PSC VS800 User manual

User's Guide
VS800
Scanner

PSC and the PSC logo are registered trademarks of PSC INC. VS800 is a trade-
mark owned by PSC INC.
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. Owner 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.
Disclaimer
Reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that all information con-
tained in this manual is complete and accurate. However, PSC reserves the
right to change any specification at any time without prior notice.
PSC Scanning, Inc.
959 Terry Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402-9120
Telephone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
www.pscnet.com

VS800 ™ Scanner User's Guide 1
Table of Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................... 3
About this Guide ....................................................................................... 3
Operational Modes ........................................................................................... 4
Selftest Mode ............................................................................................ 4
Operational Mode ..................................................................................... 4
Sleep Mode .............................................................................................. 4
Controls and Indicators ..................................................................................... 4
Visual Indicator ......................................................................................... 4
Audible Indicator ....................................................................................... 5
Switch Button ............................................................................................ 5
Motion Sensor .......................................................................................... 5
Interface Connector .................................................................................. 6
DC Power Connector ................................................................................ 6
Unpacking ........................................................................................................ 7
Installation ........................................................................................................ 8
Connecting the Scanner ................................................................................... 9
Power-Off-Terminal (P.O.T.) ...................................................................... 9
AC/DC power supply (if required) ............................................................. 9
Power-Up Procedure .............................................................................. 10
Verifying Scanner Operation ........................................................................... 11
Power-up ................................................................................................ 11
Passes Selftest ....................................................................................... 11
Fails Selftest ........................................................................................... 11
How To Scan .................................................................................................. 12
Scan Volume and Scan Depth ................................................................ 12
Sweep Scanning ..................................................................................... 13
Presentation Scanning ............................................................................ 13
Customizing Your Scanner's Operation ........................................................... 14
Changing The Volume ............................................................................. 14
Other Programmable Features ............................................................... 15
Routine Maintenance ...................................................................................... 17
Cleaning the Scan Window ..................................................................... 17
Specifications ................................................................................................. 18
Physical Specifications ........................................................................... 18
Environmental Specifications .................................................................. 18
Electrical Specifications .......................................................................... 18
Laser Safety Information ................................................................................. 19
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................. 20
Regulatory Agency Information ...................................................................... 21
FCC Statements ..................................................................................... 21
Scanner Labeling .................................................................................... 22
Standard Warranty .......................................................................................... 23

2 VS800 ™ Scanner User's Guide

VS800 ™ Scanner User's Guide 3
Introduction
The VS800™ scanner from PSC®delivers high performance, full-
functioned bar code scanning in a small housing to save counter
space. The product, with its rugged industrialized enclosure, is
designed for durability, prolonged life, and low maintenance costs.
With the multiple mounting options, operators can adjust the scan-
ner to create a convenient, comfortable, and productive work envi-
ronment.
The VS800™ scanner's design minimizes the need for user training
and accepts "presentation" and "sweep" scanning. The aggressive,
omnidirectional scan pattern minimizes the need to adjust or orient
individual items. The scanner is virtually maintenance free. Periodic
cleaning of the scanner and the scan window is all that's required.
Figure 1. VS800 Scanner
About this Guide
This User's Guide provides basic instructions on the setup, operation,
and care of the VS800 scanner. It is assumed that the user has a
background and a familiarity with bar code scanning.

4 VS800 ™ Scanner User's Guide
Operational Modes
The VS800 scanner has three operational modes:
Selftest Mode
The VS800 scanner automatically performs a Selftest on initial
power-up. The Selftest checks the functionality of the internal
circuits. If no problem is found, the scanner displays a single bright
flash of the LED light, and sounds four beeps. It then transitions into
the Operational Mode. Other tones indicate if a problem was
detected – see the Troubleshooting section for details on possible
causes and solutions.
Operational Mode
This is the scanner's normal operating mode. In this mode the
scanner is ready to read bar code labels and transmit data to the host
POS Terminal.
Sleep Mode
After a prolonged period of inactivity, the laser and the motor turn
off to save power and prolong component life. Pressing the switch or
passing an object in front of the scanner, causes the scanner to "wake-
up." The laser and motor timeout periods are programmable using
the special bar code labels found in the PSC Duet/VS800 Programming
Guide (Part Number R44-1740).
Controls and Indicators
Visual Indicator
The Light Emitting Diode (LED) provides a visual indicator of the
various system operations (reference Figure 2):
• On Dim – scanner is operational and ready to scan.
• Flashes once brightly after reading a bar code – indicates a
"good" scan. Usually accompanied by a single tone from the
speaker.

VS800 ™ Scanner User's Guide 5
• Flashes from dim to bright once per second – indicates the
scanner is in the Sleep Mode due to an extended time of
inactivity.
• Flashes repeatedly accompanied by a series of tones – indi-
cates a failure has occurred. If the scanner exhibits this behav-
ior or behaves erratically, contact your service personnel.
Audible Indicator
A Speaker produces an audible indicator of scanner operation:
• Normal – A single tone indicates the scanner read a "good"
bar code.
• Passed Selftest – A series of four tones when power is first
applied indicates the scanner has passed the Selftest.
• Error Tone – A series of tones sound to alert the operator of a
possible system or component failure. (Refer to Troubleshoot-
ing section).
Switch Button
Pressing the Switch momentarily "wakes up" the scanner if it is in the
Sleep Mode.
Motion Sensor
Located inside the Front Scan Window, the motion sensor detects a
change in ambient light levels caused by moving an item in front of
the scanner, and wakes up the scanner if it is in Sleep Mode. Figure
2, below, shows the indicators, controls, and connectors of the VS800
scanner.

6 VS800 ™ Scanner User's Guide
Figure 2. Controls, Indicators and Connectors
A
B
C
D
E
F
A. Scan Window E. Interface/DC Power cable
B. Motion Sensor (Inside) connector
C. Visual Indicator (LED) F. Speaker
D. Switch
Interface Connector
This connector provides the link between the scanner and the host
terminal. It transmits bar code data and, depending on your host
system configuration, can also supply DC power to the scanner from
the host Terminal (Power-Off-Terminal).
DC Power Connector
The optional AC/DC power adapter provides DC Power to the
scanner, either via a special DC wire extending out of the Interface
cable, or via a special DC connector on the Interface Connector.
The type of DC connector used depends on your host terminal's
configuration.

VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide 7
Unpacking
Before you open the VS800 scanner shipping carton, inspect the
exterior of the carton for damage. If the carton is torn or crushed,
carefully open and inspect the contents to ensure that no damage has
occurred. Notify your carrier immediately if you think that there has
been any damage.
Figure 3. Package Contents
A
B
C
D
A. VS800 Scanner C. User's Guide (This manual)
B. Interface Cable1 (Optional) D. AC/DC Power Adapter1
1 Your hardware may vary from illustration based on your POS Terminal.
If anything is missing or the wrong interface cable has been included
with your scanner, contact your dealer/distributor or call your local
PSC office.

8 VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide
Installation
The scanner can be mounted in an optimal position for comfort and
increased efficiency. Figure 4, below, shows the mounting options
available for the VS800 scanner. Installation instructions are pack-
aged with the optional mounting hardware.
Figure 4. Mounting Options for the VS8000 Scanner
A B
C D
A. Countertop B. Side of POS Terminal
C. Under a Shelf D. Left or Right of POS
Your VS800 support hardware may differ from the illustration depending on your POS environment.

VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide 9
Connecting the Scanner
The VS800 scanner connects to the host POS terminal via an interface
cable. The cable connects to the scanner with a modular connector
and to the host terminal with the connector required by the host
(RS-232, OCIA, Keyboard Wedge, Wand or IBM POS). Figure 5
shows how to connect the scanner to the store host terminal. The
type of DC power connector depends on your existing store host
terminal.
DC power to the scanner is supplied by one of two methods:
1. From the host terminal (Power-Off-Terminal)
through a single cable that carries both data and DC
power.
2. From an optional AC/DC power adapter that
provides DC power, either through the side of the
connector to the POS System, or through a branch in
the Y-cable connection.
Never work on equipment, connect or disconnect signal
cables during periods of lighting activity.
Always power-down (switch off) all equipment prior to
connecting cables.
Power-Off-Terminal (P.O.T.)
1. Connect the interface cable to the scanner.
2. Connect the other end of the interface cable to the
host terminal.
AC/DC power supply (if required)
1. Connect the interface cable to the scanner.
2. Connect the DC barrel plug into the side of the
connector at the POS end of the cable, or into the DC
connector of the power branch of the Y-cable.
3. Connect the interface cable to the host terminal.
4. Plug the AC/DC power adapter into a functional
AC outlet.

10 VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide
Power-Up Procedure
The system power-up procedure may vary depending on the re-
quirements of your Point-of-Sale (POS) system. Check with your
system supervisor and/or refer to the terminal operator's manual for
proper power-down and power-up procedures for your system.
Figure 5. Connecting the Scanner to the Host Terminal
a. Interface Connector d. To Host Terminal
b. Interface Cable e. DC Power Connector
c. Host Terminal Connector1f. AC/DC Power Adapter
1 Your Host Terminal Connector may vary from the illustration.

VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide 11
Verifying Scanner Operation
Power-up
Power-up the system. The scanner will automatically run a Power-
Up Selftest.
Passes Selftest
The scanner should emit four successive tones indicating that it has
passed the Power-Up Selftest routine. The LED indicator lamp
flashes brightly once. The LED then transitions to a dim condition,
(or Off if so programmed) indicating the scanner is ready for
operation. Scan a few items to verify that data is properly commu-
nicated between the scanner and your POS terminal.
Fails Selftest
If the scanner powers-up, but the LED lamp begins flashing and the
speaker repeats a series of error tones, or the scanner does not read
bar codes, or behaves erratically, go to the section titled Trouble-
shooting.

12 VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide
How To Scan
The VS800 is ready to scan a bar code when the LED light is on dim1
(Operational Mode) or the LED is flashing slowly (Sleep Mode). The
scanner's specially designed scan pattern minimizes the need for the
operator to orient the item for scanning.
Scan Volume and Scan Depth
As shown in Figure 6, the scan volume extends approximately eight
inches (20 cm) in front of the scan window. The optimal scanning
distance is at the center of the scan volume, or approximately four
inches (10 cm) from the window. The scanner can read bar codes
either in the sweep or presentation mode to accommodate different
user styles. (See Figures 7 and 8).
Figure 6. Scan Volume and Scan Depth
ab
c
a. Scan Window c. Scan Depth (8 inches
b. Scan Volume 20 cm)
1. Unless the LED is programmed to the Off condition by using special programming
labels found in the Duet/VS800 Programming Guide (R44-1740).

VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide 13
Sweep Scanning
To perform a sweep scan, move (sweep) the product, with the bar
code facing the front window, laterally through the scan volume.
Figure 7. Sweep Scanning
2HD
2HD
2HD
Presentation Scanning
For optimum scanning performance, face the bar code towards the
center of the front scanner window. Move the product with the bar
code towards the scanner, as shown in Figure 8.
Figure 8. Presentation Scanning
2HD

14 VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide
Customizing Your Scanner's Operation
Customizing or programming a scanner provides maximum flexibil-
ity and allows a single scanner to serve many installation environ-
ments. Since the VS800 scanner supports a variety of interfaces,
configurations and bar code symbologies, it may be necessary to
customize your scanner to meet the specific requirements of your
retail environment. Customizing the scanner is done by scanning
special bar codes which change the way the scanner operates.
If the scanner does not read bar codes and/or transmit data the way
you need it to, contact your dealer or distributor for more program-
ming options.
Changing The Volume
There are three possible volume settings. Each time you scan the bar
code below, the scanner’s volume changes to the next higher level. If
the current volume is the highest selection, the volume changes to
the lowest setting. If the scanner is powered off or reset, this setting
returns to the factory default and will need to be set again to your
desired setting. For permanent volume change, see the
Duet/VS800 Scanner Programming Guide, (P/N: R44-1740).
Increment Volume

VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide 15
Other Programmable Features
The table below shows some of the major features that may be
changed using the Duet/VS800 Scanner Programming Guide.
Symbology Activation/Deactivation
UPC/EAN/JAN:
–UPC-A and UPC-E Add ons
–EAN-8 and EAN-13 –UPC P2 and UPC P5
–Jan-8 and JAN -13 –Code 128
–UPC-A with EDGE™stitching1
Industrial Codes:
–Interleaved 2 of 5 –Code 128
–Code 39 (variable length) –Codabar
–Code 39 (fixed length label stitching)
–MSI/Plessey
Other Features:
–two label read
–Autodiscriminate UPC EDGE™with Add-ons and 5
Industrial codes.
Communication Interface Activation/Deactivation
Single Interfaces:
–Wand Emulation –OCIA
–RS-232 –IBM 46xx
–Keyboard Wedge
Dual Interfaces:
–RS-232 and IBM 46xx –RS-232 and OCIA
–RS-232 and Keyboard-Wedge
Triple Interfaces:
–RS-232, IBM 46xx, and Keyboard-Wedge
1. This optional feature is not available on all models. Contact your PSC dealer or
distributor for more information.

16 VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide
Programmable Scanner Features
User Indicators Parameters:
–Speaker Volume Selection
–Speaker Tone Pitch
–Speaker Tone Length
Sleep Mode:
–Motor Timeout
–Laser Timeout
Other programmable features include
–Supplemental labels –Label ID prefixes
–Two label configuration –Coupon Processing
Contact PSC for more information on these programmable features.

VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide 17
Routine Maintenance
The VS800 scanner's rugged design requires little maintenance.
Routine maintenance consists of cleaning the scanner and Scan
Window periodically.
Cleaning the Scan Window
Regular cleaning of the window surface of the scanner reduces
residue buildup and helps ensure the system’s highest performance.
WARNING
DO NOT USE ALCOHOL, PETROLEUM, ACETONE, ABRASIVE
CLEANER OR ABRASIVE PADS. THEY WILL HARM OR SCRATCH
THE SURFACE.
ABRASIVES
ALCOHOL
or
ACETONE
Use these procedures for cleaning the scan window.
NOTE
The scan window is a high quality, optical grade plastic. Use a soft
lens cloth and non-abrasive cleaner to avoid scratching.
1. Spray the cleaner on a soft, lint-free cloth and gently
clean the window surface.
Glass
Cleaner
2. Completely wipe the window dry with a soft,
lint-free cloth.

18 VS800 ™Scanner User's Guide
Specifications
Physical Specifications
Scanner AC/DC Power Adapter
Height = 5.90" (15.0 cm) Height = 2.80" (7.0 cm)
Width = 3.50" (8.9 cm) Width = 2.10" (5.3 cm)
Depth = 3.00" (7.6 cm) Depth = 2.75" (7.0 cm)
Weight = 12.0 oz. (311g) Weight = 10.0 oz. (290g)
Environmental Specifications
Operating Storage
Temperature 00C to + 400C -400C to + 700C
320F to 1040F -400F to 1580F
Humidity 5-95 % (non condensing) 5-95% (non-condensing)
Ambient Light 200 foot candles Maximum (2153 Lux )
Electrical Specifications
Scanner Input Power Specifications
Operational voltage 4.7 to 14 volts
DC Power Consumption 3.00 watts max. (single interface)
Input Voltage Ripple 500mV DC Maximum
External AC to DC Power Adapters
Output: 12 VDC @ 600 mA
Power-Off-Terminal
If the host terminal supplies the power, the host must provide power
compatible with the Input Power Specification. For example, a 12V
system must provide at least 250 mA (3 Watts).
WARNING
Use only AC/DC Power Adapters approved by PSC for the VS800
scanner. Use of other power adapters may cause damage to the
product which is not covered by the factory warranty.
NOTE: Specifications subject to change without notice.