Troubleshoot RFID reader functionality

Modified on: Fri, Mar 14 2025 11:35 AM

PURPOSE

Troubleshoot the Kiosk RFID reader that is not properly reading customer tags or reading into the wrong lane.


PROCESS

Try This First

  • Simple and Quick
    • Unplug the cable ends and plug them back in firmly.
    • Reboot the kiosk
  • Advanced - NOTE: May need maintenance to help with these items.
    • Focus on Power
      • Test Voltage
        • Looking for correct polarization of 12V DC at power source and in RFID housing.
        • Verify power supply can supply at least 1.5A but 2A is preferred.
      • Try testing with alternative power supplies or outlets
      • Bypass the barrel connecter.
    • Re-Crimp the ends of the cable, and focus on ensuring good wire connections.
    • Using known working equipment
      • Identify working ports or components in the lane or adjacent lanes
      • Test to rule out one component at a time.
      • Replace DB9 Adaptors or cables first.
      • Don’t be afraid to use nearby kiosks for power or to verify if a reader works despite the power.
        • This includes using known working readers from adjacent lanes.


Common Issues

  • Symptom: “Timed Out” error when trying to connect to the RFID Reader.
  • Underlying Issue: Computer cannot communicate with the RFID Reader. or Can be a power or connection issue.
  • Parts Involved: COM Port, DB9 Adapters, Cat5e cable, Serial cable, or RFID Reader


  • Symptom: “Arithmetic Operation Error” when trying to connect to the RFID Reader.
  • Underlying Issue: Incompatible power making it to the RFID Reader.
  • Parts Involved: Power supply, Power wires, or RFID Reader


  • Symptom: “Command Execution Failed: Command Type = 00, Command 00”
  • Underlying Issue: Poor connection for the data to transmit properly, has power but bad data connection.
  • Parts Involved: COM Port, DB9 Adapters, Cat5e Cable, Serial Cable, or RFID Reader


  • Symptom: Membership Tags not reading consistently.
  • Underlying Issue: See Below For Steps to Take
  • Parts Involved: RFID Reader, RFID Reader Setting, or RFID Tag


  • Symptom: Random Lane opening with no car around.
  • Underlying Issue: Rogue tag with an active membership within range of the RFID reader.
  • Parts Involved: RFID Tag


  • Symptom: Cross Reading car in adjacent lane.
  • Underlying Issue: RFID Reader Setting is less than 80 or Could also be the location and angle of the RFID Reader.
  • Parts Involved: RFID Reader Setting or RFID Reader Position and Posture


Troubleshooting Membership Tags Not Reading Consistently

  1. Verify the hardware functions within the normal standard.
    1. Verify the RFID Reader talks to the computer.
    2. Verify Logicwash can talk to the RFID Reader.
    3. Compare to the standards for settings.
  2. Be aware of other RFID tags, as they can interfere with the reader.
  3. Inspect the RFID tag and RFID tag position on the car.
  4. Place the RFID tag on the upper clear part of the windshield as a final spot for verifying.


Check the RFID Reader's Functionality - Backend Screen

  1. Swipe your access card to get to the kiosk’s back-end screen.
  2. Once the back-end screen appears, select “RFID Status”
  3. Give it a moment to load and the RFID Status interface will appear. (Shown Below) then push “Start”. Bring the RFID tag within scanning range of the RFID reader.
    • If you do not see any activity on the status screen, the RFID reader is not operating correctly. 
      • Proceed to the “Check RFID Reader Cables” section below.
    • If tag data appears on the status screen the RFID reader is operating correctly. This indicates there may be a problem with the customer’s membership. 
      • Look up the customer in Wash Assist by name, phone number, or other means to determine why the barcode is not admitting the customer to the wash.
    • NOTE: Do NOT select any of the power settings on the right-hand side of the RFID Status interface.
    • NOTE: To Adjust the power settings use the Guide: RFID - HOW TO USE SOFTWARE


Check the RFID Reader's Functionality - Desktop 

  1. To open the service code, double tap the right and left corners of the screen.
    • A silver rim with blue textDescription automatically generated
  2. Enter the admin code and click Accept to close the program.
  3. Double-click the AWIDMPRCommandDemo – Shortcut on the Desktop.
  4. Fill in the following sections and click Connect. If an error message appears when trying to connect, follow the steps in the RFID Tags Not Populating section.
    • Type: MPR-2010BR
    • COM Port: COM4
    • Baud Rate: 9600
  5. Information will populate. Click Start to start testing the reader.
  6. Wave a RFID tag near the RFID reader. It should populate the RFID tag and the Cnt column should increase. Once testing has finished, click Stop.
  7. Close the program and open LWKiosk – Shortcut on the Desktop to start the program normally and allow the kiosk to be used again.



Check RFID Reader Cables

  1. If the RFID reader is having connection issues, an error message will pop-up when trying to connect to the reader. 
  2. Open the kiosk and the RFID Reader enclosure on the pole to check the DB9 connections. 
  3. Disconnect and re-connect the connection on the computer.
    • A close-up of a computer componentDescription automatically generated
  4. Unlock the RFID Reader Enclosure. Reseat the connection.
    • A black box with wiresDescription automatically generated
  5. Test the RFID Reader again and see if there is any change.  
    • If there is no change, swap the DB9 connections with another kiosk to see if the connectors are bad.
    • If the connectors from the other kiosk work, the connectors need to be replaced
  6. If you still have issues, swap the RFID reader with a known working unit.
  7. If you still have issues, contact Maintenance to check the network cable from the reader to the computer inside the kiosk.
  8. If you still have issues after Maintenance has checked the network cable and verified it is good or has replaced the cable. 


HISTORY

Revised Date Revised By Revisions
8/7/2024 Orrey Bohn Created Document
3/14/2025 Andrew Poskey Updated title and content formatting
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