 6dBi pour

laquelle l’équipement est certiﬁé, la recommandation pour chacun des environnements de fonctionnement est la suivante:

1 ) L’antenne devrait être installée à au moins 84 cm (33 po) de la population générale/du grand

public, c’est-à-dire d’un environnement non contrôlé.

2 ) Le personnel d’entretien (c’est-à-dire dans un environnement professionnel/contrôlé) doit rester

à au moins 32 cm (13 po) de l’antenne et limiter son temps d’exposition à 6 minutes lorsque l’appareil est en fonctionnement.

Licensing Requirements

The MPRX-FH is an end-user license exempt device certiﬁed under FCC Part 15.247 and IC RS-247. As such, the end-user of this product is not required to ﬁle for a site license from the FCC (US) or IC (Canada). For other countries, refer to the local laws and frequency control agencies.

Once installed by a professional installer, the end user cannot make changes to the conﬁguration (transmit power, etc.) of the unit.

xiii

MPRX-FH User Guide

Table of Contents

Approved Antenna List....................................................iii

Licensing Requirements ...................................................xi

Chapter1 System Overview ............................1–17

System Description .....................................................1–17

Reader................................................................1–17

Compatible Tag Types ................................................. 1–22

Chapter2 Test Procedures ............................2–23

Required Tools and Equipment ..........................................2–23

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRX-FH ..................................2–25

Testing the MPRX-FH Circuit ............................................2–25

Connecting the Antenna(s) .............................................2–26

Connecting the Power Supply...........................................2–29

Connecting Communications ...........................................2–32

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits ........................2–32

Chapter3 General Software Information ................3–37

Command Entry Conventions .............................................3–37

Command Response Conventions .........................................3–37

Operating Parameters .................................................3–38

Power Fail............................................................3–38

Program Download ....................................................3–38

Startup...............................................................3–39

Tag/Message Buer....................................................3–40

Chapter4Communications Protocols ................... 4–41

Introduction .......................................................... 4–41

Basic Protocol ........................................................4–42

Error Correcting Protocol ...............................................4–42

xiv

Data Inquiry Protocol ..................................................4–43

Basic Protocol and ECP Format..........................................4–43

ECP Reliability ........................................................4–50

Manually Disabling ECP for Maintenance .................................4–53

Chapter5 Commands ................................5–55

Default Settings .......................................................5–55

Operating Modes......................................................5–55

Command List ........................................................5–56

Chapter6 Conﬁguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–82

Conﬁguring the Reader ................................................6–82

Terminal Emulation Software ............................................6–83

Conﬁguring MPRX-FH Parameters ........................................ 6–86

Chapter7 Troubleshooting and Maintenance ............7–94

Error Messages .......................................................7–94

MPRX-FH Repair ......................................................7–97

Technical Support .....................................................7–97

Chapter8 AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRX-FH ..............8–98

Required Supplies .....................................................8–98

To assemble the kit for two check tags....................................8–98

AppendixAGlossary.................................A–100

AppendixBTechnical Speciﬁcations ...................B–105

Reader Speciﬁcations .................................................B–105

AppendixC Wiring Information .......................C–108

Communications Interfaces ............................................C–108

AppendixDCommand Quick Reference ................ D–110

Command Syntax .................................................... D–110

Factory Default Settings ............................................... D–110

Numerical Command List ...............................................D–111

Alphabetical Command List............................................ D–116

AppendixE Compatible Tag Information ...............E–122

Tag Conﬁgurations ...................................................E–122

Tag Data Formats..................................................... E–123

MPRX-FH User Guide

List of Figures

Figure 1 MPRX End Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–17

Figure 2 Location of Host Port on MPRX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–19

Figure 3 Pin Assignments for Host Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–19

Figure 4 Location of Sense Port on MPRX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1–20

Figure 5 Socket Assignments for Sense Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–20

Figure 6 Socket Assignments for Ethernet Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–21

Figure 7 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester for MPRX-FH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–25

Figure 8 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–26

Figure 9 Short Load to Earth Ground . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–27

Figure 10 MPRX-FH Showing Antenna Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–28

Figure 11 Location of MPRX-FH Ground Stud. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–29

Figure 12 Location of Host/Sense Ports on MPRX-FH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–30

Figure 13 Stand-alone DeviceInstaller Link. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–33

Figure 14 DeviceInstaller Start Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–33

Figure 15 Connecting Directly to Computer Ethernet Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–34

Figure 16 Multiple NIC Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–34

Figure 17 Adapter Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–34

Figure 18 Check for Updates Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–35

Figure 19 Disable Firewall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–35

Figure 20 LanTronix DeviceInstaller Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–36

Figure 21 Xport Direct+ Device Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–36

Figure 22 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontal polarization) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–85

Figure 23 MPRX-FH RF Control Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–89

Figure 24 Sense CTAG Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8–98

Figure 25 MPRX Exterior Case Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B–106

Figure 26 MPRX End Panel Dimensions with Antenna Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B–107

Figure 27 MPRX End Panel Dimensions with Communication Connectors . . . . . . . . . .B–107

xvi

List of Tables

Table 1 Approved Antenna List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Table 2 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–18

Table 3 Power Supply Current Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–18

Table 4 Recommended Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1–22

Table 5 Pretest Accessory Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–24

Table 6 Pretest Accessory Options Available From Third Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–24

Table 7 Pin Assignments for Host Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–30

Table 8 Socket Assignments for Sense Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2–31

Table 9 Inrush and Steady State Currents for MPRX-FH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2–31

Table 10 Four-Character Command Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3–37

Table 11 Sample Command Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3–38

Table 12 Select Baud Rate Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–57

Table 13 Select Stop Bits Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–58

Table 14 Select Parity Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–58

Table 15 Append Time and Date Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–60

Table 16 Append Auxiliary Information Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–60

Table 17 Unique ID Code Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–62

Table 18 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–62

Table 19 Software Flow Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–73

Table 20 RF Control Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–74

Table 21 RF Attenuation Command Variables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–74

Table 22 Presence Without Tag Report Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–75

Table 23 RF Control Algorithm Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–76

Table 24 Timeout Period Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5–76

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Table 25 Input Inversion Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5–77

Table 26 MPRX-FH Default Conﬁguration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–82

Table 27 Command Sequence to Verify Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6–84

Table 28 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7–94

Table 29 Symptoms and Remedies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–95

Table 30 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–98

Table 31 Check Tag 1 Wire Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–99

Table 32 MPRX Host Communications Cable Pin Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C–108

Table 33 Communications Interfaces and Conductor Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C–108

Table 34 MPRX SENSE Communications Cable Pin Designations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C–109

Table 35 Ethernet Pin Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C–109

Table 36 MPRX-FH Default Conﬁguration Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D–110

Table 37 MPRX-FH Commands Listed Numerically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .D–111

Table 38 MPRX-FH Commands Listed Alphabetically. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D–116

Table 39 SeGo Protocol Tags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .E–122

xviii

Chapter1 System Overview

System Description

The MPRX-FH is a reader that supports transponders formatted for ISO/IEC 18000-63 (Tag Data Standard Protocol) and TransCore’s Super eGo® (SeGo) radio frequency identiﬁcation (RFID) technology.

Operational Modes

The MPRX-FH reader can operate in several modes, depending on the application. All modes are readonly.

ISO/IEC 18000-63: This mode has applications mainly in the toll and access control environment.

SeGo: This mode has applications mainly in the toll and access control environment.

The operational mode of the reader is limited by the ﬁrmware load, and also by enabling or disabling the modes using the appropriate #4NN commands, as deﬁned in “Chapter 5 Commands” on page 5–57.

Chapter 1 System Overview

Reader

The MPRX-FH 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 components are contained in a highly reliable, compact, and easy-to-install package.

Figure 1 shows the four port version of the MPRX-FH. The host connector, sense connector, Ethernet

connector, and interface selection switch are on the opposite end of the MPRX-FH from the four antenna port locations.

Figure 1 MPRX End Views

Power and Communications Cables

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

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Electrical Power

Table 2 Connector Cabling Accessory Kits

Part Number Description

58-7200-001 MPRX-FH host connector leads 0.15m (6in)

58-7200-002 MPRX-FH host cable assembly 3m (120in)

58-7200-003 MPRX-FH host cable assembly 5m (200in)

58-7200-004 MPRX-FH host cable assembly 10m (400in)

58-7201-001 MPRX-FH sense connector leads 0.15m (6in)

58-7201-002 MPRX-FH sense cable assembly 3m (120in)

58-7201-003 MPRX-FH sense cable assembly 5m (200in)

58-7201-004 MPRX-FH sense cable assembly 10m (400in)

The MPRX-FH accepts 16-20VAC or 16-28VDC. Consult your local and national electrical codes for installation and safety requirements.

It is the installer’s responsibility to supply conversion equipment and wiring. Table 3 contains power supply current requirements.

Power circuits are protected internally against power surges (±30%).

Table 3 Power Supply Current Requirements

Standby

68°F (20°C)

Supply

(RF On)

Maximum

Power at 68°F (20°C)

(RF O)

Operating Power at

16 to 20V AC 20W (Watts) 14W

16 to 28 V DC 20W 14W

a 1700 milliamp (mA) initial rush-in current at startup

1–20

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 1 System Overview

Host Communications

The MPRX-FH communicates through an asynchronous RS–232, RS–422, or Ethernet interface. Figure 2 shows the MPRX-FH communications ports and Figure 3 shows the host connector pin designations.

Figure 2 Location of Host Port on MPRX

Pin Number Operation

7 RS422_RX+

11 +V In

12 +V Return

RS232_TX

RS232_RX

LOCK

LOCK_RTN

RS422_TX+

RS422_TX–

RS422_RX–

COM_GND (RS232 GND)

COM_GND (RS422 GND)

Figure 3 Pin Assignments for Host Connector

The standard RS–232/RS–422/Ethernet connection maximum distance depends on the baud rate, cable type, and the receiving device at the other end.

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Sense Connections

Figure 4 shows the location of the MPRX-FH sense port, and Figure 5 shows the sense connector socket

designations.

Figure 4 Location of Sense Port on MPRX

Socket Number Operation

1 +12VDC OUT

2 OUT1

3 I/O GROUND

4 I/O GROUND

5 PULSE OUT

6 OUT0

7 CTAG 0

8 CTAG 1

9 I/O GROUND

10 I/O GROUND

1–22

11 SENSE 1

12 SENSE 0

Figure 5 Socket Assignments for Sense Connector

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 1 System Overview

The MPRX-FH’s two RF sense input circuits are TTL (Logic Level, 0V/5V), designed to be shorted to I/O Ground (0V) to provide sense presence detect for antenna ports 0 and 1 (Sense 0) and antenna ports 2 and 3 (Sense 1).

The MPRX-FH’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

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

) or 60V DC, at 1A maximum with non-inductive load.

rms

Ethernet Interface

The Ethernet interface is a standard M12 socket. Figure 6 shows the connector socket designation.

Socket Number Operation

1 Receive +

2 Transmit +

3 Receive -

4 Transmit -

Figure 6 Socket Assignments for Ethernet Connector

Antenna Interface

The site must include interface cable(s) between the MPRX-FH and the compatible antenna(s) chosen for the site. The antenna interface is a reverse polarity TNC connector.

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Table 4 Recommended Cables

Cable Type

RG–223 0.216 12.8dB

RG–214 0.425 7.5dB

FSJ1–50 0.25 5.68dB

LDF2–50 0.375 11.01dB

FSJ4–50B 0.50 11.25dB

LDF4–50A 0.50 6.94dB

a Suxes 50, 50A, and 50B indicate 50-ohm cables available from the Andrew Corporation.

Compatible Tag Types

The MPRX-FH provides the capability to read ISO/IEC 18000-63 formatted tags and TransCore Super eGo (SeGo) protocol tags. Refer to “Compatible Tag Information” on page E–124 for information on compatible tag models.

Overall

Diameter

(in.)

Cable Loss

per 100 ft

1–24

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter2 Test Procedures

Required Tools and Equipment

Ensure that you have received all parts before beginning your pre-installation MPRX-FH tests.

Your MPRX-FH is packaged with the following materials:

• One MPRX-FH

• One MPRX-FH Quick Start Guide

• Any accessories ordered as options (refer to Table 5.)

Other required accessories are:

• Power/communications cable harness

• 16-20VAC or 16-28VDC

• At least one MPRX-FH-compatible antenna (refer to “Table 1 Approved Antenna List” on page iii)

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

• Antenna RF cable

These may be ordered as accessories from TransCore or obtained from other sources.

Additional Materials Needed for Testing

You will need these additional materials to perform the pretests on the MPRX-FH:

• Test tags, supplied by the TransCore dealer or distributor (formatted for ISO/IEC 18000-63 or SeGo)

• Suitable power wiring for the MPRX-FH (refer to “Table 1 Approved Antenna List” on page iii)

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

• Wire stripper

• At least one MPRX-FH compatible antenna

• Suitable RF interface coaxial cable

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Pretest Accessory Options Available From TransCore

Table 5 lists optional TransCore MPRX-FH installation accessory items.

Part No. Description

58-7200-001 MPRX-FH Host Connector with Leads 0.15m (6in)

58-7200-002 MPRX-FH Host Cable 3m (120in)

58-7200-003 MPRX-FH Host Cable 5m (200in)

58-7200-004 MPRX-FH Host Cable 10m (400in)

58-7201-001 MPRX-FH Sense Connector with Leads 0.15m (6in)

58-7201-002 MPRX-FH Sense Cable 3m (120in)

58-7201-003 MPRX-FH Sense Cable 5m (200in)

58-7201-004 MPRX-FH Sense Cable 10m (400in)

20-7001-001 MPRX-FH check tag accessory kit

13-5118-903 Test Rail Tag with metal back plane – Rail-car Format – SeGo

13-5118-904 Test Rail Tag with metal back plane – Locomotive Format – SeGo

Table 5 Pretest Accessory Options

Table 6 lists pretest accessory options available from a third party.

Table 6 Pretest Accessory Options Available From Third Party

Mfg Part No. Mfr. Description

HG908P-NM LCOM 915 Mhz Bench Antenna – LCOM – 4 ft type N male connector

4N5W-03 AERO FLEX Type N attenuator 5 W – 3 db

4N5W-10 AERO FLEX Type N attenuator 5 W – 10 db

4N5W-15 AERO FLEX Type N attenuator 5 W – 15 db

3018-5W AERO FLEX Type N 50 ohm load – 5 W

2–26

TransCore Proprietary

Pre-installation Testing of the MPRX-FH

VDC

Battery

6-12VDC

Buzzer

+ -

Pin 4 on

Host Connector

Pin 3 on

Host Connector

- +

Pretest involves the following steps:

• Testing the MPRX-FH circuit

• Connecting the antenna(s)

• Connecting the power supply

• Connecting communications

• Connecting sense input and sense output circuits

• Power and tag read capability testing prior to ﬁnal installation of the MPRX-FH

Testing the MPRX-FH Circuit

Before installing the MPRX-FH permanently at the site, you should test the circuit to conﬁrm that the MPRXFH has power and can read a tag that is in the tag read zone.

A voltage meter or audible circuit tester (buzzer) is necessary in order to test the circuit. An example test setup diagram is shown in Figure 7. The buzzer is powered by a 9VDC battery and is equipped with two alligator-clip leads. When you touch the leads together, the box will produce an audible sound.

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

Figure 7 Wiring for Audible Circuit Tester for MPRX-FH

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Connecting the Antenna(s)

To test the MPRX-FH, connect the antenna and power supply as described in this section.

Discharge Voltage from the Antenna

Caution

During shipping and installation, an antenna can build up a very high voltage charge.

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

TransCore strongly advises that you use adequate Earth Ground for this voltage discharge procedure in accordance with the National Electric Code for the locale where you are installing the MPRX-FH.

Use these instructions to discharge high voltage from the antenna before proceeding with further pre-installation testing of the reader.

Required Equipment

This procedure requires the following equipment.

• MPRX-FH

• External antenna

• Grounding RF cable (long enough to reach Earth Ground source)

• N-type load (e.g., 50 Ω) or RF attenuator (e.g., 20 dB)

1. Terminate the reader end of the grounding RF cable with any N-type load or RF attenuator

(Figure 8).

2–28

Figure 8 Connect RF N-type Load or Attenuator to Reader Cable End

2. Connect the grounding RF cable to the antenna (Item 1 in Figure 9).

3. Short the outer metal case of the load or attenuator to Earth Ground for approximately 10 seconds

(Item 2 in Figure 9). In this example, the operator is using the mounting pole that has been properly connected to Earth Ground.

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

CAUTION

TransCore does not recommend using a screwdriver or other tool to short the RF cable center conductor to the outer ground of the cable. This grounding method can damage the center pin or the threads of the connector.

Figure 9 Short Load to Earth Ground

4. Disconnect the grounding RF cable from the antenna and connect the permanent RF cable to reader. Once the antenna is discharged and properly connected to the reader, the reader circuitry provides a DC path to keep any further charge from building up in the antenna.

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Connecting the Reader and Antenna

1. Ensure the reader is turned o and power is disconnected.

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 end of the

MPRX-FH. Refer to Figure 10.

4. The ports can be turned on in consecutive order. If all four ports will not be used, start with Port 0

and turn on connected ports. Unused ports should be set to OFF. Refer to “Numerical Command

List” on page D–113 for a list of commands.

Figure 10 MPRX-FH Showing Antenna Ports

2–30

TransCore Proprietary

Connecting the Power Supply

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRX-FH, ﬁrst connect the reader to Earth Ground using a

ground cable and stake before powering up the reader or connecting to an antenna. TransCore recommends following the National Electric Code or equivalent code for surge protection for the locale where the MPRX-FH is installed. A minimum of 18 AWG wire to earth ground is required for protective earthing.

Connect any antenna(s) or terminate the antenna ports before applying power to the reader.

Connect the MPRX-FH to a Power Supply

1. Connect the MPRX-FH to Earth Ground. Figure 11 shows the location of the MPRX-FH ground stud.

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

Figure 11 Location of MPRX-FH Ground Stud

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MPRX-FH User Guide

2. Connect the MPRX-FH to a power supply using the host interface cable.

The Sense and Host ports on the MPRX-FH are M23 connectors (Figure 12). Table 7 lists the pin assignments for the Host connector and Table 8 lists the socket assignments for the Sense connector.

Figure 12 Location of Host/Sense Ports on MPRX-FH

Table 7 Pin Assignments for Host Connector

Pin Number Operation

1 RS232_TX

2 RS232_RX

3 LOCK

4 LOCK_RTN

5 RS422_TX+

6 RS422_TX–

7 RS422_RX+

8 RS422_RX–

9 COM_GND (RS232 GND)

10 COM_GND (RS422 GND)

11 +V In

12 +V Return

2–32

TransCore Proprietary

Table 8 Socket Assignments for Sense Connector

Socket Number Operation

1 +12VDC OUT

2 OUT1

3 I/O GROUND

4 I/O GROUND

5 PULSE OUT

6 OUT0

7 CTAG 0

8 CTAG 1

9 I/O GROUND

10 I/O GROUND

11 SENSE 1

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

12 SENSE 0

Connect the Power Supply

After mounting the MPRX-FH, connect the reader to a dedicated 16–28VDC or 16–20VDC power supply.

The MPRX-FH should be connected to power with an external fuse to protect both the MPRX-FH and power source. Inrush and Steady State currents for the MPRX-FH are listed in Table 9. Choice of fuse type and rating shall comply with regulatory requirements of the installation.

Table 9 Inrush and Steady State Currents for MPRX-FH

MPRX-FH Current

Voltage (VDC) Inrush Current (A) Inrush Time (ms)

12 4.89 1.38 1.68

24 9.4 2.46 0.87

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRX-FH, connect the MPRX-FH to ground before powering up

the reader or connecting the antenna(s).

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

Steady State

Current (A)

TransCore Proprietary

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Interface Selection Switch

The MPRX-FH incorporates a communications interface selection switch, which allows on-the-ﬂy changes to the communications mode. This switch allows selecting the reader’s receive communications interface. All communications interfaces are conﬁgured for simultaneous transmit, but only the interface selected by the switch is active for commands transmitted into the reader.

Connecting Communications

The MPRX-FH communicates through RS–232, RS–422, or Ethernet protocols.

Required Materials

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

• Host device

• Any terminal emulation program operating on a PC

Connecting the MPRX-FH to the Host Port

MPRX-FH communications and customer interface signals are supplied from the MPRX-FH to the host through a multi-wire cable. The connector for this cable is located on the end of the MPRX-FH (Figure 12

on page 2–32).

Insert one end of the MPRX-FH communications/power interface connector into the M23 Host connector at the MPRX-FH and the other end into the customer-supplied host device connector. Refer to Table 7 and

Table 8 for pin assignments and numbers.

Connecting Sense Input and Sense Output Circuits

The MPRX-FH has two sense input circuits and a tag lock output circuit available. SENSE 0 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 0 and 1 if enabled, and SENSE 1 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 2 and 3. The sense input circuits are used to notify the MPRX-FH 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 42.2VAC peak (30 Vrms) or 60VDC at 1 A maximum.

CAUTION

If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an isolation transformer

is required.

Sense Input Circuits

2–34

The MPRX-FH supports two sense inputs – SENSE 0 and SENSE 1 – which require two sense input lines (SENSE x and GND) for each loop sense or a total of four sense input connections. SENSE 0 is used to control RF power for the track that has antennas connected to RF ports 0 and 1. The sense inputs are wired through the reader M23 sense connector. The MPRX-FH expects the SENSE 0 circuit to close when a rail car is present (on the track with antennas connected to MPRX-FH ports 0 and 1).

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

SENSE 1 must be closed when a rail car is present on the track connected to MPRX-FH antenna ports 2 and 3. The reader RF switches on to the appropriate RF ports immediately upon detecting SENSE x.

Sense Output Circuit

The sense output is dedicated for testing and reader setup. 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 42.2VAC peak (30 Vrms) or 60VDC at 1A maximum. If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an isolation transformer is required.

Interface through Ethernet Port

To interface through the Ethernet port of the MPRX-FH, connect via the M12 Ethernet port (Use an M12 to RJ45 adapter if required). A static IP address will need to be assigned to the local host if directly connected, or the reader may be attached to the network.

Setting up Local Host

1. From the following link, install the stand-alone DeviceInstaller. (Refer to Figure 13.) This is needed

to know the IP address of the Ethernet to serial converter.

http://ltxfaq.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/644?_ga=1.59440430.2035039615.1475511776

Figure 13 Stand-alone DeviceInstaller Link

2. Once installed, launch DeviceInstaller from the START menu (Figure 14).

Figure 14 DeviceInstaller Start Menu

3. Select whether to direct-connect to the computer Ethernet port or whether to connect to the corporate network.

TransCore Proprietary

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Connecting Directly to Computer Ethernet Port

1. Go to the computer’s network setting and change the IP address and Subnet mask of the network interface controller (NIC) card you are connecting to as shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15 Connecting Directly to Computer Ethernet Port

2. If the computer has multiple NIC cards, a prompt may appear as shown in Figure 16. Select YES.

Figure 16 Multiple NIC Cards

3. At the next prompt, choose the desired adapter (Figure 17). If necessary, the selection can be changed at a later time through the OPTIONS menu.

2–36

Figure 17 Adapter Options

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 2 Test Procedures

For the direct-connect to the computer’s Ethernet port option, choose the network adapter with the 169.254.10.1 address.

To connect to the corporate network, choose the Local Area Connection.

4. The next screen prompts for an update (Figure 18). Select NO.

Figure 18 Check for Updates Screen

Finding the IP Address of the Reader

Note: If a ﬁrewall is present it will need to be disabled to allow access (Figure 19).

Figure 19 Disable Firewall

TransCore Proprietary

2–37

MPRX-FH User Guide

1. From the Lantronix DeviceInstaller, right-click on the appropriate connection and select refresh (Figure 20).

Figure 20 LanTronix DeviceInstaller Screen

2. The Xport Direct+ device will populate on the right side of the window (Figure 21). Use the IP address to conﬁgure your terminal emulator connection. Use Telnet and Port 10001.

3. The opened connection works just like a serial connection.

Figure 21 Xport Direct+ Device Screen

2–38

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 3 General Software Information

Chapter3 General Software Information

Command Entry Conventions

All MPRX-FH commands are preceded by the start-of-message character (#). The end-of-message sequence expected from the host is a carriage return (CR). The MPRX-FH 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.

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 10 shows the basic structure of a four-character command.

Table 10 Four-Character Command Structure

#1005 Set Baud Rate To 9600 Baud

# All commands are preceded by the # character.

Indicates the command group. This command is in Group 1 –

Communications Port Control.

Indicates the command subgroup. In this example, all commands

with a second digit of 0 apply to the main port.

The command digit. In this example, the 0 indicates that this

command aects the baud rate.

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.

Command Response Conventions

Like the MPRX-FH commands, responses are preceded by the # character. Many MPRX-FH 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.

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Table 11 shows an example of a command/reply sequence. This example assumes that an MPRX-FH with

serial number SN97001P running version X.XX software is connected to a PC running a terminal emulation software package. The command sequence veriﬁes that communications are working correctly.

Table 11 Sample Command Sequence

Entry MPRX-FH Response

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

#505 <CR>

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

In command discussions, MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH. In this example, one space is between the letter B and the number.

#Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SN97001P <CR/LF>

Switches MPRX-FH to command mode

Reports the software version and serial number

Returns MPRX-FH to data mode

Notes

Operating Parameters

The MPRX-FH maintains its operating parameters in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) so that the parameters are preserved after a power-down sequence.

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 MPRX-FH application software into the reader’s ﬂash memory. It is used to install program upgrades, add features, and to recover from corrupted program data.

Note: Program Download is a custom TransCore utility host process.

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Download Considerations

You should consider the following factors when performing Program Download:

• The MPRX-FH does not process tags while in download mode.

• The MPRX-FH 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.

• Cycling reader power after exiting from download mode re-executes startup. If the new software

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

Note: The MPRX-FH uses default boot communications parameters when operating in download

– 38400 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, basic protocol – and does not echo

mode commands.

Download Procedures

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

Startup

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

Sign-On Message

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

where

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.

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

SSSSSS is the serial number assigned to the MPRX-FH unit being used.

If the ﬂash memory checksum does not indicate veriﬁcation, the sign-on message appears as follows at a baud rate ﬁxed at 38,400 bps:

Model [E4] Ver 0.00x

[Copyright notice]

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Boot Failure Message

Upon powering up, the software performs a checksum veriﬁcation on itself. The function returns a speciﬁc value for the particular version of software. If the value returned is not correct, the boot code assumes that the application code has been corrupted and a failure condition exists. If the failure message does not transmit, a communications error has occurred or the boot has 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 MPRX-FH is operating out of boot ROM. In this case, the MPRX-FH automatically enters download mode and waits for a new program to be loaded into the ﬂash memory. Contact TransCore Technical Support for assistance.

Tag/Message Buer

The MPRX-FH maintains a tag buer in battery backed RAM to save tag IDs acquired when data inquiry protocol is used. This buer holds up to 500 time-stamped messages.

Note: When the buer ﬁlls, subsequent tag IDs will be lost.

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Chapter4Communications Protocols

Introduction

The MPRX-FH supports the following communications protocols:

• Basic

• Error correcting

• Data inquiry

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

Communications are performed using the 7-bit ASCII code with optional parity, providing easy setup, testing, and diagnostics with standard ASCII terminals and serial printers.

Each message is framed within the start-of-message <som> and end-of-message <eom> characters so that the host device 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 noiseinduced 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 when using error correcting protocol (ECP). This interchange is completed by the message recipient returning a message acknowledgment 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 eect as if it had received a negative acknowledgment (from the host) or an #Error message from the MPRX-FH.

Software (XON/XOFF) ﬂow control is optionally supported. Be careful in the use of XON/XOFF since noiseinduced characters may be interpreted by the MPRX-FH as the XOFF character, which would suspend reader output without information reaching the host device. For more information, refer to “Reader

Transmissions” on page 4–45.

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

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Basic Protocol

With basic protocol, messages sent to and from the MPRX-FH and the host are transmitted without error checking. For each host transmission, the MPRX-FH returns a #Done or #Error message to the host.

When the host device is physically close to the MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH 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 ﬂow control. Refer to “Chapter 6 Conﬁguration”

on page 6–84 for software ﬂow control information.

Error Correcting Protocol

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

Note: TransCore recommends that basic protocol (not 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.

Because 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 MPRX-FH 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. If the message is transmitted prematurely, the MPRX-FH will issue an #Error message, and the host device will issue a negative acknowledgment message.

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Data Inquiry Protocol

Data inquiry protocol is a basic protocol option that allows the host to control transmission of reader tag data. The selection of data inquiry protocol aects data mode operation. As MPRX-FH acquires tags, it buers them but does not transmit them. Instead, the host must poll MPRX-FH for each tag by sending a CTRL-E character (hex 5 digit). MPRX-FH transmits one message (tag ID or report data) for each CTRL-E it receives until the buer is empty.

Each tag request message sent by the host consists only of the CTRL-E character; no <som> or <eom> characters are sent. MPRX-FH data transmission (tag ID and report data) format is the same as for basic protocol.

Selection of data inquiry protocol does not aect command mode operation.

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.

Chapter 4 Communications Protocols

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)

<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 MPRX-FH maintains the number. The host must acknowledge reader transmissions by sending an ACK message with the same sequence number received from the MPRX-FH. The MPRX-FH updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid host ACK. If an ACK is not received, the MPRX-FH retransmits the message. A reader transmission sequence is not considered complete until the MPRX-FH receives an ACK and updates its sequence number.

<data> 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, or #Error11 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.

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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.

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

<eom>

End-of-message characters (ASCII CR and LF). The system 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 MPRX-FH is in the process of retransmitting the previous message.

ECP Host ACK/NAK Response

With ECP, the host device responds to all data message transmissions from the MPRX-FH using the following acknowledgment or negative acknowledgment response format.

where

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

<seq> Echo of the sequence number received from the MPRX-FH. The sequence number

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

The host device resets the anticipated data message sequence number to that of the MPRX-FH before communications can resume without error.

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<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 MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH receives an ACK or NAK message from the host, a logical NAK condition will be declared. If the MPRX-FH receives a NAK or timeout, the reader retransmits the data message.

When the MPRX-FH receives an ACK message, the system software treats the message as having been properly received by the host. The software increments the sequence number, and advances pointers to the next message in the MPRX-FH’s message queue to prepare for sending the next message.

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Switch to Command Mode Request

The host device 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 device separately from that appearing in data

messages transmitted by the MPRX-FH

<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 device initiates synchronous communications between the MPRX-FH and the host. The host begins a sequence by issuing a command; the MPRX-FH responds accordingly.

The data inquiry protocol format is as follows:

<CTRL-E>

The basic protocol format is as follows:

The ECP format is as follows:

where

<CTRL-E> ASCII Control E (hex 5 digit). When in data inquiry mode, each

<CTRL-E> by the host causes the MPRX-FH to transmit one tag ID.

<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 MPRX-FH 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.

transmission of a

Upon receiving a host command in ECP, the MPRX-FH replies using the command’s sequence number in its response. Therefore, the host device updates its sequence number upon receipt of a valid reader response. If the sequence number is not updated before transmission of the next command, the MPRX-FH 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.

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

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

<crc> CRC value for the message

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

Reader Command Response

The basic protocol format is

The ECP format is

where

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

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

<seq> Echo of sequence number received in host command message

<resp> Response string. The MPRX-FH returns #Done, #Error, or another

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)

ASCII string

Sample Messages

This section contains examples of typical messages transmitted between the MPRX-FH and the host device.

Reader Transmissions

Basic protocol reader transmission

#KING 1302<eom>

Host response

No host response for non-ECP

ECP reader transmission

#4KING 1302 <crc><eom>

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where

Chapter 4 Communications Protocols

KING 1302 Message data: Tag ID is shown.

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

Host response

where

# Start-of-message character

4 Message sequence number

@ ACK (acknowledgment character)

? NAK (negative acknowledgment character)

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

Start-of-message character

Message sequence number

Other sample message data could be as follows:

IOST C0 O2 I0 D24 (display I/O status) #Error06 (frequency not set)

#4@<crc><eom>

Host Command Transmissions

ECP host transmission

#7NNNXXX<crc><eom>

where

# Start-of-message character

7 Message sequence number

NNNXXX Select RF Operating Frequency command where NNN is the command and XXX is a

hexadecimal value from 000 to 118.

<crc> CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

#Done Command has been invoked by the MPRX-FH

Reader response

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

For some commands, the MPRX-FH responds with data that relates to the command, such as T0F 0, to indicate the mode enabled for a #570 Display Operating Mode Status command.

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

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Timing and Synchronization

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

The MPRX-FH supports an ECP timeout, which applies equally to both transmit and receive.

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:

where

rec (ms) = L x [Τchar + Τidle]

char (ms) 1000 x [ B

idle Maximum idle period between characters (ms)

Bits per character, typically 10

Baud rate, 1200–38.4 K

Length of message in characters

/ Rb ]

Note: The MPRX-FH 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

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

The host device can remotely set the MPRX-FH’s communications parameters while in the command mode, but TransCore does not recommend this action if communications conditions are marginal.

After the MPRX-FH receives new communications parameters, the MPRX-FH issues the #Done message and switches to the new conﬁguration immediately. The host device switches its communications parameters immediately after the transaction is complete.

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As noted, the message initiator, such as the MPRX-FH in data mode and the host device in command mode, starts a timeout counter at the time a message is transmitted. If the timeout expires before receiving an acknowledgment 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 acknowledgment message is received.

The message recipient, such as the host device in data mode and the MPRX-FH 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.

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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 lost completely.

Reader-Addressed Failure Conditions

The MPRX-FH addresses the following failure conditions.

Illegal Sequence Number (Not in the Range 0–9, A–F)

If the MPRX-FH 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 message, it responds as if a NAK had been received and retransmits the data.

Wrong Sequence Number

If the MPRX-FH receives the wrong sequence number in an ACK message, it responds as if a NAK had been received, and it retransmits the data.

Incorrect CRC

If the MPRX-FH 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.

Illegal Command

If the MPRX-FH receives an illegal command, it returns its standard #Error message.

Transmission Timeout

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

Receive Timeout

If the MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH transmits asynchronous data at the same time that the host sends a command, the MPRXFH 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 device 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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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 MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH’s response. The MPRX-FH 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 “Timing and Synchronization” on page 4–50.

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, a 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 MPRX-FH.

The MPRX-FH 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 MPRX-FH 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-o between code memory and processing overhead.

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

unsigned short calccrc(char *message)

{ unsigned short crc = 0; for ( ; *message != (char)0;message++) crc =

updcrc(*message & 0xff, crc);

return (crc)

}

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

#dene BITS_PER_CHAR 8

unsigned short updcrc (unsigned short ch, unsigned short 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);

}

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

#dene 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,

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,

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,

0x2a12,

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,

};

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

#include <stdio.h>

#dene MAX_CHAR 256

#dene BITS_CHAR 8 #dene SIGN_BIT 0x8000 #dene POLY 0x1021 unsigned short crctab [MAX_CHAR]; main

()

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

Chapter 4 Communications Protocols

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 MPRX-FH 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 buered. Often the ﬁrst indication that the MPRX-FH software is in an ECP “loop” is when the user/technician sees a recurring display of the same message repeated 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 (or other value that allows enough time for the commands 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.

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

where

# Start-of-message character

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

@ ACK (acknowledgment character)

<‘‘‘‘> Wild card CRC value for the message

<eom> End-of-message character

The following is a typical sequence after power-on limiting buered messages.

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

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRX-FH, ensure that you have connected the antenna or a

dummy load to the reader before applying power to the reader.

#x@‘‘‘‘<eom>

message being acknowledged

Reader transmission on power-up:

#0 Model …. SN <crc><eom>

Manually enter: #0@````<eom>

Manually enter: #2@````<eom>

Manually enter: #101‘‘‘‘<eom> This puts reader into command mode

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 commands:

#00 return the reader to data mode #611 return to error correcting protocol #100````<eom>

return reader to data mode

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Default Settings

The MPRX-FH is delivered from the factory with speciﬁed default settings that determine how the reader operates. Commands transmitted by the host device 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 MPRX-FH can also communicate with ASCII terminals.

Operating Modes

The MPRX-FH has three modes of operation: Data, Command, and Download. The software for the MPRX-FH contains two separate programs — Boot and Application. The Boot program has control of the MPRX-FH on startup and when operating in download mode. The Application program has control of the MPRX-FH during data mode and command mode operation and holds the application code. Together, they control the MPRX-FH in the three modes of operation.

Chapter 5 Commands

Data Mode

The MPRX-FH is in the data mode upon power-up. While in the data mode, the MPRX-FH sends all communications, such as tag IDs and reports, as data messages to the host device. Reports provide information on input status changes (input 0 and input 1), a presence without tag report, and buer overﬂow information. When MPRX-FH mode has been enabled (#837) and while the MPRX-FH is in data mode, the host device can send the following commands the MPRX-FH:

#01 changes the MPRX-FH from the data mode to the command mode.

#440 provides a one-time reset of all tag uniqueness timers at which point the previously set

timeout interval resumes.

Note: The MPRX-FH transmits ID codes to the host device when the MPRX-FH is in data mode.

Command Mode

While the MPRX-FH is in the command mode, the host device sends commands to the MPRX-FH that can be used to control the reader operation and conﬁguration. After the MPRX-FH receives a command, it transmits a command response message. Typically, 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, #570 Display Operating Mode

Status.

Communication can be lost if the host device attempts to send certain commands under marginal communication conditions. For example, if the host device transmits the command request to change the baud rate and the MPRX-FH properly receives the request and transmits the #Done message, one of the two following conditions may occur:

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1. If the host device receives the #Done message, then both the host and the MPRX-FH 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 does not change automatically. The MPRX-FH changes the baud rate immediately after issuing the message.

2. If the host does not receive the #Done message transmitted by the MPRX-FH, the host assumes that the command was not properly sent and does not switch to the new baud rate, causing a loss of communications.

Caution

The host device should only change communications parameters or protocols during

test or set up conditions.

Download Mode

In download mode, the host can download new software to the MPRX-FH.

While in download mode, the MPRX-FH turns RF o, does not process tags, and does not echo host commands.

Typically, TransCore trained personnel download new application code using a custom ﬁrmware loader program. Contact TransCore Technical Support for information about ﬁrmware updates and procedures.

Command List

Reader commands are divided into groups based on a primary function. The following sections provide information about each command in command number order. Refer to “Command Quick Reference” on

page D–112 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.

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

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 device or terminal.

00 Switch to Data Mode (Factory Default)

#00 switches the reader to data mode, which allows the reader to transmit tag data (ID

codes) to the host. In addition to switching the reader to data mode, Command #00 automatically saves to non-volatile memory (NVRAM) any user parameters that had been changed during the command mode session. The reader enters data mode on power up.

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Caution

To save user parameter changes to non-volatile memory (NVRAM), you must send

Command #00 before powering down the reader.

When MPRX-FH mode has been enabled (#837) and while the MPRX-FH is in data mode, the host device can send the following commands to the MPRX-FH:

#01 Switch to Command Mode

Reader response: #Done

#440 Reset Uniqueness

Reader response: #Done

Note: The MPRX-FH transmits ID codes to the host device when the MPRX-FH is in data mode.

01 Switch to Command Mode

#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 o and does not acquire tags.

Reader response: #Done

Communications port Control — Command Group 1

Group 1 commands conﬁgure the parameters used by the MPRX-FH to communicate with a host device or terminal. These commands set baud rate, stop bits, parity, and end-of- line delay.

100N Select Baud Rate

#100N selects the reader baud rate. The factory-default setting is 9600 baud. The N variable

speciﬁes the baud rate shown in Table 12.

Table 12 Select Baud Rate Commands

Command Baud Rate Selected

1002

1003

1004

1005

1006

1007

9600 (factory default)

1200

2400

4800

19.2 K

38.4 K

Reader response: #Done

Caution

If ECP is enabled, ensure that the ECP timeout is sucient for the new baud rate.

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101N Select Stop Bits

#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 13.

Table 13 Select Stop Bits Commands

Command Stop Bits Selected

1010

1011

Reader response: #Done

1 (factory default)

102N Select Parity

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

variable speciﬁes parity as shown in Table 14.

Table 14 Select Parity Commands

Command Data Bits Parity Selected

1020

1021

1022

Reader response: #Done

8 Disable parity (factory default)

7 Select even parity

7 Select odd parity

Command Group 2

Group 2 commands control the real-time clock which maintains the MPRX-FH 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.

5–60

20 Set Time

#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.

The entry format is as follows:

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

where

represents hundredths of a second (00 to 99).

represents hours (00 to 23).

represents minutes (00 to 59).

represents seconds (00 to 59).

is the time delimiter.

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Chapter 5 Commands

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

Reader response: #Done

21 Set Date

#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

Reader response: #Done

represents the month (01 to 12).

represents the day (01 to 31).

represents the last two digits of the year (00 to 99).

is the date delimiter.

22 Display Time and Date

#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

represents hundredths of seconds

represents hours

represents minutes

represents seconds

is the time delimiter

represents the month

represents the day

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

#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).

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The reader returns an #Error message if its tag buer contains data. The reset reader Command #63 may be transmitted to clear the buer; however, tag ID data will not be reported. If this is unacceptable, allow the buer to empty before reissuing append time and date Command #30N Append Time and Date commands are shown in Table 15.

Table 15 Append Time and Date Commands

Command Append Option

300

302

The reader transmits messages with time and date appended as follows. One space separates the time from the date.

where

string

HH:MM:SS is the time delimiter.

MM/DD/YY is the date delimiter.

Reader response: #Done

is a tag ID, error message, or report.

separates <string> from the time and date.

No time and date appended

Time and date appended (factory default)

31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection

#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 shown in Table 16.

5–62

Table 16 Append Auxiliary Information Commands

Command Append Option

310

311

The reader transmits messages with auxiliary information appended as:

where

separates the auxiliary information and signals the host computer that auxiliary information is appended.

reader ID. Value can be set with Command #60NN.

auxiliary information delimiter

antenna number.

No auxiliary information appended (factory default)

Auxiliary information appended

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 5 Commands

sss

Reader response: #Done

number of reads (00 to FF hexadecimal) of the previous tag on this antenna

current status of input0 and input1 (0 to 3)

relative to tag read strength

322 Disable TID data append

#322 Append_EPC_TID

If ISO/IEC 18000-63 is enabled, this commpand will append TID to the end of the response. Refer to “839 Enable ISO/IEC 18000-63 Protocol” on page 5–81

Reader Response: 0/1

323 Disable TID data append

#323 Append_EPC_TID

If ISO/IEC 18000-63 is enabled, this commpand will append TID to the end of the response. Refer to “839 Enable ISO/IEC 18000-63 Protocol” on page 5–81.

Reader Response: 0/1

ID Filtering — Command Group 4

Group 4 commands set criteria for ﬁltering (buering or discarding) ID codes. These commands are useful for eliminating duplicate ID codes and selecting the type of tags read by the MPRX-FH.

40 Transmit All ID Codes

#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.

Reader response: #Done

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

#410N instructs the reader to buer 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 reported. The factorydefault setting is Command #4100, which selects a separation of one ID. Variable N speciﬁes ID separation as shown in Table 17.

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Table 17 Unique ID Code Criteria

Command Uniqueness Criteria

4100

4101

4102

4103

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

Item 2 Second-most recently acquired ID

Item 3 Third-most recently acquired ID

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 dierent from the ﬁrst item. Separation of two IDs allows transmission if the new ID is dierent from Items 1 and 2 in the comparison register. Separation of three and four IDs transmit the new ID only if it is dierent 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.

Separation of 1 ID (factory default)

Separation of 2 IDs

Separation of 3 IDs

Separation of 4 IDs

The uniqueness test has a time limit as set by Command #44N. If an ID is buered, it will not be accepted again unless it arrives at the reader more than the timeout value from the previous arrival or until the receipt of one or more other IDs reset the uniqueness.

Reader response: #Done

420N Select Valid ID Code Criteria

#420N directs the reader to validate an ID received only after it has been obtained a speciﬁed

number of times in sequence. Values for N are 1 through 4 (Table 18). The factory setting is one acquisition (N = 0).

Table 18 Select Valid Code Commands and Frames

Command Valid Code Frames

4200

4201

4202

4203

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.

1 (factory default)

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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.

440 Reset Uniqueness

#440 causes the ID ﬁltering process set by Select Unique ID Code Criteria (#410N) to

restart. It is used in conjunction with the Set Uniqueness Timeout (#44N) Commands. This command provides a one-time reset at which point the previously set timeout 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 timeout clock. The factory setting is two minutes (N = 1).

Command Timeout Clock

#441 2 minutes (factory setting)

#442 15 seconds#443 30 seconds

Entering these commands eectively expires the timeout clock, which erases all current IDs in the comparison register. In eect, 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 timeout clock is continually reset (does not expire) as long as the reader receives the same tag ID. For example, assume that the timeout clock is set for two minutes and there is a railcar parked on a siding in front of the reader. Without this reset feature, the railcar’s ID would be reported every two minutes (each time the timeout clock expired).

454 Disable Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default)

#454 Disables the multi-tag sort function.

Reader response: #Done

455 Enable Multi-tag Sort

#455 enables the multi-tag sort function that allows the reader to identify unique tags within a

group.

Reader response: #Done

Note: Enabling the multi-tag sort function adversely aects the vehicle speed at which tags may be read. If there is only one tag expected in the vehicles of the target population, multi-tag sort should be disabled.

456 Enable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort (Factory Default)

#456 enables the reader to send the Super eGo® (SeGo) protocol tag initialize command

as part of the multi-tag sort function. When the reader sends the SeGo protocol tag

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MPRX-FH User Guide

Reader response: #Done

457 Disable SeGo Protocol Tag Initialization During Multi-tag Sort

#457 disables the reader from sending the SeGo protocol tag initialize command as part

Reader response: #Done

484 Disable SeGo

#484 disables the reader from reading SeGo protocol data from tags.

485 Enable SeGo

#485 enables the reader to read SeGo protocol data from tags if the reader is programmed

initialize command, all tags in the RF ﬁeld reenter the sort process.

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.

to read this tag protocol.

Reader Status — Command Group 5

Group 5 commands provide status reports on the parameters and operation of the reader.

505 Display Software Version

#505 displays the reader model number, software version information, and assigned serial

number.

Reader response: Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNSSSSSS

where

X.XX Version number

SSSSSS Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on

label

506 Display Hardware Conﬁguration Information

#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.

Reader response: An ASCII string from 1 to 20 characters in length

520 Display Power Fail Bit

#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.

the reader product

5–66

Reader response: PWRB P<0 to 1> R0

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Chapter 5 Commands

where

No power failure detected

Power failure detected

Not applicable to the MPRX-FH

521 Display Reader ID Number

#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

One space is required between each value. For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

1200 baud

2400 baud

4800 baud

9600 baud (factory default)

19.2 kbps

38.4 kbps

one stop bit (factory default)

two stop bits

no parity (factory default)

even parity

odd parity

00 ms end-of-line delay (ﬁxed)

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 mode operation only. While operating in download mode, default communications parameters are always used.

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#522 applies to data and command

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MPRX-FH User Guide

524 Display Appended Information Status

#524 displays the information being appended to the reader transmissions. Command #31N

Reader response: IDAP T<0 to 1> D<0 to 1> X<0 to 1>

where

appends information.

Time not appended

Time appended

Date not appended

Date appended

Auxiliary information not appended (factory default)

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.

525 Display Communications Protocol Status

#525 displays the status of Command #610 Select Basic Communications Protocol,

Command #611 Select Error Correcting Protocol, or #613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol, Command #614N Selected Mode of Software Flow Control, and Command #612NN Error Correcting Protocol Timeout.

Reader response: ECPS P<0 to 2> T<01 to FF> X<0 to 2> S0

where

Txx

Basic protocol selected (factory default)

ECP enabled

data inquiry protocol enabled

ECP timeout where xx = 01 to FE (hexadecimal) | Timeout (ms) = 50 * xx If xx = FF timeout disabled

Software Flow Control disabled

Software ﬂow control enabled (factory default)

start of message character is #

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is:

ECPS P0 TFE X1 S0

which means basic protocol selected, an ECP timeout of 254 (12,700 ms or 12.7 sec), software ﬂow control enabled, and start of message character is #.

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527 Display RF Status

#527 displays the current status of the RF module. The reader response indicates whether

RF is controlled externally by the host, set by Command #640N RF Control, or internally by input set by Command #641 (not applicable to the MPRX-FH). RF always is controlled by Sense 0 and Sense 1 when reader is in MPRX-FH mode. Sense 0 enables RF on antenna ports 0 and 1, and Sense 1 enables RF on antenna ports 2 and

3. Refer to “MUX Operational Modes” on page 5–83. Command #527 also displays the current RF status and the uniqueness timeout.

Reader response: RFST C<0 to 1> O<0 to 1> T<1 to 3> Fxxx Rxx Gxx Axx Ixx

where

C1 RF controlled by presence sensor on input 0, the red/green pair (factory default)

O0 RF o

O1 RF on

T1 Uniqueness timeout of two minutes

T2 Uniqueness timeout of 15 seconds

T3 Uniqueness timeout of 30 seconds

Fxxx Not used

Rxx Not used

Gxx Tag decoder range (distance) for SeGo protocol tags, xx = 00 to 1F hexadecimal range

Axx RF power attenuation, where 00 is maximum output power and 0A is minimum output

I04 Fixed

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

which means that RF is enabled by presence sensor on input 0, RF signal o, uniqueness timeout of two minutes, RF output frequency has not been set, maximum RF output range for eGo and eGo Plus tags, full RF power, and IAG power set at 4 dB attenuation.

RF controlled by host

value

power (10dB less than maximum power).

RFST C1 O0 T1 R1F G1F A00 I04

529 Display Presence Input Status

#529 displays the parameters associated with presence detection and RF control. The

reader’s message indicates if presence without tag reports are enabled/ disabled (#690N Select Presence without Tag Report Option), if input inversion is enabled/ disabled (#694N Select Input Inversion Option), and the minimum presence true period (always true). The reader’s message also reports the selected RF timeout (#693N Select RF Timeout Period) and the selected means of RF-o control (#692N Select RF Control Algorithm). If presence without tag reports is enabled (#6901 Enable Presence without Tag Report Option), the reader transmits a report if a presence is detected without the subsequent acquisition of a valid tag.

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Note: RF timeout values vary depending on the operative tag read mode and the type of tag in the read ﬁeld. All times are approximate.

Reader response: PRST P<0 to 1> D0 A<0 to 2> T<0 to F> I<0 to 1>

where

Presence without tag reports disabled (factory default)

P1 Presence without tag reports enabled

D0 Minimum presence true period of 0 ms (ﬁxed)

A0 RF o on timeout only

A1 RF o on timeout or tag

A2 RF o on timeout or presence condition false (factory default)

T0 RF timeout of 0 ms (always expired)

T1 4 ms

T2 8 ms

T3 12 ms

T4 20 ms

T5 24 ms

T6 32 ms

T7 48 ms

T8 60 ms

T9 92 ms

TA 152 ms

TB 300 ms

TC 452 ms

TD 600 ms

TE 752 ms

TF RF timeout inﬁnite, never expires (factory default)

I0 input inversion disabled (factory default)

I1 input inversion enabled

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

PRST P0 D0 A2 TF I0

which means that presence without tag reports is disabled, minimum presence true period is 0, RF o control on timeout or presence false, inﬁnite RF timeout, and input inversion disabled.

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530 Display RF0 Filter Status

#530 displays the parameter set for the RF input, including the selected unique ID code

criteria (#410N Select Unique ID Code Criteria) and the valid ID code criteria, which are ﬁxed at one acquisition.

Reader response RF0S U<0 to 4> V<0 to 3>

where

V2 Valid ID code criteria of three acquisitions

One ID separation (factory default)

Two ID separations

Three ID separations

Four ID separations

Transmit all IDs

Valid ID code criteria of one acquisition (factory default)

Valid ID code criteria of two acquisitions

Valid ID code criteria of four acquisitions

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

RF0S U0 V0

which means separation of one ID for uniqueness ﬁltering and a valid ID code criteria of one acquisition.

537 Display Echo Status

#537 displays echo mode status. In basic protocol (#610 Select Basic Communication

Protocol) and data inquiry protocol (#613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol), the reader may be conﬁgured to enable (#6171 Enable Echo Mode) or disable (#6170 Disable Echo Mode) the echo of received commands. Refer to sections 6170 Disable Echo Mode and

“6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default)” on page 5–75 for more information.

Reader response: ECHO <0 to 1>

where

Echo status disabled (factory default)

Echo status enabled

540 Display Flash Checksum

#540 displays the ﬂash memory checksum.

Reader response: PCKS I0000 Exxxx

where

0000 Not applicable to the MPRX-FH

xxxx Represents the four-byte ASCII representation of the ﬂash

TransCore Proprietary

memory checksum

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MPRX-FH User Guide

543 Display Boot Checksum

#543 displays the boot ROM checksum.

Reader response: BCKS xxxx

where

xxxx represents the four-byte ASCII representation of the boot ROM checksum.

549 Get User-Programmable Group Select Equals (GSE) Filter Data

#549 queries the reader for the user-programmable GSE ﬁlter data programmed in the

reader using Command #697. The response data is formatted similar to the data in the conﬁguration command.

For example, if the command string shown in Command #697 (refer to “697 Set User-

Programmable Group Select Equals (GSE) Filter” on page 5–80) was sent to a given

reader, the response to the #549 query command would be:

#A4 0A 0005014202024133

The reader response contains all the data ﬁelds repeated in the same sequence as displayed in the User-Programmable GSE conﬁguration command.

552 Display Antenna Multiplexing Mode

#552 displays the antenna multiplexing mode When the MPRX-FH mode is enabled

Reader response: MUX x<0 to 3> <MPRX-FH>

where

x=0 antenna multiplexing disabled, RF on port 0 only

x=1 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense 0 active

x=2 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense 0 active and RF port 2

when sense 1 active

x=3 antenna multiplexing between RF ports 0 and 1 when sense 0 active and RF ports 2

and 3 when sense 1 active

MPRX-FH = MPRX-FH mode selected

560 Request Sensor Status Change

#560 displays the sensor status change reporting. Not applicable to the MPRX-FH

Reader response: SSTC E<0 to 1> M<0 to 3>

where

Input status change reports disabled (factory default)

5–72

Input status change reports enabled

Reporting disabled (factory default)

Changes on input 0 reported

Changes on input 1 reported

Changes on either input reported

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Chapter 5 Commands

For example, if factory default settings are assigned, the reader message is

SSTC E0 M0

which means that input status change reports are disabled on both input 0 and input 1.

570 Display Operating Mode Status

#570 displays the currently selected tag read mode.

Reader response: D> eGo:<I, D> SeGo:<I, D> IAG:<E, D> Sort:<E, D> TMM0

where

I ID (64 bits)

E Enabled

F Not used

D Disabled

TMM0 Fixed

577 Report Buered Handshakes

#577 reports the buered handshakes. When in MPRX-FH mode and/or if antenna

multiplexing is enabled, the response is

Reader response: HDSH C0 <ww> C1 <xx> C2 <yy> C3 <zz>

where

count from port 0

count from port 1

count from port 2

count from port 3

Reader Control Functions — Command Group 6

Group 6 commands set reader control functions such as reader ID, communication protocol, output pulse, and RF control.

60NN Set Reader ID Number

#60NN sets the reader ID that will be sent in the auxiliary data ﬁeld (Command #311).

Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for NN; for example, hex digits A though F or a through f

where

NN = 00 to FF (hex for 0 to 255, factory default = 00).

Reader response #Done

610 Select Basic Communication Protocol (Factory Default)

#610 enables the basic communications protocol.

Reader response: #Done

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611 Select Error Correcting Protocol

#611 enables the error correcting protocol.

Reader response: #Done

Caution

Do not switch to ECP (Command #611 Select Error Correcting Protocol) unless the host

is prepared to acknowledge each reader transmission.

612NN Select Error Correcting Protocol Timeout

#612NN selects the timeout interval for ECP. This timeout applies to the transmission of tag,

report, and error messages and to the receipt of host commands. The transmit timeout is initiated immediately after the end-of-message sequence CR/ LF is transmitted. If the host does not acknowledge the message within the speciﬁed interval, the reader times out and retransmits the message.

The receive timeout is initiated upon receipt of the start-of-message character (#). If the end-of-message character (CR) is not received within the speciﬁed interval, the reader discards the partially received message and resets its receiver.

Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for NN; for example, hex digits A through F or a through f.

The value for NN speciﬁes the timeout interval as follows:

50 * NN for NN = 01 to FE (1–254)

where

Reader response: #Done

Factory default (12,700 ms or 12.7 seconds)

Disables the ECP timeout

Caution

Ensure that the ECP timeout is sucient for a given baud rate. Refer to “00 Switch to

Data Mode (Factory Default)” on page 5–58.

613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol

#613 Enable Data Inquiry Protocol. Refer to “Data Inquiry Protocol” on page 4–45” for more

information.

Reader response:

#Done

614N Select Software Flow Control Option

5–74

#614N selects the Software Flow Control option for reader-to-host communications. The

factory default setting is software ﬂow control (XON/XOFF) enabled. During data mode and command mode operation, the following Software Flow Control options are available. The N variable speciﬁes Software Flow Control as shown in Table 19.

TransCore Proprietary

Table 19 Software Flow Control Commands

Command Software Flow Control Option

Chapter 5 Commands

6140

6141

If the reader is conﬁgured for software ﬂow control (XON/XOFF), it stops transmitting if it receives an XOFF character (host software Command 13H). It does not resume transmitting until it receives an XON character (host software Command 11H).

Note: TransCore recommends that XON/XOFF Software Flow Control be disabled while using the ECP.

Disable software ﬂow control

Enable software ﬂow control (factory default)

6170 Disable Echo Mode

#6170 disables the reader’s echo of received host commands. If operating in basic protocol

or data inquiry protocol, the reader echoes by default. As the reader receives a host command, it echoes each character of the command. Once the entire command has been received and processed, the reader transmits its response. If echoing is disabled with Command #6170, the reader does not echo the command, but only transmits its response. The reader never echoes while in ECP or download mode operation.

Reader response: #Done

6171 Enable Echo Mode (Factory Default)

#6171 enables the reader to echo received host commands

#6170 disables echo mode

Reader response: #Done

63 Reset Reader

#63 resets the power fail bit, clears all buers, resets tag uniqueness, turns o both output

lines, transmits the sign-on message, and returns to the data mode.

Note: This command does not reset any other conﬁguration parameters.

Reader response: Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SNSSSSSS

where

X.XXD Version number

SSSSSS Serial number of the unit, skipping the fourth character printed on

label.

the reader product

640N RF Control

#640N directly controls the RF module. The N value controls the RF power as shown in

Table 20.

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Table 20 RF Control Commands

Command RF Power

6400

6401

Note: These commands only have an eect when the reader is not in MPRX-FH mode. Refer to Commands #836 and #837.

#6400 disables RF-by-input control command

#641 Select RF-by-Input Control (default)

Reader response: #Done

Turns o RF

Turns on RF

641 Select RF-by-Input Control (Factory Default)

#641 conﬁgures the reader for RF-by-input control. The reader automatically turns on RF

when it detects a presence through sense 0. The reader turns o RF according to the selected RF control algorithm (#692N Select RF Control Algorithm).

Note: This command only has an eect when the reader is not in MPRX-FH mode.

Reader response: #Done

644NN Set RF Attenuation

#644NN sets the attenuation control for the output RF power where NN is a hexidecimal value

from 00 to 0A. Settings for attenuation are 1.0 dB increments over a range of 10 dB of attenuation from the maximum power setting of 2 watts at 0dB attenuation to a minimum power level of 200 milliwatts at 10-dB attenuation.

The Set RF Attenuation Command NN variables and corresponding attenuation settings are shown in Table 21.

Reader response: #Done

Table 21 RF Attenuation Command Variables

Variable (NN) Attenuation Setting (dB)

0 (factory default)

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645NN Set SeGo/ISO/IEC 18000-63 Protocol Operating Range (Distance)

#645NN sets the read range for SeGo/ISO/IEC 18000-63 protocol tags where NN is a

hexadecimal value from 00 to 1F; the range increases with increasing NN value. The range can be adjusted for 32 discrete values where 00 is the shortest range and 1F is

the longest range. Default range value is 1F.

Reader response: #Done

65 Reset Power Fail Bit

#65 resets the power fail bit to 0. The bit changes from 0 to 1 when power is restored to

the reader. Upon reader power-up, the host transmits either Command #65 or #63 Reset Reader to properly initialize this bit. The current state of the power fail bit may be displayed. Refer to “520 Display Power Fail Bit” on page 5–66 for more information.

Reader response: #Done

66F Load Default Operating Parameters

#66F loads all the factory default operating parameters except RF operating frequency. Refer

to “Factory Default Settings” on page D–112 for a listing of the defaults.

Reader response:

#Done

#Error

All parameters loaded OK

A parameter load failed

690N Select Presence Without Tag Report Option

#690N enables or disables the presence without tag report option. If the presence without tag

reporting option is enabled using Command #6901, input reports are transmitted when a tag presence is detected without the subsequent acquisition of a valid tag. The value for N speciﬁes the reports as shown in Table 22.

Table 22 Presence Without Tag Report Commands

Command Report Option

6900

6901

Note: These commands only have an eect when the reader is not in MPRX-FH mode.

Reader response: #Done Refer to “Basic Protocol and ECP Format” on page 4–45 for message format information.

Disable presence without tag reports (factory default)

Enable presence without tag reports

692N Select RF Control Algorithm

#692N selects the algorithm for turning o RF power when RF-by-input control is enabled

using Command #641 Select RF-by-Input Control.

The values for N specify the RF control algorithms as shown in Table 23.

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Table 23 RF Control Algorithm Commands

Command RF Power O

6920

6921

6922

#6920 turns o RF power based on the timeout established by Command #693N Select RF

Timeout Period.

#6921 allows RF power to be turned o either after the timeout period or upon acquisition of a

valid tag ID, whichever occurs ﬁrst.

#6922 turns o RF power either after the timeout period or upon the presence false condition,

whichever occurs ﬁrst.

Reader response: #Done

On timeout only

Timeout or tag ID acquired

Timeout or presence false (factory default)

693N Select RF Timeout Period

#693N selects the RF timeout period used by Command #692N Select RF Control Algorithm.

Values for N range from 0 through F.

#693F disables the RF timeout. The reader turns o the RF immediately following the

acquisition of a valid tag, whether or not it is unique (default).

Uppercase or lowercase characters are allowed for N; for example, hex digits A through F or a through f. The commands and corresponding timeouts are shown in Table 24.

Table 24 Timeout Period Values

Command Timeout (ms)

6930

6931

6932

6933

6934

6935

6936

6937

6938

6939

693A

693B

0 (always expired)

152

300

5–78

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Table 24 Timeout Period Values

Command Timeout (ms)

Chapter 5 Commands

693C

693D

693E

693F

Reader response: #Done or #Error.

The reader returns an Error message if a valid hexadecimal digit is not substituted for N in Command #693N.

Note: This command only has an eect when the reader is not in MPRX-FH mode.

452

600

752

Inﬁnite (never expires, factory default)

694N Select Input Inversion Option

#694N enables or disables input inversion. When inversion is enabled, an open circuit input

is interpreted as a closed circuit, and a closed circuit input is interpreted as an open circuit. This feature allows greater ﬂexibility in the attachment of external equipment to the reader inputs. For example, some proximity sensors indicate presence with an open circuit. In this instance, Command #6941 can enable input inversion so that an open circuit input indicates a presence. The values for N represent the two inversion options as shown in Table 25.

Reader response: #Done

Table 25 Input Inversion Options

Command Option

6940

6941

Disable input inversion (factory default)

Enable input inversion

695S...S Set Serial Number (Factory Default)

#695 assigns the reader serial number according to the format:

695SSSSSS

where SSSSSS is the serial number.

The serial number may contain as many as six uppercase or lowercase ASCII alphanumeric characters.

Note: The factory-assigned serial number of the reader contains seven characters. However, to maintain backward compatibility, the reader software allows only six characters to be entered. When setting the serial number, skip the fourth (middle) character of the seven-character number shown on the reader product label. Once assigned, the serial number is preserved during powerdown and the loading of default parameters.

Reader response: Done

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696S...S Store Hardware Conﬁguration String (Factory Default)

#696S...S stores hardware conﬁguration information into reader memory. The hardware

where

S...S is the hardware conﬁguration string that may contain as many as 20 uppercase or

Note: Once assigned, conﬁguration information is preserved during power-down and the loading of default parameters.

Reader response: #Done

697 Set User-Programmable Group Select Equals (GSE) Filter

#697 sets the user-programmable GSE ﬁlter. The command string is assigned according to

conﬁguration string is assigned according to the following format:

696S...S

lowercase ASCII alphanumeric characters.

the following format:

697 MM AA DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

where

MM = The tag uses this mask to determine which of the eight Comparison Data bytes are to

be compared for the Group Select ﬁlter.

AA = This ﬁeld is used by the tag to determine the start address in the tag memory for the

comparison data.

DD…DD = Comparison Data: an 8-byte ﬁeld (16 characters) used by the tag as the comparison

data for the Group Select ﬁlter. The tag compares the data in this ﬁeld to data in tag memory beginning at the Start Address to determine if the tag will respond to a reader Group Select request. Only the bytes having the corresponding bit set in the GSE Mask is used for this comparison.

As an example, to conﬁgure a reader to have only tags with data in byte locations 10, 12, and 15 (decimal) with hexadecimal values “00,” “01,” and “02,” the following command is used:

#697 A4 0A 0005014202024133

To understand how the data is interpreted, it is necessary to break down the GSE Mask ﬁeld, A4, into binary:

A4 = 1010 0100

This mask equates to the tag comparing the ﬁrst, third, and sixth bytes of the Comparison Data to data in the tag beginning at address location 0A (10 decimal).

5–80

The Comparison Data ﬁeld is broken down in bytes with the bytes corresponding to the mask underlined in bold (for clariﬁcation):

Address: 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10 11 Data: 00 05 01 42 02 02 41 33

where 0A (10 decimal) must be equal to “00” hexadecimal, the ﬁrst byte in the Comparison Data

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 5 Commands

ﬁeld

0C (12 decimal) must be equal to “01” hexadecimal, the third byte in the Comparison Data

ﬁeld

0F (15 decimal) must be equal to “02” hexadecimal, the sixth byte in the Comparison Data

ﬁeld

Reader response: #Done

698XX Set ISO/IEC 18000-63 Tag Range

#698XX Variable will be EPCRFRange

Auxiliary Reader Control — Command Group 8

Group 8 commands provide control of reader functions, such as the sense input lines.

830 Disable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report (Factory Default)

#830 default set in the factory to disable the automatic periodic RF status report.

Reader response: #Done

831 Enable Automatic Periodic RF Status Report

#831 enables the automatic periodic RF status report. This function sends out a periodic RF

status report if no other message (a tag read) is sent from the reader for a period of time. This message is the same message that would be sent in response to the #527 Display RF Status command. Enabling this function is helpful in some sites where there may not be much tag activity, and the user wants an automatic way to ensure the communication channel with the reader is still intact. With this function enabled, the host system will get a message from the reader at least every three minutes.

Reader response: #Done

836 Disable MPRX-FH Mode

#836 disables the MPRX-FH mode.

Reader response: #Done

837 Enable MPRX-FH Mode

#837 enables the MPRX-FH mode.

Reader response: #Done

838 Disable ISO/IEC 18000-63 Protocol

#838 Variable is EPC_tag_en

Reader response: False/True

839 Enable ISO/IEC 18000-63 Protocol

#839 Variable is EPC_tag_en

Reader response: False/True

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840 Disable ISO/IEC 18000-63 Tag Sort

#840 Variable is EPC_tag_sort

Reader response: False/True

841 Enable ISO/IEC 18000-63 Tag Sort

#840 Variable is EPC_tag_sort

Reader response: False/True

842 Disable AI1200 Emulation Mode

#842 disables the AI1200 Emulation mode.

Reader response: #Done

843 Enables the AI1200 Emulation Mode

#843 enables the AI1200 Emulation mode.

Reader response: #Done

850 MUX RF Port 0 (Factory Default)

#850 enables RF port 0, which disables antenna multiplexing.

Reader response: #Done

851 MUX Between RF Ports 0 and 1

#851 multiplexes between RF ports 0 and 1.

Reader response: #Done

852 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, and 2

#852 multiplexes between RF ports 0, 1, and 2.

Reader response: #Done

853 MUX Between RF Ports 0, 1, 2, and 3

#853 multiplexes between RF ports 0, 1, 2, and 3.

Reader response: #Done

891 MUX Test Mode RF Port 1 Only

#891 turns on RF port 1 only for antenna mux testing.

Reader response: #Done

5–82

Note: Refer to “MUX Test Modes” on page 5–83 for test operation.

892 MUX Test Mode RF Port 2 Only

#892 turns on RF port 2 only for antenna mux testing.

Reader response: #Done

Note: Refer to “MUX Test Modes” on page 5–83 for test operation.

TransCore Proprietary

Chapter 5 Commands

893 MUX Test Mode RF Port 3 Only

#893 turns on RF port 3 only for antenna mux testing.

Reader response: #Done

Note: Refer to “MUX Test Modes” on page 5–83 for test operation.

MUX Operational Modes

To enable antenna multiplexing (muxing) operational modes, issue the following commands:

#836/#837 Disable/enable MPRX-FH mode

#850 RF port 0 only (factory default)

#851 mux between RF ports 0 and 1

#852 mux between RF ports 0, 1, and 2

#853 mux between RF ports 0, 1, 2, and 3

#552 Display mux setting. This display message will include “MPRX-FH” if MPRX-FH mode is

enabled (#837).

When MPRX-FH mode is disabled, the reader will continuously step through each port that has been enabled with #85X, stepping through whichever tag protocols are enabled on each port, in order. The reader turning RF on will be qualiﬁed “RF on by sense” setting. Command #6401 is used to turn RF on continuously and bypass the RF on by sense. Sense 0 is used for all antennas that are enabled, if RF is turned on by sense, #641.

When MPRX-FH mode is enabled, you must use Sense 0 and Sense 1 to turn on RF and read tags. Sense 0, when shorted to reader signal ground, will enable tag reads on RF ports 0 and 1 (if enabled with #851) and Sense 1 will enable tag reads on ports 2 and 3 (if enabled with #853). For example, if Commands #837 and #853 have been entered, Sense 0 is open, Sense 1 shorted, and the reader is in data mode, the reader will attempt tag reads toggling between RF ports 2 and 3 only.

MUX Test Modes

To enable antenna muxing test modes, issue the following commands:

#891 RF port 1 only

#892 RF port 2 only

#893 RF port 3 only

To use these test modes, MPRX-FH mode must be disabled (#836) and muxing must be disabled (#850). These command modes are not saved to NVM, and will be cleared by a power cycle of the reader, or by enabling either MPRX-FH mode or muxing. When these modes are enabled, the reader will continually run through whichever tag protocols have been enabled, but only on the selected RF port. These test mode commands are qualiﬁed by the RF on by sense settings. Use #6401 to disable RF on by sense, if desired.

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Chapter6 Conﬁguration

Conﬁguring the Reader

After installing the MPRX-FH, you need to conﬁgure its operating parameters. Terminal settings should be initially set at 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit, and no software ﬂow control.

Default Operating Parameter Settings

Table 26 contains the factory default conﬁguration settings for the MPRX-FH operating parameters. The

default conﬁguration settings may not be the correct operating conﬁguration settings for a speciﬁc site. Review the default conﬁgurations shown in Table 26 to determine which parameters, in addition to

operating frequency and operating range, need to be adjusted. Refer to “Commands” on page 5–57 for a complete list of parameters and the corresponding commands.

Note: The dual-protocol MPRX-FH internal timing varies depending on the operative tag read mode and the type of tag in the read ﬁeld.

Table 26 MPRX-FH Default Conﬁguration Settings

Parameter Setting Command

Operating mode Data

Baud rate 9600

Stop bits 1

Parity None

Time and date appended Enabled

Auxiliary information appended Disabled

Unique ID code criteria Separation of 1 ID

SeGo protocol tag initialization during multi-tag sort

Reader ID number 00

Enabled

1005

1010

1020

302

310

4100

456

6000

6–84

Communications protocol Basic

Error correcting protocol (ECP) timeout

Software ﬂow control Software (XON/XOFF)

Echo mode Enabled

TransCore Proprietary

12.7 sec

610

612FE

6141

6171

Chapter 6 Conﬁguration

Table 26 MPRX-FH Default Conﬁguration Settings

Parameter Setting Command

RF attenuation Full power

SeGo protocol tag operating range Maximum

Presence without tag reports Disabled

RF-o control Timeout or no presence

RF timeout Never true

Input inversion Disabled

Serial number SSSSSS

Store hardware conﬁguration

Automatic periodic RF status report Disabled

Terminal Emulation Software

To conﬁgure the MPRX-FH using a PC and terminal emulation software to manually enter MPRX-FH host commands, follow the instructions in the section “Connecting the MPRX-FH to the Host Port” on page

2–34. Then, enter the appropriate conﬁguration commands through the terminal emulation software on

the host.

Hardware conﬁguration not known

64400

6451F

6900

6922

693F

6940

695

696

830

Refer to “Commands” on page 5–57 for a detailed description of all available conﬁguration commands.

Starting the Terminal Emulation Software

You can use a PC and any terminal emulation software to enter the host commands to download ﬂash software, conﬁgure reader operating parameters, perform diagnostics, and retrieve tag data.

To start the terminal emulation software

At the command prompt, type your terminal emulation start command and press ENTER. The application should display a connection description dialog box.

3. Enter a name for the session and click OK. The application should display a phone number dialog box.

4. Choose the Com 1 option or whichever com port on the PC to which the RS–232 cable is attached.

5. Use the following values:

• Bits per second: 9600 baud

• Data bits: 8

• Parity: None

• Stop bits: 1

• Software ﬂow control: None

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Verifying Communications

You must verify that the MPRX-FH and the PC or laptop are communicating.

To verify communications

1. Start the terminal emulation application as described in “Starting the Terminal Emulation Software”

on page 6–85.

Note: When testing the MPRX-FH using a laptop computer, TransCore recommends that you conﬁgure laptop communication parameters to match those of the host device to which the MPRXFH will be connected after testing and conﬁguration are completed.

2. Cycle the power on the MPRX-FH. Upon startup, the MPRX-FH transmits a sign-on message displayed on the terminal emulation screen, or a boot ROM failure message.

The sign-on message appears as follows at a baud rate of 9600 bps:

Model [software version] SNSSSSSS [Copyright notice]

where SSSSSS is the serial number assigned to the MPRX-FH skipping the fourth character printed on the reader product label.

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 not been stored into reader memory. Contact TransCore Technical Support.

If the ﬂash memory checksum is not veriﬁable, the sign-on message appears as follows:

Model [E4 BOOT] Ver 0.00 A

[Copyright notice]

If the failure message version number equals 0.00 E and no serial number exists, the ﬂash memory checksum has failed, and the MPRX-FH is operating out of boot ROM. In this case, the MPRX-FH automatically enters download mode and waits for a new program to be loaded into the ﬂash memory. Follow the instructions in “Download Considerations” on page 3–41 .

Communications can also be veriﬁed by using the command sequence in Table 27.

3. If a successful sign-on message is not returned, check connections and communications factors and correct any errors.

Table 27 Command Sequence to Verify Communications

6–86

Entry MPRX-FH Response Notes

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

#505 <CR>

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

#Model E4 Series Ver X.XX SN97001P <CR/LF>

TransCore Proprietary

Switches the MPRX-FH to command mode

Reports the software version and serial number

Returns the MPRX-FH to data mode

Chapter 6 Conﬁguration

To check connections and communications factors

1. Conﬁrm that the MPRX-FH has power.

2. Verify the connections between the PC and the MPRX-FH.

3. Verify the receive (Rx) and transmit (Tx) connections.

4. If using handshaking, verify the request to send (RTS) and clear to send (CTS) connections.

5. Verify the COM port settings for the MPRX-FH following the instructions in “Serial Port

Communications” on page 6–92 .

Repeat the procedures in “Verifying Communications” on page 6–86.

If you still cannot verify the MPRX-FH and PC communications, contact TransCore Technical Support.

Verifying Tag Read Capability

After verifying communications between the MPRX-FH and the PC, verify the capability to read tags. The test tag should match the tag type and protocol of the tags that your system will be reading.

The polarization of the test tag must be aligned in the same direction as the antenna. Figure 22 shows horizontally polarized antenna and tag. The test tag must be mounted ﬂush against a metal backplane.

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

Figure 22 Tag and Antenna Orientation (horizontal polarization)

Note: The default tag read mode of the reader is the protocol(s) programmed into the reader. Use only those test tags programmed with the correct protocol(s) for the reader.

Caution

To avoid damage to the MPRX-FH, you must connect the antenna before applying power to the

reader.

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To verify tag read capability

1. Once communications are veriﬁed, enter the following sequence of commands to turn on continuous RF:

• #01

• #6401

• #40

• #00

2. Pass one test tag in front of the active MPRX-FH antenna. If the MPRX-FH reads the tag, the terminal emulation application displays the tag information on the screen.

3. If the tag ID is not displayed, perform the following actions:

• Verify that the MPRX-FH is in data mode (Command #00 Switch to Data Mode).

• Ensure that the tag you are using is compatible with the MPRX-FH. The MPRX-FH can read tag

types that are compatible with the reader model.

• An MPRX-FH displays the tag read for any tag that is compatible with the reader programming.

• Using the audible circuit tester as described in “Testing the MPRX-FH Circuit” on page 2–27,

verify that the reader is capable of reading the tag in the read zone. If it is, the problem is probably in the communications between the MPRX-FH and the host.

4. Pass a dierent reader-compatible test tag in front of the MPRX-FH antenna.

5. When the MPRX-FH reads the second tag successfully, the terminal emulation application displays that tag’s information in the main screen below the information for the ﬁrst tag.

6. If the read is unsuccessful, perform the following actions:

• Ensure the tag you are using is compatible with the MPRX-FH.

• Using the audible circuit tester as described in “Testing the MPRX-FH Circuit” on page 2–27,

verify that the reader is capable of reading the tag in the read zone. If it is, the problem is probably in the communications between the MPRX-FH and the host device.

Conﬁguring MPRX-FH Parameters

Follow the procedures in this section to conﬁgure MPRX-FH parameters using a PC, laptop, or terminal emulator. The PC or laptop must be connected to and communicating with the MPRX-FH and the terminal emulation application must be conﬁgured correctly, as described in the section “Verifying

Communications” on page 6–86.

To conﬁgure parameters

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1. Switch to command mode by typing #01 at the prompt on the terminal emulation screen, and pressing ENTER.

Note: All MPRX-FH commands are preceded by the start-of-message character (#).

2. To meet requirements of your site, make changes to default operating parameters as described in the following sections.

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The following sections contain procedures to set some of the parameters that are commonly changed to meet the requirements of a speciﬁc site. Procedures are listed in alphabetical order by parameter.

Appended Tag Data

Use this procedure to set appended tag data parameters using the terminal emulation application. Refer to

“31N Append Auxiliary Information Selection” on page 5–62 for more information.

To set appended tag data parameters

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #311 to append auxiliary information or Command #310 to have no auxiliary information appended (factory default). Press ENTER.

ID Separation

The host can select a unique ID separation of one ID or two IDs. The reader default operation is for a unique ID separation of one ID and a uniqueness timeout of two minutes. You can disable the uniqueness check using Command #40 Transmit All ID Codes. In this case, every tag ID received is transmitted without regard to uniqueness. You can reinstate uniqueness checking with commands #4100 or #4101 Select ID Separation.

Note: The MPRX-FH internal timing varies depending on the operative tag read mode and the type of tag in the read ﬁeld.

Refer to section “40 Transmit All ID Codes” on page 5–63 “and section “529 Display Presence Input

Status” on page 5–69.

To set ID separation parameters

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #4100 to select a separation of one ID; enter Command #4101 to select a separation of two IDs. Press ENTER.

Reports

The MPRX-FH can be conﬁgured to transmit presence without tag reports and input status change reports. A presence without tag report is transmitted in data mode only, and only if the system has a presence detector. This report is sent if a presence is detected without the detection of a valid tag ID. Refer to sections “529 Display Presence Input Status” on page 108 and “690N Select Presence Without Tag

Report Option” on page 5–77.

To set presence reporting

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #529 to display presence input status and press ENTER. P0 indicates presence without tag reports disabled (factory default), and P1 indicates presence without tag reports enabled.

3. Enter Command #6901 to enable presence without tag reports, or enter Command #6900 to disable presence without tag reports (factory default). Press ENTER.

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To set input status change reporting

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #560 to display input status change report options and press ENTER.

E0 input status change reports disabled (factory default)

E1 input status change reports enabled

M0 reporting disabled (factory default)

M1 changes on input 0 reported

M2 changes on input 1 reported

M3 changes on either input reported

Reset Reader

Command #63 Reset Reader resets uniqueness, clears the power fail bit, and transmits the sign-on message. The reader returns to data mode following the completion of this command.

Note: This command does not reset any of the conﬁguration parameters.

Refer to “63 Reset Reader” on page 5–75.

To reset the reader

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #63. Press ENTER.

Radio Frequency

The MPRX-FH operates in the 902 to 928MHz band as a frequency hopper. Each frequency is used equally on average by the transmitter.

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RF Transmission

The RF transmission can be controlled by connecting a presence detector to the SENSE0 circuit.

As a factory default, the MPRX-FH is conﬁgured to control the RF power with a presence detector.

Figure 23 illustrates the methods of controlling RF sense output.

Figure 23 MPRX-FH RF Control Options

Presence Detector Controlling RF Transmission

The presence detector can be a loop detector, a track circuit, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or another presence detection device that is connected to sense input0 to turn on the MPRX-FH RF transmitter. In Figure 23, Option A shows a presence detector controlling the RF transmitter. This operation is ensures that the RF is “on” only when a train is in the MPRX-FH read zone. Command #641 Select RF-by-Input Control (factory default) must be enabled.

To set the option of the presence detector controlling the MPRX-FH

• Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

• Enter Command #641. Press ENTER.

• Leave the setting on RF-by-input control for normal operation.

Sense Inputs

The RS–232 conﬁguration used by the MPRX-FH has two sense inputs — SENSE 0 and SENSE 1. SENSE 0 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 0 and 1 if enabled, and SENSE 1 is used to enable RF on antenna ports 2 and 3. The sense input circuits are used to notify the MPRX-FH of train presence and are designed to be connected to a free-of-voltage dry contact. The MPRX-FH sense inputs are designed to connect to a dry contact closure.

You can conﬁgure the MPRX-FH to generate input status change reports, which are transmitted like tag IDs. The host can then respond based on the true/false (closed/open) status of the sense inputs. Refer to the section “Reports” on page 6–89“.

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The following procedures describe how to set sense inputs using the terminal emulation software. Refer to command “694N Select Input Inversion Option” on page 5–79 for more information.

To set sense inputs

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #6940 to disable input inversion (factory default) or Command #6941 to enable input inversion, and press ENTER.

Sense Output Device

The sense output is dedicated for testing and set up of the reader. It is deﬁned as the TAG_LOCK signal and indicates that 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 Vrms) or 60V DC at 1 A maximum. If controlling an external gate or device requiring high current, an isolation transformer is required.

Serial Port Communications

The MPRX-FH supports one RS–232 communications port. For the RS–232 communications speciﬁcation, the MPRX-FH maintains the following three sets of parameters that aect serial port communications:

• Port conﬁguration parameters (baud rate, data bits, stop bits, parity)

• Communications protocols (basic, error correcting)

• Flow control scheme (none, software)

The default serial port conﬁguration for each of these three parameters is as follows:

• 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity

• Basic communications protocol

• Software ﬂow control (XON/XOFF)

You can change these parameters in data mode and command mode operation by issuing commands with the host device. Use the following procedures to set serial port communications parameters using the terminal emulation program.

Port Conﬁguration Parameters

Use this procedure to set port conﬁguration parameters using the terminal emulation program. Refer to sections “100N Select Baud Rate” on page 5–59 through “102N Select Parity” on page 5–60.

To set baud rate

6–92

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #100N and press ENTER.

To set stop bits

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #101N and press ENTER.

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Chapter 6 Conﬁguration

To set parity

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #102N and press ENTER.

Communications Protocol

Use the following procedures to set communications protocol. Refer to sections “610 Select Basic

Communication Protocol (Factory Default)” on page 5–73 through “614N Select Software Flow Control Option” on page 5–74 for more information.

Caution

Do not switch to ECP (Command #611) unless the host is prepared to acknowledge

each reader transmission.

To select a communications protocol

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #610 to select basic protocol (factory default) or Command #611 to select ECP and press ENTER.

Software Flow Control

The host can enable or disable software ﬂow control with Command #614N Select Flow Control Option.

The host can use software control characters (XON/XOFF) to interrupt reader transmissions. When the reader is conﬁgured for software ﬂow control, it stops transmitting if it receives the XOFF character from the host (host software command 13H). It resumes transmitting only when it receives the XON character (host software command 11H) from the host. If software ﬂow control is not needed, the reader should be conﬁgured for no ﬂow control (#6140 Disable Flow Control).

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

Use the following procedure to set software ﬂow control parameters using the terminal emulation program. Refer to section “614N Select Software Flow Control Option” on page 5–74 .

To select software ﬂow control

1. Ensure that the host device is in command mode.

2. Enter Command #6140 to disable ﬂow control, Command #6141 to enable software ﬂow control (factory default) and press ENTER.

Fine-Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone

If the read zone is too wide or too deep for your application, it can be ﬁne-tuned by physically adjusting the external antenna mounting orientation, reprogramming the actual RF power output (#644NN Set RF Attenuation), and/or reprogramming the RF sensitivity range and #645NN Set SeGo Protocol Tag Operating Range). The combination of these adjustments allows you to conﬁne the read zone to the area where tagged vehicles pass.

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Refer to sections “645NN Set SeGo/ISO/IEC 18000-63 Protocol Operating Range (Distance)” on page

5–77, and “644NN Set RF Attenuation” on page 5–76 for more information.

Note: As described in “Marking the Read Zone” on page 4–14, marking the read pattern using test tags that are hand-carried by a tester gives a general idea of the read pattern but the pattern may vary somewhat when actual rail assets are read.

Physically Orienting the MPRX-FH Antenna(s)

You can manually adjust the location of the read zone by loosening the antenna(s) mounting hardware and pointing the antenna in the desired direction. The unit should be aligned to point directly at the tag as it enters the desired read zone.

Fine-Tuning the Read Zone by Lowering Output Power

You can make the read zone smaller by adjusting the MPRX-FH RF power output from a maximum of 2 watts to a minimum of 200 milliwatts using Command #644NN Set RF Attenuation.

To adjust the read zone by lowering output power

1. Ensure that your PC is communicating with the MPRX-FH using a terminal emulation program as described in section “Verifying Communications” on page 6–86.

Caution

Test tags should be compatible with your MPRX-FH. Test tags should be ISO/IEC 18000-63

or SeGo.

Enter Command #01 to switch to command mode. You are prompted with #DONE from the reader

and can now enter reader commands.

2. Enter in Command #64401 to lower the RF power by 1 dB below 2 watts (default). Press ENTER.

Note: In the Command #644NN, NN can be any hexadecimal value from 00 to 0A. Settings for attenuation are 1.0 dB increments over a range of 10 dB of attenuation from the maximum power setting of 2 watts at 0 dB attenuation to a minimum power level of 200 milliwatts at 10 dB attenuation. Increasing the attenuation lowers the output RF power.

3. Switch to data mode by entering Command #00 and pressing ENTER.

4. Verify that the read zone has decreased by moving the tag through the desired read area. If the read zone is still too large, switch to command mode and enter the Command #64402 to lower the output RF power another 1 dB. Continue increasing the NN value until the read zone matches the desired read zone.

When the desired read zone is established, test the read zone with simulated and real trac by performing the following procedures:

To test the read zone

6–94

1. Ensure that the MPRX-FH is in data mode.

2. With the MPRX-FH running, place one tag behind your back while you hold another tag in the new read zone. If a valid read, the data from the tag held in the read zone displays on the PC screen.

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Chapter 6 Conﬁguration

3. Switch tags, placing the other tag behind your back and holding the ﬁrst tag in the read zone. If a valid read, the data from this tag held in the read zone displays on the PC screen. If both tags are read, you have successfully adjusted the read range.

4. If one or both tags did not read, follow the suggestions in “Verifying Tag Read Capability” on page

6–87.

Fine-tuning the Read Zone by Adjusting Sensitivity Range

The MPRX-FH read zone can be ﬁne-tuned by using #645NN for SeGo protocol tag read mode to reprogram the RF sensitivity range. Sensitivity range adjustments have less impact on the read pattern than RF power adjustment, thus RF power adjustment should be used as the main read pattern adjustment tool. Sensitivity range control may be helpful in stopping some tag reads on the very edges of the read pattern. To produce a noticeable change in the read pattern, you must decrease the range sensitivity by more than one increment.

To adjust the read zone by adjusting sensitivity range

1. Ensure that your PC is communicating with the MPRX-FH using a terminal emulation program as described in “Verifying Communications” on page 6–86.

2. Mark the current read zone.

3. Enter Command #01 to switch to command mode. You are prompted with #DONE from the reader and can now enter reader commands.

4. Enter Command #64318 or #64518 to decrease the range sensitivity seven increments below the maximum (default). Press ENTER.

Note: In the Command #645NN, NN can be any hexadecimal value from 00 to 1F. The reader’s receiver becomes less sensitive to tag signals as the value of NN is lowered from the maximum sensitivity of 1F to the minimum sensitivity of 00.

5. Verify that the read zone has decreased by moving the tag through the desired read area. If the read zone is still too large, switch to command mode and enter the Command #64517 to decrease the range another increment. Continue increasing the NN value until the read zone matches the desired read zone.

When the desired read zone is established, test the read zone with simulated and real trac by performing the following procedures.

To test the read zone

1. Ensure that the MPRX-FH is in data mode.

2. With the MPRX-FH operating, place one tag behind your back while you hold another tag in the new read zone. If a valid read, the data from the tag held in the read zone displays on the host device screen.

3. Switch tags, placing the other tag behind your back and holding the ﬁrst tag in the read zone. If a valid read, the data from this tag held in the read zone displays on the host device screen.

4. If both tags are read, you have successfully adjusted the read range. If one or both tags did not read, follow the suggestions in “Verifying Tag Read Capability” on page 6–87.

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Chapter7 Troubleshooting and Maintenance

Error Messages

The MPRX-FH transmits an error message if a command received from the host is not a recognized command or if information supplied with the command is incorrect. The reader sends this message to diagnostic commands if the reader fails the speciﬁed test.

Table 28 contains a list of error messages.

Table 28 Error Messages

Error

Message

Error06 NVRAM parameters have been lost.

The MPRX-FH will not function properly because the RF section is shut o until the frequency is reset.

Error07 The RF phase locked loop (PLL) has

lost lock and is unable to operate at its intended frequency. RF output is disabled while the MPRX-FH attempts to reset the PLL.

Error08 The RF PLL has successfully regained lock

and has been reset to its proper operating frequency. The RF section is returned to its state prior to losing lock (enabled/ disabled). #Error08 will only be issued after #Error07 has been issued.

ErrorRF1 Warning message that the RF board did

not return an update acknowledge signal

ErrorRF2 Warning message that the RF module did

not return an INIT DONE signal

Description Corrective Action

Reset the reader

Reset the RF frequency. Refer to “Radio

Frequency” on page 6–90 for instructions.

No action necessary; the previous error has been corrected.

If the reader indicates a single #ErrorRF1 event and recovers from the error, no corrective action is required. You may want to track this error message if it should occur again. If the reader indicates repeated #ErrorRF1 warning messages then return the reader to the factory.

If the reader indicates a single #ErrorRF2 event and recovers from the error, no corrective action is required. You may want to track this error message if it should occur again. If the reader indicates repeated #ErrorRF2 warning messages then return the reader to the factory.

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Table 28 Error Messages

Chapter 7 T roubleshooting and Maintenance

Error

Message

ErrorRF3 Warning message of unexpected status

read, including status byte, from RF module

Description Corrective Action

If the reader indicates a single #ErrorRF3 event and recovers from the error, no corrective action is required. You may want to track this error message if it should occur again. If the reader indicates repeated #ErrorRF3 warning messages then return the reader to the factory.

Troubleshooting

If you contact TransCore Technical Support, use the symptom number in Table 29 to reference the problem that you are having with the MPRX-FH. Should problems continue, contact TransCore for return

and replacement procedures.

Table 29 Symptoms and Remedies

Symptom

Number

Symptom Remedy

1 When performing a quick

test of the MPRX-FH, the buzz box does not buzz.

The baud rate is selected correctly but nothing happens.

Check all wiring connections and antenna connections and ensure that the buzz box is functioning.

The wires from the MPRX-FH are grouped in pairs. You may ﬁnd more than one red wire, more than one black wire, and so on. Be sure to connect the correct red and white wire pair to the leads from the battery.

Verify that RF is on. Using a terminal emulation program, you may switch to command mode and issue command #527 to determine RF status. “527 Display RF Status” on page 5–69 for more information.

The MPRX-FH is not communicating with your host device. Check the power supply to your host device, and check the connections between the host device and the MPRX-FH. Try reversing the receive and transmit connections. Also, check the position of the Interface Selection Switch.

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Table 29 Symptoms and Remedies

Symptom

Number

Symptom Remedy

3 When testing the MPRX-

FH, all the wires are connected correctly but the unit does not respond.

Strange signal responses come from the MPRX-FH when tested with the PC.

5 Nothing happens when

the test tag is passed in front of the MPRX-FH RF antenna.

The MPRX-FH may not have the software loaded inside the unit. Contact Technical Support.

If you are using a terminal emulation program, check that the terminal emulation setting on the MPRX-FH is VT100.

Check that the MPRX-FH communication cable is connected to the correct COM port.

Verify that the external antenna is connected correctly.

Also, check the position of the Interface Selection Switch.

Ensure that the reader is in the correct interface mode for the test tag.

Check the system defaults using a terminal emulation program. Both PC and reader should be set to 9600 baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity.

Ensure that the MPRX-FH is powered on

Verify that the reader is set to RF ON (#6401). Verify that the antenna is connected correctly.

The MPRX-FH came from another site and does not work the way the factory defaults indicate that it should.

When connected to a PC that is running terminal communications software, a just-powered up MPRXFH displays one of the

Dierent commands may have been used to support the other site’s speciﬁc conﬁguration. You can restore the factory defaults by using a terminal emulation program to switch to command mode and issuing command #66F Load Default Operating Parameters. All factory defaults except RF frequency will be restored.

The MPRX-FH works. The software is now loaded. SSSSSS is the TransCore-assigned serial number for this MPRX-FH. However, if SSSSSS = 000000, a serial number has never been assigned. If a serial number has not been assigned to your MPRX-FH, contact TransCore Technical Support.

following messages:

#Model E4 Series X.XX SNSSSSSS

#[Copyright notice]

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Chapter 7 T roubleshooting and Maintenance

Symptom

Number

Use this number to reference the problem you are having with the MPRX-FH-FH if you contact Transcore for Technical Support.

9 The perimeter of the read

The read zone is too small, even before the RF power and range control have been adjusted.

zone has been deﬁned, but there is a “hollow” spot in the center of the zone that does not read tags.

The MPRX-FH is reading tags out of the desired read zone.

Symptom Remedy

If another MPRX-FH is in the same area, ensure that it is operating on another frequency that is at least 2 MHz dierent.

Check for possible interference from another nearby RF source: ﬂuorescent lights, neon signs, high voltage power lines, nearby cellular telephone, or radio stations. Lights will need to be removed or shielded. Point the external antenna in a dierent direction to see if interference comes from only one direction. You may require a dierent MPRX-FH that uses another frequency.

Verify that the RF power is set to an appropriate value. Verify that the range adjustment is set to the maximum. Verify that the reader is getting the correct supply voltages. Refer to “527 Display RF Status”

on page 5–69.

The angle of the external antenna may need adjustment. Slightly tilt the external antenna to a dierent angle to change either the length or width of the read zone.

Check the range control adjustment. Refer to “Radio Frequency” on

page 6–90.

Some interference from other RF or electrical sources may be occurring.

Verify that the read zone has been properly set up. Refer to “Fine-

Tuning and Verifying the Read Zone” on page 6–93.

MPRX-FH Repair

The MPRX is designed for whole-unit replacement and is manufactured with surface-mounted components. It requires sophisticated testing and repair equipment. All testing and repairs are performed at TransCore’s factory. Please contact TransCore to obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) for returning the reader.

Technical Support

Authorized dealers and distributors are responsible for the direct support of all customers. Authorized dealers and distributors needing support can contact TransCore Technical Support. Please be prepared to answer a series of questions that are designed to direct you to the best TransCore support resource available. These questions will relate to symptoms, conﬁguration, model, and tags used.

Note: End users and facility operators contacting Technical Support will be referred to the dealer responsible for the system sale.

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Chapter8 AT5720 Check Tag-to-MPRX-FH

Required Supplies

Check Tag Kit (TransCore P/N 19114-00

Before assembling the check tag antenna kit, make sure you have the necessary supplies and tools for this task.

You need the following additional materials and/or tools to complete the installation.

• AT5720 Check Tag(s)

• Wire stripper

• Multiprotocol Reader Extreme

Figure 24 shows the check tag pinouts.

Pin Number Operation

1 +12VDC OUT

3 I/O GROUND

5 PULSE OUT

7 CTAG 0 Data

8 CTAG 1 Data

10 I/O GROUND

Figure 24 Sense CTAG Pinouts

To assemble the kit for two check tags

1. Strip the cable insulation to expose the three check tag wires. Strip wire insulation approximately 1/4 inches to expose bare wire.

For Check Tag 0, connect wires as listed in Table 30.

Table 30 Check Tag 0 Wire Assignments

8–100

Wire Color Pin No.

Ground Blue 3

Power Brown 1

Data Gray 7

2. If connecting two check tags, connect wires as listed in Table 31.

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TransCore MPRXFHV1 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual