UHF Long-Range Readers – Preparing for Install Support
Version 1
Page 3 of 4
F.
TESTING THE INSTALLATION SITE
The LR-KIT-0-0 Installation Kit supplies the means of testing and evaluating the environment into which the UHF
long-range reader will be installed. These tests can be run without interface to any access control system or controller.
1.
With the “ProHunter” RF
Signal Detector
from the Kit held in your fingers, scan the area around the planned site
for the reader. Watch for indications of spurious RF radiation from a neighboring source. This may be a cell
phone tower, communications antenna, another UHF reader, arc-type lighting fixture (including fluorescent),
buried loop sensor, or security camera. (Such extraneous radiation may not interfere with the AWID readers.)
2.
Set up the Kit’s
“EVAL” reader
. Clip the Kit’s Test Unit to the EVAL reader. Clip the Kit’s plug-in DC power
module, or a back-up battery, to the EVAL reader’s wires. To arm the EVAL reader, connect its
yellow
wire
to the
black
wire. (A camera tripod is very convenient for supporting the reader during testing, hands-free, up to
a height of 6 feet.) See Figure 1 (page 4) for clip connections –
black
,
red
,
orange
and
yellow
wires.
3.
Read a single
tag or card
from the Kit, or from the client’s supply. Measure how far that tag can be read in front
of the EVAL reader. Hold the tag or card as instructed. Have all other UHF tags far behind the EVAL reader
to prevent inadvertent reading of other tags.
4.
If the tests indicate less than rated
reading distance
for the reader and credential models –
(a) Move the EVAL reader around to other locations at the installation site. Find an alternative RF-quiet area.
(b) Remove power from all other devices that may generate interfering radiation. Look for improved tag reading.
(c) To test the Kit’s components without interference, carry the test gear to a remote location free of RF sources.
5.
To test-read a
credential in or on a vehicle
, secure a tag temporarily by tape. For a WS-UHF windshield tag, press
it inside the windshield glass using a fist-size block of plastic foam. This flattens the WS tag against the glass.
6.
Invite the
client
to observe these tests, for confidence in good performance of the products before installation.
G.
SHOP-TESTING AWID’S PRODUCTS
When the AWID products arrive, open the packages, account for all items, and know the purpose of each item.
Before taking them to the site for installation, use the Installation Kit to see the reader, the tags, the power supply,
and other system components working in the friendly environment of your own shop.
1.
Hang the
reader
on a wall or shelf, about 6 feet high, with plenty of clear space in front of the reader. If possible,
use a driveway or parking lot. A ¼”-20 screw inserted in the reader’s back surface is convenient for quick testing.
2.
Follow the same procedure as in
Section F
, except substitute the reader that will be installed, in place of the Kit’s
“EVAL” reader.
3.
To see the
reader’s data
in an access control system, connect the reader’s
3
Wiegand data lines (green, white
and blue
) to the reader input port on your shop’s controller panel. Use the wiring diagram. Observe code inputs
for a test tag, with the tag held in your fingertips, far to the side of your body, out to the rated reading distance.
4.
Use this procedure to build
confidence
in the operation and performance of the products, and in your own ability
to install the products quickly and correctly at the site. Call AWID with questions.
H.
CLUES FOR GOOD TESTING
1.
Hold the test tag
or card in your fingertips, at arm’s length beside you, with a flat side facing the reader.
2.
Have just one tag
or card in front of the reader. Move all other tags far behind the reader.
3.
Start by holding the tag or card close to the reader. Gradually move the tag away from the reader, in
front of the reader, moving the tag up and down, back and forth, to
map the extent
of the working field.