MARS-24ATR User Manual User Manual MARS-24ATR Multiple Antenna Reader System Document Number : 63-70-076-DOC Revision: 1.
MARS-24ATR User Manual Revision History Version Date Person Reason Ver.1.0 09.2013 Tai Wai New Release To our valued customers We constantly strive to improve the quality of all our products and documentation. We have spent time to ensure that this document is correct. However, we realise that we may have missed a few things. If you find any information that is missing or appears in error, please use the contact section at the end of this document to inform us.
User Manual MARS-24ATR Contents Revision History.............................................................................................................................................................. 2 About this manual............................................................................................................................................................................................................5 Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words.....................................
MARS-24ATR 7. 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.4.1 7.4.2 7.4.3 7.5 7.6 7.6.1 7.6.2 7.6.3 7.7 7.7.1 7.7.2 7.7.3 7.7.4 7.7.5 7.8 User Manual Appendix............................................................................................................................................................... 39 External Antenna Types................................................................................................................................................................................
User Manual MARS-24ATR About this manual Please read this document before using Magellan’s readers. This manual is designed for use by engineers experienced with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices. Regulatory, safety and warranty notices that must be followed are given in chapter 7.5 and 7.8. Meaning of Alert Symbols and Signal Words Notes and Tips. Application Notes. Requires your attention.
MARS-24AT User Manual Magellan’s RFID reader-writers are to be professionally installed by authorised, qualified and service-trained installation personnel only. Maintenance All Magellan’s RFID readers-writers are low maintenance equipment. Except for externally accessible fuses there are no user-serviceable parts in any reader. There is no requirement to remove the cover of the reader. Removal of the reader cover by unauthorised personnel will void the product warranty.
User Manual MARS-24AT 1. Introduction Thank you for your recent purchase of a Magellan RFID reader-writer. This User Manual will provide you with information to rapidly adopt Magellan’s PJM technology for your needs, to install the reader hardware and ReaderManager software and get the reader running. Refer to the 66V10 PJM Confidential Data Book (36-10-006-SPC)for the description of the PJM ItemTag® and PJM StackTag® products of Magellan Technolgoy.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 63-70-076-DOC-1 September 2013
User Manual 2. MARS-24ATR Before you begin 2.1 Unpacking and Inspection When you receive your system, inspect it for any obvious damage that may have occurred during shipment. If there is damage, notify the shipping carrier and the supplier of the equipment or Magellan if purchased directly from Magellan. Until you have checked the system, save the shipping carton and packaging materials in the event the unit has to be returned.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 2.1.2 Data Communication Cables Magellan supplies USB shielded cables (USB 2.0, 2 m long). As shielded cables are generally required in order to comply with EMC emissions limits, the shielded cables recommended by Magellan Technology must be used. Unshielded cables may be used where explicitly allowed in the Installation Requirements section of this User Manual. USB cable should not be longer than 3m Ethernet cable is not included with the supply.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 2.2 Recommended System Requirements Recommended minimum host computer requirements: • Operating System: Windows XP SP2 • Memory: 128MB RAM • Hard Drive: 20 GB • CPU: Intel Celeron 500 • Interface: USB or Ethernet (Ethernet cable must be CAT 5 and shielded) Power supply requirements: • Mains input: 110 - 240 VAC @ 50/60 Hz • Low voltage input (MARS-24ATR): 12 VDC • Mains connector: IEC 320/C14 2.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 63-70-076-DOC-1 September 2013
User Manual 3. MARS-24ATR Product Overview Magellan’s RFID readers are intended to read and write information to individual Magellan ItemTags and multiple Magellan StackTags. The communication protocol used by the reader is compliant with ISO/IEC 18000 - 3 Mode 2 (Air Interface at 13.56 MHz). 3.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 63-70-076-DOC-1 September 2013
User Manual MARS-24ATR 4. Installation 4.1 Quick Start Guide Quick Start Guide MARS Readers HF RFID Readers/Writers PJM® Technology ISO/IEC 18000-3 Mode 2 1. Hardware Installation (4.2 User Manual) Connect a communication cable (USB or Ethernet) to the reader and host PC Connect external antenna/s to the reader 2. Software Installation (4.3 User Manual) Connect a power pack to the reader Install the ReaderManager software from the supplied CD-ROM 3.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 4.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 4.2.1 Connecting to a power supply Step 1: Connect a low voltage power pack to the unit. The connection to the power source is enabled via a low voltage power pack. The power cable is not supplied with the reader and is recommended to be purchased in the country of use. Step 2: Plug the power supply into AC power mains. LEDs will come on.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 4.2.2 User I/O Interface Connector The MARS-24ATR has an external interface connector called the USER I/O. This provides a number of digital I/O points. These can be used under application control to connect to external devices such as buttons and lights. The connector is a DB-15 pin female.
User Manual MARS-24ATR This connector also includes the debug serial port of the CPU, which is used as the system console. These pins are 3V levels only, so a proper RS-232 driver must be used externally if this connection is required. Refer to Application Programmer’s Guide (40-01-000-DOC) for more information. 4.2.
MARS-24ATR User Manual Always connect the Ethernet cable before power is applied to the reader. MARS-24ATR with the Ethernet communication cable and power cable 4.2.6 Connecting External Antennas Connect each external antenna to a Reader’s Antenna Axis/Port via a supplied connection cable. MARS-24ATR with the external 31-10-092 antenna connected 4.2.
User Manual MARS-24ATR reader in the ReaderManager’s Connection menu. Refer to the ReaderManager Guide (40-01-006-DOC) for the antenna matching, tuning and testing instructions using the Wizard tool in Reader Setup. Follow the procedure, making sure that the Magellan Antenna Tuning Probe and voltmeter are used to measure when the tuning is correct. The design of the antenna and the selection of the correct cable length are critical factors in the reliability of a reader.
MARS-24ATR User Manual Step 1: Insert the CD supplied with the reader into the CD-ROM. Step 2: Open Windows Explorer, double click on ReaderManager-Install. Step 3: Ensure all items in the Install dialog are ticked, and then click the Install button. If Python is not installed on your computer, the installation program will prompt you if you would like to install Python. Click the Yes button and accept all the default options during installation.
User Manual MARS-24ATR Magellan recommends to upgrade the ReaderManager software at least once a month and ReaderServer software on network based readers every 3-4 months. You are able to download the latest version of the ReaderManager operating software from Magellan’s website. Contact Magellan or its representatives to receive a user name and password.
MARS-24ATR User Manual From the Tools menu in the ReaderManager select System then Configuration System. Click the Network Configuration tab. If the reader is to be assigned an IP address from a DHCP server click the Obtain an IP address automatically check box. To assign a static IP address, uncheck the check box and enter the IP address in the IP address text box. The box will turn red if the IP address is not valid. Care should be taken not to duplicate IP addresses on your network.
User Manual MARS-24ATR The Ethernet interface is either served an IP address via DHCP or is assigned a static IP address by the user. If the Reader is set to use a DHCP assigned address and no DHCP server is available it will automatically use a link local address of 169.254.0.0/16. The Reader must be powered up with the Ethernet connected to get a DHCP assigned IP address. By default, the Readers are set to Obtain an IP address automatically, which means they look for a DHCP server.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 3. In the properties window, look in the list of items for Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). 4. Double click on this item 5. In the Internet Properties window, click on the Alternate Configuration tab 6. Make sure that the Automatic private IP address radio button is the selected one. 7. If it is not, then select it and click OK. In some PCs this setting could be on a manual address, which would prevent Link Local addressing from functioning.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 4.4.2 Getting an IP address using USB The USB interface uses TCP/IP networking over USB as the protocol. This allows you to connect to a reader as if it were a normal network, so all the usual services, such as telnet and FTP, are available. Any device hardware when it’s first connected to a PC via USB requires a device driver. The device driver is provided by Microsoft (Windows XP SP2). No USB device drivers are available instantly.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 3. Linux USB Ethernet/RNDIS Gadget Once it says Connected in the Network Connections window (Windows XP SP2) you can go to Step 4. If it says Disabled or Broken, then click right and select Repair or Enable to try and fix the connection. If this fails, disconnect the reader, reboot your PC and repeat from Step 1.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 4.4.3 Getting a Reader connected using the ReaderManager Step 1: Open the ReaderManager. ReaderManager will automatically detect all readers on the local network. When a reader is connected for the first time to a network using an Ethernet cable or a host computer using a USB cable, the reader is identified by its Model NameSerial Number (It is recommended that these be kept).
MARS-24ATR User Manual Step 2: Click the Connection menu item to view readers found on the local network. The ReaderManager will use network broadcasts to look for active readers via USB and Ethernet. If you click on the Connection menu, you can see readers defined in there automatically. A list of readers will be displayed. The IP address and MAC address will be shown on the status bar as you move the mouse over each reader entry.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 5. Working with Antennas The MARS-24ATR requires special installation and tuning of external antennas. Refer to the ReaderManager User Guide (40-01-006-DOC) for the antenna matching, tuning and testing instructions using the Reader Setup Wizard tool. MARS’ external antennas are suitable for applications where one or many reading points are required.
MARS-24ATR User Manual Try to avoid using black plastics as they may be conductive due to carbon/graphite based colouring agents. Clear glass is generally not conductive and can be used as a desk top material (for desktop applications). Smoked and tinted glass may be conductive and any affect on antenna operation should be determined by measurement. 5.2 Antenna Separation Antennas mounted in a close proximity may cause mutual interference.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 5.5 Antenna Maintenance (Tuning) Antennas may require periodic re-tuning and testing. Detuning of an antenna may occur if the physical environment around the antenna is changed. This can occur, for example, when large metal objects are located near the antenna or electronic devices or cables are placed in close proximity with the antenna. The severity of detuning is dependent upon the size of the metal object and can only be determined by measurement.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 3. Place the Antenna Tuning Probe in the center of the antenna. 4. Using an RF trimming tool adjust the tuning capacitor on the antenna for maximum voltage as measured by the tuning probe. 5.5.3 Optimisation of Antenna Performance If maximum read distance is important for your application then the antennas have to be protected/shielded from interference using appropriate mounting material, and then tuned to maximum voltage.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 6. Working with Tags Do not stack Magellan ItemTags on top of each other or allow them to touch or overlap. Only Magellan StackTags can be stacked, overlapped or allowed to touch each other. Single-axis antennas are tag orientation sensitive. Refer to the Tag-to-Reader/Tag-to-Antenna section of this document.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 6.2 How to check a tag configuration mode The tag configuration mode can be checked with the ReaderManager: 1. Go to Tools -> System -> Interrogate Command. 2. In Reply select Normal and click Send. 3. Then go to Tools -> System -> Table of Tag Messages to see the tag configuration in the Config column. The messages of all the tags currently in the reader antenna field can be seen. 2000 means that the tag has been reconfigured to ST ¼ normal power mode configuration.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 6.4 Tag-to-Antenna Orientation Tags should always be presented face on to the external antenna surface (i.e. with the coils of the reader antenna and the tag parallel). This is the position for optimum coupling (power transfer) between the antenna and the tag, and hence gives maximum read range. Tags may still work at an angle depending upon the distance between the tag and the external antenna.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 63-70-076-DOC-1 September 2013
User Manual 7. MARS-24ATR Appendix 7.1 External Antenna Types External antennas have been designed to operate with Magellan’s MARS readers. The antenna operating volume is inside the antenna turns. Each antenna is connected to a reader via a supplied RCA cable. The RCA cable length: 1.5 m (standard cable), 8.8 m (on request). 7.2 Reader-Tag Compatibility Refer to the Tag Comparison Chart on our website: www.magellan-technology.com/products/tags_and_chips.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 7.
User Manual MARS-24ATR 7.4 Regulation and Standards RFID equipment is subject to national and international regulations. 7.4.1 FCC Radio Frequency Interference Statement (USA) The FCC regards RFID equipment as low-power transmitting devices and, therefore, does not require users of RFID devices to obtain a license to operate them. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 7.5 Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations 42 Antenna A reader antenna that emits radio waves and receives reply signals from tags. The reader antenna can be internal where it is integrated into the reader or external where it is connected to the reader via a cable. Antenna axis The antenna port on the reader which the antenna is plugged into. Antenna tuning Trimming a reader antenna to its highest possible field strength which corresponds to the highest operating voltage.
User Manual MARS-24ATR Network Connections window In Windows XP open Start-> Control Panel-> Network Connections or open My Computer-> Other Places-> My Network Places-> View Network Connections OEM label Original Equipment Manufacture label is located on the back of the equipment. It includes the Model Number, P/N, D/C, S/N and MLC. PJM Phase Jitter Modulation or PJM™ (with device) is a registered Trade Mark of Magellan Technology Pty Limited.
MARS-24ATR User Manual film) RFID label RFID inlet often with adhesive backing (sticky label) RFID tag 1. generic name for RFID inlet and label; 2. RFID inlet or label inserted into a housing (glass, polycarbonate, polyamid, epoxy, ABS, etc.) RFID reader-writer Device for reading and writing to RFID tags RMA Returned Materials Authorisation (Return Authorisation number) Setup axis Setup antenna.
User Manual Absence of the flashing green LED during tag reading Green LED flashes but I can not see any tag message in the ReaderManager Red LED remains on MARS-24ATR Incorrectly oriented tag/ tags Ensure tag/tags are oriented correctly to the reader antenna (see Tag-to-Reader/Tag-toAntenna Orientation). Faulty tag/tags Replace tag/tags. Do not use tags with a black dot or black square marking (faulty tags). The Powering Field is off Ensure the powering field is on.
MARS-24ATR Antenna does not work as good as before (reduced read range, etc.) User Manual The Antenna has been moved recently and was not tuned Once you change the antenna position, moved the antenna or replaced the mounting material you should understand first whether the antenna is affected by the mounting material, put a plastic spacer if affected and tuned the antenna again.
User Manual PC does not recognise the reader at all MARS-24ATR The USB port on the PC is broken Use another USB port known to be working. USB port has temporarily failed Power cycle the PC. The reader is faulty Check the reader on two other PCs. If no PC shows any response at all to the USB cable being plugged in then it’s faulty. Send a service report on the Service Form. USB cable faulty Change the USB cable.
MARS-24ATR User Manual • Have you tried connecting to the reader with a different PC? • Have you successfully installed the ReaderManager application? • In the ReaderManager, select the Help/About ReaderManager menu item and record on the Service Form what version numbers are shown in the window that appears. • In the ReaderManager, select the Help/System Report/Get System Information. Get a zip file and then email it to us (for the ReaderManager version V2.18 and higher).
User Manual MARS-24ATR manufacture of products are covered by, and limited to, any warranty provided by the original manufacturer. 7.7.4 Limitation of Liability Magellan’s warranty excludes consumables, and excludes products that have been improperly installed or maintained, modified or misused. Notification of claims must occur within the warranty period.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 63-70-076-DOC-1 September 2013
User Manual MARS-24ATR 7.7.
MARS-24ATR User Manual 63-70-076-DOC-1 September 2013 7.8 Contact us Magellan Technology pty limited 65 Johnston St. Annandale NSW 2038 Australia Tel.: +61 2 9562 9800 Fax: +61 2 9518 7620 Email: info@magellan-technology.com Website: www.magellan-technology.
