USER MANUAL Revision 2.
Description The RS420 reader is a rugged portable hand-held scanner and telemeter for Electronic Identification (EID) ear tags specifically designed for livestock applications. The reader fully complies with ISO standards ISO11784 / ISO11785 for FDX-B and HDX technologies.
Figure 1 - Reader features and user interface. Table 1 – Reader features and description of use Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Feature Antenna Fiberglass Tube Enclosure Audible beeper Large graphical readout with backlight Green indicator Red indicator black MENU button green READ button Vibrator Handle grip Cable connector Bluetooth® (internal) Description of use Emits activation signal and receives RFID tag signal. Rugged and watertight enclosure.
Operation Getting Started It is necessary to first fully charge the Battery Pack as described below and to have a few electronic identification ear tags or implants available for testing.
Battery handling instructions” section for more information) Step 1: Installing the battery pack in the device. 1 Insert the battery in the reader. The pack is keyed for proper installation. The stationary key should be up towards the display. The battery pack will “snap” into place when it is properly 2 inserted. DO NOT FORCE the battery into the reader. If the battery does not insert smoothly, verify it is properly orientated. Step 2: Charging the battery pack.
The battery icon will remain in a fix state when charging has finished. Charging takes approximately 3 hours. 4 Remove the power cord. Unplug the adapter from the power outlet, and remove the data-power cable inserted in the reader. Power on / off instructions Press the green button on the reader handle to power on the reader.
During the reading mode, move the reader along the animal to scan the ear tag ID. The reading mode remains activated during a programmed duration. If the green button is held down, the reading mode remains activated. If the device is programmed in continuous reading mode, the reading mode remains indefinitely activated until you press the green button a second time.
Note 4 –The date and time stamp, and the sound/vibration features are options that can be turned on or off according to your specific applications. Note 5 - The reader can scan when the power cable is attached3. Each time a tag is scanned, the identification code is transmitted automatically via the USB cable, the RS-232 cable, or Bluetooth®. Read range performances Figure 2 illustrates the reading zone of the reader, within which tags can be successfully detected and read.
▪ Tag type: HDX and FDX-B tags generally have similar reading distances, but environmental factors such as RF interferences may affect overall tag performances. ▪ Nearby metal objects: Metal objects located near a tag or reader may attenuate and distort the magnetic fields generated in the RFID systems therefore, reducing the reading distance. An example, an ear tag against a squeeze chute significantly reduces the read distance.
Note 8 – Comparison sessions can be uploaded into the reader using EID Tag Manager PC software or any third-party software implementing this feature. You can change the comparison session using the reader menu (see Menu 9) Note 9 – When an alert occurs, the reader will generate a long beep and vibration. Data entry Data entry feature can be enabled to associate one or several information to an animal ID.
Note 14 – When a tag is read twice or more, the reader will preselect the previously validated data. If the data entry is different, a duplicate tag is stored in the session with the new data.
Managing the menu Using the menu With the reader powered on, press the black button for over 3 seconds. Menu 1 – Menu listed after pressing of the black button for over 3 seconds.
Note 18 – Each ID code is stored internally in the reader’s memory until the user erases the sessions after downloading them to a PC or other storage device, such as an USB stick. Note 19 – If enabled, the reader provides a time and date stamp for each identification number stored. The user can enable/disable the date and time transmission using EID Tag Manager software. Note 20 – By default, the session will be named “SESSION 1”, the number being incremented automatically.
Bluetooth® management Menu 6 - Menu “Bluetooth®” Item 1 2 3 Sub-Menu Back On/Off Select device Definition Return to the previous screen Enable / Disable the Bluetooth® module. Configure the reader in SLAVE mode or scan and list all Bluetooth® devices in the reader vicinity to configure the reader in MASTER mode. 4 Authentication 5 iPhone discoverable About Enable / disable the security feature of the Bluetooth® Make the reader discoverable by iPhone®, iPad®.
Read settings Menu 8 - Menu “Read settings” Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Sub-Menu Definition Back Return to the previous screen Comparison and Manage comparison and alerts settings (see Menu Alerts 9).
Menu 11 - Menu “Data entry” Item 1 2 3 Sub-Menu Back On/Off Select data list Definition Return to the previous screen Enable / Disable data entry feature Select one or several data entry list(s) (up to 3 list selectable) to be used to associate data entry with the tag read Menu 12 - Menu “Counter mode” Item 1 2 Sub-Menu Back Session | Total 3 Session | Unique tags 4 Session | MOB Definition Return to the previous screen 1 counter for all IDs stored in the current session and 1 counter for all IDs s
General settings Menu 14 - Menu “general settings” Item 1 2 Sub-Menu Back Profiles 3 Quick action 4 5 6 Vibrator Buzzer Protocol 7 Language Definition Return to the previous screen Recall a profile saved in the reader. By default, the factory settings can be reloaded. Attribute a second feature to the black button (see Menu 15). Enable / Disable vibrator (see Note 20) Enable / Disable audible beeper (see Note 21) Select the protocol used by the communication interfaces (see Menu 16).
Menu 16 – Menu “protocol” Item 1 2 3 Sub-Menu Back Standard protocol Allflex RS320 / RS340 Definition Return to the previous screen Select the standard protocol defined for this reader Select the protocol used by ALLFLEX’S readers RS320 and RS340 Note 28 – All commands of ALLFLEX’S reader are implemented but some features are not implemented.
Connect the reader to a PC This section is meant to describe how to connect the reader to a smartphone or to a personal computer (PC). The device can connect in 3 ways: a wired USB connection, a wired RS-232 connection, or by a wireless Bluetooth® connection. Using USB interface The USB port allows the device to send and receive data via a USB connection. To establish a USB connection, simply connect the reader to a PC with the data-power cable.
The RS-232 serial interface comprises a 3-wire arrangement with a DB9F connector, and consists of transmit (TxD/pin 2), receive (RxD/pin 3), and ground (GND/pin 5). This interface is factory configured with the default settings of 9600 bits/second, no parity, 8 bits/1 word, and 1 stop bit (“9600N81”). These parameters can be changed from the PC software. Serial output data appears on the device’s TxD/pin 2 connection in ASCII format.
If you are using a smartphone or a PDA, an application is required (not supplied). Your software supplier will explain how to connect the PDA. Note 36 - We advise that to achieve successful Bluetooth® connection with your reader, simply follow the implementation methods listed (see the following). Note 37 - If these implementation methods are not followed, the connection may become inconsistent, thus causing other reader related errors.
Start your PC Bluetooth® Manager program or PDA Bluetooth® services, Depending on which Bluetooth device your PC is using the Bluetooth Manager may vary in how it pairs a device. As a general rule the program should have the option to “Add a Device” or “Discover a Device”. With the reader turned on, select one of these options. The Bluetooth® program should open a window within one minute showing all Bluetooth enabled devices in the area.
The program will assign 2 communication ports for the reader. Most applications will use the outgoing port. Make note of this port number for use when connecting to a software program If this fails use the following links, search the reader in the peripheral list and connect it. You have to add an outgoing port that makes a connection to the device. Follow the steps described in the links below. For Windows XP: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/883259/en-us For Windows 7: http://windows.microsoft.
Power Management The RS420 uses a 7.4VDC – 2600mAh Li-Ion rechargeable battery pack, which serves as its primary power source. This feature adds hours of scans with a fully charged battery. Alternately, the reader can be powered and used indoors only by the following methods: 1. From its AC Adapter. Once the external AC adapter is connected, the reader is poweredup, it will remain on until the AC adapter is disconnected and the Battery Pack is charged.
At the top of the screen, the icon of the battery level shows the discharge level as well as the charge level during the charge mode. Display Summary Good Quite good Medium Slightly depleted, but sufficient Depleted. Recharge the battery (Low battery message will show) Reader power instructions Note 41 - The reader is designed to operate only with the Battery Pack provided. The reader will not operate with individual battery cells of either disposable or rechargeable variety.
Battery handling instructions Please read and follow the handling instructions for the battery before use. Improper use of the battery may cause heat, fire, rupture, and damage or capacity deterioration of the battery. Caution 1. Do not use or leave the battery in high heat environments (for example, at strong direct sunlight or in a vehicle in extremely hot weather). Otherwise, it can overheat, ignite, or battery performance will be degraded, thus shortening its service life. 2.
Accessories for the reader Plastic Carry Case Durable Plastic Carry Case is available as an optional extra or is included in the “Pro Kit” Package.
Specifications General Norms User interface USB interface Bluetooth® interface Serial interface Memory Battery Date/Time autonomy Battery charge duration Mechanical and physical Dimensions Weight Material Operating temperature Storage temperature Humidity ISO 11784 and full ISO 11785 for FDX-B and HDX tags IP67 with battery inside and cap screwed onto connector Graphical display 128x128 dots 2 keys Buzzer and Vibrator Serial port, USB port and Bluetooth® module CDC class (Serial emulation) and HID class C
Reader physical integrity The device has been built from rugged and durable materials to withstand use in harsh environments for long periods of time. However, the reader contains electronic components that can be damaged if they are deliberately exposed to extreme abuse. This damage can adversely affect, or stop the reader's operation. The user must avoid deliberately striking other surfaces and objects with the device. Damage that results from such handling is not covered by the warranty described below.
This portable equipment with its antenna complies with FCC’s radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. To maintain compliance, follow the instructions below: (1) This transmitter must not be co-located or operating with any other antenna or transmitter; (2) Avoid direct contact to the antenna, or keep contact to a minimum while using this equipment.
Trademark Notices Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Apple - Legal Notice iPod, iPhone, iPad are a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. “Made for iPhone,” and “Made for iPad” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPhone, or iPad, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Allflex Offices Allflex Europe S. A. ZI DE Plague Route des Eaux 35502 Vitré FRANCE Téléphone/Phone: +33 (0)2 99 75 77 00. Télécopieur/Fax: +33 (0)2 99 75 77 64 www.allflex-europe.com SCR Dairy www.scrdairy.com/contact2.html Allflex Australia 33-35 Neumann Road Capalaba Queensland 4157 AUSTRALIA Phone: +61 (0)7 3245 9100 Fax: +61 (0)7 3245 9110 www.allflex.com.au Allflex USA, Inc. P.O. Box 612266 2805 East 14th Street Dallas Ft.
