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Disclaimer and Limitation of Liability The content of this manual is for information use only and is subject to change without notice. SAMSys assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this publication. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of SAMSys.
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The authority to operate this product is conditioned by the requirements that no modifications be made to the equipment unless the changes or modifications are expressly approved by SAMSys Technologies. Trademarks SAMSys is a trademark of SAMSys Technologies, Inc.
Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter provides a general description of the MP9320. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • Unpacking the Reader • About the MP9320 • Physical Description...
1. Unpack the contents of the shipping container. 2. Inspect the shipping container for damage. If damaged, notify the carrier and SAMSys Technologies. Keep the shipping materials for inspection by the carrier. 3. Verify your reader package includes the following items: •...
SAMSys Interrogator Control and Concentrator Module (ICCM). With its extended read range and high data rates, the MP9320 is especially suited for asset management and logistics applications requiring the simultaneous reading of a large number of tags at greater distances.
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MP9320 User’s Guide Figure 2–SAMSys Reader Network In addition to the scalable, multi-protocol architecture, the MP9320 includes the following features: • LED indicators • (4) antenna ports • Multiple interface connection options (RS-232, RS-485) • Digital input and output lines •...
Physical Description NOTE: The reader enclosure is designed for office, indoor warehouse, and light manufacturing areas. If a sealed reader is required for wet or hazardous environments, contact your SAMSys representative. The digital board contains four LED indicators to provide the operational status of the reader.
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LEDs provide indication that RF power is being applied to one of the four antennas. Figure 4–MP9320 Active Antenna LED Indicators Four SMA type antenna ports are provided on the end panel. The reader also has two power and communication interface connectors on the opposite end panel.
Chapter 2 Getting Started This chapter provides information to quickly get your MP9320 up and reading tags. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • Installing the SSTool application • Configuring for single or multiple readers • Configuring the serial port •...
SSTool User’s Guide. Configuring for Single or Multiple Readers The MP9320 can be operated as a single reader solution or networked with other readers. If you are placing the reader in a networked configuration, refer to Chapter 2 - Installation for additional information.
Getting Started Connecting the Reader to a Terminal The MP9320 can be connected to a personal computer, laptop, or other serial device equipped with a terminal emulation program. Perform the following to connect the reader to a serial device. 1. Connect an RS-232 cable from the serial port on the reader to the serial port on the terminal (see Chapter 2 - Installation).
MP9320 User’s Guide Setting the RF Mode The MP9320 is factory configured for continuous RF scanning or “auto-read” mode. This mode is equivalent to the Auto Read button on the SS Tool screen. If desired, you can reconfigure the reader for Polled RF mode (reader activates the transmit carrier and waits for host to send a read command).
Getting Started Activating Tag Protocols The MP9320 is factory configured with only those protocols selected by the user. In the event that additional protocols were purchased but not activated, the Protocol Select Word (PSW) must be reconfigured. Use the SSTool to activate the protocol.
Heuristic Unified Messaging Protocol Reference Guide for detailed programming information. Warning The SAMSys MP9320 UHF Reader is equipped with four (4) RF ports. To prevent reader damage, RF ports must be properly terminated with a 50 ohm load or a functional UHF RFID antenna before power up.
Chapter 3 Installation This chapter provides information for installing the MP9320. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • Antenna Installation • Reader Mechanical Installation • Standalone Reader/PC Communication Setup • Standalone Reader/PC Verification • Standalone Reader/ICCM Communication Setup •...
MP9320 User’s Guide Antenna Installation The MP9320 supports from one to four external antennas in a variety of configurations. One- and two-antenna configurations are typical for most conveyor and container tracking. Four- antenna configurations are used for portals and loading dock doorways.
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Installation Warning The SAMSys MP9320 UHF Reader is equipped with four (4) RF ports. To prevent reader damage, RF ports must be properly terminated with a 50 ohm load or a functional UHF RFID antenna before power up. UHF Readers are factory configured to operate on RF port 1.
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MP9320 User’s Guide It is highly recommended that the antenna mounting be adjustable in order to obtain the best performance from the system. However, the antennas must be installed on a solid surface or frame to prevent damage or later misalignment. Perform the following to install the antennas.
Installation Reader Mechanical Installation The MP9320 is designed for easy installation. The following instructions provide the information to install your UHF reader. As shown in Figure 7, the reader is designed for horizontal or vertical installation. Mounting keyholes are provided on each side of the base plate for easy, non-permanent, installation and removal.
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For horizontal or table table mounting, ensure the reader and all cabling is secured to the surface or frame. SAMSys recommends that the MP9320 be mounted on a horizontal surface. However, if vertical surface installation is required, refer to the following sections for the appropriate mounting.
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To temporarily mount the MP9320 to a hollow concrete block wall, SAMSys recommends metal sleeve type concrete anchors that accept a #10 screw and flat washer. To install the MP9320 on a hollow concrete block wall, perform the following. 1. Refer to Figure 8, and mark the location of the mounting screws.
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MP9320 User’s Guide Wood or Metal Wall Mounting To temporarily mount the MP9320 to a wood or sheet metal wall, SAMSys recommends either #10 x 1 inch wood screws or #10 x 3/4 inch sheet metal screws and flat washers. To install the MP9320 on a wood or metal wall, perform the following.
PC or other serial device. Refer to the Specifications chapter for information on the port. Figure 9–MP9320 Standalone RS-232 Communication Setup NOTE: A serial port adapter may be required if the device has a different connector type.
MP9320 User’s Guide Standalone Reader/PC Verification Every effort has been made to ensure the MP9320 is configured to match your application. However, it is recommended that the reader configuration be verified before placing the reader into service. If the system is to be used as a local, standalone reader connected to a terminal or PC, perform the following: 1.
Installation Standalone Reader/ICCM Communication Setup The MP9320 can be operated as a standalone reader with the Interrogator Control and Concentrator Module (ICCM) using the RS-232 communication links. For RS-485 communication setup, efer to Networked Reader Communication Setup section. Figure 10–MP9320 Standalone RS-232 Communication Setup...
MP9320 User’s Guide Standalone Reader/ICCM Verification After connecting the reader to the ICCM with the serial communication, perform the following: 1. Verify all antennas, RS-232 cabling, Ethernet LAN cabling, and power supplies are secure. 2. Power up the reader and ICCM and verify both are operational.
Installation Networked Reader Communication Setup The MP9320 can be networked with other readers and to the SAMSys Interrogator Control and Concentrator Module (ICCM) using an RS-485 interface (see Figure 11). Refer to the Specifications chapter for detailed information on the RS-485, Power, and Digital I/O Port.
MP9320 User’s Guide Networked Reader Verification Similar to standalone reader verification, networked readers should also be verified before entering service. If the system is an RS-485 networked configuration using the ICCM, perform the following: 1. Verify all antennas, cabling and power supplies are secure.
Installation Digital (TTL) Input/Output Setup The MP9320 is equipped with a digital I/O port that provides four logic-level (TTL) input signals and four output signals. Refer to the SAMSys Forth Programming Language Reference Guide for programming information. The digital inputs are optically isolated.
Transmit Power Calibration The MP9320 can be operated with a variety of commercially available antennas and coaxial cables. As a result, the output RF power of the reader must be configured to optimize the read range for a given antenna configuration, while not violating FCC or CE regulations.
Chapter 4 Operation This chapter provides general information to operate the MP9320. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • Reader Power Up • Reading Tags • Operation with the ICCM...
MP9320 User’s Guide Reader Power Up When the power supply is connected, the reader starts an internal initialization sequence. This sequence momentarily lights the LEDs as follows: Transmit Sense Power Fault 5. All four on 6. Beeper on If the...
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Operation After the startup sequence, the RF multiplexer in the MP9320, alternately provides RF power to each of the four antennas. The LEDs indicate which antenna is transmitting. Active Antenna Figure 15– Active Antenna LED Indicators - Antenna 2 Transmitting NOTE: The number of antennas and the antenna transmit sequence is user configurable depending on the application.
MP9320 User’s Guide Reading Tags When the reader completes the intialization sequence, the reader activates the RF field and, depending on the configuration, begins transmitting read detect (Rd) commands at the specified frequency. When a tag is placed within range, the reader activates the tag and reads the data.
The Interrogator Control and Concentrator Module (ICCM) provides greater flexibility for accessing, configuring, and manage SAMSys readers. With the ICCM, you can access your RFID data with your own client/server applications, perform administrative functions from an easy-to-use Web interface, and remotely perform debug activities on your readers.
Chapter 5 Troubleshooting This chapter provides general information to troubleshoot the MP9320. Topics discussed in this chapter include the following: • General Troubleshooting • Contact Us...
MP9320 User’s Guide General Troubleshooting SAMSys readers are designed, manufactured, and tested to provide many years of trouble-free service. However, in the event of a reader malfunction or failure, refer to the following troubleshooting instructions to help identify and correct the problem.
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Troubleshooting Symptom Probable Cause Corrective Action No LEDs or Power supply Ensure power supply is buzzer during malfunction. inserted into wall outlet. Verify power up. correct operating voltage at outlet. Replace Power Supply. Reader software is Replace reader. corrupt. Reader appears Readers are Disconnect the power from the to lock up.
Verify reader operation with a known good tag. Contact Us For any questions regarding products and services, including returns, repairs, technical support, training, and all other available services, contact your distributor or SAMSys Customer Service at the following: E-mail support@samsys.com...
Chapter 6 Specifications This chapter describes the specifications for the MP9320. Information provided includes the following: • Reader Specifications • Environmental Specifications • Battery Specifications • Power Supply Specifications • RS-232 Connector Specifications • Main I/O Connector Specifications • Optional Communication Cable Specifications •...
MP9320 User’s Guide Main I/O Connector Specifications Figure 18–Main I/O Connector Pin A Spare Pin B Spare Pin C Spare Pin D Digital input 4 Pin E Digital output 4 Pin F Spare Pin G Ground Pin H Ground Pin J...
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Specifications Optional Communication Cable Specifications Figure 19–Optional Communication Cable Pinouts 15 Pin D Sub (Digital Input/Output) Input common In 1 In 2 In 3 In 4 Out 1 Out 2 Out 3 Out 4 Output common 11-15 not used 3 Pin Tini Q-G (RS-485) Ground...
MP9320 User’s Guide Suitable Antenna Specifications Antenna Parameter ETSI Frequency 902-928 MHz 865-870 MHz Polarization Circular Circular Gain, dBic 8, max 6, max VSWR, maximum 1.3:1 1.3:1 Caution This device has been designed to operate with no more than 1 Watt into the antenna and an antenna gain of no more than 9 dBic.
Specifications Regulatory Standards Emissions Radiated Emissions (enclosure) EN 55022 Class B FCC Part 15 Conducted Emissions (AC port) EN 55022 FCC Part 15 Harmonic Distortion (AC port) EN 61000-3-2: 1999 Voltage Fluctuation (AC port) EN 61000-3-3 RF Spectrum EN 300 220-1 EN 300 220-2 FCC Part 15 Canada RSS-210...
Appendix A Reader Configuration This appendix describes how to change or update the MP9320 configuration. For detailed information on configuration variables, refer to the Comprehensive Heuristic Unified Messaging Protocol Reference Guide. Information provided includes the following: • Operating Modes •...
MP9320 User’s Guide Operating Modes SAMSys reader software is configurable for different operating modes and protocols. Use the Configuration Read (Cr) command to verify configuration parameters. Typical reader parameters include the following: • RF communication mode (polled or continuous) •...
Reader Configuration Default Configuration The factory default configuration is as follows: • General Configuration – RF Continuous – Serial Continuous • Serial Configuration – 9600 Baud – 8 Data Bits – 1 Stop Bit – No Parity • Multiplexer Configuration –...
MP9320 User’s Guide Changing Reader Configuration To setup a SAMSys reader, the Configuration Write (Cw) command is used to write a three-letter configuration variable name and a 32-bit word to the reader. This word contains the individual setup parameters required by the reader.
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CHUMP command: }cw,d:tpc,b:20000,f:1! (for ETSI users) }cw,d:tpc,b:30000,f:1! (for FCC users) If you have any questions about the use of any of the MP9320 registers or RF ports, consult your reader manuals or call SAMSys customer support at 1-919-281-1541 (Durham, North Carolina, USA).
PC or other host computer is connected to the ICCM via the RS-232 port. See Figure 20. NOTE: If you do not have an ICCM, contact SAMSys for additional firmware upload instructions. Figure 20–Firmware Upload System Configuration...
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Reader Configuration The following files are example upgrade files for an MP9320 reader. Your files may have different names, but the extensions will be the same. UHFrdr_1.30d.mot UHFrdr_r2.mcs Copy the files to a PC or other host computer connected to the ICCM.
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