Videx LaserLite Pro User manual

LaserLite®Pro and LaserLite Mx
Hardware Manual
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999 by Videx, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
GCO# 927 MN-DTL-05

Blank Page

i
Notice: Videx, Inc. reserves the right to make improvements or changes in the
product described in this manual at any time without notice.
Disclaimer of All Warranties and Liability: Videx, Inc. makes no warranties,
either expressed or implied except as explicitly set forth in the Limited Warranty
below, with respect to this manual nor with respect to the product described in
this manual, its quality, performance, merchantability or fitness for any purpose.
Videx, Inc. software is sold or licensed “as is.” The entire risk as to its quality and
performance is with the buyer. Should the programs prove defective following
their purchase, the buyer (and not Videx, Inc., its distributors, or its retailers)
assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair, or correction and any
incidental or consequential damages. In no event will Videx, Inc. be liable for
direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from any defect or
the possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Limited Warranty: Videx, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original
purchase. Videx, Inc. agrees to repair or, at our option, replace any defective
unit without charge. Videx, Inc. assumes no responsibility for any special or
consequential damages. No other warranty, either expressed or implied, is
authorized by Videx, Inc. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Copyright Notice: This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. This
document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced,
translated, or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form
without prior consent, in writing, from Videx, Inc.
Copyright © 1997, 1998, 1999 by Videx, Inc.
1105 NE Circle Blvd., Corvallis, Oregon 97330
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
http://www.videx.com • [email protected] • [email protected]
Videx and LaserLite are registered trademarks of Videx, Inc. Application Builder is a
trademark of Videx, Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
LaserLite Pro is covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patents:
U.S. Patent No. 4,360,798; 4,369,361; 4,387,297; 4,460,120; 4,496,831; 4,593,186;
4,603,262; 4,607,156; 4,652,750; 4,673,805; 4,736,095; 4,758,717; 4,816,660; 4,845,350;
4,896,026; 4,897,532; 4,923,281; 4,933,538; 4,992,717; 5,015,833; 5,017,765; 5,021,765;
5,021,641; 5,029,183; 5,047,617; 5,103,461; 5,113,445; 5,130,520; 5,140,144; 5,142,550;
5,149,950; 5,157,687; 5,168,148; 5,168,149; 5,180,904; 5,229,591, 5,230,088; 5,235,167;
5,243,655; 5,247,162; 5,250,791; 5,250,792; 5,262,627; 5,262,628; 5,280,163; 5,280,164;
5,280,498; 5,304,786; 5,304,788; 5,321,246; 5,377,361; 5,367,151; 5,373,148; 5,378,882;
5,396,053; 5,396,055; 5,399,846; 5,408,081; 5,410,139; 5,410,140; 5,412,198; 5,418,812;
5,420,411; 5,436,440; 5,444,231; 5,449,891; 5,449,893; 5,468,949; 5,479,000; 5,479,002;
5,479,441; 5,504,322; 5,528,621; 5,532,469; 5,543,610; 5,545,889; 5,552,592; 5,578,810;
5,589,680; 5,608,202; 5,612,531; 5,619,028.

ii
Federal Communications Commission Statement: This equipment is a Class
A computing device under the U.S. FCC rules and this warning is required.
Warning: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of
Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in
which case the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
If this equipment is operated from the same electrical wall circuit as other pieces
of equipment and erratic operation of the unit occurs, it may be necessary to
shut off other equipment or power the unit from a dedicated electrical circuit.
If this equipment has an FCC ID number affixed to the equipment, then the unit
meets the limits for a U.S. Federal Communications Commission Class B
computing device and the following information applies.
FCC Notice: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in
accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which
are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a
residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by disconnecting and
reconnecting the equipment, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures.
Reorient the receiving antenna.
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver.
Move the computer away from the receiver.
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on
different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the
following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful:
“How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV Interference Problems.”
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.

iii
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1 LASERLITE PRO AND LASERLITE MX PORTABLE
DATA COLLECTORS....................................................................................3
LASERLITE PRO AND LASERLITE MX............................................................. 4
Case...........................................................................................................8
Memory......................................................................................................8
Display and Keypad ..................................................................................9
Lock Switch.....................................................................................................10
Clock........................................................................................................12
Batteries...................................................................................................12
Replacing the Batteries....................................................................................15
Battery Information and Warnings ..................................................................16
Laser Scanner..........................................................................................17
Scanning Bar Codes ........................................................................................17
Key Points on Scanning..............................................................................17
Laser Warnings................................................................................................18
Button Reader..........................................................................................19
Reading Buttons..............................................................................................19
iButtons ......................................................................................................20
Communication to the Computer.............................................................21
IR Port.............................................................................................................21
LaserLite Pro/Mx Base Station........................................................................22
Connecting the Base Station to a Computer ...............................................24
Recharging a LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx with NiCad or NiMH Batteries
....................................................................................................................25
CHAPTER 2 LASERLITE MX MEMORY CARDS ...............................27
MEMORY CARDS .......................................................................................... 28
Installing a Memory Card .......................................................................30
Removing a Memory Card.......................................................................31
Memory Card Capabilities......................................................................31
Common Precautions.......................................................................................32
Protecting the Data..........................................................................................33
Transferring Files Between the Memory Card and Computer.........................33
Formatting a Memory Card ....................................................................34

iv
APPENDIXES ................................................................................................39
APPENDIX A BAR CODE REFERENCE........................................................... 41
Bar Code Symbologies ............................................................................42
Where to Get Bar Codes..........................................................................43
Bar Code Optimum Size ..........................................................................43
Bar Code Quality.....................................................................................44
APPENDIX B PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................... 45
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx Specifications......................................46
LaserLite Mx Memory Card Specifications.....................................................48
LaserLite Pro Base Station Specifications ..............................................49
iButton Specifications..............................................................................50
APPENDIX C GLOSSARY .............................................................................. 51
APPENDIX D CABLE PIN OUT CONFIGURATIONS.......................................... 55
APPENDIX E USING MULTIPLE DATA COLLECTORS AND BASE STATIONS.... 63
Connecting the Base Stations..................................................................64
Changing a Data Collector’s ID with a Windows Computer..................66
Changing a Data Collector’s ID with a DOS Computer.........................69
Changing a LaserLite Pro’s ID with a Macintosh Computer..................72
Transferring Data from Multiple Data Collectors ..................................74
FOREVER Looping Command.......................................................................75
FOREACH Looping Command.......................................................................76
FORALL Looping Command..........................................................................78
Notes on Using Multiple Data Collectors ...............................................82
Key Points on Using Multiple Data Collectors................................................82
APPENDIX F RESETTING THE LASERLITE PRO AND LASERLITE MX............. 83
INDEX.............................................................................................................89

Introduction 1
Introduction
This manual contains information on the LaserLite Pro and the LaserLite
Mx portable data collectors. This manual consists of two chapters and
six appendixes.
Chapter 1 contains information on using the LaserLite Pro and the
LaserLite Mx, including information on:
•the hardware,
•replacing the batteries,
•scanning bar codes,
•reading Dallas Semiconductor iButtons™ (also known as Touch
Memory buttons),
•communicating with the computer.
Chapter 2 contains information on using a LaserLite Mx with a memory
card, including information on:
•installing the memory card,
•removing the memory card,
•formatting the memory card,
•and notes on using the memory card.
Chapter 2 will refer you to the Developer’s Reference Manual and the
Videx BASIC Manual (included in this software package) for
information on the commands necessary to communicate with memory
cards.
The six appendixes contain information on:
•bar codes,
•hardware specifications,
•a glossary,
•cable diagrams,
•using multiple data collectors and Base Stations,
•and resetting a LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx.

2Introduction

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx 3
Chapter 1
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx
Portable Data Collectors
This chapter contains:
•Introduction to LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx
•Basic instructions on LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx
operations

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx4
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx are exceptional high-performance
portable data collectors manufactured by Videx. They combine laser bar
code scanning and iButton technology in one easy-to-use package.
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx are housed in cast and extruded
aluminum cases that protect the unit and provide superior durability.
Figure 1-1 LaserLite Pro
LaserLite Pro (Figure 1-1) is shipped with application software installed,
so the unit is ready to use straight out of the box. To power up the
LaserLite Pro, slide the lock switch (located at the bottom of the keypad)
ON (away from the lock icon). You can then enter data by keypad (see
pages 9–11), by scanning bar codes (see page 17), or by touching
iButtons (see page 19). To turn the LaserLite Pro off, slide the lock
switch OFF (towards the lock icon).

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx 5
LaserLite Mx (Figure 1-2) is an enhanced version of the LaserLite Pro; it
uses 3.3-volt SmartMedia memory cards (Figure 1-3) to provide
additional memory to the LaserLite Mx.
Figure 1-2 LaserLite Mx
SmartMedia cards can add 2 MB, 4 MB, or 8 MB of flash ROM memory
to the LaserLite Mx. A SmartMedia card is commonly referred to as a
memory card or as an SSFDC (which is an abbreviation for Solid State
Floppy Disk Card). We will use the term “memory card” in this manual.
Figure 1-3 SmartMedia Memory Card (3.3 volt)
LaserLite Mx is shipped with application software installed. To power
up a LaserLite Mx, insert the memory card into the LaserLite Mx
memory card slot, and slide the lock switch ON (away from the lock
icon). (Inserting the memory card is described on page 30.) Once the
memory card is inserted and the unit is turned on, the LaserLite Mx can
collect data by keypad (see pages 9–11), by scanning bar codes (see page
17), or by touching iButtons (see page 19).

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx6
To turn the LaserLite Mx off, slide the lock switch OFF (switch towards
the lock icon).
Figure 1-4 is a diagram of the LaserLite Pro and the LaserLite Mx
system components.
CPU
32K RAM
Videx
memory card
data
management
system
SSFDC
CPU
256K RAM
Operating
System with
Videx BASIC
engine and
application
128K Flash
Backup
operating
system and
application
IR serial
port
LaserLite Mx Memory
Card CPU board
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx
Main CPU board
IR serial
port
Figure 1-4 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx System Components

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx 7
Both the LaserLite Pro and the LaserLite Mx have a main board with a
central processing unit (CPU), 256K of random-access memory (RAM),
128K of flash read-only memory (ROM), and an infrared
communication (IR) serial port. In addition, the LaserLite Mx has a
memory card circuit board with a CPU, 32K of RAM for program
execution, and an SSFDC connector. The memory card is inserted into
the SSFDC connector. The dual microprocessors and enhanced memory
of the LaserLite Mx allow for extensive searches, match inquiries, large
cross-reference files, and multi-tasking capabilities. See Chapter 2 for
information on using LaserLite Mx memory cards.
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx share the following features:
•Visible-light laser for reading bar codes.
•Read data from and write data to iButtons (also known as Touch
Memory buttons).
•Scan all popular bar code symbologies.
•Operate on four replaceable AA batteries; either alkaline or
rechargeable (NiCad or NiMH).
•Rechargeable lithium back-up battery for RAM memory.
•Alphanumeric keypad.
•Five user-definable function keys.
•IR communication to host computer or printers.
•Strong metal case.
•Internally cushioned laser.
•32-character display.
•Display scrolling capability.
•128K flash ROM; 256K battery-backed RAM.
•Real-time clock.
Additionally the LaserLite Mx supports:
•2 MB, 4 MB, or 8 MB 3.3-volt SmartMedia memory cards.
•Multiple files on one memory card.
•Memory card operating software that provides a set of commands for
data management, including record indexing and key field searching.

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx8
Case
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx are constructed with a sturdy metal
case. The case body is made of extruded and cast aluminum, providing
strength and durability in a lightweight package. The case is powder
coated for a lasting, protective finish. The combination of the case
design and powder coating provides resistance to dust and moisture.
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx each measure a compact 7.61 x 1.75
(handle)/1.95 (laser) x 2.19 inches and weigh less than 14 ounces.
Memory
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx have internal memories of 128K
(K = 1024 characters) flash ROM and 256K battery-backed RAM. This
is enough storage capacity for over 8,000 5-digit bar code scans (with
time and date stamp) to be kept in memory before it is necessary to
transfer the data to a computer. More data can be stored by eliminating
the time and date stamp from the application. Additional memory is
available to the LaserLite Mx with SmartMedia memory cards. See
Chapter 2 for information on using LaserLite Mx and memory cards.
Application Builder or one of the communications programs is used to
transfer the data from the data collector to the computer. (Consult the
Application Builder Manual and the Developer’s Reference Manual for
specific instructions.) The data is transferred to the computer and stored
as an ASCII text file. See pages 21–25 for more information on
communications between a LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx and a
computer.
Pressing the MEM key (bottom left key on keypad) displays the current
available memory status.

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx 9
Display and Keypad
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx each have a 2-line by 16-character LCD
display and a 32-key alphanumeric keypad. The keys are divided into
three sections: the five keys at the top of the keypad are yellow, the
number keys are white, and the remaining keys are gray.
The yellow keys include:
•the SHFT key is the Shift key; it toggles the Key Mode LED on or
off and allows access to the keypad’s alpha characters,
•the ENT key is the Enter key; it accepts keypad input,
•the ESC key is the Escape key; it is used to exit events,
•the BSP key is the backspace key; it is used to correct keypad
entries,
•and a scan button (large yellow key); it is pressed and held while
scanning a bar code.
The gray keys consist of five symbol keys: dash (-), period (.), plus sign
(+), asterisk (*), and slash (/); four scroll keys, five function keys (f1–
f5), a MEM key that displays the available memory, a BAT key that
displays the current battery level, and a SP key which is the space key.
Pressing the <f4> function key displays the version of the operating
system. Pressing the <f5> function key allows you to delete the last
entry. The unit will display “Delete data?”; press the Yor scroll up (
) key to delete the last entry.
Located above the keys are three indicator LEDs: Key Mode, Valid
SCAN, and Laser ON.
The Key Mode LED lights when the SHFT key is pressed and the unit
is placed in alpha mode. Pressing and releasing the SHFT key toggles
the Key Mode LED off and on. When the Key Mode LED is lit and a
key is pressed, the key’s alpha character is entered.
The Valid SCAN LED lights when a bar code is scanned, a button is
touched, or the ENT key is pressed. The Valid SCAN LED flashes to
indicate that the data was entered successfully.

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx10
The Laser ON LED lights when the scan button is pushed and the laser
is activated. The Laser ON LED remains on until a bar code is scanned
or the scan button is released.
Lock Switch
Located below the keypad is a lock switch. The lock switch turns the
data collector OFF and ON. The data collector is OFF when the lock
switch is towards the lock icon, and ON when the lock switch is away
from the lock icon. The lock switch must be ON before you can use the
LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx. However, it is a good idea to turn the
lock switch OFF while the data collector is being stored, transported, or
not being used for a while; this will prevent unintentional keypresses and
unnecessary draining of the batteries, while still retaining the program
and data.

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx 11
Figure 1-5 Keypad
Lock Switch

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx12
Clock
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx contain a built-in clock that is set to
match the computer’s clock each time the unit is programmed or its data
is transferred. For the data collector’s clock to be correct, the date and
time on the computer must be correct before communicating with the
LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx.
When a bar code is scanned, or an iButton is read, the date and time may
be recorded along with the entered data. This timekeeping feature makes
it possible to use a database, spreadsheet, or other program to calculate
beginning, ending, and intervals of time from the data transferred from
the LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx.
Batteries
LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx ship with 4 AA alkaline batteries
installed. LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx use AA batteries, either
alkaline, nickel-cadmium (NiCad), or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH).
Figure 1-6 LaserLite Pro with AA Batteries

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx 13
The following table shows the current draw of a LaserLite Pro and
LaserLite Mx during operations:
Approximate Current DrawOperation LaserLite Pro LaserLite Mx
Sleep 1 mA 1.5 mA
Idle (Display on) 10 mA 15 mA
Processing 20 mA 34 mA
Button read 21 mA 35 mA
Laser on 100 mA 105 mA
Pressing the BAT key (bottom center key on keypad) displays the
current battery charge status.
Alkaline batteries require no recharging and typically provide several
weeks of use between battery replacements. Exact battery life depends
upon actual use; a fresh set of alkaline batteries will provide
approximately 2,000 milliampere hours (mAh) capacity. You can expect
to make 100,000 or more scans from one set of alkaline batteries.
The LaserLite Pro/Mx Base Station can recharge NiCad and NiMH
batteries. The LaserLite Pro/Mx Base Station has a charge switch
located along its side that turns the charge feature ON or OFF. With the
charge switch ON, the LaserLite Pro/Mx Base Station can recharge
NiCad and NiMH batteries. If you are using alkaline batteries, the Base
Station’s charge switch must be OFF.
WARNING!
DO NOT attempt to charge rechargeable alkaline batteries in the
LaserLite Pro/Mx Base Station; it is designed to recharge NiCad and
NiMH batteries only. We do not recommend using rechargeable
alkaline batteries in the LaserLite Pro or LaserLite Mx.

Chapter 1 LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx14
The following tables can help you determine which AA batteries would
be best for your situation. The first table assumes 5,000 scans during an
8-hour workday; the second table assumes 500 scans during an 8-hour
workday.
5,000 Scans –8-Hour Workday
AA Battery
Type Charge Switch Battery Life per Charge Recharge Time Recharge Cycle Recommended
Alkaline
(2400 mAh) OFF 10 days N/A N/A
NiCad
(500 mAh) ON 2 days 12–14 hr. Daily
NiMH
(1200 mAh) ON 5 days 35–37 hr. Twice a week; one charge must
be 35–37 hours.
500 Scans –8-Hour Workday
AA Battery
Type Charge Switch Battery Life per Charge Recharge Time Recharge Cycle Recommended
Alkaline
(2400 mAh) OFF 30 days N/A N/A
NiCad
(500 mAh) ON 5 days 12–14 hr. Twice a week
NiMH
(1200 mAh) ON 10 days 35–37 hr. Weekly
Both LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx have a rechargeable lithium back-
up battery that maintains the programs and data while the AA batteries
are being replaced. The AA battery cutoff voltage is approximately 4.0
volts. If the AA batteries drop below 4.0 volts, the unit will stop
operating until the batteries are replaced. If you do not immediately
replace the AA batteries, the lithium back-up battery will maintain the
program and data for up to five days. The unit’s AA batteries recharge
the lithium back-up battery. To keep the lithium back-up battery at full
charge, always store the LaserLite Pro and LaserLite Mx with the AA
batteries installed.