For an AEI to work to its peak performance, power must be properly distributed to the intended components. There is power going through your RF unit/MPRX and to the antenna. If power is interrupted and not going to all components the way it should, AEI will not be able to read tags properly. It is important to add testing power output as a part of your troubleshooting procedure, as it can be a clear indicator for a typical issue. The following procedure details a step-by-step process of troubleshooting power from the RF Unit/MPRX to the antenna.

Parts Required:

Comet Part #	Description
400259	Cable, Assy, 4', M-M, "N" Type, RG213
400952	Assy, Test Plate, AT5118
400647	50Ω, 2W Dummy load
402302	Bird 43 Wattmeter & 5W Element Kit

Procedure

Determine tag readability.

To determine tag readability, command (RFON, 0, 0) to transmitting mode. Please note that the first 0 indicates the reader (position 0 on RF unit/MPRX), the second reader indicates antenna (nearside antenna, if troubleshooting far side, you would change to 1).

Manually flip/turn the 400952 test plate tag at a distance from the antenna where the tags would normally be read at and then near the antenna to see if the tag is reading.

If it isn’t reading or only reading in proximity to the antenna, move on to check the power output.

Test for power output at RF Unit

Unplug the cable from the lightning suppressor and insert into the left side of the 402300 wattmeter.

Place a 400647 dummy load on the other side of the wattmeter.

Install and ensure the 402301 element is pointed toward the dummy load.

The wattmeter should read around 1.5-2W.

If it does not read 1.5-2W, the issue likely lies with the MPRX or the cable running to the lightning suppressor. Take strides to replace any of the two components, and then retest tag readability.

If it does read 1.5-2W and tags are still not being read, move on to section 2.3 for further troubleshooting.

Test for reverse power from antenna

After determining sufficient power from RF Unit/MPRX, next step will be to determine if there is any reverse power coming from antenna. Take the 400259 cable and insert that in place of the dummy load, and the other end connected to the lightning suppression.

Turn the arrow of the element to point in the opposite direction (towards the RF unit/MPRX).

There should be no reading (0W) on the wattmeter.

If you see any reading on the wattmeter, you have reverse power. This indicates a problem with the cable, the connectors, or the antenna itself. Replace as needed and retest.