ASP LaserTraq User manual

LaserTraq
Portable
Barcode Reader
Proudly distributed and supported in Australia by:
ASP Microcomputers
456 North Road,
Ormond, Victoria, 3204
Australia
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.asp.com.au
(ASP Microcomputers is a division of Grayline Holdings Pty. Ltd,. ABN 81 004 940 729)
Manual revised: October 3rd, 2001 Copyright © 2001 by ASP Microcomputers

Contents
Meet the ASP LaserTraq........................................................................2
LaserTraq Application Programs............................................................2
LaserTraq General Overview .................................................................4
LaserTraq Accessories............................................................................5
Using the Laser Scanner.........................................................................6
Barcode Label Hints...............................................................................7
Care of your LaserTraq ..........................................................................7
Printing Barcode Labels.........................................................................8
What do I do if …...................................................................................8
Batteries and Cables...............................................................................9
RS-232 Connector Signals ...................................................................10
Typical Configurations.........................................................................10
Cradle Components & Options ............................................................11
Wall Mounting Option .........................................................................12
Networking option................................................................................13
Programming with Flash Cable............................................................14
Barcode Types......................................................................................15
Standard Stocktake Program ................................................................16
LaserTraq Download Utility.................................................................23
Year 2000 Statement ............................................................................25
Warranty...............................................................................................26
Caution – Laser Light
The ASP LaserTraq is a class II laser product, containing a 670nm laser
diode of 1.0mW output.
Do not stare into the beam emitted by the LaserTraq.
EMC Statement
The LaserTraq has been tested for compliance with the following
standards:
USA FCC Part 15, Subpart B, Class A.
Australia Australian Standard AS3548:1993.
N515

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Meet the ASP LaserTraq
Thanks for purchasing the ASP
LaserTraq. We know you’ll be
pleased with your decision, because
your new LaserTraq is an advanced,
yet easy to use product, and ASP’s
friendly staff are here to assist you
when required.
Some of LaserTraq’s important
features include:
All-in-One Design The LaserTraq
integrates a high performance distance
scanning laser engine inside a
compact housing, providing a single
hand solution to mobile scanning.
Large display & large keys The
LaserTraq’s large easy to read LCD
graphics display can display up to 8 lines of text and graphics, and has a
backlight facility for low light conditions. LaserTraq’s keypad uses soft
touch keys, large enough for real people!
Programmable ASP can develop custom applications for you, or you
can use pre-programming applications from a growing library. Either
way, you get the benefit of a large one megabyte of battery backed
memory.
And there’s more! Drop the LaserTraq into its optional cradle and
while the rechargeable batteries (if fitted) are being recharged, you can
download via an infrared link to the cradle, and then to your PC by the
RS232 standard. You can even daisy-chain a number of cradles together
for centralised downloading of a number of LaserTraq units. Have an
application where modem download is appropriate? No problems, ASP
has such applications already developed. You can also get an optional
leather case to protect your LaserTraq, and you have the security of a 12
month warranty.
LaserTraq Application Programs
This manual covers the general operation and facilities of the LaserTraq,
but the operation of your LaserTraq is governed by the application
program that is loaded into it. Because this will vary from one
application to another, you will need to consult the application program
notes supplied for detailed operating instructions, unless you’re using our
standard Stocktaking program, which is described at the end of this
manual.

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LaserTraq General Overview
The following table presents a general overview of the LaserTraq keys and other
parts of the unit. Note that the actual usage of keys depends on the application
program.
Laser Engine The Laser Engine produces the laser beam that
enables the unit to read bar codes
LCD Graphics Display The LCD Graphics Display has a display area of
128 dots by 64 dots, or up to 8 lines of 16 characters
of text. The display also has a backlight to assist in
low light conditions.
Charge Points Allows the battery pack to be recharged in the
cradle.
Infrared Interface This is used for data communication in the cradle.
Battery Cover Housing main batteries and backup battery
Host Connector Used for data communication to the host machine
Indicator Shows the result of a read; RED means Good Read.
Red PW Key Turns the power on and off.
Orange SCAN Key Press this button to scan a barcode.
User defined keys The function of the E1 and E2 keys is defined by
the application program.
MENU/EXIT MENU returns to the Main Menu, EXIT quits the
current operation.
SHIFT Changes between numeric and letter input.
FNC Press this key to access the blue printed commands.
CAP Changes between upper and lower case letters.
Numeric Keys These keys allow entry of numbers unless the FNC,
SHIFT or CAPS keys have been pressed.
BS/CLR Backspaces one character, or clears input.
YES/LOCK Inputs Yes at prompts, or locks all keys except
SCAN, LOCK and PW.
EDIT/BL Allows data to be edited, or turns on backlight.
Å/UP Moves cursor left, or moves cursor down.
RPL/DEL Replaces current data with new data, or deletes data.
NO/INS Inputs No at prompts, or inserts new data.
Æ/DOWN Moves cursor right, or moves cursor down.

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LaserTraq Accessories
The following accessories are available for the ASP LaserTraq:
Cradle – The LaserTraq cradle provides facilities for
uploading data to and downloading data from the
LaserTraq, while at the same time, recharges the
LaserTraq’s batteries (if the NiMh battery pack is
fitted). The cradle also provides a programming
cable socket for loading application programs into the LaserTraq. The
cradle connects to a serial port on your PC via the supplied cable, and
you can daisy-chain to up to 30 cradles via the RS-485 connectors. The
cradle is powered by a regulated plug pack power supply, and has
facilities for charging a spare battery pack as well.
Line Charger – A lower cost, but less flexible, alternative to
the cradle is the Line Charger, which plugs into a serial
port on your PC – directly if it’s a 25 pin port, or via a
cable or adaptor if it’s a 9 pin port. The Line Charger connects to the
LaserTraq via the included download cable, which plugs into the narrow
connector near the LaserTraq’s wrist strap. An optional programming
cable is also available, to allow you to load application programs into the
LaserTraq. The Line Charger is supplied with a regulated plug pack
power supply, and a cable back to a serial port on your PC.
Programming Cable – The Programming Cable connects between the
narrow connector near the LaserTraq’s wrist strap and either the Cradle
or Line Charger, to allow application programs to be loaded into the
LaserTraq.
Direct Connect Cable – One end of the Direct Connect Cable attaches to
the LaserTraq via the connector near the wrist strap, and the other end
has two DB9 connectors – one for the serial port on a PC, and the other
for a LaserTraq modem. Note that the cable can be plugged into either a
PC or a Modem – not both at the same time. Since it doesn’t provide
battery charging facilities, the Direct Connect Cable is suitable only if the
LaserTraq is powered by alkaline batteries.
LaserTraq Modem – The LaserTraq Modem is used for specialised
applications where data needs to be directly downloaded over phone lines
to a central point. The LaserTraq is supplied with its own plug pack
power supply.
Leather Case – Also available for your LaserTraq is an Australian made
protective leather case.

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Using the Laser Scanner
The LaserTraq’s laser barcode scanner is designed to be easy to use. If
you’re at a stage in the application program where scans can be made,
just press the oval shaped orange button under the display to activate the
laser. The intense red beam is called the “scan line”, and all you need to
do is to position this scan line across the barcode to be read as indicated
below.
Once the scanner has read the barcode you’ll hear a “beep” to signal a
good read, and the barcode contents will be displayed on the screen of
your LaserTraq (unless the program handles scans otherwise).
When you’re positioning the scan line,
you must ensure the scan line covers all
the bars and is at right angles to the
bars, as shown on the right.
Remember, a successful scan is
indicated by a “beep”. If you don’t hear a beep then try to scan the
barcode again, and check that your LaserTraq application program is
supposed to read the type of barcode label that you are trying to read.
The examples below should help you understand the acceptable ways to
position the laser beam scan line.

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Barcode Label Hints
• You should try to avoid using poor quality labels or inappropriate
types of barcodes. If in doubt, discuss this with your Dealer.
• Guard against barcode damage such as:
♦ Liquid spills on the barcode symbol (coffee, etc).
♦ Ink smearing or erased bars which may result from excessive
pressure on the barcode surface.
♦ Scratches through the barcode symbol.
♦ Writing across the barcode symbol.
• The use of a protective covering, such as “invisible” sticky tape or
clear Contact, will prolong the useful life of a barcode label.
The LaserTraq has been designed to provide a high read rate when a
good symbol is scanned. Scanning difficulty is usually caused by either a
damaged barcode symbol or improper operation of the system by the
operator.
Care of your LaserTraq
Although the LaserTraq is ruggedly built, damage is possible through
misuse. These few simple common sense rules will cover help you to
avoid problems:
• Don’t connect or disconnect any of the plugs when the power is on.
• Don’t drop the LaserTraq. Although the LaserTraq has been tested to
survive an average accidental drop, it is most unwise to let this
happen since damage to the case, display or memory could result.
• Do use the wrist strap and Leather Case to help prevent problems.
• Don’t leave the unit in a “hostile” environment where it could be
exposed to direct sunlight, dust or dirt, moisture, or extremes of
temperature.
• Don’t press the keys with sharp objects - you may damage or
perforate the keys
• Don’t place items on top of the LaserTraq unit.
• Don’t lay the LaserTraq face down as accidental operation may
result.
• Clean the LaserTraq only with a soft dry cloth, no water.

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Printing Barcode Labels
If you need to print your own sheets of barcode labels, ASP can also
supply our Label+ barcode label printing program, which allows sheets of
UPC/EAN, Code 39, Code 128, Code 93, Codabar and ITF labels to be
printed on any Microsoft Windows compatible printer.
A 7-day evaluation version of Label+ is available for download from
ASP’s web site at http://www.asp.com.au.
What do I do if …
My LaserTraq won’t turn on The most likely cause is that the batteries
are flat. If you have rechargeable batteries, put the LaserTraq on to
charge or fit a newly charged battery pack. If you have alkaline batteries,
replace them.
My LaserTraq won’t scan any barcodes Check that the barcode
symbology (type) you’re trying to scan is intended for your application.
If in doubt, try some other barcodes or call our service department for
help.

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Batteries and Cables
The LaserTraq is a battery powered device, designed to use either three
standard AA size alkaline batteries, or a NiMh (Nickel Metal Hydride)
rechargeable battery pack. You can change the type of batteries you use
at any time.
To install or change the batteries, turn the LaserTraq over so that the
keyboard is facing down. The battery compartment is in the bottom
section of the case, and can be accessed by removing the security screw
and sliding the cover off. If you don’t have a screwdriver handy, you’ll
find that a five or ten cent coin is an ideal substitute.
On the side of the battery door, next to the screw and on the opposite side
of the door, there are raised markings. Using your thumb and forefinger,
press inwards on these raised marks, then pull the door back about five
millimetres - you may find it helps to press down on the battery door near
the IR sensor, with your other hand.
Once you’ve slid the door open about five millimetres, you can lift the
battery door off to reveal the battery compartment. With the door open,
the batteries may be replaced, but make sure you observe the marked
polarity – the positive end of the batteries points towards the laser beam
end of the unit.
While you have the battery compartment open, you should also note the
coin-shaped silver CR2032 Lithium battery – this is the memory backup
battery. In the distant future, you may be told by the LaserTraq to
replace this battery, so now you know where it is. To avoid losing the
contents of memory, you must never remove both the main batteries and
the backup battery at the same time.
You must replace all three batteries at the same time – do not mix old and
new batteries. We recommend alkaline batteries for the longest operating
life, but standard AA batteries can be used if needed.
When you replace the battery door, don’t forget to do up the security
screw again!
While you’re looking at the back of the LaserTraq, you’ll see a dark red
“window”, and 2 silver pads. The window is the Infrared Sensor that the
LaserTraq uses to transfer data between it and the cradle/charger, while
the silver pads are the battery charging contacts used by the cradle. You
should also take heed of the laser light warning label, which cautions you
not to stare into the laser beam.
You might have also noticed the narrow connector near the wrist strap. If
you are using the Line Charger or Direct Connect Cable, this connector is
where they attach. If you have a Cradle/Charger, you’ll only need to use

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this connector to load an application program into your LaserTraq unit, a
task your Dealer or ASP has probably already performed for you.
RS-232 Connector Signals
The RS-232 cables and connectors on the Cradle, the Line Charger and
the Direct Connect Cable are designed to connect to standard DB9 and/or
DB25 PC compatible serial ports.
Typical Configurations
Shown below are the two main methods of connecting the LaserTraq to
your PC. The diagram on the left shows use with the Cradle/Charger,
while the diagram on the right shows use with the Line Charger.

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Cradle Components & Options
1. RS232C connector (connects to PC)
2. RS485 connectors (daisy-chain to other cradles)
3. Socket for plug pack power supply
4. Charge points
5. Infrared sensor
6. Power indicator
7. Charging indicator
8. TX indicator
9. RX indicator
10.Rechargeable battery pack holder
11.Socket for programming cable
12.Power switch
13.Holes for wall mounting
14.Identification label

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Wall Mounting Option
The Cradle/Charger is designed so that it can be used on a desktop, or
mounted on a wall. To mount it on the wall, you’ll need to “reverse” the
cradle, so that the cradle slopes out, not in.
To reverse the cradle, remove the six Philips head screws on the
underside of the cradle, then pull off the bottom section. Rotate the
bottom section of the case half a turn, then put it back on and re-fit the six
screws.
On the wall, you’ll need to attach two screws in a vertical line about
125mm apart, leaving the heads protruding a few millimetres. Place the
keyhole shaped holes on the cradle over the screw heads, and pull it
down to lock it in place. If the cradle is loose on the wall, remove it and
tighten the screws up a little.

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Networking option
Using the RS-485 IN and OUT connectors, it is possible to “daisy chain”
up to 30 cradles together. The first cradle (the one on the right in the
diagram below) is connected to the PC using the standard download cable
plugged into its RS-232 port, and it is connected to the RS-485 IN
connector on the second unit using an RS-485 cable. The RS-485 OUT
connector on the second unit is connected to the RS-485 IN connector on
the third unit, and so on.

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Programming with Flash Cable
The diagrams below show the connections necessary to load an
application program into a LaserTraq unit.

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Barcode Types
Product Codes - UPC, EAN and APN
UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number) and
APN (Australian Product Number) codes are compatible article
numbering systems used for consumer products sold in retail outlets.
Product codes are numeric only, and are assigned to manufacturers by a
national organisation.
Code 39
Code 39 was the first alphanumeric symbology developed. Widely used,
it is now the “de facto” non-retail symbology. Although there are only
43 characters used in Code 39's character set, it is possible to encode all
128 ASCII characters using Code 39's Full ASCII mode.
Code 128 and EAN-128
Code 128 is a relatively new symbology, providing a very high density
alphanumeric barcode. Code 128 consists of 106 different printed
characters, with each character having three possible meanings depending
on which of three different character sets is in use. EAN-128 is a
specialised version of Code 128 used for Trade Unit Numbering.
Code 93
Code 93 is also relatively new, and was specifically designed to
complement Code 39, providing the same facilities at a higher density.
Codabar
Codabar is commonly used in library and blood bank applications, having
the digits 0 - 9 and the characters $, :, /, ., + and -. There are four
different start/stop codes, allowing useful information to be conveyed in
these overhead characters.
Interleaved 2-of-5 (ITF) and ITF-14
Interleaved 2-of-5 (ITF) is a numeric-only code with the advantage of
high information density. It is not as reliable in use as other codes, and is
accordingly not recommended. ITF-14 is a specialised 14-digit-only
version of Interleaved 2-of-5 code used for Trade Unit Numbering.

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Standard Stocktake Program
If you don’t order a custom program for your LaserTraq unit, it will be
supplied with our standard stocktake program, which is described below.
When the LaserTraq unit is turned on, it displays the ASP LaserTraq
logo. You can then press any key to display the Main Menu:
Main Menu
MAIN MENU
1 S t o c k 2 S e n d
3 S e t u p 4 P r i n t
5 E r a s e 6 U t i l
To select a function from the Main Menu, press the numeric key
corresponding to the function – for example, press 1to begin a
stocktake, or press 3to set up the unit.
1. Stocktake
When you select the Stocktake function from the Main Menu, you will be
presented with the following sub-menu:
S t o c k t a k e
1 Scan Input
2 B r o w s e
3 Q u e r y
4 D o w n l o a d
To select one of the Stocktake Menu functions, use the Õand Öarrow
keys (at the bottom left of the keypad) to move the highlighted bar to the
required function, then press the E1 (enter) key (at the top of the keypad,
to the right of the orange scanning button).
Note that the display is actually only four lines long – it will scroll to
display other selections when the highlighted bar gets to the top or
bottom of the screen.
Scan Input
This is where the “dirty work” of the stocktake is done – you can scan (or
enter from the keyboard) the barcode numbers on your stock items, then
scan or enter a quantity. The number of barcode/quantity pairs stored in
memory is displayed at the top of the screen.
Press the MENU key to cease collecting stocktake data and return to the
Main Menu.

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Browse
The browse function allows you to examine the stocktake data stored in
memory, and to delete records if required. At the top of the screen, the
current record number and the number of records stored in memory is
displayed, in the form –5/9-, where the first number is the current record
number.
You can use the Õand Öarrow keys (at the bottom left of the keypad) to
move around the records stored in memory, and the DEL/RPL key can
be used to delete the currently displayed record. Care should be taken
when browsing, because there is no confirmation when deleting records.
To exit the browse function and return to the Main Menu, press the
MENU key.
Query
This function allows you to scan or enter a barcode number, and the unit
then searches memory for the barcode number and displays the matching
record. If there is more than one matching record, the Õand Öarrow
keys can be used to move between them.
To exit the query function and return to the Main Menu, press the MENU
key.
Download
The Download function allows a database to be loaded into the
LaserTraq from the PC. This facility is not used in this program.
2. Send
When you enter the Send function, you will be presented with the
following display:
P r e s s a k e y
t o S e n d
At this prompt, you can press the MENU key to return to the Main
Menu, or any other key to start the download. The stocktake program
uses the standard xmodem checksum download protocol, which is
supported by almost every communications or terminal program, such as
HyperTerminal that comes with the Windows operating system.

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3. Setup
When you enter the Setup function, you will be presented with a
sub-menu:
S e t u p
1 T e r m I D
2 Date/Time
3 P a s s w o r d
4 D e c o d e
5 M e m o r y
6 Stock Char
To select one of the Setup Menu functions, use the Õand Öarrow keys
(at the bottom left of the keypad) to move the highlighted bar to the
required function, then press the E1 (enter) key (at the top of the keypad,
to the right of the orange scanning button).
Note that the display is actually only four lines long – it will scroll to
display other selections when the highlighted bar gets to the top or
bottom of the screen.
Term ID
This section of the Setup Menu allows you to assign a unique terminal
number to your LaserTraq units, so that after download, you can identify
which unit data has come from.
To leave the current Terminal ID as it is, just press the E1 (enter) key to
return to the Setup Menu, or press the MENU key to exit to the Main
Menu.
To enter a new Terminal ID, use the numeric keys, then press E1 (enter)
to store the new Terminal ID. The display will then show a “Success!”
message, and then await a keypress before returning to the Setup Menu.
The Terminal ID can be set to any number from 1to 255.
Note that the Terminal ID facility is not used in this program.
Date/Time
This function allows you to set the LaserTraq’s internal clock/calendar.
When you enter this function, a highlighted cursor will appear over the
first digit of the date. You can use the Õand Öarrow keys to move the
highlighted cursor to the numbers you need to change, then use the
numeric keys to enter new digits. The cursor will automatically advance
to the next digit during entry, skipping over the / and :separator
characters.