Agilent Technologies G2615A Operation manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent G2615A
Bar Code Reader
User Information

2Bar code reader
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2002
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G2615-90007
Edition
First edition, May 2002
Printed in USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, Delaware 19808-1610 USA
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could
result in damage to the product or
loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are
fully understood and met.
WARNING
A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

3
Agilent G2615A Bar Code Reader
Agilent Technologies
User Information
Parts identification 4
Installation 5
About bar codes 7
Label and vial information 13
Applying labels 14
In case of difficulty 18
The Agilent G2615A Bar Code Reader (BCR) attaches to the tray
of a 7683 Automatic Sampler. It reads labels attached to sample
vials for positive sample identification.
•The reader attaches directly to the 7683 tray. A provided
spacer may be required to attach some trays.
•The G2615A Bar Code Reader is not compatible with trays
for 18596A, 18596B or 18596C samplers.
•The 7683 tray must be delivered from Agilent with A.01.04 or
greater firmware. Field upgrade to A.01.04 or greater is not
adequate.
You can verify your tray firmware using the 6890N keypad and
display. Select Options/Diagnostics/Instrument status. Scroll
to observe what firmware is installed on the G2614A tray.
6890A and 6890 Plus GCs will not display the tray firmware.
Contact your local Agilent office for assistance.

4Bar code reader
User Information
Parts identification
Figure 1 identifies those parts in the installation kit that may
not be easily recognized.
Figure 1 Parts identification
Label applicator
Vial plates
Roll of labels
Labeled vial
Long screws
Short screws
2-mm hex wrench
Bar code reader with mounting bracket
Spacer
Cable

User Information
Bar code reader 5
Installation
1Locate the recess in the bottom front of the tray. The BCR
must be located at this location. See Figure 2.
2Locate the mounting screw holes. Some trays have two holes
that are flush with the bottom of the recess. Those trays
require the spacer. Other trays have raised areas around
three mounting holes and do not need the spacer.
The tray shown in Figure 2 is the two hole version. This style
tray requires use of the spacer to mount the BCR.
3If the spacer is needed, align the holes in the spacer with the
mounting holes in the bottom of the tray. Place the mounting
bracket under the spacer, insert the two long screws and
tighten them firmly.
If the spacer is not needed, place the mounting bracket
under the mounting holes in the bottom of the tray. Insert the
three short screws and tighten them firmly.
4Run the cable to the back of the tray and connect it to the
Barcode receptacle. Tighten the two securing screws. See
Figure 3.
Figure 2 Mounting location
Mounting screw holes
Spacer mounts in this recess
if needed

6Bar code reader
User Information
5This completes bar code reader installation. See the section
on Automatic Samplers in your Agilent 6890 Series Gas
Chromatograph user information to configure the bar code
reader.
Figure 3 Connecting the cable
Barcode receptacle

User Information
Bar code reader 7
About bar codes
A bar code is a printed pattern of bars and spaces that encodes
information. The most frequently encountered bar code is the
UPC code (Universal Product Code) that appears on most
packaged products in the supermarket.
The information in a UPC symbol is not the price of the product;
it is simply a number that has been assigned to that product to
distinguish it from all others. The supermarket checkout
register obtains the price by looking up the code in a master list
(actually, the store computer does it).
The Agilent Bar Code Reader (BCR) reads and decodes several
different bar codes. The most useful one for general laboratory
use is the Standard 3 of 9 Code, which encodes both letters and
numbers and allows variable message length. The others may
prove useful in special cases. The preprinted labels available
from Agilent are in Standard 3 of 9 Code without a checksum.
See Table 1.
Bar code elements
All codes represent the characters as a pattern of dark bars and
light spaces. Some codes only distinguish between narrow and
wide bars, some have several possible bar widths, some use
spaces to encode characters, others use spaces only as bar
separators, and so on. Why so many different ways of
accomplishing the same simple task? They were developed by
different groups at different times and for different purposes.

8Bar code reader
User Information
Standard 3 of 9 code
Each character is represented by five bars and the four spaces
between them. The bar/space patterns are defined so that
exactly three are wide and the rest narrow. Characters are
separated by a narrow space. See Table 1.
The three wide and six narrow requirement makes each
character self-checking, but an additional checksum character
may be inserted in the message if desired. The checksum is
generated by adding the check values for all the message
characters, dividing by 43, and using the remainder to select the
checksum character. If a checksum is used, the character is
placed after the message characters.
When a checksum is used, the bar code reader verifies that the
checksum in the message matches the checksum calculated
from the message characters, but does not include the
checksum character in the returned message.
An extended 3 of 9 code includes the complete ASCII character
set, but it is not read by the bar code reader.
Ta b l e 1 Standard 3 of 9 code properties
Character set Capital letters: A to Z (check values 10 to 35)
Numerals: 0 to 9 (check values 0 to 9)
Other characters:
- . space $ / + % (check values 36 to 42)
Message length Variable
Checksum Optional

User Information
Bar code reader 9
Interleaved 2 of 5 code
Message length, including the checksum character if used, must
be an even number. If it is not, a leading zero is inserted. See
Table 2.
Each character is represented by five elements, of which two
are wide and three are narrow. Characters in odd-numbered
positions are encoded with five bars. Characters in even
numbered positions are encoded with the five spaces associated
with the preceding even character. There is no character
separator.
EAN/JAN-13 codes
The printed EAN/JAN-13 symbol is divided into left and right
halves by a pattern of narrow bars and spaces. Two different
code pattern sets are defined for the left side and one for the
right side. Bars and spaces may be 1, 2, 3, or 4 units wide. See
Table 3.
Ta b l e 2 Interleaved 2 of 5 code properties
Character set Numerals: 0 to 9 (check values 0 to 9)
Message length Variable (may require a dummy character)
Checksum Optional

10 Bar code reader
User Information
The printed EAN/JAN-13 symbol is divided into left and right
halves by a pattern of narrow bars and spaces. Two different
code pattern sets are defined for the left side and one for the
right side. Bars and spaces may be 1, 2, 3, or 4 units wide.
The left side contains the code patterns for the
country-of-origin characters and the first five data characters.
The last five data characters and the checksum character are on
the right side.
The first country-of-origin character determines which of the
left side pattern sets to use for the rest of the left side
characters. For example, call the left side pattern sets A and B.
If the first country-of-origin character is 0, the second country
of origin character and the first five data characters will all be
encoded using pattern set A (AAAAAA). If it is 1, the pattern
sets for the left side are AABABB.
A different pattern set is used for the right side characters.
EAN/JAN-8 codes
This is a variation on the EAN/JAN-13 codes. The left side
consists of the two country-of-origin characters and the first
two data characters, all encoded using the left side A pattern
set.
The right side contains the last three data characters and the
checksum character, all encoded as right side characters.
Ta b l e 3 EAN/JAN-13 code properties
Character set Numerals: 0 to 9
Message length 13 (2 country-of-origin characters, 10 data characters,
1 checksum character)
Checksum Required

User Information
Bar code reader 11
UPC codes
The UPC-A symbols are a subset of the EAN/JAN symbols.
There are two sides, but only one code pattern set for each side.
The symbol is equivalent to an EAN/JAN-13 symbol with the
first country-of-origin character set to 0 and the second one
replaced by a number-system character. The number-system
character depends on the kind of product and whether the
symbol is applied at the factory (pre-packaged products) or at
the store (weighed items such as meat). See Table 4.
The UPC-E code is called the "zero suppressed" version and is
used for small packages. It requires that the number system
character and at least four of the 10 data characters be 0 (zero).
The Bar Code Reader can process both versions.
UPC-E is not divided into halves but still uses two different code
pattern sets. One is identical to the left side UPC-A set; the
other is the reverse of the right side UPC-A set. The choice of
which to use is based on the position of the data character and
the value of the checksum.
Ta b l e 4 UPC code properties
Character set Numerals: 0 to 9
Message length UPC-A: 12 (1 number-system character, 10 data characters,
1checksum character)
UPC-E: 6 (6 data characters & checksum character
compressed into 6 encoded characters)
Checksum Required

12 Bar code reader
User Information
Summary
The Standard 3 of 9 code offers the greatest versatility for
laboratory use. It can encode both letters and numbers, plus a
few punctuation marks, and message length can be varied to
suit both the amount of data to be encoded and the space
available.
Interleaved 2 of 5 code is restricted to numbers but does allow
variable message length.
The other codes are number-only and fixed message length.

User Information
Bar code reader 13
Label and vial information
To minimize label and/or vial induced errors, always use labels
and vials that meet the specifications in Figure 4 and Figure 5
respectively.
Figure 4 Label dimensions
Figure 5 Vial dimensions
5.6 ± 0.6
No label
No label
20.5 ± 1.0
or tape
Maximum width
measured at overlap
12.56
All dimensions in millimeters
or tape
Bar code here
Te x t h e re
3.6 min
All dimensions in millimeters
32 ± 0.5
3.7
6.25 ± 0.25
8.2 ± 0.2
11.7 ± 0.2
34.5

14 Bar code reader
User Information
Applying labels
One roll of preprinted labels, numbered from 1 to 1000, is
provided with the bar code reader. This roll of labels is designed
for use with the Label Applicator, discussed later in this
section. To purchase additional labels, see your Agilent
consumables and supplies catalog or visit our web site at
www.Agilent.com.
If you have worked as an analyst for more than a day, you have
encountered the problem of sample labels that do not stick to
sample bottles. Rubber bands, transparent tape, putting the
bottle and the (loose) label in a beaker
― these are some
common “solutions”. But they will not work with bar code
labels. The following hints will help avoid loose labels.
•Label adhesives have an annealing time during which the
strength of the bond increases. For the Agilent labels, this is
about 20 minutes. Give the label bond a chance to anneal
before you stress it, whether mechanically or by placing it in
a refrigerator or freezer.
•The Agilent labels have a slight overlap. Be sure that the tail
of the label is firmly pressed down.
•The adhesive anneals best when both the label and the bottle
are at room temperature. After the bond has strengthened, it
will retain that strength when refrigerated.
•It is difficult to stick anything to a wet surface, including the
thin film of moisture that condenses almost immediately on a
bottle removed from a refrigerator.
•If you do find it necessary to overwrap the label with
transparent tape, apply it smoothly and avoid placing the
ends over the bar code itself.
•Keep the bottles and the labels clean. This improves both
adhesion and readability. Do not write over the bar code.
Label applicator
The Label Applicator (part number 18587-60530) supplied with
the bar code reader applies Agilent preprinted labels in the
correct position on the vial.

User Information
Bar code reader 15
Two vial plates are supplied with the applicator. The one
marked UNCAPPED VIALS is used when applying labels to vials
that have not been capped. Vials that have been capped will not
fit in this plate. A second plate, marked CAPPED VIALS, allows
for the extra length of the cap. While uncapped vials will fit in
this plate, they may not be properly positioned when the label is
applied.
Loading labels
The following instructions assume that Agilent labels are used.
1Remove the screws holding the side plate. See Figure 6.
2Remove the side plate and discard the empty roller (if any).
3Unwrap a new roll of labels. Use care because the roll will
tend to unwind.
4Place a new roll of labels on the three posts. The labels must
be on the outside of the roll and the roll must feed from the
bottom. See Figure 6.
5Replace the side plate and the screws.
6Verify that the correct vial plate (CAPPED or UNCAPPED) is
in place. If not, remove the four screws holding the top and
bottom plates, make the change, and replace the screws.
Figure 6 Loading labels
Do not let
tape uncoil
Side
Side plate
Vial plate

16 Bar code reader
User Information
7The roll begins with a 12-label leader. These labels contain
text but no bar code. Peel off and discard these leader labels.
Cut the end of the backing tape to a point to make loading
easier.
8Feed the end of the tape under the bottom plate and up
through the large opening. See Figure 7.
9Fold the tape and feed the end through the space between the
bottom and top plates. It will help to bend the tip upward.
See Figure 8.
Figure 7 Threading the tape. Under the bottom plate.
Figure 8 Threading the tape. Between the plates.
Pass tape under
the bottom plate
Remove leader labels and cut to a point
To p p l a t e
Bottom plate

User Information
Bar code reader 17
10 Pull the backing through until it points straight up. See
Figure 9.
Using the applicator
1Place a bottle in the opening in the top plate. It will only fit in
one position (to the right). See Figure 9.
2Pull the backing up until the end of a label appears under the
bottle.
3Hold the bottle in position (let it rotate) and continue to feed
the label onto the bottle.
4Remove the bottle and press down the trailing edge of the
label.
5Verify correct position with the gauge on top of the label
applicator. With the bottle on the ledge, there must be no
white space above or below the code and visible in the slot.
See Figure 9.
Figure 9 Ready to apply labels
Label position guage
Vial

18 Bar code reader
User Information
In case of difficulty
How the tray gripper works
•It slides over the vial body near the vial shoulder
•As the gripper rises, the vial may slide down in the gripper so
that the underside of the cap rests on the top edge of the
gripper fingers
Labels
✔Bar code labels must not be in the gripper area. This may
interfere with the gripper’s ability to engage the vial. The
maximum height of the top of the label, measured from the
outside bottom of the vial, is 21.5 mm.
✔Label thickness must not increase the vial outside diameter
such that the vials do not fit in the various sampler, BCR, and
tray locations.
✔Labels or tape on the lower part of the vial may interfere
with delivering the vial to its destination.
✔Labels must be applied smoothly with no bumps. Ends must
be securely fastened down.
Bar code labels supplied by Agilent meet these restrictions
when properly placed.
Residue on gripper
Any buildup of residue (grease, label adhesive, etc.) on the
gripper may interfere with its ability to engage the vials. Inspect
gripper fingers periodically and clean if necessary.
CAUTION Correct sample vial and label dimensions and label placement
are critical for proper tray gripper operation. Vials and labels
that do not meet the specifications in Figure 4 and Figure 5 may
cause sampler errors. Service calls and repairs found to be due
to vials or labels that do not meet these specifications are not
covered under warranty or service contract.

User Information
Bar code reader 19
Vial caps
The vial is sometimes carried by the underside of the vial cap. It
is important that the lowest edge of the cap is perpendicular to
the sides of the vial. If this is not so, the vial may be carried at
an angle and the base of the vial may miss its intended
receptacle when lowered.
Labeled test vial
A properly labeled test vial is provided with the bar code reader.
It is labeled in Standard 3 of 9 code and the message (a number)
is printed on the label. If you suspect that the reader is not
working correctly, use this vial to verify that it does successfully
read a properly labeled vial.

Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Printed in USA, May 2002
G2615-90007