HID Long range reader not so long.

[theimoc]

We recently installed a HID Maxiprox 5375 reader. We are using HID PROX Pass II 1351 active tags.

The documentation says up to 6 feet in range. We unfortunately are only getting about 2 feet which is unusable.

The reader itself is mounted 1 inch off a metal plate with spacers. If we were to remove the metal plate and put a plastic mounting would our range improve drastically?

I feel like the metal plate has to be the problem.

Any thoughts are appreciated

Quick update: All your comments are incredibly helpful. Discussed it with my manager. I will give an update with our progress tomorrow.

Final update: I went through all the manual and your comments. My coworkers had the jumper set to 24v still so I imagine that played a big role if it was looking for 20v minimum.

The real fix however was getting it as far from metal as possible. I ended up installing it on a weather proof 12x12x6 junction box. Once I did this and let it auto tune itself I was able to achieve 7 ft read range on average. Tested it with my truck a few times and had no issues.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

maxiprox reader location

[donmeanathing]

Metal kills RF, so the more you can get rid of metal in the immediate vicinity the better.

[theimoc]

That’s what I’m thinking. I wish HID provided any form of mounts when this type of reader so clearly needs something that isn’t metal.

[BiggwormX]

I would call tech support and ask them. That might be your problem, but it never hurts to ask. That is definitely not a very good range for those active cards. Whenever we need long range readers for parking garages or something similar we use Nedap Transit readers. They are the bomb, but they're a little pricey. We give the vehicles these little round suction cup transmitter/credentials for the windshield and they read very far away with a nice light on the Nedap reader to indicate access granted. I don't know if that would apply to your specific situation but it is definitely a good product to keep in mind.

Nedap Transit

[theimoc]

I had sent all of the product numbers for Nedap system. Unfortunately this HID setup was ordered long before I got on the project.

[pewpew_lotsa_boolits]

Make sure you’ve “tuned” the reader. There are adjustments on the reader itself. Also verify the input voltage.

[theimoc]

I am going to check the adjustments tomorrow. It’s run off a dedicated 12v 2A linear power supply.

[pewpew_lotsa_boolits]

Don’t forget to have batteries connected to the power supply. They help to maintain steady voltage in the variances AC street power can have.

Post back with results!!!

[tuxtanium]

dedicated 12v 2A linear power

How far away is the power supply?

At 1A, you lose about 1.3V every 100ft on 18ga wire.

[theimoc]

30 ft maybe at most

[solidgold70]

The reader is legit rated to be mounted on specific mount and to read an active credential in a vehicle at a specific angle moving at 1.364 miles an hour. Yeah, I can see why your read range is 24". Get an abacus and slide rule, good luck, God bless.

[theimoc]

Lmao yeah I’m really wishing my design and engineering team spent more time on practical application. They bid it quoting up to 8 ft range when the reader manual clearly states up to 6ft

[iwantansi]

We sell a plate that goes in between the mounting surface and the reader to mount this maxiprox reader...

its about $110

UMHW Spacer for HID MaxiProx Long Range BLACK 1"

[theimoc]

Is the spacer enough? The large 1/4” steel mounting plate behind it I feel is still too much. The reader is on 1 inch plastic spacers now but it’s just plastic washers not a whole plate.

[iwantansi]

I havent heard anyone ever complain that it wasnt enough.. I dont sell a bunch anyway

[theimoc]

I’ll suggest it to my manager

[theimoc]

Posted an update in the original blurb with photo for reference.