Unable to read tags with an Alien ALR 9800
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Matthew Johnson
Dec 20, 2016, 7:42:38 PM12/20/16
to Agee Race Timing Users Group
Hello,
I have recently purchased a used Alien ALR-9800. I upgraded the firmware, and reset the configuration to the factory defaults (see current configuration attached) and can connect through the agee testing center in the art software (see other pics attached). I also can connect to the reader through the Alien proprietary software.
The issue I am having is that the ART software will not pickup the antenna (e.g. give a green indicator in the "RFID readers" section of the "Time Race" window). When timing a mock race.
All equipment tests satisfactorily when using a different reader.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,
Matt Johnson
I have recently purchased a used Alien ALR-9800. I upgraded the firmware, and reset the configuration to the factory defaults (see current configuration attached) and can connect through the agee testing center in the art software (see other pics attached). I also can connect to the reader through the Alien proprietary software.
The issue I am having is that the ART software will not pickup the antenna (e.g. give a green indicator in the "RFID readers" section of the "Time Race" window). When timing a mock race.
All equipment tests satisfactorily when using a different reader.
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,
Matt Johnson
Run Roanoke
Dec 21, 2016, 8:09:00 AM12/21/16
to Agee Race Timing Users Group
Is your wifi off and did you reboot your computer after your updated the software?
Matthew Johnson
Dec 21, 2016, 12:14:37 PM12/21/16
to agee-rac...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for the reply 'Run Roanoke,' I've rebooted the computer many times since then. I did go back into the Wifi router and turn that off since you mentioned it, I am not using it. Though I should elaborate more, since you brought that up.
Here is more on my setup: I have a regular windows 7 PC (running ART 4.9) connected via Ethernet cable to a Belkin wireless router. A separate Ethernet cable going to the RFID Reader (Alien ALR 9800), both cables are plugged into LAN 1 and 4 respectively. I used the router as a go between for two reasons. One reason is that the router supports DHCP and so I could control the network settings. The other was because the reader was not showing up as being detected when connected directly to the PC over ethernet. Both art and Alien software do not have a problem picking up the reader over serial connector; however I still cannot read tags with either software.
Side note: I did try connecting everything via a regular switch, however the PC had trouble communicating with the reader over the switch for some reason. I could get a basic ping across using the router (and of course the switch did not provide a DHCP service). I will add that although the DHCP service is not required, it is desired. The Wi-fi is now disabled and I am seeing the same issue stated above. i.e I can connect (or so ART states) but the green indicator never lights up and tags are not being read. I attached additional photos of my router (and rfid reader) activity lights.
Here is more on my setup: I have a regular windows 7 PC (running ART 4.9) connected via Ethernet cable to a Belkin wireless router. A separate Ethernet cable going to the RFID Reader (Alien ALR 9800), both cables are plugged into LAN 1 and 4 respectively. I used the router as a go between for two reasons. One reason is that the router supports DHCP and so I could control the network settings. The other was because the reader was not showing up as being detected when connected directly to the PC over ethernet. Both art and Alien software do not have a problem picking up the reader over serial connector; however I still cannot read tags with either software.
Side note: I did try connecting everything via a regular switch, however the PC had trouble communicating with the reader over the switch for some reason. I could get a basic ping across using the router (and of course the switch did not provide a DHCP service). I will add that although the DHCP service is not required, it is desired. The Wi-fi is now disabled and I am seeing the same issue stated above. i.e I can connect (or so ART states) but the green indicator never lights up and tags are not being read. I attached additional photos of my router (and rfid reader) activity lights.
Matthew Johnson
Dec 22, 2016, 12:23:48 PM12/22/16
to Agee Race Timing Users Group
After contacting Alien Technologies Support I was prompted to arrange the antennas on the reader a certain way. First, on this particular model of reader you need a minimum of two antennas. One antenna is for receiving traffic and another is for transmitting it.
The ports are assigned numbers 0-3, the antennas need to be banked in pairs 0-1 or 2-3. If you are not sure what this means then I have included a photo of the correct configuration below. If you'll backtrack to my post in this thread written on December 21, you'll see the incorrect way that I previously had the antennas plugged in.
The ports are assigned numbers 0-3, the antennas need to be banked in pairs 0-1 or 2-3. If you are not sure what this means then I have included a photo of the correct configuration below. If you'll backtrack to my post in this thread written on December 21, you'll see the incorrect way that I previously had the antennas plugged in.
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