The Zebra ATR7000 is a fixed RFID reader with advanced directionality capabilities. When integrated with ClearStream RFID, it enables tracking of an assets movement direction.
How Directionality Works in ClearStream
The ATR7000 leverages multiple antennas to detect whether a tagged asset is moving into or out of a read zone. ClearStream receives directional data alongside tag reads.
Configure the ATR7000 to Use Zebra IoT Connector (ZIOTC) Mode
Before adding the ATR7000 into ClearStream, the reader must be configured to run in Zebra IoT Connector (ZIOTC) mode.
- Open the ATR7000 web interface in a browser using the reader’s IP address.
- Navigate to the Communication>Zebra IOT Connector>Connection.
- Enable Auto Connect, then click Connect.
Setting Up Directionality in ClearStream
Connect the ATR7000 to the network
In ClearStream, add the reader to your project by opening the Device Configuration dialog then click Add->Zebra IOT Connector
Enter IP address/Hostname of ATR7000
Select the Device tab and scroll down to Operating Mode section
Change Mode from Custom to Directionality
To start as a baseline, configure reader height and the tag height to proper measurements.
Close the Device Options dialog
Select a Destination to send the tag data to. The included Microsoft Access database is a good choice for testing. When using this destination, select the RFID Tag List table from the Table drop down.
Configure the Field Mappings. If using the included Microsoft Access database, click the 'Set to Defaults' toolbar button in the Field Mappings section.
Finally, click on the Start/Stop menu option and Start the ATR7000 to begin testing.
Explanation of Directionality Settings
Reader Height (ft) - Specifies the vertical height of reader
Tag Height (ft) - Typical height of the RFID tags passing through the read zone
Orientation (dg) - Indicates the angle or direction of the zones in relation to the North point of the ATR7000
Zone Plan - Configures the geometric layout of the read zone, Image shown below of zone plan 4 vs zone plan 6
Inner Zone Width (ft) - Specifies the width of the read zone, ex. grey rectangle shown in image below
Zone Extension (ft) - Defines an additional buffer area around the zone
Hysteresis Distance (ft) - Sets the minimum distance a tag must move between zones before the direction state changes
Report Updates (secs) - Determines if and how often stationary tags are reported to the destination. A value of -1 means to never report stationary tags.
Beam Config - Selects the antenna beam pattern
Polarization - Sets the antenna polarization. affects read reliability, recommended is LHCP and RHCP as it scans in a spiral which tends to hit more tags compared to other options.
Zone Names - Allows custom naming of specific read zones, useful for organizing and filtering data ex: Dock Door 1 IN, Loading Bay 2 OUT, East Entrance
Practical Use Cases
Entry/Exit Monitoring
Track when a person or equipment enter or exit a room. Ex: Log tagged badges as employees move through a door.
Loading Dock Control
Track pallets or containers moving onto or off trucks. Ex: Validate loading/unloading sequences with directional reads.
Security and Theft Prevention
Detect unauthorized asset movement. Ex: Alert if equipment moves out through unauthorized exits.
Conveyor Belt Tracking
Monitor items moving through production or packaging zones. Directionality identifies if items are entering or exiting a specific stage.
Notes
A tag will only report when first seen, last seen, and/or a direction is changed. This is unless report updates is configured.
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