Antenna Test
The Antenna Test feature allows you to quickly verify that your RFID reader and its connected antennas are working correctly. By running a simple live test, you can ensure that all antennas are detecting tags as expected before starting a race.
How It Works
When you start the test, the CloudBox begins reading tags in a dedicated test mode. Each connected antenna (up to 8) is represented on screen by a numbered circle. The interface gives you instant visual confirmation of which antennas are active and what they are detecting.
Start Test Begins the antenna check. As soon as tags are read, the corresponding antenna circle turns green.
Live Feedback Inside each green circle you’ll see:
The last detected EPC (chip ID).
The time since the tag was last seen.
The RSSI value (signal strength), when available.
Stop Test Ends the test and clears the results.
Limitations
Antenna testing is disabled while Start Mode is active. This ensures the test does not interfere with live timing sessions.
The test is intended for quick validation and troubleshooting. It does not record or save passings into the timing system.
Example Use Cases
Pre-race setup: Confirm all antennas are correctly wired and positioned before the start.
Troubleshooting: Quickly identify if one antenna is underperforming or disconnected.
Signal verification: Check the approximate strength of reads at different positions using the RSSI value.
Why Use Antenna Test?
Reliable antenna performance is the foundation of accurate timing. With Antenna Test, you can:
Eliminate guesswork when installing antennas on the race course.
Save time during setup with instant visual confirmation.
Ensure your system is race-ready before the clock starts.
Closing Thoughts
The Antenna Test is a simple but powerful tool for building confidence in your RFID setup. By verifying every antenna ahead of time, you reduce the chance of missed reads and ensure smooth timing operations on race day.
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