NT132 RFID System Installation Manual
Notices Notices Information provided in this manual is a result of the design and TM development of AXCESS INC. products and is subject to change TM without notice. It applies only to current AXCESS INC. RFID systems. No part of this manual may be reproduced, translated or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written consent of TM AXCESS INC. Responsibilities • AXCESS INC.
Table of Contents General Installation Information ................................................ 7 Safety................................................................................................................................. 7 Information Flags ............................................................................................................... 7 Installation Tips ..................................................................................................................
Contents Dipole Antenna Installation ..................................................... 55 Introduction.......................................................................................................................55 Required Materials ...........................................................................................................55 Prerequisite Tasks ...........................................................................................................
Contents Check the Connectors ..................................................................................................... 86 Check the Antennas and Cables for Continuity ............................................................... 87 Check the ATU ................................................................................................................ 89 Check the Reception .......................................................................................................
General Installation Information Safety • Personal safety is of first importance in the performance of any job. • Installation and configuration of the NT132 system should only be performed by experienced installers. • Where practical or required by code, all wiring should be enclosed in conduit, or equivalent protection, firmly anchored to sturdy structural elements and protected from mechanical damage. • Hand tools should be of good quality and properly maintained.
General Installation Information Installation Tips IMPORTANT! Bench test communications between the NT132 system and the controller or device to which it will be connected. Lay the entire AXCESS NT132 system out and test the antenna fields before permanently installing any piece of the system. Supply Cabinet Swing Frame Antenna Figure 1 A real-life example of an antenna field. The gray area is the field of a Swing Frame Antenna mounted in a hall.
General Installation Information Things to Consider IMPORTANT! The Reader must be installed in a moisture-free environment at approximately room temperature and a minimum of 36 inches above the floor. Installation at eye height is recommended. If possible, position the Reader and the ATU where they are not readily accessible to help prevent tampering or accidental damage.
General Installation Information Hand Tools, Equipment and Materials IMPORTANT! You need to have the following materials on hand to ensure successful installation of the NT132 system. These items are not supplied with the NT132 System. Required 10 • RG-58/U coaxial cable with 50-ohm impedance (nominal), solid copper center conductor, 55% tinned copper braid or better, 100% foil shield coverage (for example, Belden 9310). The length required for your installation will vary.
General Installation Information Required for Road Loop Antenna Installation • Saw for cutting the road surface (e.g., a walk-behind concrete saw) • Two 1/8” saw blades with spacer – abrasive blades for asphalt or diamond blades for concrete • Vacuum or compressed air to clean the cut • Mounting or burying hardware – concrete nails, thin dowel for pushing wire into cut, etc. • Road Sealant – For example, Bondo Flexible Embedding Sealer (P-606), 3M Detector Loop Sealant or Q-Seal sealant.
General Installation Information Recommended 12 • Ladder for Bar Antenna mounting • Chalk for marking Road Loop Antenna placement • Fishing line – 15 lb. test for pulling cable • Tie wraps and anchors • Battery powered screwdriver • Duct tape • A pair of walkie-talkies if more than one installer will be on site • Laptop computer to connect to Readers easily • Wiegand wedge for Wiegand system troubleshooting • Instructions for all third party devices 750.001.
NT132 System Overview History Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) systems have existed for many years. Initially, systems were developed so that military aircraft and ships could be quickly identified by electronic methods. Radio equipment (transponder) on a plane or vessel would broadcast a coded signal to identify it as a friend to an appropriate receiving station. A plane or vessel not able to transmit the correct identification would be considered a possible enemy.
NT132 System Overview controller, camera, etc., and/or a control panel that accesses a computer or a device. An NT132 system may be as simple as a single Reader and Bar Antenna controlling the front door of a small office or it may comprise a network of interconnected devices and Readers controlled by a computer. Transmitting Antenna F UH Low Frequency Wakeup Signal g Ta Receiving Antenna s Re e ns po RX Reader TX Tag ATU Device (Computer, controller door strike, camera etc.
NT132 System Overview Tags A Tag is a very small transponder (transmitter + responder) that remains in a sleep state (off) until awakened. When the Tag receives a special wake-up signal from the Reader, the Tag will wake up (turn on) and emit a radio signal of its own. The signal emitted by the Tag is typically its pre-programmed identification number – but could include other data as well. The signal is generally used for detection, identification and location of people or objects.
NT132 System Overview Reader The Reader (Figure 4) originates the signal that is broadcast to wake the Tag. The Reader has the following purposes: • Encode a transmission wake-up signal and transmit it via the antenna to the sleeping Tag. • Decode the signal from the Tag via the receiving antenna. The Reader will convert the data to a format usable by a computer or Wiegand control panel for further processing of the information. • Output data to a control device or a computer.
NT132 System Overview Antennas Because the Tags receive and transmit at different frequencies, different antennas are used for each leg of the communication. Antenna construction is related to the wavelength (or fraction thereof) of its design frequency. Antennas designed for the Ultra High Frequency spectrum (to receive the transmit signal from the Tag) can be quite short. Antennas designed for Very Low Frequencies (to transmit the wake-up signal to the Tags) must be quite long.
NT132 System Overview Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) An Antenna Tuning Unit or ATU (Figure 5) maximizes the signal transmission from the Reader. It is installed between the Reader and the transmitting and receiving antennas. Figure 5 AXCESS ATU – external view On the bottom of the ATU, there are two jacks to connect to the transmitting and receiving antennas and two jacks to connect to the Reader. Types of ATUs There are two kinds of ATUs currently provided.
Reader Installation Introduction The Reader is the brain of the NT132 system. Its functions include sending wakeup signals, receiving Tag signals, processing Tag data, and routing Tag data.
Reader Installation • External DB9 RS-232 female connector to connect to a computer or device • Conduit chase for wiring access through the Reader case • White terminal block with connections for Wiegand ground, Data One and Data Zero, and connections for 24V power and ground • RJ45 connector used by AXCESS for programming the Reader’s firmware Reader Types Serial Reader This type of Reader can interface directly with the communications port of a computer or another control device that process stand
Reader Installation • Each Reader type has it own required materials for connecting to third-party devices. Please see the specific section for the Reader that you are installing. Mounting the Reader - All Types All Readers have the same mounting requirements. IMPORTANT! Before permanently mounting any piece of the AXCESS NT132 System, first lay out and test the entire system. Step 1: Select a Reader location consistent with the type of antenna being installed.
Reader Installation Installation of a Serial Reader Required Materials • A standard one-to-one connection RS-232 cable (computer modem cable) of sufficient length to connect the Reader to any device that accepts RS-232 as input. The length required for your installation will vary. One end needs to be a DB9 male connector. IMPORTANT! DO NOT use a null-modem cable or a null-modem adapter.
Reader Installation Installation of a Wiegand Reader Required Materials • Black, white and green wire of sufficient length to connect the Reader to the Wiegand control panel. With 22-gauge wire, 200 feet of wire can be run. With 18 gauge, 500 feet can be run.
Reader Installation Run the ground wire from the Ground connection at the Wiegand control panel to the G terminal on the Terminal Block (TB1, see Figure 8) in the Reader. For standard Wiegand control panels, the Ground wire is black. Ensure that the termination is secure, but not over-tight. Route cables through the conduit chase at the bottom of the Reader. Step 5: Run the Data One wire from the Wiegand control panel to D1 on the Terminal Block.
Reader Installation Installation of an FTT Reader System Introduction The AXCESS Free Topology Transceiver (FTT) Reader System is for network applications involving multiple, interconnected Readers (Figure 9).
Reader Installation • A Serial Gateway that coverts the computer’s RS-232 data to LonWorks data and vice versa. LonWorks is the protocol used to communicate with the FTT Readers. The Serial Gateway transmits data from the computer to the Readers via twisted pair wire. Up to thirty-one FTT Readers can be connected to the Serial Gateway. Note: Although the Serial Gateway has a terminal block, it cannot directly control any access devices. Do not wire access devices to the Serial Gateway.
Reader Installation Network Specifications An FTT network can be comprised of a loop, star, bus or a mixture of wiring topologies (Figure 10).
Reader Installation Connecting the Serial Gateway to the PC Step 1: Connect the male DB9 end of the straight-through serial cable to the female DB9 connector at the bottom of the Reader. Step 2: Connect the other end of the serial cable to the PC. Step 3: The Serial Gateway has pads so that it can be placed on top of or next to the PC.
Reader Installation Power Grnd 24V Power for relay 24V Grnd FTT terminal block 1 Jp3 Jp5 Jp6 Jp4 Jp1 FTT Figure 11 FTT Motherboard. Gray area notes location of the LonWorks daughterboard. Step 2: Insert the twisted-pair wire into the terminal block labeled FTT (Figure 11) in the first Reader and run it out the conduit chase. Step 3: Run the twisted pair through the conduit chase of the second Reader and insert the twisted pair wire into the FTT terminal block.
Reader Installation IMPORTANT! Do not use the Door Strike and Secondary Output terminals to drive relay modules directly. Such relays require 100 mA or more, well in excess of the FTT module’s source power capacity. The FTT card can burn up. Using sensitive trigger, TTL relays (for example, Altronix RBSN-TTL or Alarm Saf RBKS-124P) is recommended. NOTE: The rolled-up serial cable connected to the RS-232 connector is for configuration and diagnostics. The FTT Reader cannot be converted to a Serial Reader.
Reader Installation Step 6: Connect either the Normally Open (NO) or Normally Closed (NC) terminal on the relay to the device with manufacturer recommended wire. Applying Power to the Serial Gateway TM © 1999, AXCESS Inc. Step 1: Ensure that the 110V AC outlet is close by and easily accessible. Step 2: Plug the AC adapter into the connector at the bottom of the Serial Gateway. Step 3: Plug the adapter into 110 AC wall outlet or UPS. 750.001.
Reader Installation Connecting Power to the Reader – All Types IMPORTANT! Finish installing the Reader before applying power. All Readers come with a 24V, 700 mA wall adapter that plugs into a 110 outlet. If uninterruptible power is an issue, a UPS can be used. Wires to Reader 24V G D0 D1 G Wires from AC adapter Figure 13 Power terminals for the Reader Grounding the Reader The Reader needs to be properly grounded. Failure to ground the Reader will result in erratic performance.
Reader Installation Step 1: Ensure that the 110 AC outlet is near the Reader and is easily accessible. Step 2: Open the Reader case and disconnect the BNC connector running from the Transmitter card at the TX connector (Figure 6). This will give you access to the terminal block underneath. Step 3: Loosen the white terminal block by unscrewing it. This will give you access to the terminals. Step 4: Run the power wires through the conduit chase.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware A 3.x Reader can be configured by a terminal application to do the following: • Set modes for reading either 2.0 Tags or 3.x Tags. • Change the Reader ID number to eliminate the possibility of cross talk in multi-Reader applications. • Place the Reader in diagnostics mode so that Reader and Tag performance can be monitored. HyperTerminal is a convenient terminal application for communicating with a Reader since it is standard with the TM Windows operating system.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware RS-232 cable attached to the output card. The red wire is closest to the Reader case. RS-232 Figure 15 FTT Reader with the output card disconnected from the FTT motherboard and connected to the RS-232 port. Step 4: Attach the DB9 male connector of the RS-232 cable to the external RS-232 port on the Reader. Step 5: Attach the other end of the RS-232 cable to the computer.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Communicating with the Reader via HyperTerminal Step 1: On the computer’s desktop, click the Start button. The Start menu will appear (Figure 16). Step 2: From the Start menu, select Programs, Accessories, Communications, HyperTerminal. Figure 16 Accessing HyperTerminal from the Start Menu Step 3: In the Explorer window that appears, double-click the Hypertrm.exe icon. This launches the HyperTerminal application.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Step 7: Data Bits 8 Parity None Stop Bits 1 Flow Control None Click the OK button. If you are connecting to a Serial Reader, the HyperTerminal’s main window will display the five-digit ID numbers for any Tags in the field. Wiegand and FTT Readers will not output anything to the screen unless they are placed in diagnostics mode (See the section Toggling Between Default and Diagnostic Modes, page 42.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Entering a Command Step 1: In HyperTerminal’s main window, press the Spacebar until the Reader responds with “Enter:” on the terminal screen. The Reader will now wait for input. Note: When the Reader is waiting for input, it is paying attention only to the serial cable and is not receiving information from the antennas. Step 2: Type one of the above commands at the “Enter:” prompt. For example, Enter: & Places the Reader into diagnostics mode.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Toggling between reading 3.x Tags and reading 2.0 Tags Readers can receive information from either 2.0 Tags or 3.x Tags, but not both. The toggle command lets you to switch between them. IMPORTANT! Ensure that the Tag version the Reader is receiving matches the version stamped on the edge of the Tag case. If the Reader and Tags are mismatched, no Tag information will be output.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Changing the Reader ID Number IMPORTANT! All Readers are given the same ID number (127) at the factory. Each Reader needs to be set with a unique ID number to eliminate the possibility of cross talk (i.e., a Tag broadcasting to an incorrect Reader) in multi-Reader applications. Step 1: At the “Enter:” prompt, type a pound sign ( # ) followed by a two-number code (01-32). See Table 1 for codes and their corresponding Reader ID numbers. Do not press Enter.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Toggling Between Default and Diagnostic Modes Diagnostic mode allows you to troubleshoot the NT132 system. It displays information that the Tag broadcasts to the Reader – the Reader ID, Site Code and Tag ID number. Step 1: At the “Enter:” prompt, enter an ampersand ( & ). Do not press Enter. The Reader will respond with “Diagnostics ON” A Reader reporting 3.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Wiegand Output Although a Wiegand Reader will output Tag data to HyperTerminal as rapidly as it receives it, it will still buffer the data being sent to the Wiegand control panel. The Reader will output data to the control panel for one Tag read every 750 milliseconds. Duplicate Tag information is stored in the Reader’s buffer for 12 seconds so that duplicate Tag reads are ignored during this time interval.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Bypass Mode - Enabling Action on 254 Code When 3.x Tags cannot determine the Reader ID, they transmit back a 254 code in place of a Reader ID. In default mode, the Reader will not report or act on this code. It will only report Tag messages which include its own ID number. A Wiegand Reader can be set to report messages with both its ID number and code 254.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Unilon Reset Buttons Each Unilon card in the Reader’s PCB stack (Figure 17) has a reset button that provides revision numbers and jumper configurations for the card. The reset buttons can also be pressed when the Reader has been subjected to static discharge or power glitches.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Wiegand Connector Serial/FTT Connector Jp4 Jp3 Jp1Jp2 Reset Button 1 1 Service Pin 1 Jp7 Jp6 Figure 18 Unilon card Depending on how the card is set up, there may be a serial cable connected to the top of the card and the jumper shunts may be in different places. IMPORTANT! Do not press the Service Pin. If the Service Pin is accidently pressed, cycle the power off and on to put the Reader into a known state.
Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware Step 4: Press the reset button on the Unilon Output Card. The Reader will display to the screen the firmware name, its revision number, the jumper settings and its ID number separated by dollar signs ( $ ). For example: 200sera $Revision: 1.5 $Serial JP1=2-3 JP2 1-2 ID=033 TM © 1999, AXCESS Inc. 750.001.
Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) Installation Introduction Each access control point (e.g. door, roadway, etc.) has at least two antennas: • A Low Frequency (LF) loop antenna that broadcasts a wakeup signal at 132 kHz to any Tags that may be within the antenna field of radiation. • A dipole antenna designed for the Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) range for receiving a response signal (315 MHz) from each Tag.
Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) Installation Required Materials The following materials are necessary for successful installation: • RG-58/U coaxial cable with 50-ohm impedance (nominal), solid copper center conductor, 55% tinned copper braid or better, 100% foil shield coverage (for example, Belden 9310). The length required for your installation will vary. The maximum length recommended is 80 feet between the Reader and ATU and 20 feet between the ATU and each antenna.
Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) Installation Mounting the ATU IMPORTANT! Lay out and test the entire NT132 System before permanently mounting any piece of the system. Figure 19 Mounting screw channels for the ATU Step 1: The ATU should be mounted a minimum of 36 inches off the ground, preferably at eye height. Mark and drill the holes for mounting the ATU. Step 2: Mount the ATU with the connectors pointing down. There are screw channels at each corner of the ATU for mounting purposes (Figure 19).
Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) Installation Cabling the ATU Figure 20 shows the cabling between the ATU and the Reader – and between the ATU and the associated antennas. READER ATU TX Antenna Antenna RX TX Reader RX TX TX RX RX Antenna Figure 20 ATU connections IMPORTANT! All coaxial cable between the ATU and the Reader must be RG-58/U with 50-ohm impedance (nominal), solid copper center conductor, 55% tinned copper braid or better, 100% foil shield coverage (for example, Belden 9310).
Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU) Installation Connecting the ATU to the Reader Step 1: Measure the length between the ATU and the Reader for the connecting cable run. The cable length should not exceed 80 feet. Step 2: Cut two lengths of coaxial cable. Each length should equal the measured cable distance from the ATU to the Reader. Ensure that you give yourself some slack in the cable length. Step 3: Attach a male BNC connector to each end of each cable.
Dipole Antenna Installation Introduction The Dipole Antenna receives signals transmitted by the Tags and works in association with the Road Loop Antenna. IMPORTANT! To ensure proper system operation, do not substitute antenna kit components.
Dipole Antenna Installation Installing the Dipole Antenna IMPORTANT! Before permanently mounting the Dipole Antenna, lay out and test the entire NT132 system. Installation Guidelines The length of the coaxial cable between the Dipole Antenna and the ATU should not exceed 20 feet. The Dipole Antenna should be mounted: • Within 20 feet (sight distance) of the Road Loop Antenna. • After or aligned with the Road Loop Antenna. • On the same side of the road as the Tags are mounted in the vehicles.
Dipole Antenna Installation Max distance between Dipole Antenna and Road Loop Antenna: 20 feet Mounted on the same side of the road as the Tags Tightening Bolt Four feet from ground surface Figure 21 Dipole Antenna mounting Step 2: Measure the cable distance between the Dipole Antenna and the ATU. It should not exceed 20 feet.
Dipole Antenna Installation Optional Dipole Antenna Installation If the 20-foot cable run to the ATU prevents you from mounting the Dipole Antenna within specifications. You can run connect the Dipole Antenna directly to the Reader. Remember to keep the Dipole Antenna within 20 feet of the Road Loop Antenna. Step 1: Measure the cable distance between the Dipole Antenna and the Reader. It should not exceed 100 feet.
Road Loop Antenna Installation Introduction The Road Loop Antenna is a transmitting antenna that works in conjunction with the Dipole Antenna. Road Loop Antenna wire is available in lengths that will accommodate roadways or gate entrances up to 70-feet in width. The Figure 22 shows a simplified diagram representing the field generated by a Road Loop Antenna. In reality, antenna fields are lobed and asymmetrical, but the longest range will still be along the longest sides.
Road Loop Antenna Installation Required Materials IMPORTANT! Have the following materials on hand for the installation of the Road Loop Antenna: • Chalk for marking antenna placement • Concrete nails or duct tape for holding antenna wire down during initial placement • Multimeter for continuity check • A saw for cutting the road surface • Two 1/8” saw blades with spacer, either abrasive (for asphalt) or diamond (for concrete) • A 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” x 4 ½” triangular wood template for cutting corners •
Road Loop Antenna Installation Road Loop Layout & Connecting to the ATU Step 1: If used for gate access, position the Road Loop Antenna far enough before the entrance to allow the gate to be fully open by the time a vehicle reaches it. The gate will be activated when the Tag is over the Road Loop. Step 2: If there is a safety loop for the gate, do not use the same cut. Placing the Road Loop with the safety loop will change the inductance of the Road Loop.
Road Loop Antenna Installation rectangular shape to the antenna when laying down the wire. Step 5: Feed one end of the Road Loop wire to the ATU. IMPORTANT! The total length of lead-in wire (the Road Loop wire from the Road Loop to the ATU) must not exceed 20 feet. Do Not Twist the wire as you run it from the Road Loop to the ATU. Step 6: Insert the end of the Road Loop wire at the ATU into one side of a binding post-to-BNC connector (Figure 24). Tighten the binding post terminal to secure the lead.
Road Loop Antenna Installation Road Loop Lead-in Dual binding post-toMale BNC Connector Figure 25 Post to Male BNC Connector Step 13: If any third-party equipment will also be installed, lay it out at this time. Step 14: Turn on the system and adjust the ATU according to the instructions in the Maximizing Antenna Performance with the ATU section, page 73. Step 15: Using an LED Test Tag, ensure that the transmit field of the Road Loop extends 7 or 8 feet above ground level and 15 to 24 feet horizontally.
Road Loop Antenna Installation Installing the Road Loop Antenna A normal antenna installation should take about two hours using a walk-behind concrete saw with an abrasive blade to cut asphalt. Two 1/8" blades with a spacer will be required. The same antenna should take about three hours to cut in concrete using a diamond cut blade. Two 1/8" blades with a spacer will be required. Step 1: Confirm that the loop is correctly marked on the road surface. Step 2: Lay out the 45-degree corner cuts.
Road Loop Antenna Installation Step 5: Cut a groove that is at least a ¼” wide with the concrete saw. Set the cutting depth to a minimum of 1 ½” deep. IMPORTANT! Do not let the corners intersect when sawing. You could cut out a chunk of pavement! When sawing the corner cuts, cut approximately 1” to 1½” past the loop sides. This will maintain the saw cut depth at the 45-degree turn. Step 6: Use vacuum or compressed air to thoroughly clean out the groove.
Bar Antenna System Installation Introduction The Bar Antenna typically receives signals transmitted by personnel and asset Tags (transponders). The Bar Antenna is an excellent antenna for mounting above or beside a doorway (sometimes above the ceiling tile) to monitor or control access to an entry/exit point of a facility. Antennas of this type radiate RF energy most efficiently in a direction broadside to the antenna – and radiating less energy off the edges (Figure 28).
Bar Antenna System Installation Required Materials IMPORTANT! The following materials should be on hand for the installation of the Bar Antenna: • RG-58/U coaxial cable with 50 ohm impedance (nominal), solid copper center conductor, 55% tinned copper braid or better, 100% foil shield coverage (for example, Belden 9310) of sufficient length to reach the ATU. The maximum recommended cable length is 20 feet.
Bar Antenna System Installation Bar Antenna Positions 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice 45 Figure 29 Installation points for the Bar Antenna • Orient the Bar Antenna so that the radiation field provides maximum coverage of the access or monitoring area (door), etc. Keep in mind what will be tracked with the antenna – personnel would carry Tags in their shirt or pants pocket, Tags on laptops would be carried closer to the floor. The read-range for the Bar Antenna is about 8 to 12 feet.
Bar Antenna System Installation Installing the Bar Antenna Step 1: Measure the cable run distance between the ATU and the Bar Antenna and cut two lengths of RG-58/U coaxial cable. Step 2: Attach the BNC connectors to each end of both cables. Step 3: Connect one end of the cable to the female BNC connector labeled RX on the back of the Bar Antenna and connect the other end to the BNC connector on the ATU labeled RX Antenna.
Swing Frame Antenna System Installation Introduction A Swing Frame Antenna allows you to mount an antenna in plain sight without detracting from office surroundings. In a Swing Frame Antenna, the transmitting and receiving antennas are built into a picture frame. You can place a picture of your choosing in the frame and hang the Antenna on the wall near the access or monitoring point.
Swing Frame Antenna System Installation 72 Step 2: Attach BNC connectors to both ends of each cable. Step 3: Attach the RX connector on the back of the Swing Frame Antenna with the RX Antenna connector on the ATU. Step 4: Attach the TX connector on the back of the Swing Frame Antenna with the TX Antenna connector on the ATU. Step 5: Position the antenna in its approximate final location – but do not permanently install it at this time.
Maximizing Antenna Performance with the ATU Because the antenna transmits by inductive coupling at low frequency, it is subject to environmental detuning, due to where the antenna is mounted, what material it is mounted on, etc. For this reason, it is impossible to factory pre-tune antennas for optimized generation of the wakeup signal. Currently, ATUs have one of two methods of adjustment - toggle switch or jumper.
Maximizing Antenna Performance with the ATU Adjusting Performance with a Toggle Switch ATU Step 1: IMPORTANT! Ensure that the wires running from the toggle switch are plugged into the header. This sometimes disconnects during shipping. The connector should be oriented such that position 1 on the rotary dial is connected to pin 1 on the header (Figure 30). Step 2: Put the toggle switch into position 0, turn the rotary switch knob, and watch the voltage meter.
Maximizing Antenna Performance with the ATU Adjusting Performance with a Jumper ATU When you open the ATU, the jumpers will be in the positions shown in Figure 33. The goal is to set the jumpers so that largest voltage is produced, as shown by the strength of the five LEDs. Jumpers can be placed in one of two positions on a header: 1 1 Inactive Active Figure 32 Jumper positions on a header. Pin 1 is labeled. Inactive – jumper is placed on pins 1 and 2. Active - jumper is placed on pins 2 and 3.
Jp7 Jp6 1 Jp5 Jp4 1 Jp3 Jp9 1 1 Jp2 1 Jp1 1 Jp10 1 Jp11 1 Maximizing Antenna Performance with the ATU Jumper in inactive position Jp8 1 TX Reader RX Reader LEDs Strongest signal RX Antenna TX Antenna 5 4 3 2 1 Jumper in active position Figure 33 ATU with jumpers in original positions Step 8: Place jumpers in the Inactive position on all the headers. Step 9: On header Jp 11, place the jumper in the Active position.
Modifying Antenna Range: Adjusting the Transmitter Card Introduction Each Reader contains a card stack that has five sub-boards, each of which has a specific function. The transmitter card controls the voltage output to the transmit antenna. If the Reader’s connectors are at the bottom, then the transmitter card is on the bottom of the stack (Figure 34). This card also can be identified by the faint chirping sound it makes and the cable that goes to the TX connector on the outside of the Reader.
Modifying Antenna Range Note: Each Reader is shipped from the factory with the voltage level adjusted to its highest level. Required Materials The following materials are necessary for successful adjustment of the transmission field: • A very small flathead screwdriver Adjusting the Transmission Field The output voltage is controlled by the blue adjustable pot on the transmitter card. This pot is a thirty-turn pot -- it can rotate in one direction 30 times.
Tag Mounting Because of the low frequency used for transmission, Tags can be mounted in a variety of positions on assets and vehicles without the signal being blocked. Personnel can carry Tags on chains, clips, pockets or purses.
Tag Mounting Step 6: IMPORTANT! Ensure that the Tag can be read by the Reader when the laptop is carried normally through the transmit field. In addition, place the Tag on the laptop where it cannot be easily pried off or removed. Do not place the Tag on a removable surface (i.e., battery cover). Step 7: Once a location is found, use a pencil to trace around the edge of the LED Test Tag. Step 8: Use a cyanoacrylate adhesive (for example, ProCement from ProTec Technology).
Tag Mounting Mounting Tags to Vehicles Required Materials • LED Tag • Mounting materials – Velcro tape, double-sided tape, Mylar enclosure • Washable marker or pencil Mounting locations The first choice for mounting a Tag in a vehicle is on the upper left or upper right side of the back window. Tags should be mounted on the side that is closest to the Dipole Antenna.
Tag Mounting Mounting a Vehicle Tag Step 1: Apply mounting tape/Velcro on the back of the Tag (Figure 35). Push the mounting tape/Velcro securely on the back of the Tag. Figure 35 Back of a Tag IMPORTANT! To receive maximum range from the antenna, the Tag must be mounted with the back of the Tag facing the glass at least 3 inches off the dashboard. Step 2: If using Velcro, apply one side of the Velcro mount to the location where the LED Tag was successfully tested.
Tag Mounting Tags and Personnel Required Materials • Mounting materials – clips, chains, etc. Personnel Tags can be threaded onto a chain, placed in a pocket, or hooked on a clip. A picture ID card can fit in the Tag’s recess. TM © 1999, AXCESS Inc. 750.001.
Troubleshooting the System Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to determine which portion of the system is not functioning and to provide guidelines for fixing the problem.
Troubleshooting the System Check the Site Step 1: Ensure that there are no other sources of similar radio frequencies nearby. Proximity card readers and clicker systems can affect the NT132 system, as can radiocontrolled sprinkler systems and military-grade communications systems. Step 2: Determine if metal is attenuating the signal. If a Road Loop is mounted in concrete, rebar can impact performance. If a Dipole Antenna is mounted less than six inches away from metal, it will lose reception range.
Troubleshooting the System Check the Antennas and Cables for Continuity Continuity is a direct connection or dead short between two points on a cable. Continuity can expose bad cables or problems with connections. Step 1: Turn off the power to the Reader. Step 2: Disconnect all the cables between the Reader, the ATU and the antennas. Step 3: Check each cable for continuity. If continuity is present in a cable, then the cable is shorted. Redo the cable.
Troubleshooting the System Questionnaire (page 107) and call Customer Support at 1800-577-6080. Road Loop Antenna Step 11: Test a Road Loop Antenna for continuity by checking both ends of the antenna. If continuity does not exist, there is a problem with the Road Loop. Fill out the Customer Support Questionnaire (page 107) and call Customer Support at 1-800-577-6080. Step 12: Plug the antenna into the BNC banana connector and test for continuity.
Troubleshooting the System Check the ATU TM © 1999, AXCESS Inc. Step 1: Ensure that the ATU is displaying voltage – either by LEDs or on the voltage meter. If the voltage is inadequate, retune the ATU. See the chapter Maximizing Antenna Performance with the ATU, page 73 Step 2: If you have a Toggle Switch ATU, ensure that the 10-wire header is properly seated. See the section Adjusting Performance with a Toggle Switch ATU, page 74.
Troubleshooting the System Check the Reception If the transmission field is functioning but Tags are not being read, then there may be a problem with the reception portion of the system. Step 1: Disconnect the receiving antenna. Step 2: Attach the Reader to a computer and place it into diagnostics mode. See the chapter Configuring 3.x Reader Firmware, page 35. Step 3: Place a Tag (ensure that the tag is programmed into the system if appropriate – i.e.
Troubleshooting the System Check the Output and Connections to Third-Party Devices If the transmission and reception portions of the system seem fine, but the output is incorrect or absent, check the connections to the devices that receive system output. Serial Reader Step 1: Ensure that the communication port settings are correct: Baud Rate 4800 Data Bits 8 Parity None Stop Bits 1 Flow Control None Wiegand Reader Step 1: Ensure that the Wiegand control panel is SIA 26-bit standard compliant.
Common Problems with NT132 Components Cable Problem: The NT132 System has reduced range Most of the problems encountered with the NT132 system lie with the cables. This includes having little or no range on the antennas. Check these items first: Step 1: Ensure that RG-58/U with 100% foil shield coverage is used. Step 2: Ensure that the cable lengths are within specifications: no more than 80 feet between the Reader and the ATU and no more than 20 feet between the ATU and the antennas.
Troubleshooting the System Step 3: Ensure that the 10-wire header is seated properly in the ATU. See page 74 for a discussion of seating the header. Step 4: Ensure that RG-58/U with 100% foil shield coverage is used. Step 5: Ensure that the cable lengths are within specifications: no more than 80 feet between the Reader and the ATU and no more than 20 feet between the ATU and the antennas. Step 6: Ensure that the connectors are well fastened and in good order.
Troubleshooting the System Step 10: Ensure the pot on the TX card in the Reader is turned to maximum output. Step 11: Ensure that the LEDs on the PCB stack in the Reader are lit. Information on providing power can be found on page 32. Step 12: Ensure the TX cable in the Reader is seated properly on the TX card. Step 13: Ensure that the layout of the system is within specifications: The loop layout 4 feet x ordered width.
Troubleshooting the System Dipole Antenna Problem: The Dipole Antenna has diminished or no range Step 1: Ensure that RG-58/U with 100% foil shield coverage is used. Step 2: Ensure that the cable lengths are within specifications: no more than 80 feet between the Reader and the ATU and no more than 20 feet between the ATU and the antennas. Step 3: Ensure that the connectors are well fastened and in good order.
Troubleshooting the System Step 8: Check the 10-wire header within the Toggle Switch ATU to be sure that it is seated properly. See page 74 for a discussion of seating the header. Step 9: Check the LEDs within the Reader to be sure they are on. Step 10: Check the Reader to see if it is connected to a power source. Information on providing power can be found on page 32. Step 11: Check to see if the 30-turn pot adjustment switch is turned to the maximum on the TX card in the Reader.
Troubleshooting the System Modifying Antenna Range: Adjusting the Transmitter Card, page 77. Step 12: Check for any environmental interference affecting the system performance. Wiegand Reader Problem: The Wiegand Reader is not working Step 1: Ensure that the Wiegand Control Panel complies with the SIA 26-bit standard. Step 2: Ensure that the internal RX and TX cables are properly seated. Step 3: Ensure that the RS-232 cable is properly seated.
Troubleshooting the System Step 7: Ensure that the communications port settings on the serial device are correct: 4800 baud, eight data bits, no parity, one stop bit, no flow control. FTT Reader Problem: The FTT Reader is not working Step 1: Ensure that the Transmitter card is chirping. Step 2: Verify the jumper settings on the Unilon cards against the information in the manual. See the section Unilon Reset Buttons, page 45. Step 3: Ensure that the internal RX and TX cables are properly seated.
Troubleshooting the System Step 2: 100 If the Tags are mounted on vehicles, ensure that they are beige. Black Tags become hotter than beige Tags in direct sunlight and can warp under extreme conditions. 750.001.003 Revised June 1999 TM © 1999 AXCESS Inc.
Appendix A: Coaxial Cable The number one problem encountered during installation is wiring technique and connectors. Ensure that no stray braid wires are touching the center contact pin when pushing it into the connector. This may cause the equipment to function intermittently or with reduced range. Good wiring techniques will eliminate considerable troubleshooting time later in the installation.
Appendix A: Coaxial Cable Coaxial Cable 11/32 11/32 3/16 1/8 Inner Conductor Braid Sleeve Insulator Inspection Hole Crimp Area Contact Pin Butting Flange Plug Body Assembly Crimp Area Figure 38 Dimensions for Coaxial Cable Termination 102 750.001.003 Revised June 1999 TM © 1999 AXCESS Inc.
Appendix B: Specifications Reader Dimensions Height: 8 inches Width: 8 inches Depth: 4 inches Weight: 3.5 pounds (slight variance between models) Input Current: 24V DC at 700 mA. Voltage range: 21.60V DC – 28.
Appendix B: Specifications Serial Gateway Dimensions Height: 3 inches Width: 5 inches Depth: 2 inches Weight: 1 pound Power: 24V DC at 700 mA Connectors • • • • External DB9 Female RS-232 (to the computer) External power connector Internal Free Topology Transceiver terminal Internal relay terminal (not used) Power Adapter Input: 120V AC, 60 Hz Output: 24V DC, 700 mA nominal No load: 37.
Appendix B: Specifications Antennas Road Loop and Dipole Antenna System Road Loop Antenna Dimensions Length: 4’ X width of the road loop Gauge: 18 Weight: Approx. 1 lb per 10 feet of wire Frequency: Transmit: 132 kHz Coverage: 16 – 24 feet for a 4’ x 6’ loop ***, can be much greater with larger loops Connectors • Dual binding post to male BNC (to ATU) Dipole Antenna Dimensions Length: 23 inches Diameter: 1 inch Weight: 0.8 lbs.
Appendix B: Specifications Coverage: 8 –12 feet typical (typical) Connectors • • Terminal - TX (to ATU) Terminal - RX (to ATU) Swing Frame Antenna System Dimensions Standard: 16” x 20” x 2” Weight: 6.7 pounds Coverage: 8 feet (typical) Large: 20” x 26” x 2” Weight: 8.1 pounds Coverage: 10 feet (typical) Frequency: Transmit: 132 kHz Receive: 315 MHz Connectors • • Female BNC - TX (to ATU) Female BNC - RX (to ATU) Tag Dimensions Length: 3.4 inches Width: 2.2 inches Thickness: 0.
Customer Support Questionnaire The following questions need to be answered before Axcess Inc, Technical Staff will be able to assist you. Please have the answers to these questions before you contact an Axcess Inc, customer service representative at (800) 577-6080 and fax a copy to (972) 407-9085.
Antennas What type of Antenna(s) do you have? Bar Swing Frame Other Are the antennas connected to the system? Y N Y N Road Loop & Dipole Dimensions How many feet away from the edge of the antenna is the LED Test Tag before it lights? Do you have multiple transmitting and receiving antennas in close proximity to each other? If yes, how many? Additional Equipment What third-party equipment is connected to the entire system? Give brands and model numbers.
Index A Antenna Tuning Unit (ATU), 27, 30, 51 Cabling, 54 Connecting to the Dipole Antenna, 59, 60 Connecting to the Reader, 55 Connecting to the Road Loop Antenna, 63 Connecting to the Swing Frame Antenna, 74 Functions, 22 Installation Considerations, 51 Jumper ATU, 78 Jumper ATU Tuning, 77 Maximizing Antenna Performance, 60, 65, 72, 74, 75, 82, 92, 93 Mounting, 53 Required Materials, 52 Specifications, 8 Toggle Switch ATU, 76 Toggle Switch ATU Tuning, 76 Types, 22 Antennas Functions, 21 Types, 21 ATU.
Index Layout, 55, 63, 99 Specifications, 9 Troubleshooting, 65 Rood Loop Antenna Required Materials, 62 S Safety, 11 Serial Gateway, 31, 33 Applying Power, 34 Connecting to the PC, 33 Setting Up, 34 Terminal Settings, 42 Serial Reader Installing, 27 Terminal Settings, 41 Swing Frame Antenna, 73 Connecting to the ATU, 74 Installing, 74 Required Materials, 73 Specifications, 10 110 T Tags, 19 Active, 19 AXCESS, 19 Mounting, 83 NeuroTag, 19 Passive, 19 Reading different versions, 43 Transmitter Card, 81 Tr
