Stick Reader Setup
Basic Operating Procedure
The Stick Reader is configured at the factory with default configuration settings that
make it immediately functional upon application of power. These settings are
selected for compatibility with most users’ applications, and should be changed only
once a thorough understanding of options and the effect of each is understood by the
user.
Note 8
- In the event configuration options are inadvertently changed, it is possible to lose
the ability to communicate with the Reader as a consequence of not knowing the
communications parameters that are in effect. Factory default configuration (see page 8) can
be restored by holding down the READ button while applying power. After approximately 2
seconds, the Reader will respond with 6 flashes of its green LED indicator (and 6 audible
beeps) indicating that default settings have been restored.
Step 1 - Determine the method by which power will be applied to the Stick Reader
(see
Power Source Requirements
on page 2 of this guide), and connect power
accordingly. Observe a brief flashing by both LED indicators and audible beep.
Step 2 - Press the READ button momentarily, and observe the red LED flashes for
approximately 3 seconds, and then extinguishes.
Step 3 - Press the READ button again, and bring a transponder tag within 15 cm
(6”) of the end of the antenna where antenna is located (see Figure 3). Observe the
green LED indicator illuminates simultaneously with the audible beeper, indicating a
successful read, and the red LED ceases flashing.
Step 4 - Repeat Step 3 using the same transponder, and observe a double
flash/double beep, indicating that the same transponder tag has been read.
Step 5 - Connect the DB9F serial data connector to a PC’s COM1 port (usually the
port assigned to RS232 serial communications), and launch a terminal emulator
program such as Hyperterminal®. Set the PC’s communications parameters to 9600
bits/second, no parity, 8 bits/word, 1 stop bit, and no flow control (9600N81).
Step 6 - Using a different transponder tag than first used in Step 3, repeat Steps 3
and 4. Observe that the transponder ID code is sent from the Reader to the PC each
time it is read. Also observe that the tag data format conforms with those examples
listed in Table 2.
Note 9
- Even if the user’s application intends the Stick Reader to be connected to equipment
other than a PC, proceeding as described above will confirm the establishment of
communications with a PC so that (a) Stick Reader operation is verified, (b) the user becomes
familiar with the basic operation, and (c) configuration options can be changed via the PC in
the event the user’s application requires settings other than the default settings.
4
Table 5 - Frequently Used Command Language Characters
Command Application
P
Reader’s current settings are sent in command language format
Bnnnnnn
Configures ID code serial data format
Snn
Sets serial data communications parameters
Inn Sets
miscellaneous
options
r
Resends the last tag read
G
Retrieves all ID codes stored in memory
M
Sets ID code memory options
C
Clears ID memory (requires <CR>)
? or H
Retrieves list of valid Command Language characters
Note 15
- In Table 5, commands followed with “n” (hexadecimal characters) require the user
to press the PC’s <Enter> key after typing in all command characters. Single letter commands
do not require <Enter> to be pressed, except as noted in Table 5.
Command Language Examples:
Retrieve Current Configuration Settings:
User:
P
Reader:
Allflex Stick Reader
Product Identity
*HW
V1.00
Hardware Version Number
*SW
V1.06
Software Version Number
*PR V2.21
Protocol Version Number
*B-840239
Serial Data Format Setting
*S-4C
RS232 Settings
*I-01
Miscellaneous Settings
*M-00
Memory Options
*A-3
Read Time Interval
*L-0000
Memory ID Codes Stored
*F-1638
Memory ID Codes Vacant
Change Communications Bit Rate to 1200 BPS:
User:
S49<CR><LF>
(<CR><LF> same as ‘Enter’)
Reader:
*S-49<CR><LF>
Command Confirmed
Change ID Code Transmit Format to Hexadecimal:
User:
B850239<CR><LF>
(<CR><LF> same as ‘Enter’)
Reader:
*B-850239
Command
Confirmed
Start Read Cycle:
User:
R
(<CR><LF>
not
required)
Reader:
LA_982_000000678234<CR><LF>
(if tag found)
For a complete description of all commands and configuration option variables,
please refer to the Stick Reader Serial Command Language Manual.
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