PSC PowerScan Operating instructions

Programming Guide
Handheld Laser Scanner

PSC Scanning, Inc.
959 Terry Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402-9120
Telephone: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
PSC and the PSC logo are registered trademarks of PSC, Inc.
PowerScan is a trademark of PSC, Inc.
This manual and the procedures described in it are copyrighted, with all rights
reserved. Under copyright law, this manual may not be copied in whole or part
without prior written consent from PSC Scanning, Inc. The same proprietary
and copyright notice must appear on any permitted copies as appears on the
original. This exception does not permit copies to be made for others, whether
or not sold. Under the law, copying includes translating into another language
or format including electronic media.
Disclaimer
Reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that all information
contained in this manual is complete and accurate. However, PSC
Scanning, Inc. reserves the right to change any specification at any time
without prior notice.
IBM®is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation,
NCR®is a registered trademark of NCR Corporation, and SNI®is a registered
trademark of Siemens Nixdorf Information Systems. Their inclusion in this
manual is for the customer's information and convenience only, and constitutes
neitheranendorsementnorarecommendationforthesecompanies'productsor
services.

R44-1840 i
Contents
Introduction
Understanding the Basics............................................................ 1
Integrating the Scanner With Your Host System ......................... 2
Changing Interfaces ..................................................................... 2
Customizing Your Scanner's Operation ...................................... 5
Programming Overview ..................................................................... 6
What Is Programming Mode? ...................................................... 6
How To Program Using Bar Codes ............................................. 7
The Programming Session .......................................................... 8
LED and Beeper Indicators ....................................................... 10
If You Make a Mistake... ............................................................ 10
Return to Factory Settings ......................................................... 11
Where To Go From Here ........................................................... 12
Wand Emulation Interface Selection .......................................... 13
RS-232 Interface Selection ........................................................ 16
SNI RS-232 Interface Selection ................................................. 16
RS-232 ACK/NAK Options ......................................................... 26
PC Keyboard Wedge Interface Selection ................................. 29
PC Keyboard Wedge  Connect to a Laptop/No Keyboard
Attached ..................................................................................... 31
Caps Lock.................................................................................. 32
Country Mode ............................................................................ 33
Quiet Interval .............................................................................. 35
Label Transmit Format Configuration Items ...................................... 36
Prefix, Suffix, and Label I.D. ...................................................... 36
Symbologies
Symbology Options Overview ......................................................... 49
Symbology Selection ...................................................................... 51
UPC/EAN Options ............................................................................ 54
UPC/EAN Expansion ................................................................. 55
UPC/EAN Add-Ons .................................................................... 56
C128 and Custom Add-Ons ....................................................... 57

ii PowerScan ™ProgrammingGuide
Price/Weight Check Digit ........................................................... 58
Code 39 Options .............................................................................. 61
Code 39 - continued .................................................................. 63
PharmaCode 39 Options .................................................................. 65
Interleaved 2 of 5 ............................................................................. 66
I 2 of 5 Check Digit and Variable Length Label Selections....... 67
Standard 2 of 5 ................................................................................. 71
Std 2 of 5 Check Digit and Variable Length Label Selections .. 72
Codabar Options .............................................................................. 76
Codabar Options - continued .................................................... 77
Codabar Check Digit & Variable Length ................................... 78
Codabar Start/Stop Character .................................................... 79
Codabar Fixed Length ............................................................... 80
Codabar Minimum Label Length ............................................... 82
MSI/Plessey Options ....................................................................... 84
MSI/Plessey Check Digit ........................................................... 84
MSI/Plessey Fixed Length ........................................................ 85
MSI/Plessey Minimum Length ................................................... 88
Code 93 Options .............................................................................. 90
Code 93 Minimum Length.......................................................... 90
Code128 and UCC/EAN 128 Options .............................................. 92
Code 128 and UCC/EAN 128 Minimum Length ......................... 92
General Features ............................................................................. 94
Green LED Lamp Idle State....................................................... 94
Beeper Settings......................................................................... 95
Marker Beam Settings ............................................................... 98
Read Verification ..................................................................... 100
AutoSense® Stand Mode ....................................................... 102
Half-Angle ................................................................................ 103
Low Power Mode .................................................................... 104
Appendix A Additional Information ................................ 105
RS-232 Host Programming ............................................................ 105
Need More Information?................................................................. 105
Appendix B Sample Barcodes ........................................ 106
Appendix C Keypad .......................................................... 108

R44-1840 1
Introduction
The programming bar code labels contained in this manual will allow you to
customize and configure features and settings for your PSC®PowerScan
scanner. To ensure full compatibility and proper function, use only the
programming bar codes in this manual and other product-specific publications
to program scanner features.
This manual has been developed to make it quick and easy for users of all
levels to find the information needed to understand and configure scanner
features. The following descriptions will help you to determine where to go
from here.
Understanding the Basics
If you have little or no prior experience with programming using bar code
labels, you should review this introductory section to familiarize yourself
with the basics of scanner programming before performing any changes to
your scanner's configuration. Contents of this section are:
— Integrating the Scanner with Your Host System
— Changing Interfaces
— Customizing Your Scanner's Operation
— Programming Overview
— What is Programming Mode?
— How to Program Using Bar Codes
— The Programming Session
— LED and Beeper Indicators
— If You Make A Mistake
— Return to Factory Settings
— Where to Go From Here

2 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
Integrating the Scanner With Your Host System
Your scanner MUST be equipped with the correct hardware (interface board,
cable, etc.) to properly communicate with your host system. Contact your
PSC dealer for information if you have questions about your scanner's
hardware compatibility.
You may also want to contact the dealer or your system administrator if you
have no record of how your scanner was pre-programmed at the factory.
Scanners are typically programmed with the default settings listed in Appen-
dix C of this manual for specific interface types, however, your scanner may
have been custom configured with settings that are unique to your company
or application.
Once you know the scanner's current settings, you can determine what
changes will be required to allow communication with your host system and/
or optional features you choose to modify to customize your installation.
(We recommend that you list your preferred settings in the blank column
provided in the defaults table in Appendix C of this manual.) After recording
the modifications needed, finish reading this section, then turn to the appro-
priate page and follow the instructions to program the scanner.
When all scanner features are programmed to your satisfaction, the scanner is
ready to be placed into operation.
Changing Interfaces
When moving the scanner to a host terminal of a different interface type than
previously connected, it may be necessary to alter the scanner's hardware
and/or software to allow connection and communication between the two
devices.
HARDWARE
InterfaceBoard
An interface board swap is usually unnecessary, since multiple host interface
protocols are supported in combination on most interface boards. For
example, RS-232, Standard Keyboard Wedge, and Wand Emulation are all
available on a single interface board. Activation of alternate available inter-
faces on these boards requires only that you connect the scanner to the new
host using the appropriate interface cable (see Interface Cable below). The
scanner will automatically change to the interface functions specific to that
cable.

R44-1840 3
To determine if your desired new interface is available on your scanner, check
the following section titled "Software". The section lists host interface types
supported by each interface board available at the time of this writing. If you
are still unsure of your scanner's available interface connectivity, consult your
PSC dealer
The scanner will need to be sent to a Level I Service repair depot if the
interface board must be swapped; however, if necessary, you can change your
scanner's interface cable by following these instructions. (Refer to Figure 1.):
1. Loosen the screw at the bottom of the handle. This screw is
captive and does not come all the way out.
WARNING
DO NOT try to pull the end cap off, as
this may damage the scanner.
2. Swing the forked cable retainer clear of the square hole in the end
cap and rotate away from the cable.
3. Holding the scanner handle and end cap together in one hand, pull
the connector out of the handle end cap to free the interface cable.
4. Connect the new interface cable at the scanner and rotate the
forked cable retainer to secure it. Tighten the screw to between 6 and
10in-lbs.
3
1
2
Figure 1. Removing/Replacing the Interface Cable and Board

4 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
SOFTWARE
Verify that your scanner supports the desired interface1. The list below
indicates the interface groupings the scanner supports. Contact your nearest
PSC service depot if you don't know your scanner's group, or need assistance
to change the scanner to another interface group.
The Standard KeyboardWedge/WandEmulation/RS-232Group supports:
• I/F Type A — PC/XT w/foreign keyboard
• I/F Type B — AT, PS/2 25-286, 30-286, 50, 50Z, 60, 70, 80, 90 & 95
w/foreign keyboard
• I/F Type C — PS/2 25 and 30 w/foreign keyboard
• I/F Type D — PC/XT w/US keyboard
• I/F Type E — AT, PS/2 25-286, 30-286, 50, 50Z, 60, 70, 80, 90 & 95
w/US keyboard
• I/F Type F — PS/2 25 and 30 w/US keyboard
• I/F Type G — IBM 3xxx w/122 keyboard
• I/F Type H — IBM 3xxx w/102 keyboard
• I/F Type I — PS/555530T w/104 keyboard
• I/F Type J — NEC 9801 keyboard
• Wand Emulation
• RS-232
• SNI RS-232
The Universal [Keyboard] Wedge Group supports:
• Consult the PowerScan Universal Wedge Programming Guide (P/N:
R44-1842) for more information.
After familiarizing yourself with the basic scanner programming procedures
in this section, turn to the appropriate interface programming section (RS-
232, Wand Emulation, etc.) of this manual to set other interface features,
completing the scanner's conversion to a new interface type.
Upon changing a scanner's interface setting, scan a bar code to verify that the
scanner communicates correctly with the new host system. Some sample bar
codes are provided in Appendix B of this manual. If any changes to the
scanner's factory settings are needed, consult the following section titled,
Customizing Your Scanner's Operation.
1 Contact your dealer if your desired interface is not listed. Interface group definitions are
subject to change without notice.

R44-1840 5
Customizing Your Scanner's Operation
Most scanner programming falls within three general categories:
•HostCommunication Interface SelectionandSettings—These
are the mandatory settings necessary to allow communication with
your host terminal. Examples of these settings are: RS-232 baud rate
and parity, etc.
NOTE
Ensure that your planned modifications
are compatible with the current inter-
face. For example, baud rate selections
are only valid in the RS-232 interface.
The scanner will sound an error tone
when scanning programming labels for
features invalid to the current inter-
face group.
•Symbology Selection and Settings—To improve the scanner's
performance, active symbology recognition may be limited to only
those symbologies in use at your site. The scanner has the capability
to autodiscriminate as few as one, and as many as all available
symbologies. Additionally the scanner may be programmed with
the standard options available for the various symbologies, such as
check digit, minimum label length, fixed and variable length bar
codes, etc.
•General Feature Settings—These features are common to all
interface types. Examples include beeper adjustments such as
volume and length, read verification settings, etc.
If you experience difficulties, have questions or require additional informa-
tion, contact your local distributor, or call PSC directly using the listings
located on the back cover of this guide.

6 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
Programming Overview
The scanner's programmable feature settings can be modified to accomodate
your system's unique requirements. These settings can be communicated to
the scanner in one of two ways:
1. Commands can be sent directly from the host. A limited set of
host commands are available. Refer to Appendix A, Additional
Information, for more details.
2. Programming bar code labels can also be used to modify the
scanner's programmable settings. This manual provides the bar
code labels and instructions necessary to configure the scanner's
features. Note that if you program the scanner using these bar
codes, the scanner will store the changes until reprogrammed or
returned to factory defaults.
What Is Programming Mode?
Programming Mode is a state in which the scanner must be placed in order to
accept programming commands. When programming using the bar code
labels in this manual, the scanner is typically placed in Programming Mode by
scanning the "SET" label at the top of most programming feature pages.
When in Programming Mode, the scanner only recognizes the special pro-
gramming bar codes contained in this programming guide. See the following
section, Scanner LED and Beeper Indicators for information about scanner
indications while in Programming Mode.

R44-1840 7
How To Program Using Bar Codes
For a scanner feature (item) to be modified, minimally, bar code data must be
scanned in sequence for the programming elements listed below. The follow-
ing section, The Programming Session, provides step-by-step instructions for
using the different types of programming bar code labels described.
SET ITEM TAG ITEM VALUE END/RESET
(Enter (Coded sequence (Numeric value. (Exits Program-
Programming assigned to that May enable/disable ming Mode and
Mode) particular feature) the feature, set a resetsthescanner)
limit, etc.)
This manual contains special bar code labels that are used to change or enable
the scanner's programmable options. These bar code labels can contain all, or
only a part of the data necessary to modify a particular scanner feature. For
example, you may be required to scan programming bar codes that differ as
follows:
•1 label programming. A single programming label can be format-
ted to contain:
1. SET, ITEM TAG, ITEM VALUE, and END/RESET
Example: WAND EMULATION INTERFACE SELECTION.
•3 label programming. Most of the features in this manual require
the scanning of 3 bar codes:
1. SET label
2. ITEM TAG/ITEM VALUE label (such as SET BAUD RATE TO
1200).
3. END/RESET label
•4to 6 label programming. This type of format is necessary to allow
flexible programming with larger item value numeric ranges.
1. SET label
2. ITEM TAG label (such as I 2 of 5: SET FIRST FIXED LENGTH)
3. SELECT ITEM VALUE DIGIT ONE
4. SELECT ITEM VALUE DIGIT TWO
5. END/RESET label

8 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
The Programming Session
A typical programming session is conducted as follows:
1. Scan the SET bar code at the top of the page. The scanner will emit
three beeps, indicating it has read the bar code and the green LED will
flash on and off slowly while the scanner remains in Programming
Mode. Normal scanning functions are disabled.
2. Scantheprogramminglabel(s) that is(are)speciallyencoded
to make the desired changes. With few exceptions1, the scanner
will emit a triple beep each time you scan a valid programming
bar code. (Note that not all features are available for all inter-
faces and that the scanner will sound an error tone when scan-
ning programming bar codes for features invalid to the current
interface.) Only features supported by the currently active
interface will be implemented.
NOTE
If a label is scanned that changes the
scanner's interface, all previous con-
figuration items scanned in the pro-
gramming session are lost.
Additionally, when programming a feature requiring you to scan
single digits to set a multi-digit number, such as Minimum Label
Length, scanning the END bar code (or any item tag/item value
bar code) before completing all input will result in an error tone
and cause the scanner to exit Programming Mode. Under these
circumstances, the current feature you were trying to set is
thrown out; any previous bar codes scanned during the session
will take effect.
1 Some features, such as Minimum Label Length, require you to select the label's
length by scanning a series of single-digit bar codes. A single 'good read' beep is
sounded when scanning these single digits in Programming Mode. Only the final
required digit in the sequence will produce a triple beep when scanned, indicating a
successfully programmed feature.

R44-1840 9
NOTE
It is possible to program multiple fea-
tures during a single programming ses-
sion (a programming session is defined
as the period of time between scanning
the SET bar code and scanning the END
bar code). However, it is recommended
that sessions be limited to one feature,
as it can be difficult to discover where
an error has been made, should you
make a mistake in the programming se-
quence. Additionally, it can be confus-
ing to determine which features may or
may not have been successfully set fol-
lowing such a session.
3. Scan the END label at the bottom of the page to save any
new settings and exit Programming Mode. The scanner will
sound a beep and reset upon exiting Programming Mode, and
the green LED will return to its usual state (on steady or off).
The scanner will not exit Programming Mode unless the END
bar code is scanned or power is disconnected. Disconnecting
power during Programming Mode, before scanning the END
label, will cause all new settings to be ignored. On power-up,
the scanner will return to previous settings.
4. Maintain a good record of all changes made to ensure that
you know if the original factory settings have been changed.
The factory default table in Appendix C of this manual provides
a convenient place for you to record your settings.

10 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
LED and Beeper Indicators
The scanner provides a set of indicators that verify/announce the various
scanner functions. These are:
The Amber "Laser ON" LED (located on top rear of scanner)
- The sole function of this indicator is to light whenever laser power
is on.
The Green "Good Read" LED (also located on top rear of scanner)
- Flashes2once to indicate when a "good read" has occurred.
- Flashes2slowlyonandofftoindicatethescannerisinProgrammingMode.
TheBeeper
WhileinScanningmode...
- Sounds2four times at power-up.
- Sounds2once following a "good read".
- Sounds2six rapid "chirps" to indicate an error (error tone).
While in Programming mode...
- Sounds2one time when entering/exiting Programming Mode.
- Sounds2three times to indicate a successfully programmed feature.
If You Make a Mistake...
If, during a programming session, you find that you are unsure of the
scanner's settings or wish to re-set the scanner's configuration, use the Return
to Factory Settings label on the following page to return the scanner's
configuration to the factory settings. Scanning this label will also reset any
changes made during previous programming sessions.
2 The green LED and Beeper are configurable features and may have been modified or
disabled at an earlier programming session. See the section in this manual titled General
Features for more details.

R44-1840 11
Return to Factory Settings
Scan this label to return the scanner to the default settings configured at the
factory for your scanner’s original interface specifications. This label is
typically used to return the scanner to a “known” operating state when the
present programming status is not known, faulty, or suspect.
WARNING
Usethislabelwithcaution,sinceitwillreset
ALL features that may have been pro-
grammed for that interface type since the
scanners installation.
NOTE
IfyourscannerisaHIGHDENSITYmodel,
it may not be able to read the factory
settings bar code above. If so, scan
these three bar codes in its place.
SET --------------------------------------
RETURN TO FACTORY SETTINGS
END --------------------------------------
If you don't have a record of your site/system's original configuration,
you may need to call your nearest PSC service depot for assistance to
return the scanner to normal function. Please be prepared to provide
information about the company, location, host terminal system and
other pertinent information about the scanner being repaired.

12 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
Where To Go From Here
Programming is easy and straightforward if you follow these steps:
NOTE
If you are changing some interface types
(for example; if you are moving the
scanner from a Universal Keyboard
Wedge to an RS-232 host) you must
first change the hardware. Replace the
scanner's interface board (if required)
and connect the scanner using the new
interface cable BEFORE performing any
programming changes.
1. If you are changing the scanner's interface type, follow the
instructions earlier in this section titled, Changing Interfaces,
before proceeding.
2. Scan any feature bar codes that are unique to the interface you
are currently programming. These interface specific program-
ming bar codes immediately follow each interface selection label.
3. Turn to the Symbology section if you are going to change any
bar code symbologies or modify any symbology related features.
4. Turn to the General Features section of this guide if you wish to
change or modify any of the scanner's other features.
Once the necessary changes have been made, and you have scanned the END
bar code, you are ready to scan.

R44-1840 13
Wand Emulation Interface Selection
Scan this label to enable the Wand Emulation interface.
NOTE
Ifyour scanneris aHIGHDENSITYmodel,
itmaynotbeabletoreadthewandinterface
selection bar code above. If so, scan
these three bar codes in its place.
SET --------------------------------------
ENABLE WAND EMULATION ---
END --------------------------------------

14 PowerScan ™ProgrammingGuide
Wand Emulation Settings
SET --------------------------------------
SPACE LOW, BAR HIGH ------
SPACE HIGH, BAR LOW ------
LOW (660 µS) ----------------
HIGH (330 µS)----------------
TRANSMIT IN NORMAL FORMAT
TRANSMIT IN C39 FORMAT ---
TRANSMIT IN C128 FORMAT -
TRANSMIT IN C39 -------------
POLARITY
SIGNAL SPEED
DATA FORMAT
FULL ASCII

R44-1840 15
LOW ..........................
HIGH ..........................
TRANSMIT PRE-NOISE ...
DON'TTRANSMIT PRE-NOISE
ENABLE1.....................
DISABLE .....................
END ......................................
1 This feature should only be enabled with wand data format = normal or Code 128.
IDLE STATE
TRANSMIT ANOISE PATTERN
BEFORE LABEL XMISSION
TRANSMIT C128
FUNCTION CHAR'S

16 PowerScan ™ Programming Guide
RS-232 Interface Selection
Scan this label to enable the standard RS-232 interface (PSC RS-232).
SNI RS-232 Interface Selection
Scan this label to enable the SNI RS-232 interface.
NOTE
Ifyour scanneris aHIGHDENSITYmodel,
it may not be able to read the RS-232
interface selection bar codes above. If
so, use these bar codes instead.
SET --------------------------------------
ENABLE STANDARD RS-232 -
ENABLE SNI RS-232 -------
END --------------------------------------