875-0058-05 RevB Mercury6(M6) and Astra-EX User Guide For firmware version 4.
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. Governmentʼs 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-to-time.
Contents Introduction 7 Hardware Overview 9 What’s in the Box 9 M6 Reader 9 Astra-EX Reader 9 Ports and Connectors 9 Antenna Connections 9 Ethernet/PoE 11 USB Accessory 11 Console 11 GPIO 11 DC Power 11 Reset Button 11 Programming Interfaces 13 MercuryAPI 13 Demo Applications 13 LLRP 13 On-Reader Applications 14 Setting Up the Reader 15 Equipment Required 15 Setup Procedure 16 Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader 16 Powering Up the Reader 17 Interpreting the Reader Indicator LED 17 Connecting Your PC to the
Using the Wireless Network 26 Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) 29 Using DHCP 30 M6 and Astra-EX Setup 30 PC Setup 30 Automatic Hostname: M6-xxxxxx or Astra-EX-xxxxxx 32 MAC Address 32 Fallback Interface Options 33 Fallback to the Same Physical Interface 33 Fallback to the Other Physical Interface 33 Reader Discovery 36 Using mDNS 36 Reader Listing 36 Identify Reader 37 Connecting to the USB Console Port 39 Using GPIO 40 Inputs 40 Outputs 40 Connector Pinout 41 Controlling the Reader 43 Using the Browser-Base
Mounting the Reader 69 M6 69 Astra-EX 69 Variables Affecting Performance 70 Environmental 70 Tag Considerations 71 Multiple Readers 71 M6 Specifications 72 UHF RFID Antenna Interface 72 Power 72 Environmental 73 Physical Dimensions 73 Supported UHF Tag Protocols 73 Data/Control/Wireless Interfaces 73 Performance 74 Regulatory & Safety 74 User Memory 74 Astra-EX Specifications 75 UHF RFID Antenna Interface 75 Power 75 Environmental 76 Physical Dimensions 76 Supported UHF Tag Protocols 76 Data/Control/Wireles
Troubleshooting Table 87 Reset to the Default Configuration 88 Collecting Diagnostic Data for ThingMagic Support 88 Analyzing the Boot Logs 89 6
M6 and Astra-EX User Guide Introduction This document assumes usage of an M6 and Astra-EX with firmware version 4.17 or later. This document explains how to set up the Mercury6 (M6) and Astra-EX Readers, how to configure themfor network operation, and how to use the browser-based interface. See the corresponding M6 and Astra-EX Firmware Release Notes for operational differences that what is in this User Guide specific to a firmware version.
Introduction Programming Interfaces - Describes the programming interfaces, including on-reader applications, where to find code samples, and the LLRP interface. Connecting to the M6 and Astra-EX - Describes the methods available for connecting to the M6 and Astra-EX over the ethernet, WiFi and USB Console interfaces. – Setting Up the Reader - Connect using a direct ethernet connection from a Host PC to the M6 and Astra-EX.
Hardware Overview Hardware Overview Whatʼs in the Box M6 Reader – M6 Reader – WiFi antenna (with Wifi enabled M6 only) – Ferrite Bead (to be applied when Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE)) Astra-EX Reader – Astra-EX Reader – WiFi antenna (with Wifi enabled Astra-EX only) – Ferrite Bead (to be applied when Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE)) Ports and Connectors Antenna Connections The M6 supports four monostatic bidirectional RF antennas through four Reverse Polarity TNC (RP-TNC or R-TNC) connectors: labeled
Hardware Overview Figure 1: M6 RFID and WiFi Antenna Ports Figure 2: Astra-EX RFID and WiFi Antenna Ports Antenna Requirements The performance of the M6 is affected by antenna quality. Antennas that provide good 50 ohm match at the operating frequency band perform best. Specified sensitivity performance is achieved with antennas providing 17 dB return loss or better across the operating band. Damage to the reader will not occur for any return loss of 1 dB or greater.
Hardware Overview Figure 3: M6 and Astra-EX Digital Connectors Ethernet/PoE See Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE). USB Accessory Reserved for future use. Console See Connecting to the USB Console Port. GPIO See Using GPIO DC Power See Power for DC Power supply requirements. The connector used (Switchcraft Inc. 761KS12) has the following specifications: – 2.
Hardware Overview moisture protection the Reset button is covered by a screw. To press the Reset the screw must be removed.
Programming Interfaces Programming Interfaces MercuryAPI Applications to control the M6 and Astra-EX 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.
Programming Interfaces On-Reader Applications The M6 and Astra-EX Reader, starting with firmware v4.9.2 and MercuryAPI v1.11.1 (FW v4.17 and API v1.19 for Astra-EX), support running custom applications on the reader, built using the MercuryAPI C Language interface. Most programs written using the C API can be compiled to run as a client application or run on the reader. Please see the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide | On-Reader Applications Guide, available for download from http://rfid.thingmagid.com/devkit.
Setting Up the Reader Setting Up the Reader This section describes the steps to setup all the necessary components and connect to the Readerʼs browser-based interface. Equipment Required To set up Single Reader Operation, you need the reader and some additional hardware.
Setting Up the Reader Setup Procedure The steps required to set up and run the M6 and Astra-EX Reader are: 1. Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader 2. Powering Up the Reader 3. Connecting Your PC to the Reader 4. Communicating with the Reader using a Link-local Address 5. Logging On to the Reader Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader The M6 Reader supports up to four monostatic antennas.
Setting Up the Reader Powering Up the Reader You can power up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader using: DC power supply - NOTE: Sold separately Power over Ethernet (PoE) - NOTE: Required cable sold separately To power up the M6 and Astra-EX 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.
Setting Up the Reader Solid Red: Indicates that there is a failure in the RFID subsystem. Blinking Green/Red: Identify Reader function has been invoked. Should only be in this mode for about 1 minute. Additionally, when the Reader is connected to a PC or a network outlet, the two small LEDs adjacent to the Ethernet (POE LAN) port indicate Network Status and Network Activity.
Setting Up the Reader Note Previous M6 firmware, v4.9.3 and earlier, did not support link-local addressing. By default the reader would fallback to a static IP address, 10.0.0.101, if a DCHP server was not available. If this functionality is desired please contact ThingMagic support for assistance in enabling it.
Setting Up the Reader 5. Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connections Properties window appears, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window 6. Scroll down and select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) version youʼre using. If you donʼt know which, change both.
Setting Up the Reader 7. Click on the Properties button. The Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window appears. The General tab should have both “Obtain an IP Address automatically” and “Obtain DNS server address automatically” selected. On the Alternate Configuration tab “Automatic private IP address” should be selected, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 6: Internet Protocol TCP/IP Properties Window 8. Click OK to save and exit the window. 9. Click OK in the Local Area Connection Properties window.
Setting Up the Reader 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 Automatic Hostname: M6-xxxxxx or Astra-EX-xxxxxx 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 the Reader Figure 7: M6 and Astra-EX Status Page M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 23
Setting Up the Reader 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 controlling the Reader, see Controlling the Reader.
Networking the Reader Networking the Reader You can set up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader to use either manual IP addressing or DHCP. By default, the Reader has automatic addressing enabled that boots up looking for a DHCP server. If no DHCP server is found it will use a Link-local address. DHCP can be used to automatically assign the Reader's IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, NTP Server, DNS server, and hostname.
Networking the Reader Using the Wireless Network You can connect the M6 and Astra-EX Reader through the wireless network, only if the WiFi SKU is purchased. In this configuration, the Ethernet cable connection is not used. To connect the M6 and Astra-EX Reader to a wireless network: 1. Click on Settings in the Web Interface navigation menu to access the Settings Page, as shown in Figure 8. 2. Select the Network Interface tab then the Wireless (802.11) radio button in the All Interfaces section. 3.
Networking the Reader ! C A U T I O N ! ! Once the reader Network Interface is switched to wireless it will no longer be accessible on the wired interface by default. During initial configuration, prior to switching to wireless, it maybe useful to configure the wired interface as a fallback as described in Fallback Interface Options. If the wireless settings were not configured correctly and no fallback setup, the reader will not be accessible over the network interfaces.
Networking the Reader Figure 8: M6 and Astra-EX Settings Page M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 28
Networking the Reader Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Another way of powering up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader is to use a single Ethernet cable that is connected to a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network. In this configuration a power converter is not used. To power up the M6 and Astra-EX Reader over a PoE network: 1. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the M6 and Astra-EX Reader 2. Connect the other end to a certified PoE port. ThingMagic recommends using a PowerDsine 3006 or similar PoE Hub.
Networking the Reader Using DHCP M6 and Astra-EX Setup DHCP addressing can be used with either physical interface. To enable DHCP: 1. Click on Settings in the Web Interface navigation menu to access the Modify Settings Page, as shown in Figure 8. 2. Select Use DHCP? | Yes radio button under the settings section of the selected Network Interface. 3. Click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the page.
Networking the Reader Figure 10: 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: M6-xxxxxx or Astra-EX-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 M6-210027. Note Your network must have properly configured DNS servers or you must be Communicating with the Reader using a Link-local Address if you wish to connect to the Reader through its hostname.
Networking the Reader Fallback Interface Options In addition to selecting the primary physical interface to Wired (Ethernet) or Wireless (802.11, if option was purchased), the M6 and Astra-EX can be configured to fallback to one of a variety of alternative network configurations in case of failures on the primary. Each physical interface can be configured to fallback to the other physical interface or to a different, static configuration on the same physical interface.
Networking the Reader Figure 11: Fallback Interface Flowchard M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 34
Networking the Reader ! C A U T I O N ! ! Its is not advisable to configure both interfaces to fallback to the other physical interface. If neither is able to connect it will continue to “ping pong” back and forth between the two interfaces. One of the two should always fallback to a known static configuration.
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 common 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 Readerʼs web interface Readerʼs IP address Firmware version it is running Number of connected antennas Status information Identify Reader button.
Networking the Reader Figure 12: M6 and Astra-EX Reader Listing Page M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 38
Connecting to the USB Console Port Connecting to the USB Console Port M6 and Astra-EX supports communication over its USB Console port to enable you to: Access the boot logs. Access the console for emergency recovery into Safe Mode. Before you connect to the USB Console port, ensure that you have: A PC with a USB port. A serial terminal program (such as HyperTerminal or Putty).
Using GPIO Using GPIO The M6 and Astra-EX Reader includes a 15-pin D-Sub connector (also commonly referred to as a VGA 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 MercuryAPI. See the respective guide for more details on software control of these signals.
Using GPIO Note For non-isolated applications connect grounds together (pin6 and 7) and V-GPO to M6 and Astra-EX+5V (pins 1 and 5). With this configuration the reader provides the +5V supply and can sink up to 200mA, total. Connector Pinout The following are the pin-outs of the 15-pin connector: Figure 13: DE15 GPIO Pinout 1. M6 and Astra-EX+5V - non-isolated power from M6 and Astra-EX 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. User Output 2 (GPIO_1) 5. V-GPO - Isolated source power for outputs 6.
Using GPIO Note: Note that Pin 9 is normally not populated on standard VGA cables. The M6 and Astra-EX internally connects Pin 9 to Pin 4 to permit the use of such cables.
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 M6 and Astra-EX Reader provides three levels of access to controlling read/write operations of RFID tag(s): 1. Using the 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 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. Statistics Page- Provides the statistics that are defined by the EPCglobal Reader Management Standard v1.0.1 To start the browser-based interface: 1. Exit all Reader applications on the network.
Controlling the Reader Query Page Use the M6 and Astra-EX 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 your platform and restart your PC. Note Use of the Query applet, or any Reader client application, requires port 5084 to be open on the network.
Controlling the Reader The Query will be run on all connected antennas (checked antennas) in the default configuration. If Reader Power Settings | Antenna Detection = Off then the antennas to query on must be selected. The query can be run once or continuously. 4. Click ʻStop Readingʼ to end the search. Note You must click Stop Reading and Disconnect before exiting. Otherwise, the Reader will continue to transmit RF energy on its antennas and other clients maybe blocked.
Controlling the Reader Phase - Average phase of tag response in degrees (0°-180°) TagReadData - The data read when the Tag Data Settings | Read Data option is selected. If the tag doesnʼt have the requested data “Read Data failed” will be returned. Figure 16: Add Meta Data Columns Query Settings The default reading mode of continuous reading can be changed, along with other query behavior and display options in the settings panel.
Controlling the Reader Figure 17: Query Settings Panel Once clicked the settings panel will slide out and expose several groupings of settings: Read Settings These settings control the behavior of the Read button: Read Once - Each click of Read causes a single query for the time specified. Read Continuously - Clicking Read causes a continuous read to be run until Stop Reading is clicked.
Controlling the Reader Memory Bank - The memory back from which to read. Start Address - The word offset in memory to start reading from. Words to read - The number of words to read, beginning at the start address. Specify ʻ0ʼ to read the full contents of the memory bank, from Start Address on. Up to 128 bytes. Note If the address and/or words to read value specified exceeds the contents of the tag, no data will be read.
Controlling the Reader Settings Page The M6 and Astra-EX Settings Page enables you to change network, performance and security settings. The page is divided into four main sections: Reader Power Settings Gen2 Protocol Settings Network Settings Miscellaneous Settings Changing these parameters changes the settings the Reader uses on startup.
Controlling the Reader Table 1: Reader Power Settings Setting RF Power Setting Description Controls the method used for setting power: • Global - all antennas will use the same power setting, the value of RF Power. • Per Antenna - power for each antenna must be set individually for each and antenna and both read and write power settings, the value of Antenna # Read/ Write Power. Antenna # Read Power (dBm) The power setting used for Read operations on antenna #.
Controlling the Reader Table 2: Gen2 Protocol Settings Setting Tag Reader Protocol Settings Description • Maximum tag read rate - Performance is optimized for maximizing the speed of tag to/from reader communications, which results in more tags being read faster. OR • Maximum receive sensitivity - Performance is optimized for reading weaker, harder to read tags. Note: NOTE: Mostly applicable to using Battery Assisted Passive Tags.
Controlling the Reader Network Settings: All Interfaces Table 3: Network Settings: All Interfaces Setting Description Network Interface Select between Wired (Ethernet) and Wireless (802.11). Automatic Hostname Turning on automatic hostname will append the last six numbers (3 bytes) of the Readerʼs address to the text in the hostname field. For example, given a hostname of M6 or Astra-EX and a MAC Address of 00:12:A4: 13:47:AC, the automatic hostname would be M6-1347ac or Astra-1347ac.
Controlling the Reader LAN IP Address If “Use DHCP?” is set to Yes, the LAN IP, Netmask, and Gateway values will be supplied by the DHCP Server. Default or manually entered addresses will be dimmed out and bypassed. If “Use DHCP?” is set to No, you should manually enter the LAN IP, Netmask and Gateway settings. LAN Gateway This is the gateway IP address for the local network, typically the IP address of a router.
Controlling the Reader WLAN Gateway This is the gateway IP address for the local network, typically the IP address of a router. WLAN Netmask This is the subnet mask IP address used to determine to which TCP/IP subnet the Reader belongs. Devices in the same subnet can be communicated with locally without going through a router. Wireless Fallback IP Address This network configuration will be used by the Reader if DHCP is enabled but fails to acquire an IP address.
Controlling the Reader Boot Config URI to the tm.conf file to be downloaded on startup. Specify local:default for local tm.config file. Boot Firmware Options Same as Boot Config options. Used when downloading new firmware to the Reader. Boot Firmware URL to the firmware file to be downloaded at startup. Syslog Host Hostname for remote logging. All log levels in syslog are sent to this host. Reader Identification Settings The Reader identification settings show the user-defined identifier strings.
Controlling the Reader Restart Page The M6 and Astra-EX 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 18. Figure 18: M6 and Astra-EX Restart Reader Page 2. Click the Restart System button. 3. Click OK. The following message appears, as shown in Figure 19 and remains on the screen until the Reader restarts.
Controlling the Reader Diagnostics Page The Diagnostics page 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 displays the M6 and Astra-EX 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. More information on these statistics can be found at the following URL: http://www.epcglobalinc.org/standards/rm/rm_1_0_1-standard-20070531.
Controlling the Reader ! C A U T I O N ! ! If you se le ct the "Erase conte nts be fore installing" che ck box, you will e rase 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 default settings" che ck box, you will erase any changes made to the reader's configuration settings and revert to factory default settings.
Using Safe Mode 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.
Using Safe Mode Command line interface (through console port or telnet/ssh): 1. Connect to the Readers serial port (See Connecting to the USB Console 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.
Advanced Reader Functionality Advanced Reader Functionality Protocol Support Using the MercuryAPI ReadPlan classes the M6 and Astra-EX can be configured to perform various Read operations. The following describes protocol specific configuration options supported on the M6 and Astra-EX. See the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide and language specific reference guides for details on supported Gen2 command functionality.
Advanced Reader Functionality ISO 18000-6B Protocol Configuration Options The M6 and Astra-EX, with appropriate license purchase, supports multiple ISO-180006B profiles including the ability to specify the Return Link Frequency, encoding, Forward Link Rate and modulation scheme. The protocol options are set in the MercuryAPI Reader Configuration Parameters (/reader/iso18000-6b/*).
Advanced Reader Functionality Tag Read Meta Data Meta Data Field Tag Data Description When reading if an embedded TagOp is specified for a ReadPlan the TagReadData can contain up to 128 bytes of data returned for each tag. Note: Tags with the same TagID but different Tag Data can be considered unique and each get a Tag Buffer entry if set in the reader configuration parameter /reader/tagReadData/ uniqueByData. By default it is not.
Reader RF Power Reader RF Power During initial installation, the reader must be properly configured to use the correct RF power to comply with FCC or other regional regulations. DO NOT increase the power beyond this level. The M6 and Astra-EX supports separate read and write power level which are command adjustable via the MercuryAPI. Power levels must be between: – Minimum RF Power = +5 dBm – Maximum RF Power = +31.5 dBm (+0.0/- 0.
Reader RF Power Note Be sure to read Compliance and IP Notices to maintain compliance with FCC or other applicable regional 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 M6 and Astra-EX Status Page appears, as shown in the Figure 7. 2. Click on the Settings tab. The first field on the Settings page is RF 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 M6 and Astra-EX Settings Page, and click Save changes button.
Mounting the Reader Mounting the Reader See Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions for mounting hole locations and dimensions. ! C A U T I O N ! ! If there is any chance of dust or water exposure, the Astra-EX should be mounted with the Ethernet, USB, Console, Power and GPIO ports facing down to prevent ingress. M6 When mounting the M6 reader it is recommended to use four #10 x ? in. min. screws or M5 x 20 mm screws, with washers min. ? in. in diameter.
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.
M6 Specifications M6 Specifications The following are the specifications for the M6 Reader. UHF RFID Antenna Interface Interface: Four RP-TNC Connectors RF Power Output: Separate read and write levels, adjustable from 5 dBm to 31.5 dBm* (1.4W) from 5 dBm to 31.5 dBm* (1.4W) Frequency: Hop table with up to 62 entries, configurable in 50KHz steps, accommodating the following ranges (hardware dependant): – 902-928 MHz (FCC; NA, SA) – 865.6-867.
M6 Specifications Environmental Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C Note If an external DC power supply with a lower operating ambient temperature, as covered under the UL Listing of the power supply, is used then the operating ambient temperature of the M6 would be reduced accordingly. Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C Physical Dimensions 19 cm L x 17.8 cm W x 3.4 cm H (7.5 in L x 7.0 in W x 1.3 in H) 2 lbs (0.
M6 Specifications – WEP 40-bit and 104-bit keys – WPA & WPA2 with TKIP and AES algorithms with pre-shared keys or EAPTLS – USB type A interface permits future support for external wireless technologies. Indicators, switches, and GPIOs: – 1 two-color LED status indicator – reset switch – Isolated GPIOs: 4 Inputs & 4 Outputs plus +5 VDC and ground references Performance Over 400 tags/second Over 30 ft (9m) read distance with 6dBi antenna (36 dBm EIRP) Regulatory & Safety FCC 47 CFR Ch.
Astra-EX Specifications Astra-EX Specifications The following are the specifications for the Astra-EX Reader. UHF RFID Antenna Interface Interface: One RP-TNC Connectors RF Power Output: Separate read and write levels, adjustable from 5 dBm to 31.5 dBm* (1.4W) from 5 dBm to 31.5 dBm* (1.4W) Frequency: Hop table with up to 62 entries, configurable in 50KHz steps, accommodating the following ranges (hardware dependant): – 902-928 MHz (FCC; NA, SA) – 865.6-867.
Astra-EX Specifications Environmental Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C Note If an external DC power supply with a lower operating ambient temperature, as covered under the UL Listing of the power supply, is used then the operating ambient temperature of the Astra-EX would be reduced accordingly. Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C Physical Dimensions 25.9 cm L x 25.9 cm W x 7.72 cm H (10.2 in L x 10.2 in W x 3.0 in H) 4 lbs (1.
Astra-EX Specifications – WEP 40-bit and 104-bit keys – WPA & WPA2 with TKIP and AES algorithms with pre-shared keys or EAPTLS – USB type A interface permits future support for external wireless technologies. Indicators, switches, and GPIOs: – 1 two-color LED status indicator – reset switch – Isolated GPIOs: 4 Inputs & 4 Outputs plus +5 VDC and ground references Performance Over 400 tags/second Over 30 ft (9m) read distance with 6dBi antenna (36 dBm EIRP) Regulatory & Safety FCC 47 CFR Ch.
Compliance and IP Notices Compliance and IP Notices Regulatory Compliance EMC FCC 47 CFR, Part 15 Industrie Canada RSS-210 Federal Communication Commission Interference Statement 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
Compliance 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 and Authorized Cables tables with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated.
Compliance 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: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Cable Information Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Cable Information Authorized Antennas To comply with FCC requirements for RF exposure safety, a separation distance of at least 25 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 M6 and Astra-EX Reader are listed in the table below.
Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Cable Information Authorized Cables The following table contains the cable loss values for authorized shielded coaxial cables provided by ThingMagic Cable Description ThingMagic Part Number Insertion Loss 6' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P6 0.8 dB 12' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P12 1.5 dB 20' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P20 2.4 dB 20' RTNC to RTNC Plenum Cable CBL-P20-PL 2.4 dB 25' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P25 3.
Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions M6 Dimensions Astra-EX Dimensions Figure 21: M6 Dimensions M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 83
Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions Figure 22: Astra-EX Dimensions M6 and Astra-EX User Guide 84
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 USB Console 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 Problem Table 10: Common Problems and Solutions Path to Solution Cannot connect to reader over network • Check your network settings by Analyzing the Boot Logs to make sure youʼre 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 Reset to the Default Configuration If you are experiencing a problem with the reader and are having difficulty pinpointing the cause, it is useful to return the reader to a known state. The easiest method of doing this is to reinstall the running version of firmware using the Firmware Upgrade Utility with “Revert to default settings” selected.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting 6. Environment: any details about the physical environment the M6 and Astra-EX is being used/tested in. Temperature, humidity, vehicle mounted, office, etc. 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 M6 and Astra-EX. The best way to start diagnosing a network problem is to understand what the M6 and Astra-EXʼs network settings are after its powered up.
Appendix D: Troubleshooting RX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0 TX packets:0 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0 collisions:0 txqueuelen:0 [...snip...] 4.9.
