The Test Transponder is the ideal tool to identify faulty passive antenna elements. It is designed to detect in 1m height with a narrow variance between detecting and not detecting. Only this enables you to do a true assessment of the cable and antenna quality. Bib Transponders detect much higher and are not a proper tool for testing the antenna performance!

How to use the Test Transponder

1. Make sure the decoder is in Test Mode, with the following settings activated.

1. Dead Time:  5000 ms

   Reaction Time: 0850 ms

   On detection:  BEEP and BLINK

   ► Test Mode:  Test transponder only ◄

2. Hold the Test Transponder stickered side up directly over the center of the antenna, at 1 m height.
3. The Test Transponder should start reading at around 1 Meter height, and if you lower it, definitely before 75 cm height.

If the Test Transponder does not read, review the following requirements, and repeat steps 1-3:

• Check the cable connection to the decoder
• Make sure only unfolded elements are connected to the decoder.
• Open the mat, check the connection to the antenna and look for potential damage at both the antenna and the cable.
• Make sure the antenna lid lies correctly on top of the antenna. It needs to have contact to the antenna itself.
• Check for water/moisture inside the antenna and clear it, if applicable.
• Remove anything covering the antenna mat (carpet, ice, etc.).
• Is there overhead metal (e.g. finish gantry truss)? If so, try moving the antenna a bit.
• Is there another decoder close by? Make sure they are not too close and/or running on different frequencies.
• Is there any other equipment on the same frequency (e.g. microphones)? 
• Does the decoder report any errors? Please refer to the error codes.
• Check another decoder and antenna.
  • If the problem occurs with the same antenna at a different decoder, most likely the antenna is faulty.
  • If the problem occurs with a different antenna at the same decoder, most likely the reader (decoder) is faulty.