Tru-Test XRS2i Stick Reader User Guide

Tru-Test XRS2i Stick Reader User Guide

Unpacking the box

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

• XRS2i stick reader (the stick reader)
  

• USB stick contains Data Link PC software and reference information.

• USB cable for charging. It also connects the stick reader to a PC.

• Mains power adaptor and power plugs for different countries.

Charging the battery

Use only the power adaptor and cables supplied.
Do not charge the battery if the temperature is less than 5 °C (41 °F), or greater than 40 °C (104 °F).

1. Find the correct power plug for your country and assemble the mains power adaptor.

2. Plug in the power adaptor and switch on the power.
   

3. Connect the USB cable to the power adaptor and to the stick reader.

4. Leave the stick reader charging overnight before first use. The stick reader can be used for up to 19 hours before it will need recharging again.

Getting around

Parts of the stick reader

The Home screen

When you first switch on the stick reader, the Home screen is displayed:
Scroll through the options using the arrow keys and and choose an option using the Select button.

Recording EID tags

Ways of using the stick reader

The stick reader can be used in two ways:

1. Standalone – the stick reader saves each scanned tag in its internal memory. These records can be transferred afterwards, as described in Section 7 – Getting information off.
2. Connected – the EID reader immediately transmits every scanned tag to a connected device, such as a weigh scale indicator.

Recording EID tags (standalone)

You should start a new session file each time you begin a new scanning session.

1. Press to switch on the stick reader.
2. On the Home screen, press and select New Session.
3. If desired, change the session name using the keypad.
4. Press .
5. Press the Read button while holding the stick reader near to an EID tag

The EID tag number is read and recorded.
An F or H will appear in the top left of the screen (depending on whether the tag type is FDX-B or HDX).
The stick reader beeps once (if the buzzer setting is enabled [default)).

When scanning EID tags, if animals are moving quickly through a race or into a pen, you can continuously hold down the Read button to scan EID tags. Scanning will stop when the Read button is released.

Entering other information

During scanning, other information can be recorded at the same time. You can enter:

• The VID (visual ID)
• Details about the animal, such as a condition score or animal breed.
• Any other details you like, using your own additional animal data field.

See Making the most of your stick reader for details

Displaying other information

Some information can also be pre-loaded for viewing during scanning:

• Alerts – so that you are notified when a particular EID tag is scanned
• Animal lifetime information – this may include EID/VID pairs so that the animal’s VID appears automatically when an EID tag is scanned.

See Making the most of your stick reader for details.

Bluetooth® connection

The stick reader will automatically connect to any Tru-Test Bluetooth enabled weigh scale indicator, or any other device, with which it has previously been paired (when in BT Auto mode – default).

In order to manually establish a Bluetooth wireless connection (if you are using a non-Tru-Test weigh scale indicator, or you are having trouble establishing a Bluetooth wireless connection):

1. With both devices off, position the stick reader close to the other device.

2. Switch on the device and, if necessary, check that its Bluetooth setting is enabled.

3. Switch on the stick reader.

4. Select Settings, then Bluetooth to display the Bluetooth Settings screen.

5. Select Search for devices.
   A list of available devices will be displayed.

6. Select a device.
   Wait for up to one minute until the two devices are paired.
   When pairing is complete, the Bluetooth indicator light above the Read/Select button will illuminate blue.

7. Use the stick reader to scan an EID tag in order to test the connection

Always turn on the device you are trying to pair with first, BEFORE the stick reader.

Viewing sessions

You can view information collected during a session in the Sessions screen.

1. If necessary, press to go to the Home screen.

2. Select Sessions.
   A list of sessions is displayed.

3. Select a session to view:
   

Getting information off

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

Data Link PC software

You can:

• save session files.
• save animal lifetime information.
• save alerts.
• register a transaction with NAIT (NZ) or NLIS (Australia).
• upload sessions to Datamars Livestock.

To do this:

1. Connect the stick reader to a PC using the cable supplied.
2. Launch Data Link on your PC.
3. Click to get information off the stick reader.

Data Link app for mobile devices

You can:

• email a session file.
• register a transaction with NAIT (NZ) or NLIS (Australia).
• upload sessions to Datamars Livestock.

To do this:

Launch the app on your smartphone and follow the instructions.

The Tru-Test Data Link app is available to download for free from the Google Play store (Android devices) or the Apple App store (Apple iOS)

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.

livestock.datamars.com

Making the most of your stick reader

Entering extra information during scanning

During scanning, you can add extra information about the animal, such as the animal’s breed or condition score. You can also create your own additional animal data fields for entering information.

To set up a field for entering information during scanning:

1. From the Home screen, select Settings, then Animal Data.
2. Select one of the fields (Breed, Date of birth, Sex, Condition score and Note are defaults).
3. Change the screen order to 1 (if using multiple fields for data entry, you may want to select a different number to have the data field appear further down the screen).
4. Select edit to change the field name or the options.

You can create your own additional animal data fields. At step 2 above, press and follow the prompts.

Example of entering data during scanning (Breed and Condition score fields):

Pre-loading animal lifetime information or alerts to the stick reader, prior to scanning

Animal lifetime information or alerts can be transferred from the PC to the stick reader prior to scanning, using the Data Link PC software

Animal lifetime information

If animal lifetime information is transferred, when an animal’s EID tag is scanned, other information about the animal will be displayed. For example, you can transfer a file containing EID and VID pairs. During scanning, when an EID tag is scanned, the corresponding VID number will be displayed automatically.

For details about animal lifetime information refer to the Setup Guide – Transferring animal lifetime information to the XRS2/XRS2i Stick Reader. See Getting other detailed information for details.

Alerts

If alerts information is transferred, when an animal’s EID tag is scanned, an alert will be issued. For example, you may want to receive an alert to cull a particular animal from the herd.

To transfer animal lifetime information or alerts from the PC to the stick reader:

1. Connect the stick reader to a PC using the cable supplied.
2. Launch Data Link on your PC.
3. Click , select Animal Lifetime Information or Alerts file and follow the prompts

The PC file containing animal lifetime information can be in .csv, .xls, .xlsx or .txt format, but it must be formatted in a certain way.

For details about setting up alerts refer to the Setup Guide – Setting up Alerts on the XRS2/XRS2i Stick Reader. See Getting other detailed information for details.

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

Some topics in the Datamars Livestock Help Centre are available in [language – French, German, Spanish, Portuguese]

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

The Datamars Livestock Training academy is available in [language – French, German, Spanish, Portuguese]

Instructional setup guides

Setup Guides help you make the most of your Tru-Test device. They provide instructions and practical examples to help you:

• Set up and use advanced features
• Use your device with other third-party software or hardware.

Examples of some titles:

• Setting up Alerts on the XRS2/XRS2i Stick Reader
• XRS2/XRS2i Offspring Pairing
• Transferring animal lifetime information to the XRS2/XRS2i Stick Reader

To access these guides:

1. Go to tru-test.com

2. Click Guides & Advice > Set-up Guides.

3. Filter and navigate to the product information you want.
   or ~

   • Click into the product page and click Set-up Guides on the left panel menu.

Both the Tru-Test website and the setup guides are only available in English.

Online troubleshooting

For personalised 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 right-hand corner of the screen.

Modifying settings

When shipped, the stick reader is set up to simply scan EID tags. You can change the  way that the stick reader is set up to suit the task that you are about to perform.

Favourite setups

Favourite setups (favourites) are saved configurations that change the settings of the stick reader to suit a particular purpose. The stick reader comes pre-loaded with some example favourites, or you can create your own custom favourite. You can apply a favourite when starting a new session.

Settings menu

To modify the settings, from the Home screen, select Settings.

After you have changed any settings, you can save these as your own custom favourite. You can then apply this favourite next time that you want to do the same task.

General

Change the Date/Time, Language/Country, Auto Off, Vibration and Buzzer settings. View the stick reader Firmware details.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth

Auto** – Automatically connect to the Bluetooth ® enabled device most recently used or to a Tru-Test Bluetooth enabled weigh scale indicator.
Off – Turn off Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Manual – Manually search for a Bluetooth enabled device and accept incoming Bluetooth connections.

Search for Devices – Manually search for a Bluetooth enabled device within range (see row above).
Paired Devices – Display previously connected (paired) devices.

Advanced

Connect Mode

Default** – set this mode to connect to weigh scale indicators and most software systems. HID (Human Interface Device) – set this mode if you want the scanned EID tag to be automatically transmitted to a spreadsheet (e.g. Excel), or another device that has not directly integrated with the stick read

Output

Default** – Leave this set to Default unless you have been instructed to change it by a Datamars representative.

Tag Reading

Read Mode

Standard** – Press the Read button to scan a tag. Hold down the Read
button to continuously scan tags.
Continuous – Press the Read button to continuously scan tags. Scanning will only stop when the Read button is pressed again.
Single – Press the Read button to scan a single tag. Even if you hold down the Read button, another tag will not be scanned.

Tag Format – Format and example shown:

• Decimal** 964 155000012939
• Decimal2 964155000012939
• Hex 8000F66416B8808B
• ISO 1000000964155000012939
• ISO23 A0000000964000000123456 (animal) or
  R0000000964000000123456 (non-animal)

Allow Duplicates

No** – Set to ensure that an EID is not recorded multiple times in the same session.
Yes – Set to allow EIDs to be recorded multiple times in the same session.

Allow Blank Data

On** – Set to allow leaving of empty fields during the data collection.
Off – Set to ensure all fields are entered during the data collection.

Offspring Mode

On – Set this mode to enable you to link a dam with her offspring so that you can look up breeding histories.
Off** – Turn off offspring pairing.

For details about offspring mode refer to the Setup Guide – XRS2/XRS2i Offspring Pairing. See Getting other detailed information for details.

Animal Data

If Offspring Pairing is set to ON and you have extra animal data fields enabled (see the Animal Data fields in the section below), you can set whether data is to be recorded for the Dam, the Offsp (Offspring) or Both (Dam and Offspring). When scanning animals in an Offspring Pairing session, the extra fields will be available for data entry

ISO Synchro

On – Set this mode to enable wireless synchronisation with panel readers.
Off** – Turn off wireless synchronisation with panel readers.

Animal Data

The stick reader comes pre-loaded with various animal data fields (Breed, Date of birth, Sex, Condition score and Note). You can also create your own additional animal data fields. Select field(s) to appear on the screen during scanning. See Making the most of your stick reader for details

Alerts

Turn on Alerts if you want to be warned when a particular animal’s tag has been scanned. You need to transfer an alerts file to the stick reader first. See Making the most of your stick reader for details

Favourites

To save settings as a custom favourite:

1. From the Home screen, select Settings, then Favourites.
2. Press , complete the details and press ****.

Default settings marked **

Maintenance and servicing

Backing up your information

We strongly recommend that you regularly back up the data on your stick reader by transferring it to a PC using Data Link PC software.

Updating your software

We recommend that you regularly update the stick reader software so that you keep up with the latest features and improvements.

To update the software:

1. Connect the stick reader to a PC using the cable supplied.
2. Launch Data Link on your PC.
3. Click Tools / Updates.
4. Follow the step-by-step instructions.

For more information, see the Data Link help

 When updating software, the data on your stick reader will remain intact. However, we strongly recommend that you transfer the information on your stick reader onto a PC before updating.

Caring for the stick reader

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

Europe – Instructions for disposal of product

This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product (and its batteries) 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 both a lithium-ion (LiNiMnCoO2) rechargeable battery and 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

Compliance

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

Note: 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.

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, model XRS2i-1, has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate only with its integral antenna.
This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development 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.

UK declaration of conformity

Hereby, Datamars declares that the radio equipment types XRS2i-1 are 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 XRS2i-1 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: http://livestock.trutest.com/en/compliance

This radio equipment emits a maximum of 0.7 mW e.i.r.p. in the frequency band 134.18 to 134.22 kHz and a maximum of 18 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.

For further information, view the reference information on the supplied USB stick or visit tru-test.com

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

References

• A smarter future. | Datamars Livestock
• Training Academy | Datamars Livestock
• Help Centre | Datamars Livestock
• Tru-Test Livestock Management

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