View source for Upgrade AEI Site with Multiplexed AI1200/AR2200 to MPRX

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Transcore has sunset the AI1200/AR2200 RFID subsystem components utilized in Comet Electronics’ Railnet AEI system. Transcore has developed the MPRX, Multiprotocol Reader Extreme as replacement. The MPRX is a next-generation RFID reader that supports Association of American Railroads (AAR) formatted tags. &nbsp;<br>Comet Electronics has designed an interface card to make the MPRX seamless to the AI1200/AR2200 installation.&nbsp;<br>

In a low-medium speed sites (unrestricted up to 60 mph, restricted 40 mph), installation will be similar to a single AI1200/AR2200 installation (multiplexed RF). It will use a single MPASS/MPRX, with connections to antenna ports 0 & 1.&nbsp;<br>

In a high speed site (unrestricted up to 130 mph), installation will be similar to a dual AI1200/AR2200 installation (dedicated RF). It will use dual&nbsp;<br>MPASS/MPRX, with connections to antenna port 0 on both units. Refer to [[Upgrade AEI Site with Dedicated AI1200/AR2200 to MPRX]] for detailed installation procedure.&nbsp;<br>

For detailed specifications of the MPRX, refer to Transcore’s document, 16-0079-001, MPRX User Guide.&nbsp;<p>'''Requirements:'''</p>
*'''Minimum AEI software version for standard multiplexed operation'''
<blockquote><p style="margin-left: 25px;">'''5.2.0.16'''</p></blockquote><p><br></p><p>'''Materials Required:'''</p><p>'''&nbsp;'''Single/Multiplexed RF site:'''</p><p>1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [[402173]]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; MPRX, Multiprotocol RFID Reader</p><p>1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [[400183]]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; MPASS Interface Card</p><p>1&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [[402180]]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; APU102 to MPRX Cable Assembly</p><p>2&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [[400647]]&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 50Ω, 2W Dummy load</p><p>'''Misc. Required:'''</p>
*Laptop computer with serial port or USB to Serial adapter
*Communication program such as TeraTerm, HyperTerminal, etc.
*Null modem cable or modem cable with null adapter (25-pin DB male on APU-102 end)
*MPRX specific INI files (may be preloaded to APU102)
*Antistatic (ESD) wrist strap
*Pre-programmed Test tag mounted on backing plate.
<p>'''&nbsp;'''</p><p>'''Optional'''</p>
*APU102 System Operations and Installation Manuals
*Communications program users guide

= Upgrade Procedure =
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| style="width: 12.8988%; background-color: rgb(230, 126, 35);" | <p style="text-align: center;" >'''ATTENTION:'''</p>
| style="width: 85.7143%;" | <p>The user is responsible for obtaining the appropriate radio transmitter license. In the United States, the authorized continuous wave (AAR-formatted operation) frequency band for this product is 902.25 to 903.75 MHz and 910.00 to 921.50 MHz. RF power output is rated for 2 watts. Users in all other countries should check with the appropriate authorities for licensing requirements.</p>
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== Determine RF frequency currently in use/licensed for site ==
<p>If current license is for specific frequency, the MPRX can be set to the same frequency if in the currently allowable bands. Review your license documents or check the existing RF unit frequency. To view/verify the current frequency, examine the “toe-tag” or printed label on the RF module (inside the enclosure). The Version 1 RF module will have the label on the right side. The Version 2 RF module will have a small label viewable through the Antenna one opening.</p><p><br></p><div>
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| style="width: 51.6722px; background-color: rgb(53, 152, 219);" | <p>'''NOTE:'''</p>
| style="width: 528.433px;" | <p>Multiple RF sources in close proximity (&lt; 1000’) must have minimum 1.5 MHz separation</p>
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== Files and Parameters Relative to the MPRX: ==
<p>Steps 1-4 can be done remotely, prior to site visit.</p>
#Connect the laptop to the APU102’s local port.
#Log into the APU102 to the Supervisory level (Change Prompt)
#Verify minimum software requirement ('''/ '''Slash command). Upgrade first if necessary.
#Verify if the MPRX files are preloaded
<p style="margin-left: 50px;" >Enter the command: '''DIR MPRX*.*'''</p>
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| style="width: 100%;" | <p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 278 MPRX9115.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 278 MPRX9150.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 278 MPRX9185.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 302 MPRX9215.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26 MPRXMD0.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 26 MPRXMD1.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 32 MPRXMD2.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 32 MPRXMD3.INI</p><p>01/12/2021&nbsp; 10:43 AM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 34 MPRXMD4.INI</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 9 File(s)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1,286 bytes</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 0 Dir(s)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 15,755,264 bytes free</p><p>Sample Directory (there may be more frequency specific files loaded)</p>
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<p><br></p>

:5. If not present, upload the MPRX INI files using the '''ZREC'''''' '''command

:6. Enter the Parameter Editor ('''EP''')

:7. Navigate to appropriate parameters listed below and enter as necessary.<p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Ports.AVI1PORT.BaudRate=<span style="text-decoration: underline;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45); text-decoration: underline;" >'''5'''</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Ports.AVI2PORT.BaudRate=<span style="text-decoration: underline;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45); text-decoration: underline;" >'''5'''</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Acquisition.Reader1.PortFile=AVI1PORT.DAT</span></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Acquisition.Reader1.IniFilename=<span style="text-decoration: underline;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45); text-decoration: underline;" >'''MPRX****.INI'''</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 50px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >**** is desired frequency. File must be present on APU. Default for Reader 1 is MPRX9115.INI (911.5 MHz). See sample directory above.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Acquisition.Reader1.AntennaAssignment=<span style="text-decoration: underline;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45); text-decoration: underline;" >'''2'''</span></span> &nbsp;</span></p><p style="margin-left: 50px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >(this should not change from current configuration)</span></p><p style="margin-left: 50px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >2: Reader services both antennas (multiplexed-one on each side of track)</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Acquisition.Reader1.Ant0PassiveLobe=<span style="text-decoration: underline;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45); text-decoration: underline;" >'''16'''</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 50px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Field measurement required. Will be determined after installation is complete.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Acquisition.Reader1.Ant1PassiveLobe=<span style="text-decoration: underline;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45); text-decoration: underline;" >'''16'''</span></span></span></p><p style="margin-left: 50px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Field measurement required. Will be determined after installation is complete.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" ><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);" >'''****'''</span> Other frequencies are available and may require additional INI files to be loaded.</span></p><p><br></p><p>Exit the parameter editor and log off of the APU102.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

== Install the MPASS Card ==

#Open the lid of the APU102 and power it off.
#Put ESD wrist strap on wrist and connect to ground lug on outside-bottom of APU102.
#Loosen the screws on the reader board card cage retainer.''' DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS.'''
#Slide the retainer down.
#Remove the cables from the AI1200 Reader card.
#Remove the AI1200 Reader card from the reader card cage.
#Install the MPASS interface card in the reader card cage.
#Connect the cables to the MPASS card, edge position.
#Slide retainer up and secure.

== Install the MPRX Single/Multiplexed RF ==

#Remove the umbilical cable between the APU102 and AR2200 RF Unit.
#Label the antenna connections on the coax cables connecting to the AR2200 RF Unit.
#Remove the coax cables.
#If installed, remove the checktag cable from the RF unit.
#Remove the ground connection on the RF unit.
#Remove the RF Unit from the wall.
#Mount the MPRX in place of the RF unit. It may be necessary to relocate other components, wiring channels, etc.
#Connect the ground cable to the MPRX.
#Examine the MPRX end of the umbilical cables if not labeled. One connector has pin contacts, one has socket contacts. Connect the one with pins to the Sense port and the one with sockets to the Host Port. The connectors are keyed and require minimal effort to fully seat. Align the “arrows” of the connectors as shown in Figure 2, carefully insert connector and turn the knurled collar clockwise to seat completely (several revolutions).[[image:img1742595583337.png|500px|center|thumb|Figure 2]]
#If existing site used checktag, connect the checktag connector to the one extending from the Sense connector.
#Connect the CPC16 connector to the APU102, RF1 connection.
#Connect the coax cables to the MPRX antenna ports per the labels.
#Install dummy loads on all unused antenna ports.

== Initialize the MPRX ==

#Power on the APU102.
#Set/Verify power supply output to Reader(s) is 13VDC.
#Log onto the APU102 supervisory level (Change Prompt)
#Initialize all MPRXs with '''IR,*''' command. The APU will reply with initialization status. <p style="margin-left: 100px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Reader #0 initialization complete.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 100px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Reader #1 is not in current configuration.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 100px;" ><span style="font-family: &quot;courier new&quot;, courier;" >Reader #2 is not in current configuration.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 75px;" >Sample Reader initialization reply (single MPRX installation)</p>
# If a failure is indicated, verify the files are present as in [[#Files and Parameters Relative to the MPRX|Files and Parameters Relative to the MPRX]], step 4 and parameters are correct as in [[#Files and Parameters Relative to the MPRX|Files and Parameters Relative to the MPRX]], step 7. Verify boards are installed and everything is cabled correctly. Verify Reader power is present. Correct as necessary (reboot required for changes to Ports.AVx1PORT.BaudRate) and reinitialize the MPRXs.

= Optimization Checks =
<p>RF power checks and Checktag operations can be run if desired. Wattmeter connections and command sequences are the same as the AI1200/AR2200 configuration.</p>
=== Measuring the Horizontal Read Lobe (Window) ===
#Set the Sonalert selector switch on the interconnect board in the bottom of the APU102 to the left.
#Activate the MPRX with the command '''RFON,0,*'''
#Measure the horizontal read window for antenna 0. <p style="margin-left: 75px;" >At the edge of tie facing antenna 0 (typically the hut side of the track), hold the test tag horizontally at 42” above top of rail. You should hear the Sonalert chatter (not a solid tone). Keeping the tag steady, move slowly to the right until the sonalert tone stops. Mark this position on the tie. Now, move to the left, holding the tag as before. The Sonalert will sound again. Continue moving until it stops. Mark this position on the tie. Measure and record the distance between the marks (Round up to next foot). This value will be entered into Acquisition.Reader1.Ant0PassiveLobe.</p><p><br></p><div>
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| style="width: 7.4896%; background-color: rgb(53, 152, 219);" | <p>'''NOTE:'''</p>
| style="width: 91.2621%;" | <p>The extra data coming from the MPRX may cause the RFON command to exit. If you lose the tone, check your laptop and re-enter the RFON command if necessary.</p>
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#Measure the horizontal read window for antenna 1. <p style="margin-left: 75px;" >Face antenna 1 and repeat measurement as above. Its value will be recorded in Acquisition.Reader1.Ant1PassiveLobe. Press '''&lt;ENTER&gt;''' to cancel the RFON command.</p>
#Enter read lobe parameters in the parameter editor if changed from original values.
#Perform a fast reboot with '''R,F''' command and confirm so changes will take effect.
#Set the Sonalert selector switch to the center position (off).

= Housekeeping =
<p>Optional (5.2 AEI Software only)-Use the NOTE command to add a login notice regarding the MPRX installation.</p><p style="margin-left: 50px;" >e.g., &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; '''NOTE A MPRX installed, 04/15/2021 09:30'''</p><p style="margin-left: 100px;" >'''NOTE L'''</p><p>Perform the parameter backup ('''BP''')</p><p>Recommended: Update the mirror image ('''SHELL IBACKUP '''and Full reboot)</p><p>Correct any site deficiencies.</p><p><br></p>
<p>{{Comet Service Contact}}</p>

[[Category:Procedures]]