Tru-Test XRP2i Panel Reader and Antenna User Guide

: June 5, 2024
: Tru-Test

Tru-Test XRP2i Panel Reader and Antenna

Tru-Test XRP2i Pane- Reader-
and-Antenna-product

Unpacking the box

Check that you have all of these items. If anything is missing, contact your supplier.

Connecting the panel reader to a power source

The panel reader can be powered by a 12 V battery, using the battery leads supplied. The panel reader operates well from a 12 V automotive battery, however a marine battery is less prone to permanent damage if the battery is not charged at least every few days. Connect the red clip to the positive terminal (+) on the battery and the black clip to the negative terminal (-). Alternatively, the panel reader may be powered by mains power using the mains power adaptor supplied.

The panel reader does not have an on/off switch. It switches on automatically when a power source is applied. The Power LED (red) illuminates to show that the panel reader is on.
If the Power LED (red) is flashing, this indicates that the battery voltage is too low.

Getting around

Parts of the panel reader
Parts of the panel reader’s LCD

Ways to use the panel reader

The panel reader can be used in two ways:

Standalone – the panel reader saves each scanned tag in its internal memory. These records can be transferred afterward, as described in Section 8 – Getting information off.
Connected – the panel reader immediately transmits every scanned tag to a connected device, such as an indicator.

Installing the panel reader and antenna

Example installation

In this example, a single panel reader is being used as part of a weighing system. The panel reader and antenna are mounted to a cattle crush and the panel reader is connected to an indicator and load bars. When the animal enters the cattle crush, its EID tag number is scanned by the panel reader and sent to the indicator.

Installation information

The panel reader and antenna can be mounted onto a flat surface (timber rails, concrete), or onto metal pipe-work, using the hardware supplied. If you have a large antenna, the panel reader can also be mounted directly on the back of the antenna.
When mounting the antenna, do not damage it by drilling through it or piercing the surface with a screw. Use the mounting holes provided.

Factors to consider

The panel reader and antenna should be installed on the outside of a crush/chute, weigh crate or drafter so that it is not damaged by animal movement.
Animal flow must be restricted to ensure that only one animal is within the antenna’s read range.
The location of the antenna in relation to metal bars or pipes needs to be considered. See the diagram in Section Troubleshooting.
The positioning of the antenna is important to obtain an effective read of the EID tag:
After you have installed the antenna and reader, connect the antenna to the panel reader. An extension lead may be required (supplied with the antenna).
Two antennas may be used, or the panel reader may be synchronised and used with another panel reader.

Connecting to an indicator (optional)

Connecting to a Bluetooth® enabled indicator

To establish a Bluetooth wireless connection between the panel reader and a Tru-Test Bluetooth-enabled indicator, you need to ‘pair’ the two devices. The panel reader can be paired with any Tru-Test Bluetooth-enabled indicator and to some third party devices.

When connecting the panel reader wirelessly to a Tru-Test indicator, always turn the indicator on BEFORE the panel reader.

With both devices off, position the panel reader within 5 metres of the indicator.
Switch on the indicator and, if necessary, check that its Bluetooth setting is enabled.
Connect the panel reader to a power source (battery or mains power).
Wait for up to 1 minute until the two devices are paired. When pairing is complete, the panel reader’s Bluetooth wireless connection LED (blue) illuminates and the LCD displays the name of the connected device.
Use the panel reader to scan an EID tag in order to test the connection.

Connecting to an indicator that does not offer Bluetooth® wireless connectivity

Connect the panel reader to the indicator using the Panel Reader-Serial cable supplied. Follow the instructions provided with your indicator.

Recording EID tags

The method used to record EID tags differs depending on whether the panel reader is being used ‘standalone’ or ‘connected’ (to another device such as an indicator). For more information, see Section 4 – Ways to use the panel reader.

Recording EID tags when the panel reader is connected to another device

Refer to example installation diagram in Section 5 – Installing the panel reader and antenna.

Set up the indicator or other device for a recording session, according to the instructions provided with the device.
Move the animal into the cattle crush.
When the animal passes near the antenna, the EID tag will be read by the panel reader and sent to the connected indicator. The EID tag is recorded in the indicator’s internal memory. The EID tag number will appear on the panel reader’s LCD, the Read LED (green) will flash and the panel reader will beep to indicate that the tag has been read successfully.

Recording EID tags when the panel reader is being used on its own (standalone)

Start a new recording session by pressing. The panel reader beeps and the session number appears on the LCD.
Move the animal into the cattle crush.
When the animal passes near the antenna, the EID tag will be read and recorded in the panel reader’s internal memory. The EID tag number will appear on the panel reader’s LCD, the Read LED (green) will flash and the panel reader will beep to indicate that the tag has been read successfully.

Getting information off

There are two ways to get information off the panel reader.

Data Link PC software

You can

save session files
register a transaction with NAIT or NLIS (New Zealand and Australia only)
transfer session files to Datamars Livestock cloud software

To do this

Connect the panel reader to a PC using the cable supplied.
Launch Data Link on your PC.
Click to get information off the panel reader.

Data Link app for Android

You can

transfer and share session files
register a transaction with NAIT or NLIS (New Zealand and Australia only)
transfer session files to Datamars Livestock cloud software

To do this

Launch the app on your mobile and follow the instructions.
The Tru-Test Data Link app is available to download for free from the Google Play store (Android devices).

Datamars Livestock cloud software

View your data online, anywhere, with Datamars Livestock. Datamars Livestock allows you to monitor animal weight gains and track performance to target weights. Monitor animals in groups, and act early if they fall behind target; or track individually to identify top performers and slow-growing stock.

Modifying the panel reader settings

Accessing panel reader settings

To access the panel reader settings

Press The first three items appear on the LCD.
To scroll through and highlight options, press or repeatedly.
To select a highlighted option, press.
To exit out of the panel reader settings, highlight EXIT, then press .

Changing the display language

The default language displayed on the panel reader is English. You can change this to display using one of the following four languages: Spanish, Portuguese, French or German.
To change the language in the panel reader:

Press
Press and then
Press wice to select the current language.
Press until your language is displayed
Press to highlight EXIT (in selected language).
Press .

Panel reader settings

Menu name| Options| Description|
---|---|---|---
1. GENERAL| 1. DATE| Set the date for the panel reader in the format DD MM YYYY|
| 2. TIME| Set the time for the panel reader in the format HH:MM:SS|
| 3.

2. BLUETOOTH®| 1. BLUETOOTH| Select to ensure the panel reader automatically connects to previously used devices or other Tru-Test devices.| AUTO*
---|---|---|---
| | Select this setting when connecting to an Android smartphone.| MANUAL
| | Select this setting to disable the Bluetooth wireless connection.| OFF
| 2. FIND BT DEVICES| Allows you to manually search for other Bluetooth enabled devices.
| 3. PAIRED DEVICES| Lists previously paired devices. Select from this list to connect to another device.

3. TAG READING| 1. OUTPUT MODE| Select to ensure that the panel reader will only record and send the same EID once.| SINGLE**
---|---|---|---
| | The panel reader will record only once but send the same EID each time it is read.| CONT

(Continuous)

| 2. DATA FORMAT| Data format changes the way that EIDs are stored and output from the panel reader.|
| | Standard decimal format with a space between the country (or a manufacturer’s, possibly shared) code and the national identification (or a manufacturer’s unique within series) code e.g. 964 123456789012.| DEC 1** (Decimal 1)
| | Decimal format used in some countries with no space between the country (or a manufacturer’s, possibly shared) code and the national identification (or a manufacturer’s unique within series) code e.g. 964123456789012.| DEC 2

(Decimal 2)

| | e.g. 8000F58000000001.| HEX

(Hexadecimal)

Tru-Test XRP2i Pane- Reader-and-Antenna-fig-23

4. DIAGNOSTICS| There are four diagnostics screens which provide troubleshooting information. Select NEXT to scroll through the screens. If the values fall outside the normal range, see Section – Troubleshooting.
---|---
Supply voltage| The power supply voltage is displayed and should be followed by (OK).
Antenna voltage and tuning value| The antenna voltage is displayed and should be followed by (OK). The tuning value is displayed. The graph should show a dot in the middle band and be followed by (OK).
Noise level| Displays the levels of interference being detected. The noise level should be in the lower part of the graph.
Read rate| Displays the reads per minute for the current location of the tag.

Getting help

Help articles and videos

The Datamars Livestock Help Centre provides searchable articles and videos to help you when you need it.
The help centre provides instant support for our apps, software and products. Access the help centre via the mobile phone app or go to support.livestock.datamars.com

Online training

The Datamars Livestock Training Academy provides easy, accessible online training modules.
You can work at your own pace to learn about our products and solutions. Register for free at livestock.datamars.com/training-academy

Online troubleshooting

For personalized troubleshooting and advice, chat with us directly. In the mobile phone app, tap on , then On any of our websites, in the Datamars Livestock Help Centre or in the Datamars Livestock Training Academy, click on in the bottom righ hand corner of the screen.

Troubleshooting

Tru-Test XRP2i Pane- Reader-and-Antenna-
fig-22

Maintenance and servicing

Caring for the panel reader and antenna

Do not immerse the panel reader or antenna in water. Store the panel reader in a cool, dry place.
Wipe the panel reader and antenna clean using a damp cloth, warm water and soap. Other cleaners may damage the equipment. Do not leave the panel reader where it may be exposed to extreme temperatures (e.g. on the dashboard of a vehicle).
Fit the dust caps when there are no cables connected to the panel reader or antenna. This will prevent moisture and dirt from entering the connectors.

Service and warranty information

For service and warranty information, see tru-test.com

More information

For further details, refer to the reference documentation, available on the USB flash drive supplied and at tru-test.com

Upgrading the software

To upgrade the panel reader’s software, use Data Link for PC:

Connect the panel reader to a PC using the Panel Reader-Serial cable and the Serial-USB adaptor cable supplied.
Launch the Data Link application.
Wait for the panel reader to connect to the PC (this may take up to a minute).
Click Tools / Updates and follow the instructions.

Europe – Instructions for disposal of product

This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product (and its battery) must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you purchased the product.

This product incorporates a lithium metal (CR1220 35 mAh) button/coin cell battery.
For instructions on how to dismantle this product for recycling, email service.dept@datamars.com

FCC 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.This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Datamars could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment

FCC warning

Users are cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
The XRP2i Panel Reader supplied (Tru-Test XRP2i-1 Low Frequency Electronic ID (EID) Reader) has been approved for use only with approved external antennas described in this guide; use of any other antenna may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device and its antenna(s) must not be cohabited or operate in conjunction with any other antenna(s) or transmitter(s).
This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm (8″) between the antenna within this device and your body.

Responsible party in the USA

This product is supplied by:

Datamars Inc
528 Grant Road
Mineral Wells
Texas 76067
UNITED STATES
Toll free: 800 874 8494

ISED Canada notice

This radio transmitter, the XRP2i Panel Reader (Tru-Test XRP2i-1 Low-Frequency Electronic ID (EID) Reader) , has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain and required antenna impedance for each antenna type indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

Large EID Antenna, for use with Tru-Test XRP2i Panel Reader – Gain (0 dBi), Impedance (2 k)
Small EID Antenna, for use with Tru-Test XRP2i Panel Reader – Gain (0 dBi), Impedance (2 k)

Under ISED Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum (or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by ISED Canada. This device complies with ISED Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

ISED Canada warning

Installation within Canada: To maintain compliance with ISED Canada RF exposure compliance requirements, please follow the operation instructions as documented in this guide. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm (8″) between the antenna within this device and your body.

UK declaration of conformity

Hereby, Datamars declares that the radio equipment type XRP2i-1 is in compliance with the relevant statutory requirements. The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address http://livestock.tru-test.com/en/compliance

UK Importer

Datamars UK,
Pheasant Mill, Dunsdale Rd,
Selkirk TD7 5DZ,
United Kingdom
EU declaration of conformity

Hereby, Datamars declares that the radio equipment type XRP2i-1, when used with both the Large and Small antennas described in this guide, is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU. The declaration of conformity may be consulted at: http://livestock.tru-test.com/en/compliance

EU Importer

Datamars Slovakia s.r.o.
Dolné Hony 6, 949 01
Nitra, Slovak Republic

This radio equipment emits a maximum of 3.4 mW e.i.r.p. in the frequency band 134.18 to 134.22 kHz (when used with large antenna) and a maximum of 6 mW e.i.r.p. in the frequency band 2.40 to 2.48 GHz.
The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Datamars SA and its subsidiaries is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective holders.
All trademarks with an * are neither owned by nor licensed to Datamars SA and belong to their respective owners.