Opticon NLB 9625 User manual

Users Manual
Series NLB 9625/9645
Fixed Position
Laser Bar Code Scanner
Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Rev. October 1999
8 Olympic Drive
Orangeburg, NY 10962
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.opticonUSA.com

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Contents
Section 1 Introduction and Getting Started ..................................... 1
Product Overview ............................................................................. 1
Quick Start-Up Procedure .................................................................. 1
Section 2 Technical Specifications ................................................... 3
Physical Specifications....................................................................... 3
Optical Specifications ........................................................................ 3
Electrical Specifications ..................................................................... 4
RS232 Communications Specifications ................................................ 5
Environmental Specifications ............................................................. 5
Section 3 Positioning the Scanner ................................................... 7
Getting Optimum Performance........................................................... 7
Measuring Scanner Performance ...................................................... 10
Application Notes............................................................................ 11
Section 4 Configuring The Scanner ................................................ 13
Programming Menus & Commands................................................... 13
Programming via Bar Codes............................................................. 13
Programming via Computer Commands ............................................ 14
Factory Default Settings .................................................................. 15
Section 5 Application Engineering Support .................................... 17
Technical Assistance and Support..................................................... 17
Common Causes of Poor Performance .............................................. 17
Modified and/or Customized Scanners .............................................. 17
Section 6 Scanner Labeling ............................................................ 19
CDRH Class II ................................................................................ 19
Appendix A Programming Menus & Commands ............................. 21
Appendix B Dimensional Drawings ................................................ 53
Appendix C Optical Charts.............................................................. 55

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Organization of this Manual
This manual provides the necessary instructions for installing and using an Opticon NLB 9625/9645 Series
Fixed Position Laser Scanner. The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1 Introduction and Getting Started
Describes the general operation of the NLB 9625/9645 Series scanner. Also provides a Quick
Start-Up Procedure that allows you to begin using the scanner immediately.
Section 2 Technical Specifications
Provides complete specifications, including mechanical details, optical performance, RS232
communications and other technical data.
Section 3 Positioning Scanner for Optimum Performance
Provides detailed instructions and tips for mounting and positioning the scanning to obtain
the best scanning performance. Application Notes describe guidelines for maximizing specific
characteristics.
Section 4 Configuring Your Scanner
Describes how various parameters can be programmed to customize the scanner for your
specific application.
Section 5 Application Engineering Support
Discusses the most common questions and concerns when adapting the NLB 9625/9645
Series scanner in your application.
Appendices Detailed Supporting Information
Provides detailed information in specific areas such as the programming commands for
configuring various parameters of the NLB 9625/9645 Series scanner.

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Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 1
Section 1
Introduction and Getting Started
Product Overview
The NLB-9625/9645 Series Fixed Position Scanners are miniature, 33 or 200 scans per second, laser bar code
readers designed to be easily incorporated into host equipment. Utilizing a solid state laser diode and a
brushless motor results in a minimum of wear on parts and high performance. The scanner is encased in a
rugged steel enclosure to assure durability and reliability.
Advanced 16-bit microprocessor technology coupled with Opticons proven decoding algorithms result in
superior accuracy. The scanners are fully programmable allowing the user to customize parameters including
changing communication settings, selecting symbologies, adding prefixes and appending suffixes.
Programmable settings can be downloaded from the host CPU or computer directly to the scanner.
NLB 9625/9645 Series laser scanners are encased in compact, rugged steel enclosures. The compact size
permits installation in the tightest areas. Scanners are available in both front and side view configurations
allowing great flexibility in mounting and positioning the scanner for optimum performance.
Quick Start-Up Procedure
This section is for those who wish to start using the scanner before reading the complete manual. In only a few
steps the scanner will be operable.
1) Turn off the power to your PC and connect the scanner to an RS232 communications port. Note: You must
provide +5 Volt DC power to the scanner. This can be accomplished using the power supply and patch cable
available from Opticon. Turn on the power to the PC.
2) Using communications software (e.g., Procom), set the communication parameters: 9600 baud, 1 Start /
Stop Bit, 8 Data Bits, No Parity, No Handshaking, No Flow Control.
3) If you are operating in a Microsoft Windows 3.1 environment, skip to Step 5.
4) If you are operating in a Microsoft Windows 95 environment, you can set the communication
parameters using Hyper Terminal as follows:
♦Open Hyper Terminal. This can be done from Start→Programs→Accessories
♦Select Hypertrm.exe to create a New Connection.
♦In the Connection Description dialog screen enter a name for the new file. If desired, select an
Icon. Click OK.
♦In the Phone Number dialog screen, in the box entitled: Connect using. select the communication
port, for example, Direct to Com 1. Click OK.
♦In the Com 1 Properties screen, enter the appropriate Port Settings:
Bits per second = 9600
Data bits = 8
Parity = None
Stop Character = 1
Handshaking = None
Click OK.
♦The HyperTerminal folder you just created will open. From the File pull-down menu, select
Properties, then click on the Setting Tab.

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 2
♦In the Properties Settings dialog screen:
Select Terminal keys for the Function, arrow and control key
Select ANSI for Emulation,
The Backscroll buffer line can remain at the default 500
♦Click on the ASCII Setup button. In the ASCII Setup screen, select Echo typed locally so that any key-
board commands you input will appear on your screen. Click OK. This returns you to the Properties
Setting. Click OK.
Your PC and the scanner should now communicate. Skip to Step 6.
5) In a Microsoft Windows 3.1 environment, set the communication parameters using the Terminal func-
tion of Windows.
♦From Windows Program Manager Main Menu, select Terminal
♦From the Terminal menu, select Settings
♦From the Settings menu, select Terminal Emulation
♦Set the emulation to TTY (generic)
♦From the Settings menu, select Terminal Preferences and select the following:
Terminal Modes: Line Wrap / Local Echo / Sound
CR /LF: Inbound, Outbound
Columns: 80
♦From the Settings menu, select Communications.
♦Select the COM port and set communication parameters as shown in Step 2, including no flow
control.
6) To verify that the scanner and the PC are communicating properly, send the following command from
your PC keyboard to activate the scanners buzzer.
Send the command: <Escape> V5 <Carriage Return>
Note: Be sure to use capital letters (e.g. V5, not v5).
The buzzer should sound, indicating that good communications have been established.
7) A red laser light should be visible. Do not stare into the laser light. If the light is not visible, the scanner
may be waiting for a Trigger Command from the host to activate it. Send the following computer com-
mand to place the scanner into the Triggered Disabled mode:
<ESC> S7 <CR>
In this Triggered Disabled mode, the red laser light is always illuminated. You are now ready to scan
barcodes.
8) Position the red laser light of the scanner over the bar code symbol to be read. When the bar code
symbol is decoded, the scanner will beep and transmit the data to the screen of your PC. You may have
to move the scanner closer or farther away from the bar code symbol in order to locate the best distance
for reading.
This Quick Start-Up procedure will get you started reading bar code symbols. However, in order to best
understand the full capabilities of this scanner, you should read the complete manual.

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 3
Section 2
Technical Specifications
Physical Specifications
Case Material Steel, painted dark gray
Weight 7.7 ounces (220 grams) without cable
Cable Length 6-ft (2.8m) with DB25 pin female connector
Mounting 6 threaded (M-3) mounting holes.
(screws should not extend more than 5 mm into case)
Dimensions (LxWxH)
9627/9647 Front View2.9 x 2.7 x 1.0 in (74 x 68 x 26 mm)
9626/9646 Side View4.3 x 2.7 x 1.2 in (110 x 68 x 30 mm)
Symbologies Supported
Codabar
Code 39
Code 93
Code 128
Standard 2 of 5
Interleaved 2 of 5
MSI / Plessey
UPC / EAN / JAN
Optical Specifications
Scan Rate
9626/9627 33 scans per second
9646/9647 200 scans per second
Light Source Solid state laser diode (670 nm)
Light Beam Distribution Rotating polygon
Read Sensor 2048 pixel CCD linear array
Focal Distance (nominal) from window
9627 Front View 5.6 inches
9647 Front View 5.2 inches
9626 Side View 3.5 inches
9646 Side View 4.2 inches
Min. Bar Code
Curvature (Radius) 0.6 inches for 10.4 mil EAN-8 label
0.8 inches for 10.4 mil EAN-13 label

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 4
Electrical Specifications
Operating Voltage +5VDC + 10%
Current Consumption
Dynamic 170 mA typical / 200 mA max.
Static 20 mA max.
Surge 2.5 A for 37.5µS (1.0A/15µS)
200 mA Motor/Laser Surge
Trigger On
2.5 A for 37.5µs
50 mS
170 mA Dynamic Current
Power On Delay
450 mS (min) Trigger Timeout
20 mA Static Current
/ /
/ /
Current
Time
Connector Pin-outs
DB25 pin Female connector with screws.
Pin No. Signal Color
1 Frame Ground Black
2 RXD White
3 TXD Green
4 CTS Blue
5 RTS Gray
7 Signal Ground Purple
16 Trigger Brown
25 +5V Red

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 5
RS232 Communications Specifications
Parameter Default Optional Settings
Timing Asynchronous
No. of Start Bits 1 bit
No. of Stop Bits 1 bit 1 or 2 bits
No of Data Bits 8 bit 7 or 8 bits
Parity None Odd / Even / None
Baud Rate 9600 baud 150 to 19200 baud
Handshaking None Hardware / Software/ None
RS232 Transmit / Receive Character Format
TXD/
RXD Start Bit Bit LSB 7 or 8 Data Bits MSB Parity Bit Stop Bit
RS232 Data Format
Transmit Decoded Data CR
Receive ESC Command CR
RS232 Signal Level
RS232C LevelSignal Name In / Out
Mark/Off Space/On
TXD Out -5 to -15 +5 to +15
RXD In -3 to 15 +3 to +15
Environmental Specifications
Temperature
Operating -10 to +40°C (14 to 104°F)
Storage -30 to +60°C (-22 to 140°F)
Humidity (non-condensing)
Operating 5% to 95%
Storage 5% to 95%
CDRH Class II This product conforms to 21 CFR 1040.1 and 21 CFR 1040.11

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 6
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Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 7
Section 3
Positioning the Scanner
Getting Optimum Performance
Three items greatly impact scanner performance:
1) Distance from the scan window to the bar code
2) Specular Reflection
3) Quality of bar code labels
1) Distance to the Bar Code
The operation of the scanner is similar to a camera. If you photograph an object that is out of focus, the
resulting picture will be blurry. The same is true with the scanner. If the bar code label is out of focus, the
scanner may have difficulty decoding what appears to be fuzzy bars and spaces.
Focal Distance
Ideally, the distance from the window of the scanner to the bar code label should be equal to the focal
distance of the scanner. For the NLB-9625/9645 Series fixed position laser scanners, the nominal focal
distances are:
9626 Side View3.5 in (88.9 mm)
9627 Front View5.6 in (142.3 mm)
9646 Side View 4.2 in (107 mm)
9647 Front View 5.2 in (132 mm)

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 8
Depth-of-Field
Just as with a camera, the scanner has a depth-of-field. It can read bar codes that are not precisely at the
focal distance maybe a little closer, or a little farther away. However, if the bar code label is positioned too
far from the focal distance, the scanner may not be able to successfully decode it.
The depth-of-field varies based on the density of the bar code, i.e., the thickness of the bars. Very high
density bar codes (which have very narrow bars) are readable over a much shorter distance range than low
density bar codes with larger bars.
The following table shows the typical depth-of-field (closest to farthest reading distances) for the NLB-
9625/9645 Series scanners. The actual performance may differ slightly from unit to unit. Also, it is important
to note that this data was measured under ideal conditions using high quality bar code labels. In a real
world environment the conditions will not be as ideal. Therefore, the best practice is to position the scanner
at its focal distance rather than at the extremes of its depth-of-field.
Typical Reading Distance from Window
(Depth-of-Field)
9626
Side View 9627 Front View 9646 Side View 9647 Front View
Bar Code
Density Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.
13.0 mil 0.0 7.0 1.1 8.0 0.5 7.5 2.0 9.5
10.0 mil 0.5 6.0 2.4 7.4 1.9 6.5 3.5 7.0
7.5 mil 1.8 5.4 3.4 6.5 2.2 5.6 3.8 6.5
Readable Bar Code Width (Field-of-View)
The following table shows the field-of-view at various distances from the window. The field-of-view is the
max. width that the scanner is capable of reading. A bar code label positioned anywhere within this field-of-
view can be decoded. The field-of-view is also a measure of the widest bar code label that can be read.
Remember, the width of a bar code label includes not only the bars and spaces but also the required white
space (quiet zone) on each end.
Field-of-View
(Maximum Readable Bar Code Width)
Distance
from Window 9627 Front View 9647 Front View 9626 Side View 9646 Side View
2 inches 2.6 2.6 3.8 3.8
3 inches 3.3 3.3 4.8 4.8
4 inches 4.3 4.3 5.7 5.7
5 inches 5.1 5.1 6.6 6.6
6 inches 5.9 5.9 7.8 7.8
7 inches 6.8 6.8 N/A N/A
Good design policy is to position the scanner at its focal distance and at the center of the field-of-view. Do not
position it near the extremes of the reading range.

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 9
2) Avoiding Specular Reflection
Do not position the scanner at an angle that causes the laser scan line to be reflected directly back into the
scanner. This is called specular reflection. Too much reflected light can blind the scanner preventing a good
decode.
If the bar code label is located on a flat surface, specular reflectivity occurs between +3 degrees off perpen-
dicular (See diagram in Section 2). If the bar code label is located on a cylindrical surface, such as a test tube,
the angle of specular reflection is measured tangent to the curve. If the curved surface is also moving, there
may be more than one position causing specular reflection.
Specular Reflection Area: Avoid +3°around X axis (see diagram above).
Preferred angle is +10°
Skew
Skew Angle +60°around Y axis
Rotation +60°around Z axis
Tilt Angle +55°, -50°around X axis
NLB-964x
NLB-964x
Scan Line
Bar Code
Avoid +3° Region
Z Axis

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 10
3) Quality of Bar Code Labels
The quality of the bar code label can affect the scanning performance. Poor quality labels are more difficult
to decode and may result in non-reads or potential misreads. The bar code label should be printed to specifi-
cations. This means that the bars are printed within spec, with the correct widths, no ink spread, crisps edges
and no voids. There should be a sufficient quiet zone on both end of the bar code label.
For best results the paper or label stock should have a matte finish to diffuse light. The print contrast signal
(which is a comparison of the reflectance of the bars and the background stock) should be as high as practi-
cal.
Measuring Scanner Performance
Two methods are helpful in determining the optimum position of the scanner. The first method is to program
the scanner for Trigger Disable and Continuous Read modes. The scanner will be ON continuously and will
continuously read the same bar code. Since the buzzer sounds each time the bar code is read, the sound of
the buzzer can be used like a Geiger counter. As the position of the scanner changes the sound of the
buzzer will change. The buzzer sound will be loudest and most continuous at the best reading positions.
The Read Rate Test
The second method, the Read Rate Test, provides a mathematical calculation of scanning performance. In
this test the scanner scans a bar code 100 times and then calculates the number of those scans that resulted
in a good decode. That number, expressed as a percentage, will be transmitted to the host. For example,
93% means that the scanner decoded the bar code symbol 93 times out of the 100 scan attempts. By
performing the Read Rate Test with the scanner mounted in various positions you can determine which of
those locations results in the best performance.
Heres how to perform the Read Rate Test:
1) Program the scanner for Continuous Read (S2) and Trigger Enabled (S8).
2) Instruct the scanner to enter the Read Rate Test mode (ZA).
3) Locate the scanner in the desired position relative to a test bar code then enter a Z command. The
scanner will read the bar code once and store it in memory.
4) Enter another Z command. The scanner will scan the bar code 100 times and then transmit the Read
Rate Percentage to the host.
5) Steps 3 and 4 can be repeated as often as desired, moving the scanner to new locations before each
test.
6) Exit the Read Rate Test mode (ZG).

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 11
Application Notes
Tips for Achieving High Throughput
In some applications your primary objective may be to achieve the highest possible throughput rate. The
following list identifies the parameters and scanner settings that can maximize scanning and decode through-
put speed. Note, by emphasizing max. throughput, other areas of performance may be affected. For example,
the number of non-reads could increase. If high throughput is critical, consider some or all of these settings.
♦Operate in the Trigger Disabled mode. Operation of the trigger can require as much as 200 msec
before decoding begins, slowing down throughput rate.
♦Only enable those symbologies that you will be decoding.
♦Eliminate all suffixes and prefixes.
♦Minimize the number of redundant reads required before transmitting data.
♦Transmit the decoded data at the highest baud rate, 19200 baud.
♦Disable both the hardware and software buzzer functions.
♦If you need a buzzer, use the hardware buzzer rather than the software buzzer.
Tips for Insuring Highest Data Integrity
There are several parameters that can enhance your confidence that the correct bar code data is transmitted.
Note that by emphasizing the accuracy and security of the data other areas of the scanner operation may be
affected, for example, you may not achieve the highest throughput.
If accuracy and data integrity are critical, consider some or all of these settings.
♦Program the scanner to require a high number of redundant decodes prior to transmitting. For
example, program the scanner to decode a bar code exactly the same way three consecutive times
before transmitting the data. Then decoding the bar code the same way 2 out of 3 times or any 3 out
of 4 times is not sufficient. It must obtain three consecutive and identical decodes.
♦Utilize a predetermined, fixed-length of bar code. Program the scanner to only decode a bar code of
that length. Bar codes of any other length will be ignored.
♦The quality of the printed bar code must be excellent.
♦Use a bar code symbology that contains an internal check digit and program the scanner to calculate
that check digit for validity prior to transmitting.
♦Do not use a symbology with poor internal verification, or subject to partial decodes, such as 2 of 5
or MSI/Plessey.
♦Only enable those symbologies that you will be decoding.
♦Transmit data at low baud rates to minimize communication errors.
♦Enable the Number of Characters Transmitted. The scanner will calculate and transmit a number
indicating the total number of characters it is transmitting. Your host application program can com-
pare this number with the actual number of characters received to verify that the correct amount of
data is received.

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 12
Tips for Verifying the Presence of a Bar Code
If the scanner is operated in the trigger enabled mode and the trigger is activated, one of three conditions
may occur:
In some applications, when no data is transmitted, it may be important to know why. Was there a bar code
present that could not be decoded, or was no bar code present at all?
This requirement is common in applications such as automated blood analysis equipment. Test tubes contain-
ing blood samples from many different people are loaded into a rack for automatic analysis. The bar code on
each tube ties that sample and the results back to a specific individual. If no bar code data is transmitted it is
critical to understand the reason.
Your Opticon scanner, when operated in the Trigger Enabled mode, can be programmed to transmit an error
message that indicates whether or not a bar code was present. The following table shows the message that
will be transmitted for each condition.
A bar code is scanned and decoded Decoded data is
transmitted
A bar code is scanned but is not
decoded (e.g., print quality was poor) No data is transmitted
No bar code is present No data is transmitted
Presence/Absence of Bar Code Scanner Transmits
Bar code was present and correctly decoded Decoded Data
No bar code was present <STX> ? <ETX>
Bar code was present but could not be decoded <STX> > <ETX>

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 13
Section 4
Configuring The Scanner
Since operation of the NLB 9625/9645 Series laser scanner is microprocessor controlled, it is possible to
modify or program its operation to match your specific application. Changes in parameter settings can be
changed or programmed in two ways. The first method employs specially designed programming bar codes,
which instruct the scanner to modify specific parameters. The second is that the scanner can also be pro-
grammed by sending software instructions from the host PC to the scanner via the RS232 connection.
Programming Menus & Commands
Two different methods can be used to program parameters to configure the scanner:
a. Programming via Bar Codes from a menu page; or
b. Programming via Computer Commands
Most parameters can be programmed using either of these two methods. However, there are certain param-
eters that are only programmable via the bar code menu.
Programming via Bar Codes
Use the following steps to program parameters via the bar code menu:
1) Scan the START bar code. This instructs the scanner to enter the Programming Mode. While in this
mode the scanner will beep intermittently.
2) Scan the bar code(s) associated with the desired parameter(s). The scanner will beep when the bar
code is scanned. Note: Because of the close proximity of bar codes on the menu, approaching the
desired bar codes from the side of the page will ensure that the only correct bar code is scanned.
3) Scan the STOP bar code. This instructs the scanner to exit the Programming Mode.
All the parameters that are programmed via bar codes are retained in non-volatile memory and stored perma-
nently (even if the scanner is powered down) or until they are changed again.

Manual No. 25-NLB0045-01
Series NLB-9625/9645 Mini Laser Fixed Position Scanner
Page 14
Programming via Computer Commands
Various parameters can be programmed by sending software commands or keyboard strokes from the host
computer to the scanner in the following format:
<ESC> Computer Command <CR>
Note:
1) Only upper case letters are recognized, e.g. AB , not ab
2) Each Command normally consists of two characters
3) Downloading of software commands cannot be grouped together. Each command must be preceded
by <ESC> and followed by a <CR>
Parameters changed by downloading software commands remain in effect only while power is supplied to the
scanner. If power is interrupted or terminated, the parameters return to their original settings. However,
parameters programmed by downloaded commands can be stored permanently by transmitting a Z2
Computer Command to the scanner after the commands are sent. This instructs the scanner to store the
changed parameter in non-volatile memory. The scanner will then retain the setting permanently or until it is
changed.
It is not necessary to send a Z2 command after each parameter is changed. One Z2 command will save
all changes. If you want to program the scanner so that it will only decode a Code 128 bar code, you would
send the following command:
<ESC> A6 <CR>
The scanner will now only decode Code 128 bar codes. It will ignore any other type of bar code. The scanner
will retain this setting until power is shut off. Then it will revert to its original setting. If you want to retain this
setting permanently, you would send the following commands:
<ESC> A6 <CR> then <ESC> Z2 <CR>
The Z2 command stores the changed parameter in non-volatile memory. The scanner will now retain that
setting even after power is terminated.
Appendix A contains full instructions on how to configure the scanner as well as a complete listing of the
computer commands and programming bar codes that are available to customize the scanner for your appli-
cation.