IBC DCX Series User manual

DCX Series User’s Guide
Version 2.11 Rev. 0 13 August 2013

DCX Series User’s Guide
Version 2.11 Rev. 0 13 August 2013
2
INTRODUCTION
The DCX readers are stand-alone data collection readers which
are available in fixed-mount and portable versions.
Major features of the DCX products include:
• 4 million bytes of non-volatile flash storage for sav-
ing transactional data.
• Time and Date stamping for all transactions.
• RS232 or USB serial port for uploading data on
portable units.
• RS232, RS422, USB, or TCP / IP serial port for
uploading data on fixed units.
• Easily programmed using serial commands or
Ibc’s utility software.
• Red and Green status leds.
• “J” series reader emulation.
• Programmable reader identifiers which can be
included in each data transaction record.
• Available with barcode, magstripe, proximity, iclass,
mifare, indala, and piv-II reading.
• Supports reading of Kronos and CAC / USID cards.
The DCX readers contain 4MB of memory in which data transac-
tions are stored. Every time a supported card is read, the data
read from the card is stored into the memory, along with an op-
tional date/time stamp, and two optional reader identifiers. Data is
stored in a circular buffer.
The reader can be programmed to accept specific barcode sym-
bologies, magstripe tracks, or prox formats. Data can be masked
before saving. Proximity cards are supported up to 64 bits.
There are four models of readers in the
DCX Series:
• Smart Slot DCX (barcode)
• Smart Mag DCX (magstripe)
• Magbar DCX (barcode and mag)
• Smart Prox DCX (Prox, IClass, PIV, with optional
barcode)
The Smart Slot DCX reader supports barcode reading only. The
Smart Mag DCX supports magnetic stripe reading only. The
Magbar DCX supports barcode and magnetic stripe reading. The
Smart Prox DCX supports either proximity, iclass, piv-II, or mifare
reading, with optional barcode and/or magstripe reading.
DCX readers are available as fixed-mount readers, or as portable
readers.
Fixed mount readers are available with wire exits on the side or
underneath, and can be mounted to a wall or tabletop. Available
interfaces with fixed mount versions are RS232. RS422, usb, or
Tcp/ip. Tcp/ip readers can be POE.
Portable readers are available with an internal 9 volt battery com-
partment (order suffix I), a power jack on the side of the reader
for connecting an ac adapter or battery (order suffix J), or with
both (order suffix A). The available interfaces with portable units
are RS232 and USB.
For applications where the readers will be used to collect data at
stationary points (time and attendance, trade show lead gather-
ing, training class attendance), where ac power is available, the
model with side jacks is the preferable model as an ac adaptor
can be used to power the reader and the reader can be mounted
tabletop. If ac power is unavailable for any short period of time,
a 9-volt battery may also be used using a special 9-volt adaptor
cable offered by IBC.

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Models which have the internal battery operate off of a 9-volt bat-
tery, which is housed in a small compartment located on the bot-
tom of the reader. This model also has an on/off switch located
on the bottom of the reader, so you can turn the reader off and
conserve power when the reader is not in use.
The SMAG-DCX will operate for approximately 8 hours with a
9-volt battery. The SSLOT-DCX will operate for about 5 hours
using a fully charged battery. The SPROX-DCX will operate for
about 4 hours using a fully charged battery.
All versions of the DCX readers can operate in an online mode,
similar to a J series reader.
A built-in memory protection feature notifies you when the reader
is full, and data must therefore be uploaded to a PC.
There are 2 leds (red and green) on the reader, which are used
to notify you of a good or bad read, and notification of when the
reader is full.
There are two reader identification fields which can be stored
along with scanned data. One field is the reader id which is 5
characters in length. The 2nd field is the reader description field
which is 10 characters in length. You can optionally store either or
both fields along with each scanned data item.
You can upload the transactional information in the DCX reader
into your computer by writing a simple program to upload the
data using the command set, or use IBC’s DCX utility software.
Note that data uploaded from a DCX reader is not cleared from
reader memory until you specifically send the clear command to
the reader.
DCX readers are flash downloadable, meaning you can update
the reader with new versions of firmware when they are released.
It is suggested that you consult the programming commands for
all features that you will be using. The programming commands
provide additional detail for each of these functions.
COMMUNICATION
All DCX series readers communicate serially, either with RS232,
RS422, usb, or TCP / IP. Non-fixed mount versions normally have
a jack for connecting the communications cable. Fixed mount
versions normally have a wire connected directly to the reader.
Some DCX readers may have 2 jacks on the side of the reader,
one for power and one for communications. The communications
wire is always the larger jack.
Do not plug the power wire into the communications jack or dam-
age to the reader can occur.
The default RS232 / RS422 and usb communications parameters
are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity.
You can communicate with the readers using your own software,
software provided by your dealer, or using IBC’s DCX utility soft-
ware, which is located on our website.
To initially test communications with the reader, send the reader
the V command, followed by a carriage return (hex 0D). The
reader will respond by sending it’s firmware identification. If you
do not have communications and you have a portable reader,
make sure that the communication cable plug is seeded properly
into the jack on the reader.
LEDS
DCX readers contain two leds on the front of the reader - one red
and one green.
During normal operation, theses leds are off. The Green led will
turn on after a good read. The red led will turn on if the unit is full,
and also for a bad read.
While in the “J” emulation mode, both leds are normally off, and
operate according to the “J” programming defaults which you
have programmed the reader to.

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WEATHERPROOFING
Weatherproofed units are weather-resistant and not completely
weatherproof. Avoid direct contact with continuous rain and/or
ice/snow by providing some protection.
If you have a unit with power and communication jacks on the
side, be sure to protect them so that water cannot enter the
reader.
Units which are not ordered as weatherproofed readers can
become damaged if water enters the reader through one of the
jacks. Avoid using the reader under any condition that will allow
water to enter the reader.
READER SETUP
Prior to using the DCX reader, you should setup the reader us-
ing the programming commands or the utility software. In many
cases, the factory defaults for the reader may be sufficient for
your application, but it is always best to make sure the reader set-
tings match your requirements.
For barcode reading, you can turn each supported barcode sym-
bology on or off. By default, all symbologies are turned on. Also
you can restrict the barcode reading to specific lengths only.
For magnetic stripe reading, you can turn on or off any of the
magstripe tracks, and also restrict the reading to only specific
length cards. By default, only Track 2 reading is turned on.
For proximity reading, you must configure the reader so that it
knows the acceptable prox formats that you want to read. This
includes programming the complete bit structure for the format(s)
you are reading. By default, the reader is setup to process stan-
dard 26 bit cards, and save the 5 digit ID number only from the
card.
The reader has a maximum programmable record length of 40.
The 40 character max includes any masking characters, but
does not include the date and time, reader id, or reader descrip-
tion fields.
OPERATIONAL MODES
Dcx readers support 3 different operational modes:
Offlline Collection Mode
Online Mode
Hybrid Mode
In the Offline Collection mode, scanned data is saved in the non
volatile memory and remains there until the host system asks for
the data.
In the Online Mode (“J” emulation mode), the reader emulates
and IBC J series reader. Scanned data is transmitted immedi-
ately and not stored in the non volatile memory.
The Hybrid mode is new to version 2.xx firmware. In the Hybrid
mode, scanned data is both transmitted in real-time and stored in
non volatile memory.
TCP TRANSMISSION OPTIONS
DCX readers with a tcp/ip interface are available with either the
standard IBC tcp/ip firmware, or an extended tcp/ip firmware
package built specifically for the DCX reader. The extended tcp/
ip firmware acts as a tcp/ip client and transmits new DCX stored
data to a server at user-programmable interval times.

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You program the DCX reader by sending serial commands. Each command must be followed by a carriage return (hex 0D).
The reader will respond with OK if the command is accepted, or NOK if the command is not accepted.
If your reader also supports reading barcodes, you can also embed commands within a barcode. To make a barcode containing
a command, the barcode must be in code39, and start with a %U.
Note that any spaces shown in the commands are not part of the command. They are used solely for readability.
To program any TCP/IP related parameters, refer to the IBC TCP/IP Programmers Guide.
PROGRAMMING COMMANDS

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Reset Record Size Command
Version Command
\ x x d r s
xxdata size min=4, max=40
dinclude the date when saving data 0=no, 1=yes
rinclude the reader id when saving data 0=no, 1=yes
sinclude the reader description when saving data 0=no, 1=yes
This command clears all data in the reader, and sets the record size. The record size must be set to the largest size of any
data that you will be storing. It is ok to read card data that is smaller than this size, but any card data larger than this size will
be rejected.
When reading proximity style cards, you will need to program the reader to the field data that you want to read off of the
card, and the length of each of these fields when they are converted into decimalized numbers. The total length of
the fields which are converted cannot be larger than the maximum record size setting. See the proximity formatting
commands for more information.
V
This command returns the firmware version loaded in the reader.
Set Time Command
+ yy mm dd hh mm ss x
yyyear
mmmonth
ddday
hhhour (24 hour format, 00 thru 23)
mmminutes
ssseconds
xuse a 1 always
This command sets the date and time in the reader.

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Get Time Command
t
returns: YY MM DD HH MM SS

This command returns the current date and time set in the reader.
Get Number of Records
Set Reader ID
Set Reader Description
z
returns: aaaaa bbbbb ccccc

aaaaa number of total slots available in the reader for storage
bbbbbnumber of used slots
cccccnumber of slots used but not uploaded
Returns the number of available slots for storage, the number of slots used, and the number of stored data records which have
not been uploaded.
g xxxxx -or - X109 xxxxx
Sets the reader id field to xxxxx. 5 characters are required. If less than 5 characters, pad with blanks. The g command is used
for backward compatibility with older IBC utility software. The preferred method to setting the ID is to use the X109 command.
h xxxxxxxxxx -or- X110 xxxxxxxxxx
Sets the reader id field to xxxxx 10 characters are required. If less than 10 characters, pad with blanks. The h command is used
for backward compatibility with older IBC utility software. The preferred method to setting the Description is to use the X110
command.

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Set Reader Mode
Get Reader Parameters
| x

x1 online mode (use this also for Hybrid Mode in combination with the X108 command, page 42)
2prox dump mode
5collection mode
Sets the mode of the reader.
Mode 5 is the standard data collection mode.
Mode 1 is an online mode. Data from scanned cards is immediately transmitted out serially and is not stored,
unless Hybrid Mode is also turned on.
Mode 2 is a special mode for dumping the bit pattern of proximity cards, including prox, iclass, piv, and mifare.
The prox bits (1’s and 0’s) are transmitted through the serial interface when the card is presented.
This mode is useful when attempting to identify the format of the prox card.
?
returns: rr m 1 2 3 id
rr data record length, not including date/time, id, or description
mcurrent reader mode, 1, 2, or 5
10=date/time not being recorded, 1=date/time included
20=reader id not included, 1=reader id included
30=reader description not included, 1=reader description included
i5 character reader id
d10 character reader description
Returns the parameters set in the reader.

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Get Log Item
Clear Log
Reset Log Position
l
Returns a logged data record. The format of the data record will be date/time, reader id, reader description, data.
Date/time, reader id, and reader description are optional items and will only be in the data record if they were turned on
using the \ command.
The date/time is in the format YYMMDDHHMMSS.
Reader Id is 5 characters
Reader Description is 10 characters
Data can be any length up to the maximum you have programmed.
When all data has been uploaded from the reader, the l command will return END.
Note that data is not cleared from the reader until you send the lc command.
lc
This command clears all of the log data in the reader.
lr
Causes the reader to start uploading data from the beginning of the log data. The reader remembers what position you are
when uploading data, so every l command gets the next data record. If you issue the lr command, the next l command will
return the first data record, and then continue upward.

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Restart Reader
Reset Reader
<null> X
Restarts the reader. Changing some parameters, such as the baud rate, requires the reader to be powered down and then
restarted. Alternatively, you can issue the restart command to restart the reader.
<null> refers to the null character (hex 00)
<null> U
Restarts the reader. Changing some parameters, such as the baud rate, requires the reader to be powered down and then
restarted. Alternatively, you can issue the restart command to restart the reader.
<null> refers to the null character (hex 00)

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Code 39 Barcode Settings
X001 e c t s d ll x p s
e1 = enable code39; 0 = disable code39 reading
c1 = enable code39 check digit; 0 = disable check digit checking
t1 = include check digit with data; 0 = don’t include
s1 = include start/stop characters with data; 0 = don’t include
d1 = include direction indicator; 0 = don’t include
ll read code39 barcodes only with a length of 11; set ll to 00 to read any length
xextra bars setting, 0 thru 4
p1 = code39 prefix on; 0 = don’t include a prefix
s1 = code39 suffix on; 0 = don’t include suffix
NOTES
• If the direction indicator is turned on, then the code39 data is prefixed with a “f” to indicate that the card was read in
a forward direction, “r” to indicate it was read in the reverse direction.
• If the code39 barcode has extra bars in it, before or after the barcode, you can set the extra bars parameter to the number
of allowable extra bars. The reader will ignore the extra bars and “find” the code39 barcode within the bars.
• If you set the prefix or suffix on, the any prefix that you program for code39 will be prepended to the code39 data, and
any suffix that you program will be appended to the code39 data.
• If you are reading code39 from cac or usid cards, set the prefix,suffix,direction, and check digits off.
Code 39 Prex
X016 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to code39 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the prefix data.
Example: X016049050000000000
Inserts a prefix of “12” in front of code39 data.

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Code 39 Sux
X017 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be appended to code39 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the suffix data.
Example: X017065066000000000
Inserts a suffix of “AB” at then end of code39 data.

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Standard 2 of 5 Barcode Settings
X002 e c t d ll x p s
e1 = enable S2of5; 0 = disable S20f5 reading
c1 = enable S2of5 check digit; 0 = disable check digit checking
t1 = include check digit with data; 0 = don’t include
d1 = include direction indicator; 0 = don’t include
ll read S2of5 barcodes only with a length of 11; set ll to 00 to read any length
xextra bars setting, 0 thru 4
p1 = S2of5 prefix on; 0 = don’t include a prefix
s1 = S2of5 suffix on; 0 = don’t include suffix
NOTES
• If the direction indicator is turned on, then the S2of5 data is prefixed with a “f” to indicate that the card was read in
a forward direction, “r” to indicate it was read in the reverse direction.
• If the S2of5 barcode has extra bars in it, before or after the barcode, you can set the extra bars parameter to the number
of allowable extra bars. The reader will ignore the extra bars and “find” the S2of5 barcode within the bars.
• If you set the prefix or suffix on, the any prefix that you program for S2of5 will be prepended to the S2of5 data, and
any suffix that you program will be appended to the S2of5 data.
S2of5 Prex
X020 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to S2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the prefix data.
Example: X020049050000000000
Inserts a prefix of “12” in front of S2of5 data.

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S2of5 Sux
X021 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to S2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the suffix data.
Example: X021065066000000000
Inserts a suffix of “AB” at then end of S2of5 data.

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Industrial 2 of 5 Barcode Settings
X003 e c t d ll x p s
e1 = enable ind2of5; 0 = disable ind20f5 reading
c1 = enable ind2of5 check digit; 0 = disable check digit checking
t1 = include check digit with data; 0 = don’t include
d1 = include direction indicator; 0 = don’t include
ll read ind2of5 barcodes only with a length of 11; set ll to 00 to read any length
xextra bars setting, 0 thru 4
p1 = ind2of5 prefix on; 0 = don’t include a prefix
s1 = ind2of5 suffix on; 0 = don’t include suffix
NOTES
• If the direction indicator is turned on, then the ind2of5 data is prefixed with a “f” to indicate that the card was read in
a forward direction, “r” to indicate it was read in the reverse direction.
• If the ind2of5 barcode has extra bars in it, before or after the barcode, you can set the extra bars parameter to the number
of allowable extra bars. The reader will ignore the extra bars and “find” the ind2of5 barcode within the bars.
• If you set the prefix or suffix on, the any prefix that you program for ind2of5 will be prepended to the ind2of5 data,
and any suffix that you program will be appended to the ind2of5 data.
Industrial 2 of 5 Prex
X030 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to ind2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the prefix data.
Example: X030049050000000000
Inserts a prefix of “12” in front of ind2of5 data.

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Industrial 2 of 5 Sux
X031 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to ind2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the suffix data.
Example: X031065066000000000
Inserts a suffix of “AB” at then end of ind2of5 data.

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Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode Settings
X004 e c t d ll x p s
e1 = enable i2of5; 0 = disable i20f5 reading
c1 = enable i2of5 check digit; 0 = disable check digit checking
t1 = include check digit with data; 0 = don’t include
d1 = include direction indicator; 0 = don’t include
ll read i2of5 barcodes only with a length of 11; set ll to 00 to read any length
xextra bars setting, 0 thru 4
p1 = i2of5 prefix on; 0 = don’t include a prefix
s1 = i2of5 suffix on; 0 = don’t include suffix
NOTES
• If the direction indicator is turned on, then the int2of5 data is prefixed with a “f” to indicate that the card was read in
a forward direction, “r” to indicate it was read in the reverse direction.
• If the i2of5 barcode has extra bars in it, before or after the barcode, you can set the extra bars parameter to the number
of allowable extra bars. The reader will ignore the extra bars and “find” the i2of5 barcode within the bars.
• If you set the prefix or suffix on, the any prefix that you program for i2of5 will be prepended to the i2of5 data, and any
suffix that you program will be appended to the i2of5 data.
Interleaved 2 of 5 Prex
X018 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to ind2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the prefix data.
Example: X018049050000000000
Inserts a prefix of “12” in front of i2of5 data.

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Industrial 2 of 5 Sux
X019 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to ind2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the suffix data.
Example: X031065066000000000
Inserts a suffix of “AB” at then end of i2of5 data.

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Upc A Barcode Settings
X005 e d x p s
e1 = enable upca; 0 = disable upca reading
d1 = include direction indicator; 0 = don’t include
xextra bars setting, 0 thru 4
p1 = upca prefix on; 0 = don’t include a prefix
s1 = upca suffix on; 0 = don’t include suffix
NOTES
• If the direction indicator is turned on, then the upca data is prefixed with a “f” to indicate that the card was read in a forward
direction, “r” to indicate it was read in the reverse direction.
• If the upca barcode has extra bars in it, before or after the barcode, you can set the extra bars parameter to the number of
allowable extra bars. The reader will ignore the extra bars and “find” the upca barcode within the bars.
• If you set the prefix or suffix on, the any prefix that you program for upca will be prepended to the upca data, and any suffix
that you program will be appended to the upca data.
Upc A Prex
X026 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to ind2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the prefix data.
Example: X026049050000000000
Inserts a prefix of “12” in front of upca data.

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Upc A Sux
X027 aaa bbb ccc ddd eee
aaa-eee 3-digit ascii value for a character, max=126, 000=end
You can program up to 5 characters to be prepended to ind2of5 data. To set a character use the 3-digit decimal value for the
character, i.e. “A” = hex 41 = 065 decimal. Use 000 to signify the end of the suffix data.
Example: X027065066000000000
Inserts a suffix of “AB” at then end of upca data.