Socket 5 Series User manual

CompactFlash Scan Card™
Series 5
User’s Guide

5/2008 Document # 6410-00166 P
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2008 Socket Mobile, Inc. All rights reserved.
Socket, the Socket logo and Mobility Friendly are registered
trademarks of Socket Mobile, Inc. CF Scan Card and SocketScan
are trademarks of Socket Mobile, Inc. All other brand and
product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
Reproduction of the contents of this manual without the
permission of Socket Mobile is expressly prohibited. Please be
aware that the products described in this manual may change
without notice.
The CompactFlash Scan Card includes technology licensed under
United States Patent No. 5,902,991 and 7,003,627
Feel free to contact Socket Mobile at:
Socket Mobile, Inc.
39700 Eureka Drive
Newark, CA 94560-4808
USA
Other than the above, Socket Mobile can assume no
responsibility for anything resulting from the application of
information contained in this manual.
Please refrain from any applications of the CF Scan Card that are
not described in this manual. Please refrain from disassembling
the CF Scan Card. Disassembly of this device will void the product
warranty.
You can track new product releases, software updates and
technical bulletins by visiting Socket’s website at:
www.socketmobile.com.
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Table of Contents
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 2
1 | INTRODUCTION 5
ABOUT THE SOFTWARE 5
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 6
PACKAGE CONTENTS 6
PRODUCT REGISTRATION 6
2 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 7
STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 8
STEP 2: Install the Software 9
STEP 3: Insert the Card 12
STEP 4: Assign a Trigger Button 13
STEP 5: Start SocketScan 14
STEP 6: Open Your Application 15
STEP 7: Scan Data into Your Application 15
Symbology Selector 17
Scanner Settings 18
Scan Demo 20
SocketScan Trigger 21
Dual Device Support 23
Special Symbologies 23
3 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS XP 24
STEP 1: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 25
STEP 2: Install SocketScan Software 25
STEP 3: Insert the Card 27
STEP 4: Complete the New Hardware Wizard 28
STEP 5: Complete the New Hardware Wizard 30
STEP 6: Assign a Trigger Button 31
STEP 7: Open Your Application 32
STEP 8: Scan Data into a Windows Program 32
Scanner Settings 34
Symbology Selector 36
Floating Trigger 37
Dual Device Support 38
Special Symbologies 38
APPENDICES
A | PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 39
B | BAR CODE LABEL SPECIFICATIONS 42
C | SCANNING TIPS 44
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D | CLASS 1 VS. CLASS 2 LASER SCANNERS 46
E | DECODE ZONE 49
F | TROUBLESHOOTING 53
G | TECHNICAL SUPPORT 55
LIMITED WARRANTY 56
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 60
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1 | INTRODUCTION
The CompactFlash Scan Card (CF Scan Card) Series
5 gives you the freedom of scanning bar codes
anytime anywhere with a variety of Windows-
based mobile computers. The card’s compact
design lets you scan with only one hand when
used with a handheld computer.
The CF Scan Card is sleekly designed with no
cables or batteries and is available in three
configurations:
•CF Scan Card 5E – Entry Level, CMOS linear (1D) imaging
•CF Scan Card 5M – Mid-Range, Class 1 Laser
•CF Scan Card 5P – Performance, Class 2 Laser
•CF Scan Card 5X – Xtreme Performance, CMOS 2D imaging
See Appendix C for a detailed comparison of the
two laser classes.
ABOUT THE SOFTWARE
SocketScan™ enters scanned data directly into any
Windows application, as if the data were manually
typed. No custom programming is required to use
the CF Scan Card.
For Windows Mobile, also included is SocketScan
Trigger, which places a software trigger on your
screen that you can tap to trigger the laser.
For software updates, please visit:
www.socketmobile.com/support/downloads/data-
collection/series5/
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Your mobile computer should meet these requirements:
•Any of the following operating systems:
-Windows Mobile 2003SE, 2003 or 5.0 for Pocket PC
-Windows Mobile 6 Classic
-Windows XP, XP Tablet Edition
•Available CompactFlash or PC Card slot (Operation in a PC Card
slot requires a CompactFlash-to-PC Card adapter)
•Software installation for Windows Mobile requires a host
computer with either ActiveSync (version 4.0 or later for WM
2003, 2003SE, 5.0 and version 4.5 or later for WM 6) for
Windows 2000/XP or the Windows Mobile Device Center for
Windows Vista. Both are free from the Microsoft website.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
The CF Scan Card Series 5 package includes:
•CF Scan Card
•SocketScan Installation CD
•Booklets with copyright, warranty, and regulatory compliance
information
The CF Scan Card with PC Card Adapter package includes all of
the above plus a CompactFlash-to-PC Card adapter.
ACCESSORIES
For information about accessories for the CF Scan Card, including
the CF-to-PC Card adapter and accessories designed for use with
the SoMo 650 handheld computer, please visit:
www.socketmobile.com/products/accessories/
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Socket Mobile highly recommends that all customers register
their products. Registered users receive the following benefits:
•Priority for technical support
•Product updates and special offers
•The latest new product information
Register online at: www.socketmobile.com/support/support/new.
6

2|SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE
This chapter shows how to install, configure, and
use the CompactFlash Scan Card (CF Scan Card) for
use with devices running Windows Mobile.
SETUP SUMMARY
STEP 1: Uninstall other scanning software.
STEP 2: Install the software.
STEP 3: Insert the CF SCAN CARD.
STEP 4: Assign a trigger button.
STEP 5: Start SockteScan
STEP 6: Open your application.
STEP 7: Scan data into your application!
APPLICATION FEATURES
•Symbology selector
•Scanner settings
•Scan Demo
•Dual device support
•Special symbologies
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 7

STEP 1: UNINSTALL OTHER SCANNING SOFTWARE
Note: If you have the SoMo 650, the pre-installed SocketScan can
not be removed but can be upgraded.
Delete any bar code scanning software you may already have
installed on your mobile computer, including previous versions of
SocketScan. You can either uninstall the software directly from
your mobile computer, or indirectly with ActiveSync.
OPTION 1: Uninstall Directly from the Mobile Computer
1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed, and
remove the CF SCAN CARD from your mobile computer.
2. Tap Start | Settings. Tap on the System tab or Control
Panel.
3. Tap on the Remove Programs icon.
4. Select the bar code scanning software, then tap Remove.
5. Tap Yes to confirm removal of the program.
OPTION 2: Uninstall with ActiveSync
1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed, and
remove the CF SCAN CARD from your mobile computer.
2. Use ActiveSync and a serial/Ethernet/USB cable or cradle to
make an active connection between your mobile computer
and a host PC.
3. On the host PC, open Microsoft ActiveSync.
4. Click Tools | Add/Remove Programs.
5. Select the bar code scanning software and click Remove.
6. In the confirmation screen, click OK.
7. The next dialog will ask if you want to remove the software
from your host PC as well.
•Click NO to keep a copy of the software on the host PC
that can later be re-installed onto a mobile computer.
•Click YES to remove the software from the host PC.
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STEP 2: INSTALL THE SOFTWARE
Note: If you are using the SoMo 650, software installation is not
necessary. SocketScan is pre-loaded on the device.
ADVANCED USERS: Read the README file for CAB installation instructions.
1. Use a serial/USB cable or cradle to make an active connection
between your device and a host PC.
•If your host PC runs Windows 2000/XP, use ActiveSync 4.0 or
greater for Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE/5.0 or ActiveSync 4.5
or greater for Windows Mobile 6. You can download
ActiveSync free from: www.socketmobile.com/activesync
•If your host PC runs Windows Vista, use the Windows Mobile Device
Center, which you can download from:
www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=46f72df1-e46a-4a5f-a791-
09f07aaa1914&displaylang=en&Hash=0OvFLzmy4cXd%2fYRiOT1Wd3tzTLNiASgLex
qEDqmCD7j2Q26HZIU4sY6B1HXpOcHbxXvqr9XoQ0nUCa%2bvvUd2Eg%3d%3d
2. Insert the installation CD into your host PC.
3. Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to access your CD-
ROM drive. In the CD, click on SETUP.EXE.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 9

4. The SocketScan Setup Center will appear in your web browser.
Read the first page and click Installation in the left margin.
5. In the SocketScan Installation page, in the Windows CE
section, click Install in the first paragraph.
6. Your web browser will present a series of dialogs.
Internet Explorer:
•In the File Download –Security Warning dialog, click Run.
•In the second warning dialog, click Run.
•Internet Explorer will download the file.
Firefox:
•In the file opening dialog, click Save File.
•Firefox will download the file.
•In the Downloads list, next to SocketScanCE.exe, click Open.
•In the warning dialog, click OK to continue.
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7. The installation wizard will automatically begin. Follow the
wizard to install the software.
8. If your device warns that the software comes from an
unknown publisher, tap Yes to continue installation.
9. When software installation is complete, a dialog will prompt
you to remove the device from the cradle and soft reset. Tap
ok.
10.Remove the device from the connection cable/cradle. Soft
reset the device by pressing the reset button.
Note: After software installation, several new icons will
appear in the Programs screen.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 11

STEP 3: INSERT THE CARD
1. If your mobile computer has a cover protecting the card
slot(s), first open or remove the cover.
2. Insert the CF Scan Card into the card slot of your mobile
computer.
If using a CompactFlash slot, insert the card directly into the
slot.
If using a PC Card slot, first insert the card into a Type II CF-
to-PC Card adapter, then insert the combined unit into the
slot.
Be sure to insert the card all the way into the slot.
Do not insert the card upside-down.
Do not push the card in too hard, or you can damage the card.
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STEP 4: ASSIGN A TRIGGER BUTTON
Refer to your device’s user manual for complete instructions.
Note:
•If SocketScan is not running, pressing the assigned trigger
button will launch SocketScan. Pressing the trigger button
will initialize the scanner only if SocketScan is open.
•If it is inconvenient/impossible to assign a hardware button on
your device, you can install SocketScan Trigger software from
the installation CD to have a software trigger button.
1. Tap Start | Settings | Buttons.
2. From the Button list, select a button to trigger the CF Scan
Card. In the drop-down menu, select SocketScan. When
done, tap ok.
For maximum ergonomic
placement, choose a button
located directly beneath your
thumb or forefinger when you
hold the Pocket PC. For the
SoMo 650, the Left and Right
side buttons are good choices.
IMPORTANT! Be sure to select SocketScan. Do not select the
programs Socket Read RFID, Socket Read Bar Code or Socket
Trigger Select, which are for the CF RFID Reader-Scan Card.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13

STEP 5: START SOCKETSCAN
1. Tap Start | Programs | SocketScan.
Note: For the SoMo 650, tap Start | Programs | SocketScan
folder | SocketScan.
2. When SocketScan is running, a SocketScan icon will appear at
the bottom of the Today screen.
Make sure the appropriate “CF Scan Card detected” icon
appears.
Icon Meaning.
CF Scan Card 5E/5M/5P detected.
SocketScan detects the scanner and is
ready to scan.
CF Scan Card 5X detected. SocketScan
detects the scanner and is ready to scan.
No scanner detected. The scanner is
missing, damaged, or improperly inserted.
Note: If the “No scanner detected” icon appears, make sure
that the CF SCAN CARD is pushed all the way into the slot.
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STEP 6: OPEN YOUR APPLICATION
1. Start the application that you want to scan data into (e.g.,
Excel Mobile, Notepad, etc.). Make sure a document or
spreadsheet is open.
2. Place the cursor where you would like data from the next scan
to go.
STEP 7: SCAN DATA INTO YOUR APPLICATION
1. Press the assigned trigger button and scan the bar code. Make
sure the red beam covers the entire width of the bar code.
IMPORTANT!
Do not look directly into the beam or point it at a person!
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 15

Note: If you have trouble scanning, try adjusting the distance
between the CF Scan Card and the bar code. For the CF Scan
Card 5X, try to keep the scanner steady as it scans.
2. When data is read, a beep should sound, and the scanner
beam should turn off, indicating a good read. If the CF Scan
Card fails to read data within a few seconds, the scanner
beam will turn off, and you must try again.
After a successful scan, data should appear in your document.
For example, after you scan a bar code into an Excel Mobile
spreadsheet, data should appear in the first cell. The cursor
will automatically advance to the next cell, ready for the next
scan.
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SYMBOLOGY SELECTOR
The applet makes it easy to select which symbologies you want
the scanner to recognize. By default, the scanner is set to
recognize nine of the most common symbologies.
1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Symbology
Selector...
2. In the screen that appears, check the symbologies you wish to
enable. Uncheck those you wish to disable. Tap ok.
Note: Enabling all possible symbologies will make the decode
process slightly longer.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 17

SCANNER SETTINGS
The SocketScan Settings utility lets you specify prefix and/or
suffix characters to be added automatically to the data you scan,
as well as sounds to signify good reads of data.
Note: The RFID, CS, CS HW, and CRS tabs do not apply to the CF
SCAN CARD.
1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap
Settings.
2. In the Prefix/Suffix screen, enter the characters you want to
append to each scan (128 character maximum).
Note:
•The default suffix is a carriage return.
•Only printable ASCII characters can be used as prefixes or
suffixes.
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3. Tap on the Sound tab. In the screen that appears, select a
sound for indicating good reads of data.
If you want to play a .WAV audio file,make sure it is saved in
the My Documents folder of your mobile computer. Select
Play .wav file, then tap on the browse button (the button
with ellipses) to choose the .WAV file.
Browse button
4. After selecting all your scanner settings, tap ok.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 19

SCAN DEMO
Scan Demo makes it easy to determine the symbology, number
of characters, and decoded data (in either ASCII or Hex) of any
bar code supported by the scanner. This is especially useful if you
encounter a bar code that the scanner will not decode by
default.
1. Tap Start | Programs | Scan Demo. This will close
SocketScan and open Scan Demo as a separate application.
2. The Scan Demo screen will appear. If desired, use the check
boxes at the bottom of the screen to modify the test.
•Enable all symbologies: By default, this option is
checked. Different symbologies can sometimes interpret
the same bar code differently, so you may want to
uncheck this option.
•Code page: Enabled by default.
•Display as hex data: Check this box to view scanned
data in hexadecimal format. Otherwise, data will appear
as ASCII.
3. Scan the bar code.
4. Scan Demo will report properties of the bar code you scan.
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