External RFID Receiver Installation
An external RFID receiver extends a tracker's range so it can see tags it otherwise couldn't: in the cargo box of a vehicle with a metal wall behind the cab, or across a large warehouse. The receiver connects to the tracker with an Ethernet cable and gets its power through that cable.
1 Mount Place the tracker and receiver. | 2 Connect Run the Ethernet cable. | 3 Power Up Plug in, check the LEDs. | 4 Test Check that tags are heard. |
Before You Begin
| In Your Order | What You'll Need |
|---|---|
|
|
IMPORTANT Use a standard Ethernet cable, not a crossover cable. The receivers get their power through the cable. While the receiver's port may look like a standard Ethernet port, it is NOT. Connecting a receiver or a tracker to an active Ethernet (network) port will damage your Overview equipment. |
Vehicles with Metal Boxes
In a box truck, a metal wall between the cab and the cargo area can block the tracker from hearing tags in the back. An external receiver in the box solves this.
1Mount the tracker in the cab
Place the tracker in the cab, just above the back of the seat, where it has the best protected view of the sky and you can still see its LED status lights. See the Vehicle Tracker Installation article.
2Run the cable to the box
Run a standard Cat5 Ethernet cable from the tracker to the cargo box.
3Mount the external receiver
Mount the receiver at the top of the cargo box (green arrow in Figure 1). If that isn't practical, mount it at the top of the front wall inside the box (blue arrow).
Figure 1: Receiver locations in a box truck. Green arrow: top of the box. Blue arrow: top of the front wall.
4Connect and finish the install
Plug the cable into the receiver, then finish wiring the tracker as described in Vehicle Tracker Installation for REV 3.5.
Warehouses
In a large warehouse, you can chain several receivers along a run to cover the whole storage area. The total run from the tracker to the last receiver should not exceed 300 feet.
1Mount the tracker at one end
Mount the warehouse tracker at one end of the run between the locations you chose. Don't plug it in yet.
2Identify the receivers
- Middle receivers have 2 pigtails (one cable in, one out).
- The end receiver has only 1 pigtail.
Figure 2: External receiver pigtails
3Run the cables
Plug a standard Ethernet cable into the tracker and run it to the first receiver. Continue from receiver to receiver, ending at the single-pigtail receiver.
4Power up
Once everything is mounted, plug in the tracker. The receivers get their power from the tracker through the Ethernet cable.
5Check each receiver has power
A red LED should be visible, showing the receiver is powering up. Optimally, the green LED should be blinking if there are tags nearby.
Test the Receivers
Carry your test tags close to each receiver. A flashing green LED on the receiver shows it's picking up tags. Then email Overview Customer Support to let us know the install is complete.
TIP For a warehouse, also check the corners of your storage area are covered. See Warehouse Tracker Setup. |
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to Try |
|---|---|
| A receiver's power LED is off | Check both ends of its Ethernet cable, and that the cable isn't a crossover cable. On a chain, check the cables between receivers too. |
| The green LED doesn't flash near a tag | Hold the tag closer to the receiver. If it still doesn't flash, contact Customer Support. |
| Tags in the back of a box truck aren't heard | Make sure the receiver is mounted inside the box, not in the cab. |
Quick Reference
| Do | Remember |
|---|---|
| Box truck: tracker in the cab, receiver at the top of the box | Standard Ethernet cable, never crossover |
| Warehouse: tracker at one end, receivers along the run | Middle receivers: 2 pigtails; end: 1 |
| Plug in the tracker last | Receivers are powered through the cable |
| Walk test tags past each receiver | Email Support when the install is done |
Related articles: Vehicle Tracker Installation for REV 3.5 · Warehouse Tracker Setup · Tracker Troubleshooting
NEED HELP? Overview Customer Support Email: overviewcustomerservice@logikos.com Email us when your install is complete, or with any question about external receivers. |