UnionNet SP2100 User manual

User’s Guide
Copyright© 2012-2014 BarcodeGuy.com®
(Version 2.25RB.5)
UnionNet SP2100
BLUETOOTH BARCODE SCANNER

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Table of Contents
1.0 - Welcome / Warnings / Cautions / Warranty 5
1.1 - User’s Guide Nomenclature - Notes & Warnings 5
2.0 - Getting to Know Your SP2100 6
2.1 - What’s in the Box… 6
2.2 - Parts of the UnionNet SP2100 6
2.3 - Charging your SP2100 7
2.4 - SP2100 Power Modes 7
2.5 - The SP2100 Status Bar 8
2.6 - Scanning Barcodes with the SP21002D 8
2.6.1 - Scan Barcodes from the screen of a PC, Tablet or Smart Phone with the SP21002D 9
2.7- Scanning Barcodes using a SP21001D Laser Scanner 10
2.8- Using the System Menu of the SP2100 11
2.9- System Menu - Reset Factory Defaults 11
2.8.1 System Menu Notation for the SP2100 11
2.10- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION TYPES - Revisiting the SP2100 Status Bar 12
3.0 - Getting Started with HID Connections 12
3.3 - Windows HID Connection Instructions 14
3.4 - Mac HID Connection Instructions 15
3.5 - HID Tips & Tricks with the SP2100 16
3.7 - Disconnecting / Reconnecting Bluetooth 17
3.8 - Bluetooth HID - Setting Transmission Delays 18
3.9 - HID Batch Data from the SP2100 to Host 18
3.10 - Other Common System Menu Options for Bluetooth 18
4.0 - Managing Memory 19
4.1 - Storage & Transmit Modes 19
4.3 - Stored Data - Review with Side Buttons 20
4.4 - Stored Data - Delete All Data with System Menu 20
4.2 -Display Memory Used 20
5.0 - Data Formatting 20
5.1 - Introduction to Suffixes and Prefixes 20
5.2- Using a Custom Suffix - Stating an Example 20
5.3- Default Suffix and Introduction to ASCII & Hexdecimal Equivalents 21
5.4- SP2100 System Menu for Pre/Suffix - The Carriage Return Suffix 21
5.5- Using a Custom Suffix - Using the ASCII-HEX Conversion Table 22
5.6 - Using a Custom Suffix - Design the ASCII / HEX for the Section 5.2 Example 22
5.7 - Test the Suffix Settings from the Section 5.6 Design 22
5.8 - Summarizing Custom Prefixes and Suffixes 23
6.0- SP2100 Factory Defaults 23
7.0 - Barcode Symbologies - Setup Barcodes 23
7.1 - Why are there Barcode Symbology Setup Options? 23
APPENDIX A - ASCII TO Hex Decimal Conversion 24
APPENDIX B - SP2100 2D Imager Setup Barcodes 25
B.1 - Method of programming the SP2100 2D Imager decoder with Setup Barcodes 25
B.2 - General Options 25

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
APPENDIX B - SP2100 2D Imager Setup Barcodes, con’t
B.3 - Code 128 26
B.4 - UCC/EAN-8 26
B.5 - EAN-13 27
B.6 - UPC-E 28
B.7 - UPC-A 29
B.8 - Interleaved 2 of 5 ( I2of5 ) 29
B.10 - ITF-6 31
B.9 - ITF-14 31
B.11 - Code 39 31
B.12 - Codabar 32
B.13 - Code 93 33
B.14 - UCC/EAN-128 34
B.15 - GS1 Databar 34
B.16 - EAN/UCC Composite 34
B.17 - Code 11 35
B.18 - ISBN 36
B.19 - Industrial 25 36
B.20 - Standard 25 37
B.21 - Plessey 38
B.22 - MSI-Plessey 39
B.23 - PDF417 40
B.24 - QR Code 41
B.25 - Aztec 41
B.26 - Data Matrix 43
B.27 - MaxiCode 44
B.28 - OCR 44
B.29 - SP2100-2D Length Barcodes for Maximum ad Minimum Barcode Length 45
APPENDIX C - SP2100 1D LASER Setup Barccodes 46
C.1 - UPC-A (Code ID: A) 47
C.2 - UPC-E (Code ID: D) 48
C.3 - UPC-E1 (Code ID: D) 49
C.4 - EAN-13 (ISBN/ISSN) (Code ID: B) 50
C.5 - China Post (Code ID: T) 50
C.6 - EAN-8 (Code ID: C) 51
C.7 - Code 39 (Code 32, Trioptic Code 39) - (Code ID: M) 52
C.8 - UK/Plessey (Code ID: U) 53
C.9 - Interleaved 2 0f 5 (Code ID: I) 54
C.10 - Industrial 2 0f 5 (Code ID: H) 54
C.11 - Matrix 2 0f 5 (Code ID: X) 55
C.12 - Code 93 (Code ID: L) 55
C.13 - Codeabar (Code ID: N) 56
C.14 - Code 128 (Code ID: K) 57
C.15 - UCC / EAN 128 (Code ID: K) 58
C.16 - ISBT 128 (Code ID: K) 59
C.17 - Code 11 (Code ID: V) 59
C.18 - MSI / Plessey (Code ID: O) 60
C.19 - GS1 Databar Truncated (Code ID: R) 60
C.20 - GS1 Databar Limited (Code ID: R) 61
C.21 - GS1 Databar Expanded (Code ID: R) 61
APPENDIX D - iOS UniLinker and SP2100 in MFi Mode 62
D.1- UniLinker: MFi Demo of Programmatic Control of the SP2100 62
D.2 - Install UniLinker from the Apple AppStore 62
D.3 - Set Bluetooth MFi Mode on the SP2100 62

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
D.4 - Make the Mfi Bluetooth Connnection 63
APPENDIX E - Android UniLinker and SP2100 in SPP Mode 64
APPENDIX F - Updating SP2100 Firmware 65
APPENDIX G - SP21001D Scan Engine Symbology Default Settings 69
APPENDIX H - Supported Barcode Symbologies 70
APPENDIX I - SP21001D Scan Distance Chart 71
APPENDIX J - SP2100 System Menu / Firmware Factory Default Settings 72
APPENDIX K- System Menu / Firmware Set Options by Barcode 73
K.1 - System Menu>>Settings>>LCD Power Off Time 73
K.2 - System Menu>>Settings>>LCD Brightness 73
K.3 - System Menu>>Settings>>Beeper Volume 73
K.6 - System Menu>>Memory>>Memory Save Mode 74
K.7 - System Memory>>Memory>>HID Batch / Memory Clear 74
K.8 - System Menu>>Scan Engine>>Continue Mode 74
K.5 - System Menu>>Settings>>Vibrator 74
K.9 - System Menu>>Bluetooth>>Trans Language 74
K.4- System Menu>>Settings>>Power Off Timer 74
K.12 - Bluetooth>>Program Mfi Bundle, Protocol or Apple ID 75
K.11 - System Menu>>Bluetooth>>Auto Reconnect 75
K.10 - System Menu>>Bluetooth>>MFi Mode 75
K.13 - Bluetooth>>Program Mfi Bundle, Protocol or Apple ID - Character List 76

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Congratulations on receiving the BarcodeGuy.com®- UnionNet SP-2100! The SP2100 is the most durable, configurable
and economical bluetooth barcode scanner on the market today. Use this Guide to find the feature you need, or read it cover
to cover. We’ve tried to make it concise and exciting. We’ll be updating the Guide as the features you request are made
available. Let us know if you have suggestions. We encourage you to check the Support Section of our web site often.
Warnings:
●Opening the SP2100 case will cause damage and void the warranty.
●When storing or using the SP2100 in extreme environments, the temperature range should be between +20º F & 120º F.
Storing the SP2100 at extreme temperatures may cause damage or reduced battery life.
Cautions:
●The SP2100 should be charged when you take it out of the box. Charge the battery for 2 hours before first use. We
recommend you use the factory supplied cable for charging.
●To avoid eye injury, never look directly into the scanner aperture where the scan beam originates.
●Although the SP2100 is durable, protect it by using the lanyard provided to keep the SP2100 from falling on the floor.
●Do not expose the SP2100 directly to water.
●Do not expose the SP2100 to strong magnets, especially near the front of the case.
●Keep the scanner or imager window clean
LIMITED WARRANTY AND DISCLAIMERS - BY OPENING THE PACKAGE OF THIS PRODUCT YOU AGREE TO BECOME BOUND BY THE LIABILITY AND WARRANTY
CONDITIONS AS DESCRIBED BELOW.
Serial Number - A serial number appears on the SP2100 label which is the unique registration number of the device purchased. Do not remove the Serial Number marking - it
will automatically void the warranty. Do not operate a SP2100 without a serial number label. Warranty / Warranty Period / Liability - UnionNet, Inc. (“UnionNet”) manufactures
its hardware products in accordance with industry-standard practices. Unless otherwise agreed in a contract, th SP2100 is warranted for a period of two years after purchase,
covering defects in material and workmanship except rechargeable battery and other accessories. UnionNet will repair or, at its option, replace products that prove to be
defective in material or workmanship under proper use during the warranty period. UnionNet will not be liable in cases (i) in which the unit has been repaired or altered unless
done or approved by UnionNet, (ii) in which the unit has not been maintained in accordance with any operating or handling instructions supplied by UnionNet, (iii) in which the
unit has been subjected to unusual physical or electrical stress, misuse, abuse, power shortage, negligence or accident or (iv) in which the unit has been used other than in
accordance with the product operating and handling instructions. Preventive maintenance is the responsibility of the customer and is not covered under this warranty. Under no
circumstance will UnionNet be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages arising out of use or inability to use either the hardware or software, even if
UnionNet has been informed about the possibility of such damages. Warranty Coverage and Procedure - During the warranty period, UnionNet will repair or replace defective
products returned to UnionNet warehouse. International customers should contact the BarcodeGuy.com offices or support center. If warranty service is required,
BarcodeGuy.com will issue a Return Material Authorization Number. No returned product will be accepted or acknowledged without an RMA number clearly marked o
the outside of the box or on the shipping label. Products must be shipped in the original package, shipping and insurance charges prepaid. UnionNet will ship the repaired or
replacement product freight and insurance prepaid. Customer accepts full responsibility for its software and data including the appropriate backup thereof. Repair or replacement
of a product during warranty will not extend the original warranty term.
1.0 - Welcome / Warnings / Cautions / Warranty
1.1 - User’s Guide Nomenclature - Notes & Warnings
Throughout the Guide, we’ve tried to make important things stand out from the details. We do this by using Warnings and
Notes to emphasize them. Here’s what they’ll look like:
WARNING Contains critical or important information or warnings / cautions for the section.
NOTE: This type of box contains “nice to know” information to help you understand faster or be more efficient. It will contain little tips and
tricks that you might miss if left in the Guide’s normal text.
The portion of the User’s Guide prior to the Appendices include descriptions of the options within the
System Menu to custom configure your SP2100 so that it works the way you want it to. You can set
these options using the on-screen interface of the scanner. You can also set common System Menu
options by scanning the System Menu Setup Barcodes found in Appendix K. When an option is
discussed in the text, if a Setup Barcode exists the graphic in figure 1.1 at right will be displayed. figure 1.1
Sys
Menu

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
2.0 - Getting to Know Your SP2100
When you purchase from BarcodeGuy.com®you’ll find we
make it easy because each we’ve been exactly where you
are now; solving problems with new technology. That’s why
we’ve bundled your UnionNet SP2100 with everything you
need to get started right away.
Here’s what you’ll find in the box:
●UnionNet SP2100 - note the screen protector over the
display.
●Mini-USB Charge Cable - plug one end into the
bottom of your SP2100 and the other into a Type A
USB Port of your PC or power supply to recharge your
scanner. The cable is also used update SP2100’s
firmware when necessary.
●AC to USB Power Supply - The AC to USB power
supply is the most efficient way to recharge your SP2100.
●Car Charger - As mobile professionals, we’ve all been in the car on the way to a commitment when we
discover a gadget that needs a charge before we get there. BarcodeGuy.com®makes it easy for you with a
handy cigarette to USB charger.
●Lanyard - Yes, it looks goofy. The SP2100 is conveniently small, & misplaced. In fact, boss BarcodeGuy®
lost his for months after it fell through the cord hole in his desk. The lanyard prevents your SP2100 from being
lost or damaged. The round thing with our logo on it is a spring-reeled retractable cord that allows you to use
the SP2100 at arms length while keeping it tethered. On the back of the reel is a steel snap clip. Detach the neck
lanyard and use the snap clip to attach the SP2100 to your belt, waist band, pocket, purse or just about any other
thin surface. You can attach the reel to your belt, & tuck the scanner into your pocket. The SP2100 is in your
hand quickly and conveniently. You can even remove the steel clip and put velcro on the back! (by the way, when
the boss BarcodeGuy®‘s lost SP2100 was found, it was still fully charged!)
●HID QuickStart Card - You probably know it already, but the HID QuickStart Card gets you started
connecting your SP2100 to your PC, Tablet or SmartPhone as a bluetooth keyboard.
●Resource CD - contains this User’s Guide, PC communication software, USB Serial Emulation Drivers and other
detailed information about your SP2100.
Let’s take a few seconds to talk about where everything is physically on your BarcodeGuy®SP2100, and
what we call it throughout the User’s Guide:
●Top Side Button - Press once to activate Memory Review Mode. Press and hold 3 seconds to enter
the SP2100 System Menu. Scrolls through Menus and stored barcode data
●Bottom Side Button - Disconnects / Reconnects Bluetooth in some modes & down scrolls through
Menus and stored barcode data.
●Beeper Speaker - Called the Buzzer in the System Menu, you can control its volume.
1
3
2
●Reset Button - Only to be used under the direction of BarcodeGuy.com Tech Support,
it is used to update the SP2100’s firmware when required.
●Port Cover - Made of rubber, the port cover protects the SP2100’s USB connector
and keeps dust & moisture from entering the housing
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6
●Scan Imager Aperture - Where the scan beam originates. Covered with a clear
window that protects the area / linear imager.
●Mini-USB Connector - Use a standard or the supplied cable to recharge your SP2100.
Also allows direct serial connection through a Window’s PC USB connector
5
4
figure 2.2
1
2
3
Left
5
6
7
Bottom
figure 2.3
Top
4
figure 2.4
2.1 - What’s in the Box…
2.2 - Parts of the UnionNet SP2100
800-880-7495
Guy
.
com
Barcode
®
UNIONNET SP2100 HID QuickStart Card
Resource CD
figure 2.1

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
To charge your BarcodeGuy.com®SP2100, gently pull the rubber port cover out
and swing it away from the housing, revealing the USB charging /
communications port. Plug the mini-usb end of the supplied cable into the port as
shown in figure 6. Plug the TypeA USB connector on the other end of the cable
to a USB compliant PC port or the supplied BarcodeGuy.com®AC Adapter or
Car Charger.
If your SP2100 is powered when you make a connection, you’ll see the battery
indicator on the right of the Information Bar of the screen of the SP2100 start to
flash. If you’ve connected to a PC or Laptop to recharge, you may see the host
attempt to install drivers for the SP2100. You can just ignore any driver messages because we’re simply recharging.
Full recharge time is about 2½ hours using a standard 500mAh USB compliant connection. If your SP2100 is
powered down, there will be no visual indication that the scanner is recharging, but it doesn’t have to be “on” to receive a
charge. Please note that we recommend you use the cable and power supplies included with the BarcodeGuy.com®SP2100
kit you received.
Lets power on your SP2100; but before we do, lets talk about power modes. In order to give you
the longest useful life possible, the SP2100 is designed with 3 power modes:
●Full-Power-OFF - All power to the SP2100 is off, the display is black and there is no
color to the LED indicator. Press & hold the Scan Button and a confirmation screen
(figure 2.7) will appear
●Full-Power-ON - The SP2100 is fully powered and bluetooth radio energized and the
display is on, with the display’s Status Bar visible.
●Power-On-Power-Saver - The SP2100 is fully powered but the display and Scan Imager are in “sleep” mode. If a
Bluetooth connection was established, the connection remains and is indicated by the LED Indicator flashing green.
A flashing red LED indicator means there is no Bluetooth Connection. The screen may dim based on the System
Menu >>Settings>>LCD Power Off value.
Note that when your BarcodeGuy.com®SP2100 is in Power-Saver Mode, a single press of the Scan Button will bring the
display and Scan Imager back to life.
Also note that to scan a barcode when the SP2100 is in Power-Saver Mode, you will need to press the scan button twice to
scan a barcode: the first button press to take the SP2100 into Full-Power Mode, the second to activate the Scan Imager.
nScan / Power Button - the front Scan Button has 3 important functions:
●POWER ON - Press & Hold for 3 seconds until the logo appears and the scanner
beeps, then release.
●SCAN BARCODE - Press & hold to scan a barcode. If the SP2100 is in a power
saving mode, press the Scan Button TWICE - once to “wake up” the scanner and
then press & hold to activate the imager.
●CANCEL SLEEP MODES - if the SP2100 is in any low power mode, press once
to bring it to full power. The display will temporarily appear
nDisplay with Status Bar - Displays yellow Status Bar in top line, scanned barcode
below. Displays System Menu options when activated.
nLED Indicator - Visual indicator of scan success and bluetooth status.
8
9
10
�
8
7
9
10
figure 2.5
figure 2.6
figure 2.7
2.2 - Parts of the UnionNet SP2100, con’t
2.3 - Charging your SP2100
2.4 - SP2100 Power Modes
NOTE: If you have an active HID Connection established (see Section 3.0 ), the Status Bar will display “USB” but the HID bluetooth connection
will be maintained while your SP2100 recharges!
Sys
Menu

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Moving between the BarcodeGuy.com®SP2100’s power modes is easy! Here’s how:
●From Full-Power-Off to Full-Power-ON - Press and hold the Scan Button for 3 seconds until the SP2100 beeps
and the BarcodeGuy.com®appears on the display. The SP2100 will display its hardware and firmware version, then
drop to the “Normal Mode” indicated by MUX displayed on the SP2100’s Information Bar. Communication Modes
such as MUX and HID will be covered later in the manual.
●From Full-Power-On to Full-Power-Off - Press and hold the Scan button for approximately 5 seconds. You’ll be
presented with the Power Down option screen. If you don’t press the Scan Button in 5 seconds, the SP2100 will go
into “Full Power Off” mode .
●From Full-Power-On to Power-Saver - You don’t have to do anything. The SP2100 will switch itself into Power-
Saver mode based on the the value set in the System Menu. The default value is 5 minutes. You can change this
setting by using the System Menu (see below). Then select >>2. Settings>>1. Power Auto Off and manipulate the time
setting by using the Side Buttons.
●From Power-Saver to Full-Power-On - Press and release the Scan Button once. You will then see the Display
turn on with the Status Bar visible.
When the SP2100 enters Power-Saver mode the bluetooth connection will remain active - as indicated by the LED Indicator
over the Display flashing green. If the host (what you’re sending data to) is no longer available, the LED Indicator will flash
red.
The SP2100’s Status Bar is important because it allows you to see exactly what’s happening with your SP2100 at a glance.
The Status Bar is illustrated in figure 2.8 with each of its 6 components labeled. There is a lot of information in this little
display, and we’ll reference the it as we go through the User’s Guide and describe the
various SP2100 features and specific instructions on using them. Here’s a brief
introduction to the SP2100’s Status Bar, from left to right:
●Signal Mode & Strength: This indicated the current connection strength and
special connection types to the host. Figure 2.8 shows that there is no
connection although the SP2100’s bluetooth radio is active.
●Bluetooth Mode: The SP2100 will automatically switch bluetooth
communications modes. By default, and with no connection, the SP2100
operates in “multiplexer” or MUX mode.
●Scanner State: In Figure 8, the scanner is shown in the “ready” state.
●Battery Indicator: Shows the amount of battery power remaining in 3 display
bars. In figure 2.8, the indicator is showing between 60 and 70 percent charge.
●Memory Mode: Shows which of the three data store/send modes are set (See
Section 4.1). In figure 2.8, the Status Bar shows that the data will be both sent to
the host over the connection & stored in the SP2100’s internal memory.
●Beeper / Buzzer Status: Beeper volume (if activated) and the status of the
Vibrator. See the bottom of figure 2.8 for the Buzzer/Vibrator status icons.
Scanning barcodes with the SP21002D imager is fast and easy. One of the most
powerful features of the SP21002D is that it gives you full imager performance at a
laser’s price. That means that the SP21002D can scan both 1 and 2-Dimensional
barcodes (figure 2.9).
Press & hold the Scan Button and the SP21002D projects a square of red light with a
green Aiming Line in the center. Hold the SP21002D perpendicular to the barcode, then
line up any 1-Dimensional or 2-Dimensional barcode with the green “aiming line” overlapping each side and the SP2100 will
read it! To indicate a successful read, the SP21002D: a) Gives a single, short, high-toned beep; b) Displays the decoded
barcode data on the screen and c) Turns on the green LED indicator. If the option enabled, the SP21002D will vibrate when
the barcode is decoded.
Optically, any barcode scanner works just like a pair of glasses. It has a focal length near and far range where it can see the
barcode called the working distance. For standard resolution bar codes (ie a 1” wide UPC code), the working distance for the
SP21002D is around 3.5” to 10”. You can scan from directly over the barcode or on angles up to 55° from perpendicular (See
SP21002D Data Sheet).
figure 2.9
2.4 - SP2100 Power Modes, con’t
2.5 - The SP2100 Status Bar
2.6 - Scanning Barcodes with the SP21002D
figure 2.8
Bluetooth
Mode
Scanner
Ready
Battery
Indicator
Memory
Mode
Signal
Strength
Beep/Buzz
Status
SP2100 Status Bar
Both Off
Both Beep/Buzz ON
Beep Only, Volume 1
Beep Only, Volume 2
Beep Only, Volume 3
Vibrator Only
Beeper - Buzz/Vibrator Status

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Having Problems? This section is for problems where the SP21002D times out while
trying to scan, not with problems with transferring the barcode data to a HID connected
bluetooth host. (for HID transmission problems, see Section 4.1):
●With the SP21002D directly above the barcode and perpendicular to it, press and
hold the Scan Button and center the green Aiming Line on the center of the
barcode. Slowly pull the SP2100 away while holding the Scan Button. As it gets
further away from the barcode, the SP2100 will eventually focus and decode the
barcode.
●With “glossy” codes decrease reflected light by varying the perpendicular angle
between the SP21002D and the barcode.
●On 2-Dimensional barcodes, the SP21002D will sometimes read quicker if you “raster” the
aiming light over the barcode (figure 2.10) . Just start at the non-printed end of one side of
the 2D barcode, press the Scan Button and drag the green Aiming Line from one side of the
barcode to the other.
As you start getting comfortable with your SP21002D, you’ll learn the focal point for the
different barcodes you use. Instinctively, like muscle memory, you’ll learn the proper focal length
figure 2.10
for the combination of the SP21002D and the particular densities of the barcodes you normally scan. If you have a
circumstance where the SP21002D will consistently not read a particular type of barcode, email us a picture of it and we’ll
give you a call. In most cases we can troubleshoot the problem right from the picture.
2.6 - Scanning Barcodes with the SP21002D, con’t
2.6.1 - Scan Barcodes from the screen of a PC, Tablet or Smart Phone with the SP21002D
One of the things an imager can do that a traditional laser line scanner can’t is read barcodes directly from the screen of any
device - Tablet, Smart Phone, Notebook or PC. To understand how to optimize for reading barcodes from a screen, it’s
important to have a slight understanding of the detail on how different barcode scanning technologies work. Laser line
scanners use a single light source laser diode operating in the light spectrum at 650 nm. The laser diode generates a red dot
similar to a laser pointer, and the line is generated by projecting the dot on to a vibrating mirror to give the optical illusion of
a line. The SP21002D is an imager; and the light generated by the multiple LED’s that make up the rectangular field of view
are generally of a lower frequency than the laser scanner. The big difference between the laser line scanner and the area
imager has to do with how the reflected light returning from the barcode is interpreted. In the imager, instead of just a few
elements tuned exactly to the reflected light expected from a 650 nm light source, the imager has a grid of sensors, much like
a monochrome camera with greater sensitivity. Because of this added sensitivity and the greater field of view, an imager can
work in environments where the laser scanner can’t compete. Specifically in reading 2D barcodes, reading reverse image
barcodes (where the dark elements are light) and reading barcodes displayed on a screen.
Reading barcodes from a screen have both barcode design and barcode scanning components. Here’s what to keep in mind:
●Design your on-screen barcodes 25% to 40% bigger than print barcodes - Because screens absorb light, the imager is
going to have to work harder to figure out that there’s a barcode in the field of view. Test the SP21002D with a printed
barcode of the same type, with the same number or the maximum number of encoded characters. As a rule of thumb,
make the on-screen barcode at least 25% bigger to start. Note that imager probably can read the same size barcode from
the screen as one printed, but you may find that it takes too much time to tune the distance and angle from the barcode to
make it easy for your users.
●Read on-screen barcodes at an angle - Although the preferred method of reading barcodes printed on non-glossy
surfaces is to hold the SP21002D directly over the barcode, the screen where the barcode is displayed is absorbing the
light projected by the imager. The screen also reflect light into the imager’s aperture from room light sources, diluting the
true reflected light from the barcode. The best way to compensate is to begin the scanning process at a 45 degree angle
from perpendicular. This will minimize both light absorbtion and reflection from the screen. with When you design the
barcode to be displayed on the screen, use a lower density. Technically, this mean that you should generate the barcode
with the smallest element is bigger than the same barcode that’s printed. Follow some simple rules when reading barcodes
from the screen Because the SP21002D uses an imager, it doesn’t have the restrictions that a typical laser scanner has as
far as how the various types of displays absorb the reflected light of the 650nm laser light.
●The working distance will be shorter - The working distance is the distance (minimum and maximum) between which a
barcode of a certain density will decode. Where the normal working distance is nominally 4-10 inches for a standard
resolution UPC code on printed material, the focal length will be tighter to read the same barcode from the screen. This is
even true when you increase the size of the barcode as recommended above and is mostly due to the absorbed and
reflected light accompanying reading barcodes from a screen.
●It will take longer to read the barcode - It isn’t unusual for it to take the decoder part of the imager - the part that does
the math to determine if the barcode has been correctly and what the characters in the barcode are - to take longer when
reading a barcode from the screen. All the issues noted above have bearing on it. Just be aware that it will data collection
from a screen will not be as fast as you would expect if you’re using scanning printed barcodes as a base line.

10
BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
●The screen displaying the barcode should be as bright as possible - If you can control it, make sure the brightness
of the screen diplaying the barcode is as bright as possible. This will allow the imager more reflected light from the
barcode and aid the SP21002D to decode it.
●Practice before you deploy! - Design and operating conditions your’ll find in the field are of critical importance.
Find the problems and understand how to fix them before your users do.
●Train your users when you deploy! - One of the killers in our business is fielding the tech support call where the
user tells us they can’t scan a barcode we know is good and that we can scan without problem. Most of th time, it can
be attributed to training the user in how to scan the barcode; things like how far away and what angle from the
perpendicular they should be to get a successful read. There is a risk that you’re users will conclude that the scanner
is “bad” based on this lack of understanding. Especially on reading barcodes from the screen, its important that they
understand all the issues in this section and have had “real world” practice on reading barcodes under a variety of
lighting conditions and device types before they’re expected to do it for real.
The laser line scanner version of the SP2100, the SP21001D, is and excellent choice when you’re operating in a 1-
dimensioal barcode environment, cost is an important issue and / or your barcodes are tightly stacked and you need to be
able to quickly discriminate the code that is needed to be scanned.
To scan a barcode with the SP21001D, press the Scan Button and the laser
line will appear. Orient the laser line to the 1-dimensional barcode as shown
in figure 2.11. To indicate a successful read, the SP21001D: a) Gives a
single, short, high-toned beep; b) Displays the decoded barcode data on the
screen and c) Turns on the green LED indicator. If the option enabled, the
SP21001D will also vibrate when the barcode is decoded.
The distance from the barcode to the SP21001D will vary depending on the
size of the smallest bars in the barcode, the symbology or type of barcode
and the contrast or quality of the distinction between the black bars and the
white background. Note that the width of the red scan line gets bigger as you
move the scanner away from the barocde. Determining the scan distance and
angle is sort of like wearing eyeglasses. There’s a “sweet spot” distance
depending on the size of the print.
On a typical UPCA barcode at “standard resolution” (13 mil), the distance from the scanner to the barcode should be
around 13” (310mm). For more information about barcode line widths and distance fromt the SP21001D, refer to
Appendix H. Here are some other tips for scanning with the SP21001D:
●Make sure the Scan Line overlaps each side of the barcode - In order to reliably scan barcodes, the scan line of
the SP21001D needs to extend past both sides of the barcode. Please refer to the barcode in the bottom right of figure
2.11.
●Hold the scanner on a slight angle from the barcode -
Don’t hold the scanner directly perpindicular to the barcode
because laser light will be reflected back into the scanner
causing specular refletion. A complicated term, but it just
means that reflected light directly from the laser is interfering
with the reflected light from the black bars of the barcode..
Refer to figure 2.12.
●Having trouble reading? Try this - Start with the scanner
1/4” away from the barcode and tilted at about 5-10° from the
perpendicular. Press the scan button and the laser line will
appear. Center the laser line on the barcode and start moving
your hand back, keeping the width of the laser line centered
on the barcode. As the SP21001D moves back it will
eventually be within the optical range for that barcode and
will decode it. With very little practice, you’ll quickly learn the working distances for your barcodes.
●You can move the scanner at angles of up to 65° to perpendicular - The laser scanner of the SP21001D has a
robustly designed decoder, so you generally don’t have to worry about having scan angle perfect every time. In fact,
you can vary the scan angle up to 65 degrees of each side of the perpindicular. (figure 2.12.)
●Vary scanner angle for ‘glossy’ barcodes - With “glossy” codes decrease reflected light by varying the
perpendicular angle between the SP21001D and the barcode.
figure 2.11
Figure 2.12
2.7- Scanning Barcodes using a SP21001D Laser Scanner
2.6.1 - Scan Barcodes from the Screen of a PC, Tablet or Smart Phone with the SP21002D, con’t

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
In Section 2.4, we referenced the LCD timeout setting in the SP2100’s System Menu. The System Menu allows you to
change general things like the power off time and screen brightness, but it also allows powerful granular control of settings
like bluetooth communications mode, suffixes & prefixes, and the SP2100’s memory storage options. Changing the System
Menu settings allows you to customize the SP100 for your application needs. As we move through the User’s Guide, we’ll
continue to refer System Menu options. Lets explore the System Menu.
To enter the System Menu press and hold the Top Side button on the SP2100 until
the System Menu screen (figure 2.11) appears.
figure 2.11 figure 2.12
figure 2.13
If you press the Top Side button quickly, the SP2100 scanner enters Data
Review mode, allowing you to see and delete the scanned data stored in its
on board memory. If you haven’t scanned anything, you’ll see the Date
ReView Completed screen as depicted in figure 2.12. If scanned barcodes
are stored in the SP2100, you’ll see the last barcode scanned on a screen
similar to the one in figure 2.13. See Section 4.3 for details on the SP2100’s
data review mode.
The memory capabilities of the SP2100 are covered fully in Section 4.0 - Managing Memory later in this
User’s Guide.
Sometimes when we answer a service question via email, customers will literally ask “What the heck does that mean?”.
That’s because we’ve developed a sort of short-hand way of navigating the SP2100’s System Menu. You’ve already seen
some short-hand in Section 2.4 - Power Mode. Here’s how the shorthand works:
●SM - means enter the System Menu by pressing and holding the Top Side Button until the System Menu appears
●>> - means you perform 2 actions. First, use the Side Buttons to highlight the System Menu or Sub-Menu option, then
press the Scan Button to select it.
For example, to turn on the SP2100’s vibrator here’s the shorthand notation:
SM>>2.Settings>>8.Vibrator>>Enable>>0.Exit Sub Menu>>0.Exit Main Menu
Or SM>>2>>8>>Enable>>0>>0 figure 2.14
If there are multiple options to choose from on a single line at the bottom of the menu, use the
Side Buttons to highlight the one you want and press the Scan Button to select it (figure 2.14).
The User’s Guide will use the longer form of the shorthand, but you can see how it can save time and effort versus
spelling out the entire System Menu sequence or making up screen shots to show you how to manipulate the SP2100’s
firmware settings.
2.8- Using the System Menu of the SP2100
2.9- System Menu - Reset Factory Defaults
While changing the settings on the SP2100, you might want to quickly clear all the values you
set in the System Menu and reset the SP2100 to the settings you received it in. Just use the
System Menu to reset the default configuration - your stored data will not be affected.
Here’s the shorthand in a Warning Box that will be easy to find later:
IMPORTANT! If you’ve made changeS to your SP2100’s System Menu and it’s not acting like it did when you started initially or the
way you’d expect it to with the System Menu changes you’ve made, just reset the Factory Defaults. Here’s how - refer to figure 2.15:
SHORTHAND: SM>>2.Settings>>9.Default Config>> Side Buttons “YES”>>Scan Button
figure 2.15
2.8.1 System Menu Notation for the SP2100
Sys
Menu
There is a System Menu Setup Barcode for the Vibrator
options. You’ll see the symbol again, this is just
a friendly reminder!
Sys
Menu
NOTE: Not all the System Menu options will by listed in the User’s Guide as they are self-explainatory (like the vibrator example below. Refer
to System Menu Setup Barcodes exist in Appendix K. Don’t be afraid to enter the System Menu on the SP2100 and explore. It’s a great way to
see what you can customize!!

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Your SP2100 has powerful bluetooth connectivity options and has the
ability to sense what type of connection is available and connect to the one
that is seeking to pair. There are two types of bluetooth connections that a
host can make to a compatible device:
MUX mode with MFI disabled
figure 2.15
The SP2100 tells you what connection is current using the left third of the Status Bar
(refer to the red circled area in figure 2.15). Lets take a look at the different connection
type indicators that you’re likely to see in the Status Bar.
In figure 2.15 the Status Bar shows the default MUX
bluetooth mode & indicates there is no connection. When
you choose the MFi option from the System Menu of the
SP2100 (figure 2.16) , the antenna on the far left of the Status Bar will change to an “i”. The
dot represents the SP2100 is set to communicate with Apple iOS devices.
Figure 2.17 shows the various connection types you’ll see displayed on your SP2100.
2.10- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION TYPES - Revisiting the SP2100 Status Bar
NOTE: “Host” means the device or PC the
SP2100 connects to. It can be a PC, notebook,
tablet or Smart Phone.
1. HID or Bluetooth Keyboard - HID stands for Human Input Device, most commonly a keyboard or mouse. HID
devices can be any data acquisition device such as a joystick, test instrument, equipment controller or data logger.
In the case of the SP2100, it’s a keyboard.
2. Serial Port Protocol (SPP) - Also known as Serial Emulation. In olden times anything other than a keyboard or
mouse was connected via a serial COM port. Serial Emulation allowed USB ports to replace the 9-pin serial
connector. The same Serial Port Emulation protocols were then extended to bluteooth communications.
All bluetooth communications use HID, SPP or a variation of SPP (Apple iOS aka iPhone aka MFi). Now that you
understand the 2 types of communications, here are the modes that the SP2100 supports and displays in the Status Bar:
●MUX or Multi-Plexing - The SP2100 in MUX mode is waiting a connection. Multiplexing allows the SP2100 to sense
and understand what mode of communications is being requested by the PC, tablet of smart phone and can automatically
switch the connection to accommodate the host.
●HID or Bluetooth Keyboard - This connection is the fastest way to put your SP2100 to work. When you connect in
HID mode to an Apple or Android or Windows or Windows Mobile device, scanning a barcode acts just like using the
keypad or keyboard. HID connections are discussed in detail in Section 3.0. Note that with HID you can set prefixes and
suffixes as well (Section 5.0).
●SPP or Serial Port Protocol - The host has assigned a COM port for communications and the SP2100 is
communicating using the Seral Port standard, but using bluetooth as communications medium.
●MFI or Made for Ipad, iPhone and iPod - MFi stands for “Made for iPad/iPhone/iPod”. The SP2100 is Apple
Certified. MFi is an SPP connection (see above) and adds an iPhone security check which confirms that the accessory is
Apple Certified and Approved. The SP2100 is fully approved and certified as a “Made for iPxx” accessory.
NOTE: You have to enable MFi mode using the System Menu: SM>>3.Bluetooth>>3.MFI Mode>>Enable>>0.Exit Sub
Menu>>0.Exit Main Menu.to use an AppStore application that sends messages to the SP2100 screen.
MUX mode with MFI Enabled
*Note the antenna*
figure 2.16
MFi ConnectedSPP (Serial Port) Connected
HID MFi Connected
Standard HID Connected USB Connected, Charging
See Note Below
figure 2.17
NOTE: At this time, there is technically no USB communications mode. USB shown in the Status Bar is an indication that your SP2100 is
plugged in and charging in the USB port only. If you have an active bluetooth connection established, it will be maintained.
3.0 - Getting Started with HID Connections
The BarcodeGuy SP-2100 works like a bluetooth keyboard to Apple mobile iOS, Android, Windows and Windows Mobile
tablets, smart phones, PC’s and laptops. Connecting as a bluetooth keyboard is commonly referred to as a HID (human
input device) connection. Starting out with a HID connection is not only a way to get instant gratification, but its the easiest
way to understand how your SP2100 works. The cut down version of making a HID connection is on the Quickstart Card
included in the box. Below are the detailed instructions.
Initially, these instructions make HID connections with Mfi Mode Enabled. When you move to your final device
and application configuration, you can enable just regular HID if you’d like.
Sys
Menu

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Make sure your SP2100 is turned on (press the Scan button for 3-5 seconds). Press the SP2100’s front Scan Button and
verify that it isn’t currently connected to a host device.
Before you get started making the HID connection, make sure your SP2100 is set with MFI
Mode disabled (refer to figure 3.1):
1. Press & hold the Top Side button until the System Menu appears.
2. Select 3.Bluetooth and press the Scan Button to select the option.
3. Select 3.MFI Mode , then highlight Enable & press the Scan Button to select.
4. Select 0.Exit Sub Menu then 0.Exit Menu. The SP2100’s LED Indicator will flash red.
SHORTHAND: SM>>3.Bluetooth >>3.MFI Mode >>Enable>>0.Exit Sub Menu>>0.Exit Main Menu
NOTES:
●If the SP2100 displays anything other than MUX it is currently connected to another device. Find the device and
turn off the bluetooth radio to break the connection to the SP2100.
●If the SP2100 displays MUX as in figure 2.16 above, you’re ready to continue to connect. The red LED Indicator
should be flashing indicating that the SP2100 is in “Discovery” mode and is ready to connect to the new host.
Select host OS below.
●If the SP2100 displays anything other than MUX, it is currently connected to another device. Find the device and
turn off the bluetooth radio or manually disconnect the SP2100 (See Section 3.9).
3.1- Apple iOS HID Connection Instructions
Select your tablet, smart phone or laptop’s Operating System below.
On the iPad - iPhone - iPod Touch - Refer to figure 3.2
1. Select the “Settings” icon , then select “General”
Make sure the Bluetooth slider is set to on.
2. The iPxx will search for new bluetooth devices as
indicated by the swirling circle .
3. The iPxx will find the SP2100 and list it as “SP2100-
XXXXXXX” where the last 7 digits are the serial
number of the barcode scanner.
2
1
4
3
5
Figure 3.3
4. Press on the “SP2100” line. After a few moments the iPxx will display “Connected”. The SP2100 will beep and
display HID in the Status Bar - see figure 3.3.
Your SP2100 is now connected to your Apple iOS device! Test it out by pressing the
“Home” button on the bottom center of the iPxx and launch the “Notes” application.
When Notes starts, be sure to press on a yellow line so you can see the cursor flashing…. Then scan a barcode!
On the Android Phone or Tablet - Refer to figure 3.4 to figure 3.7
1. Select the “Settings” icon from the Android device’s home or apps screen .
2. Select the “Wireless Networks” from the “Settings” menu.
3. Turn Bluetooth on by checking the box next to “Bluetooth” . Then select “Bluetooth settings” to enter the
bluetooth connections screen.
4. When the “Bluetooth settings” screen appears, the check box next to “Bluetooth” should be checked from Step 3
above . Now select the checkbox next to “Discoverable” and then select “Scan for Devices” . Note that
when you enter this screen, the SP2100 is not visible .
Figure 3.2
2
1
4
3
5
2
1
3
Figure 3.1
1
2
3
3.0 - Getting Started with HID Connections, con’t
3.2 - Android HID Connection Instructions
1
2
4
3
1
567
8
Sys
Menu

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Figure 3.4
2
3
4
5
6
7
Note no SP2100!
8
Figure 3.5
9
10
Figure 3.6
11
Figure 3.7
11
entry at the top with the caption “Connected to hid” underneath. There will be a keyboard icon to the right of
the SP2100 listing.
7. The SP2100 will beep and display HID in the Status Bar - see figure 3.8.
Your SP2100 is now connected to your Android device! Test it out by pressing the “Home” button on the bottom center
of the Android phone or tablet! To try it out, launch Gmail and compose a new message. Make sure the cursor is flashing
in the body of the email, then scan a barcode! The text shows up where the cursor was, just like you used the soft keypad
to type it in!
On Windows PC or Laptop - Make sure your bluetooth card or dongle on the PC is active.
You should see the bluetooth icon in the Systems Tray (aka Notification Area) on the bottom right
of the Windows screen by the clock (figure 3.9). Consult the appropriate guide to turn the host
bluetooth radio on and have it in “Discovery” mode.
IMPORTANT! These instructions apply to using the SP2100 with a wireless Bluetooth connection to a Windows PC or laptop. USB
Connections are used only to change the UnionNet SP2100’s firmware programming.
3.3 - Windows HID Connection Instructions
When you’ve confirmed that bluetooth is active on the PC, refer to figure 3.10 and figure 3.11 for Steps 1-4 below:
Figure 3.9
Figure 3.8
5. The Android device and the SP2100 will find each other. The SP2100 will show up at the bottom of the
“Bluetooth devices” list . Press on the SP2100-XXXXXX entry and “Pairing…” will appear underneath the
SP2100’s title.
6. When the SP2100 and your Android device pair, the “Bluetooth devices” list will have the “SP2100-xxxxxxx”
3.2 - Android HID Connection Instructions, con’t
1. Press “Start” , “Devices & Printers” , “Add a Device” (figure 3.10)
2. The “New Device Wizard” will open. Windows will search for active
bluetooth devices in range (figure 3.11’s window).
3. The SP2100 and the PC will find each other. The SP2100 will be displayed
with a keyboard icon identified as “SP2100-XXXXXXX” . Note that the
Figure 3.10
2
1
3
last 5 digits are the SP2100’s serial number. Highlight the SP2100 and press
the “Next” button. Windows will search for and automatically install
the appropriate drivers for the SP2100 to be used as a HID & serial device
through the USB cable. You’ll see balloon in the bottom right corner by the
clock indicating driver installation , then one that says that the drivers are
installed and the SP2100 is ready to use.
4
5
6
1
2 3
910

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
3.3 - Windows HID Connection Instructions, con’t
Figure 3.11
4
5
6
4. Note that Windows may take a while to identify the
serial driver. If you’re presented with a security
message that Windows cannot verify the publisher of
the driver, select “Install this driver anyway” option to
continue.
5. When the drivers are finished installing, the final screen
of the “New Device Wizard” on the PC will display
“This device has been successfully added to this
computer”. Note the keyboard icon assigned your
SP2100. Now just press the “Finish” button to
complete the wizard.
6. The SP2100 will beep and display HID in the Status
Bar - see figure 3.12.
CONGRATULATIONS! Your SP2100 is now connected to your Windows PC! Test it
out by starting your favorite data entry application, make sure the cursor is flashing
where you want the barcode data. Then just press the SP2100’s Scan Button until the
imager reads the barcode. The SP2100 is just like a keyboard, but you don’t have to
type anything in!
On Mac, iMac, MacBook or Macbook Pro -
1. Note that you will need a barcode to complete the setup
process.
2. Start with the SP2100 powered off. Just press and hold the
Scan Button for 5 seconds then release. On the Mac, turn
bluetooth on by clicking on the bluetooth icon at the top bar of
the desktop screen. (figure 3.13).
3. Now click on the bluetooth icon agan and select “Open
Bluetooth Preferences”. The “Bluetooth” screen will open.
(figure 3.14).
4. Turn on the SP2100 by pressing and holding the Scan Button
until the BarcodeGuy Logo appears.
5. The SP2100 will appear in the “Bluetooth Preferences”
window. Press the “Pair” button. The SP2100 will beep and
display HID in the Status Bar - see figure 3.12 in prior section.
3.4 - Mac HID Connection Instructions
Figure 3.12
IMPORTANT! These instructions apply to using the SP2100 with a wireless Bluetooth connection to a Windows PC or laptop. USB
Connections are used only to change the UnionNet SP2100’s firmware programming.
6. Since the SP2100 is connected as a HID, the Mac knows
it’s a keyboard. The “Keyboard Assistant” is disaplayed.
Press the “Continue” button on the “Keyboard Assistant”
prompt screen (figure 3.15).
figure 3.13
figure 3.14
figure 3.15

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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
3.5 - HID Tips & Tricks with the SP2100
As you probably saw on the YouTube video or from our web site, the SP2100 has some built-in features that make its use
very convenient. Note that the HID features vary somewhat by operating system, (See Section 4.1 and figure 3.14 for OS
differences) below are the major SP2100 HID features:
●Pop-Up the soft keypad by pressing the SP2100’s Bottom Side Button for 1-3 seconds then release to show the
device’s soft keypad.
●Mixed-Mode Data Entry- Once you have the device keypad up, you can scan barcodes and use the SP2100 at the
same time (iOS only).
●Don’t forget that when the SP2100 is in “Power Saver” mode, you’ll need to press the Scan Button twice to scan;
once to bring the SP2100 to Full Power Mode, then once again to activate the imager.
●By Default, the SP2100 is set to “Send and Store” - The SP2100 lets you pick what you’re going to do with the
scanned barcode data. You have the option to store, send and store or send only. See Section 4.1 for detailed
information on memory storage modes.
●Use Your SP2100 without your PC, Tablet of Phone - You don’t need to be connected to a host to scan barcodes -
you can scan them into memory, then download them to your device later. See Section 3.6 and Section 3.7 for detailed
instructions..
●Read Barcodes From your Computer or Mobile Device Screen - Because it’s a 2D imager, the SP2100 allows
you to read barcodes directly from a computer or mobile device screen. There are some rules to keep in mind if
you’re going to do this regularly. Section 2.6.1 for details.
●Change the “terminator” - By default, the SP2100 sends a “Carriage Return” at the end of the barcode(ASCII
Chr(13)), but you can set it to just about anything you’d like. See Section 5.0 for instructions.
●Easily Move from Host to Host - although the SP2100 does best (actually, its just less confusing to us) in a one-to-
one relationship with a single host, you can easily move between different tablets, smart phones and PC’s. All you
have to do is shut off the bluetooth radio on the currently connected host, causing the SP2100 to switch into MUX
mode, then turn on the radio of the host you now want to connect with. Either pair the SP2100 if the host is new, or
the SP2100 will automatically reconnect if it’s been paired with that specific host before.
3.5 - Mac HID Connection Instructions, con’t
7. The Keyboard Assistant promts you to press the key to the right of the <Shift> key on the keyboard. Just
scan a barcode to proceed.
8. The Keyboard Assistant displays “Your keyboard cannot be identified”. Press the “OK” button (figure 3.16).
9. From the next screen, select “ANSI” and press the OK button (figure 3.17). Your SP2100 is now connected
and ready to use with your Mac!
figure 3.17
figure 3.16

17
BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
IMPORTANT! In a production environment with multiple SP2100’s in the same area, it’s a good idea pair one SP2100 with one host.
Multiple host pairings can cause headaches if you turn on an SP2100 & it pairs with an unintended host. Multi-host works best for an
individual (i.e. pairing to Joe’s laptop, Joe’s iPad and Joe’s Android phone). Make sure just the host you want is the only one available.
3.6 - HID Tips & Tricks with the SP2100, con’t
Your SP2100 is programmed so you can manually disconnect the active bluetooth connection. This not only gives you the
ability to save battery power on the scanner and tablet, smart phone or laptop, it allows you to do remote data collection
with the scanner only. As mentioned above, in many SP2100 installations, it is used without a host, storing barcode data in
memory for download later. With its rugged design, convenient size and long battery life, remote data collection is an ideal
use for the SP2100.
IMPORTANT! In rare instances, barcodes may be incorrectly received by the host or even skipped due to lags in bluetooth
communications. In such cases, refer to Section 3.7 - Setting Transmission Delays
To Disconnect from the Current HID Connection: PRESS & HOLD the Bottom Side button for 3-5 seconds. The
SP2100 double-beeps, the Staus Bar displays the default “MUX” configuration and the LED indicator flashes red.
To Reconnect to the Last Active HID Connection: PRESS the Bottom Side Button for less than a second and release
it. The SP2100 will beep, the Status Bar will change from MUX to HID and “No Data & Reconnection” will be briefly
displayed on the screen (figure 3.13). The green LED Indicator flashes indicating an active bluetooth connection.
In Section 2.8, we discussed different bluetooth connection modes. The Bottom Side button disconnect feature works with
HID, SPP and MFI connections. UnionNet provides Android and Apple iOS sample applications that use SPP and MFi to
3.7 - Disconnecting / Reconnecting Bluetooth
control the SP2100 on a “granular” level. The demos are provided for software developers and are
meant to demonstrate the features of the SDK.
Refer to figure 31 for Bottom Side button press results in HID, SPP and MFi bluetooth connection
types.
NOTE: You’ll probably also find that the SP2100 is so convenient that you’ll walk out of the 30 foot bluetooth connection radius with
it in your pocket or hanging around your neck. Don’t worry, the SP2100 is smart enough to shut down the bluetooth radio by itself to
save power. When you come back in range, just follow the reconnect instructions below.
NOTE: If your SP2100 has been connected to multiple hosts and the bluetooth radio of the last
connected host is not available, the SP2100 will not connect to any of the other hosts, even if available.
figure 3.14
Bluetooth
Profile To Disconnect To Reconnect Toggle Soft Keypad
HID Bottom Side Button PRESS
& HOLD 3 seconds
Bottom Side Button
PRESS & RELEASE N/A
SPP Bottom Side Button PRESS
& HOLD 3 seconds
Bottom Side Button
PRESS & RELEASE N/A
Mfi - not
recognized N/A N/A N/A
Android
Bluetooth
Profile To Disconnect To Reconnect Toggle Soft Keypad
HID Bottom Side Button PRESS
& HOLD 3 seconds
Bottom Side Button
PRESS & RELEASE
Press &
Release
SPP - not
recognized N/A N/A N/A
MFi Bottom Side Button PRESS
& HOLD 3 seconds
Bottom Side Button
PRESS & RELEASE
Press &
Release
Apple iOS
Bluetooth
Profile To Disconnect To Reconnect Toggle Soft Keypad
HID Bottom Side Button PRESS
& HOLD 3 seconds
Bottom Side Button
PRESS & RELEASE N/A
SPP Bottom Side Button PRESS
& HOLD 3 seconds
Bottom Side Button
PRESS & RELEASE N/A
Mfi - not
recognized N/A N/A N/A
Windows
Dropped / changed barcode characters or missing barcode
strings is an uncommon occurrence with the SP2100 and the
universe of different device OS’s, core processors, memory,
keyboard buffer processing speeds and the precedence of HID
bluetooth input processing by the host. The SP2100 defaults
normally work flawlessly. Changing the delay options are
sometimes necessary when the host application program is
slow. Examples of slower host applications could be delayed
response web or database programs or RDM (remote desktop
management) where the tablet of smart phone is running a PC
NOTE! When the SP2100 is set to MFi mode, it may not be able to connect (or have the features of) the normal HID connection. MFi
Mode is strictly for Apple AppStore application programs (including B2B) that communicate using MFi (secured SPP) bluetooth protocols.
figure 3.13

18
BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
or Mac. RDM applications are notorious for slowing, ignoring or changing HID and keyboard buffer input to maximize
bandwidth towards a goal of a faster appearing User Interface.
Since different OS’s and even devices within the same OS version have differing performance even running the same
application, sometimes there’s a problem in the timing of how the HID string is received by the host. The SP2100 allows
some flexibility for accommodating the timing of the host device’s processing by allowing you to change delays between
the barcode strings sent and delays between the individual characters in a barcode string. You can find the character and
string delay options for HID under the SM>>Bluetooth section of the System Menu:
●HID Char Delay- Certain applications cannot process HID or keyboard input fast enough because of other processes
running at the time the character is received. You may experience an application that tends to lose or garble characters
as they are received by the host. To compensate, increase the HID CHAR Delay by the next highest value from the
current value and test the application under production conditions. If the problem persists, continue to increase the
delay incrementally. The delays available are 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 (msec). Note this option is for HID only.
●HID String Init - Sometimes the keyboard buffer on the host device can’t process the scanned barcode strings as fast
as the bluetooth radio on the host is receiving them. You will notice that full barcode strings are missing from the
scanned data. If your host application has this problem, increase the delay before and after the barcode string is sent
using HID String Init. This should give the host enough time to process the barcode before receiving the next one. The
default is set at 200 msec. The string delay options are None, 100, 200, 500 (msec), 1, 2, 5 (sec). This is a HID mode
only option.
If you have a situation where you can’t get the barcode data to go to your host application after varying the delays in the
Bluetooth System Menu, just give us a call and we’ll figure out what’s going on.
3.8 - Bluetooth HID - Setting Transmission Delays
Once you have data in your SP2100, you can download it into your favorite application on your
tablet, smart phone or PC. Here’s how - (refer to the screens in figure 3.15):
1. Make sure you’re you have an active bluetooth connection - the LED Indicator on the
SP2100 should be flashing green and HID visible in the Status Bar.
2. Enter the System Menu by pressing and holding the Top Side Button
3.9 - HID Batch Data from the SP2100 to Host
3.10 - Other Common System Menu Options for Bluetooth
The System Menu of the SP2100 has a variety of other options associated with bluetooth configuration that can
be helpful These options are in the System Menu under SM>>Bluetooth.
●Auto Reconnect - Enable / Disable the Bottom Side button single press which normally reconnects to the
last bluetooth host.
●Disconnect - Manually disconnect from the currently connected host (Same as pressing Bottom Side
Button).
SHORTHAND: SM>>>>3.Bluetooth>>2.HID BATCH>>Yes>>0.Exit Sub Menu>>0.Exit Main Menu
3. Select 3.Bluetooth by using the Side Buttons and press the Scan Button. Then select HID
Batch using the Side Buttons and press the Scan Button.
4. You’ll be presented with a confirmation screen. Make sure that the cursor is flashing in the
application on your connected host where you want the data to be sent. On the SP2100,
highlight Yes and press the Scan Button.
The SP2100 will send the data to the host, delimited by the suffix (default is <CR>). You can stop the transfer at any
time by pressing the SP2100’s Bottom Side button.
The transmitted data will remain in the SP2100 after transmission. See Section 4.3 to clear the SP2100’s memory.
figure 3.15
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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
●HID Date Add: - Enable / Disable appending the date/time from the SP2100’s clock as a 14 character prefix to the
barcode characters. When enabled, the date/time string’s format is as follows: yyyymmddhhmmss. Note that the
hours are in military or 24 hour format.
●Trans Language: - Change the language keyboard characters. Use the Side Buttons to toggle the international
keyboard for languages English French, Danish & Swedish.
●HID Select - Changes HID options depending on general keyboard conditions. Normal for English, Special for
Japanese & Chinese.
Your SP2100 has an 8mb data storage area, which represents the ability to store somewhere between 25,000 and 35,000
individual barcodes. Although up to this point we’ve been describing HID connections (Section 3.0) as the easiest way to
get up and running with your SP2100, you may have a data collection need where you don’t want to mess around with
making sure you always have your tablet, phone or PC within the 30’ range of the bluetooth radio.
The SP2100 is ideal for HID applications, but is also tailor made for the truly mobile worker that wants to store barcodes
and download them later. You can just tuck it in your pocket, read barcodes where ever you are and later - even weeks
later - make the connection to the host where you want them to go and send them there! Let’s take a look.
Lets access the Memory sub-menu of the System Menu - See Section 2.5. Here’s the shorthand:
The SP2100 comes with 3 memory storage modes - “SR”, “SN” and “PR” (figure 4.1). OK, we admit
the labeling may not be intuitive, but the power of the options are. Remember that you select the option
you want by using the Side Buttons to highlight it, then press the Scan Button to select it. Here are the
details of each option:
●“SR” - SEND AND STORE: This is the default memory setting. When connected via
bluetooth, the SP2100 will send the scanned characters to the host and will store them in
memory. Great idea, right? It is, but with the following caveat:
If you’re counting on the scans being in the SP2100’s memory for later use, be careful.
There’s a risk you’ll completely fill up the SP2100’s memory and it will erase all the data
and start over! You’ve got a lot of memory to fill; at least 25,000 barcodes, but you need
to be aware of the memory limitation because there’s still a risk that you’ll lose data. See
the next section to check memory remaining and deleting.
●“SN” - Store Only, DO NOT SEND: When SN is set, the SP2100 doesn’t care if it’s connected
to a host - it won’t send anything. With SN set, the SP2100 just stores the barcode in memory
and that’s it. Why would you want to do that? Imagine that you have to scan a whole warehouse
of different items for a year-end inventory, and you don’t want the hassle of moving your tablet
or notebook around with you. With SN mode, you’d just use the scanner to collect the data.
Just like with SR mode, with SN mode you have to be aware of that although the SP2100
can store a lot of barcodes, it has a limit. See the next section to check memory
remaining and deleting.
4.0 - Managing Memory
4.1 - Storage & Transmit Modes
SHORTHAND: SM>>5.Memory>>Data Save
3.10 - Other System Menu Options for Bluetooth - con’t
figure 4.1
Memory Mode
figure 4.2
●“PR” - Send Only, DO NOT STORE: With the PR memory option selected, the
SP2100 will scan and send the data to the host, BUT the data is not stored in memory.
The PR option is useful when you’ve got a SP2100 working HID to the same host all
the time. Most likely, you’re looking at the host’s screen when you scan to make sure
the data goes in or the next screen for data entry appears. In that usage, there’s just no reason for the SP2100 to
store anything.
NOTE: The memory storage option is displayed in the Status Bar, on the far right hand side (figure 4.2).
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BarcodeGuy.com® - UnionNet SP2100 User’s Guide
Memory Review: To review the data stored your SP2100 (SM or SR mode), just press the upper
side button and quickly release. The last scan will be shown on the display (figure 4.4). Scroll through
the scanned data by pressing the Top Side Button to back up through the list and the Bottom Side
Button to move forward through the list. If you’re at the end of the list and try to go further, the
SP2100 will display a “NO DATA” message.
When you’re ready to stop reviewing data, just press the Scan Button to scan or press and hold the Top Side Button to
enter the System Menu.
The SP2100 is factory configured with a Carriage Return (CR) suffix when in HID mode. Like most barcode scanners,
after the SP2100 sends the characters in the barcode to the connected host, the ending CR suffix is just like the user
pressing the <ENTER> key on the keyboard or soft keypad.
Barcode scanners (and your SP2100 is no exception) give you the ability to set a prefix and suffix. We need to define
them for usage purposes:
●Prefix - characters, including control characters, that are put in front of the barcode characters on each barcode
decoded or read.
●Suffix - characters, including control characters that are put at the end of the barcode characters on each barcode
decoded or read
SHORTHAND: SM>>5.Memory>>Memory Info figure 4.3
4.3 - Stored Data - Review with Side Buttons
Delete Memory: This System Menu option allows you to delete all the scanned data
stored in the SP2100’s on board memory. Here’s the shorthand (figure 4.5):
figure 4.4
4.4 - Stored Data - Delete All Data with System Menu
figure 4.5
SHORTHAND: SM>>5.Memory>>Memory Delete>>select option & Press Scan Button
Display Memory Used: You can use the System Menu to see how much memory of the SP2100’s
memory you’ve used (figure 4.3). Here’s the shorthand:
4.2 -Display Memory Used
WARNING! With either of the two memory storage modes SR or SM you can store 20-30 thousand scans. When the SP2100’s memory is
filled, IT WILL DELETE ALL DATA AND OVERWRITE STARTING AT THE FIRST STORED SCAN OR RECORD. If it seems like you’ve scanned a
lot of barcodes, just use the Display Memory Used System Menu option (Section 2.2) to display remaining memory.
CRITICAL! When you delete the data using this option, IT IS GONE FOREVER!!! Painfully pedantic perhaps, but pertinent perchance
somehow you didn’t know!
5.0 - Data Formatting
5.1 - Introduction to Suffixes and Prefixes
5.2- Using a Custom Suffix - Stating an Example
Sounds pretty simple, but its really pretty powerful. Lets take a common example. Suppose this is your data collection
challenge:
Sys
Menu
NOTE: The System Menu settings for suffixes and prefixes are different from the Decoder settings for the SP2100 1D Laser and
SP2100 2D imager found in Appendix B are Appendix C. Although in both the laser and imager decoders you can set suffixes and
prefixes (even rules for data formatting), it is recommended NOT to use that method unless instructed by BarcodeGuy Support.