RF CONTROLS CS-490 Intelligent Tracking and Control System User Guide
- June 5, 2024
- RF CONTROLS
Table of Contents
RF CONTROLS CS-490 Intelligent Tracking and Control System
Introduction
This BESPA™ User Guide provides the basic information needed to install an individual BESPA antenna unit containing an RFC-445B RFID Reader CCA. This guide is not intended to provide instructions for installing, configuring and calibrating the RF Controls Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS™). For additional information about RF Controls, LLC antennas, contact info@rf- controls.com
INTENDED AUDIENCE
This guide is intended for those who will install and set up the RF Controls BESPA (Bidirectional Electronically Steerable Phased Array) unit. Before attempting to install, configure and operate this product, you should be familiar with the following:
- Windows-based software installation and operation
- Device communication parameters including Ethernet and serial communications
- RFID reader configuration including antenna placement and RF Parameters
- Electrical and RF safety procedures.
BESPA Overview
BESPA is a multi-protocol, multi-regional Radio Frequency Bidirectional
Electronically Steerable Phased Array unit, which is used to Identify and
locate RFID tags operating in the UHF 840 – 960 MHz frequency band. A number
of BESPA units may be used together with an ITCS Location Processor to form an
Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS). BESPA comprises an embedded
multi-protocol, multi-regional RFID reader/writer transceiver connected to the
patented steerable phased array antenna system. BESPA is designed to be
powered from Power-Over-Ethernet and communicates with a host computer using
standard Ethernet TCP/IP and UDP protocol. Figure 1 illustrates the version of
BESPA currently available. The CS-490 contains the RF Controls RFC-445B RFID
reader CCA. CS-490 is constructed using a Bi-directional Electronically
Steerable Phased Array (BESPA™) arranged to provide a single array with a
circularly polarized gain of approximately 7.7dBi and Vertical and Horizontal
Linear Gains of approximately 12.5dBi at all steer angles. The particular
units used in an installation will depend on the system design and determined
by a qualified applications engineer.
Indicator LEDs
CS-490 Reader Indicator Lights
The RF Controls CS-490 RFID antenna is equipped with three status indicators
located on the top of the Radome. If the LED indicators are enabled, these
LEDs provide indication according to the following table:
| Indication | Color/State | Indication |
|---|
Transmit
| Off| RF Off
Yellow| Transmit Active
Fault| Off| OK
Red-Flashing| Error/Fault Blink Code
Power/ Tag Sense| Off| Power Off
Green| Power On
Green – Blinking| Tag Sensed
Note that when the CS-490 antenna is performing power on auto-test, the
indicator lights will flash momentarily and the Green power LED will remain
lit.
Red LED Fault Light Error Codes
| Red LED Appearance | Error Code |
|---|---|
| OFF | No Arcon or Reader Issues |
| Solid Red | No Communication with the Reader for over an Hour |
| Two Blinks | Unable to Sweep |
| Nine Blinks | Error with BSU/BSA |
| Thirteen Blinks | Antenna Error-Reflected Power too High |
| Fourteen Blinks | Over Temperature Error |
INSTALLATION
Mechanical Installation
Each model of the CS-490 family of BESPA units is mounted slightly differently. BESPA units weigh up to 15 lbs (7 kg), it is important to ensure that the structure, to which the BESPA is to be attached, is of sufficient strength. The BESPA may be ceiling mounted, wall mounted or attached to a suitable stand. A safety cable rated at three (3) times the hanging weight of the BESPA and associated hardware must be secured to a separate fixture and attached to the BESPA mounting bracket. There are two mounting options designed into the CS-490 Rear Enclosure. A standard VESA 400 x 400mm hole pattern and one that accommodates the RF Controls, LLC Ceiling Mount & Cathedral Mount adapter with custom channel strut. There are four points of attachment for each pattern using Qty 4 #10-32×3/4” long Steel Pan Head Screws with Internal Tooth Lock Washer and Qty 4 #10 1” diameter Flat Oversize Washers. When mounting the BESPA as a stand-alone unit, make sure that it is mounted with the POE RJ45 facing down as indicated by information in the Technical Manual. If the BESPA is one of several and is part of an ITCS network, then orient each BESPA according to the ITCS system installation drawings. If in doubt contact a member of our technical support team. CS-490 The CS-490 BESPA is only mounted in a landscape orientation because the array is symmetrical, there is no benefit to mounting the array in a portrait fashion. When mounting the BESPA refer to Figure 1. Consult the Technical Manual, for further information. Contact a member of our technical support team for more information.
SAFETY WARNING
The CS-490 weighs approximately 26 lbs (12kg). These units should only be
installed using suitable safety and lifting equipment. Ensure that the wall
fixings or mounting hardware is suitably rated.
Electrical Installation
POE+ Power Input Power over Ethernet, PoE+, power input is available for the CS-490 using the RJ-45 connector as shown in Figure 1. Connect POE power supply and plug it in to a suitable mains outlet and the POE+ injector. POE+ power, DC Input equivalent to IEEE 802.3at type 2 Class 4. When using a multiport Ethernet switch the power budget for each antenna Powered Device should be +16W with 25W max supplied by the PSE switch. Do not plug in more than the calculated number of POE antennas to a multiport switch if the total Switch Ethernet power will be exceeded. Note that the power for the POE+ should be located within 300feet of the BESPA and should be accessible to enable easy disconnection of the power to the BESPA in case of emergency or when servicing.
Ethernet
The Ethernet LAN connection uses the industry standard RJ-45 8P8C modular connector. A suitable Ethernet cable fitted with an RJ-45 plug is connected to the BESPA Array Antenna as shown in Figure 1. The BESPA is factory programmed with a fixed IP address which is shown on the label adjacent to the Ethernet connector.
Non-Ionizing Radiation
This unit incorporates a Radio Frequency Transmitter and should therefore be
installed and operated so as to avoid exposure of any persons to unsafe
emissions. A minimum separation distance of 34cm must be maintained at all
times between antenna and all persons. See FCC Radiation Exposure Statement in
the Safety Instructions section of this guide.
Usable Frequency Range in US and Canada
For use in USA, Canada, and other North American countries, this device is
factory programmed to operate in ISM 902MHz – 928MHz band and cannot be
operated on other frequency bands. Model#: CS-490 NA
MULTIPLE BESPA UNITS CONFIGURED AS AN ITCS
Figure 3 shows how two or more CS-490 BESPA units may be connected via an
Ethernet network to an ITCS Location Processor. One Location Processor and
multiple distributed BESPAs operate collaboratively to form RF Controls’
Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS™). In this example two BESPA
units have been attached to the network. Combinations of the various model
BESPA units may be mixed and matched as required to suit a particular
installation. The RF Controls Technical Manual provides details on how to
install, configure and calibrate an ITCS.
SOFTWARE
Operation requires the purchase of a Software License. Software may then be
downloaded from the RFC Customer Portal. https://support.rf-
controls.com/login For additional information about RF Controls, LLC
antennas, contact info@rf-controls.com
APPLICATION INTERFACE
The BESPA uses an International Standard, Application Program Interface (API)
as defined in ISO/IEC 24730-1. Further details of the API and commands are
contained in the Programmer’s Reference Guide
SPECIFICATION
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This unit emits Radio Frequency non-ionizing radiation. The installer must ensure that the antenna is located or pointed such that it does not create an RF field in excess of that permitted by the Health and Safety Regulations applicable to the country of installation.
Setting RF Output Power
Enter the desired RF output power as a percentage of the maximum power into
the Set Power box. Click the set Power button. Note: the actual maximum
Radiated RF Power is factory set to comply with the radio regulations in the
country of use. In the USA and Canada this is 36dBm or 4 Watts EiRP. Model#:
CS-490 NA
FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement
The antenna used on this equipment must be installed to provide a separation
distance of at least 34cm from all persons and must not be co-located or
operated in conjunction with another antenna or transmitter. The criteria used
to evaluate the environmental impact of human exposure to radio-frequency (RF)
radiation is specified in FCC Part 1 SUBPART I & PART 2 SUBPART J §1.107(b),
Limits for General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure. This antenna meets
INDUSTRY CANADA RSS 102 ISSUE 5, the SAR and RF field strength limits in
Health Canada’s RF exposure guideline, Safety Code 6 for Devices used by the
General Public (Uncontrolled Environment).
FCC Part 15 Notice
This device complies with part 15 of the 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.
FCC and Industry Canada Modification Warning Statement
Modification of this device is strictly prohibited. Any modifications to the
factory hardware or software settings of this device will void all warranties
and be deemed non-compliant with FCC and Industry Canada Regulations.
Industry Canada Statement
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s).
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause interference, and
- this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Model#: CS-490 NA
Power Disconnect Device
This device is Power Over Ethernet. The plug on the ethernet cord is intended
to be the power disconnect device. The power source socket is located at the
equipment and is easily accessible.
Warning
The BESPA is not user serviceable. Disassembly or opening the BESPA will cause
damage to its operation, will void any warranty and may invalidate the FCC
type approval and/or IC RSS standards.