Tag No Longer Activates DoorUpdated 7 months ago

If an RFID proximity tag was working reliably for a period of time, but now is failing to activate the RFID sensor box or is intermittently activating the sensor box, it may indicate a communication issue between the tag and sensor box. This article provides troubleshooting information to help determine the cause of and resolve this issue.

1. Attempt Battery Change

Usually, a tag that was previously working but is now either failing to activate, activating intermittently, or activating at variable range, is suffering from a dying or dead battery. An indication of this is a dim LED flash on the tag when the tag's button is pressed, or no LED flash at all.

A video on changing the battery in the tag can be found here. Each tag takes a single CR2032 battery, and an eyeglass screwdriver is recommended.

2. Attempt Range Calibration and Troubleshooting

Your proximity tag's activation range may need to be recalibrated to work properly. This can also be used as a method of troubleshooting.

Note that the steps below are for Version 2 RFID tag sets. If your tag set was purchased prior to November 2021, your tag set may be Version 1 and the below steps may not apply. Please use this article to determine your tag set version, and contact us if your tag set is Version 1.

Begin by holding the tag at the maximum physical distance you'd like the tag to activate the door. The main Autoslide system should be powered on with the RFID sensor box connected. While observing both the tag and the RFID sensor box, press and release the button on the tag. Both the tag and the RFID sensor box should flash.

If the tag did not flash:

• This may indicate a dead battery or physical issue with the tag. Please refer to the section above. If the battery has already been changed, please contact Autoslide support.

If the tag flashed but the receiver box did not flash:

• This may indicate that the tag needs to be relearned to the sensor box. Attempt the learning process by following the steps here.
  • If the tag is relearned successfully, attempt range calibration and test.
  • If, during the learning process, the tag button is pressed but the receiver box again does not flash in response to the tag, note the behavior of the second tag.
    • If the same issue is occurring with the second tag, there may be an issue with the RFID sensor box. Please contact our support team for further troubleshooting.
    • If the second tag is working properly, there may be a physical issue with the first tag. Please contact Autoslide support.

If the tag flashed and the receiver box flashed:

• Proceed with range calibration. Wait until the receiver box light turns off, then press and hold down the button on the tag. The LED at the corner of the tag should turn on and stay lit. After a few seconds, release the tag button while observing this LED.
  • If the tag's LED flashes a few times before turning off, the range has been successfully recalibrated. Test the tag and attempt recalibration again as needed. Note that the tag can sometimes have a delay of 1-3 seconds from coming within activation range to activating the RFID sensor box itself.
  • If the tag's LED stays on solid, there is most likely an issue with the antenna on the tag. Please contact Autoslide support.

3. Change in Environment

If battery replacement and range calibration don't alleviate the issue, attempt to observe any change in environment from when the tag was working properly to now. Factors that can impact a tag include:

• The addition of RF blocking materials in walls or furniture, such as metal (e.g. new wires or electronic devices installed in the wall, on the wall, or next to the RFID sensor box) or concrete/brick (e.g. new exterior wall surfacing, furniture with masonry elements).
• The addition of additional RF signals in close proximity to the door. While the occurrence of this is extremely rare, it can cause interference with the RF signal of the tag and tag sensor box.
• Physical damage to the tag or tag receiver box.