SENTRICON QFGSCOUT RFID Tag Reader User Manual
- June 5, 2024
- SENTRICON
Table of Contents
Scout RFID Tag Reader
User Manual
The Scout device operates as an RFID reader for in-ground RFID tags. The
equipment is a transmitter operating at 125kHz. The equipment is a battery-
operated handheld unit with an armrest, handle, interface board with LCD and
buttons and speaker, pole shaft, and transmitter board. The unit uses the LCD
and speaker to convey information to the operator about the RFID tag. When a
tag is found an audible alert is sounded. As the tag gets closer the audible
tone increases in pitch and the signal strength indicator on the LCD also
increases. As soon as the tag is fully read its information is displayed on
the LCD and a successful read sound is annunciated.
The foot of the station detector is an antenna that receives RFID tag
information from the caps of the stations. The antenna reception pattern has
the shape of a large upside-down light bulb from the bottom of the antenna
with leaves extending from each side. The detection region extends
approximately 8” from the center of the antenna and reaches a width of about
7”. The side lobes extend approximately 7¼” from the center of the antenna and
reach a height of about 4”.
The following photos show a white cutout that represents the reception area of
the antenna:
The antenna is intended to be held approximately 2” above the ground cover surface (soil, mulch, gravel) and is intended to detect tags that are buried up to 4” under the surface. The antenna should be kept parallel to the ground surface to maximize the ability to detect the RFID tags that are buried parallel to the ground surface.
To set the antenna height, hold the unit as it would normally be used and
adjust the pole extensions until the antenna face is flush against the ground,
locking the pole extensions: Unlock, decrease the length of a pole extension
piece by 2” then re-lock:
To
maximize coverage and speed the antenna should be swept from side to side in
an arc while moving forward or back no more than 8” in each sweep. This allows
for full detection of the area underneath the antenna.
Button Functions
Startup Screen
The device will attempt to connect to the last device it was connected to during startup screens.
After Startup
Main Screen
The main screen will show the real-time signal level of nearby RFID tags.
When a valid tag read has occurred, the display will show the scanned tag ID
for three seconds:
Critical battery level alerts will also be communicated
to the user through a combination of auditory or flashing LED alerts.
A flashing, low battery symbol will indicate a critically low battery level.
Pairing Screen
When ready to pair, the Bluetooth logo will blink in the upper right corner
(view document in presentation mode to see animation)
The “XXXX” in the image above will be replaced by the last 4 hexadecimal
digits of the device’s BLE MAC address. This allows a specific device to be
identified when pairing near other identical units.
The user may exit this screen to modify device settings. The device will
continue to be in pairing mode, as indicated by the flashing Bluetooth icon
until the device has been paired with.
Settings Menu Screen
At any time from the Main Screen, the user may press the BACK button to enter
the settings menu. The settings menu allows the user to:
– Enter pairing mode (if already connected. Pairing mode is automatically
entered when the device is disconnected)
– Adjust backlight intensity
– Adjust the contrast of the LCD
– Adjust the volume of tone alerts
– Change the auto-off delay period
– Display system information (model number/SW version)
Adjust Backlight, Contrast, and Volume
The backlight brightness, as well as the LCD contrast, may be adjusted for
different ambient lighting conditions.
The backlight can have 10-20 preset brightness levels. The LCD contrast can
have 10 preset adjustments. A percentage and a bar graph display the level to
the user during adjustment.
The audible tone volume is also adjusted in a similar way, with each
adjustment sounding a tone at the new volume. There are 10-20 adjustment
levels, ranging from loud to silent (no tone).
Change Auto-Off Delay
When a long period of inactivity is detected, the device will automatically
power off to extend battery life between charges. The delay before powering
off may be adjusted by the user to suit their pace of work.
FCC ID: QFG-SCOUT
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Dow AgroSciences could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is possible to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.