Scantron SelfScore Manual

1-800-722-6876 www.scantron.com
SelfScore®Scanner
S
Operator Guide

Scantron Corporation
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
For Users in the United States
This equipment complies with the requirements in part 15 of FCC Rules for a
Class A computing device. Operation of the equipment in a residential area may
cause unacceptable interference to radio and television reception requiring the
operator to take whatever steps are necessary to correct the interference.
For Users in Canada
The digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limit for radio noise emission
from digital apparatus set in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émit pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant
les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescit dans le
réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le Ministre des
Communications du Canada.
© 2005-2019 Scantron Corporation. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated
into any language in any form by any means for any purpose other than the
purchaser’s use without the express written permission of Scantron Corporation.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Scantron. The software described in this
document is subject to the license agreement included with the product which
specifies the permitted and prohibited uses of the product. Any unauthorized
duplication or use of the software, in whole or in part, in print or in any other
storage and retrieval system, is prohibited. SelfScore and Scantron are
registered trademarks of Scantron Corporation.

Operator’s Guide iii
Preface
About This Manual
This Operator's Guide is your guide for day to day use
of your scanner. It provides the information you need
to handle basic tasks related to scanner operation,
simple maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Software References
Your scanner can operate using any of the following
software applications.
• ScanTools Plus®
• ScanTools Prisma®
• A custom software application created using
ScanTools Plus Link SDK
• A custom application created using ScanTools
Prisma SDK
This manual uses the generic term “ScanTools” when
referring to whichever software option you are using
to operate your scanner.
P

iv Scantron SelfScore Scanners
Document Organization
This manual is organized as follows:
• Chapter 1, “Chapter 1: Scanner Basics”, provides an
overview of SelfScore scanner components,
features, and system requirements, as well as
safety and environmental information.
• Chapter 2, “Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Scanner”
describes how to set up your scanner and install
the necessary driver software.
• Chapter 3, “Chapter 3: Operating Your Scanner”
explains how to scan sheets with your scanner, as
well as where to find information on the
background menu and display panel messages.
• Chapter 4, “Chapter 4: Scanner Modes” describes
operating in the SelfScore mode and Scantron
Score Emulation mode for data collection.
• Chapter 5, “Chapter 5: Using the Background
Menu” provides a flowchart of the background
menu system, as well as explanations of each
function.
• Chapter 6, “Chapter 6: Transport Printers”
describes printer features, how to set up and test
the printers, as well as cleaning and
troubleshooting.
• Chapter 7, “Chapter 7: Cleaning the Scanner”
explains how to clean the scanner.
• Chapter 8, “Chapter 8: Troubleshooting” provides a
troubleshooting chart designed to help you resolve
any issues you encounter.
• Chapter 9, “Chapter 9: Product Support and
Services” provides information on registering your
product, resources that are available to help you
with your scanning project, how to order supplies
and forms, and how to contact Scantron Customer
Support.

Operator’s Guide v
• Chapter A, “Appendix A: Recalibration” explains
when and how to recalibrate the scanner.

vi Scantron SelfScore Scanners
Related Documentation
This manual is part of a documentation set for the
SelfScore scanners. The documentation set provides
information on packaging, installation, setup,
operation, and configuration for users and system
administrators. The documentation set consists of the
following:
• SelfScore Operator’s Guide
• Scanning Tests, Surveys, and Ballots Using
SelfScore
• Elements of Data Collection
• SelfScore Quick Start
• SelfScore Quick Tips - Scanning Tests, Surveys, and
Ballots
Contacting Customer Support
If you require assistance, see “Chapter 9: Product
Support and Services” on page 97 for information on
contacting Scantron Customer Support.
World Wide Web Access
You can access our Web site at www.scantron.com.

Table of Contents
T
Operator’s Guide vii
Chapter 1: Scanner Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
Scanner Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Transport Bed Open View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
Transport Bed Closed View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
Side and Back View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
SelfScore Standard Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
User Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Environmental Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
UL Regulatory Compliance Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Selecting a Good Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9
Assembling the Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Installing or Replacing an Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Positioning the Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Connecting the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Installing the Scanner Utilities Software (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-22
Connecting the Scanner to the Computer (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Turning the Scanner On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Handling the “Recalibrate/See Manual” Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26
Uninstalling the Scanner Utilities Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

viii Scantron SelfScore Scanners
Chapter 3: Operating Your Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Verifying Proper Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-27
Configuring the Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Scanning Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
Storing Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Understanding Display Panel Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Clearing Document Jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Chapter 4: Scanner Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
SelfScore Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-37
Special Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
When To Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-38
When To Avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-39
Scantron Score Emulation Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-40
Chapter 5: Using the Background Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-51
Entering the Background Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-52
Background Menu Flowchart. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-53
Scanner Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-54
Defaults Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-55
Utilities Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-57
Diagnostics Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-66
Exiting the Background Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-69
Chapter 6: Transport Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-71
Getting Started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Installing or Replacing an Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-72
Positioning the Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-75
Testing the Printers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78
To test the printer, perform the following steps: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-78
Cleaning the Cartridge Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-81
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-83
Chapter 7: Cleaning the Scanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-85
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-85
Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86
Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-86

Operator’s Guide ix
Chapter 8: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-93
Troubleshooting Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-94
Chapter 9: Product Support and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-97
Hardware Support and Form Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-97
Hardware Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-98
Appendix A: Recalibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-101
Procedure Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A-102
Preparing for Recalibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-102
Navigating the Background Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-103
Top Head Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-104
Bottom Head Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-105
Exiting the Background Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-105
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -107

x Scantron SelfScore Scanners

Operator’s Guide 1
Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
Congratulations on your purchase of a Scantron
SelfScore scanner. This scanner represents the latest in
OMR1 test scoring technology.
In this chapter you will find a description of your
scanner’s components, features, specifications, and
system requirements, as well as safety and
environmental information.
1. optical mark recognition
1
In this chapter:
Scanner Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
SelfScore Standard Features . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
System Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
User Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Environmental Information . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
UL Regulatory Compliance Statement . 1-8

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
2 Scantron SelfScore Scanners
Scanner Components
Use the illustration below to identify scanner
components, then find the component description in
the table below.
Transport Bed Open View
Component Function
Drive rollers Pull a sheet through the transport bed.
Pick roller Pulls a sheet onto the transport bed.
Printer area Dual transport printers print error or verification marks and scores
on sheets as they pass through the scanner.
Read head area Read head goes here.
Sheet deflector
area
Sheet deflector goes here.
Thickness sensor Used to detect thickness of forms to ensure only one sheet is
being scanned at a time.
Transport bed Supports the sheet as it moves through the scanner.

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
Operator’s Guide 3
Transport Bed Closed View
Component Function
Adjustment bar Stops the sheet in the output tray as the sheet leaves the
transport bed. Prior to scanning, the adjustment bar needs to be
adjusted to the length of the sheets being scanned.
Buttons Enable you to start and stop the scanner and perform other menu
driven functions.
Display panel Displays messages from the scanner and the host computer.
Shows the status of the scanner and provides messages on how
to change the status and resolve a scanner condition.
Input tray lever Retains the input tray in the down position for easy loading of
sheets. The input tray lever must be released for scanner to
function properly.
Input trays
(upper and
lower)
Hold up to 100 sheets of paper for scanning. The lower input tray
rises automatically as sheets feed. The upper tray has a pocket to
hold the Quick Tips guides.
Output tray Holds up to 100 sheets after they have been scanned.
Paper guide Aligns sheets in the input tray. Prior to scanning, the paper guide
should be manually adjusted to the width of the sheets being
scanned.

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
4 Scantron SelfScore Scanners
Side and Back View
Read head Captures data from sheets. (A label on the end of the read head
shows the type of read head you have.) The read head must be
down and latched for the scanner to function properly.
Sheet deflector Keeps a sheet flat as it starts through the scanner. The sheet
deflector must be down and latched for the scanner to function
properly.
Component Function
On/Off switch Turns the scanner on and off.
Positioning stand Holds the scanner at the correct position for operation. When
extended, the positioning stand places the scanner at an angle.
Power port Provides a connection point for power input from the power
supply.
Quick Tips slot Provides a location on the scanner for the Quick Tips guides.
Tray release Releases (when pressed) the input tray for removal from the
scanner. Located on the back of the upper input tray under the
Quick Tips slot.
USB port Provides a connection point for the USB cable coming from the
computer.
Component Function

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
Operator’s Guide 5
SelfScore Standard Features
Standard Features
• 2800 sheet per hour throughput
• Automatic-feed
• Pencil mark detection
• Jam, multiple-sheet, and skew detection
• 40 character alphanumeric display panel
• Dual printers (adjustable) with rescore capability
print the entire length of the sheet in two columns.
• Integrated diagnostics system with messages sent
to scanner display panel and optional host
computer
• Optional communications with host computer
through a USB virtual serial communications port
• Simultaneous transfer of data and scanning of
forms
• Ability to read both Mark Reflex® and Trans-Optic®
forms
• Reads .166 cell spacing
• Input tray and output tray capacity of up to 100
sheets
• Sheet-handling capacity of 2.5 x 5-inch to 9 x 14-
inch, 60-100 lb. offset sheets
Options
Dual side read head for two-sided form scanning
Specifications
• Physical Description
• Length: 21.25" (54 cm)
• Width: 14.5" (37 cm)
• Height: 9" (23 cm)
• Weight: 17 lbs. (7.7 kg)

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
6 Scantron SelfScore Scanners
• Operating Environment
• Temperature: 60° to 85°F (16°C to 29°C)
• Humidity: 40% to 60%, non-condensing
• Power
• 100-240 volt operation: 100-240 volts AC (-
10%, +6%): 47-63 Hz; US 3-prong plug; 15 amp
dedicated circuit
• Communications
• USB 1.1 or 2.0 - SelfScore can be operated
asynchronously using a virtual com port with
user-defined protocol
• Operation
• Read Heads: Contact image sensor arrays, 16
level OMR, pencil or ink read capabilities
• Scanning Rate: 2,800 sheets per hour (Actual
scanning rate depends on quantity of data read
from the form and the amount of processing
done on the data while scanning)
System Requirements
For information about system requirements for the
SelfScore scanner, go to https://www.scantron.com/
scanners-forms/optical-mark-recognition-omr-
scanners-opscan-series/selfscore/.
User Precautions
Users and their employers need to observe the
common sense precautions applicable to the
operation of any machinery. These include, but are not
limited to, the following:
• Do not wear loose clothing, unbuttoned sleeves,
etc.
• Do not wear loose jewelry, bracelets, bulky rings,
long necklaces, etc.

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
Operator’s Guide 7
• Hair length should be kept short, using a hair net if
needed, or tying long hair up in a bundle.
• Remove all loose objects from the area that could
be drawn into the machine.
• Take sufficient breaks to maintain mental alertness.
• The scanner and power supply must only be used
indoors in a dry location.
• Use only the power supply that was provided with
your Scantron scanner. Do not substitute another
power supply model or another manufacturer’s
power supply.
• Use only the recommended cleaning supplies to
prevent damage to scanner components.
Supervisors should review their practices and make
compliance with these precautions a part of the job
description for operation of the scanner.
Environmental Information
• Scantron scanners are designed to meet
worldwide environmental requirements.
• Guidelines are available for the disposal of
consumable items that are replaced during
maintenance or service. Follow local regulations or
contact your local sales agent for more
information.
• For disposal or recycling information, contact your
local authorities or, in the U.S., visit the Electronics
Industry Alliance Web site at www.eiae.org.
• The product packaging is recyclable (although it
should be retained in case the scanner needs to be
shipped for service).
• Scantron SelfScore scanners are Energy Star
compliant.

Chapter 1: Scanner Basics
8 Scantron SelfScore Scanners
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE)
This symbol indicates that when the last user wishes to
discard this product, it must be sent to appropriate
facilities for recovery and recycling. Please contact
your local sales agent for additional information on the
collection and recovery programs available for this
product.
UL Regulatory Compliance Statement
CLASS 1 LED PRODUCT
• IEC 60825-1:1993 +A1:1997 +A2:2001
• This class is eye-safe under all operating conditions
• Array pulse duration 256usec, maximum power
output 0.34mW.
CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or
performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in
hazardous radiation exposure.
LED Aperture

Operator’s Guide 9
Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Scanner
This chapter covers setup of your Scantron SelfScore
scanner.
Selecting a Good Location
For best results, use the following general guidelines
for placing your scanner:
1. Air quality. The scanner works better and lasts
longer when it is not exposed to a lot of dust.
2. Humidity. Place the scanner in a location with 40%
to 60% relative humidity. (If sheets have been in
very humid or dry conditions, keep them in a
climate controlled environment for 24 hours before
you attempt to scan them.)
3. Electrical noise. Avoid locating the scanner near a
generator or other type of large motor, such as an
elevator, an air conditioner, or a refrigerator that
2
In this chapter:
Selecting a Good Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9
Assembling the Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Installing or Replacing an Ink Cartridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-14
Positioning the Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-16
Connecting the Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-20
Installing the Scanner Utilities Software (Optional) . . . 2-22
Connecting the Scanner to the Computer (Optional) . 2-23
Turning the Scanner On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Handling the “Recalibrate/See Manual” Message . . . . 2-26
Uninstalling the Scanner Utilities Software. . . . . . . . . . . 2-26

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Scanner
10 Scantron SelfScore Scanners
produces electrical noise which might interfere
with the scanner’s electronics.
4. Power source. Use a separate source of power
(with surge protection) for the scanner. The circuit
from the source (breaker box) should not supply
power to a major piece of equipment other than
the scanner and computer (if used).
5. Space. Find a location that allows you plenty of
working surface around the scanner. The scanner
itself is 21 X 15 X 9 in. (54 X 37 X 23 cm).
6. Temperature. Place the scanner in a location with
temperatures between 60° and 85° F (16° and 29°
C).