Microscan QX Hawk User manual

QX Hawk Industrial Imager
User’s Manual
P/N 83-006800 Rev A

ii QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©2010
by Microscan Systems, Inc.
ISO 9001 Certified
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 place a trademark (™) symbol
at 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.
Technical Support
For technical support, e-mail: help[email protected].
Warranty and Terms of Sale
For Standard Warranty information, see: www.microscan.com/warranty.
Microscan Systems, Inc.
Renton Headquarters
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Nashua Office
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Microscan Europe
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Microscan Asia Pacific
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual iii
Introduction
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Quick Start
Step 1 Check Hardware .......................................................................... 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System..................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Position the Imager ...................................................................... 1-4
Step 4 Install ESP.................................................................................... 1-5
Step 5 Select Model ................................................................................ 1-6
Step 6 Connect........................................................................................ 1-7
Step 7 Locate Symbol .............................................................................1-9
Step 8 Calibrate..................................................................................... 1-11
Step 9 Test Read Rate .......................................................................... 1-12
Step 10 Configure the Imager ............................................................... 1-13
Step 11 Save Changes.......................................................................... 1-14
Chapter 2 Using ESP
EZ Mode .................................................................................................. 2-2
App Mode ................................................................................................ 2-3
Menu Toolbar .......................................................................................... 2-4
Navigating in ESP................................................................................. 2-15
Send/Receive Options.......................................................................... 2-16
Chapter 3 Hardware Integration
Connectors .............................................................................................. 3-2
Cordsets .................................................................................................. 3-3
QX Hawk and QX-1 Connectors and Pinouts.......................................... 3-4
Power and Trigger Switching................................................................... 3-6
Port Routing............................................................................................. 3-7
Application Examples .............................................................................. 3-8
Chapter 4 Setup
Video ....................................................................................................... 4-2
Evaluation............................................................................................. 4-11
Calibration ............................................................................................. 4-14
Window of Interest ................................................................................. 4-15
Configuration Database......................................................................... 4-17
Ordered Output...................................................................................... 4-24
Output Format ....................................................................................... 4-28
Dynamic Setup ...................................................................................... 4-32
Chapter 5 Parameters
Communication........................................................................................ 5-2
Read Cycle ............................................................................................ 5-40
Symbologies .......................................................................................... 5-61
I/O Parameters ...................................................................................... 5-93
Symbol Quality .................................................................................... 5-155
Matchcode ........................................................................................... 5-162

iv QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Diagnostics.......................................................................................... 5-171
Chapter 6 Terminal
Terminal Window..................................................................................... 6-2
Find ......................................................................................................... 6-3
Send ........................................................................................................ 6-4
Macros..................................................................................................... 6-5
Terminal Window Menus......................................................................... 6-6
Chapter 7 Utilities
Serial Utility Commands .......................................................................... 7-2
Read Rate ............................................................................................... 7-4
Counters.................................................................................................. 7-6
Device Control......................................................................................... 7-9
Differences from Default........................................................................ 7-10
Master Database ................................................................................... 7-11
Firmware ............................................................................................... 7-17
Bar Code Configuration Mode............................................................... 7-21
Calibration ............................................................................................. 7-22
Default/Reset/Save ............................................................................... 7-23
Imager Status ........................................................................................ 7-25
Learn Operations................................................................................... 7-27
Reboot System...................................................................................... 7-28
Static Validation..................................................................................... 7-29
Targeting ............................................................................................... 7-31
Temperature.......................................................................................... 7-32
Y-Modem Transfer Options ................................................................... 7-33
Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications .........................................................A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications .......................................................A-7
Appendix C Ground and Shield Considerations......................................A-9
Appendix D Flying Lead Cordset Pinouts..............................................A-11
Appendix E Serial Commands ..............................................................A-12
Appendix F Protocol Commands...........................................................A-66
Appendix G ASCII Table .......................................................................A-75
Appendix H Configuring Ethernet TCP/IP .............................................A-76
Appendix I Interface Standards .............................................................A-79
Appendix J Glossary of Terms ..............................................................A-80

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual v
Introduction
About the QX Hawk Industrial Imager
The key features of the QX Hawk Industrial Imager are:
• Fully integrated liquid lens technology, allowing infinite focus flexibility
• High-resolution modular optical zoom system
• Simple plug-and-play connectivity with Ultra-Lock™ cordsets and connectors
• Best-in-class X-Mode™ algorithms
• Embedded Ethernet TCP/IP
• A green flash (visible from all angles) to signal a successful read
• LED array for performance, communication, and I/O user feedback
• EZ Button for setup and testing
• Compact size for easy integration into a wide variety of applications
• IP65/67 enclosure
Imager Communication
There are three ways to configure and test the QX Hawk:
• Microscan’s Windows-based ESP Software (Easy Setup Program), which offers
point-and-click ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
• Serial commands, such as <K100,1>, that can be sent from ESP’s Terminal or another
terminal program.
•TheEZ Button on the top of the imager.
“Ultra-Lock” is a trademark of Woodhead (Molex).

vi QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Warning and Caution Summary
Warning and Caution Summary
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna;
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver;
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected;
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
For connection to a UL-listed direct plug-in power unit marked Class II and rated 10 to 28
VDC at 5 watts or greater.
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.
Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous LED light radiation exposure.
There are no user-serviceable parts in the imager. Opening the imager voids the Microscan
Systems, Inc. warranty.

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual vii
Introduction
Statement of Agency Compliance
The QX Hawk 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 QX Hawk has been tested for compliance with CE (Conformité Européenne) standards
and guidelines, and has been found to conform to applicable CE standards, specifically
the following requirements:
General Immunity for Light Industry: EN 55024:1998 ITE Immunity Standard
Radiated and Conducted Emissions of ITE Equipment: EN 55022:98 ITE Disturbances
The QX Hawk has been tested by an independent electromagnetic compatibility laboratory
in accordance with the applicable specifications and instructions.

viii QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Statement of RoHS Compliance
Statement of RoHS Compliance
All Microscan readers with a ‘G’ suffix in the FIS number are RoHS-Compliant. All compliant
readers were converted prior to March 1, 2007. All standard accessories in the Microscan
Product Pricing Catalog are RoHS-Compliant except 20-500013-01 and 98-000039-02.
These products meet all the requirements of the European Parliament and the Council of
the European Union for RoHS compliance. In accordance with the latest requirements, our
RoHS-compliant products and packaging do not contain intentionally added Deca-BDE,
Perfluorooctanes (PFOS) or Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) compounds above the maximum
trace levels. To view the documents stating these requirements, please visit:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32002L0095:EN:HTML
and
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:372:0032:0034:EN:PDF
Please contact your sales manager for a complete list of Microscan’s RoHS-Compliant products.
This declaration is based upon information obtained from sources which Microscan believes to be reliable, and
from random sample testing; however, the information is provided without any representation of warranty,
expressed or implied, regarding accuracy or correctness. Microscan does not specifically run any analysis on our
raw materials or end product to measure for these substances.
The information provided in this certification notice is correct to the best of Microscan’s knowledge at the date of
publication. This notice is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. Users are responsible for
determining the applicability of any RoHS legislation or regulations based on their individual use of the product.

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual 1-1
1 Quick Start
Contents
This section explains how to set up and test the QX Hawk quickly using ESP (Easy Setup Program).
Detailed setup information for installing the imager into an application can be found in
subsequent sections.
Step 1 Check Hardware................................................................................................................ 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System .......................................................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Position the Imager............................................................................................................ 1-4
Step 4 Install ESP......................................................................................................................... 1-5
Step 5 Select Model...................................................................................................................... 1-6
Step 6 Connect ............................................................................................................................. 1-7
Step 7 Locate Symbol.................................................................................................................. 1-9
Step 8 Calibrate .......................................................................................................................... 1-11
Step 9 Test Read Rate ............................................................................................................... 1-12
Step 10 Configure the Imager.................................................................................................... 1-13
Step 11 Save Changes.............................................................................................................. 1-14

1-2 QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Check Hardware
Step 1 — Check Hardware
Note: The QX Hawk does not require an Ethernet crossover cordset, because the imager
itself performs automatic internal crossover (transmit-to-receive switching). Microscan
offers a standard straight-through (un-crossed) Ethernet cordset (61-000160-01).
Important: Do not attempt to power more than four imagers with a single power supply in
a daisy chain configuration. Add a QX-1 and one power supply for every four additional
imagers in the daisy chain.
Item Description Part Number
1QX Hawk Industrial Imager FIS-6800-XXXXG
2QX-1 Interface Device 98-000103-01
3
QX Cordset, Common, M12 12-pin Plug to M12 12-pin Socket, 1 m 61-000162-01
4QX Cordset, Host, Serial, M12 12-pin Plug to DB9, 1 m 61-000152-01
5QX Cordset, Host, Serial, M12 12-pin Socket to DB9, 1 m 61-000153-01
6QX Power Supply, M12 12-pin Socket, 1.3 m 97-000003-01
7QX Cordset, Host, Ethernet, M12 8-pin Plug to RJ45, 1 m 61-000160-01
8QX Photo Sensor, M12 4-pin Plug, NPN, Dark On, 2 m 99-000020-02
Note: Additional cordsets and accessories are available in the Microscan Product Pricing Catalog.
Hardware Required
Caution: Be sure that all connections are secure BEFORE applying power to
the system. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables.
Serial Standalone (with QX-1) Ethernet Standalone (with QX-1)

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual 1-3
Quick Start
Step 2 — Connect the System
Important: When connecting Ultra-Lock cordsets to the QX Hawk and QX-1, align the
pins first and then push the connector into place. Do not twist the connectors, as this will
bend the pins.
Important: Do not attempt to power more than four imagers with a single power supply in
a daisy chain configuration. Add a QX-1 and one power supply for every four additional
imagers in the daisy chain.
RS-232
• Connect the Serial Communication Cable from “A” on the QX Hawk to “2” on the QX-1.
• Connect the host cable from “1” on the QX-1 to the host computer.
• Connect the photo sensor to “T” on the QX-1.
• Connect the power supply to “3” on the QX-1.
• Plug in the power supply.
Ethernet
Note: The QX Hawk does not require an Ethernet crossover cordset, because the imager
itself performs automatic internal crossover (transmit-to-receive switching). Microscan
offers a standard straight-through (un-crossed) Ethernet cordset (61-000160-01).
• Connect the Ethernet Cable from “B” on the QX Hawk to the network.
• Connect the photo sensor to “T” on the QX-1.
• Connect the power supply to “A” on the QX Hawk.
• Plug in the power supply.
Serial Standalone (with QX-1) Ethernet Standalone (with QX-1)

1-4 QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Position the Imager
Step 3 — Position the Imager
• Position the imager at a focal distance of one inch or more from a test 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.
• Symbols can be rotated (tilted) at any angle; however, for best results symbols should
be aligned with the 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 result in more consistent decodes.
Important: Avoid excessive skew or pitch. Maximum skew is ±30°; maximum pitch is
±30°. The illustration below shows skew axis, pitch axis, and tilt axis.
Imager and Symbol Orientation
Pitch
axis
Bar code
label
Tilt
axis
axis
Scan line
Scanner
Pitch
Tilt
Skew
Symbol
Imager
Maximum skew,
tilt,
and pitch: ±30°

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual 1-5
Quick Start
Step 4 — Install ESP
ESP Software can be found on the Microscan Tools CD that is packaged with the QX Hawk.
1. Follow the prompts to install ESP from the CD.
2. Click on the ESP icon to run the program.
Note: ESP can also be installed from the Download Center at www.microscan.com.
Minimum System Requirements
• 166 MHz Pentium processor (Pentium II processor recommended)
• Windows Vista, XP, or 2000 operating system
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
• 64 MB minimum RAM (128+ MB RAM recommended)
• 80 MB hard drive space
• 800 x 600 minimum 256 color display (1024 x 768 32-bit color recommended)

1-6 QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Select Model
Step 5 — Select Model
When you start ESP, the model menu will appear:
1. Click the button showing the QX Hawk.
2. Click OK.
Note: You can also simply double-click the button showing your imager to make your
selection.
3. Click Yes when the following dialog appears:
Note: If you need to select another model later, click the Switch Model button near
the top of the screen or use Model > New Model in the menu toolbar.

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual 1-7
Quick Start
Step 6 — Connect
Connection Wizard
To connect using the Connection Wizard:
• Click Connect on the menu toolbar, and then select Connection Wizard.
•SelectRS-232 or Ethernet to activate the appropriate display.
• Configure settings as required by the application, and click Connect.
• When a connection is established, the green indicator in the status bar at the bottom
right of the screen will be visible:
Important: The imager is in Continuous Read Mode by default. For best connection
results, be sure that no decodable symbols are within the imager’s field of view while
attempting to connect.
RS-232 Connection Wizard Ethernet Connection Wizard

1-8 QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Connect (cont.)
Step 6 — Connect (cont.)
Ethernet TCP/IP
Once the QX Hawk is connected, incoming symbol data can be displayed in the Terminal,
as shown below.

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual 1-9
Quick Start
Step 7 — Locate Symbol
Locate by ESP
•InESP’s EZ Mode, click the Locate button to enable the red Xpattern.
The symbol in the field of view will appear in the video view beneath the Locate and
Calibrate buttons, and you will see the red target pattern projected from the front of the
imager.
• Center the target pattern on the symbol.
Important: The entire symbol should fall within the field of view (FOV) of the imager. The
field of view is what appears in ESP’s Locate/Calibrate window in EZ Mode.
• Click the Stop button to end the Locate function.
Center on object
in field of view.

1-10 QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Locate Symbol
Locate by EZ Button
If you are not connected to a host computer, the EZ Button allows you to locate a symbol
in the imager’s field of view.
• Hold down the EZ Button for about one second and release when you hear one short
beep. The amber 20% LED will illuminate, and you will see the red 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.
EZ Button

QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual 1-11
Quick Start
Step 8 — Calibrate
Imager settings can be adjusted automatically for optimum performance by either the EZ
Button or by ESP.
During the calibration routine, the imager will flash its amber Read Rate percent LEDs and
illumination LEDs while searching camera settings and determining the best configuration
for decoding symbol data. Upon successful completion of this routine, a green LED pattern
will flash brightly and illuminate the symbol. If unsuccessful, the imager will emit 5 short
beeps and stop searching.
Calibrate by ESP
1. Click the Calibrate button.
2. The imager will search camera settings to determine the best configuration for decoding
symbol data.
A successful calibration will display a green frame around the symbol, and the following
message will appear: “Uploading all reader parameters.” After a moment the symbol
data will be presented in the field below the image display window.
Calibrate by EZ Button
1. Hold down the EZ Button for about two seconds and release when you hear two
short beeps. The 20% and 40% LEDs will illuminate.
2. The imager will search camera settings to determine the best configuration for decoding
symbol data.
Note: To end all EZ Button functions, press the EZ Button once and quickly release.
Calibrate by Serial Command
Send <@CAL> from a terminal program to begin auto-calibration.

1-12 QX Hawk Industrial Imager User’s Manual
Test Read Rate
Step 9 — Test Read Rate
Read Rate indicates the number of successful decodes per second achieved by the imager.
Test Read Rate by ESP
1. Click the Test button to start the Read Rate test.
If a symbol has been successfully decoded, its data and related information will be
presented in the field below the image display window. While the symbol is being
decoded, the Read Rate LEDs will indicate the corresponding read rate percentage
on the top of the unit.
2. Click the Stop button to end the Read Rate test.
Note: Read rate can also be tested using the Read Rate interface in Utilities.
Test Read Rate by EZ Button
1. To start the Read Rate test, hold down the EZ Button about three seconds until you
hear three short beeps. The 20%, 40%, and 60% LEDs will illuminate.
While the symbol is being decoded, the Read Rate LEDs will indicate the corresponding
read rate percentage on the top of the unit.
2. To end the Read Rate test, press the EZ Button and quickly release.
Test Read Rate by Serial Command
You can also start a test with the <C> or <Cp> command and end it with the <J> command.
These LEDs represent the
percentage of Good Reads
per images captured.
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%