Installation Manual

ParSec
Reader
Installation Manual - Issue:3 - December 1998 - Page 14
Notes
(1) Owing to the nature of RF at the frequencies used in the ParSec system, it may
be desirable to carry out the set up procedure a few times to optimise reader
performance to the location.
(2) Mounting Portable asset tags on metal surfaces may result in a severe loss in
range unless care is taken to find the best location. Generally these tags should
be located as near to a corner as possible with the arrow on the tag pointing to
the outside edge. Although laptop computers appear to have a plastic outer
case, there is always a metal screen behind the display. You may have to try
several different positions on a laptop before you find one that does not impair
the range. We recommend that you should always temporarily fit the tag on
assets containing metal and check the range is adequate before fixing it down
permanently. Once you have found the best position on, for example, a
particular model of laptop, you will then be able to fit the tag in the same
position for all similar models. Remember to ensure that the tamper switch
spring is pushed in when doing these tests. The tamper alarm always operates
at high power at long range. Never re-use the adhesive pads on tags.
If you have to re-locate a tag then remove it with a twisting action rather than
trying to prize it off or you could damage the tag housing. Always replace the
adhesive pad and always de-grease the mounting surface using methylated
spirits or other de-greasing agent. The adhesive pads will bond much better to
surfaces if they are pressed down under under pressure for preferably 24 hours
or at least 1 hour. This can be done by using strong adhesive tape or placing a
heavy object e.g. large book on the tag. Smooth cool horizontal surfaces are
best for good adhesion.
(3) The range set using the RAT is designed to compensate for the reduction in
range that occurs when asset tags are mounted on metal or when personnel
tags are worn close to the body e.g. in a pocket. You will find that tags
mounted on metal or worn close to the body will operate at a lesser range than
that set by the RAT.
(4) The level of ambient background noise will affect range consistency; whilst
noise filtering is employed in the reader design it cannot filter transmissions
from other devices operating at the same frequency. Typical amongst these
are radio type vehicle locking/unlocking keyfobs and certain types of wireless
intruder alarm systems. Please refer to the Important Installation Notes in
Section 2.2 ‘Siting the Reader’.
(5) If after setting the range, the red power LED continues to flash slowly, then the
range setting is invalid. Repeat the range setting process.