For a condensed version of this guide, see Vehicle Reader V2 - Quick Install Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Package Contents
2. System Overview
3. Before You Start
4. Choose Reader Location & Aim
5. Wire the Vehicle Reader
6. Mount the Vehicle Reader
7. Install Vehicle Tags
8. Before You Leave the Site

1. PACKAGE CONTENTS

1. ButterflyMX Vehicle Reader
2. 24VDC Power Supply and Pigtail
3. Full Motion Wall Mounting Kit
4. ButterflyMX Windshield Tags (sold separately)
5. ButterflyMX Headlight Tags (sold separately)
6. ButterflyMX Windshield Tag Programmer (sold separately)

2. SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The Vehicle Reader system works in three steps:

How it works:

1. The Vehicle Reader reads a ButterflyMX Vehicle Tag and sends the credential to the ButterflyMX Access Controller.
2. The Access Controller validates the credential from the Vehicle Reader or ButterflyMX Mobile App, then sends an open command to the third-party gate controller.
3. The third-party gate controller activates the gate opener, which physically opens or closes the gate or door.

3. BEFORE YOU START

Complete these checks before beginning the installation:

• Complete a site visit to confirm the required ButterflyMX and third-party hardware.
• Confirm the planned mounting location and mounting method.
• Confirm the mounting location can be reached by the required 24 VDC power and RS485 cabling.
• Confirm the Vehicle Reader will have a clear, unobstructed line of sight to the approaching lane.

Mounting hardware:

• ButterflyMX recommends the ButterflyMX Vehicle Reader Performance Mount.
• Other off-the-shelf VESA 100 × 100 mounts are acceptable, but are not recommended.

Cable and power requirements:

• Communication: shielded RS485 cable.
• Maximum cable run between the Access Controller and Vehicle Reader: 800 ft.
• Power: use the included ButterflyMX 24 VDC power supply and 16 AWG wire.

4. CHOOSE THE READER LOCATION & AIM

Choose the Reader location and aiming point before wiring and mounting the device.

• Recommended mounting height: 4–8 ft above ground.
• Most effective mounting height: approximately 6 ft.
• Maximum allowed mounting height: 10 ft above ground.
• Recommended calibration distance: 15–20 ft from the Vehicle Reader.
• Aim at the front license plate / center of the grille of an average car or SUV when the vehicle is centered in the approaching lane at the calibration distance.
• Aim the Reader toward approaching vehicles; do not position it perpendicular to the lane.
• Keep metal and other solid objects out of the Reader’s line of sight to the vehicle.
• When possible, position the Reader in front of the gate or barrier so the system has time to read the Tag and open the gate.
• RF exposure: Select a mounting location so that a separation distance of at least 100 cm (39 in) is maintained between the front of the Vehicle Reader and all persons. Do not install the Reader where people can stand or remain within 100 cm of the device during normal operation. 

5. WIRE THE VEHICLE READER

Prepare the Reader:

1. Remove the access hatch on the back of the Vehicle Reader to expose the wiring terminals.

Connect power and data:

2. Connect the Vehicle Reader to the ButterflyMX 2-Door Access Controller and the external power supply using only the four rightmost terminals on the Reader terminal block.

3. Wire the four terminals as follows:

• B / White → 2-Door Controller Reader D-/L- (White)
• A / Green → 2-Door Controller Reader D+/L+ (Green)
• - / Black → 24 VDC Power Supply - (Black)
• + / Red → 24 VDC Power Supply + (Red)

4. Use the included ButterflyMX 24 VDC power supply and 16 AWG wire for power.

6. MOUNT THE VEHICLE READER

1. ButterflyMX recommends the ButterflyMX Vehicle Reader Performance Mount for a secure, long-term installation with adjustable aiming.
2. Other off-the-shelf VESA 100 × 100 mounts are acceptable, but are not recommended.
3. Attach the mount using the Vehicle Reader’s VESA 100 × 100 mounting pattern and the M4x12 stainless steel screws included in the accessories kit.
4. Mount the Reader at the height selected in Step 4. A height of approximately 6 ft is typically the most effective; 4–8 ft is recommended, and mounting up to 10 ft is allowed.
5. Aim the Reader at the target point established in Step 4, centered on the approaching lane at approximately 15–20 ft from the Reader.
6. Confirm there are no metal or solid objects blocking the Reader’s line of sight to the vehicle.
7. During final testing, adjust the Reader angle as needed until reads are consistent.
8. Confirm the installed position maintains at least 100 cm (39 in) between the Vehicle Reader and any location where a person may stand or remain. This separation distance is required for FCC and ISED RF exposure compliance. 

7. INSTALL VEHICLE TAGS

VEHICLE TAG OPTIONS

Windshield Tag: 3.50 in W × 0.75 in L

Headlight Tag: 3.90 in W × 0.5 in L

INSTALLING WINDSHIELD TAGS

Each vehicle should have only one (1) ButterflyMX Tag.

Install the Windshield Tag:

• On the inside of the front windshield.
• Behind the center rear-view mirror.
• On the side of the vehicle closest to the Vehicle Reader.
• Directly on the windshield glass—not on cloth or plastic trim.

Keep the Tag at least 2 ft from any other active Tag, and remove unused Tags. Multiple nearby Tags can reduce read quality or prevent access.

Athermic or metal-coated windshields can reduce read distance because the metal layer can block the Reader signal. If the windshield has a non-athermic area intended for toll tags, GPS, or other radio-based systems, install the Tag in that area. Read distance may still be shorter than normal. For help, contact ButterflyMX Solutions Architecture.

INSTALLING HEADLIGHT TAGS

Each vehicle should have only one (1) ButterflyMX Tag.

Install the Headlight Tag:

• On one of the vehicle’s front lights.
• On plastic—not on the metal body.
• On the side of the vehicle closest to the Vehicle Reader.
• Toward the top of the headlight to minimize the distance to the Reader.

Keep the Tag at least 2 ft from any other active Tag, remove unused Tags, and make sure the Tag is fully adhered to the plastic surface.

8. BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE SITE

1. Have at least one test vehicle available that represents the property’s typical vehicles. If the property has many SUVs, include an SUV.

2. When possible, have multiple vehicle types available for final testing, including SUVs, sedans, and vehicles with athermic windshields.

3. Activate the Vehicle Reader while the installer is on-site. Call ButterflyMX Support at (800) 398-4416, ext. 2. Support is the primary activation method.

4. Install the test Tag in its intended location on the vehicle. Do not hold the Tag in your hand during testing; this can prevent a reliable read.

5. With the vehicle stationary at the planned read location, confirm the Reader detects the Tag. If it does not, adjust the Reader angle until the Tag is read consistently.

6. Drive the vehicle through the lane at a normal approach. Confirm the Tag is read consistently and the gate opens as expected. Adjust the Reader angle if needed and retest.

Before leaving the site, confirm reliable reads with the representative vehicle(s). Read distance varies by Tag type, operating environment, power-supply voltage, and external interference. Athermic windshields may reduce range.