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Communicating with the Reader
This section of the
Reader Interface Guide
describes how to connect the reader
on a host computer, as well as how to issue commands and interact with the
reader using two different communication methods: serial (RS-232) and Telnet
(TCP/IP).
Whether using direct serial communication with the reader or using one of the
network communication options, you may still need serial communications for
initial reader setup.
The CD provided with an RFID Reader Developer’s Kit also includes extensive
examples of code developed by Alien for the RFID Reader that use the Java,
Visual Basic, and .NET programming languages. These examples serve as
models for developing new software for the reader.
Serial Communication
This method is helpful for installing a new RFID Reader. Serial communication
requires no pre-configuration and can be performed easily with most computers.
This method enables real-time operation of the reader via a serial
communications (COM) port. Serial communication is the simplest means by
which to interface with the reader and implement the Alien Reader Protocol.
The reader is configured to use DHCP to acquire its network settings, and while
this method of network configuration is simple and convenient, the problem exists
that in order to communicate with the reader, you have to know its IP address.
Alien readers have a heartbeat mechanism to assist in discovery of readers on
the network, but this mechanism requires a host application (such as the
Gateway demonstration software) to intercept the heartbeat messages and
report them back to you. In these circumstances, the serial interface can be used
to determine the reader's network address.
The serial port of the ALR-9770 and ALR-9800 readers serve as a console
display to the reader only. Communication using the Alien Reader Protocol is
provided only through the TCP/IP interface. The serial port is still useful in
determining the network settings of the reader, when other options are not
available. A serial command interface for these readers may be provided as a
future upgrade.
Serial Configuration
Whether you will ultimately be operating the reader directly via serial
communications or via a network connection, you will need to install the reader
initially using the serial port instructions.
NOTE: Example screens shown in this section are from HyperTerminal.
1. Ensure the reader is properly connected to power and at least one antenna.
See the
Hardware Setup Guide
for more information.
2. Connect one end of the serial cable to the reader’s RS-232 port and the
other end to either COM1 or COM2 port on the host computer.
3. Launch the desired serial communications program (such as HyperTerminal
which is supplied with Microsoft Windows).
Summary of Contents for ALR-8780
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