MS Reader Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the MS Reader Installation
Problem | Probable Cause | Corrective Action |
The reader does
not recognize a card/tag (no
beep, no LED
flash)
|
- One or more of the
reader's wiring
connections are
incorrect.
- The reader is not
receiving proper power
from the controller.
- The reader is mounted
too close to a device that
radiates electromagnetic
interference.
- A jumper is not set
correctly on the
controller (or on the reader interface module).
- You are using an
incorrect type of card.
- The reader is unable to
read the card.
- The NXT-MSC controller may be in a reset state.
|
- Power down the controller and verify the
wiring connections are correct for the reader/
controller combination per the instructions
provided in the Connections section on pages
2 and 3.
- Verify the voltage supplied to the reader is
between 5 and 14 VDC.
- Devices such as computer monitors radiate
electromagnetic interference that affects read
range. When possible, relocate either the
reader or the device to provide a greater
distance between the two.
- For a PXL-500W controller verify the JP5 reader voltage jumper is correctly set. Most Wiegand readers operate at 12-14VDC but some use 5VDC. When using an NXT reader interface module, the voltage selection jumper is labelled J3.
- Make sure you are using an access card that
is compatible with the reader.
- Verify there is nothing that can interfere
between the reader and the access card.
- In the Doors.NET software, verify that the controller is online. If it is online, right-click the controller and perform a memory reset - this will also immediately send an update to the controller.
|
|
The reader has a short read range
|
- The reader's controller
is not properly
grounded.
- The shield wire for the
reader's cable has
opened somewhere
between the reader and
the controller.
- The reader is mounted
too close to a device that
radiates electromagnetic
interference.
- The controller is
mounted too close to a
device that radiates
electromagnetic
interference.
- The reader is powered
by a switching power
supply.
|
- Ensure there is a quality earth ground
connection made to the controller. Refer to
the controller's documentation for specific
information regarding the earth ground
connection.
- Verify the shield line from the controller to
the reader is one continuous, connected line.
Refer to the controller's installation
documentation and verify the shield line is
correctly connected to the controller.
- Devices such as computer monitors radiate
electromagnetic interference that affects read
range. When possible, relocate either the
reader or the device to provide a greater
distance between the two.
- Devices such as computer monitors radiate
electromagnetic interference that affects the
performance of the receiver board on the
controller. When possible, relocate either the
controller or the device to provide a greater
distance between the two.
- Switching power supplies are EMI sources.
Change to a linear, regulated power supply
|
|

Important Notes:
- Only the MS-3000X is designed to be mounted directly onto a metal surface. Other MS Series readers, such as the MS-5000X and the MS-7000X will provide optimum performance when mounted at least one inch away from
metal surfaces; read range is reduced if the reader is mounted on or near metal surfaces.
- Keri does NOT recommend the use of CAT5/CAT6 or reader cable. Although the cable AWG is suitable this cable is typically more brittle and therefore more prone to being damaged.
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