Metrologic ScanPal 2 User manual

ScanPal®2
Portable Data Terminal
User manual
Printed August 2001

ScanPal 2
The content of this manual is the property of Metrologic Instruments Inc. The information contained in
this manual has been carefully checked and is considered to be accurate. Metrologic Instruments Inc.
accepts no responsibility regarding any inaccuracies in this document.
The information appearing in this document may be subject to modification, without prior notice, in
order to improve the reliability, design and function, and under no circumstances constitutes an
obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
All rights reserved. Under no circumstances may any part of this manual be reproduced or transmitted
in any form whatsoever, or by any means whatsoever, without the prior authorization of Metrologic
Instruments Inc.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................ 2
2. General characteristics...................................................................................... 3
2.1. Electrical characteristics......................................................................................3
2.2. Environment........................................................................................................3
2.3. Physical characteristics.......................................................................................3
2.4. CPU ....................................................................................................................3
2.5. Memory...............................................................................................................5
2.6. Scanner...............................................................................................................5
2.7. Screen.................................................................................................................5
2.8. Keypad................................................................................................................5
2.9. Indicator ..............................................................................................................6
2.10. Communication ...................................................................................................6
2.11. Programming language.......................................................................................6
2.12. Accessories.........................................................................................................6
3. Hardware configuration..................................................................................... 7
3.1. Front, back and side view....................................................................................7
3.2. RS232 and IrDA connection................................................................................7
4. Software organization........................................................................................ 9
4.1. Kernel Module.....................................................................................................9
4.2. System Module....................................................................................................9
4.3. Program Module................................................................................................11
4.4. Creating your own program...............................................................................11
5. Operations ........................................................................................................ 13
5.1. Operations at the keypad ..................................................................................13
5.2. Program Mode...................................................................................................15
5.3. System Mode ....................................................................................................20
5.4. Kernel Mode...................................................................................................... 25
5.5. Overview...........................................................................................................27
6. Troubleshooting guide .................................................................................... 28
7. Metrologic reference and descriptions .......................................................... 31

1. Introduction
The ScanPall2is a high performance, light-weight and compact portable terminal,
designed for daily intensive use.
It is powered by two ‘AAA’ replaceable batteries or one Ni-MH rechargeable
battery and is equipped with a comprehensive set of development tools, including
a Windows based application generator, a "BASIC" compiler and a "C" compiler.
It is provided with an FSTN technology LCD graphics screen, with a resolution of
128x64 pixels, equipped with backlighting and a contrast control enabling it to be
read perfectly, whatever the ambient lighting.
Its CCD scanner and integrated RS-232 and IrDA communication ports make the
ScanPall2ideal for inventory, stock control, document monitoring,factory floor
management, asset tracking, warehousing and distribution operations.

2. General characteristics
The basic characteristics of the ScanPall2are as follows:
Electrical characteristics
•Main battery................................ two AAA replaceable batteries or one Ni-MH
rechargeable battery
•Backup battery............................ 3.0 V, 7.0 mAh rechargeable lithium battery,
for the static random access memory
(SRAM) and the calendar
•Stand-alone operation ................ over 100 hours and over 50,000 reads (CPU
in low-speed mode and 1 read every 5
seconds)
Environment
•Humidity (operating) ................... non-condensing from 10% to 90%
•Humidity (storage) ...................... non-condensing from 5% to 95%
•Temperature (operating)............. from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
•Temperature (storage)................ from -30°C to 70°C (-22°F to 158°F)
•EMC regulations......................... FCC class A, CE and C-Tick approved
(EMC: Electromagnetic compatibility) (FCC: Federal Communications Commission)
•Shock resistance ........................ 1.2 m (4’) drop on to concrete
Physical characteristics
•Dimensions................................. 145 mm (5.7”) L x 63 mm (2.5”) W x 33.5
mm (1.3”) H
•Weight ........................................ 180 g (6.3 oz) including batteries
•Color........................................... dark grey
•Material....................................... ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
CPU
•Toshiba 16-bit CMOS microprocessor

•Dual clock with low-speed mode capability for saving the batteries (for further
information on the Speed setting, refer to section 5.3)

Memory
•Program...................................... 1-MB Flash-ROM, flash memory used for
saving the program, character sets,
constants, etc.
•Data............................................ 1 MB SRAM, static random access memory
Scanner
The ScanPall2 is equipped with a CCD scanner. The scanners characteristics
are as follows:
ScanPal 2C (CCD)
•Minimum bar width...................... 0.102 mm (4 mil)
•Depth of field .............................. 30 mm – 160 mm (1.2” – 6.3 “) for 0.33 mm
(13 mil) codes
•Field width .................................. 124 mm (4.9”) @ 160 mm (6.3”)
•Scan rate.................................... 100 scans / second
•Ambient light rejection ................ 1200 Lux (direct lighting from the sun)
2500 Lux (fluorescent lighting)
Screen
•FSTN technology LCD graphics screen, with a resolution of 128x64 pixels and
LED backlighting.
Keypad
•21 rubber keys, consisting of alphanumeric keys, arrow keys, function keys
and a key for triggering the scanner.

Indicator
•Buzzer ........................................ audible indicator, programmable from 1 KHz
to 4 KHz, low-power transducer type
•LED ............................................ dual-colour (green and red) programmable
LED
Communication
Three types of communication are possible: standard RS232, infrared and
screen/keyboard.
•RS232 ........................................ transmission speed up to 115,200 bps
•Infrared....................................... standard 1.0 IrDA or high-speed IR:
- transmission speed up to 115,200 bps
- distance, 5 cm to 100 cm (2” to 39”)
- maximum angle, 30 °
•Keyboard.................................... only for data upload
Programming language
•Application generator (under Windows)
•"BASIC"
•"C"
Accessories
•Battery charger
•Ni-MH rechargeable battery
•Keyboard wedge cable
•Protective case
•High-speed IR transceiver
•Download/charger cradle
•RS232 cable
•Cradle power supply (only for the charger function)

For the references and descriptions, refer to section 7.
3. Hardware configuration
Front, back and side view
RS232 and IrDA connection
ABC FED
4
7 8
1
5
2
9
I
H
G
6
PQR
3
*
Z
Y
ESC
33.5mm
63mm
side view
front view back view
RS-232
Battery
Trigger
LED
Indicator
IrDA
711
SCANPAL 2
RS-232 & IrDA connection
5~100cm
RS-232 connection
IrDA connection
IrDA Transceiver
AAA Battery*2
30
o
IrDA port
RS-232 port
RS-232 port
RS-232 port
ABC FED
4
7 8
1
5
2
9 IHG
6 PQR
3 *ZY
ESC
711
SCANPAL2

4. Software organization
The ScanPall2 software system consists of three modules:
•The Kernel module
•The System (Operating System) module
•The Program module
Kernel Module
The Kernel module forms the heart of the system. It is extremely secure and
always protected by the system. Only a failure of the flash memory or incorrect
switching off of the power supply, during system restart after a kernel update, can
destroy the kernel. The Kernel module guarantees that the user can always
download his program, even when the operating system has been damaged by
the user program.
The Kernel module allows the following operations to be performed:
•Program Download
•Update Kernel
•Test & Calibrate
•Version
For further information, refer to section 5.4.
System Module
The System module is the operating system. It allows the following operations to
be performed:
•Memory
•Settings
•Reader
•Battery
•Test
•Download
•Version

For further information, refer to section 5.3.

Program Module
The Program module operates on top of the System module. The user programs
are downloaded into this module.
The user program, downloaded into the Program module, is started automatically
when the ScanPall2is powered up.
The user program pre-loaded into the Program module of the ScanPall2 is the
application interpreter, making it possible to run an application created with the
application generator. By default, the application loaded is an inventory
application allowing the following operations to be performed:
•Collect data
•Upload data
•Utilities
For further information, refer to section 5.2.
Creating your own program
There are three development tools making it possible to create your own
application or program.
•The application generator
Requires prior loading, into the Program module, of the application
interpreter making it possible to run an application created with the
application generator.
For further details, see the application generator user manual.
•The "BASIC" compiler
Requires prior loading, into the Program module, of the "BASIC" interpreter
making it possible to run a "BASIC" program.
•The "C" compiler

For further information on the development tools, contact one of the Metrologic
offices:
Metrologic Instruments, Inc – Corporate Headquarters
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Metrologic Instruments GmbH – European, Middle East, & African
Headquarters
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Metrologic do Brasil Ltda. – Brazil only
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Metrologic South America – Outside Brazil
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Metro (Suzhou) Technologies Co., Ltd. – China
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Metrologic Asia (PTE) Ltd. – Singapore
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Metrologic Japan Co., Ltd. – Japan
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]

5. Operations
Before any operation, it is advisable to make sure that the replaceable batteries are new,
or that the rechargeable battery is correctly charged.
Operations at the keypad
The ScanPall2 keypad consists of 20 rubber keys and one key for triggering the
scanner. The functions of the special keys are as follows:
Enter
Confirms an entry on the keypad.
Back Space
Deletes the characters situated to the left of the cursor.
Space
Inserts the space character.
Up
Moves the cursor upwards.
Down
Moves the cursor downwards.
Alphabetic / Numeric toggle
Makes it possible to change alternately from the alphabetic entry
mode to the numeric entry mode.
When the terminal is in alphabetic mode, a small icon is displayed
on the screen, and each numeric key can be used to insert one of
the three letters written on the key. Successive pressing of the key
successively displays the three available letters. Releasing the key
for one second or pressing another key confirms the letter displayed
and inserts it.
BS
Y
SP
Alpha
X

Function
This key cannot be used on its own, but in combination with a
numeric key (1 to 9), in order to obtain a specific function,
depending on the program loaded.
For example, pressing simultaneously on the and
keys activates the function #1 (up to 9 functions).
Pressing simultaneously on the and , or and
, keys makes it possible to adjust the screen contrast.
Pressing simultaneously on the and keys makes it
possible to activate or de-activate the screen backlighting.
Escape
Generally makes it possible to exit the current operation.
Power On/Off
To avoid pressing this key in error, the power on/off function is
activated only when the key is held in for around 1.5 seconds.
FN
ESC
X
FN
Y
FN
FN
FN
1
STU

Program Mode
This is the default operating mode when the ScanPall2 is powered up. It depends
on the user program loaded into the Program module.
The application interpreter and its inventory application, loaded by default,
displays the following main menu:
The counter, located in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, displays the
number of records collected.
1. Collect data
Data collection starts after confirmation of the Collect data operation, using the
, key.
A new screen displays the following two prompts:
Item:
Qty: 1
The Item (Article) prompt expects an item code, read by the scanner or entered
on the keypad and confirmed by the key.
The Qty (Quantity) prompt offers, by default, a quantity of 1, which can be
modified by entering on the keypad the new quantity desired. This is confirmed
using the key. The data collected are then recorded and the two
prompts are displayed again.
Pressing the key allows a return to the main menu.
1.Collect data
2.Upload data
3.Utilities
JUN 16, 13:30 00000
(R)
ESC

2. Upload data
Uploads the data collected, via the selected upload port.
The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Upload Data line,
indicates the selected upload port: RS232 (R) , IR (T), IrDA (I) or Wedge (K).
On the PC (under Windows), to receive the data and create a text file, use the
application generator, 232_Read.EXE or IR_Read.EXE.
For further information, refer to the application generator user manual.
3. Utilities
•System settings
-Set Upload Port
Defines the data upload port: RS232 (cable or download cradle), IR
(high-speed infrared transceiver), standard IrDA infrared or
screen/keyboard Wedge.
The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Set Upload
Port line, indicates the selected upload port: RS232 (R), IR (T), IrDA
(I) or Wedge (K).
Default value: RS232.
-Set Download Port
Defines the port for downloading an application or a file: RS232
(cable or download cradle), IR (high-speed infrared transceiver) or
standard IrDA infrared.
The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Set Download
Port line, indicates the selected download port: RS232 (R), IR (T) or
IrDA (I).
Default value: RS232.
-Transmission Speed
Defines the transmission speed, up to 115,200 bps.
Default value: 115,200 bps.
-LCD Backlight
Defines the duration of the backlighting.
Default value: 20 seconds.

-Data Deletion
Defines whether, after an upload, the data is deleted Manually, with
a request for confirmation, or Automatically, with no request for
confirmation.
Default value: Manually.
-Record Prompting
Activates (Yes) or de-activates (No) the display of the record
number, after confirmation of an entry.
Default value: Yes.
-View Settings
Displays the various settings.
•Browse Data
Displays the data collected. The and keys allow scrolling, in
a loop, of all the data collected.
•Delete Data
Deletes the last record or all the records collected.
•Reading Test
Tests the read performance of the scanner and displays the bar code
read, its length and its type (symbology).
The symbologies enabled by default are as follows:
Code 39
Industrial 2/5
Interleaved 2/5
Codabar
Code 93
Code 128
UPCE without Addon
EAN8
EAN13/UPCA without Addon
The other symbologies can be enabled by the application generator.
•Set Date & Time
-¯

Defines the date and time.