agrident apr pc demo-software v1.6 manual pc sw v1.6 man_eng.pdf · apr pc demo-software ......

APR PC Demo-Software

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Agrident GmbH, Steinklippenstrasse 10, D-30890 Bars inghausen Phone +49 5105 58257310 - Fax +49 5105 58257317

Agrident APR PC Demo-Software v1.6

Manual

V09/09/2009


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© Copyright 2009 by Agrident GmbH All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Agrident GmbH. Agrident reserves the right to make changes to any and all parts of this documentation without obligation to notify any person or entity of such changes. September 2009 Agrident GmbH Steinklippenstrasse 10 30890 Barsinghausen Germany Phone +49 5105 58257310 Fax +49 51 05 58257317 E-Mail: [email protected] www.agrident.com


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Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................. 5

2. System requirements ................................................................................... 5

3. Required files ............................................................................................... 5

4. Installation .................................................................................................... 5

5. How to start the program ............................................................................. 6

5.1 Menu Port ................................................................................................. 6

5.2 Baud rate .................................................................................................. 7

5.3 Format for saving handheld data .............................................................. 7

5.4 Shut down ................................................................................................ 7

6. Functions ..................................................................................................... 8

6.1 Open Taglist ... / Open Action Codes ... ................................................... 8

6.2 Menu Edit ................................................................................................. 8

6.2.1 Edit Taglist ............................................................................................... 9

6.2.2 Edit Action Codes ................................................................................... 11

6.2.3 Edit Handheld Data ................................................................................ 12

6.3 Menu View ............................................................................................. 12

6.3.1 Online Window ....................................................................................... 12

6.4 Upload data to the APR .......................................................................... 13

6.4.1 Send Taglist ........................................................................................... 13

6.4.2 Send Action Codes ................................................................................. 13

6.5 Set time .................................................................................................. 14

6.6 Download data from Handheld ............................................................... 14

6.6.1 Download Taglist .................................................................................... 14

6.6.2 Download Action Codes ......................................................................... 15

6.6.3 Download collected data ........................................................................ 15

6.7 Save data ............................................................................................... 16

6.8 Clear data ............................................................................................... 16

7. Transfer data to other programs via import ................................................ 16

8. Remote Control .......................................................................................... 17

9. Handheld configuration .............................................................................. 18

9.1 General Options ..................................................................................... 19

9.2 Read Options ......................................................................................... 20


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9.3 Display Options ...................................................................................... 21

9.4 Hotkey Options ....................................................................................... 22

10. Trouble shooting ........................................................................................ 23

11. Glossary ..................................................................................................... 24

12. Index .......................................................................................................... 25


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1. Introduction

The Agrident PC Demo-Software is made for Windows operating systems. It is intended to demonstrate all features of the APR, it is no replacement for management software! The Demo-Software allows to upload data to the APR and to download the collected data. You can also use it for changing the reader settings. The downloaded data can be watched and saved as text files (extension .txt). The original name of the program, also as all names being important for processing within a chapter are printed fat . Program paths and actions that have to be made, such as a single mouse clicks are printed cursive. Important information are shown in a frame.

2. System requirements

To assure that the Agrident program is going to work properly the PC has to fulfil these requirements: Hardware: Pentium processor (or similar) 64 MB RAM 40 GB hard-disc VGA with 640x480 min. resolution USB interface (COM) or RS232 interface for APC150 Software: 32 Bit Windows operating system (9x/ME/NT/2000/XP)

3. Required files

The following files can be found in the corresponding folder on the APR CD that comes with the reader: Agrid1600.exe program file Actcodes.txt sample file Database.txt sample file APR PC SW V1.6_e.pdf English manual

4. Installation

To install the program properly you have to be locked in with administration rights, if Windows 2000/NT/XP is in use. In case that an anti-virus-program is active, it might be necessary to switch it off while the installation. We advise you to close all programs before you start the installation process. Double click on the agrid1600.exe file to start the set-up and follow the instructions. Usually the program is saved in C:\Program Files\AgriDent.


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5. How to start the program

After the installation of the software, also as for every further start, you can open Agrident like any other program by double click on the Agrident.exe file in your Windows Explorer or from the icon in the Start menu. Now a window is shown as follows:

After the first start of the program, a sample dataset is shown. It consists of a transponder ID and the string for an Alias. For detailed explanations about terms like “Alias”, see the APR operational manual. 5.1 Menu Port

Connect the APR Handheld to the PC. If not already done, start Agrident . Make sure that the Handheld is switched on. A description, how to connect the APR Handheld to the PC is given in the APR manual. Please choose the port, the APR Handheld is connected to from the menu. Should this information be missing or being not correct, an up- or download is not possible. Make sure that “connected: VX.XX” indicates in the status bar (X stands for the version number of the Handheld’s software). The ComPort menu is located in right bottom corner of the main window.

connection status selected Comport

data field


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5.2 Baud rate

To ensure an optimal up- or download of any data, for the APR Handheld also as for the Agrident program a baud rate of 9600 should be selected. Please check the settings of the APR Handheld, 9600 should be selected (see manual of the APR).

For the Agrident program please follow the instructions below:

In the right corner of the status bar , you can see the selected ComPort . Move your mouse curser onto this field (DON'T click!). The baud rate is indicated in a QuickInfo.

To change the baud rate hold down Crtl + Shift keys together and right click on this field. A popup menu appears with the baud rates (see screen shot above). Release Crtl+Shift and click on desired baud rate.

Caution! For docking stations the maximum possible speed is 28800. We recommend to choose the same rate as you have done it for the APR (9600).

5.3 Format for saving handheld data

You can decide to save the downloaded data either in ISO format or in the French format. The French format contains additional information like Animal Flag, Retagging Counter or Species Code.

Choose Options � Format for saving handheld data. A checkmark in front of the menu items decides which of both formats is used.

5.4 Shut down

To quit the Agrident program click on menu File � Exit or on in the title bar.


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6. Functions

6.1 Open Taglist ... / Open Action Codes ...

Existing archive files can be opened via File � Open Taglist … resp. Open Action Codes …. Taglist stands for a list of animal IDs resp. animal names, linked to transponder numbers. Action Codes are short descriptions of events. Choose any text-file of the particular data type to see the content. It will be shown in the information field.

6.2 Menu Edit

Before you start to up- or download any data, you should put some own information to the sample text-files, that have been delivered with the Agrident program. Open either the Taglist or the Action Code list as described in chapter 5.6 above. Now the data can be edited as explained in the following chapters and saved afterwards under separate file names (chapter 6.7).

The submenus of the menu Edit depend on the file type that is opened:

Taglist

Action Codes

Handheld Data

Options which are not available at that time, are greyed out. You can also access these menu items via the context menu, right click on the entry in the list in order to open the context menu:


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6.2.1 Edit Taglist

Open the Taglist file (see chapter 6.1). The Taglist contains the transponder ID together with the Alias. In case that you are going to edit your first Taglist, choose the file database.txt. Otherwise select the Taglist you would like to work on. Add new tag: To add a new entry to the list, open the input form with Edit� Add new tag. Fill in the number of the transponder and the Alias. Field 1 contains the country code of the transponder (e.g. 980), field 2 the rest of the transponder number (12-digit identification number). In field 3 the Alias has to be added. When the Create ‘null’-Tag checkbox is activated only field 3 is editable.

A null Tag is placeholder with a blank ID. A Taglist containing null Tags can be uploaded into the APR like every other Taglist. The assignment of the actual ID is made in the field using the Assign Ask / Assign Ask Save mode. Please see the corresponding parts in the APR manual for details about assigning null Tags.

Insert the data into the Taglist with the OK button or quit pressing Cancel. Save the Taglist after editing. Approx. 2000 Taglist entries can be uploaded to the Handheld's memory.

Edit selected: To do any changes on the tag number or the Alias, use this option. Mark the dataset you would like to change. Click on Edit� Edit selected. Change the data. Save the Taglist afterwards. Delete selected: Click on any dataset you want to delete, to mark it. Now choose Edit � Delete selected. Alternate you can also use the hotkey STRG + DEL. You are asked, if you want to erase the tag. This way you can remove our sample data. Yes = Do delete No = Do not delete Cancel = Stop this action Caution! You can not undo this action.


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Paste names form clipboard: This function offers the opportunity, to copy a list of Aliases easily from other programs into the Taglist, e.g. from Excel. Copy the list of Aliases you would like to get from MS Excel. The names have to be in one column (see below).

MS Excel table

added to existing Taglist

Now click on Edit � Paste names form clipboard. For each line, you have copied from Excel a new dataset will be added to your Taglist. Paste tags form clipboard: This offers the same function like “Paste names form clipboard”, but for transponder IDs.


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6.2.2 Edit Action Codes

Open the Action Codes file (see chapter 6.1). Action Codes (AC) are short descriptions of events that can be linked to the ID and thus to the animal. The linkage is made in the field using the APR in the correct operation mode (see Handheld's manual). In case that you are going to edit your first Action Code list, choose the file actcodes.txt, otherwise select the list you would like to work on.

Add new Action Code

To add a new Action Code to the list, open the input form by Edit� Add new Action Code .... The codes have to be filled in as shown in the picture below. Transfer the data to the Action Code list by the button OK or quit by the button Cancel. Save the Action Codes after editing (see chapter 6.7).

Number of AC followed by a short description of the event (caption).

Up to ten letters are shown in the display of the APR Handheld. Maximum 90 different Action Codes can be uploaded to the Handheld's memory.

If you have finished the list of Action Codes , you should save the list first. Then you can upload the list to the reader. See the corresponding chapters in the APR manual for information about how to link Action Codes to the ID. After you have finished collecting data, you can download the datasets to the Agrident program.

Edit selected: To do any changes on the Action Code numbers or the events, use this option. Mark the dataset you would like to change. Click on Edit� Edit selected. Change the data. Save the Action Code list afterwards. Delete selected: Click on any dataset (number and event) you want to delete, to mark it. Now choose Edit � Delete selected … . You are asked, if you want to delete the Action Code. In this way you can also remove our sample data. Yes = Do delete No = Do not delete Cancel = Stop this action

Caution! You cannot undo this action.


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6.2.3 Edit Handheld Data

In case that you have made a download of collected data and the data are still displayed in the information field, you can use this option in order to transfer the data to other programs. Download your collected data (see chapter 6.6.3). Mark the data that shall be copied. With Edit � select all you can mark all datasets, being screened in the information field. Choose either option - Copy to clipboard comma separated - Copy to clipboard TAB separated

Now paste it to the program, you would like to add it to, e.g. to spread sheets.

Caution! Once you have closed resp. saved and closed the downloaded data, you can't open the file again for editing it with the Agrident program. If you want to access the data later, you have to open the download-file with a Text-Editor.

6.3 Menu View

With the following submenus and the index cards below the information field, you can switch between the data being already saved: - View Taglist - View Action Codes - View Handheld Data

For the case that you have saved several files of one type (e.g. two Action Code lists), the last one been used, will be opened. 6.3.1 Online Window

The submenu Online Window can be used to display transponder data after reading, directly in a monitor window. For this option the Handheld has to be used in Online-Mode and it has to be connected to the PC via an interface. For the ADS200 docking stations this function does not work. Connect the APR Handheld to the PC. If not already done, start Agrident . Make sure that the Handheld is switched on. Click on View � Online Window. Start reading with the APR. As soon as a transponder has been read, the dataset is displayed in the Online Window .


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The displayed data can be erased as follows: Make a right hand click in the window and choose Clear Window. Now the window is blank.

The Online Window is solely used to show incoming data from the APR, that have just been recorded. In this window, data can neither be saved nor edited. Please read chapter 6.6 Download data from Handheld, 6.2 Menu Edit and 6.7 Save data to edit and save any data.

6.4 Upload data to the APR

Connect the APR Handheld to the PC. If not already done, start Agrident . Make sure that the Handheld is switched on.

The following options are submenus of the menu Handheld . They can also be accessed via the icons on the left side of the information field.

6.4.1 Send Taglist

Up to 2080 data sets can be transmitted.

Choose Handheld � Send Taglist to Handheld.

The status bar indicates “X tags transmitted” , to confirm the transfer (x stands for the amount of datasets). Otherwise “operation aborted (timeout)” is mentioned, followed by a possible reason, e.g. “not connected” . In this case please solve the problem and start again.

6.4.2 Send Action Codes

Up to 90 data sets can be transmitted.

Choose Handheld � Send Action Codes to Handheld.

You can see the status of the transfer as described in chapter 6.4.1.


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6.5 Set time

This function offers you the opportunity to synchronize the time on the APR Handheld to your PC.

Connect the APR Handheld to the PC. If not already done, start Agrident . Make sure that the Handheld is switched on. Choose Handheld � Set Handheld Clock. Now the Handheld is synchronized to your PC clock.

The status bar indicates “clock set” , to confirm the transfer. Otherwise “operation aborted (timeout)” is mentioned, followed by a possible reason, e.g. “not connected” . In this case please solve the problem and start again.

6.6 Download data from Handheld


The following options are submenus of the menu Handheld . They can also be started by the icons on the left side of the information field.

6.6.1 Download Taglist

Choose Handheld � Receive Taglist from Handheld.

The status bar indicates “X tags received” , to confirm the transfer (x stands for the amount of datasets). Otherwise “operation aborted (timeout)” is mentioned, followed by a possible reason, e.g. “not connected” . In this case please solve the problem and start again.

For each download a new file is opened. Save the Taglist (see chapter 6.7) to keep the data. In case that you have not saved the data and start a new download, you are asked, if you want to keep the data in the information field, respectively save the changes in the Taglist.

Yes = Save data No = Do delete Cancel = Stop this action


All data not being deleted in the Handheld’s memory until the next download will be downloaded and screened again. We suggest you to delete the data via the Handheld's menu, if you don’t want to download them again (see manual of the Handheld).


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6.6.2 Download Action Codes

Choose Handheld � Receive Action Codes from Handheld.


For each download a new file is opened. Save the Action Codes (see chapter 6.7) to keep the data. In case that you have not saved the data and start a new download, you are asked, if you want to keep the data in the information field.



6.6.3 Download collected data

Choose Handheld � Receive collected Data from Handheld.


Immediately after the download you are asked, if you want to keep the data in the information field.



Save the data as described in chapter 6.7.

The question will appear again whether to save the data, after you have chosen “No” and clicked on Exit to leave the Agrident program.

Yes = Save data No = Do delete Cancel = Return to AgriDent

The downloaded data can also be saved with the menu or can be copied to another program, e.g. to spread sheets.

The following image shows an example Download-file, opened in a Text-Editor.

Contains: Name of event/caption, value of the event (if any), timestamp, transponder type, country code and transponder number.


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6.7 Save data

Save the data being displayed in the information field by either submenu of the menu File - Save Taglist as … - Save Action Codes as … - Save Handheld Data as …

You can choose the file name however you want.

Caution! For Type “All (*.*)” is automatically selected. Please type .txt for the file's extension, to save the data as a text-file.

6.8 Clear data

Caution! Clear data, deletes all transponders plus the all additional information from the APR Handheld's memory. The Action Codes and the Taglist you have transferred to it will remain.

In case you only want to delete the Action Codes and the Taglist, do the deletion via the Handheld's menu (see manual of the Handheld).

To delete the data from the Handheld's memory all at once, choose Handheld � Clear Handheld Data. Now you are asked, if you want to erase the collected data.

Yes = Do delete No = Do not delete Cancel = Stop this action


The status bar indicates “memory cleared” , to confirm the operation. Otherwise “operation aborted (timeout)” is displayed, followed by a possible reason, e.g. “not connected” . In this case please solve the problem and start again.

7. Transfer data to other programs via import

The data being downloaded by the methods, shown in chapter 6.6 are saved in text format (.txt). They can be used in other programs that do import this type of format. Please read the manual of the according program or contact its manufacturer concerning the import of text files.


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8. Remote Control

This function is only available for APR Handhelds of version V 1.60 and higher. It offers the opportunity to operate the Handheld from a PC via the familiar keyboard. Choose View � Remote Control to open the Handheld's PC-keyboard.

In the main points this menu sequence is equal to the sequence in the Handheld's menu. The virtual keys on the keyboard do have the same meaning as those of the APR Handheld.

- on/off: Switch power on/off (in this case similar to C). - hotkey A: Starts a read and/or additional functions. - hotkey B: Starts a read and/or additional functions. - F: Switch into menu modus or return to main menu. - C: In menu modus one level up. - return: Conformation of changes in the menu modus and one level down. - � scroll: Move up or choose higher value. - � scroll: Move down or choose lower value.

You can also use the following shortcut keys to operate the menu by the keyboard of your PC. It is not necessary to press the Control key (CRTL+):

- (CRTL+)A = hotkey A - (CRTL+)B = hotkey B - (CRTL+)F = F - (CRTL+)C = C - �� return = return - �� scroll = � scroll - �� scroll = � scroll

To get known of each function being provided by the menu, please compare with the Handheld's manual.

To quit the program click on in the title bar.


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9. Handheld configuration

This menu provides a comfortable option to configure and save the settings of your Handheld. You will find some default values within the text. They are referring to the default settings of this software. To find out the default values of your APR Handheld version, please read your Handheld's manual.


Choose Handheld � Edit Configuration …

The window Agrident Handheld configuration will open.

In the menu bar two menus are provided:

Menu Handheld: - Read configuration from Handheld: By this submenu you can read the current

settings from the Handheld. - Send configuration to Handheld: By this submenu you can send the settings you

have chosen to the Handheld. To change the settings, read the following chapters.

This message confirms the setting transfer to the Handheld.

Menu File:

- Save configuration to file: You can save the settings you have made in a config-file (*.cfg). The name for the file can be chosen by you.

- Load configuration from file: By this submenu you can load any configuration you have saved, to send it to the Handheld. This can be very useful, if different settings are needed for different environments or work processes.

To quit the window click on File � Exit or on in the title bar.


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9.1 General Options

In this register you can use the options to configure the contrast and backlight of the Handheld's display, to modify the volume and to decide, after how many seconds the Handheld shall switch off when it is not in use.

Choose the value from one of the lists , resp. set a checkmark in the box .

For a detailed description of the general options read the APR Operation Manual.


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9.2 Read Options

In this register you can enable the transponders that shall be read by the Handheld, decide on the wireless synchronization , on the reader timeout and the doubleread time . You can also determine what shall be done, when the Handheld's memory is full , resp. if a non animal tag is read.


For a detailed description of the read options read the APR Operation Manual.


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9.3 Display Options

In this register you can decide on the display format of the transponders , whether to indicate the alias of the transponder ID and the Action Code , on the date and time format and the language of the menu.


For a detailed description of the display options read the APR Operation Manual.


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9.4 Hotkey Options

The following description of the options are equal for the registers Hotkey A as for Hotkey B .

Here you can determine for each Hotkey the Action Code mode , the Action Code number that shall be taken, if the Action Code is saved automatically, the power off time after a read and the save mode .

For a detailed description of the Hotkeys options read the APR Operation Manual.



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10. Trouble shooting

Problem Reason No connection with the Handheld. • Make sure that all plugs fit correctly to their

sockets. • Choose the correct ComPort (see chapter

5.1). • To enable communication between the

Handheld and the PC the ADS200 docking station and the APC100/150 interface cable need to be connected to an appropriate power supply unit.

The APR Handheld is getting warm when it is put into the cradle of a docking station.

• This is a regular condition. If rechargeable batteries are selected in the power manager menu of the Handheld the docking station will trickle charge the batteries. Charging batteries causes them to heat up.

For any further problem please contact us: Agrident GmbH Steinklippenstrasse 10 30890 Barsinghausen Germany Telephone +49 5105 582573-10 FAX +49 5105 582573-17 e-mail [email protected]


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11. Glossary

• Action Code (AC) An Action Code is a string of up to 14 alphanumeric characters. Action Codes allow to assign events like sales, movements, diseases or treatments to animals. An Action Code can be combined with the transponder ID after reading. It can only be assembled and uploaded to the APR using appropriate software. The Action Code Plus allows to assign a numeric value in addition to the Action Code, e.g. the weight of an animal.

• Alias An Alias is a string of up to 16 alphanumeric characters, e.g. a visual ID, the management number or just a remark. It can be assigned to one transponder ID. A list of Aliases is called Tag List. It can either be uploaded into the APR or it can be created manually in the field using the APRs keypad.

• ID Electronic Identification number of a transponder

• Tag List List containing Aliases.

• Transponder or Tag Data carrier for RFID applications, available in various models and types.


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12. Index

.txt .................................................................. 17 Action Code ................................................... 11 Advanced ISO.................................................. 7 Alias ................................................................. 9 Baud rate ......................................................... 7 Comport ........................................................... 6 Download ................................................. 13, 15 Edit Action Codes .......................................... 11 Edit Alias .......................................................... 9 Edit Handheld Data ....................................... 12

Handheld configuration ................................. 19 Installation ....................................................... 5 Menu Port ....................................................... 6 Online mode .................................................. 13 Save data ...................................................... 16 Starting the Software ...................................... 6 System requirements ...................................... 5 Time/Date menu ........................................... 14 Upload ........................................................... 14

agrident apr pc demo-software v1.6 manual pc sw v1.6 man_eng.pdf · apr pc demo-software ......

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