PSC SP400rf Operating instructions

P ROGRAMMING G UIDE
R ADIO F REQUENCY
H ANDHELD
L ASER
S CANNER

PSC Scanning, Inc.
959 Terry Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: [phone]
Toll Free: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
PSC and the PSC logo are registered trademarks 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 in part
without the prior written consent of PSC. The same proprietary and copyright notices
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.
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.

R44-1027 i
Contents
Introduction
I Need to Understand the Basics.............................. 1
Integrating Peripherals With Host Systems ............. 1
Changing Interfaces................................................. 2
Customizing Your Scanner Operation ...................... 3
Programming Overview ................................................. 4
What Is Programming Mode? ................................. 4
How To Program Using Barcodes............................ 4
The Programming Session ...................................... 5
Scanner Response When In Programming Mode .... 5
If You Make a Mistake... .......................................... 6
Return to Factory Settings ....................................... 6
Configuration Upload............................................... 6
Where To Go From Here .......................................... 7
Interface Selection
IBMIBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 Port 5B I/F Selection .......... 8
IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 Port 9A, 9B,
9C, 9E I/F Selection.......................................... 9
IBM 4682/92 Port E Interface Selection................. 10
OCIA
PSC OCIA Interface Selection ................................ 11
NCR OCIA Eight Bit (short format) I/F Selection .... 11
NCR OCIA Nine Bit (long format) I/F Selection ...... 11
SNI OCIA Interface Selection ................................. 11
OCIA Options ......................................................... 12
Wand
Wand Emulation Interface Selection ...................... 13

ii SP400RF Programming Guide
RS-232
RS-232 Interface Selection .................................... 15
SNI RS-232 Interface Selection ............................. 15
Hardware Control................................................... 18
Software Control.................................................... 19
Keyboard Wedge
PC Keyboard Wedge Interface Selection................ 22
PC Keyboard Wedge –
Connect to a Laptop/No Keyboard Attached ...... 23
STI Keyboard Wedge Interface Selection ............... 26
Label Transmit Format Configuration Items ................ 27
Prefix & Suffix ....................................................... 27
ASCII Character Set ............................................... 33
Symbologies
Symbology Options Overview...................................... 42
Symbology Selection ................................................... 43
UPC/EAN Options ........................................................ 45
UPC/EAN Expansion .............................................. 46
UPC/EAN Add-Ons................................................. 47
Price/Weight Check Digit ....................................... 50
Code 39 Options .......................................................... 51
Interleaved 2 of 5......................................................... 55
Check Digit and Variable Length Label Selections . 56
Standard 2 of 5 ............................................................ 60
Normal or IATA Selection ...................................... 61
Check Digit and Variable Length Label Selections . 62
Codabar Options .......................................................... 65
Codabar Check Digit & Variable Length ................. 66
Codabar Start/Stop Character ................................ 67
Codabar Fixed Length ............................................ 68
MSI/Plessey Options ................................................... 70
MSI/Plessey Check Digit........................................ 70
MSI/Plessey Fixed Length...................................... 71

R44-1027 iii
Code 128 Options ........................................................ 73
AIM Symbology ID Prefix ...................................... 73
General Features .......................................................... 74
Communications Protocol ..................................... 75
ASCII Character Set ............................................... 78
When To Acknowledge .......................................... 80
“When to Beep” Options ........................................ 84
Beeper Volume ...................................................... 88
Radio Channel Frequency ...................................... 89
Radio Transmit Power ........................................... 90
Wait Time For Host Acknowledge .......................... 91
Read Verification ................................................... 93
Low Battery Indication Method .............................. 95
Appendix A
Standard Factory Settings............................................ 96
Factory Defaults..................................................... 96
Interface-Discrete Defaults .......................................... 99
RS-232/Keyboard Wedge ...................................... 99
IBM Interfaces ..................................................... 100
Appendix B
Additional Information ............................................... 101
Host Programming .................................................... 101
Creating MultiFunction Labels ................................... 101
Need More Information.............................................. 101
Appendix C
Sample Barcodes....................................................... 102

NOTES
iv SP400RF Programming Guide

R44-1027 1
GENERAL
INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
This manual contains instructions for changing interfaces, barcodes for
customizing the SP400RF scanner's operation and a listing of standard
factory settings. It is important to note that many of the features and
programming labels contained here are identical to those available for
other SP400 models. Since the SP400RF contains software enhance-
ments and characteristics that set it apart from other models, it is recom-
mended that this guide be used as the sole source of programming labels
and information (except for other SP400RF product-specific publica-
tions).
The organization of this manual is intended to support a variety of users
while making it quick and easy to find the information you need. Look at
the descriptions that follow to find where to go from here.
I NEED TO UNDERSTAND THE BASICS
If you do not regularly use barcode labels to configure (program) scan-
ners, it will be very helpful to read the introductory portions of this
manual prior to beginning your programming session. In addition to the
information that follows, information of specific interest to you is titled:
— Integrating Peripherals with Host Systems
— Changing Interfaces
— Customizing Your Scanner Operation
— Programming Overview
— What is Programming Mode?
— How to Program Using Barcodes
— The Programming Session
— Scanner Response When in Programming Mode
— If You Make A Mistake
— Where to Go From Here
INTEGRATING PERIPHERALS WITH HOST SYSTEMS
It is important that you understand that the scanner must contain software
that supports a specific interface in order to use that interface.
Next, turn to Appendix A, Standard Factory Settings, which contains a
complete factory default configuration listing. Assuming that your scanner
is configured using the standard factory settings, use this list to identify
any changes or additions you need to make.
Then, locate the programming labels you need and change the necessary
settings. Once you have completed these steps, you can begin scanning.

2 SP400RF Programming Guide
GENERAL
INFORMATION
CHANGING INTERFACES
The scanner is configured at the factory to support one of two interface
groups listed in Table 1 below. Changing the current interface is simply a
matter of selecting the desired interface from your scanner's group, and
enabling the new interface using the programming labels contained in this guide.
Table 1. SP400RF Interface Groups
R
S-232 • IBM • OCIA Group RS-232 • Wand Emulation • Keyboard Wedge Group
RS-232 RS-232
SNI RS-232 SNI RS-232
IBM 468x/9x Port 5B Wand Emulation
IBM 468x/9x Port 9x Type A — PC/XT w/foreign keyboard
IBM 4682/92 Port E Type B — AT, PS/2 25-286, 30-286, 50, 50Z, 60, 70, 80, 90 & 95
w/foreign keyboard
PSC
1
OCIA Type C — PS/2 25 and 30 w/foreign keyboard
NCR OCIAEightBit Type D — PC/XT w/USkeyboard
NCR OCIANineBit Type E — AT, PS/2 25-286, 30-286, 50, 50Z, 60, 70, 80, 90 & 95
w/USkeyboard
SNI OCIA Type F— PS/2 25 and 30 w/USkeyboard
STI keyboard wedge
NOTE
If you attempt to select an interface that is
not supported by your scanner, or if the
scanner's interface hardware malfunctions,
all three LEDs will flash five times and the
scanner will automatically reset to the stan-
dard RS-232 interface. The scanner will oth-
erwise be returned to normal function.
Once you have enabled the new interface with the appropriate label, the
new interface becomes the default interface that is active whenever power
is applied to the scanner.
The following steps describe the interface change procedure.
1. Turn to the appropriate page in this manual and scan the
desired interface enable programming label. This will enable
the software for the new interface and disable the 'old'
interface software.
2. Scan a barcode to verify that the scanner communicates
correctly with the host system. Some sample barcodes are
provided on the last pages of this manual. If any changes to
the scanner's factory settings are needed, use the instructions
titled, Customizing Your Scanner Operation.
1 Formerly titled: "Spectra-Physics OCIA" or "S-P OCIA".

R44-1027 3
GENERAL
INFORMATION
CUSTOMIZING YOUR SCANNER OPERATION
When enabling a new interface, it may be necessary to modify the stan-
dard factory settings to match your specific host system's communication
and symbology requirements. Check with your system administrator to
identify your host system's specific interface requirements to ensure that
they match the new interface you have selected. Also, the scanner's
operational features (e.g. speaker volume, radio channel frequency, etc.)
can be customized to match your unique requirements.
1. Use the labels in this manual to modify the standard configu-
ration to match your specific interface requirements or user
preference.
NOTE
Ensure that your planned modifications are
compatible with the current interface. For
example, baud rate selections are only valid in
the RS-232 interface. The scanner will read
and seem to accept programming labels for
features invalid to the current interface, how-
ever the feature will not be modified.
2. Enable any additional symbologies as required and exit
Programming Mode.
3. Scan a regular barcode label and verify that the scanner and
host communicate correctly.
4. You have completed the factory settings change procedure.
If you experience difficulties, have questions or require additional infor-
mation, contact your local distributor using the listings located on the back
cover of this guide.

4 SP400RF Programming Guide
GENERAL
INFORMATION
PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW
This section describes how to set the scanner's programmable features.
These features can be configured using the barcode labels contained in
this manual or by using commands sent from the host. Refer to Appendix
B, Additional Information, for host programming details. If you program
the scanner using these barcodes, the scanner stores the changes until
reprogrammed. Whenever you use these labels to change programmable
features, you are changing these features for the active interface only.
WHAT ISPROGRAMMING MODE?
To change the scanner's programmed settings, it is necessary to place the
scanner in Programming Mode using the special “set” label. This ensures
that the scanner only recognizes the special programming labels contained
in this programming guide.
HOW TOPROGRAM USING BARCODES
The following pages contain special barcode labels that are used to
change or enable the scanner's programmable options. All programming
sessions follow this order, unless otherwise instructed:
NOTE
Programming should be performed with the
base station in near proximity to ensure opti-
mal communication and sllow the user to
monitor the base station’s LED indicators.
1. Scan the SET label at the top of the page. The scanner will
emit two beeps indicating it has read the label, and the base
station’s red LED will begin flashing. As long as the lamp is
flashing, the scanner will only recognize and decode pro-
gramming labels.
2. Scan the feature label(s) for the programmable options
you wish to enable. The scanner will emit two beeps each
time you scan a valid label. (Note that not all features are
available for all interfaces.) The first beep indicates that the
scanner has read the label, the second announces base station
acknowledgement of the label.
3. Scan the END label at the bottom of the page to complete
the programming session and exit Programming Mode.

R44-1027 5
GENERAL
INFORMATION
THE PROGRAMMING SESSION
It is possible to program multiple features during a single programming
session (a programming session is defined as the period of time between
scanning the “set” label and scanning the “end” label). 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 sequence. Additionally, it can be confusing to deter-
mine which features may or may not have been successfully set following
a failed session.
The scanner will not exit Programming Mode unless the “end” label is
scanned. Disconnecting power during Programming Mode, before
scanning the “end” label, will cause the scanner to forget any program-
ming labels scanned during the current programming session and will
cause the scanner to return to its previous settings.
SCANNER RESPONSE WHEN INPROGRAMMING MODE
Visual verification that the SP400RF is in Programming Mode is provided
by the red LED located on the base station, which will steadily flash until
Programming Mode is exited. While in Programming Mode, the scanner
will not decode regular barcode labels and will only enable features
supported by the currently active interface. Maintaining a good record of
all changes made will help ensure that you know if the standard factory
settings have been changed.
Scanning regular barcode labels — the scanner will reject the
label, sounding first a “good read” beep, followed by a low
“bad” beep.
Scanning a valid programming label —
a. If the feature is supported by the active interface, the
scanner will sound two “good read” beeps.
b. If incomplete or incorrect programming has been entered
when the END label is scanned, the rejection tone will be
sounded (a “good read” beep, followed by a low “bad”
beep) regardless of whether the labels scanned were
valid programming labels. For example, if the END label
is scanned immediately following the SET label, the lack
of programming content will result in a rejection tone.

6 SP400RF Programming Guide
GENERAL
INFORMATION
IFYOU MAKE AMISTAKE...
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 this page to return the scanner's
configuration to the factory settings. Scanning this label will reset any
changes made during a previous programming session.
Appendix A contains a complete list of all standard factory settings.
WARNING
After returning the scanner to factory de-
faults, you must scan the BASE STATION I.D.
label (located on labels on the top and side of
the base station) and the CONFIGURATION
UPLOAD label as described below. This will
reestablish the communication link between
the scanner and base station, and complete
the restoration of the scanner's original con-
figuration.
RETURN TO FACTORY SETTINGS
Scan this label to return the scanner to the factory settings for the active
interface. It is unneccessary to scan “set” and “end” labels with this label.
CONFIGURATION UPLOAD
Use this option to upload the configuration file from the base station to
the scanner.
SET -------------------------------------
UPLOAD BASE STATION CONFIG -
END -------------------------------------

R44-1027 7
GENERAL
INFORMATION
WHERE TOGOFROM HERE
Programming is easy and straightforward if you follow these steps:
1. Turn to Appendix A and review the factory settings for the
interface you will be using.
2. Scan the interface enable barcode label if you are changing
interfaces.
3. Scan any feature labels that are unique to the interface you
are currently programming. These interface specific program-
ming labels immediately follow each interface selection label.
5. Turn to the Symbology section if you are going to change any
barcode symbologies or modify any symbology related
features.
6. 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” label, you are ready to scan.

8 SP400RF Programming Guide
IBM INTERFACES
IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 PORT 5B INTERFACE SELECTION1
Scan this label to enable the IBM 468x Port 5B interface1.
IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 PORT 5B SETTINGS
Data Format: Send As Code 39 — converts barcode data (UPC/EAN, add-
ons, Code 93, Codabar, MSI/Plessey and Code 128) into Code 39 format
before sending the data to the host.
These settings are for IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 Port 5B interface ONLY.
Limit Command Set — is an option that causes the scanner to ignore
'enable scanner' and 'disable scanner' commands sent from the host.
Transmit Unsolicited Status
2
— when enabled, this option causes the
scanner to transmit a status message to the host upon receipt of a "Set
Normal Response Mode" (SNRM) command, and after scanner transmission
of a "Non Sequenced Acknowledge" (NSA) response.
SET -------------------------------------
SEND AS CODE 39 ------------
DON'TSEND AS CODE 39------
ENABLE LIMIT COMMAND SET ---
DISABLE LIMIT COMMAND SET --
TRANSMIT UNSOLICITED STATUS -
DON'TTRANSMIT UNSOLICITED STATUS
END -------------------------------------
1 Scanners manufactured prior to April 30, 1997 do not have IBM interfaces as a
selectable option.
2 For this IBM interface, the setting for Unsolicited Status is normally Enabled.
DATA FORMAT

R44-1027 9
IBM INTERFACES
DATA FORMAT
IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 PORT 9A, 9B, 9C, 9E I/F SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the IBM 468x/9x Port 9x interface.
IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 PORT 9A, 9B, 9C, 9E SETTINGS
Data Format: Send As Code 39 — converts barcode data (UPC/EAN,
add-ons, Code 93, Codabar, MSI/Plessey and Code 128) into Code 39
format before sending the data to the host.
These settings are for IBM 4683/84 • 4693/94 Port 9A, 9B, 9C, 9E inter-
face ONLY.
Limit Command Set — is an option that causes the scanner to ignore
'enable scanner' and 'disable scanner' commands sent from the host.
Transmit Unsolicited Status1 — when enabled, this option causes the
scanner to transmit a status message to the host upon receipt of a "Set
Normal Response Mode" (SNRM) command, and after scanner transmission
of a "Non Sequenced Acknowledge" (NSA) response.
SET -------------------------------------
SEND AS CODE 39 ------------
DON'TSEND AS CODE 39------
ENABLE LIMIT COMMAND SET ---
DISABLE LIMIT COMMAND SET --
TRANSMIT UNSOLICITED STATUS -
DON'TTRANSMIT UNSOLICITED STATUS
END -------------------------------------
1 For this IBM interface, the setting for Unsolicited Status is normally Disabled.

10 SP400RF Programming Guide
IBM INTERFACES
IBM 4682/92 PORT E INTERFACE SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the IBM 468x/9x Port E interface.
IBM 4682/92 PORT E SETTINGS
Data Format: Send As Code 39 — converts barcode data (UPC/EAN, add-
ons, Code 93, Codabar, MSI/Plessey and Code 128) into Code 39 format
before sending the data to the host.
These settings are for IBM 4682/92 Port E interface ONLY.
Limit Command Set — is an option that causes the scanner to ignore
'enable scanner' and 'disable scanner' commands sent from the host.
Transmit Unsolicited Status
1
— when enabled, this option causes the scanner
to transmit a status message to the host upon receipt of a "Set Normal Re-
sponse Mode" (SNRM) command, and after scanner transmission of a "Non
Sequenced Acknowledge" (NSA) response.
SET -------------------------------------
SEND AS CODE 39 ------------
DON'TSEND AS CODE 39------
ENABLE LIMIT COMMAND SET ---
DISABLE LIMIT COMMAND SET --
TRANSMIT UNSOLICITED STATUS -
DON'TTRANSMIT UNSOLICITED STATUS
END -------------------------------------
1 For this IBM interface, the setting for Unsolicited Status is normally Disabled.
DATA FORMAT

R44-1027 11
OCIA
INTERFACES
PSC1OCIA INTERFACE SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the Spectra-Physics OCIA interface.
NCR OCIA EIGHT BIT (SHORT FORMAT) INTERFACE SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the NCR OCIA (short format) interface.
NCR OCIA NINE BIT (LONG FORMAT) INTERFACE SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the NCR OCIA Nine Bit (long format) interface.
SNI OCIA INTERFACE SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the SNI OCIA interface.
1 Formerly labeled: Spectra-Physics OCIA, or S-P OCIA.

12 SP400RF Programming Guide
OCIA
INTERFACES
OCIA OPTIONS
Use these labels to change the settings as desired. The following brief
descriptions explain each selection.
Beep on Not on File — when enabled requires the scanner to
beep when a label is scanned that is not on file. NCR 8 and 9 bit ONLY.
Host Commands — when enabled allows the scanner to
accept commands directly from the host. All OCIA types.
Intercharacter Delay — refers to a pause, if any, between
each character before being sent to the host. This time delay is
used to control the flow of data from the scanner, but it should
not be required for most applications. When enabled, OCIA
intercharacter delay is set at 70µs. All OCIA types.
SET -------------------------------------
ENABLE------------------------
DISABLE -----------------------
ENABLE------------------------
DISABLE -----------------------
ENABLE------------------------
DISABLE -----------------------
END -------------------------------------
Go to the sections titled Symbology Selection and General Features in the
back of this programming guide if you want to change any other factory
settings for these interfaces.
HOST
COMMANDS
INTERCHARACTER
DELAY
BEEP ON
NOT ON FILE

R44-1027 13
WAND EMULATION
INTERFACE
WAND EMULATION INTERFACE SELECTION
Scan this label to enable the Wand Emulation interface.
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

14 SP400RF Programming Guide
WAND EMULATION
INTERFACE
LOW --------------------------
HIGH--------------------------
TRANSMIT PRE-NOISE ----------
DON'TTRANSMIT PRE-NOISE ---
ENABLE------------------------
DISABLE -----------------------
END -------------------------------------
Go to the sections titled Symbology Selection and General Features in the
back of this programming guide if you want to change any other settings
for this interface.
IDLE STATE
TRANSMIT ANOISE
PATTERN BEFORE
LABEL TRANSMISSION
TRANSMIT C128
FUNCTION CHAR'S