Pre-Installation Planning
iSTAR eX Installation and Configuration Guide 3–3
Voltage Requirements and Distance
To operate properly, each reader must conform to voltage requirements.
A standard RM Series Reader or RM-4 board requires at least 7.5 volts.
An RM-4E board requires at least 11 volts.
The iSTAR eX supplies 12 volts at its connectors; however, the amount of
voltage that reaches the reader is impacted by the following:
– Number of devices on the bus
– Current draw of each device
– Distance between devices
– Distance between the device and iSTAR eX
– Wire gauge that connects the devices
– State of the battery
To determine the maximum distance of an RM reader from an iSTAR eX,
calculate the voltage that reaches each reader. If the voltage is insufficient, you
can shorten the wire length, use a heavier wire, or add a UL294 power-limited
power supply.
Wire resistance is as follows:
• 24 AWG = 26.0 Ω per 1000 ft.
• 22 AWG = 16.5 Ω per 1000 ft.
• 18 AWG = 6.5 Ω per 1000 ft.
Installation Tools
Antistatic floor mat, tabletop mat, and wrist strap.
Standard tool kit
3/32" (2.4 mm) screwdriver (supplied with iSTAR eX),
Security screwdriver (contact Software House)
Small needlenose pliers; small Phillips screwdriver; wire strippers
5/16" (#10) nut driver (for securing shield wires to a ground stud)