Summary of Contents for Alien Technology ALR-9800
- Page 1 ALIEN TECHNOLOGY ® READER INTERFACE GUIDE All Fixed Readers July 12, 2005 ALR-9800 ALR-9780 ALR-8780 ALR-9770 ALR-9640...
- Page 2 Alien, Alien Technology, the Alien logo, Nanoblock, Fluidic Self Assembly, FSA, Gen2Ready, Squiggle, Nanoscanner and other graphics, logos, and service names used in this document are trademarks of Alien Technology Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Serial Communication ........................... 3 Serial Configuration ..........................3 Network Communication ..........................6 Determine the Reader's Network Settings ..................... 6 ALR-9800 and ALR-9770......................... 6 All Other Readers..........................6 Connecting via TCP/IP ........................... 6 TCP/IP Configuration..........................7 CHAPTER 2 READER FUNDAMENTALS ....................9 Introduction .............................. - Page 4 ABLE OF ONTENTS NotifyTime............................. 17 NotifyTrigger ............................18 NotifyAddress ............................18 NotifyFormat ............................18 Listening for Tags over the Network ......................20 CHAPTER 3 TAG FUNDAMENTALS ......................21 Introduction ..............................21 Alien RFID Tags............................21 Alien NanoBlock Tags .......................... 21 Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) Tags ....................
- Page 5 ABLE OF ONTENTS AntennaSequence ..........................38 RFAttenuation............................39 FactorySettings............................. 40 Reboot ..............................40 Network Configuration Commands ......................41 MACAddress............................41 DHCP..............................41 IPAddress ............................. 41 Gateway..............................42 Netmask..............................42 DNS ..............................43 NetworkTimeout............................ 43 CommandPort............................44 HeartbeatPort ............................44 HeartbeatTime ............................45 HeartbeatAddress..........................
- Page 6 ABLE OF ONTENTS Mask ..............................64 Autonomous Mode Commands ........................65 AutoMode ............................. 65 AutoWaitOutput ............................ 66 AutoStartTrigger ........................... 66 AutoStartPause............................. 66 AutoWorkOutput ........................... 67 AutoAction ............................67 AutoStopTrigger............................ 68 AutoStopTimer............................68 AutoStopTimer and the ALR-9770....................69 AutoTrueOutput ............................ 70 AutoTruePause............................. 71 AutoFalseOutput...........................
- Page 7 APPENDIX A DTDS FOR XML DATA STRUCTURES ................93 Heartbeat DTD ............................93 TagList DTD ..............................93 Notification DTD ............................93 APPENDIX B UPGRADING READER FIRMWARE.................. 94 ALR-9780, ALR-8780, ALR-9640 ....................... 94 ALR-9800 ..............................94 ALR-9770 ..............................94 EADER NTERFACE UIDE # 8101938-000 R...
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Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction And Reader Setup
HAPTER NTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 Introduction and Reader Setup This Reader Interface Guide provides instructions for installing and operating the following Alien Technology® RFID readers: ALR-9800 (Multi-Protocol) ALR-9780 (US 4-port) ALR-8780 (EU 4-port) ALR-9770 (Dual-Protocol) ALR-9640 (Smart Antenna) This guide also details the protocol used between a host and these readers for system configuration and the acquisition of data by application software. -
Page 10: Requirements
NTRODUCTION HAPTER External files and documents are referenced in italic text. Specific characters and commands to be typed are shown within quotation marks, and/or in fixed-width font. Example: At the prompt type “ set DHCP=ON ”. Values to be provided and typed in by the user are shown within brackets in upper and lowercase. -
Page 11: Communicating With The Reader
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. - Page 12 Perhaps the most important bits of information are the network settings, since you need to know this in order to communicate with the reader using TCP/IP. The ALR-9800 displays a block of text similar to the following, toward the end of the bootup sequence: =============================================...
- Page 13 HAPTER NTRODUCTION ixp1 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr 00:0A:55:00:01:10 inet addr:10.9.8.10 Bcast:10.255.255.255 Mask:255.255.255.0 UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST MTU:1500 Metric:1 RX packets:602 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:0 TX packets:5 errors:0 dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:0 collisions:0 txqueuelen:256 For all other readers, the bootup trace displays text such as the following: Boot>...
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Page 14: Network Communication
ALR-9800 ALR-9770 All of the relevant network settings for the ALR-9800 and ALR-9770 readers are displayed in the bootup sequence (see previous topic on Serial Communication), notably, the IP Address and Subnet Mask. THER... -
Page 15: Tcp/Ip Configuration
HAPTER NTRODUCTION To do this programmatically, simply open a TCP socket to the reader on its command port (default is 23) and begin reading. Refer to chapter 4, Alien Reader Protocol, for details on how to properly terminate command strings, detect the end of a reader's response, and disable the "Alien >"... - Page 16 Reboot ” to reboot the reader and apply the new network settings. The network settings can be immediately applied in the ALR-9800 by using the "NetworkReset" command. This causes the network interfaces to be shut down and restarted with the new settings. Note that both the "Reboot" and "NetworkReset"...
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Page 17: Chapter 2 Reader Fundamentals
HAPTER EADER UNDAMENTALS CHAPTER 2 Reader Fundamentals This chapter provides an overview of the major features found in an Alien RFID Reader. Specific instructions for setting up a reader are provided in the previous chapter. Reader commands and their uses are covered in the next chapter. Introduction The most basic function of the RFID Reader is to read RFID tags and to give a user or application access to a list of these tags. -
Page 18: Serial Interrogation
However, this requires a physical connection between a host computer and the reader—a connection that in many cases is simply not practical to set up. Additionally, as noted previously, the ALR-9800 and ALR-9770 readers do not provide a serial command interface at this time. -
Page 19: Heartbeat Xml Tags
MACAddress gives the unique identifier assigned to the reader's network interface hardware by the manufacturer. It is provided in the ALR-9800 and ALR- 9774 heartbeat messages only. EARTBEATS AND OFTWARE The RFID Developer’s Kit CD that may accompany the reader provides source... -
Page 20: Persisttime
(the antenna ID that the tag was last read from), and others. TagList Size The ALR-9800's TagList can hold up to 6000 tag entries. Other Alien RFID readers can handle up to 1000 entries. Reading Tags over the Network The Alien RFID reader provides two methods with which to read tags: Interactive Mode and Autonomous Mode. -
Page 21: Interactive Mode
HAPTER EADER UNDAMENTALS While both methods are equally useful, the choice will ultimately be determined by the needs of the controlling application. Although it may be easier and require less coding to work in Interactive Mode, a little investment in programming effort lets the user set up Autonomous Mode to provide a more scalable system for multiple readers. -
Page 22: A Note About Automode On The Alr-9770
Each element of the State Diagram is described below. Associated with each element are one or more commands that are used to configure the reader. Wait (AutoWaitOutput) AutoStartTrigger? AutoStartPause Expired? (ALR-9800) AutoAction (AutoWorkOutput) AutoStopTimer Expired or AutoStopTrigger? Evaluation (New Tag? Programmed?) -
Page 23: Enter Autonomous Mode (Not Shown On The State Diagram.)
AutoStartTrigger=0,0 causes the reader to immediately drop into the Working state. The ALR-9800 has an additional property, AutoStartPause, which causes the reader to pause the specified number of milliseconds after receiving a start trigger before transitioning to the working state. -
Page 24: Stop Working Trigger/Timer
EADER UNDAMENTALS HAPTER PersistTime commands. The reader continues working until the Stop Working Trigger conditions are met. (see below) ORKING RIGGER IMER Like the Start Working Trigger, the Stop Working Trigger can be a change on the digital input lines, but can also be the expiration of a timer. Use the AutoStopTrigger command with a rising, falling edge pattern to set the set AutoStopTrigger=1,0... -
Page 25: Example 2 - Triggered Reading
HAPTER EADER UNDAMENTALS AutoModeReset set AutoAction = Acquire set AutoStartTrigger = 0,0 set AutoStopTimer = 0 set AutoTrueOutput = 1 set AutoTruePause = 500 set AutoFalseOutput = 2 set AutoFalsePause = 500 set AutoMode = On 2 - T XAMPLE RIGGERED EADING Here a forklift will cause an electric eye to send a signal to the reader. -
Page 26: Notifytrigger
EADER UNDAMENTALS HAPTER NotifyTrigger The NotifyTrigger command specifies a condition that must occur before a TagList is sent out to a listener. There are a number of possible triggers that can be used: Trigger Trigger Condition Tag Data Included A new tag was read and added to the TagList. Only the added tags. - Page 27 HAPTER EADER UNDAMENTALS The first part, the header, provides details about the reader that sent the message, and the reason the message was sent. The second part is the TagList - either newly added or removed tags, or the complete list of tags as seen by the reader, depending on the NotifyTrigger.
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Page 28: Listening For Tags Over The Network
EADER UNDAMENTALS HAPTER XML-formatted notifications take the form: <Alien-RFID-Reader-Auto-Notification> <ReaderName>Spinner Reader</ReaderName> <ReaderType> Alien RFID Tag Reader, Model: ALR-9780 (Four Antenna / Class 1 / 915 MHz) </ReaderType> <IPAddress>10.1.70.13</IPAddress> <CommandPort>23</CommandPort> <Time>2003/01/21 12:49:22</Time> <Reason>TEST MESSAGE</Reason> <Alien-RFID-Tag-List> <Alien-RFID-Tag> <TagID>0102 0304 0506 0709</TagID> <DiscoveryTime>2003/01/17 11:37:01</DiscoveryTime> <LastSeenTime>2003/01/17 11:37:01</LastSeenTime>... -
Page 29: Chapter 3 Tag Fundamentals
HAPTER UNDAMENTALS CHAPTER 3 Tag Fundamentals Introduction RFID tag reading is not just about getting the tag ID from a tag into the reader. There are different methods available to perform this basic operation, and different parameters and settings that can be altered to tweak the performance of this basic operation. -
Page 30: Acquisition Modes
UNDAMENTALS HAPTER Acquisition Modes The AcquireMode property defines the method used to read tags in the field. There are two distinct methods for reading tags, and the choice of one method over another depends on the application at hand. You specify the Acquire Mode by issuing the set AcquireMode command. -
Page 31: Acquire Parameters
HAPTER UNDAMENTALS that there are no more names to be heard, you move on to the letter ‘B’ and repeat the series. By the time you’ve been through the letter ‘Z’, you should have been able to get everyone’s name, and everyone should be sitting down. At this point the sort has been finished. -
Page 32: Class I Tag Memory
UNDAMENTALS HAPTER mechanism allows commands to be sent to one specific tag, a selective group of tags, or the whole field of tags. To understand the use of masks, a basic understanding of tag memory structure is first required. Class I Tag Memory Class I tags from Alien contain 96 bits of programmable memory, of which 64 bits are user-programmable. -
Page 33: Persistent Sleep And Wake
HAPTER UNDAMENTALS where each product type and manufacturer code use well-defined memory codes that can be masked. Another example is to search for all Class I tags whose last three bits of a 64-bit EPC code are set to 1. The mask settings for this would be: set Mask = 3, 61, E0 In other words, length = 3 bits, starting at bit 61, and matching value E0 . -
Page 34: Chapter 4 Alien Reader Protocol
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER CHAPTER 4 Alien Reader Protocol The Alien Reader Protocol is a text-based communications protocol for configuring and operating an Alien RFID Reader. This chapter describes the programming interface that links the Alien RFID Reader to the outside world. For an overview of the reader system and instructions on setting up reader operation via a host computer, see the chapters entitled: Reader Fundamentals and Tag Fundamentals. -
Page 35: Overview Of Commands
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL Overview of Commands There are two distinct categories of reader activities: those initiated by the host (Interactive Mode), and those initiated by the reader itself (Autonomous Mode). NTERACTIVE Interactive Mode activities are initiated by a program or user who issues commands to the reader from a separate host computer. -
Page 36: Suppressing Command Prompts
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Suppressing Command Prompts By default, the reader responds to all commands using the interactive console- style interface. Consequently replies are always followed by a command prompt indicating that the reader is ready for more user input. Often, the command prompt is not required, especially when client software is written that programmatically communicates with the reader. -
Page 37: Command List
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL Command List ENERAL OMMANDS Command Description ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Help (or “h”) List all reader commands available. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Info (or (“i”) List all current reader settings. ! (exclamation mark) Repeats the last command issued. ✔... -
Page 38: Network Configuration Commands
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER ETWORK ONFIGURATION OMMANDS Command Description get MACAddress Returns the reader's MAC (Media Access Control) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ address – an identifier unique to every reader. get DHCP Turn DHCP on or off. If DHCP is on, the reader ✔... -
Page 39: External Io Commands
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL IO C XTERNAL OMMANDS Command Description ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ get ExternalInput Get the External Input pin values. get ExternalOutput Get and Set the External Output pin values. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ set ExternalOutput get InitExternalOutput Get and Set the External Output state the apply during ✔... -
Page 40: Acquisition Commands
✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Sleep Sleep tags addressed by the Mask settings Get and Set the current tag mask as an array of bytes. get Mask ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ALR-9800 also accepts "AcqMask". set Mask EADER NTERFACE UIDE # 8101938-000 R... - Page 41 HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL UTONOMOUS OMMANDS Command Description get AutoMode Switch auto mode on and off. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ set AutoMode get AutoWaitOutput Specify the value of the output pins while in wait mode. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ set AutoWaitOutput get AutoStartTrigger Get and Set the trigger that sends the auto mode state...
- Page 42 LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER OTIFY OMMANDS Command Description get NotifyMode Switch notify mode on and off. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ set NotifyMode get NotifyFormat Get and Set the format for TagLists pushed out in notify ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ mode. set NotifyFormat get NotifyHeader Turns on and off the additional header (and footer) lines...
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Page 43: Info (I)
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL Info (i) 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 This provides a list of current reader settings. You may also type just the letter “i” to send this command. 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 This command (exclamation mark) asks the reader to repeat the last command issued. -
Page 44: Readername
(Four Antenna / Class 1 / 915 MHz) Command >get ReaderType Response ReaderType = Alien RFID Tag Reader, Model: ALR-9800 (Four Antenna / Multi-Protocol / 915 MHz) ReaderVersion 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The reader version can be retrieved using this command. The resulting text is a multi-line reply. -
Page 45: Readernumber
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL ReaderNumber 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The reader can be assigned an arbitrary number to aid identification in multiple- reader environments. This number can be retrieved and changed at any time throughout reader operation. Allowed values for ReaderNumber are 1-255. -
Page 46: Antennasequence
"Error 27: Invalid context. Command cannot be issued while AutoMode is ON". Multi-Static antenna readers, such as the ALR-9800 and newer ALR- 8780 readers pair up two antennas as send/receive pairs - #0 and #1 form one antenna pair, and #2 and #3 form another pair. In these cases,... -
Page 47: Rfattenuation
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL the antenna number specified in the AntennaSequence is always the transmit antenna. The receive antenna is taken to be the remaining antenna of the pair. The ALR-9770 reader recognizes only those antennas that are present when the reader boots up. If the antenna configuration is changed, the ALR-9770 must be restarted before it will be aware of the new configuration. -
Page 48: Factorysettings
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER RFAttenuation Examples Command >get RFAttenuation Response RFAttenuation = 0 Command >set RFAttenuation = 30 Response RFAttenuation = 30 FactorySettings 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The FactorySettings command will reset all reader settings to their factory default values, and then reboot the reader. -
Page 49: Network Configuration Commands
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL Network Configuration Commands These commands allow you to configure and retrieve settings related to reader communications with the network. MACAddress 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The MAC (Media Access Control) Address is a unique, hardcoded value that identifies each device with a network interface. -
Page 50: Gateway
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER IPAddress Examples Command >get IPAddress Response IPAddress = 12.34.56.78 Command >set IPAddress =34.55.33.12 Response IPAddress = 34.55.33.12 Gateway 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 If DHCP is not used for automatic configuration, the reader must be manually configured for use on a network. -
Page 51: Dns
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 If DHCP is not used for automatic configuration, the reader must be manually configured for use on a network. The DNS command pair allow the DNS server location to be assigned and retrieved. -
Page 52: Commandport
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER CommandPort 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The reader can be configured and operated over the network using standard network sockets. The CommandPort settings are used to assign and retrieve the exact port number used by the reader for this network connectivity. The default setting for this command is 23 (the standard Telnet port) Changes to this setting do not affect serial communication and/or Web communication with the reader. -
Page 53: Heartbeattime
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HeartbeatPort Examples Command >get HeartbeatPort Response HeartbeatPort = 3004 Command >set HeartbeatPort=10002 Response HeartbeatPort = 10002 HeartbeatTime 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The reader can be configured to periodically send out a heartbeat message to the network. -
Page 54: Heartbeatcount
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER HeartbeatAddress Examples Command >get HeartbeatAddress Response HeartbeatAddress = 255.255.255.255 Command >set HeartbeatAddress =10.1.70.17 Response HeartbeatAddress = 10.1.70.17 HeartbeatCount 9800 | 9780 8780 9640 9774 The HeartbeatCount property specifies how many heartbeat messages the reader broadcasts after it boots. After this point the reader stops sending heartbeat messages until the HeartbeatCount is changed, or the reader is rebooted. -
Page 55: Timezone
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL The default setting for this command is 132.163.4.101, a primary NIST network time server. Some alternative time servers are: time-a.nist.gov / 129.6.15.28 time-b.nist.gov / 129.6.15.29 time.nist.gov / 192.43.244.18 After making changes with this command, you must save and reboot the reader to implement the changes. -
Page 56: Time
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Booting Alien RFID Reader Boot> Boot Level 1 (Console Communication) : Success Boot> Boot Level 2 (Reader Communication) : Success Boot> Boot Level 3 (Command Set) : Success Boot> Boot Level 4 (Tag Manager) : Memory for 1000 Tags Boot>... -
Page 57: Externaloutput
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL ExternalInput Examples Command >get ExternalInput Response ExternalInput = 2 (i.e., binary "10") ExternalOutput 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The reader controls four external output pins, which can subsequently be used to control external devices such a doors/gates, security lights, etc. Please refer to the Hardware Setup Guide for pinout diagrams. -
Page 58: Invertexternalinput
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER InitExternalOutput Examples Command >set InitExternalOutput = 7 (0111 = #1, 2, 3 high, #4 low) binary Response InitExternalOutput = 7 Command >get InitExternalOutput Response InitExternalOutput = 7 InvertExternalInput 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 In the default configuration, a high voltage applied to an externa input results in an external input reading of "1", or "on". -
Page 59: Taglist Commands
You can retrieve the reader’s stored TagList with the Get TagList command. The maximum number of tags that can be stored in the TagList is 6000 for the ALR-9800, and 1000 for all other models. "Get TagList" and "t" can be used interchangeably. -
Page 60: Persisttime
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER TagList Examples Command >get TagList Response Tag:8000 8004 0000 003B, Disc:2003/12/04 12:35:11, Last:2003/12/04 12:35:11, Count:3, Ant:0 Tag:8000 8004 9999 0004, Disc:2003/12/04 12:35:11, Last:2003/12/04 12:35:11, Count:3, Ant:0 Command >get TagList Response (No Tags) PersistTime 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The PersistTime specifies the length of time a tag’s data will remain in the reader’s internal list of active tags. - Page 61 Tag:1054 A334 54E1 7409, Disc:2003/01/21 11:50:03, Last:2003/01/21 11:50:03, Count:2, Ant:0 The ALR-9800 has an additional field at the end of the Text-formatted TagList, specifying the air protocol used to find the tag. The protocol is given as a single number: 0 = Class 0, 1 = Class1/Gen1, 2 = Class1/Gen2.
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Page 62: Taglistcustomformat
Count: the number of times the tag has been read in the current session. Ant: the antenna port number where the tag was LAST seen. Since the ALR-9800 uses separate transmit and receive antennas, the reported antenna is the transmit antenna. -
Page 63: Taglistantennacombine
Last Seen time of tag, in format hh:mm:ss Read Count of tags, i.e., how many times the tag has been read Antenna the tag was last seen at (for the ALR-9800, this is the transmit antenna) (ALR-9800 only) Receive Antenna where the tag was last... -
Page 64: Clear Taglist
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER TagListAntennaCombine = ON Tag:8000 8004 2665 8426, Count:2, Ant:1 TagListAntennaCombine = OFF Tag:8000 8004 2665 8426, Count:1, Ant:0 Tag:8000 8004 2665 8426, Count:1, Ant:1 Valid command parameters are ON and OFF The default setting is ON TagListAntennaCombine Examples Command >get TagListAntennaCombine... -
Page 65: Global Scroll
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL NVENTORY The Inventory acquire mode performs a full anti-collision search on tags in the reader’s field of view. This method will locate and distinguish multiple tags in front of the reader at the same time. LOBAL CROLL The Global Scroll acquire mode instructs the reader to read a single tag repeatedly. -
Page 66: Acqcycles
For the ALR-9780, 8780, and 9640 the range is 1-7. For the ALR-9770 the range is 1-15, and for the ALR-9800 the range is 1-31. The ALR-8780 is only designed to read Lepton tags, so a TagType of 4 should be used for this reader. -
Page 67: Acqc1Cycles
AcqC1Cycles 9800 | 9780 8780 9640 9774 AcqC1Cycles is an alias for the AcqCycles command. The ALR-9800, being a multi-protocol reader, must explicitly call out the specific air protocol to which each acquisition parameter applies. AcqC1Cycles Examples Command >get AcqC1Cycles... -
Page 68: Acqcount
AcqC1Count 9800 | 9780 8780 9640 9774 AcqC1Count is an alias for the AcqCount command. The ALR-9800, being a multi-protocol reader, must explicitly call out the specific air protocol to which each acquisition parameter applies. AcqC1Count Examples Command >get AcqC1Count... -
Page 69: Acqc1Sleepcount
9800 | 9780 8780 9640 9774 AcqC1ExitWakeCount is an alias for the AcqExitWakeCount command. The ALR-9800, being a multi-protocol reader, must explicitly call out the specific air protocol to which each acquisition parameter applies. AcqC1ExitWakeCount Examples Command >get AcqC1ExitWakeCount Response... -
Page 70: Acqg2Count
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Note: While this attribute has a maximum value of 255 (as do the other acquisition settings), setting them to high values can result in very long acquisition times, which may cause the reader to appear non-responsive. For example, setting both AcqG2Cycles and AcqG2Count to 255 causes the reader to perform more than 65,000 acquisitions when it is directed to look for Class1 / Gen2 tags. -
Page 71: Acqc0Cycles
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL AcqG2Q Examples Command >set AcqG2Q = 1 Response AcqG2Q = 1 Command >get AcqG2Q Response AcqG2Q = 1 AcqC0Cycles 9800 | 9780 8780 9640 9774 AcqC0Cycles takes a single integer parameter between 1 and 255. It is the number of acquisition cycles that are performed each time the reader scans for Class0 tags. -
Page 72: Wake
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Wake 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The Wake command will request all tags in the field to wake up. This command is directed by the Mask settings, allowing all tags to be awakened or a subset only. -
Page 73: Autonomous Mode Commands
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL Mask Examples Command >set Mask = all Response Mask (BitLen, BitPtr, XX XX) = All Tags Command >set Mask = 8, 0, 03 Response Mask (BitLen, BitPtr, XX XX) = 8, 0, 03 Command >set Mask = 16, 0, 00 03 Response Mask (BitLen, BitPtr, XX XX) = 16, 0, 00 03 Command... -
Page 74: Autowaitoutput
8780 9640 9774 The AutoStartPause is a feature of the ALR-9800 which allows you to tell the reader to wait a specified number of milliseconds after receiving a start trigger before actually starting. This allows you to compensate for situations such as a conveyor, where you wish to trigger the reader with a photo-eye, but the photo-eye must be placed some distance from the reader. -
Page 75: Autoworkoutput
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL AutoStartTrigger Examples Command >get AutoStartPause Response AutoStartPause = 0 Command >set AutoStartPause = 150 Response AutoStartPause = 150 AutoWorkOutput 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The AutoWorkOutput specifies the output pin settings to effect while in the work state of Autonomous Mode. -
Page 76: Autostoptrigger
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER AutoAction Description None Perform no action Acquire Perform an acquire action, as specified by the AcquireMode options. This is the default value. Program Programs a tag. Only available when Function = Programmer. See programming commands for more information. -
Page 77: Autostoptimer And The Alr-9770
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL If an reader acquisition (which depends mainly on the AcquireCycles and AcquireCount attributes) takes longer than the AutoStopTimer value, the acquisition will complete before moving to the evaluate state. AutoStopTimer Examples Command >get AutoStopTimer Response AutoStopTimer(ms) = 0 Command >set AutoStopTimer = 1000 Response... -
Page 78: Autotrueoutput
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER AutoStopTimer (250ms) Class 1 Class 0 (125ms) (224ms) (112ms) (112 ms) First, the reader recognizes that it has to use two tag protocols, so it divides the allotted 250ms equally among them. It uses the first 125ms to find as many Class1 tags as possible on the three antennas. -
Page 79: Autotruepause
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL AutoTrueOutput Examples Command >get AutoTrueOutput Response AutoTrueOutput = 0 Command >set AutoTrueOutput = 3 (sets pins 0 and 1 high) Response AutoTrueOutput = 3 AutoTruePause 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The AutoTruePause specifies a millisecond pause to effect if the autonomous evaluation mode evaluates to true. -
Page 80: Automodestatus
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER AutoModeStatus 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The Get AutoModeStatus command will return an integer representing the current state of the auto mode state machine. Additionally the status may be followed by an asterisk character (*). If present it indicates that a complete auto mode cycle has occurred since the last get AutoModeStatus command was issued. -
Page 81: Notify Mode Commands
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL AutoModeTriggerNow Examples Command >AutoModeTriggerNow Response Auto Mode Triggering Now Notify Mode Commands The Notify Mode commands are used to set up automated event notification either on the expiration of a timer, or triggered off of events that occur with the reader is running in Autonomous Mode. -
Page 82: Notifytime
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER NotifyAddress Examples Command >get NotifyAddress Response NotifyAddress = 10.1.0.12:4000 Command >set NotifyAddress = user@msn.com Response NotifyAddress = user@msn.com NotifyTime 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The Notify Time commands assign and retrieve the time interval for automatic TagList pushing to a listening machine. -
Page 83: Notifyformat
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL NotifyTrigger Examples Command >get NotifyTrigger Response NotifyTrigger = Remove Command >set NotifyTrigger = add Response NotifyTrigger = Add NotifyFormat 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The NotifyFormat parameter specifies the format of any notification message. The format may be one of the following: NotifyFormat Description... -
Page 84: Notifyheader
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER <Alien-RFID-Reader-Auto-Notification> <ReaderName>Spinner Reader</ReaderName> <ReaderType> Alien RFID Tag Reader (Class 1 / 915Mhz) </ReaderType> <IPAddress>10.1.70.13</IPAddress> <CommandPort>23</CommandPort> <Time>2003/01/21 12:49:22</Time> <Reason>TEST MESSAGE</Reason> <Alien-RFID-Tag-List> <Alien-RFID-Tag> <TagID>8000 8004 0000 003B </TagID> <DiscoveryTime>2003/12/04 15:08:59</DiscoveryTime> <LastSeenTime>2003/12/04 15:08:59</LastSeenTime> <Antenna>0</Antenna> <ReadCount>4</ReadCount> </Alien-RFID-Tag> <Alien-RFID-Tag> <TagID>8000 8004 9999 0004</TagID> <DiscoveryTime>2003/12/04 15:08:59</DiscoveryTime>... -
Page 85: Mailserver
HAPTER LIEN EADER ROTOCOL On the other hand, holding the socket open places a burden on the network. For infrequent notifications, it is advantageous to leave the NotifyKeepAliveTime small so that the socket is opened only long enough for a single notification to be sent out, and is then closed automatically after message delivery. -
Page 86: Notifyretrypause
LIEN EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER The value can range from 0 to 32767. The default value is 3 retries. The period between retries is given by the NotifyRetryPause (below). NotifyRetryCount Examples Command >get NotifyRetryCount Response NotifyRetryCount = 3 Command >set NotifyRetryCount = 0 Response NotifyRetryCount = 0 NotifyRetryPause... -
Page 87: Chapter 5 Tag Programming
HAPTER ROGRAMMING CHAPTER 5 Tag Programming All Alien RFID tags support programmable ID numbers. This chapter describes the series of commands required to program EPC-compliant ID codes and user- defined ID codes into Alien RFID tags, and details some of the physical conditions required to carry out successful programming tasks. -
Page 88: Class I Tags (96-Bit)
ROGRAMMING HAPTER Class I Tags (96-bit) "Quark" and "Omega" Class I tags from Alien contain 96 bits of programmable memory, of which 64 bits are user-programmable. The remaining 32 bits are controlled by the reader to record state and checksum information inside the tag. Checksum EPC Code (or User ID Code) Lock... -
Page 89: Class Bpt Tags
HAPTER ROGRAMMING Class BPT Tags Class BPT tags from Alien support 96 bits of programmable ID memory. Unlike the Class I tag, all 96 bits are user-addressable and user-programmable. There are no prerequisites for the content of this memory space. EPC Code (or User ID Code) Byte Bit 0-7... -
Page 90: Programming Range
ROGRAMMING HAPTER Programming Range Alien tags can be programmed over a substantial range. In a free space environment with no attenuation and a linear antenna the tag should be set no closer than 50 cm (20 in) from the antenna when attempting to program. The tag may be placed closer to the antenna but programming reliability may suffer. -
Page 91: Programming Commands Summary
HAPTER ROGRAMMING Programming Commands Summary Command Description ✔ Program Tag Programs a tag with a specified ID. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Erase Tag Erases a tag. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ get ProgAntenna Gets and Sets the antenna on which to issue ✔... -
Page 92: Classi Tags
ROGRAMMING HAPTER Program Tag Examples Condition Exactly one tag in field of view. Tag read is strong. Program a Class I tag with a new 64-bit ID. Command >program tag = 80 00 FF EE 10 00 00 01 Response Program Tag = 80 00 FF EE 10 00 00 01 Condition Tag on fringe of read range. -
Page 93: Progantenna
HAPTER ROGRAMMING ProgAntenna 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 Programming tags requires a controlled, repeatable RF environment (see previous section titled, "Programming Distance and Power Levels"), and in most cases, programming commands can potentially effect all the tags in the RF field. For this reason, rather than using the AntennaSequence to indicate which antenna(s) to issue programming commands on, you use the ProgAntenna attribute instead. -
Page 94: Progattempts
ROGRAMMING HAPTER operation, but is also used in a Program Tag operation, since a tag is erased before it is programmed. The value can range from 1 to 255. The default value is 10. ProgEraseAttempts is used in the following programming commands: Program Tag Erase Tag ProgEraseAttempts Examples... -
Page 95: Kill Tag
HAPTER ROGRAMMING The Lock Tag command takes one argument: the PassCode, which is a hexadecimal byte in the range 00-FF . If the PassCode is not supplied, the reader uses be default. This PassCode is required by the Kill command, as described below. -
Page 96: Acquire Vs. Verify
EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Acquire vs. Verify There are two different methods with which to read tags in the field, the Acquire mode and the Verify mode. Up to now, when this document referred to "reading tags", it meant "Acquire". When programming is taken into consideration, a second mode, called "Verify", should be considered. -
Page 97: Programming Tags In Automode
HAPTER EADER ROTOCOL There are a number of responses to the Verify Tag command, depending on the state of the tag field at the time the command is issued. Examples follow: Verify Tag Examples Condition Exactly one tag in field of view. Tag read is strong. Verify command returns checksum bytes followed by tag ID bytes, followed by lock and PassCode bytes. -
Page 98: Programpasscode
EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Value is automatically incremented (in a hexadecimal fashion) upon a completion of a successful programming operation. ProgramID Examples Command >set ProgramID = 01 23 45 67 89 AB CD EF Response ProgramID = 01 23 45 67 89 AB CD EF Command >get ProgramID Response... -
Page 99: Autonomous Mode Program
HAPTER EADER ROTOCOL Autonomous Mode Program 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 The reader can automatically program a tag with a new ID in AutoMode, and this action can be repeated indefinitely, each time incrementing the ID to use for programming, so that groups of tags that were programmed while in AutoMode end up with sequential tag IDs. -
Page 100: Autonomous Mode Kill
EADER ROTOCOL HAPTER Autonomous Mode Kill 9800 | 9780 | 8780 | 9640 | 9774 In Autonomous Mode Kill, the reader can automatically kill a tag in its field, with a specified PassCode. This event can be repeated indefinitely, each time with a new tag. -
Page 101: Appendix A Dtds For Xml Data Structures
XML D PPENDIX S FOR TRUCTURES APPENDIX A DTDs for XML Data Structures The reader has the capability to generate three different types of XML-formatted documents. This appendix gives a Document Type Definition (DTD) for each of these XML documents. Heartbeat DTD <?xml version="1.0"... -
Page 102: Appendix B Upgrading Reader Firmware
Upgrade Wizard. ALR-9800 The upgrade procedure for the ALR-9800 is still being defined at this time. ALR-9770 To upload new firmware to the ALR-9770, simply browse to the reader's web interface using a web browser. - Page 103 Click the "Firmware" link to navigate to the Firware Upgrade screen: Next, click the "Browse…" button and navigate to the appropriate firmware file provided by Alien Technology and click the "Upgrade" button. Leave the "Erase contents before installing" and "Revert to factory settings" checkboxes unchecked.
- Page 104 PGRADING EADER IRMWARE PPENDIX While the reader is restarting (it takes approximately one minute), you will see the following screen: After the reader restarts, the web interface attempts to reload the Status page. If the reader is configured to acquire its network information from a DHCP server, it may acquire a new IP address when it restarts, which may cause the Status page to not load.
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