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875-0058-05 RevC
Mercury6(M6) and Astra-EX
User Guide
For firmware version 4.17 and later
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Summary of Contents for ThingMagic Mercury6

  • Page 1 875-0058-05 RevC Mercury6(M6) and Astra-EX User Guide For firmware version 4.17 and later...
  • Page 2 U.S. Government, who has been provided access to such data must promptly notify ThingMagic. ThingMagic, Mercury, Reads Any Tag, and the ThingMagic logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ThingMagic, A Division of Trimble. Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of Trimble or other companies.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    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...
  • Page 4 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...
  • Page 5 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 &...
  • Page 6 Troubleshooting Table 87 Reset to the Default Configuration 88 Collecting Diagnostic Data for ThingMagic Support 88 Analyzing the Boot Logs 89...
  • Page 7: 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.
  • Page 8 - Provides the steps for some advanced administration settings, such as changing reader passwords.  Appendix D: Troubleshooting - Provides recommended debugging steps for common problems along with data to gather when submitting a problem case to ThingMagic support. M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 9: Hardware Overview

    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) –...
  • Page 10 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.
  • Page 11: Ethernet/Poe

    Hardware Overview Figure 3: M6 and Astra-EX Digital Connectors Ethernet/PoE Using Power Over Ethernet (PoE). USB Accessory Reserved for future use. Console Connecting to the USB Console Port. GPIO Using GPIO DC Power Power for DC Power supply requirements. The connector used (Switchcraft Inc. 761KS12) has the following specifications: –...
  • Page 12 Hardware Overview moisture protection the Reset button is covered by a screw. To press the Reset the screw must be removed. M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 13: Programming Interfaces

    EX. In addition some M6 and Astra-EX functionality is only available through the use of custom extensions. For more information on direct use of LLRP, the ThingMagic custom extensions and the open source LLRP ToolKit please contact ThingMagic support (support@thingmagic.com).
  • Page 14: On-Reader Applications

    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.
  • Page 15: Setting Up The Reader

    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 The additional hardware required includes: ...
  • Page 16: Setup Procedure

    Setting Up the Reader Setup Procedure The steps required to set up and run the M6 and Astra-EX Reader are: Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader Powering Up the Reader Connecting Your PC to the Reader Communicating with the Reader using a Link-local Address Logging On to the Reader Connecting Antenna(s) to the Reader The M6 Reader supports up to four monostatic antennas.
  • Page 17: Powering Up The Reader

    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: Plug the power supply into the Reader's DC power input connector.
  • Page 18: Connecting Your Pc To The Reader

    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.
  • Page 19 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.
  • Page 20 Setting Up the Reader Click the Properties button. The Local Area Connections Properties window appears, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5: Local Area Connection Properties Window Scroll down and select the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) version youʼre using. If you donʼt know which, change both.
  • Page 21 Setting Up the Reader 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”...
  • Page 22: Logging On To The Reader

    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: 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.
  • Page 23 Setting Up the Reader Figure 7: M6 and Astra-EX Status Page M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 24 Setting Up the Reader Check the Connected Antenna Ports fields. If the text is green, it indicates that antenna is connected. Do one of the following steps:  To connect the Reader to the network and log in remotely, see Networking Reader.
  • Page 25: Networking 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.
  • Page 26: Using The Wireless Network

    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: Click on Settings in the Web Interface navigation menu to access the Settings Page, as shown in Figure 8.
  • Page 27 Networking the Reader C A U T I O N ! Once the reader Network Interface is switched to wireless it will no lon- ger be accessible on the wired interface by default. During initial config- uration, prior to switching to wireless, it maybe useful to configure the wired interface as a fallback as described in .
  • Page 28 Networking the Reader Figure 8: M6 and Astra-EX Settings Page M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 29: Using Power Over Ethernet (Poe)

    Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the M6 and Astra-EX Reader Connect the other end to a certified PoE port. ThingMagic recommends using a PowerDsine 3006 or similar PoE Hub. Note For operation in the EU region (applies to M6-EU and Astra-EX-EU hardware SKU...
  • Page 30: Using Dhcp

    Networking the Reader Using DHCP M6 and Astra-EX Setup DHCP addressing can be used with either physical interface. To enable DHCP: Click on Settings in the Web Interface navigation menu to access the Modify Settings Page, as shown in Figure 8. Select Use DHCP? | Yes radio button under the settings section of the selected Network Interface.
  • Page 31 Networking the Reader Figure 10: Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties Window Select the Obtain an IP address automatically button. 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.
  • Page 32: Automatic Hostname: M6-Xxxxxx Or Astra-Ex-Xxxxxx

    #...#. You can also find the Reader's MAC address on the Status page. The first six characters of the MAC address are ThingMagic's manufacturer's code. The last six characters of the MAC address are specific to the Reader and are used for automatic hostname addressing.
  • Page 33: Fallback Interface Options

    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.
  • Page 34 Networking the Reader Figure 11: Fallback Interface Flowchard M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 35 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.
  • Page 36: Reader Discovery

    You can select the Bonjour tool to discover other Readers available on the network. Note Each ThingMagic Reader in the Bonjour frame is referenced by the domain name (ThingMagic) followed by the hostname (M6 or Astra-EX) and the last six characters of the device's MAC address (such as 210027).
  • Page 37: Identify Reader

    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: ...
  • Page 38 Networking the Reader Figure 12: M6 and Astra-EX Reader Listing Page M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 39: Connecting To The Usb Console Port

    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: ...
  • Page 40: Using Gpio

    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.
  • Page 41: Connector Pinout

    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 M6 and Astra-EX+5V - non-isolated power from M6 and Astra-EX...
  • Page 42 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. M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 43: Controlling The Reader

    MercuryAPI High-level APIs (Application Programming Interface) provide fine control over all aspects of the Reader. See the MercuryAPI Programmers Guide at http://rfid.thingmagic.com/devkit. LLRP EPCglobal ratified protocol used for communication between the M6 and Astra- EX and a client application. The M6 and Astra-EX should be “drop-in compatible”...
  • Page 44: Status

    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.
  • Page 45: Query

    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.
  • Page 46 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. Click ʻStop Readingʼ...
  • Page 47 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...
  • Page 48 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. ...
  • Page 49 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...
  • Page 50: Settings

    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 ...
  • Page 51 Controlling the Reader Table 1: Reader Power Settings Setting Description RF Power Setting 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.
  • Page 52 Controlling the Reader Table 2: Gen2 Protocol Settings Setting Description • Maximum tag read rate - Performance is optimized for maximizing the speed Tag Reader of tag to/from reader communications, which results in more tags being read Protocol Settings faster. OR •...
  • Page 53 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 Turning on automatic hostname will append the last six numbers (3 bytes) of the Hostname Readerʼs address to the text in the hostname field.
  • Page 54 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.
  • Page 55 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.
  • Page 56 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 Same as Boot Config options. Used when downloading new firmware to the Options Reader. Boot Firmware URL to the firmware file to be downloaded at startup. Syslog Host Hostname for remote logging.
  • Page 57: Restart

    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: 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 Click the Restart System button.
  • Page 58: Diagnostics

    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. M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 59: Statistics

    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.
  • Page 60 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 resid- ing on the reader.
  • Page 61: Using Safe Mode

    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.
  • Page 62 Using Safe Mode Command line interface (through console port or telnet/ssh): 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 Type the command: touch /tm/etc/safe-boot Click the Enter button.
  • Page 63: Advanced Reader Functionality

    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.
  • Page 64: Iso 18000-6B

    Advanced Reader Functionality ISO 18000-6B Protocol Configuration Options The M6 and Astra-EX, with appropriate license purchase, supports multiple ISO-18000- 6B 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/*).
  • Page 65 Advanced Reader Functionality Tag Read Meta Data Meta Data Field Description Tag Data When reading if an embedded TagOp is specified for a Read- Plan 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...
  • Page 66: Reader Rf Power

    Gain value from antenna list) and antenna cable loss (Insertion Loss value from cable list) using the formula: Pmax = 36 dBm - Antenna Gain + Cable Loss For example, for the Laird S8658WPL and the ThingMagic 6ft cable the following CBL-P6...
  • Page 67 Reader RF Power Note Be sure to read Compliance and IP Notices to maintain compliance with FCC or other applicable regional regulations. M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 68: Setting The Reader Rf Power

    Reader RF Power Setting the Reader RF Power To set the Reader RF power: Log on to the Reader using your browser. The M6 and Astra-EX Status Page appears, as shown in the Figure 7. Click on the Settings tab. The first field on the Settings page is RF Power.
  • Page 69: Mounting The Reader

    Mounting the Reader Mounting the Reader 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.
  • Page 70: Variables Affecting Performance

    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: ...
  • Page 71: Tag Considerations

      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.   Tag Model: Many tag models are available. Each model has its own performance characteristics.
  • Page 72: M6 Specifications

    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): –...
  • Page 73: Environmental

    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...
  • Page 74: Performance

    M6 Specifications – WEP 40-bit and 104-bit keys – WPA & WPA2 with TKIP and AES algorithms with pre-shared keys or EAP- – USB type A interface permits future support for external wireless technologies. Indicators, switches, and GPIOs: – 1 two-color LED status indicator –...
  • Page 75: Astra-Ex Specifications

    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): –...
  • Page 76: Environmental

    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...
  • Page 77: Performance

    Astra-EX Specifications – WEP 40-bit and 104-bit keys – WPA & WPA2 with TKIP and AES algorithms with pre-shared keys or EAP- – USB type A interface permits future support for external wireless technologies. Indicators, switches, and GPIOs: – 1 two-color LED status indicator –...
  • Page 78: Compliance And Ip Notices

    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.
  • Page 79 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 Authorized Cables...
  • Page 80 Compliance and IP Notices 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.
  • Page 81: Appendix A: M6 And Astra-Ex Antenna And Cable Information

    Compliance and IP Notices EU RED Declaration of Conformity M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 82 Compliance and IP Notices European Union Declaration of Conformity for M6-EU-POE RFID Reader Manufacturer: Novanta Corporation Address: 125, Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA 01730 M6-EU-POE Object of the declaration: Product Model Numbers: Object description: 865 to 869 MHz Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader / Interrogator with four RF ports, for network applications.
  • Page 83 Compliance and IP Notices M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 84 Compliance and IP Notices European Union Declaration of Conformity for A6-EU-POE RFID Reader Manufacturer: Novanta Corporation Address: 125, Middlesex Turnpike Bedford, MA 01730 A6-EU-POE Object of the declaration: Product Model Numbers: 865 to 869 MHz Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Reader / Interrogator Object description: with one internal antenna and one RF port, for network applications.
  • Page 85: Authorized Antennas

    Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Ca- ble 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.
  • Page 86: Authorized Cables

    Appendix A: M6 and Astra-EX Antenna and Ca- ble Information Authorized Cables The following table contains the cable loss values for authorized shielded coaxial cables provided by ThingMagic ThingMagic Part Cable Description Insertion Loss Number 6' RTNC to RTNC Cable CBL-P6 0.8 dB...
  • Page 87: Appendix B: M6 And Astra-Ex Dimensions

    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...
  • Page 88 Appendix B: M6 and Astra-EX Dimensions Figure 22: Astra-EX Dimensions M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...
  • Page 89: Appendix C: Advanced Administration

    Use the httpPassword command: Usage: httpPassword <filename> <realm> <username> To create a new userid/password file: [root@m6-21071f] $ cd /tmp [root@m6-21071f] $ httpPassword -c users.db thingmagic rfid_user New password: Confirm password: [root@m6-21071f] $ mv /tmp/users.db /etc/appWeb/users.db To add a user to an existing file: [root@m6-21071f] $ cd /tmp [root@m6-21071f] $ cp /etc/appWeb/users.db /tmp/users.db...
  • Page 90: Changing Console/Root Password

    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]"...
  • Page 91: Appendix D: Troubleshooting

    • Try known good Gen2 tags Reader RF Power • Increase Reader error LED stays on Collecting Diagnostic Data for ThingMagic Support Following and send to support. Read “Performance” is slow Performance, as it relates to tag reading, is very usecase dependent.
  • Page 92: Reset To The Default Configuration

    DO NOT select this option if you wish to preserve the reader's current configuration settings Collecting Diagnostic Data for ThingMagic Support When experience problems connecting to the M6 and Astra-EX or performing RF (reading, writing) operations it will be necessary to gather the following information to help diagnose the problem.
  • Page 93: Analyzing The Boot Logs

    Appendix D: Troubleshooting 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.
  • Page 94 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...] 4.9.2 (2011-10-20T10:15:18-0400 build 13 Spruce) M6 and Astra-EX User Guide...

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