875-0025-03 RevA Astra Reader User Guide
Government Limited Rights Notice: All documentation and manuals were developed at private expense and no part of it was developed using Government funds. The U.S. Government’s rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose the technical data contained herein are restricted by paragraph (b)(3) of the Rights in Technical Data--Noncommercial Items clause (DFARS 252.227-7013(b)(3)), as amended from time-totime.
Contents Astra User Guide 6 Introduction 6 Regional Information 8 Astra North America 8 Astra Australia 8 Astra Korea 8 Astra India 9 Astra Europe 9 Programming Interfaces 11 MercuryAPI 11 Demo Applications 11 Setting Up for Single Reader Operation 12 Equipment Required 12 Setup Procedure 13 Connecting the Optional Antenna to the Reader 13 Powering Up the Reader 15 Interpreting the Reader Indicator LED 16 Connecting Your PC to the Reader 17 Setting Up Your PC's TCP/IP Connection 17 Logging On to the Reader
Reader Listing 31 Connecting to the Astra Serial Port 34 Using GPIO 35 Inputs 35 Outputs 35 Controlling the Reader 37 Using the Browser-Based Interface 37 Status Page 38 Query Page 39 Write Page 42 Settings Page 45 Restart Page 51 Diagnostics Page 52 Statistics Page 53 Firmware Upgrade Utility 54 Using Safe Mode 56 Forcing Astra to boot in safe mode 57 Reader RF Power 58 Reader RF Power Example 58 Setting the Reader RF Power 59 Mounting the Reader 60 Variables Affecting Performance 61 Environmental 61 Tag C
Appendix C: Advanced Administration 70 Changing the Web Interface uid/passwd 70 Changing console/root password: 71 Appendix D: Troubleshooting 72 Troubleshooting Table 72 Reset to the Default Configuration 72 Collecting Diagnostic Data for ThingMagic Support 73 Analyzing the Boot Logs 74 5
Astra User Guide Introduction This document assumes usage of an Astra with firmware version 4.1.21 or later. This document explains how to set up the Astra Reader, how to configure it for network operation, and how to use the browser-based interface. See the corresponding Astra Firmware Release Notes for operational differences that what is in this User Guide specific to a firmware version. Separate appendices contain specifications and antenna information that are specific to the Astra Reader.
Introduction Connecting to the Astra - Describes the methods available for connecting to the Astra over the ethernet, WiFi and Serial Console interfaces. – Setting Up for Single Reader Operation - Connect using a direct ethernet connection from a Host PC to the Astra. – Networking the Reader - Connect over ethernet LAN or WiFi using DHCP or static IP settings. – Connecting to the Astra Serial Port - Connect to the Astra console for command-line interface access and troubleshooting.
Regional Information Regional Information The Astra reader is currently available in four different regional hardware configurations: Astra North America Astra Korea Astra India Astra Europe The only difference between the different hardware versions is the frequency range they support and, in some cases, confguration for specific subsets of regulatory compliance in that region. The regulatory support and configuration details, if any, for each is defined below.
Regional Information channel for 400ms. The fastest it will move to the next channel, in the case where no tags are found using that frequency, it will move to the next channel after 10 empty query rounds, approximately 120ms. Astra India Model Number = Astra-IN Astra-IN readers support the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), 2005 regulations. No special regulatory configuration is required. Astra Europe Model Number = Astra-EU Astra-EU readers support ETSI EN 302 208-1 V1.1.
Regional Information next channel and immediately occupy that channel for up to four seconds. This mode allows for continuous operation, with no quiet periods. ETSI EN 302 208-1 V1.1.1 When using the 10 Channel Mode the integrated antenna will always be used for LBT. This means that when configured for bistatic operation the external antenna will be the Transmit antenna and the integrated antenna will be the Receive and LBT antenna.
Programming Interfaces Programming Interfaces MercuryAPI Applications to control the Astra reader, and all ThingMagic Reader products, can be written using the high level MercuryAPI. The MercuryAPI supports Java, .NET and C (for on-reader applications) programming environments. The MercuryAPI Software Development Kit (SDK) contains sample applications and source code to help developers get started demoing and developing functionality.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Setting Up for Single Reader Operation This section describes how to set up the Reader for Single Reader Operation using AC power. Equipment Required To set up Single Reader Operation, you need the equipment that comes enclosed with Astra Reader as well as some additional hardware.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Setup Procedure The steps required to set up and run the Astra Reader are: 1. Connecting the Optional Antenna to the Reader 2. Powering Up the Reader 3. Connecting Your PC to the Reader 4. Setting Up Your PC's TCP/IP Connection 5. Logging On to the Reader Connecting the Optional Antenna to the Reader The Astra Reader supports monostatic performance with one (integrated) antenna or with two (integrated and external) antennas.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Antenna Detection To minimize the chance of damage due to transmitting on open ports or antenna disconnection, the Astra supports antenna detection. Detection is performed automatically at startup and before RF operations. In order to be detectable antennas must present a DC resistance of ~10k Ohms or less. Before you apply power to the Reader, you must connect antenna to the RFID port.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Powering Up the Reader You can power up the Astra Reader using: DC power supply - NOTE: Sold Separately Power over Ethernet (PoE) - NOTE: Required cable sold separately To power up the Astra Reader using a DC power supply: 1. Plug the power supply into the Reader's DC power input connector. 2. Connect the extension cord to the power supply and plug it into a 100-240VAC power outlet. The Reader immediately begins to power up. There is no on/off switch on the Reader.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Note You can use the web interface to select whether to use DC power supply or PoE to power the Astra Reader. Interpreting the Reader Indicator LED The Astra Reader has one main multi-color LED that indicates Reader activity as shown in Figure 2. By observing the color and the state of the LED, you can determine the current operational status of the Astra Reader. The colors displayed by the LED include: Solid Amber: Indicates that the Reader is starting up.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Connecting Your PC to the Reader You can provide network connectivity to the Astra Reader using either the Ethernet or WIFI. For instructions on connecting the Reader to a network using WLAN or PoE, see the section Networking the Reader. To connect your PC to the Reader: 1. Connect the provided Ethernet crossover cable to your PC. 2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet crossover cable to the Reader, as shown in Figure 4.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Figure 5: Local Area Connection Status Window Astra User Guide 18
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation 5. Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connections Properties window appears, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6: Local Area Connection Properties Window 6. Astra User Guide Scroll down to the bottom of the list and select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation 7. Click on the Properties button. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window appears, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 7: Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties Window 8. Select the Use the following IP address: button. Enter these settings: IP address: 10.0.0.102 Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 Default gateway: 10.0.0.1 9. Click OK to save and exit the window. 10. Click OK in the Local Area Connection Properties window.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Logging On to the Reader You may use any Java-enabled web browser to log on to the Reader. To log on to the Reader: 1. Launch your web browser and log on to the Reader by entering the Reader's default IP address http://10.0.0.101/ in the address bar. 2. Press Enter. The Login dialog box appears. 3. Enter the following: Default user name: “web” Password: “radio” (all lower-case). 4. Click OK. The Reader displays its browser-based interface.
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation Figure 8: Astra Status Page Astra User Guide 22
Setting Up for Single Reader Operation 5. Check the Connected Antenna Ports fields. If the text is green, it indicates that antenna is connected. 6. Do one of the following steps: To connect the Reader to the network and log in remotely, see Networking the Reader. To start reading tags and to control the Reader, see Controlling the Reader.
Networking the Reader Networking the Reader You can set up the Astra Reader to use either manual IP addressing or DHCP. By default, the Reader has automatic addressing enabled that boots up for a DHCP server. DHCP can be used to automatically assign the Reader's IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, NTP Server, DNS server, and hostname. During the initial boot sequence, if the Reader does not get a DHCP-assigned IP address, the static IP address 10.0.0.101 is assigned by default.
Networking the Reader Wireless Setup One way of connecting to the Astra Reader is through the wireless network. Using the Wireless Network You can connect the Astra Reader through the wireless network, only if the WiFi SKU is used. This can be done if Wi-fi option is purchased. In this configuration, the Ethernet cable connection is not used. To connect the Astra Reader to a wireless network: 1. Click on Settings in the navigation menu to access the Modify Settings Page.
Networking the Reader Figure 9: Astra Modify Settings Page Astra User Guide 26
Networking the Reader Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Another way of powering up the Astra Reader is to use a single Ethernet cable that is connected to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network. In this configuration, the power converter that is supplied with the Astra Reader is not used. To power up the Astra Reader over a PoE network: 1. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Astra Reader 2. Connect the other end to a certified PoE port.
Networking the Reader Using DHCP To use DHCP to automatically assign your PC's IP address to the Reader: 1. Select Start from the Start bar, and then select Control Panel. 2. Double click the Network Connections icon. 3. Disable your PC's wireless connection, if one exists. 4. Double click the Local Area Connection icon. The local area Connection Status window appears, as shown in Figure 5. 5. Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connection Properties window appears, as shown in Figure 6.
Networking the Reader Figure 11: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window 8. Select the Obtain an IP address automatically button. 9. Click OK to save and exit the window. 10. Click OK, in the Local Area Connection Properties window. 11. Click OK, in the Local Area Connection Status window. The PC may take few minutes to save the new network settings.
Networking the Reader Automatic Hostname: Astra-xxxxxx At startup, the Reader, by default, generates an 'automatic hostname' by appending the last three bytes of its MAC address to its hostname, such as astra-210027. Note Your network must have properly configured DNS servers if you wish to connect to the Reader through its hostname. When using DHCP, the DHCP server periodically adds the hostname to the DNS server's database.
Networking the Reader Reader Discovery You can find the available Readers on the network by using the Multicast DNS (mDNS) protocol (http://multicastdns.org/) and Reader Listing. Using mDNS To find Readers on a network, you can use any client or client API that allows discovery of services using mDNS (a part of the Zero Configuration Network Standard). One commone client implementing the Zero Configuration Network Standard is called BonjourTM, developed by Apple.
Networking the Reader In the case of Reader Listing Page, no plugin is required and works in any browser. The Reader Listing Page contains a list of the Readers found on the network and additional information on each Reader including: A link to the Reader’s web interface Reader’s IP address Firmware version it is running Number of connected antennas Status information To enable Reader Listing to discover Readers available on the network: Click on the Reader List link in the navigation menu.
Networking the Reader Figure 12: Astra Reader Listing Page Astra User Guide 33
Connecting to the Astra Serial Port Connecting to the Astra Serial Port Astra supports communication over its serial port to enable you to: Access the boot logs. Access the console for emergency recovery into Safe Mode. Before you connect to the Astra serial port, ensure that you have: A PC with a serial port. A serial terminal program. A serial cable. Older PCs usually have a 9-pin serial port built in; however, modern PCs usually do not. If your PC does not have a serial port, you can add one.
Using GPIO Using GPIO The Astra Reader includes 12-pin GPIO screw terminal connector. This connector is used to support four opto-isolated general purpose inputs and four opto-isolated general purpose outputs. The values of the GPIO lines can be Get and Set using the RQL and the C-API interfaces. See the respective guide for more details. There are four open-collector outputs and four open-collector inputs. Note Devices using the GPIO lines must be NPN type devices and require external power supply. .
Using GPIO 5. GPIO Input (GPIO_7) 6. GPIO Output (GPIO_0) 7. GPIO Output (GPIO_1) 8. GPIO Output (GPIO_2) 9. GPIO Output (GPIO_5) 10. Amber LED - Output 11. Green LED - Output 12. Isolated-GND Note: The values in parentheses indicate the enumeration used by the API and RQL for each GPIO line.
Controlling the Reader Controlling the Reader The Reader uses RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to read and write data stored on RFID Tag(s). The Astra Reader provides four levels of access to RFID tag(s): 1. Browser-Based Interface A web browser controls high-level Reader operations through a Java Applet. See Status Page for information about how to access the browser-based interface. 2.
Controlling the Reader Query Page- Allows the user to write tags; this is only applicable to tags that are editable. Settings Page- Allows the user to modify Reader configuration and network settings. Firmware Upgrade Utility- Upgrades the tag Reader with new firmware images provided by ThingMagic. Restart Page- Allows the user to restart the Reader through a "warm boot." Diagnostics Page- Provides the current operating settings and access to the status logs of the Reader.
Controlling the Reader Note Check to see that at least one antenna port is connected before performing any tag queries or tag write operations. Query Page Use the Astra Query Page to set up and run Anti-Collision Searches quickly, and to obtain immediate feedback. This is useful for debugging as well as for verifying performance after installation is completed. If the Query page does not load and you do not see the Java logo, install the Java Runtime Environment for Windows and restart your PC.
Controlling the Reader Note You must click Stop to stop the query before exiting. Otherwise, the Reader will continue to transmit RF energy on its antennas. Query Results As shown in Figure 13, the displayed tag data contains useful information, including the tag number, number of times a tag is read, tag data, antenna, and protocol.
Controlling the Reader Show Raw The Show Raw button displays raw tag data on the Query page, as shown in Figure 14. This is the actual console output returned from the query. As shown in figure each row lists the Reader, protocol, antenna, tag ID, and CRC for each tag found. A space separates the groups of tags found during each query. You can easily copy and paste the raw data into other documents.
Controlling the Reader Raw Tag Data Depending on the fields included in the query, you can display a variety of tag data: id: Tag id (in hex) and trailing 4-digit (16-bit) CRC cyclical redundancy check. read_count: Number of times the tag was seen during the query. protocol_id: GEN2 = 12. antenna_id: From 1 to 2 depending on which antenna saw the tag. frequency: Frequency in KHz at which the tag was seen, in hop table. timestamp: Unix time in seconds and microseconds from 1-1-1970 when tag was seen.
Controlling the Reader Figure 15: Astra Write Page Astra User Guide 43
Controlling the Reader Writing an ID to a Tag To write an ID to a tag: 1. Click the Write link on the navigation menu. The Write page appears, as shown in Figure 15. 2. Type or paste in the middle pane a hexadecimal tag ID to be written to the tag in the RQL statement after tag_id =0x. For example: 16 hex characters for 64-bit tags, 20 characters for 96-bit tags, etc. 3. Click the Make Update button. A query designed to write the highlighted data to the tag appears in the center pane. 4.
Controlling the Reader Settings Page The Astra Modify Settings Page enables you to change network and Reader security settings. The page is divided into seven sections: RFID Protocol Settings Network Settings: All Interfaces Network Settings: Ethernet Interfaces Network Settings: Wireless Interfaces Boot Option Settings Reader Identification Settings Security Settings Changing these parameters changes the settings the Reader uses on startup.
Controlling the Reader Table 1: RFID Protocol Settings Setting Description UHF Power This is the power setting for the antenna(s). The maximum is 30.0dBm. Default RQL Query This field contains the initial query that is run continuously when the Reader starts up. Antenna Mode When the optional external antenna is connected allows the two antennas to operate in a Bistatic Configuration.
Controlling the Reader Network Settings: Ethernet Interfaces Table 3: Network Settings: Ethernet Interface Setting Description Use DHCP? If set to Yes, the Reader will automatically look for its LAN IP, Netmask, and Gateway addresses from a DHCP Server. Vendor Class Identifier This radio button enables 96-bit tag support. To optimize the Reader, keep this setting turned off unless it is needed.
Controlling the Reader Network Settings: Wireless Interfaces These wireless interfaces apply only when your reader supports Wi-Fi. Table 4: Network Settings: Wireless Interface Setting Description Use DHCP? If set to Yes, the Reader will automatically look for its LAN IP, Netmask, and Gateway addresses from a DHCP Server. Vendor Class Identifier This radio button enables 96-bit tag support. To optimize the Reader, keep this setting turned off unless it is needed.
Controlling the Reader Boot Option Settings The boot option settings specify the location of downloadable firmware, configuration files and their optional parameters, and the location of a syslog server to which all Reader events may be sent. Table 5: Boot Option Settings Setting Description Boot Config Options Optional parameters used when downloading a new configuration file to the Reader. -f : Force a downgrade if config file version is lower than that currently running on the Reader.
Controlling the Reader Reader Identification Settings The Reader identification settings show the user-defined identifier strings. Table 6: Reader Identification Settings Setting Description Reader Description This is a user-defined identifier string to describe the Reader that gets echoed back verbatim via the web interface, SNMP, or RQL. Reader Role This is a user-defined identifier string to describe the Reader’s role in a system that gets echoed back verbatim via the web interface, SNMP, or RQL.
Controlling the Reader Restart Page The Astra Restart Page enables you to activate reconfigured network Reader settings or to recover from a Reader error. To restart the Reader: 1. Click the Restart link on the navigation menu. The Restart Reader page appears, as shown in Figure 16. Figure 16: Astra Restart Reader Page 2. Click the Restart System button. 3. Click OK. The following message appears, as shown in Figure 17 and remains on the screen until the Reader restarts.
Controlling the Reader Diagnostics Page The Diagnostics page, as shown in Figure 18, expands on information found on the Status Page, including the current settings of the Reader, comprehensive version information, and the current status of network interfaces.
Controlling the Reader Statistics Page The Statistics Page, as shown in Figure 19, displays the Astra Reader statistics. These statistics are defined by the EPCglobal Reader Management Standard v1.0.1, specifically, the statistics defined in sections 5.5 AntennaReadPoint and 5.6 Source Object. These sames statistics are available through the SNMP interface. Figure 19: Astra Statistics Page More information on these statistics can be found at the following URL: http://www.epcglobalinc.
Controlling the Reader Firmware Upgrade Utility Astra provides Firmware Upgrade Utility for updating the firmware. 1. Click the Firmware link on the navigation menu. The Firmware Update page appears, as shown in Figure 20. Figure 20: Astra Firmware Update Page 2. Do one of the following: In the File upload field, enter the complete URL network pathname of the firmware file. Click Browse... to locate the firmware file.
Controlling the Reader ! C A U T I O N ! ! If you select the "Erase contents before installing" check box, you will erase all user-installed programs or files residing on the reader. DO NOT select this option if you wish to preserve any user programs residing on the reader. ! C A U T I O N ! ! If you select the "Revert to factory settings" check box, you will erase any changes made to the reader's configuration settings and revert to factory default settings.
Controlling the Reader Using Safe Mode There are two reasons to enter Safe Mode: To perform a firmware update for repairing a corrupted filesystem. To change settings that prevent the Reader from operating normally. Note Both of these tasks can be performed through the web interface. Safe Mode is used to recover from errors that prevent the Reader from operating in normal mode. In Safe Mode the Reader is configured with a static IP address of 10.0.0.101.
Controlling the Reader Forcing Astra to boot in safe mode To force the Astra Reader to boot into Safe Mode: 1. Connect to the Readers serial port (See Connecting to the Astra Serial Port.) Enter the following to log into the console Default UserID: root Password: secure 2. Type the command: touch /tm/etc/safe-boot 3. Click the Enter button. 4. Type the command: reboot 5. Click the Enter button. Reader reboots.
Reader RF Power Reader RF Power If you are using an external antenna during initial installation, you must properly configure to use the correct RF power to comply with FCC regulations. The software limit does not allow the power to be set higher than 30.0 dBm. Therefore this particular antenna configuration will comply with FCC regulations.
Reader RF Power Setting the Reader RF Power To set the Reader RF power: 1. Log on to the Reader using your browser. The Astra Status Page appears, as shown in the Figure 8. 2. Click on the Settings tab. The first field on the Settings page is UHF Power. Its factory default value is 30 dBm. 3. Enter the maximum setting based on your cable type, length, and antenna type. 4. Scroll down to the bottom of the Astra Modify Settings Page, and click Save changes button.
Mounting the Reader Mounting the Reader See Appendix B: Astra Dimensions for mounting hole locations and dimensions. When mounting the Astra Reader it is recommend to use an NRTL approved VESA 100 mount, following the standard mounting procedure of the VESA mount referencing the Astra mounting hole locations as shown in Figure 21. Alternatively you can use the centered Tripod mounting hole for 1/4"- 20 screws. This is for use with tripods shorter than one meter.
Mounting the Reader Variables Affecting Performance Reader performance may be affected by the following variables, depending on the site where your Reader is being deployed: Environmental Tag Considerations Multiple Readers Environmental Reader performance may be affected by the following environmental conditions: Metal surfaces such as desks, filing cabinets, bookshelves, and wastebaskets may enhance or degrade Reader performance.
Mounting the Reader Tag Considerations There are several variables associated with tags that can affect Reader performance: Application Surface: Some materials, including metal and moisture, interfere with tag performance. Tags applied to items made from or containing these materials may not perform as expected. Tag Orientation: Reader performance is affected by the orientation of the tag in the antenna field. The ThingMagic antenna is circularly polarized, so it reads face-to but not edge-to.
Astra Specifications Astra Specifications The following are the specifications for the Astra Reader. Electrical Reader UHF operating frequency: Astra-NA: 902-928MHz Astra-EU: 865-870MHz Astra-KR: 910-914MHz Input voltage: 24Vdc, 2.0A or Power over Ethernet in both modes A and B (Supports 100m cable). Optional External DC Power Supply Input voltage: Nominal 100-240Vac, 50/60Hz AC line current: Nominal 0.5A at 120V Output voltage: Nominal 24Vdc, 2.
Astra Specifications Relative Humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing Mechanical Reader Length: 25.7cm (10.125 in) Width: 25.7cm (10.125 in) Depth: 7.62cm (3 in) Weight: 1.
Compliance, Warranty, and IP Notices Compliance, Warranty, and IP Notices Regulatory Compliance EMC FCC 47 CFR, Part 15 Industrie Canada RSS-210 Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement This equipment contains modules FCCID: QV5MERCURY5E and FCCID: TK4WLM54GP23 (WiFi SKU only).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.
Compliance, Warranty, and IP Notices gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication. This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number, or model number if Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed in Authorized Antennas table with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Compliance, Warranty, and IP Notices 2. cet appareil doit supporter toute perturbation, y compris les perturbations qui pourraient provoquer son dysfonctionnement. Pour réduire le risque d'interférence aux autres utilisateurs, le type d'antenne et son gain doivent être choisis de façon que la puissance isotrope rayonnée équivalente (PIRE) ne dépasse pas celle nécessaire pour une communication réussie.
Appendix A: Astra Antenna Information Appendix A: Astra Antenna Information Authorized Antennas To comply with FCC requirements for RF exposure safety, a separation distance of at least 22 cm (8.7 inches) must be maintained between the radiating elements of the antenna and nearby people. You must also provide strain relief for all Reader connections. The only antennas authorized by the FCC for use with the Astra Reader are listed in the table below.
Appendix B: Astra Dimensions Appendix B: Astra Dimensions Figure 22: Astra Dimensions Astra User Guide 69
Appendix C: Advanced Administration Appendix C: Advanced Administration Changing the Web Interface uid/passwd This steps below describe how to add/change the User/Password for the Web Interface. This can also be done by Connecting to the Astra Serial Port and following these steps. 1. Connect to the reader using SSH or Telnet > telnet [reader IP address] User: root Pass: secure 2.
Appendix C: Advanced Administration the existing users.db file, so it retains existing user/passwords. You should use one or the other depending on what you want to do with existing user/passwords. Changing console/root password: To change the root password, used by the command-line interface and console access, use standard linux "passwd [userid]" command.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting Appendix D: Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Table Table 9: Common Problems and Solutions Problem Path to Solution Cannot connect to reader over network • Check your network settings by Analyzing the Boot Logs to make sure you’re trying the correct IP address. • If the settings are wrong, try to Using Safe Mode to get a known network configuration, • or Reset to the Default Configuration and start the configuration over.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting If you are not able to connect to the reader to reinstall firm you can try following the steps to Forcing Astra to boot in safe mode, forcing a known networking configuration on the reader, then resinstalling the firmware. ! C A U T I O N ! ! If you select the”Erase contents...” and "Revert to default settings" check box, you will erase any changes made to the reader's configuration settings and revert to factory default settings.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting Analyzing the Boot Logs One of the most common problems is due to incorrect or unexpected network configuration, resulting in not being able to connect to the Astra. The best way to start diagnosing a network problem is to understand what the Astra’s network settings are after its powered up. This can be done by analyzing the boot logs. Once you’ve follow the process for Connecting to the Astra Serial Port, reboot the reader and look at the output from the console.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting [...snip...
