User's Manual

COBALT UHF-SERIES CHAPTER 3: CONFIGURING THE COBALT
PAGE 40 OF 140
3.3.3 Automatic Node ID Assignment via Gateway
(Cobalt -485 Model Only)
For multi-drop network configurations (where up to 16 Cobalt UHF-CNTL-485-02
controllers are connected via one Subnet16 Gateway interface module), a Gateway
module can be instructed, through the use of a Configuration Tag, to automatically
assign each controller a separate Node ID number (between 1 and 16).
However, before the Gateway can begin allocating Node IDs automatically, each
UHF-CNTL-485-02 controller must first be restored to factory default values. In doing
so, the Cobalt’s Node ID number will be reset to zero.
Note that, by default, the Cobalt UHF-CNTL-485-02 controller ships pre-configured to
Node ID 00. Therefore, if your Cobalt is brand new, it should already be set to Node
ID 00. If it has previously been assigned another Node ID number, you will likely
need to reset its Node ID value to zero (see Section 3.2.1 – Restoring Factory
Defaults for instructions on resetting the controller’s Node ID to 00).
When automatically assigning a Node ID to a new Cobalt Controller, the Gateway will
normally issue the next available Node ID value.
The Gateway can also assign a new controller the same Node ID and configuration
settings of a previous Cobalt controller that has since disappeared from the network
or has been determined to be offline. Therefore, if a controller becomes damaged
and must be quickly replaced, a new Cobalt controller can be installed easily in its
place, allowing the Gateway to assign the new controller the same Node ID and
controller configuration settings as the recently replaced controller.
ATTENTION: Connect and configure only one RFID controller at a time. Conflicts can
occur when multiple controllers set to the same Node ID are simultaneously attached to
a multi-drop network. You may, however, leave connected any controller once it has
been has successfully assigned a Node ID by the Gateway.
Baud rates for all controllers must be set to 9600
Follow the steps below to assign the Cobalt -485 controller a Node ID automatically
via a Subnet16 Gateway.
1.
Place a Configuration Tag within the Cobalt Antenna’s RF field.
2.
Cycle power to the controller or issue the “Reset Controller” command
(Command 0x35 for ABx Fast, Command 0x54 for CBx).
As power returns to the unit, the LEDs will blink.
3.
After the LEDs blink, remove the Configuration Tag from the antenna’s RF field
and then immediately place it back within range. Confirm that all five amber Node
LEDs are OFF (indicating that the controller’s Node ID is set to zero) then
remove the tag from RF range.
4.
Cycle power once again to the Cobalt (or issue the Reset Controller command).
While the Cobalt is restarting, place the Configuration Tag back within the
antenna’s RF field. Allow 10 seconds for the Gateway to recognize and assign
the controller an available Node ID number, then remove the Configuration Tag
from RF range. Check the five amber Node LEDs to determine the assigned
Node ID.