Microscan MS-4 User manual

MS-4 Imager
User’s Manual
P/N 83-000004 Rev E

ii MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©2008
by Microscan Systems, Inc.
1201 S.W. 7th Street, Renton, WA, U.S.A. 98057
[phone] FAX: [phone]
ISO 9001:2000 Certification No. 06-1080
Issued by TüV USA
All rights reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose
of allowing customers to operate and/or service Microscan manufactured equipment and is not to be
released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Microscan.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. Rather than put a trademark (™) symbol in
every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state herein that we are using the names only in an editorial
fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.
Disclaimer
The information and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Latest Manual Version
For the latest version of this manual, see the Download Center on our web site at:
www.microscan.com. For technical support email: help[email protected]
Microscan Systems, Inc.
1201 S.W. 7th Street
Renton, WA 98057
U.S.A.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
Microscan Europe
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Microscan Asia Pacific R.O.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual iii
Introduction
Microscan Limited Warranty Statement and Exclusions
What Is Covered?
Microscan Systems Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that products manufactured by it will be free
from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from the
date of shipment. This warranty is specifically limited to, at Microscan’s sole option, repair or replacement
with a functionally equivalent unit and return without charge for service or return freight.
What Is Excluded?
This limited warranty specifically excludes the following: (1) Any products or parts that have been subject
to misuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, improper installation, or abnormal conditions or opera-
tions; (2) Any products or parts that have been transferred by the original purchaser; (3) Customer mis-
adjustment of settings contrary to the procedure described in the Microscan Systems Inc. owners manual;
(4) Upgrading software versions at customer request unless required to meet specifications in effect at the
time of purchase; (5) Units returned and found to have no failure will be excluded; (6) Claims for damage
in transit are to be directed to the freight carrier upon receipt. Any use of the product is at purchaser’s own
risk. This limited warranty is the only warranty provided by Microscan Systems Inc. regarding the product.
Except for the limited warranty above, the product is provided “as is.” To the maximum extent permitted by
law, this express warranty excludes all other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to,
implied warranties of merchantability and. Technical support questions may be directed to: help-
[email protected]om Register your product with Microscan: www.microscan.com/register fitness for a
particular purpose. Microscan Systems Inc. does not warrant that the functions contained in the product
will meet any requirements or needs purchaser may have, or that the product will operate error free, or in
an uninterrupted fashion, or that any defects or errors in the product will be corrected, or that the product is
compatible with any particular machinery.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Microscan Systems Inc. be liable to you or any third party for any special, incidental, or
consequential damages (including, without limitation, indirect, special, punitive, or exemplary damages for
loss of business, loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of business information), whether in contract,
tort, or otherwise, even if Microscan Systems Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Microscan Systems Inc.’s aggregate liability with respect to its obligations under this warranty or otherwise
with respect to the product and documentation or otherwise shall not exceed the amount paid by you for
the product and documentation. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages or limitations on an implied warranty, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may
vary from state to state.
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone] | [e-mail]

iv MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Step 1 Check Required Hardware...........................................................1-2
Step 2 Connect the System.....................................................................1-3
Step 3 Position Imager and Symbol........................................................1-4
Step 4 Install ESP ...................................................................................1-5
Step 5 Select Model................................................................................1-6
Step 6 Select Communications Protocol.................................................1-7
Step 7 Locate the Symbol in the FOV.....................................................1-8
Step 8 Calibrate Settings.......................................................................1-10
Step 9 Test Read Rate..........................................................................1-11
Step 10 Configure the Imager in ESP...................................................1-12
Step 11 Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP...................................1-13
Chapter 2 Using ESP
EZ Mode..................................................................................................2-2
Application Mode.....................................................................................2-3
Menu Toolbar ..........................................................................................2-4
Connecting ........................................................................................... 2-12
View...................................................................................................... 2-13
Navigating in ESP ................................................................................ 2-14
Send/Receive Options.......................................................................... 2-15
Using EZ Trax .......................................................................................2-17
Chapter 3 Communications
Communications by ESP.........................................................................3-2
Communications Serial Commands........................................................3-3
Host Port Connections ............................................................................3-4
Host Port Protocol ...................................................................................3-5
ACK/NAK Options ...................................................................................3-7
Polling Mode Options ..............................................................................3-8
RS-422 Status.........................................................................................3-9
Auxiliary Port Connections ....................................................................3-10
Auxiliary Port System Data Status ........................................................3-18
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure....................................................................3-19
Response Timeout ................................................................................3-20
LRC Status............................................................................................3-21
Protocol Configuration Examples..........................................................3-22
USB HID Interface.................................................................................3-23
ASCII Character Entry Modifier.............................................................3-32
Preamble...............................................................................................3-33
Postamble .............................................................................................3-34
Chapter 4 Calibration
Calibration Serial Commands..................................................................4-2

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual v
Introduction
Calibration Overview ...............................................................................4-2
Calibration Options..................................................................................4-3
Calibration by ESP ................................................................................4-10
Initiating Calibration...............................................................................4-12
Additional Notes about Calibration ........................................................4-17
Chapter 5 Read Cycle
Read Cycle by ESP.................................................................................5-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands ................................................................5-3
Read Cycle Setup....................................................................................5-4
Multisymbol..............................................................................................5-5
Trigger Mode and Duration......................................................................5-6
External Trigger Polarity........................................................................5-11
Serial Trigger.........................................................................................5-12
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)................................................5-13
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)................................................5-13
End of Read Cycle.................................................................................5-14
Capture Mode........................................................................................5-16
Capture Timing......................................................................................5-20
Image Processing Timeout....................................................................5-22
Image Storage.......................................................................................5-23
Minimum Good Reads...........................................................................5-25
Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax.........................................................5-26
Chapter 6 Symbologies
Symbologies by ESP...............................................................................6-2
Symbologies Serial Commands ..............................................................6-3
Data Matrix..............................................................................................6-4
QR Code..................................................................................................6-6
Code 39...................................................................................................6-7
Code 128 / EAN 128..............................................................................6-10
BC412....................................................................................................6-13
Interleaved 2 of 5...................................................................................6-14
Code 93.................................................................................................6-17
Codabar.................................................................................................6-18
UPC / EAN.............................................................................................6-21
GS1 DataBar (RSS) ..............................................................................6-25
PDF417 .................................................................................................6-27
MicroPDF417.........................................................................................6-29
Composite .............................................................................................6-30
Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier..................................................6-31
Background Color..................................................................................6-33
Chapter 7 I/O Parameters
I/O Parameters by ESP...........................................................................7-2
I/O Parameters Serial Commands...........................................................7-3
Symbol Data Output................................................................................7-4

vi MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Table of Contents
No Read Message...................................................................................7-6
Bad Symbol Message .............................................................................7-8
No Symbol Message ...............................................................................7-8
1D / Stacked Symbology Qualification....................................................7-9
2D Symbology Qualification ..................................................................7-10
Read Duration Output ...........................................................................7-16
Output Indicators...................................................................................7-17
Beeper...................................................................................................7-21
LED Configuration.................................................................................7-22
Serial Verification ..................................................................................7-23
EZ Button ..............................................................................................7-25
EZ Button Modes...................................................................................7-27
Configurable Output 1 ...........................................................................7-29
Trend Analysis Output 1........................................................................7-32
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1 ..............................................7-35
Diagnostic Output 1...............................................................................7-38
Configurable Output 2 ...........................................................................7-39
Trend Analysis Output 2........................................................................7-39
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2 ..............................................7-39
Diagnostic Output 2...............................................................................7-39
Configurable Output 3 ...........................................................................7-40
Trend Analysis Output 3........................................................................7-40
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3 ..............................................7-40
Diagnostic Output 3...............................................................................7-40
Power-On/Reset Counts .......................................................................7-41
Time Since Reset..................................................................................7-42
Service Message...................................................................................7-43
Frame Information.................................................................................7-44
Image Output.........................................................................................7-45
Database Identifier Output ....................................................................7-48
Quality Output .......................................................................................7-49
Configuring EZ Trax Output ..................................................................7-50
Chapter 8 Symbol Quality
Symbol Quality Serial Commands...........................................................8-2
Overview of Symbol Quality....................................................................8-3
Symbol Quality by ESP ...........................................................................8-4
Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode ............................8-8
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output .................................................8-10
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP ....................................8-12
Microscan Symbol Quality Output.........................................................8-13
Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP............................................8-16
Chapter 9 Matchcode
Matchcode by ESP..................................................................................9-2
Matchcode Serial Commands .................................................................9-2

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual vii
Introduction
Overview of Matchcode...........................................................................9-3
Matchcode Type......................................................................................9-4
Match Replace.........................................................................................9-9
Mismatch Replace.................................................................................9-10
New Master Pin.....................................................................................9-11
Chapter 10 Camera and IP Setup
Camera and IP Setup by ESP...............................................................10-2
Camera and IP Setup Serial Commands ..............................................10-3
Video .....................................................................................................10-4
Evaluation..............................................................................................10-5
Calibration .............................................................................................10-9
Window of Interest...............................................................................10-10
Configuration Database.......................................................................10-13
Dynamic Setup ....................................................................................10-14
Pixel Sub-Sampling.............................................................................10-15
Camera................................................................................................10-16
Focal Distance.....................................................................................10-18
Focal Distance Table (Read-Only)......................................................10-19
IP Threshold........................................................................................10-20
Number of Symbols in Field of View....................................................10-22
Image Processing Timeout..................................................................10-23
Damaged Symbol................................................................................10-24
IP Mode ...............................................................................................10-25
Hollow Mode........................................................................................10-26
Mirrored Image ....................................................................................10-27
Illumination Brightness ........................................................................10-28
Skew Correction ..................................................................................10-29
Chapter 11 Configuration Database
Configuration Database Serial Commands...........................................11-2
Number of Active Indexes .....................................................................11-3
Configuration Database Status..............................................................11-4
Database Mode.....................................................................................11-9
Save Current Settings to Configuration Database...............................11-14
Load Current Settings from Configuration Database...........................11-15
Request Selected Index Settings ........................................................11-16
Request All Configuration Database Settings .....................................11-17
Chapter 12 Terminal
Terminal Window...................................................................................12-2
Find........................................................................................................12-3
Send......................................................................................................12-4
Macros...................................................................................................12-5
Terminal Window Menus.......................................................................12-6
Chapter 13 Utilities
Serial Utility Commands ........................................................................13-2

viii MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Read Rate.............................................................................................13-4
Counters................................................................................................13-5
Device Control.......................................................................................13-7
Master Database...................................................................................13-8
Firmware .............................................................................................13-14
Bar Code Configuration.......................................................................13-17
Default / Reset / Save .........................................................................13-18
Imager Status Requests......................................................................13-20
Other Operational Serial Commands ..................................................13-22
Chapter 14 Output Format
Output Format Serial Commands..........................................................14-2
Output Format Status............................................................................14-3
Format Assign ....................................................................................... 14-4
Format Extract.......................................................................................14-5
Format Insert.........................................................................................14-7
Output Filter Configuration ....................................................................14-9
Ordered Output Filter ..........................................................................14-13
Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications.........................................................A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications.......................................................A-5
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands..........................................A-6
Appendix D Communications Protocol..................................................A-12
Appendix E ASCII Table........................................................................A-21
Appendix F Interface Standards............................................................A-22
Appendix G Object Detector..................................................................A-23
Appendix H Operational Tips ................................................................A-24
Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver................................A-25
Appendix J Glossary of Terms ..............................................................A-28
Index

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual ix
Introduction
About the MS-4 Imager
The key features of the MS-4 are:
• A multi-function EZ button for location, calibration, and symbol reading.
• A target pattern symbol locator that identifies the center point of the field of view.
• A green flash (visible from all angles) to signal a successful read.
• Ability to read both 2D and linear symbols.
• Ability to read difficult and damaged symbols.
• USB, RS-232, RS-422 connectivity options.
• Standard Density and Low Density options.
About This Manual
This manual provides complete information on setting up, installing, and configuring the
Imager. The chapters are presented in the order in which an Imager might be set up and
made ready for operation.
Highlighting
Commands are highlighted in rust bold. Cross-references and web links are highlighted
in blue bold. References to ESP, its toolbar headings (Communications, Read Cycle,
Symbologies, etc.), menu topics, and other points of emphasis, are highlighted in Bold
Initial Caps. References to topic headings within this manual or other documents are
enclosed in quotation marks.
Host Communications
There are four ways to configure and test the MS-4:
1. EZ button.
2. Microscan’s Windows-based ESP (Easy Setup Program), which offers point-and-click
ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
3. Serial commands, such as <K100,1>, that can be sent from ESP’s Terminal window
or another terminal program.
4. The tree control menus and graphic interfaces in ESP’s App Mode.

xMS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Warning and Caution Summary
Warning and Caution Summary
• Viewing the MS-4’s LED output with optical instruments such as magnifiers, eye loupes,
or microscopes within a distance of 100 mm could cause serious eye injury.
• Maximum LED output: .564 mW.
• Wavelength: 470 nm; 525 nm; 617 nm.
• Location of the MS-4’s LED aperture window:
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
IMPORTANT: The MS-4 is intended for connection to a UL-listed direct plug-in power unit
marked Class II and rated 5 VDC at 3 Watts, or greater if using electrical accessories.
European models must use a similarly rated Class I or Class II power supply that is certified
to comply with standard for safety EN 60950.
WARNING
LED LIGHT
DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 1 LED PRODUCT
LED Output: .564 mW. Wavelength: 470 nm; 525 nm; 617 nm.
IEC 60825-1:1993+A1:1997+A2:2001
LED Aperture Window

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual xi
Introduction
Statement of Agency Compliance
The MS-4 Imager has been tested for compliance with FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) regulations and has been found to conform to all applicable FCC Rules and
Regulations.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this device must not be co-located
or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
The MS-4 Imager has been tested for compliance with CE (Conformité Européenne)
standards and guidelines, and has been found to conform to applicable CE standards,
specifically
the EMC requirements EN 55024, ESD EN 61000-4-2, Radiated RF Immunity
EN 61000-4-3, ENV 50204, EFT EN
61000-4-4, Conducted RF Immunity EN 61000-4-6, EN
55022, Class B Radiated Emissions
, and Class B Conducted Emissions.
The MS-4 Imager has been tested by an independent electromagnetic compatibility laboratory
in accordance with the applicable specifications and instructions.

xii MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Statement of Agency Compliance

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual 1-1
1 Quick Start
Contents
This section is designed to get your MS-4 Imager up and running quickly, using the EZ
button or ESP (Easy Setup Program). Following these steps will allow you to get a sense
of the Imager’s capabilities and to test sample symbols.
Detailed setup information for installing the Imager into your actual application can be
found in the subsequent chapters.
Step 1 Check Required Hardware................................................................................................1-2
Step 2 Connect the System..........................................................................................................1-3
Step 3 Position Imager and Symbol..............................................................................................1-4
Step 4 Install ESP.........................................................................................................................1-5
Step 5 Select Model......................................................................................................................1-6
Step 6 Select Communications Protocol.......................................................................................1-7
Step 7 Locate the Symbol in the FOV...........................................................................................1-8
Step 8 Calibrate Settings........................................................................................................... 1-10
Step 9 Test Read Rate .............................................................................................................. 1-11
Step 10 Configure the Imager in ESP........................................................................................ 1-12
Step 11 Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP....................................................................... 1-13

1-2 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Check Required Hardware
Step 1 — Check Required Hardware
Item Description Part Number
1MS-4 Imager FIS-0004-XXXXG
2IB-3PC FIS-0001-0030G
3Power Supply
97-000002-01 (90-264 VAC, +5VDC)
97-100004-15 (24VDC)
4Comm. Cable 61-000010-02
Toadditionalimagers
orterminatingresistor
To host
1
Hardware Required (RS-232 / RS-422)
Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to a
system with an external power source (RS-232 / RS-422). Always power down
BEFORE disconnecting any cables.
Hardware Required (USB)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual 1-3
Quick Start
Step 2 — Connect the System
Connecting by RS-232 / RS-422
• Connect the Imager (1) to the IB-3PC interface (2).
• Connect the comm. cable ( 4 ) to the host ( 5 ) and to the host connector on the IB-3PC ( 2 ).
• Connect power supply (3) to the IB-3PC (2).
• Apply power to the Imager.
Connecting by USB
• Plug the MS-4 Imager’s USB cable into a host USB port. The host will power the Imager.
Hardware Configuration
(RS-232 / RS-422) Hardware Configuration
(USB)
Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to a
system with an external power source (RS-232 / RS-422). Always power down
BEFORE disconnecting any cables.
Toadditionalimagers
orterminatingresistor
To host
1

1-4 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Position Imager and Symbol
Step 3 — Position Imager and Symbol
• Position the Imager at a distance from the symbol that matches the factory pre-set focal
distance. For example, if your MS-4 is pre-set at 4”, position the Imager’s parting line 4”
from the symbol.
• Tip the Imager relative to the symbol to avoid the glare of direct (specular) reflection. The
case parting line should be perpendicular to the plane of the symbol by either pitching the
symbol or the Imager as shown.
• Position the Imager in a place with as little ambient light as possible.
• Symbols can be rotated (tilted) at any angle; however, for best results symbols should
be aligned with the FOV (field of view).
• In the case of linear symbols, aligning the bars in the direction of their movement (“ladder”
orientation) will minimize the chances of blurring, and will produce better reads.
• Avoid excessive skew or pitch. Maximum skew is ±30°; maximum pitch is ±30°.
Note: For instant setup and validation, the MS-4 can be hand-held or placed on its side.
For accuracy, however, Microscan’s mounting arm adapter kits (P/N 98-000048-01) are
recommended.
±30°
Imager Position Relative to Symbol

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual 1-5
Quick Start
Step 4 — Install ESP
Easy Setup Program (ESP) is Microscan’s proprietary setup and testing application. The
purpose of ESP is to provide a quick and easy way to set up and configure Microscan readers.
When the MS-4 is connected to a host computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000), ESP can
be used to configure reader settings and to set up communications between the reader
and host.
If installing from the Microscan Tools CD:
1. Insert the Microscan Tools CD in your computer’s CD drive.
2. Select ESP Software from the navigation bar at the left of the screen.
3. Click on ESP Software under the Current Version heading.
4. Click the Run button and follow the prompts in the ESP Setup Wizard.
Note: During installation, you may see an Internet Explorer Security Warning that
states: “The publisher could not be verified.” If you see this warning, click Run to
continue installation.
If downloading from the web:
1. Go to the Download Center at www.microscan.com.
2. Create a new member account or, if you are already a member, enter your user name
and password.
3. Navigate to the “Microscan Software” section of the Download Center (near the top of
the page).
4. Click on the link showing the latest version of ESP. Extract the ESP installation files to
a location of your choice on the host computer. Note where your ESP.exe file is stored
on your hard drive.
5. At the end of the installation process, the following icon will appear on your desktop:
6. Click the ESP icon to start the program.
System Requirements for ESP
• 166 MHz Pentium processor (recommended)
• Windows Vista, XP, or 2000 operating system
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
• 64 MB minimum RAM
• 40 MB minimum disk space
• 800 x 600 pixel minimum 256 color display

1-6 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Select Model
Step 5 — Select Model
When you start ESP, the following menu will appear:
1. Click the MS-4 button and then click OK. If you do not want to make this selection
every time you start ESP, uncheck “Show this window at Startup”.
2. Select the default reader name (MS-4-1), or type a name of your choice in the
Description text field and click OK.
3. Click Yes when this dialog appears:
Note: If you need to select another reader model later, click the Switch Model button
near the top of the screen.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual 1-7
Quick Start
Step 6 —Select Communications Protocol
Important: The Imager is in Continuous Read Mode by default. For best connection
results, be sure that no symbols are within the Imager’s field of view while attempting to
connect.
• When the Select Protocol dialog appears, choose your connection protocol and click Next .
• If you are using an RS-232 interface and your connection attempt fails, click the
Autoconnect
button, select a different communications port, and try again.
When you are connected, you will see the green connection indicator in the status bar
at the bottom right of your screen.
If you choose USB protocol:
If you choose RS-232 protocol:
USB:
RS-232:
• Select the
MS-4 from
the
Select
Device
menu
and click
Finish .
• Click Connect.
Note: If your RS-232 host
settings cannot be
changed to match the
Imager’s settings, check
the Force Connect box.

1-8 MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
Locate the Symbol in the FOV
Step 7 — Locate the Symbol in the FOV
• Move the symbol or the Imager so that the blue target pattern is centered over the symbol.
At 2 to 3 inches, the pattern resembles an X. At 3 to 6 inches, the pattern resembles a V.
It is important for the whole symbol to fall within the field of view (FOV) of the Imager.
The field of view is what appears in ESP’s Locate/Calibrate window.
Locate by EZ Button
If you are not connected to a host computer, the EZ button will allow you to locate a symbol
in the Imager’s FOV.
• Hold down the EZ button for about one second and release when you hear one short beep.
The amber
20% LED will turn on, and you will see the blue target pattern projected from the
front of the Imager.
• Center the target pattern on the symbol.
Note: To end all EZ button functions, press the EZ button once and quickly release.
Center on object
in field of view.
Target pattern shown as it would appear between 3 and 6 inches.