PSC PowerScanTM RF User manual

PowerScan™ RF
Handheld Bar Code Scanner
User’s Guide

PSC Scanning, Inc.
959 Terry Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
PSC, the PSC logo, Quadralogic II and PowerScan are registered
trademarks of PSC Inc. All other trademarks and trade names
referred to herein are property of their respective owners.
All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this documentation or
the procedures described therein may be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means without prior written permission of PSC
Inc. Owners of PSC Inc.'s products are hereby granted non-exclusive,
revocable license to reproduce and transmit this documentation for
the purchaser's own internal business purposes. Purchaser shall not
remove or alter any proprietary notices, including copyright notices,
contained on this documentation and shall ensure that all notices
appear on any reproductions of the documentation.
Should future revisions of this manual be published, you can acquire
printed versions by contacting PSC Customer Administration. Elec-
tronic versions will either be downloadable from the PSC web site
(www.pscnet.com) or provided on appropriate media. If you visit our
web site and would like to make comments or suggestions about this
or other PSC publications, please let us know via the “Contact PSC”
page.
Disclaimer
Reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that the
information included in this manual is complete and accurate.
However, PSC reserves the right to change any specification
at any time without prior notice.

User’s Guide i
Table of Contents
Unpack and Inspect Your Scanner .............................................. 1
References................................................................................... 1
Quick Start Instructions................................................................ 1
Installing the Battery.............................................................. 2
Verifying Scanner Operation ................................................. 3
Connecting the Base Station to the Host Terminal................ 3
Linking the Scanner to a Base Station .................................. 5
Verifying Scanner-to-Base Station Communications............. 6
Using the PowerScan RF System................................................ 7
Battery Charging and Maintenance....................................... 7
Tips for Extending Battery Life .............................................. 8
Disposing of Batteries............................................................ 8
Four Station Charger............................................................. 9
How to Scan............................................................................... 10
Depth of Field...................................................................... 11
LED and Beeper Indications ...................................................... 15
Active Symbologies............................................................. 19
Enhanced Scanning for Hard-to-Read Bar Codes .............. 19
Laser Cautions........................................................................... 21
Radio Frequency Interference.................................................... 22
Maintenance............................................................................... 23
Troubleshooting ......................................................................... 24
Sample Bar Codes..................................................................... 25

User’s Guide 1
Unpack and Inspect Your Scanner
After unpacking your new scanner, check the contents of the ship-
ping carton to ensure all the items you ordered are included:
• PowerScan™ RF handheld scanner
•BatteryPack(s)
• User’s Guide (this manual)
• Optional Accessories that you ordered. (The scanner can be
purchased with or without accessory kits.)
If your package contains wrong or missing components, contact your
place of purchase. If there are damaged components, immediately file
a claim with the carrier. You may want to save your packing material
in case you need to ship the scanner at some later time.
References
For more information about this product, its associated publications,
software, and accessories, visit our website listed on the back cover of
this manual.
Quick Start Instructions
The basic steps below must be performed to set up the RF scanner.
Each of these steps is detailed in this manual.
• Installing the Battery
• Verifying Scanner Operation
• Connecting the Base Station to the Host Terminal
• Linking the Scanner to a Base Station
• Verifying Scanner-to-Base Station Communications

2 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
Installing the Battery
Orient the battery as shown in Figure 1, then push it into the scanner
until it snaps in place. To remove the battery, push in on the release
tabs on both sides of the battery’s base and pull it straight out of the
scanner.
Figure 1. Installing the Battery
NOTE
To assure maximum usage, batteries should always
be fully charged before their initial use. (See
Battery
Charging and Maintenance
on page 7.)
1.
Battery Release Tabs
1
1

User’s Guide 3
Verifying Scanner Operation
Once a charged battery has been installed in the scanner, scan the
sample bar codes in the back of this manual that correspond to the
symbologies your scanner is programmed to read. If unsure how to
do this, see the section on How to Scan in this manual. The system
may signal with one or a combination of indicators depending upon
how the scanner and Base Station are programmed to respond (see
LED and Beeper Indications for details). If your scanner fails to read a
sample bar code of a symbology it’s programmed to read, turn to the
section titled, Troubleshooting.
Connecting the Base Station to the Host Terminal
1. Connect the I/F cable to the Base Station (see Figure 2A). The
I/F cable is inserted into the connector and the cable retainer
clip is rotated over the cable overmold until the retainer
snaps in place (see Figure 2B). To disconnect the cable, push
in on the retainer (away from the catch on the plastic wall) to
release it and enable it to swing upward, allowing the cable
to be pulled free (see Figure 2C).
Figure 2 . Connecting/Disconnecting the Interface (I/F) Cable
NOTE
It is important that the interface (I/F) cable be con-
nected to the Base Station prior to applying power
to the system. This is because the interface type
(RS-232, IBM, Keyboard Wedge, etc.) is selected by
the Base Station subject to the I/F cable it is con-
nected to at the time of power-up.
ab
c

4 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
2. Consult your Host Terminal manual to determine the
required communication parameters for the Host Terminal
(e.g., baud rate, parity, etc.) and, if necessary, modify the pro-
grammed parameters to be compatible with those require-
ments. Scanner and Base Station programming is performed
using one of the following:
- Configurator Express™ Programming Software
- PowerScan™ Bar Code Scanner Programming Guide
3. Connect the I/F cable to the proper port on the Host Terminal
(check your Host Terminal manual to determine hardware
requirements).
4. Connect the AC Adapter's power cord at the Base Station and
plug the AC/DC adapter in at the wall outlet (see Figure 3).
The Base Station’s POWER LED should be illuminated when
the unit is properly connected to power.
Figure 3. Connecting Power to the Base Station
NOTE
See
References for more information about how to
obtain software and manuals for this product.
CAUTION
The Host Terminal manual should also be consulted
as to whether power must be turned off before con-
necting peripheral devices. Ensure that the correct
procedure is followed to avoid damage to equip-
ment or interruption of system functions.

User’s Guide 5
5. Apply power to the Host Terminal.
6. Verify communication with the Host Terminal by aiming the
linked scanner at a sample bar code from the back pages of
this manual, and pulling the trigger (see How to Scan for tips
about scanning bar codes). Confirm that the scanner/Base
Station sent the data to the host terminal. If not, see the sec-
tion, Troubleshooting. Once all communications are verified,
the system is ready for use.
Linking the Scanner to a Base Station
To link a scanner to a Base Station, simply scan the Base Station ID
bar code located on the top of the desired Base Station. As the scanner
searches for the Base Station, a short beep is heard as it seeks for the
correct channel. When the Base Station responds to the request, the
scanner’s beeper will either sound a "Link Granted," or "Link Denied"
signal (see the section, LED and Beeper Indications for more informa-
tion).
The existing Base Station system configuration can be automatically
downloaded to the scanner. This automatic download feature is con-
figurable and can be disabled. See the Systems Manual for more
information about this feature. If downloading occurs, a slight delay
with link verification announcement will occur.
CAUTION
Since a new/replacement scanner may have been
shipped with a custom configuration or may have
been modified with other special programming, it
may not be desirable to download a potentially
older configuration from an existing Base Station.
In this case, reference the Systems Manual, or the
Configurator Express™ On-Screen Programming
Software and consider uploading the scanner’s
newer configuration to the Base Station prior to
linking.

6 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
Verifying Scanner-to-Base Station Communications
Point the linked scanner at a sample bar code from the back pages of
this manual, and pull the trigger (see How to Scan for tips on scanning
bar codes). Watch the TX/RX (transmit/receive) indicator LED on the
Base Station and/or scanner green LED while scanning the bar code.
The LEDs should flash momentarily as the two devices communicate.
If no communication is indicated, refer to the troubleshooting section
of the Systems Manual.
When the scanner is programmed to do so, communication can also
be indicated by a second "acknowledgement" tone1that is sounded
after a "good read" tone. If a transmission error beep (warble) is heard
following a "good read" tone instead of the single acknowledgement
tone, communication between the devices may have failed2. Refer to
the sections Using the PowerScan RF System, and Troubleshooting for
possible remedies, should this occur.
1. See LED and Beeper Indications for more details about beeper signals.
2. Other reasons for a "warble" are that the Base Station may be configured differently than
the scanner, or that the system’s interface doesn’t support the symbology (bar code type)
you’re trying to scan.

User’s Guide 7
Using the PowerScan RF System
This section covers the following topics:
• Battery Charging and Maintenance
•HowtoScan
• LED and Beeper Indications
Battery Charging and Maintenance
Seat the scanner in the Base Station as shown in Figure 4, ensuring
that the battery fully engages the station’s metal contacts. The
CHARGE LED on the Base Station should flash, indicating the bat-
tery is charging.
Figure 4. Charging the Battery
NOTE
When the scanner is in use, a low battery condition
is indicated by a repeated two-flash signal from the
scanner’s green LED every time the trigger is pulled
before the laser is enabled. This indicator may have
been disabled via custom programming. See
LED
and Beeper Indications
for more information.

8 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
Rapid flashing indicates that charging is taking place. Rapid charging
occurs when the battery temperature is between 10°C (50°F) and 46°C
(115°F), and/or voltage of the battery is between 2.0 and 3.2V. Charge
time is less than 4.2 hours. Rapid charge ends with the battery at
approximately 90 to 95% capacity. The CHARGE LED remains on
steady when trickle charging or after the charge cycle is complete.
Tips for Extending Battery Life
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries will better hold a charge if
allowed to discharge at least once a week. The chemical reactions that
correspond to charge and discharge in a rechargeable battery should
occur to obtain the maximum number of charge/discharge cycles in
the battery. If a battery is removed from the scanner and stored, it
should be fully charged when stored. Batteries will lose the ability to
hold a charge when stored for long periods of time (weeks, months,
or longer).
Batteries will typically have about 30% charge capacity when
shipped. To assure maximum usage, the battery should be fully
charged before use.
Store your battery in a cool dry place. Do not leave your battery
exposed to direct sunlight or temperatures below 0°C (30°F) and
above 38°C (100°F).
Disposing of Batteries
There presently are no US, North America or World disposal require-
ments for NiMH batteries, so when they won't hold a charge any-
more, the batteries can be disposed of, preferably through a recycling
center.
NOTE
A scanner may be charged simultaneously while
other scanners are in use with the Base Station.
NOTE
Batteries will not charge if their temperature is
below 0°C (30°F). If a battery that is too cold is
inserted into the Base Station, the Charge LED will
not illuminate.

User’s Guide 9
Four Station Charger
If you have a Four Station Charger, batteries are inserted for charging
as shown in Figure 5. A 90% rapid charge can be achieved in only two
hours when using this optional accessory, half the time than when a
Base Station is used for charging. The LEDs at each battery station
operate the same as the CHARGE LED on the Base Station, with
rapid flashing indicating that rapid charging is taking place and on
steady during trickle charging or when the rapid charge cycle is fin-
ished.
Figure 5. Using the Four Station Charger Accessory
NOTE
If you insert a battery into the Four Station Charger
and no LEDs illuminate, the battery may be too
cold. Batteries must be at 0°C or higher to charge.
Do not attempt to charge cold batteries, since plac-
ing them in the charger will curtail the charging of
other batteries already present in the unit.
1.
Device Power LED 2. Station Charge LEDs
1
2

10 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
How to Scan
Figure 6 illustrates some tips to help get the best scanning results:
1. The scanner must be pointed at a slight angle to the bar code.
Do not hold the scanner perpendicular to the bar code.
2. The laser beam must cross the entire bar code. The scanner
cannot correctly read if the entire bar code is not scanned.
Figure 6. Scanning Tips
2
2
1
1

User’s Guide 11
Depth of Field
There are currently four different range models for the scanner.
Depending upon the model type of your scanner, you’ll need to hold
the unit at a given distance from the bar code to achieve optimum
scanning results. The following diagrams provide depth of field
information for each of the models when scanning grade A, Code 39
bar codes: Standard Range (SR), High Density (HD), Long Range
(LR) and Extra Long Range (XLR).
Definition of a "mil"
A "mil" is equal to 0.001 inches. In the context of the illustrations in
this section, a mil represents the minimum bar code element width.
Thus a 5 mil bar code would have a minimum element width of 5
mils (or 0.005 inches).
Figure 7. Depth of Field (SR)
NOTE
Measurements are based on SR models set with the
standard 28° scan width (as opposed to the Half
Angle setting of 14°). Reference the Programming
Manual for more information about the Half Angle
feature.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Depth of Field
Paper Labels (SR decoded model, Code 39)
0
20 mil
15 mil
10 mil
5 mil
CENTIMETERS
FEET
FRONT OF SCANNER
10
12345
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170
40 mil
7.5 mil
55 mil

12 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
Figure 8. Depth of Field (HD)
NOTE
See the section titled,
Definition of a "mil" for more
information about reading this chart. Measurements
are based on HD models set with the standard 28°
scan width (as opposed to the Half Angle setting of
14°). Reference the Programming Manual for more
information about the Half Angle feature.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Depth of Field
Paper Labels (HD decoded model, Code 39)
7.5 mil
5 mil
4 mil
3 mil
INCHES
FRONT OF SCANNER
0CENTIMETERS 5
12345678
10 15 20
10 mil
20 mil

User’s Guide 13
Figure 9. Depth of Field (LR)
NOTE
See the section titled,
Definition of a "mil" for more
information about reading this chart. Measurements
are based on LR models set with the a 14° scan
width (as opposed to the alternate Full Angle set-
ting of 28°). Reference the Programming Manual for
more information about the Half Angle feature.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Depth of Field
Paper Labels (LR decoded model, Code 39)
0
40 mil
20 mil
15 mil
7.5 mil
CENTIMETERS
FEET
FRONT OF SCANNER
10
12345
20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
6789
170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280
10 mil
55 mil
Reflective Labels (LR decoded model, Code 39)
70 mil
55 mil
40 mil
CENTIMETERS
FEET
FRONT OF SCANNER
6706506306105905705505305104904704504304103903703503303102902702502302101901701501301109070503010
1
0
2345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
100 mil

14 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
Figure 10. Depth of Field (XLR)
NOTE
See the section titled,
Definition of a "mil" for more
information about reading this chart. Measurements
are based on XLR models set with a 10° scan angle
width.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Depth of Field
Paper Labels (XLR decoded model, Code 39)
0
40 mil
20 mil
15 mil
CENTIMETERS
FEET
FRONT OF SCANNER
12345678910 11 12 13 14 15
45040035030025020015010050
55 mil
Reflective Labels (XLR decoded model, Code 39)
70 mil
40 mil
CENTIMETERS
FEET
FRONT OF SCANNER
11001050100095090085080075070065060055050045040035030025020015010050
1
0
2345678910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
100 mil

User’s Guide 15
LED and Beeper Indications
The Base Station LED indicators and the scanner’s LEDs and beeper
are used to announce system status and perform other useful signals.
The tables below list the default function of each of the various indi-
cators.
Table 1. Scanner GREEN LED Functions
NOTE
Some LED and beeper indications can be disabled
or modified via scanner programming. The tables
indicate the default behavior of the indicators, with
shaded rows representing features that are pro-
grammable.
LED
INDICATION DURATION COMMENT
Disable
Indication 100ms on, 900 ms off Indicates the scanner has been disabled.
Good Read
Indication 500 ms on Indicates a bar code
has been read and
decoded.
Program
Mode
Indication
500 ms on, 500 ms off
Continuous flashing Indicates the scanner
is in Programming
Mode.
Field
Replaceable
Unit (FRU)
Indications
Varies. Consists of a
long flash followed by
multiple short flashes.
Enables service tech-
nicians to identify
FieldReplaceableUnit
(FRU) errors.
Low Battery
Indication
Two flashes at 100 ms
on, 350 ms off.
Occurs at trigger pull
before the laser is
enabled. Indicates the
battery is in need of
recharging.

16 PowerScan™ RF Scanner
Table 2. Scanner YELLOW LED Functions
Table 3. Scanner BEEPER Functions
LED
INDICATION DURATION COMMENT
Laser on
indication On Steady The yellow LED illumi-
nates whenever the
laser is on.
SPEAKER
INDICATION DURATION COMMENT
Scanner Not
Currently
Linked
Six beeps consisting of
20 ms on, 20 ms off Indicates a bar code
was read before the
scanner was linked to
a Base Station.
Good Read
Beep
100 ms on (short)
250 ms on (medium)
500 ms on (long)
Three programmable
functions are avail-
able. This indicates a
bar code has been
read and decoded.
Partial Read
Bip 20 ms on
A very short beep
("bip") is sounded
when one bar code of
a two-bar code pair
has been successfully
decoded.
Base Sta-
tion
Acknowl-
edgement
Beep
100 ms on (short)
250 ms on (medium)
500 ms on (long)
Indicates a successful
bar code transmission
to the host (config-
urable), a successful
change of channel, or
a successful transmis-
sion of a new configu-
ration to the host.

User’s Guide 17
Table 4 . Base Station LED Functions
Transmis-
sion Error
Beep
High, then low, then high,
then low. Indicates unsuccess-
ful transmission to the
host.
Link Beep
Low, then medium, then
high. Indicates a scanner
has been successfully
linked to a base sta-
tion.
Unlink Beep
High, then medium, then
low. Indicates a scanner
has been successfully
unlinked from a base
station.
Field
Replaceable
Unit (FRU)
Indications
Varies. Consists of a
long tone followed by
multiple short tones.
Enables service tech-
nicians to identify
FieldReplaceableUnit
(FRU) errors.
LED
INDICATION DURATION COMMENT
TX/RX
(Transmit/
Receive)
Lit for variable timeaIndicates communica-
tions activity to or from
the Base Station.
Continuous rapid
flashing at power-up Indicates a broken
radio.
Varies. Consists of a
long flash followed by
multiple short flashes.
Enables service tech-
nicians to identify
FieldReplaceableUnit
(FRU) errors.
SPEAKER
INDICATION DURATION COMMENT