MS3000 Reader Quick Start Guide

MS3000 Reader Quick Start Guide

The MS-3000 MicroStar Reader


1.0 Introduction

The MS-3000 MicroStar reader is intended for installation on a window mullion or a door frame, on or off metal, in proximity applications where an unobtrusive reader is required. The MS-3000 reader is compatible with a PXL-500P, or with an NXT/NXT-MSC controller - via an NXT-RM3 (Reader Interface Module).

The reader provides an audible beeper and a multi colored LED to annunciate the reader's status:
  1. Amber - to indicate normal operation awaiting an access event
  2. Green - to indicate a valid card has been presented or the door has been unlocked for access
  3. Red - to indicate an invalid card has been presented or the door is in an alarm condition.

The MS-3000 MicroStar Reader is housed in a black, weatherproof, shock resistant package. The reader provides optimum performance when mounted on aluminum; read range is slightly reduced if the reader is not mounted on aluminum.


2.0 Specifications

2.1 Dimensions 

  1. 3.25 inches High x 1.41 inches Wide x 0.375 inches Deep
  2. 8.26 cm High x 3.95 cm Wide x 0.96 cm Deep


2.2 Operating Voltage

  1. 5v to 14v DC @ 50 ma.

2.3 Cable Specifications

  1. up to 500 feet using six conductor, shielded, stranded AWG 24 wire (such as Belden 9536).


3.0 Mounting Instructions

Three holes need to be drilled to mount the MS-3000 reader (see Figure 1). One large hole (0.875" - 7/8") accommodates the beeper and the reader cable. Two small holes are for mounting the reader on the mullion or door frame (hole size is dependent upon the size of the mounting screw).

Note: Do not mount the reader near sources of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) such as a computer monitor. EMI degrades a reader's read range.


4.0 Connections

The MS-3000 reader does not require configuration; there are no switches or jumpers to set. The MS-3000 reader is normally connected to a PXL-500P via the TB5 or TB6 connectors, or to an NXT/NXT-MSC controller via an NXT-RM3 (Reader Interface Module). All connections needed to support the reader are made through the reader's cable. 

4.1 PXL-500P Reader Wiring

The "A" reader connects to TB5, pins 1 through 6 (TB5 has a seventh pin, but no connection is made to that pin). The "B" reader connects to TB6, pins 1 through 6 (TB6 has a seventh pin, but no connection is made to that pin).

Connecting to the PXL-500P Controller (TB5 or TB6)


PIN #
Function
Wire Color
1
Reader Antenna
Blue
2
Beeper
Green
3
Reader Power
Red
4
Reader Ground
Black
5
Green LED
Brown
6
Red LED
White
7
No Connection
N/A


4.2 NXT-RM3 Module Reader Wiring



5.0 Installation Verification

The reader's power is provided by the controller, so the reader is powered on when the controller is powered on. The reader's normal state is to display a constantly on Amber LED as it waits for a card or tag to be presented.

To verify the reader is functioning correctly, pass a Keri proximity card or a Keri Key tag within a few inches of the reader. The reader will beep and either the green or red LED will flash (depending upon whether or not the card/tag has been enrolled at the controller) and then return to steady amber.

To verify the reader's read range, hold a Keri proximity card or a Keri Key tag parallel to the reader, about 1 foot away and slowly draw the card/tag in toward the reader. Note the distance when the reader recognizes the card. The MS-3000 reader's range will be up to 4 inches for a card and 2 inches for a tag depending upon the installation conditions, the material on which the reader is mounted, and whether it is a card or a tag being read.

Note: Due to the physical size difference between cards and tags, tags provide approximately 50% less read range than cards. Refer to the Troubleshooting the Reader Installation section if the reader is not functioning properly.


6.0 MS3000X Reader Troubleshooting



                   Problem


             Probable Cause


           Corrective Action


The reader does not
recognize a card/tag









  1. One or more of the reader's wiring connections are incorrect.
  2. The reader is not receiving proper power from the controller.
  3. The reader is mounted too close to a device that radiates electromagnetic interference.
  4. A jumper is not set correctly on the controller.
  5. You are using an incorrect type of card.
  6. The reader is unable to read the card.









  1.  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.
  2. Verify the voltage supplied to the reader is between 5 and 14 VDC.
  3. 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.
  4. Ensure the jumpers JP6 and JP7 are set correctly for either Serial (jumpers ON) or TCP/IP (jumpers OFF).
  5. Make sure you are using an access card that is compatible with the reader.
  6. Verify there is nothing that can interfere between the reader and the access card.
The reader has a short
read range








  1. The reader's controller is not properly grounded.
  2. The shield wire for the reader's cable has opened somewhere between the reader and the controller.
  3. The reader is mounted too close to a device that radiates electromagnetic interference.
  4. The controller is mounted too close to a device that radiates electromagnetic interference.
  5. The reader is powered by a switching power supply.












  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Switching power supplies are EMI sources. Change to a linear, regulated power supply.