MS 1 Scan Engine Integration Manual Ms1manual

2009-05-25

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MS-1 Scan Engine
Integration Manual

P/N 83-000001 Rev A

Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©2008
by Microscan Systems, Inc.
1201 S.W. 7th Street, Renton, WA, U.S.A. 98057
(425) 226-5700 FAX: (425) 226-8682
ISO 9001:2000 Certified Quality Management System
Issued by TUV USA Inc., Member of TUV NORD Group, Cert. No. 06-1080
All rights reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose
of allowing customers to operate and/or service Microscan manufactured equipment and is not to be
released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Microscan.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. Rather than place a trademark (™) symbol
at every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state herein that we are using the names only in an editorial
fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.

Disclaimer
The information and specifications described in this manual are subject to change without notice.

Latest Manual Version
For the latest version of this manual, see the Download Center on our web site at:
www.microscan.com.

Technical Support
For technical support, email: helpdesk@microscan.com.

Microscan Systems, Inc.
1201 S.W. 7th Street
Renton, WA 98057
U.S.A.
Tel: 425 226 5700
Fax: 425 226 8250
helpdesk@microscan.com

Microscan Europe
Tel: 31 172 423360
Fax: 31 172 423366

Microscan Asia Pacific R.O.
Tel: 65 6846 1214
Fax: 65 6846 4641

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Microscan Limited Warranty Statement and Exclusions
What Is Covered?
Microscan Systems Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that products manufactured by it will be free
from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of one year from the
date of shipment. This warranty is specifically limited to, at Microscan’s sole option, repair or replacement
with a functionally equivalent unit and return without charge for service or return freight.

What Is Excluded?
This limited warranty specifically excludes the following: (1) Any products or parts that have been subject
to misuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, improper installation, or abnormal conditions or operations;
(2) Any products or parts that have been transferred by the original purchaser; (3) Customer mis-adjustment
of settings contrary to the procedure described in the Microscan Systems Inc. owners manual; (4) Upgrading
software versions at customer request unless required to meet specifications in effect at the time of purchase;
(5) Units returned and found to have no failure will be excluded; (6) Claims for damage in transit are to be
directed to the freight carrier upon receipt. Any use of the product is at purchaser’s own risk. This limited
warranty is the only warranty provided by Microscan Systems Inc. regarding the product. Except for the
limited warranty above, the product is provided “as is.” To the maximum extent permitted by law, this
express warranty excludes all other warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to, implied
warranties of merchantability and. Technical support questions may be directed to: helpdesk@microscan.com
Register your product with Microscan: www.microscan.com/register fitness for a particular purpose.
Microscan Systems Inc. does not warrant that the functions contained in the product will meet any requirements
or needs purchaser may have, or that the product will operate error free, or in an uninterrupted fashion, or
that any defects or errors in the product will be corrected, or that the product is compatible with any particular
machinery.

Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Microscan Systems Inc. be liable to you or any third party for any special, incidental, or
consequential damages (including, without limitation, indirect, special, punitive, or exemplary damages for
loss of business, loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of business information), whether in contract,
tort, or otherwise, even if Microscan Systems Inc. has been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Microscan Systems Inc.’s aggregate liability with respect to its obligations under this warranty or otherwise
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consequential damages or limitations on an implied warranty, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
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vary from state to state.
Tel: 425.226.5700 | Fax: 425.226.8250 | helpdesk@microscan.com

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
Chapter 1

Step 1 Check Hardware .......................................................................... 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System..................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Install ESP ................................................................................... 1-4
Step 4 Select Model ................................................................................ 1-5
Step 5 Autoconnect ................................................................................. 1-6
Step 6 Position the MS-1 Scan Engine ................................................... 1-7
Step 7 Configure the MS-1 Scan Engine ................................................ 1-8
Step 8 Save Configuration in ESP .......................................................... 1-9

Setup and Operation

Electrical Interface ................................................................................... 2-2
Configuration ........................................................................................... 2-5

Mounting the MS-1 Scan Engine............................................................. 3-2
Calculating Aperture Size ........................................................................ 3-3
Calculating Window Tilt Angle and Localization ...................................... 3-5
Window Materials .................................................................................... 3-7
Location and Reading Position................................................................ 3-8
Ribbon Cable........................................................................................... 3-9

EZ Mode .................................................................................................. 4-2
Application Mode ..................................................................................... 4-3
Menu Toolbar .......................................................................................... 4-4
Autoconnect ......................................................................................... 4-12
View...................................................................................................... 4-14
Navigating in ESP ................................................................................ 4-15
Send/Receive Options.......................................................................... 4-16

Communications by ESP......................................................................... 5-2
Communications Serial Commands ........................................................ 5-3
Host Port Connections ............................................................................ 5-4
Host Port Protocol ................................................................................... 5-5
Preamble ................................................................................................. 5-6
Postamble ............................................................................................... 5-7

Read Cycle by ESP ................................................................................. 6-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands ................................................................ 6-3
MS-1 Read Cycle Overview .................................................................... 6-4
Number of Symbols ................................................................................. 6-5
Time Between Identical Decodes ............................................................ 6-6
Trigger Mode ........................................................................................... 6-7

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Introduction
Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation ..................................................... 6-9
Serial Trigger Character (Delimited) ...................................................... 6-10
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)................................................ 6-11
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited) ................................................ 6-12
No Decode Timeout............................................................................... 6-13
Decodes Before Output ......................................................................... 6-14
No Read Message ................................................................................. 6-15
Reader Setup ........................................................................................ 6-16

Symbologies by ESP ............................................................................... 7-2
Symbologies Serial Commands .............................................................. 7-3
Code 39 ................................................................................................... 7-4
Codabar ................................................................................................... 7-6
Interleaved 2 of 5 ..................................................................................... 7-8
Code 128/EAN-128 ............................................................................... 7-10
Code 93 ................................................................................................. 7-11
GS1 DataBar (RSS) .............................................................................. 7-12
MSI Code............................................................................................... 7-13
Plessey Code ........................................................................................ 7-14
Industrial 2 of 5 ...................................................................................... 7-15
UPC/EAN............................................................................................... 7-17
Symbology Identifier .............................................................................. 7-20

Terminal Window ..................................................................................... 8-2
Find.......................................................................................................... 8-3
Send ........................................................................................................ 8-4
Macros..................................................................................................... 8-5
Terminal Window Menus ......................................................................... 8-6

Serial Utility Commands .......................................................................... 9-2
Differences from Default .......................................................................... 9-3
Firmware.................................................................................................. 9-4
Device Control ......................................................................................... 9-9
Default/Reset/Save................................................................................ 9-10
Reader Status Request ......................................................................... 9-11

Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications .........................................................A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications .......................................................A-5
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands ..........................................A-6
Appendix D Communications Protocol ....................................................A-9
Appendix E ASCII Table ........................................................................A-10
Appendix F Using an External Trigger...................................................A-11
Appendix G Glossary of Terms .............................................................A-12

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Table of Contents

About the MS-1 Scan Engine
The key features of the MS-1 Scan Engine are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Ultra-compact size
CCD image sensor
LED illumination
No moving parts
Low power draw (voltage: 5V; current: 120 mA)
ESP and K command support
Up to 220 scans per second
1.0 to 13” (25 to 330 mm) read range
High Density and Low Density options

About This Manual
This manual provides complete information on setting up, integrating, and configuring the
MS-1 Scan Engine. The sections are presented in the order in which the MS-1 might be
set up and made ready for operation.

Highlighting
Serial commands, highlighted command fields, and default command settings are highlighted
in rust bold. Cross-references and web links are highlighted in blue bold. References to
ESP, its toolbar headings (Communications, Read Cycle, Symbologies, etc.), menu
topics, and other points of emphasis, are highlighted in Bold Initial Caps.

Host Communications
There are two ways to configure and test the MS-1 Scan Engine:
• Microscan’s Windows-based ESP (Easy Setup Program) Software, which offers point-and-click
ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
• Serial commands, such as , that can be sent from ESP’s Terminal or another
terminal program.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

1 Quick Start
Contents
Step 1 Check Hardware................................................................................................................ 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System .......................................................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Install ESP ......................................................................................................................... 1-4
Step 4 Select Model...................................................................................................................... 1-5
Step 5 Autoconnect....................................................................................................................... 1-6
Step 6 Position the MS-1 Scan Engine......................................................................................... 1-7
Step 7 Configure the MS-1 Scan Engine ..................................................................................... 1-8
Step 8 Save Configuration in ESP ................................................................................................ 1-9

This chapter is designed to get your MS-1 Scan Engine up and running quickly. Following
these steps will allow you to get a sense of the MS-1’s capabilities and to test symbol
decode performance.
Detailed setup information for installing the MS-1 into your application can be found in the
subsequent sections.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 1 — Check Hardware
Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to the
system. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables.

Item
1
2
3
4
5
6

Description
MS-1 Scan Engine
IC-332 Adapter
IB-131 Interface Box
Power Supply (90-264 VAC, 24VDC, USA/Euro plug)
Object Detector
Communication Cable

Part Number
FIS-0001-800XG
98-000051-01
99-000018-01
97-100004-15
99-000017-01
61-300026-03

MS-1 Demo Kit Contents
Item
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Description
MS-1 Scan Engine, HD, RS-232
MS-1 Scan Engine, LD, RS-232
Demo Board
Two M1.6 x .35 Screws
Ribbon Cable (Scan engine to demo board)
RS-232 Cable (RJ45 to D-sub)
Power Supply
IC-3USB Converter (optional)*

*Note: The MS-1 demo board can be connected to a host computer’s USB port by using an
IC-3USB Converter (98-000051-01). Power is supplied by the USB connection to the host.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 2 — Connect the System
Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to the
system. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables.
The MS-1 Scan Engine can be connected directly to a host computer using a demo board.
1. Attach the MS-1 to the demo board, label side down, as shown below.
Step 1

Screw holes for mounting the MS-1 are located on the base of the unit and on
the demo board. Use the M1.6 x .35 screws provided.
2. Once the MS-1 is affixed to the demo board, push the ends of the ribbon cable into the
connectors on the MS-1 and the demo board, as shown below.

3. Plug the RJ45 end of the RS-232 cable into the connector on the demo board, as
shown above.
4. Plug the D-sub end of the RS-232 cable into the 9-pin serial port on the host computer.
Note: Use an IC-3USB Converter (98-000051-01) to connect to the host computer by USB.
No additional power supply will be needed, as power is supplied by the host computer.
5. Attach the power supply to the RS-232 cable.
6. Plug in the power supply.
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 3 — Install ESP
Easy Setup Program (ESP) is Microscan’s proprietary setup and testing application. The
purpose of ESP is to provide a quick and easy way to set up and configure Microscan products.
When the MS-1 is connected to a host computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000), ESP can
be used to configure scan engine settings and to set up communications between the
scan engine and host.

If installing from the Microscan Tools CD:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Insert the Microscan Tools CD in your computer’s CD drive.
Select ESP Software from the navigation bar at the left of the screen.
Click on ESP Software under the Current Version heading.
Click the Run button and follow the prompts in the ESP Setup Wizard.
Note: During installation, you may see an Internet Explorer Security Warning that
states: “The publisher could not be verified.” If you see this warning, click Run to
continue installation.

If downloading from the web:
1. Go to the Download Center at www.microscan.com.
2. Create a new member account or, if you are already a member, enter your user name
and password.
3. Navigate to the “Microscan Software” section of the Download Center (near the top of
the page).
4. Click on the link showing the latest version of ESP. Extract the ESP installation files to
a location of your choice on the host computer. Note where your ESP.exe file is stored
on your hard drive.
5. At the end of the installation process, the following icon will appear on your desktop:

6. Click the ESP icon to start the program.

System Requirements for ESP
•
•
•
•
•
•

166 MHz Pentium processor (recommended)
Windows Vista, XP, or 2000 operating system
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
64 MB minimum RAM
40 MB minimum disk space
800 x 600 pixel minimum 256 color display

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 4 — Select Model
When you start ESP, the following menu will appear:

1. Click the button showing the MS-1 Scan Engine.
2. Click OK.
Note: You can also double-click the MS-1 Scan Engine button to make your selection.
3. Click Yes when this dialog appears:

Note: If you need to select another model later, click the Switch Model button near
the top of the screen or use Model > New Model in the menu toolbar.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 5 — Autoconnect
• Click Start when the Autoconnect dialog appears.

• If your communications port is not the default COM1, use the dropdown menu to change
your port.

• Once you have chosen
the correct port, click
Start to connect.

When you are connected, you will see the green connection indicator in the status bar at
the bottom right of your screen:

• If the connection attempt fails, click the Autoconnect button, select a different communications
port, and try again.

Note: If your RS-232 host settings
cannot be changed to match the
MS-1’s settings, select Connect
from the Connect dropdown menu
on ESP’s menu toolbar. When the
Connection Settings dialog
appears, check the Force Connect
box and click the Connect button.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 6 — Position the MS-1 Scan Engine
• Set up a symbol at the distance you will be using in your application. Refer to the Read
Ranges for your MS-1 model (High Density or Low Density) to determine the optimal
distance.
Note: If you are using an Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol, verify that the number or characters
being scanned matches the symbol length enabled for I 2/5 (default is 10 and 6).
• Avoid bright light or infrared light from other sources, including other readers.
• Pitch the MS-1 or symbol at a minimum of ±15° to avoid specular reflection (the return of
direct, non-diffused light).
• Avoid excessive skew or pitch. Maximum skew is ±30°; maximum pitch is ±30°.
Skew axis
Tilt
axis

MS-1
Pitch
axis
Scan line

MS-1 and Symbol Orientation
Note: Code 39 is the default symbology enabled. If you are uncertain of your symbology,
perform the following steps:
1. Enable all symbologies using ESP.
2. Enable Symbology Identifier at the bottom of ESP’s Symbologies tree control.

3. Decode the symbol and compare the symbology identifier character to the list on page
7-20 to determine your symbology.
4. Disable all other symbologies.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Configure the MS-1 Scan Engine

Step 7 — Configure the MS-1 Scan Engine
To make setup changes, click the App Mode button.

The following modes are accessible by clicking the buttons in the first row of App Mode icons:

• Click the Autoconnect button to establish communications between ESP and the MS-1.
• Click the Send/Recv button to send or receive commands.
• Click the Terminal button to display decoded symbol data, and to send serial commands
to the MS-1 using text or macros.
• Click the Utilities button to test Read Rate, request or clear Counters, enable or disable
the MS-1 or send output pulses in Device Control, determine the Differences from
Default in the current settings, add or remove master symbol data in Master Database,
and verify or update the MS-1’s firmware.
Click the Configuration button to display the second row of ESP icons.

From here you can make changes in the tree controls that can be accessed by clicking the
buttons on the second row of icons in the ESP window.

For further details, see Microscan ESP Help in the dropdown Help menu.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Step 8 — Save Configuration in ESP
To make changes to a configuration setting:

3. Place your cursor in the
selection box, scroll down to
the setting you want to
change, and click once on
the setting.

1. Left-click on the +
to expand the
desired tree.
2. Double-click on the
desired parameter
and click once in the
selection box to view
options.

4. Left-click again on the
open screen to complete
your selection.

5. Right-click on the open
screen and select Save to
Reader to implement the
command in the MS-1.

Saving Options
• Send, No Save. Changes will be lost when power is re-applied to the MS-1.
• Send and Save. This activates all changes in current memory and saves to the MS-1
for power-on.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Save Configuration in ESP

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

2 Setup and Operation
Contents
Electrical Interface ........................................................................................................................ 2-2
Configuration................................................................................................................................. 2-5

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Electrical Interface

Electrical Interface
Ribbon Cable Pinout

+5V Power (VCC)

Firmware Upgrade 1

LED/Beeper Output

Firmware Upgrade 2

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Setup and Operation

Contact Assignments (Host Side of Ribbon Cable)
Pin

Scan engine power supply.
Important: Must be connected to
a 5V power supply.

Serial input (reception from host
system).
Requires TTL input levels.
(Active High)

LOW = Illumination enabled,
Scan engine reads, decodes,
and sends information to the
host.
HIGH = Illumination off, Scan
engine stops attempting to
decode.

Enables power to be supplied to
the scan engine.
LOW = Scan engine on.
High = Scan enging off except
during data transmission and
when writing setup parameters
to non-volatile memory.

Serial output (transmission to
host system)
0 = LOW
1 = HIGH
Sends TTL output levels.
(Active High)

Serial Output (When active, the
scan engine requests data to be
sent to the host system).
Sends TTL output levels.
(Active High)

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Electrical Equivalence

Electrical Interface

Contact Assignments (cont.)
7

Firmware Upgrade 1

LED/Beeper Output

Firmware Upgrade 2

Power and Signal Ground

When this signal is active (during
a reset condition or during
power-on) the scan engine will
enter a firmware download mode.
Pin 11 must also be active.
(Active Low)

This signal is an oscillating output.
When the scan engine decodes,
this signal will oscillate at 2.5
KHz, 55% duty, for 74 ms. Can
also be used to drive an LED
directly (15 mA max). Use a
transistor, FET, or buffer when
connecting to a beeper.
(Active High)

Serial input (When active, the
host system is ready to accept
data from the scan engine).
Requires TTL input levels.
(Active High)

When this signal is active (during
a reset condition or during
power-on) the scan engine will
enter a firmware download mode.
Pin 8 must also be active.
(Active Low)

When this signal is active, the
scan engine’s processor is forced
into a reset condition. The processor’s
clock continues to run, but all
processing is stopped until the
signal is no longer active.
(Active Low)

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Setup and Operation

Configuration
The MS-1 Scan Engine can be configured using ESP (the preferred method), or serial K
commands. Refer to the following chapters in this manual for specific information about
configuring the MS-1:
Quick Start helps you get the MS-1 Scan Engine up and running quickly, to allow you to
get a sense of the MS-1’s capabilities and to test symbol decode performance.
Using ESP helps you understand the basic structure and elements of ESP, which is the
configuration software that you will use to set up the MS-1 for operation.
Communications explains how to set up communications between the MS-1 and a host.
Read Cycle explains the spatial and timing parameters associated with your application.
Symbologies describes the various symbol types that can be decoded by the MS-1 Scan Engine.
Terminal describes the Terminal window and Macro functions in ESP, which can be used
to configure and test the MS-1.
Utilities explains the operational commands that can also be sent to the MS-1 from Terminal.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

3 Installation
Contents
Mounting the MS-1 Scan Engine .................................................................................................. 3-2
Calculating Aperture Size ............................................................................................................. 3-3
Calculating Window Tilt Angle and Localization ........................................................................... 3-5
Window Materials.......................................................................................................................... 3-7
Location and Reading Position ..................................................................................................... 3-8
Ribbon Cable ................................................................................................................................ 3-9

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Mounting the MS-1 Scan Engine

Mounting the MS-1 Scan Engine
Mechanical Dimensions

Mounting Screws

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Calculating Aperture Size
Minimum Aperture Width
La = 2 * [( Da + 7.9 ) * TAN( (49 / 2) + 4.2) + 12 / (COS( 49 / 2 + 4.2))]
= 2 *[( Da + 7.9 ) * 0.55 + 13.68] mm

Aperture Width Graph

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Calculating Aperture Size

Minimum Aperture Height
Ha = 2 * [Da * TAN((2.5 / 2) + 2.5) + (4.5 / 2)]
= 2 * (Da * 0.066 + 2.25) mm

Aperture Height Graph

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Calculating Window Tilt Angle and Localization
Minimum Window Tilt Angle

Ta° = TAN-1(Da / 4) (from perpendicular to scan line)

Window Tilt Angle Graph

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Calculating Window Tilt Angle and Localization

External Window Tilt Angle and Placement
Use the following guidelines if a window will be placed between the front of the MS-1 and
the opening of a case or other enclosure.

Window Opening
Make the clear opening of the window large enough that the entire aperture width and
height passes through the window. It is recommended that you add an extra 5% tolerance
to the calculated height and width. Not allowing the full window opening can result in
potential internal reflections and can degrade the decodable depth of field range performance.

Window Tilt Angle

Calculate the tilt angle for the window based on the distance from the engine’s aperture
exit point and the (zero degree) horizontal point of the window (inside edge), which is
distance Da. Further tilting of the window is acceptable and decreases the possibility of
specular reflection from that window, which can degrade the scan engine's performance to
the point that it may not decode at all.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Window Materials
Adding a window can reduce the working range of the scan engine because there is a
signal loss when passing through window material. Choose a window material to minimize
loss but also to provide the best protection vs. cost for your application.
The following window materials are recommended:
Acrylic: Acrylic is relatively low-cost and has good optical clarity. It is also resistant to
accidental impact. It is sensitive to some chemicals, ultraviolet light, and severe mechanical
stress. Acrylic is produced by extrusion, cell casting, or injection molding. Acrylic is suitable
for ultrasonic welding.
CR-39: CR-39 has a hard surface and does not usually require coating treatment unless it
will be used in extraordinarily harsh environments. It is fairly resistant to accidental impact.
CR-39 is a thermal-setting plastic produced by cell casting. CR-39 is not suitable for
ultrasonic welding.
No matter what window material you choose, do not tint the window. Because the MS-1 is
a CCD scan engine, an anti-reflective coating is not necessary.

Window Materials Vendors
AR Coating Companies
• JDS Uniphase — http://www.jdsu.com/products/custom-optics.html
• Dontech, Inc. — http://www.dontech.com/
• TSP, Inc. — http://www.tspinc.com/

Window Fabrication Companies
•
•
•
•
•

Nelson Nameplate — http://www.nelsonusa.com/
Cadillac Plastic — http://www.cadillacplastic.com/
Reading Plastic Fabricators — http://www.readingplastic.com/
G-S Supplies — http://www.gssupplies.com/
Laurel Industries — http://www.laurelindustries.com/

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Location and Reading Position

Location and Reading Position
Tilt
Tilt
axis

Tilt interferes with successful decodes if all the bars in the symbol are not inside the scan
width, or if the tilt is greater than 25 degrees.

Skew reduces bar width, and affects high-density symbols more than low or medium
density symbols. Decoding may be possible with a skew angle of up to 65 degrees.

Pitch reduces bar height. Decoding may be possible with a pitch angle of up to 75
degrees. Reducing pitch increases decoding efficiency. A low pitch angle (2–3 degrees
minimum) is helpful because it prevents specular reflection.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Ribbon Cable
Connecting the Ribbon Cable
1. Open the ribbon cable connector clip. Use a small screwdriver or other pointed object
to extend the clip so that the end of the ribbon cable can be inserted.
2. Remove the ribbon cable carefully.
3. Install a new ribbon cable as required. The ribbon cable connectors must be in direct
contact with the scan engine connectors.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

4 Using ESP
Contents
EZ Mode........................................................................................................................................4-2
Application Mode...........................................................................................................................4-3
Menu Toolbar ................................................................................................................................4-4
Autoconnect ................................................................................................................................4-12
View ............................................................................................................................................4-14
Navigating in ESP .......................................................................................................................4-15
Send/Receive Options ................................................................................................................4-16

This section is designed to help you understand the basic structure and elements of ESP
(Easy Setup Program).
When you open ESP, unless otherwise specified in the ESP Preferences dialog accessible
from the Options heading on the menu toolbar, you will enter EZ Mode for initial setup.
From there, you can enter Application Mode (App Mode) and access three configuration
menus (Communications, Read Cycle, and Symbologies), a Terminal interface, and a
Utilities interface.
ESP can be used to configure the MS-1 Scan Engine in three main ways:
• Tree Controls: Each configuration menu contains a list of all option settings that pertain
to that specific element of MS-1 operation. For example, the Communications menu
shows a Host Port Connections option, and then a list of the sub-options Baud Rate,
Parity, Stop Bits, and Data Bits. Each of these sub-options is configurable by using
dropdown menus.
• Graphic User Interfaces: MS-1 settings can be configured using such point-and-click
tools as radio buttons, zoom in/zoom out sliders, spin boxes, check boxes, and drag-and-drop
functions.
• Terminal: ESP’s Terminal allows you to send serial configuration and utility commands
directly to the MS-1 by typing them in the provided text field.
Information about using ESP in specific applications is provided in subsequent sections.
For ESP system requirements, see System Requirements for ESP in Chapter 1, Quick Start.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

EZ Mode
EZ Mode offers instructions on positioning the MS-1 in relation to a test symbol, and also
features an Autodiscriminate function that automatically enables all symbologies.

Enter App Mode to
access configuration
trees and other setup
features.

If you are unsure what type of
symbology you are using, click
Autodiscriminate to enable all
symbologies.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Application Mode
From EZ Mode, you can click on the App Mode button to access specific configuration
menus, Utilities tools, Camera setup, Output Format options, and a Terminal window
where serial commands can be entered.

Note: The App Mode and EZ Mode buttons appear in the same position to allow easy
switching between these primary modes.
Click this icon to return to
EZ Mode.

Click here to open the Terminal or
Utilities views.

Click on icons in this row to
access configuration trees
like the one shown below.

Click the Configuration icon to return to full
App Mode view from Terminal or Utilities.

Note: See the corresponding sections of this manual for specific information on any of the
views or modes mentioned above.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Menu Toolbar
File > New
Whenever New is selected, the default configuration of ESP is
loaded.

Open/Save
When Save or Save As is selected, the ESP configuration is
saved to the host computer’s hard drive and available whenever
the same file is selected under Open.
Important: When you save menu changes to your hard drive,
these changes are not saved to the MS-1. The illustration below
shows how settings can be saved and received between ESP
and the MS-1, and ESP and the host hard drive.

(Save to Reader)
(Receive Reader
Settings)

Import/Export
Import converts the ASCII settings from a text file to ESP configuration settings.
Export converts the active ESP configuration settings to an ASCII text file.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Model
In the Model menu you can select any of the models supported by ESP. When you choose
a different model, the connection to your present model will be terminated.

To connect to another model, select New Model, choose a new model from the pop-up
menu that appears, and click OK.
Note: When you save an ESP file, you are saving the settings of all the models defined in
that file.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Options
The Options menu allows you to save memos and set up ESP
Preferences.
Note: Preferences will be saved and loaded into ESP whenever ESP
is opened next, whether or not you save the ESP file.

Preferences > General Tab

The Toolbar Style
options allow you to
determine how ESP
will display the mode
options in the two rows
at the top of the screen.

Reload Last File
At startup, reloads the last file saved to the host computer’s hard drive.

Show Model Prompt
At startup, shows the model menu displaying all supported readers.

Show Connect Prompt
At startup, displays the Would you like to connect to the MS-1? prompt.

Receive After Connect
At startup, loads the MS-1’s settings into ESP. (This is not recommended if you want to
preserve your ESP settings for future use.)

Skip EZ Mode
At startup, skips EZ Mode and opens directly in App Mode.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Preferences > Terminal Tab

Show Non-Printable Characters
When Show Non-Printable Characters is enabled, characters such as “CRLF” will be
displayed in the Terminal window. When Enhanced Format is checked, the characters
are displayed with more detailed formatting.

Change Keyboard Macros
Clicking the Change Keyboard Macros button brings
up the Function Keys dialog. In this dialog you can
select the desired function key and then enter your
macro keystrokes in the associated key map. For
example, to make Ctrl-F2 the keystroke to send a trigger
character, select F2, then in the Ctrl row, enter and click OK. Then whenever the Ctrl-F2
keystroke is pressed, the trigger character will start the
read cycle.
Note: The F1 key is reserved for opening ESP Help and the F3 key is reserved for the
Find Next function.

Change Font
Allows you to modify the font used for decode data received from the MS-1 on the Terminal
screen.

Change Echo Font
Allows you to modify the font used for command characters typed into the Terminal view.

Enable Echo
Allows you to enter command characters in Terminal.

Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus
When Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus is enabled, data from the MS-1
will continue to appear in the Terminal even when ESP is not the top window.
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Preferences > Bar Code Options Tab

The Bar Code Options dialog allows you to set the size of user-created symbols.

Sizing Information
Sets the bar width or module width (in mils, or thousandths of an inch) of user-created
symbols.
Example: A bar width of 14 is 0.014 inches.

Caption
Allows you to define and position a human-readable caption for the symbol you create.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Preferences > Advanced Tab

Send XON with Autoconnect
Sends an XON (Begin Transmission) command to the MS-1 before starting the Autoconnect
routine.

Ask to Save ESP File when Quitting
When enabled, prompts the user to save a .esp file when ending a session.

The .esp file will be saved in the location of your choice.

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Preferences > Advanced Tab (cont.)
Connect to Reader via TCP/IP
When enabled, shows a TCP/IP option on the Select Protocol dialog.
Note: This option should only be selected if you intend to connect using an Ethernet adapter.

Use Default Storage Location
When enabled, automatically stores data in ESP’s Application Data folder.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Document Memo
The information you type in the Document Memo field will appear in a context-sensitive text
box whenever your cursor hovers over the Document Memo item on the Options menu.

Model Memo
Similar to Document Memo, the information you type in the Model Memo field will appear
in a context-sensitive text box whenever your cursor hovers over the Model Memo item on
the Options menu. Memos created in Model Memo are specific to the model enabled
when the message was created.

Note: Memos must be saved in a .esp file if you want them to available in your next session.
If you do not save your current session, any memos that you have entered during the session
will be discarded, and will be unavailable in your next session.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Autoconnect
• If your RS-232 connection attempt fails, you can use Autoconnect to establish a connection
between the MS-1 and the host.

• If your communications port is not the default COM1, use the dropdown menu to change
your port.

• Once you have
chosen the correct
port, click Start to
connect.

When you are connected, you will see the green connection indicator in the status bar at
the bottom right of your screen:

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Autoconnect (cont.)
If your RS-232 host settings cannot be changed to match the MS-1’s settings:
• Click Connect on ESP’s
menu toolbar, and then
select Connect on the
dropdown menu.
• When the Connection
Settings dialog appears,
check the Force Connect
box and click Connect.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

View
The View menu allows you to move quickly between interfaces without using the icon
buttons on the App Mode toolbar.

Notice that each menu item corresponds with the icon buttons at the top of the ESP window.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Navigating in ESP
To change MS-1 settings, or to access the Terminal or Utilities views, click the App Mode
button.

To return to EZ Mode, click the EZ Mode button.

To make changes to configuration settings in the tree controls:
1. Left-click on the
+ to expand menu
items.
2. Double-click the
desired parameter
and single-click in
the selection box to
view options.
3. Place your cursor
in the selection
box, scroll down to
the setting you
want to change,
and single-click
the setting.

The X indicates
that the setting
is the default.

4. Left-click again on the open screen to
complete the selection.
5. Right-click on the open screen and
select Save to Reader to implement
the command in the MS-1. You can
send the command without saving it,
or you can send and save the command
simultaneously.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Send/Receive Options

Send/Receive Options
To access Receive, Save, and Default options, click the Send/Recv button. You can also
access these options by right-clicking in any of the configuration views.

Receiving
From the Send/Recv menu, select Receive Reader Settings.
Caution: Do not select this option if you do not want to upload the MS-1’s settings. For
example, if your ESP file has a number of custom settings that you want to maintain and
download into the MS-1, these settings would be lost by choosing Yes.
This is useful if you want to receive (upload) the MS-1’s settings and save them as a file
for future use. For example, if your MS-1 has settings that you do not want to change,
choosing Yes would allow you to load those settings to ESP and save them in an ESP file
for later retrieval.
Receiving the MS-1’s settings will also assure that you will not be subsequently saving any
unwanted changes that you or someone else has made previously in ESP.

Send, No Save ()
Saves ESP settings to current memory.

Send and Save ()
Activates all changes in current memory and saves to the MS-1 for power-on.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Defaulting
When you select Default Current Menu Settings or Default all ESP Settings, you are
only defaulting the ESP settings.

Advanced Options
Send Current View
This is the same as Save to
Reader > Send No Save except
that only the commands in the current
tree control are sent.

Send Current Command
Saves only the command that is
currently selected in the tree control.

Add/Remove Exception
After you perform a Receive Reader Settings command1 and you click on the Advanced
Options > Add Exception option, you may see a list of serial commands. These are
commands that may be in your MS-1’s firmware but are not included in (or are different
from) your current version of ESP. When exceptions are present, the Exceptions button
will appear to the right of the other mode buttons (Communication, Read Cycle, Symbologies).
When no exceptions are present, the button will disappear.

You can edit exception commands by double-clicking on them and changing them as
needed.
It is important to note that these commands will be saved to your MS-1 whenever you
send a Save to Reader command, or an or command.
Also, if there is a corresponding ESP menu item, the ESP Value column for that item will
be blank following a Receive Reader Settings command.

1. From the Send/Recv button, or by right-clicking in any blank section of a tree control.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Send/Receive Options

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

5 Communications
Contents
Communications by ESP .............................................................................................................. 5-2
Communications Serial Commands.............................................................................................. 5-3
Host Port Connections .................................................................................................................. 5-4
Host Port Protocol......................................................................................................................... 5-5
Preamble....................................................................................................................................... 5-6
Postamble ..................................................................................................................................... 5-7

This section explains how to set up communications between the MS-1 and a host.
With Microscan’s ESP (Easy Setup Program), configuration changes can be made in the
ESP tree controls and then sent and saved to the MS-1. The user can also send serial
commands to the MS-1 via ESP’s Terminal.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Communications by ESP

Communications by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
App Mode view.

Click this button
to bring up the
Communication
tree control.

To open nested options,
single-click the +.

To change a setting,
double-click the setting
and use your cursor to
scroll through the
options.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Communications Serial Commands
Host Port Connections
Host Port Protocol
Preamble
Postamble

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Host Port Connections

Host Port Connections
The following settings define the basic transmission speeds and digital standards that
ensure common formatting.

Baud Rate, Host Port
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Can be used to transfer data faster or to match host port settings.
The rate at which the MS-1 and host transfer data back and forth.

9600
1 = 1200
2 = 2400
3 = 4800
4 = 9600
5 = 19.2K
6 = 38.4K

Parity, Host Port
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
An error detection routine in which one data bit per character is set to 1 or 0
so that the total number of bits in the data field is either even or odd.

Even
0 = None
1 = Even
2 = Odd

Stop Bits, Host Port
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
One or two bits added to the end of each character to indicate the end of
the character.

One
0 = One
1 = Two

Data Bits, Host Port
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
One or two bits added to the end of each character to indicate the end of
the character.

Seven
0 = Seven
1 = Eight

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Host Port Protocol
Usage:

In general, the point-to-point protocols will work well in most applications.
They require no address and must use RS-232 or RS-422 communications
standards.
Definition:
Protocols define the sequence and format in which information is transferred
between the MS-1 and the host.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Point-to-Point
Options:
0 = Point-to-Point
1 = Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
Note: The preamble and postamble character strings can be used to
frame the decoded data in both protocol modes.

Point-to-Point (Standard)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Used only with RS-232 or RS-422.
Standard Point-to-Point requires no address and sends the data to the
host whenever it is available, without a request or handshake from the host.

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:

An MS-1 initiates a data transfer with an RTS (request-to-send) transmission.
The host, when ready, responds with a CTS (clear-to-send) and the data is
transmitted. RTS and CTS signals are transmitted over two dedicated wires
as defined in the RS-232 standard. Used only with RS-232.
Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS (request-to-send/clear-to-send) is a simple
hardware handshake protocol that allows an MS-1 to initiate data transfers
to the host.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Preamble
Preamble Status
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful for identifying and controlling incoming data. For example, defining
the preamble as a carriage return and a line feed causes each decoded
message to be displayed on its own line.
Defines a one to four character data string that can be added to the beginning
of the decoded data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled (within any protocol)

Preamble Characters
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

^M (carriage return)
To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the Ctrl
key while typing the desired character.
Example: to enter the control character ^M.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Postamble
Postamble Status
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful for identifying and controlling incoming data. For example, defining
the postamble as a carriage return and a line feed causes each decoded
message to be displayed on its own line.
Allows the user to enable or disable up to four postamble characters that
can be added to the end of the decoded data.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled (within any protocol)

Postamble Characters
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

^M^J (carriage return/line feed)
To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the Ctrl
key while typing the desired character.
Example: to enter ^M^J.

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MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

6 Read Cycle
Contents
Read Cycle by ESP ...................................................................................................................... 6-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands...................................................................................................... 6-3
MS-1 Read Cycle Overview.......................................................................................................... 6-4
Number of Symbols ...................................................................................................................... 6-5
Time Between Identical Decodes ................................................................................................. 6-6
Trigger Mode ................................................................................................................................ 6-7
Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation .......................................................................................... 6-9
Serial Trigger Character (Delimited) ........................................................................................... 6-10
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)..................................................................................... 6-11
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited) ..................................................................................... 6-12
No Decode Timeout.................................................................................................................... 6-13
Decodes Before Output .............................................................................................................. 6-14
No Read Message ...................................................................................................................... 6-15
Reader Setup.............................................................................................................................. 6-16

After you’ve established communications you will need to address the spatial and timing
parameters associated with your application. This section explains those parameters.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Read Cycle by ESP

Read Cycle by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
App Mode view.

Click this button to
bring up the Read
Cycle tree control.

To open nested options,
single-click the +.

To change a setting,
double-click the
setting and use your
cursor to scroll
through the options.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Read Cycle Serial Commands
Trigger Mode
Serial Trigger Character
No Decode Timeout
Decodes Before Output
Number of Symbols
Start Trigger Character
Stop Trigger Character
Time Between Identical
Decodes
Reader Setup
No Read Message

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

MS-1 Read Cycle Overview

MS-1 Read Cycle Overview
The MS-1 outputs symbol data as soon as it is decoded. There is no “End of Read Cycle”
option. Multiple symbol operations are emulated by controlling the read cycle duration
and the time allowed between identical consecutive decodes.
The following conditions also apply:
1. In Single symbol mode, a read cycle ends only on a decode, falling trigger, or timeout.
2. In Multiple symbol mode, the read cycle begins on a triggered event, but starts over
after any symbol has been decoded.
3. There is no “new trigger” feature.
4. There is no timeout for External Level mode.
5. There is no Continuous Read 1 Output setting in Trigger Mode, but this setting can
be emulated by following the steps described in Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Number of Symbols
Usage:
Definition:
Conditions:

Commonly used in shipping applications where an object contains individual
symbols for part number, quantity, and other values.
This feature allows one trigger event to decode all symbols present.
The following conditions apply:
• When Number of Symbols is set to Single, the read cycle ends when
one symbol is decoded and output.
• When Number of Symbols is set to Multiple, all decoded symbol data
(for both the same and different symbols) is output while the read cycle
is active and/or no timeout has occurred.
• If set to Multiple and Time Between Identical Decodes is less than
the decode time (typically about 4ms), the same symbol data can be
output multiple times.

Number of Symbols
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Number of Symbols is the number of different symbols that can be read in
a single read cycle.

1
0 = Multiple
1 = Single

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Time Between Identical Decodes

Time Between Identical Decodes
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Can be used to prevent repetition of data output. Also useful for emulating
Multiple symbol operations. When used in conjunction with Number of
Symbols set to Multiple, Time Between Identical Decodes can be set so
that more than one symbol can be read within a read cycle.
Determines the length of time that the MS-1 will wait before it outputs the
same symbol’s data a second time.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Trigger Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The Trigger is the event that initiates a read cycle.

Continuous Read
0 = Continuous Read
2 = External Level
3 = External Edge
4 = Serial Data
5 = Serial Data and Edge

Continuous Read
Usage:
Definition:

Continuous Read is useful in testing symbol readability or MS-1 functions. It
is not recommended for normal operations.
In Continuous Read, trigger input options are disabled and the MS-1 is
always in the read cycle. If a single symbol stays within read range for
multiple read cycles, its data will be transmitted repeatedly until it leaves
the read range.
The MS-1 sends replies to serial commands that require responses when
symbol data is transmitted.
Note: No Read options have no affect on Continuous Read.

External Level
Initiate Read Cycle:
Object #1, moving in front of the
detector beam, causes a
change in the trigger state,
which initiates the read cycle.
End Read Cycle:
The same object, moving out of
the detector beam, causes
another change in the trigger
state, which ends the read cycle.

This mode is effective in an application where the speeds of the conveying
apparatus are variable and the time the MS-1 spends reading each object
is not predictable. It also allows the user to determine if a No Read has
occurred.
External Level allows the read cycle (active state) to begin when a trigger
(change of state) from an external sensing device is received. The read
cycle persists until the object moves out of the sensor range and the active
trigger state changes again.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

External Edge
Initiate Read Cycle:
Object # 1, moving in front of the
detector beam, causes a change in
the trigger state, which initiates the
read cycle.
Initiate Second Read Cycle:
Object # 2, moving in front of the
detector beam, causes another
change in the trigger state. This signal initiates a new read cycle and
ends the previous read cycle unless
Timeout is enabled and a good read
or timeout has not occured.

Usage:
Definition:

This mode is highly recommended in any application where conveying
speed is constant, or if spacing, object size, or read cycle timeouts are
consistent.
External Edge, as with Level, allows the read cycle (active state) to begin
when a trigger (change of state) from an external sensing device is
received. However, the passing of an object out of sensor range does not
end the read cycle. The read cycle ends with a good read output, or,
depending on the End of Read Cycle setting, a timeout or new trigger
occurs.

Serial Data
Usage:

Serial Data is effective in a highly controlled environment where the host
knows precisely when the object is in the field of view. It is also useful in
determining if a No Read has occurred.
Definition:
In Serial Data, the MS-1 accepts an ASCII character from the host or
controlling device as a trigger to start a read cycle. A Serial Data trigger
behaves the same as an External Edge trigger.
Serial commands are entered inside angle brackets, as shown here: .
Serial Cmd:
Note: In Serial Data, sending a non-delimited start serial character will start a read cycle;
however, a non-delimited stop serial character has no effect.

Serial Data and Edge
Usage:

Serial Data and Edge is seldom used but can be useful in an application
that primarily uses an external sensing device but occasionally needs to be
triggered manually.
An auxiliary terminal can be connected to the auxiliary port so the user can
send the serial trigger character through the MS-1 to the host.
Definition:
In this mode the MS-1 accepts either a serial ASCII character or an external
trigger pulse to start the read cycle.
Serial Cmd:
Note: In Serial Data, sending a non-delimited start serial character will start a read cycle;
however, a non-delimited stop serial character has no effect.
6-8

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation
Usage:

Continuous Read 1 Output can be useful in applications where it is not
feasible to use a trigger and all succeeding symbols contain different
information. It is also effective in applications where the objects are presented
by hand.
The MS-1 does not offer this feature, but it can be emulated by following
the steps described below.
In Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation, the trigger must be active
(grounded) for as long as the MS-1 needs to be scanning symbols. The
MS-1 will only output symbol data once while that symbol remains in the
MS-1’s field of view. If the symbol is removed and then presented again, it
must be removed from the field of view for the amount of time specified in
the Time Between Identical Decodes value before the MS-1 will decode
the symbol again. However, if a new symbol is presented, the MS-1 will
decode it and output symbol data immediately.

Setting Up Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation
1. Set Number of Symbols to Multiple.

2. Set Time Between Identical Decodes to 500 (ms).

3. Set Trigger Mode to External Level.

Important: Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation is not recommended for automated
environments, because there is typically no reliable way to verify whether or not a symbol
was missed.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Serial Trigger Character (Delimited)

Serial Trigger Character (Delimited)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows the user to define the trigger character and delimiters that start
and stop the read cycle.
A serial trigger is considered an online host command and requires the
same command format as all host commands. It must be entered within
angle bracket delimiters < > or, in the case of non-delimited triggers, it must
define individual start and stop characters.

^] ()
Any single ASCII character, including control characters, except NUL (00 in
hex), an existing host command character, or an on-line protocol character.
Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the menu
as mnemonic characters.
Note: Serial Data or Serial Data and Edge triggering mode must be
enabled for Serial Trigger Character to take effect.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in applications where different characters are required to start a
read cycle.
A single ASCII host serial trigger character that starts the read cycle and is
not enclosed by delimiters such as < and >.
Non-delimited Start characters can be defined and will function according
to the trigger event.
When defining Start trigger characters, the following rules apply:
• In External Edge the MS-1 looks only for the Start trigger character
and ignores any Stop trigger character that may be defined.
• In External Level the Start trigger character begins the read cycle and
the Stop trigger character ends it. Note that even after a symbol has
been decoded and the symbol data transmitted, the MS-1 remains in
External Level trigger read cycle until a Stop character is received.
• In Serial Data and Edge trigger mode, either a Start trigger character
or a hardware trigger can start an edge trigger read cycle.

NUL (00 in hex) (disabled)
Two hex digits representing any ASCII character except XON and XOFF.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)

Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in applications where different characters are required to end a
read cycle.
A single ASCII host serial trigger character that ends the read cycle and is
not enclosed by delimiters such as < and >.
Non-delimited Stop characters can be defined and will function according
to the trigger event.
When defining Stop trigger characters, the following rules apply:
• In External Edge the MS-1 looks only for the Start trigger character
and ignores any Stop trigger character that may be defined.
• In External Level the Start trigger character begins the read cycle and
the Stop trigger character ends it. Note that even after a symbol has
been decoded and the symbol data transmitted, the MS-1 remains in
External Level trigger read cycle until a Stop character is received.
• In Serial Data and Edge trigger mode, either a Start trigger character
or a hardware trigger can start an edge trigger read cycle.

NUL (00 in hex) (disabled)
Two hex digits representing any ASCII character except XON and XOFF.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

No Decode Timeout
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in tightly-controlled applications that require a read cycle to end
before the next object appears.
The duration of the read cycle as measured from either the beginning of the
read cycle or from the last decode.

Note: The first parameter is always a zero (0) and does not change.
2
1 - 4095

The MS-1 times out if no symbol is decoded during the No Decode Timeout period. If a
symbol is decoded before the timeout expires, the timeout period starts again.
No Decode Timeout only applies to Edge, Serial Data, and Serial Data and Edge trigger
modes.
In Single symbol mode (), No Decode Timeout is the maximum amount of time
the MS-1 will attempt to decode after a trigger is activated.
In Multiple symbol mode (), No Decode Timeout is the time in which there are
no decodes—not the time since the trigger was activated. That is, if the MS-1 continues to
decode symbols presented to it, it will not exit the read cycle unless the time between
decodes exceeds the time set in No Decode Timeout.
For Level trigger mode, the read cycle ends when the trigger falls, or when a symbol is
decoded and output in Single symbol mode.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Decodes Before Output

Decodes Before Output
Note: When setting up, determine if the MS-1’s scan rate is capable of scanning your
longest symbol the required number of times.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful for increasing the reliability of decodes for symbologies that do not
have internal error checking.
The number of decodes required per symbol before its data is sent.
Requires the MS-1 to decode a symbol successfully a designated number
of times before data is output.

0
0 to 10 (0 = “Auto-adaptive”)

Note: If the MS-1 is in Single symbol mode and it doesn’t achieve the number of required
decodes during the read cycle, a No Read message will be output.
Note: Higher Decodes Before Output settings will decrease the throughput rate.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

No Read Message
Note: A No Read message can only be transmitted when in Single symbol mode and no
decodes occur.
Usage:
Definition:

Used in applications where the host needs serial verification that a symbol
has not been read.
When enabled, and if no symbol has been decoded before timeout or the
end of the read cycle, the No Read message will be transmitted to the host.

No Read Status
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

No Read Message
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Any combination of ASCII characters can be defined as the No Read
message.

No Read
1 to 20 ASCII characters.

Note: A No Read message is not output when the MS-1 is disabled (when an command
has been sent).

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Reader Setup
Reader Setup allows shutter speed to be controlled automatically, set to a specific value,
or defined within a fixed range.

Shutter Speed
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Faster shutter speeds may be necessary in faster-moving applications.
Slower shutter speeds are useful in slower, lower-contrast applications.
Shutter speed is the amount of time that the sensor is exposed to light.

0 (Automatic)
70 to 65535

Minimum Speed
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in applications with variable speeds, variable symbol sizes, and
variable distances.
The slowest shutter speed and longest amount of time that the sensor is
exposed to light.

Maximum Speed
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The fastest shutter speed and the shortest time that the sensor is exposed
to light.
Any combination of ASCII characters can be defined as the No Read message.

250 (1/250 second)
70 to 65535

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

7 Symbologies
Contents
Symbologies by ESP.................................................................................................................... 7-2
Symbologies Serial Commands ................................................................................................... 7-3
Code 39........................................................................................................................................ 7-4
Codabar........................................................................................................................................ 7-6
Interleaved 2 of 5.......................................................................................................................... 7-8
Code 128/EAN-128 .................................................................................................................... 7-10
Code 93...................................................................................................................................... 7-11
GS1 DataBar (RSS) ................................................................................................................... 7-12
MSI Code ................................................................................................................................... 7-13
Plessey Code ............................................................................................................................. 7-14
Industrial 2 of 5........................................................................................................................... 7-15
UPC/EAN ................................................................................................................................... 7-17
Symbology Identifier................................................................................................................... 7-20

This section describes the various symbol types that can be decoded by the MS-1 Scan
Engine.
See the following sites for additional symbology information:
http://www.aimglobal.org/standards/aimpubs.asp
http://barcodes.gs1us.org/dnn_bcec/Default.aspx?tabid=82

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Symbologies by ESP

Symbologies by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
App Mode view.

To open
nested
options,
single-click
the +.

Click this button
to bring up the
Symbologies
tree control.
To change a setting,
double-click the
setting and use your
cursor to scroll
through the options.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Symbologies Serial Commands
Symbology Identifier
Code 39
Codabar
Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 128/EAN 128
Code 93
DataBar-14 (RSS-14)
DataBar Limited (RSS Limited)
DataBar Expanded (RSS
Expanded)
MSI Code
Plessey Code
Industrial 2 of 5
UPC/EAN

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Code 39
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Code 39 is the most widely used non-retail 1D symbology.
An alphanumeric symbology with unique start/stop code patterns, composed
of 9 black and white elements per character, 3 of which are wide.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Status (Code 39)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, the MS-1 will verify a Modulus 10 check character in order
to identify the decode as successful.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Output Status (Code 39)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Check Character Output Status, when added to the symbol, provides
additional data security.
When enabled, the check character is read and output along with the symbol
data. When disabled, symbol data is output without the check character.
Note: With Check Character Output Status and an External or Serial
trigger option enabled, an invalid check character calculation will cause a
No Read message to be transmitted at the end of the read cycle.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Minimum Symbol Length (Code 39)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Minimum Symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data
integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length will be accepted.
Specifies the exact number of characters that the MS-1 will recognize (this
does not include start and stop characters and check characters). The
MS-1 ignores any symbology that is less than the specified length.

Full ASCII Set (Code 39)
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Must be enabled when reading characters outside the standard character
set (0-9, A-Z, etc.)
The user must know in advance whether or not to use the Full ASCII Set
option. Since Full ASCII Set requires two code words to encode one
character, it is less efficient.
Standard Code 39 encodes 43 characters; zero through nine, capital “A”
through capital “Z”, minus symbol, plus symbol, forward slash, space,
decimal point, dollar sign, and percent symbol. When Full ASCII Set is
enabled, the MS-1 can read the full ASCII character set, from 0 to 255.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Codabar
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used in photo-finishing and library applications. Previously used in medical
applications, but not typically used in newer medical applications.
Codabar is a 16-bit character set (0 through 9, and the characters $, :, /, .,
+, and –) with start/stop codes and at least two distinctly different bar
widths.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Start/Stop Output Status (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, the start and stop characters will be present in the data output
of the decoded symbol.
When disabled, the start and stop characters will not be present in the data
output of the decoded symbol.
Note: Because the start and stop characters are included as part of the
data, the characters must be included as part of the length in a fixed length
mode of operation.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Symbol Length Status (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When set to Any/Minimum, any symbol length is considered valid.
When set to Fixed, the MS-1 will check the symbol length against the
Symbol Length Status parameter.

Any/Minimum
0 = Any/Minimum
1 = Fixed

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Symbol Length (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Specifies the number of characters that the MS-1 will recognize, including
start and stop check characters. The
Note: When setting Symbol Length to any value other than 0, add 2 to
account for reserved spaces. For example, if your symbol has 3 characters,
set Symbol Length to 5.
Note: If Symbol Length is set to 0 and Symbol Length Status is set to Any/
Minimum, all symbol lengths are decoded.

Check Character Status (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the MS-1 will not perform any character checking calculations
on decoded Codabar symbols.
When set to Modulus 16, the MS-1 will perform a Modulus 16 check character
calculation on the symbol. If the symbol does not pass this calculation, it will
not be decoded.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled (Modulus 16)

Check Character Output (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When this field is disabled and a check character calculation is enabled, the
MS-1 will strip the verified check character from the symbol data output. This
condition must be accounted for if a minimum length is also being used.
When enabled, the MS-1 will output the check character as part of the
symbol data. This condition must be accounted for if a minimum length is
also being used.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Interleaved 2 of 5 has been popular because it is the most dense symbology
for printing numeric characters less than 10 characters in length; however,
Microscan does not recommend this symbology for any new applications
because of inherent problems such as truncation.
A dense, contimuous, self-checking, numeric symbology. Characters are
paired together so that each character has five elements, two wide and
three narrow, representing numbers 0 through 9, with the bars representing
the first character and the interleaved spaces representing the second
character. (A check character is highly recommended).

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This option is not typically used, but it can be enabled for additional security
in applications where the host requires redundant check character verification.
An error correcting routine in which the check character is added.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Output Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, a check character is sent along with the symbol data for
added data security.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Symbol Length #1 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in applications where I 2/5 symbols of a specific length are
required.
The Symbol Length # 1 field is one of two fields against which the
decoded symbol is compared before accepting it as valid or rejecting it.

Symbol Length #2 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in applications where I 2/5 symbols of a specific length are
required.
The Symbol Length # 2 field is one of two fields against which the
decoded symbol is compared before accepting it as valid or rejecting it.

Range Modes (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Variable Length
To set for any length, Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length # 2 must both equal zero.

Minimum Length
To set for minimum length, both Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length # 2 must be
equal to each other and be any number other than zero.

Fixed Length
To set for a fixed length, Symbol Length #1 and Symbol Length #2 must not be equal to
each other.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Code 128/EAN 128

Code 128/EAN 128
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Code 128 is a smaller symbology useful in applications with limited space
and high-security requirements.
A very dense alphanumeric symbology. It encodes all 128 ASCII characters,
it is continuous, has variable length, and uses multiple element widths
measured edge to edge.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Minimum Symbol Length (Code 128/EAN 128)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Minimum Symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data
integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length will be accepted.
This specifies the exact number of characters that the MS-1 will recognize
(this does not include start, stop, and check characters). The MS-1 ignores
any symbol not having the specified length.

Application Record Separator Character (Code 128/EAN 128)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This is an ASCII character that serves as a separator in formatted output.

NUL
Any ASCII character (7 bit)

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Code 93
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used in some clinical applications.
Code 93 is a variable-length, continuous symbology employing four element
widths. Each Code 93 character has nine modules that may be either black
or white. Each character contains three bars and three spaces.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Minimum Symbol Length (Code 93)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Specifies the minimum number of characters that the MS-1 will recognize,
not including the start and stop check characters. The MS-1 ignores any
symbol smaller than the specified length.
Note: When setting Minimum Symbol Length to any value other than 0,
add 1 to account for a reserved space. For example, if your symbol has 3
characters, set Symbol Length to 4.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

GS1 DataBar (RSS)

GS1 DataBar (RSS)
Note: GS1 DataBar symbologies were previously known as “Reduced Space Symbology”,
or “RSS”.

DataBar-14 (RSS-14)
Note: DataBar-14 was previously known as “RSS-14”.
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used in the grocery, retail, and prescription drug industries where 14-digit
EAN item identification may be needed.
DataBar-14 is a minimum length symbology that encodes 14 digits, including
a 1-digit indicator. DataBar-14 is 96 modules wide. It can be stacked in two
rows, it can read omnidirectionally if printed in full height, or horizontally if
height-truncated for small marking.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

DataBar Limited (RSS Limited)
Note: DataBar Limited was previously known as “RSS Limited”.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

DataBar Limited is designed to be read by laser scanners and CCD readers.
It is not recommended for omnidirectional slot scanners.
Encodes a smaller 14-digit symbol (74 modules wide) that is not omnidirectional.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

DataBar Expanded (RSS Expanded)
Note: DataBar Expanded was previously known as “RSS Expanded”.
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:
7-12

Used to encode primary and supplementary data in retail point-of-sale and
other applications.
DataBar Expanded is a variable length symbology that can encode supplementary
information in addition to the 14-digit EAN item identification number and is
capable of encoding up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic characters.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

MSI Code
Status (MSI Code)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used for inventory control and the identification of storage containers and
locations in warehouse environments.
MSI Code is a numeric, continuous symbology in which each character
consists of four bits in a binary format.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Mode (MSI Code)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field is set to perform a Modulus 10 calculation by default. It can also
be set to perform a Double Modulus 10 calculation.

Modulus 10
1 = Modulus 10
2 = Double Modulus 10

Check Character Output Status (MSI Code)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When this field is enabled, the MS-1 will output the check digit with symbol
data. When disabled, the MS-1 will not output the check digit with symbol
data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Minimum Symbol Length (MSI Code)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field specifies the minimum number of characters the MS-1 will recognize,
including a check character.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Plessey Code
Status (Plessey Code)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used primarily in library and retail applications.
Plessey Code consists of pairs of wide and narrow bars representing binary
data which, taken in units of 12, define hexadecimal characters.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Output Status (Plessey Code)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When this field is enabled, the check character will be output with symbol
data. When disabled, the check character will not be output with symbol
data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Minimum Symbol Length (Plessey Code)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field specifies the minimum number of characters the MS-1 will recognize,
including a check character.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Industrial 2 of 5
Status (Industrial 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used primarily in warehouse sortation, photo finishing, and the sequential
numbering of airline tickets.
Microscan recommends that Industrial 2 of 5 always be used with fixed
symbol length settings in any application. Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol
Length # 2 can both be set to 0 to allow the MS-1 to decode Industrial 2 of
5 symbols of varying lengths.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Status (Industrial 2 of 5)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When this field is enabled, a check character is added.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Check Character Output Status (Industrial 2 of 5)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When this field is enabled, the check character will be output with symbol
data. When disabled, the check character will not be output with symbol
data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Format (Industrial 2 of 5)
DefinitionL
Serial Cmd:
Default
Options:

Defines the number of start and stop check characters.

3 start / 3 stop
0 = 3 start / 3 stop
1 = 2 start / 2 stop

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Industrial 2 of 5

Symbol Length # 1 (Industrial 2 of 5)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field specifies the number of characters that the MS-1 will recognize,
including start and stop characters and check characters. The MS-1
ignores any symbol with fewer than the specified number of characters.
Because Industrial 2 of 5 is a continuous symbology, it is prone to substitution
errors. Therefore, a symbol length must be defined and a symbol must contain
an even number of characters.

Symbol Length # 2 (Industrial 2 of 5)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field specifies the number of characters that the MS-1 will recognize,
including start and stop characters and check characters. The MS-1
ignores any symbol with fewer than the specified number of characters.
Because Industrial 2 of 5 is a continuous symbology, it is prone to substitution
errors. Therefore, a symbol length must be defined and a symbol must contain
an even number of characters.

Range Modes (Industrial 2 of 5)
Variable Length
To set for any length, Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length # 2 must both equal zero.

Minimum Length
To set for minimum length, both Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length # 2 must be
equal to each other and be any number other than zero.

Fixed Length
To set for a fixed length, Symbol Length #1 and Symbol Length #2 must not be equal to
each other.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

UPC/EAN
UPC-A Status (UPC/EAN)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used primarily in point-of-sale applications in the retail industry.
UPC (Universal Product Code) is a minimum length, numeric, continuous
symbology. UPC can have two- or five-digit supplemental bar code data
following the normal code. The UPC Version A (UPC-A) symbol is used to
encode a 12-digit number. The first digit is the number system character,
the next five are the manufacturer number, the next five are the product
number, and the last digit is the checksum character.
EAN is the European version of the UPC symbology and is used in European
market applications.
When enabled, the MS-1 will read UPC-A symbols.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

UPC-E Status (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field is enabled by default and will decode all UPC-E symbols.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

EAN-8 Status (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This field is enabled by default and will decode all EAN-8 symbols.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

EAN-13 Status (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

This field is enabled by default and will decode all EAN-13 symbols.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Supplementals Required (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

A supplemental is a 2 or 5-character symbol appended to the main symbol.
When enabled, the MS-1 decodes supplemental symbol data that has been
appended to the standard UPC or EAN symbol.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Supplemental 2 Status (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

A 2-character symbol appended to the main symbol.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Supplemental 5 Status (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

A 5-character symbol appended to the main symbol.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

UPC-A as EAN-13 (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, UPC-A will be transmitted as EAN-13.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

UPC-E as UPC-A (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, UPC-E will be transmitted as UPC-A.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

EAN-8 as EAN-13 (UPC/EAN)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, EAN-8 will be transmitted as EAN-13.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Symbology Identifier

Symbology Identifier
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The Symbology Identifier is a standard prefix set of characters that
identifies the symbol type.
When enabled, the MS-1 analyzes and identifies the symbology and adds a
three-character identifying prefix to the data:
• ] (closed bracket character) indicating the presence of a symbology identifier.
• A, C, E, F, G, I, e, P, M
(A = Code 39; C = Code 128/EAN-128; E = UPC/EAN; F = Codabar;
G = Code 93; I = Interleaved 2 of 5; e = GS1 DataBar (RSS); P = Plessey
Code; M = MSI Code)
• Modifier

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Explanation of Modifiers for Code 39, Codabar, and I-2/5
• For Code 39, Codabar, and Interleaved 2 of 5, the modifier indicates Check Character
and Check Character Output status.
• For Code 39 only, Full ASCII must be enabled to see modifiers 4, 5, and 7.
Modifier

Check Character

Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled

Check Character
Output
N/A
Enabled
Disabled
N/A
Enabled
Disabled

Full ASCII conversion performed
(Code 39 only)
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes

Example: ]A5 indicates a Code 39 symbol with Check Character and Check Character
Output enabled and Full ASCII conversion performed.

Explanation of Modifiers for Other Symbologies
• For Code 128/EAN-128, a 1 indicates EAN-128; otherwise the modifier is 0.
• For all other symbologies, the modifier is 0.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

8 Terminal
Contents
Terminal Window.......................................................................................................................... 8-2
Find .............................................................................................................................................. 8-3
Send ............................................................................................................................................. 8-4
Macros.......................................................................................................................................... 8-5
Terminal Window Menus.............................................................................................................. 8-6

This section describes the Terminal window and Macro functions in ESP.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Terminal Window

Terminal Window
Click this button to display the Terminal view.
The following view will appear:
Copy, paste, save

Type text here to
find matching text
in the Terminal
window.

Type serial commands
here, or directly in the
terminal screen.

Clear screen
Terminal
screen

Click on desired
Macro to run.

Macros listed
on this bar.

Click on arrows to Add Macro,
Remove Macro, or Edit Macro.

The Terminal allows you to send serial commands to the MS-1 by typing commands in the
Send text field or directly in the Terminal screen, by copying and pasting, or by using Macros.
The Terminal screen also displays symbol data or information from the MS-1.
You can right-click on the screen to bring up a menu of several options for managing
data in the Terminal view.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Find
The Find function allows you to enter text strings to be searched for in the Terminal window.
For example, data from a series of symbols has been sent to the Terminal and you want to
determine if a particular symbol whose data begins with “ABC” has been decoded.
1. Type “ABC” into the Find field.

2. Press Enter.
The first instance of “ABC” will be highlighted in the Terminal window.
3. Click the Find button to the left of the text field to locate additional instances of “ABC”.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Send
The Send function allows you to enter serial commands and then send them to the MS-1.
1. Type the command into the Send box.

2. Press Enter to send the command to the MS-1.
3. Click the Send button to the left of the text field to send the command again.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Macros
Macros can be stored in a macro selection bar, edited in a separate window, and executed
by clicking on the macro name.

Click on Next
Row to see the
next row of
macros

Click on the first arrow here to see Add
Macro or Default Macros.
When you default macros, the entire
macros set is restored to their original
macro commands.

Click on subsequent
arrows to edit macros.

When you click on the macro name, the macro is executed in the Terminal window.
If the macro is a command, it is sent to the MS-1 at the same time that it is displayed.

Editing a Macro
When you click the arrow next to any macro and select Edit Macro, the following dialog
appears:

You can edit an existing Macro Name or Macro Value by typing a new name or value in
the corresponding text field and clicking OK.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Terminal Window Menus

Terminal Window Menus
Right-click on the Terminal window to display the following menu:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Copy selected text to clipboard.
Paste from Terminal or other text.
Clear all text in Terminal window.
Select All text in the Terminal window.
Save... brings up a Save As dialog.
Change Font... of text in Terminal; brings up a Font dialog.
Change Echo Font... to change typed text; brings up a Font
dialog.
Enable Echo enables Echo text (typed by user).
Change Background Color of Terminal window.
Non-Printable Characters allows you to hide non-printable
characters, or to show them in Standard or Enhanced format.
Default Settings returns all of the above settings to default.
Keyboard Macros allows you to create new keyboard macro
commands that can be sent from function keys (F2, F4, F5, etc.)

Terminal Dropdown Menu
The dropdown Terminal menu has Capture Text, Save Current Text, Send File, Find
Next, and Find Previous functions, as well as the same functions defined above.
• Capture Text... lets you append data in real time to a
text file of your choice. While in operation, the text file
cannot be opened. You can select Pause to interrupt
the capture flow or Stop to end the flow and open the
file.
• Save Current Text... saves all text in the Terminal
window to a text file.
• Find Next searches for a user-defined section of text
in the Terminal.
• Find Previous operates in the same way as Find
Next, but searches backward through Terminal text.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

9 Utilities
Contents
Serial Utility Commands ............................................................................................................... 9-2
Differences from Default............................................................................................................... 9-3
Firmware....................................................................................................................................... 9-4
Device Control .............................................................................................................................. 9-9
Default/Reset/Save..................................................................................................................... 9-10
Reader Status Request .............................................................................................................. 9-11

Utility commands are generally commands that are performed during MS-1 operations to
perform miscellaneous operations on MS-1 hardware. Serial utility commands are not
prefaced with a ”K” and a numeric value, nor do they require an initialization command
( and ). They can be entered from ESP’s Terminal or Utilities views.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Serial Utility Commands

Serial Utility Commands
Note: For a list of all K commands, see Serial Configuration Commands on page A-6.
Type
Part Number
Device Control

Default/Reset/Save

Reader Status Request
Trigger

Name
Display Firmware Part Number
Enable Reader
Disable Reader (Continuous, external trigger)
Reset (does not save for power-on)
Save Current Settings for Power-On
Recall Microscan Default Parameters and
Save for Power-On
Configuration Command Status
Serial Trigger Character

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Differences from Default
Clicking the Differences from Default button will cause ESP to check all stored configuration
settings and compare them to default settings. All settings that are different than default
will appear in the left column (shown below), and descriptions of those settings will appear
in the right column.
Click this button for a list of ESP
configuration settings that are
different than default settings.

Send configuration settings
to the MS-1 without saving
by clicking Send to Reader.

Click Save As to save the
report as plain text or a
tab-delimited text file.

Send configuration settings to the
MS-1 and save in ESP by clicking
Send and Save.

• To save the Differences from Default report, either as plain text or as a tab-delimited
text file, click Save As.
• Click Send and Save to send the settings to the MS-1 and save them, or Send to
Reader to send the settings without saving them.
Important: The use the Differences from Default feature, you must connect to the
MS-1 and Receive Reader Settings via the Send/Recv button on the toolbar.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Firmware
Firmware Update
Application code versions are specific to your MS-1. Consult with your sales representative
before downloading application code. If needed, application code will be sent to you in the
form of an *.mhx file.
Contact Microscan’s help desk if you have difficulty downloading application code to the
MS-1: helpdesk@microscan.com

Downloading Application Code to the MS-1 with a Demo Board
1. Set the demo board’s mode switch (S2) to the Firmware Update position (down;
away from the scan engine.
2. There are two options for connecting and powering the scan engine and demo board:
Option 1: Connect the demo board interface cable by plugging the RJ45 connector
into the demo board and plugging the RS-232 connector into the host computer. Plug
the 5VDC power supply into the DC jack on the demo board interface cable.
Option 2: Connect the demo board interface cable by plugging the RJ45 connector
into the demo board, plugging the RS-232 connector into an IC-3USB adapter (98-000051-01),
and plugging the IC-3USB adapter into a USB port on the host computer. The USB
connection will power the scan engine and demo board.
3. Click the Start button in ESP Utilities to open the firmware update utility.
Click the Start button in
ESP Utilities to open the
firmware update utility.

4. Select MS-1 from the Target Device dropdown menu.
5. Select 8MHz from the Crystal Frequency dropdown menu.
6. Select the most current firmware file from the Hex File dropdown menu.

(Continued on next page)

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Utilities
7. Click the Set Environment button to bring up the COM Port menu.

8. Select the appropriate COM Port and click OK.
9. Click the Download button and then click OK to connect.

10. Click OK again once a connection is established.
11. Click the Erase button to clear old firmware.

12. Click OK again when you see the dialog stating that old firmware has been erased.
13. Click the Full Operation(D+E+B+P) button, disconnect and re-connect the RS-232
interface cable, and then click OK to begin the firmware download.

14. Click OK again when you see the dialog stating that the firmware download is complete.
15. Return the mode switch (S2) to the Decoded Operation position (up; toward the scan
engine).
16. Cycle power to the demo board (power-off and then power-on again) to begin MS-1
operation.
17. If the firmware update procedure fails, check hardware and pinout connectivity, and
repeat the procedure.
Caution: Do not interrupt power or disconnect the host cable while download is in
progress. Be sure that each download is complete before moving on to the next.
Important: When updating firmware, be sure that the application code and boot code
versions are mutually compatible.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Downloading Application Code to the MS-1 without a Demo Board
Click the Start button in
ESP Utilities to open the
firmware update utility.

Pin
Pin 8
Pin 11
Pin 12

Hardware Signal Settings
Decoded Operation
High
High
High

Firmware Update
Low
Low
High

1. Set Pin 8, Pin 11, and Pin 12 of the MS-1 to Firmware Update status (see Hardware
Signal Settings table above).
2. Select MS-1 from the Target Device dropdown menu.
3. Select 8MHz from the Crystal Frequency dropdown menu.
4. Select the new firmware file from the Hex File dropdown menu.

(Continued on next page)

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Utilities
5. Click the Set Environment button to bring up the COM Port menu.
6. Select the appropriate COM Port and click OK.

7. Click the Download button, pull Pin 12 as a low trigger signal, and click OK to connect.

8. Click OK again once a connection is established.
9. Click the Erase button to clear old firmware.

10. Click OK again when you see the dialog stating that old firmware has been erased.
11. Click Full Operation(D+E+B+P), supply a low trigger signal to Pin 12 and click OK to
begin the firmware download.

12. Click OK again when you see the dialog stating that the firmware download is complete.
13. Set Pin 8, Pin 11, and Pin 12 of the MS-1 to Decoded Operation status (see Hardware
Signal Settings table on the previous page) and supply a low trigger signal to Pin 12.
14. If the firmware update procedure fails, check hardware and pinout connectivity, and
repeat the procedure.
Caution: Do not interrupt power or disconnect the host cable while download is in
progress. Be sure that each download is complete before moving on to the next.
Important: When updating firmware, be sure that the application code and boot
code versions are mutually compatible.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Firmware Verification
Request Part Number by ESP
ESP allows you to send a request to the MS-1 for the application code part number.
1. Click the Firmware tab.
2. From the dropdown menu to the left of the Request Part No. button, select App Code.
3. The application code part number will be displayed in the text field to the right of the
Request Part No. button.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Device Control
Disable Reader
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

This feature is useful during extended periods when no symbols are being
decoded, or when the MS-1 is being configured.
Sending will turn the MS-1 off.

Note: only disables Continuous Read and the external trigger. Serial
triggers will activate a read cycle.

Enable Reader
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Sending allows the MS-1 to trigger on any available trigger source.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Default/Reset/Save

Default/Reset/Save
Understanding and controlling your MS-1’s active, saved, and default settings is critical to
its successful operation.
Serial Cmd

ESP (first, right-click in any
menu tree)a

Save to Reader,
Send No Save

Save Current Settings for Power-On

Save to Reader,
Send and Save

Save for Power-on

Reset
(not saved
for power-on)

Recall Microscan Default Parameters and
Save for Power-On

a. When you right-click in a menu tree and select Default Current Menu Settings or Default
All ESP Settings, it is important to note that only ESP settings are defaulted. To save these
defaults to the MS-1 itself, you need to follow up with a Save to Reader, Send and Save
command.

Reset
Reset (“A” command) affects only current settings (active memory) and does not save for
power-on.

Save for Power-On
Power-on parameters (“Z” commands) are saved, recalled, and loaded into current parameters
when power is cycled to the MS-1.
Important: The following commands must be followed by a to be saved for power-on:
Host Protocol, Baud Rate, Data Bits, Stop Bits, Parity, Trigger Characters (Delimited,
Start, Stop), Preamble, Postamble, and No Read Message.
All other parameters are saved for power-on without a . However, a affects all
parameters.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Reader Status Request
Configuration Command Status
This is the fastest way to learn the MS-1’s current configuration. Sending this request will
return the current settings of all commands, starting with the lowest K command value and
ending with the highest K command value.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Reader Status Request

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendices
Contents
Appendix A General Specifications .............................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications ............................................................................................ A-5
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands............................................................................... A-6
Appendix D Communications Protocol......................................................................................... A-9
Appendix E ASCII Table............................................................................................................. A-10
Appendix F Using an External Trigger ....................................................................................... A-11
Appendix G Glossary of Terms .................................................................................................. A-12

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

General Specifications

Appendix A — General Specifications
Mechanical
Height: 0.45” (11.5 mm)
Width: 1.26” (32 mm)
Length: 0.95” (24 mm)
Weight: .3 oz. (8.4 g)

Design
Sensor: CCD linear image sensor
Optics: 660 nm visible LED

Scanning Performance
Scan Rate: 220 scans/sec
Min. X Dimension: Down to 0.084 mm (3.3 mil)
on Code 39
Depth of Field: 1.0 to 330 mm (13”)
Symbol Width: Up to 178 mm (7”) on 0.5 mm
(20 mil) symbol

Communications
Interface: RS-232 TTL

Connector
Type: 12-Pin ZIF connector

Symbologies
UPC/EAN, Code 39, Code 128/EAN-128,
Interleaved 2 of 5, Industrial 2 of 5, Codabar,
Code 93, MSI Code, Plessey Code, GS1
DataBar (RSS)

MS-1 Scan Engine Dimensions

Environmental
Operating Tempurature: –20° to 50° C (–4° to 122° F)
Storage Tempurature: –30° to 60° C (–22° to 140° F)
Relative Humidity: 20% to 85% (non-condensing)
Ambient Light: Works in any lighting conditions, from 0 to 70,000 lux

CE Mark
Immunity Designed for: EN 55024:1998 ITE Immunity Standard
Radiated and Conducted Emissions Designed for:
EN 55022:1998 ITE Disturbances Class A

Electrical
Power: 5V +/– 5%, 300 mV p-p max. ripple, 120mA @ 5V (typ.)

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendices
Read Ranges

Low Density
Narrow-bar-width
.005” (.127 mm)
.010” (.254 mm)
.015” (.38 mm)
.005” (.127 mm)
.010” (.254 mm)
.020” (.508 mm)

High Density
Read Range
High Density
1.1 – 2.3” (28 – 58 mm)
1.0 – 3.5” (25 – 89 mm)
1.0 – 4.5” (25 – 114 mm)
Low Density
1.6 – 3.5” (41 – 89 mm)
1.5 – 7.6” (35 – 193 mm)
1.5 – 13” (35 – 330 mm)

Scan Width
2.0” (51 mm) at 1.9” (48 mm)
2.5” (64 mm) at 3.1” (79 mm)
3.0” (76 mm) at 3.5” (89 mm)
2.4” (61 mm) at 3” (76 mm)
4.2” (107 mm) at 6” (152 mm)
7.0” (178 mm) at 11” (279 mm)

Note: All values are based on a Grade B Code 39 symbol.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

General Specifications
FIS Options
MS-1 Scan Engine
CCD Scan Engines, 8-pack, Low Density, RS-232, 5VDC
CCD Scan Engines, 8-pack, High Density, RS-232, 5VDC

FIS-0001-8001G
FIS-0001-8002G

Safety Certifications
FCC, UL/cUL, CE, CB, RoHS/WEEE

ISO Certification
ISO 9001:2000 Certified Quality Management System
Issued by TUV USA Inc., Member of TUV NORD Group, Cert. No. 06-1080

©2008 Microscan Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change.
Product specifications are given for typical performance at 25°C (77°F) using grade A labels. Performance
characteristics may vary at high temperatures or other environmental extremes. Warranty–One year limited
warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranty available.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendix B — Electrical Specifications
Power: 5V +/– 5%, 300 mV p-p max. ripple, 120mA @ 5V (typ.)

Host Connector / Pin Assignments
12-Pin ZIF Connector

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

+5V Power (VCC)
TTL_RxD
Trigger Input
Power Enable
TTL_TxD
TTL_RTS
GND
Firmware Upgrade 1
LED/Beeper Output
TTL_CTS
Firmware Upgrade 2
RESET

In
In
In
In
Out
Out

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

In
Out
In
In
In

Serial Configuration Commands

Appendix C — Serial Configuration Commands
Note: For a list of utility commands such as read rate requests, device control options, and
reader status requests, see Serial Utility Commands on page 9-2.
Communications
Host Port Connections
Host Port Protocol
Preamble
Postamble
Read Cycle
Trigger Mode
Serial Trigger Character
No Decode Timeout
Decodes Before Output
Number of Symbols
Start Trigger Character
Stop Trigger Character
Time Between Identical Decodes
Reader Setup
No Read Message
Symbologies
Symbology Identifier
Code 39
Codabar

Interleaved 2 of 5
Code 128/EAN 128
Code 93
DataBar-14 (RSS-14)
DataBar Limited (RSS Limited)
DataBar Expanded (RSS Expanded)
MSI Code
Plessey Code
Industrial 2 of 5
UPC/EAN

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Serial Command Format
Serial commands are of two types: utility and configuration.

Rules that apply to both utility and configuration commands
• A less than < and greater than > character enclose the commands.
• Commands and data are “case sensitive.” That is, characters must be entered as upper
or lower case, as specified.

Serial Utility Commands
These are sent during operations and are not followed by or .

Serial Configuration “K” Commands
These begin with a single “K” character followed by a 3-digit numeric character, data
fields, and an initializing command, as follows:

An initializing command or may follow the command. A initializes the MS-1’s
memory and saves for power-on; an initializes the MS-1’s memory but does not save
for power-on.
For example, to enable UPC and save the change for power-on, send .
To change Baud Rate and reset without saving changes for power-on, send
.

Serial Configuration Command Conventions
• All data fields (except the last) must be followed by a comma (without a space).
• NUL cannot be used. The characters <, >, and , can be used, but only if entered as hex
pairs.
• All fields preceding a modified field must be included.
• If there is no change in preceding fields, then commas alone can be entered in these
fields. For example, if only the last field in the following command is changing,
can be entered as .
• All fields following a modified field can be omitted. For example, to change Baud Rate
only, send .

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Serial Configuration Commands

Concatenating Configuration Commands
Commands can be concatenated (added together) in a single string or data block. For
example, enables LRC, sets End of Read Cycle mode
to New Trigger, enables Narrow Margins, and resets the data buffers (without saving the
changes for power-on).

Serial Command Status Request
To ensure that any command was received and accepted, you can send the Show Reader
Status command: .
The status of a specific serial command can be requested by entering the command followed
by a question mark. For example, send to request the status of Postamble.

Entering Control Characters in Serial Commands
To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the Ctrl key while typing the
desired character.
Example: To enter a carriage return and line feed (^M^J), enter

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendix D — Communications Protocol
Communications Protocol Command Table
Protocol Command
(Mnemonic displayed on menu)

Control Characters
(Entered in menu or
serial command)

Effect of Command

Negative Acknowledge

Begin Transmission

Stop Transmission

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Communication Protocol Commands

Appendix E — ASCII Table
Dec
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

Hex
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F

Mne
NUL
SOH
STX
ETX
EOT
ENQ
ACK
BEL
BS
HT
LF
VT
FF
CR
SO
SI
DLE
DC1
DC2
DC3
DC4
NAK
SYN
ETB
CAN
EM
SUB
ESC
FS
GS
RS
US

Ctrl
^@
^A
^B
^C
^D
^E
^F
^G
^H
^I
^J
^K
^L
^M
^N
^O
^P
^Q
^R
^S
^T
^U
^V
^W
^X
^Y
^Z
^[
^\
^]
^^
^_

Dec
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63

Hex
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
2A
2B
2C
2D
2E
2F
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
3A
3B
3C
3D
3E
3F

Ch
SP
!
“
#
$
%
&
'
(
)
*
+
,
.
/
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
:
;
<
=
>
?

Dec
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95

Hex
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
4A
4B
4C
4D
4E
4F
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
5A
5B
5C
5D
5E
5F

Ch
@
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_

Dec
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127

Hex
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
6A
6B
6C
6D
6E
6F
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
7A
7B
7C
7D
7E
7F

Ch
`
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
k
l
m
n
o
p
q
r
s
t
u
v
w
x
y
z
{
|
}
~
D

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendix F — Using an External Trigger
Two types of inputs are used on Microscan readers. 5 volt devices have NPN trigger
inputs. 10-28 volt devices have optoisolated inputs and outputs.

5 Volt Devices
To trigger a 5 volt device, the input has to be pulled down to “signal ground” (NPN). This
can be done by relays or by a transistor-sourced signal. If a 5 volt device is used in combination
with an IC-332, it must be connected as a 10-28 volt device.
Reader

10-28 Volt Devices
To trigger a 10-28 volt device, a small amount of current needs to flow from “Trigger +” to
“Trigger –”. If a PNP source is used, “Trigger –” must be connected to “signal ground”. If an
NPN source is used, “Trigger +” must be connected to the supply voltage.
Reader

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Glossary of Terms

Appendix G — Glossary of Terms
Aberration — The failure of an optical lens to produce an exact point-to-point correspondence
between the object and its resulting image. Various types are chromatic, spherical, coma,
astigmatism and distortion.
Absorption — The loss of light of certain wavelengths as it passes through a material and
is converted to heat or other forms of energy. (–)
Active Illumination — Lighting an area with a light source coordinated with the acquisition
of an image. Strobed flash tubes and pulsed lasers are examples.
ADC — See Analog-to-Digital Converter.
A/D Converter — See Analog-to-Digital Converter.
AGC — See Automatic Gain Control.
Ambient Light — Light which is present in the environment of the front end of a reader
and generated from outside sources. This light, unless used for actual illumination, will be
treated as background noise by the reader.
Analog — A smooth, continuous voltage or current signal or function whose magnitude
(value) is the information.
Analog-to-Digital Converter (A/D Converter or ADC) — A device that converts an
analog voltage or current signal to a discrete series of digitally encoded numbers (signal)
for computer processing.
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) — An integrated circuit that is customized
for a particular kind of use, rather than general use. All vision system elements including
firmware can be integrated into one ASIC.
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) — Adjustment to signal strength that seeks to maintain a
constant level regardless of the distance between a reader and symbol.
Auxiliary Port — RS-232 connection to an auxiliary terminal or device for remote viewing.
Baud Rate — The number of discrete signal events per second; bits per second.
CCD — See Charge-Coupled Device.
Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) — A semiconductor device with an array of light-sensitive
elements that converts light images into electrical signals.
Check Character — A Modulus 43 or Modulus 10 character that is added to encoded
symbol data for additional data integrity.
Connector — A plug or socket on a device or cable providing in/out connectivity for various
circuits and pins.
Concentrator — Intermediary device that relays data from readers to a host and commands
from the host to the readers or other devices.
DAC — See Digital-to-Analog Converter.
Daisy Chain — Linkage of primary and secondary readers allowing data to be relayed up
to the host via auxiliary port connections.
Decode — A Good Read. The successful interpretation and output of the information
encoded in a symbol.
Default — Restores ROM or flash settings and initializes serial commands.
A-12

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendices
Delimited — A delimited command or field is bracketed by predefined characters.
Decode Rate — The number of good reads per second ahieved by a reader.
Darkfield Illumination — Lighting of objects, surfaces, or particles at very shallow or low
angles, so that light does not directly enter a reader’s optical hardware.
Depth-of-Field — The in-focus range of a reader. Measured from the distance behind an
object to the distance in front of the object with all objects appearing in focus.
Diffused Lighting — Scattered soft lighting from a wide variety of angles used to eliminate
shadows and specular glints from profiled, highly reflective surfaces.
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) — A VLSI circuit used to convert digitally processed
images to analog for display on a monitor.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) — A VLSI chip designed for ultra-high-speed arithmetic
processing.
Discrete I/O — Inputs and outputs characterized by discrete signal transitions from one
voltage level to another so that digital switching can occur.
Direct Memory Access (DMA) — A capability provided by some computer bus architectures
that allows data to be sent directly to memory from an attached device.
DSP — See Digital Signal Processor.
EPROM — See Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
Embedded Memory — Onboard memory device such as EPROM or flash.
End of Read Cycle — The time or condition at which the reader stops expecting symbol
information to decode.
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) — A memory chip that retains
data when its power supply is turned off; “non-volatile memory”.
External Edge — Allows a read cycle to be initiated by a trigger signal from an object
detector when it detects the appearance of an object (rising edge). The read cycle ends
with a good read, a timeout, or a new trigger.
External Level — Allows a read cycle to be initiated by a trigger signal from an object
detector. The read cycle ends when the object moves out of the detector’s range.
Falling Edge — A change of state (to inactive) associated with a level trigger.
Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) — A semiconductor device containing programmable
interconnects and logic components.
Firmware — Software hard-coded in non-volatile memory (ROM), and closely tied to
specific pieces of hardware.
Fixed Symbol Length — Increases data integrity by ensuring that only a symbol length
will be accepted.
Focal Distance — In optics, the distance from the lens to the focal plane.
Focal Plane — Usually found at the image sensor, it is a plane perpendicular to the lens
axis at the point of focus (–).
Focus — Any given point in an image at which light converges; the focal point.
FPGA — See Field-Programmable Gate Array.
Full Duplex — A communications system in which signals can travel simultaneously
between devices.
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Glossary of Terms
Good Read — A decode. The successful scanning and decoding of the information
encoded in a bar code symbol.
Half Duplex — A communications system in which signals can travel between devices in
both directions, but not simultaneously.
Host — A computer, PLC, or other device that is used to execute commands and process
data and discrete signals.
Image Sensor — A device that converts a visual image to an electrical signal; a CCD, for
example.
Initialize — Implement serial configuration commands into the reader’s active memory.
Input — A channel or communications line. Decoded data or a discrete signal that is
received by a device.
Ladder Orientation — A linear symbol orientation in which the bars are parallel to the
symbol’s direction of travel.
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) — A semiconductor device that emits light when conducting
current.
Lens — A transparent piece of material with curved surfaces which either converge or
diverge light rays.
Multidrop — A communications protocol for networking two or more readers or other
devices with a concentrator (or controller) and characterized by the use of individual
device addresses and the RS-485 standard.
Normally Closed — A discrete output state that is only active when open.
Normally Open — A discrete output state that is only active when closed.
Object Plane — An imaginary plane in the field of view, focused by a reader’s optical
system at the corresponding image plane on the sensor.
Output — A channel or communications line. Data or discrete signals that are transmitted
or displayed by a device.
Parity — An error detection routine in which one data bit in each character is set to 1 or 0
so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd.
Picket Fence Orientation — A linear symbol orientation in which the bars are perpendicular
to the symbol’s direction of travel.
Pitch — Rotation of a linear or 2D symbol around an axis parallel to the symbol length on
the substrate. See the illustration below.
Skew axis
Tilt
axis

Pitch
axis
Scan line

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Appendices
PLC — See Programmable Logic Controller.
Port — Logical circuit for data entry and exit. (One or more ports may be included within a
single connector.)
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) — An electronic device used in industrial automation
environments such as factory assembly lines and automotive manufacturing facilities.
Protocol — The rules for communication between devices, providing a means to control
the orderly flow of information between linked devices.
Random Access Memory (RAM) — A data storage system used in computers, composed
of integrated circuits that allow access to stored data in any sequence without movement
of physical parts.
Read Cycle — A programmed period of time or condition during which a reader will accept
symbol input.
Read-Only Memory (ROM) — A data storage medium used in computers and other
electronics, primarily used to distribute firmware.
Skew — Rotation of a linear or 2D symbol around an axis parallel to the symbol height on
the substrate. See the illustration under the definition of Pitch.
Substrate — The surface upon which a symbol is printed, stamped, or etched.
Symbol Transitions — The transition of bars and spaces on a symbol, used to detect the
presence of a symbol on an object.
Symbology — A symbol type, such as Code 39 or Code 128, with special rules to define
the widths and positions of bars and spaces to represent specific numeric or alphanumeric
information.
Tilt — Rotation of a linear or 2D symbol around an axis perpendicular to the substrate.
See the illustration under the definition of Pitch.
Trigger — A signal, transition, or character string that initiates a read cycle.
Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) — The creation of integrated circuits by combining
thousands of transistor-based circuits on a single chip.
VLSI — See Very Large-Scale Integration.

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Glossary of Terms

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Hyperlink Index
A
A/D Converter
Aberration
About the MS-1 Scan Engine
About This Manual
Absorption
Acrylic Window
Active Illumination
ADC
Add / Remove Exception
Add Macro
Advanced Options
AGC
Ambient Light
Analog
Analog-to-Digital Converter
Aperture Height Graph
Aperture Width Graph
Appendices
Application Mode
Application Record Separator Character (Code 128/EAN 128)
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
AR Coating Companies
ASCII Table
Ask to Save ESP File when Quitting
Autoconnect
Automatic Gain Control
Auxiliary Port

B
Bar Code Options
Baud Rate
Baud Rate, Host Port
Begin Transmission

C
Calculating Aperture Size
Calculating Window Tilt Angle and Localization
Capture Text
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

C
CCD
CE Mark
Change Background Color
Change Echo Font
Change Font
Change Keyboard Macros
Charge-Coupled Device
Check Character
Check Character Mode (MSI Code)
Check Character Output (Codabar)
Check Character Output Status (Code 39)
Check Character Output Status (Industrial 2 of 5)
Check Character Output Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Check Character Output Status (MSI Code)
Check Character Output Status (Plessey Code)
Check Character Status (Code 39)
Check Character Status (Industrial 2 of 5)
Check Character Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Check Character Type (Codabar)
Check Hardware
Clear
Codabar
Code 128 / EAN 128
Code 39
Code 93
Communications
Communications by ESP
Communications Protocol
Communications Protocol Command Table
Communications Serial Commands
Concatenating Configuration Commands
Concentrator
Configuration
Configuration Command Status
Configuration Setting Changes
Configure the MS-1 Scan Engine
Connect the System
Connect to Reader via TCP/IP
Connecting the Ribbon Cable
Connector
Contact Assignments (Host Side of Ribbon Cable)
Continuous Read
Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation
Control Characters
Copy

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

D
DAC
Daisy Chain
Darkfield Illumination
Data Bits, Host Port
DataBar Expanded (RSS Expanded)
DataBar Limited (RSS Limited)
DataBar-14 (RSS-14)
Decode
Decode Rate
Decodes Before Output
Default
Default / Reset / Save
Default Macros
Default Settings
Defaulting
Delimited
Depth-of-Field
Design
Device Control
Differences from Default
Diffused Lighting
Digital Signal Processor
Digital-to-Analog Converter
Direct Memory Access
Disable Reader
Disclaimer
Discrete I/O
Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus
Document Memo
Downloading Application Code to the MS-1
Downloading Application Code to the MS-1 with Demo Board
Downloading ESP from the Web
DSP

E
EAN-13 Status (UPC/EAN)
EAN-8 as EAN-13 (UPC/EAN)
EAN-8 Status (UPC/EAN)
Editing a Macro
Effect of Command
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

F
Electrical
Electrical Interface
Electrical Specifications
Embedded Memory
Enable Echo
Enable Reader
End of Read Cycle
Enhanced Format
Entering Control Characters in Serial Commands
Environmental
EPROM
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
ESP System Requirements
Explanation of Modifiers for Code 39, Codabar, and I-2/5
Explanation of Modifiers for Other Symbologies
External Edge
External Level
External Window Tilt Angle and Placement
EZ Mode

F
Falling Edge
Field-Programmable Gate Array
File
Find
Find Next
Find Previous
Firmware
Firmware Update
Firmware Verification
FIS Options
Fixed Length
Fixed Symbol Length
Fixed Symbol Length Status (DataBar Expanded)
Focal Distance
Focal Plane
Focus
Force Connect
Format (Industrial 2 of 5)
FPGA
Full ASCII Set (Code 39)
Full Duplex
Function Keys

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

G
General Specifications
Glossary of Terms
Good Read
GS1 DataBar (RSS)

H
Half Duplex
Hex Values
High Density
Highlighting
Host
Host Communications
Host Connector / Pin Assignments
Host Port Connections
Host Port Protocol

I
Image Sensor
Import/Export
Indicators
Industrial 2 of 5
Initialize
Input
Install ESP
Installation
Installing ESP from the Microscan Tools CD
Interleaved 2 of 5
ISO Certification

K
Keyboard Macros

L
Ladder Orientation
Latest Manual Version
Lens
Light Emitting Diode
Limitation of Liability
Location and Reading Position
Low Density
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

M
Macros
Maximum Speed
Mechanical
Mechanical Dimensions
Menu Toolbar
Microscan ESP Help
Minimum Aperture Height
Minimum Aperture Width
Minimum Length
Minimum Speed
Minimum Symbol Length (Code 128/EAN 128)
Minimum Symbol Length (Code 39)
Minimum Symbol Length (Code 93)
Minimum Symbol Length (MSI Code)
Minimum Symbol Length (Plessey Code)
Minimum Window Tilt Angle
Model
Model Memo
Mounting Screws
Mounting the MS-1 Scan Engine
MS-1 and Symbol Orientation
MS-1 Demo Kit Contents
MS-1 Read Cycle Overview
MS-1 Scan Engine
MSI Code
Multidrop

N
Navigating in ESP
New ESP File
New Model
Next Row
No Decode Timeout
No Read Message
No Read Status
Non-Printable Characters
Normally Closed
Normally Open
Number of Symbols

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

O
Object Plane
Open/Save
Options
Output

P
Parity
Parity, Host Port
Paste
Pause
Picket Fence Orientation
Pitch
PLC
Plessey Code
Point-to-Point (Standard)
Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
Port
Position the MS-1 Scan Engine
Postamble
Postamble Characters
Postamble Status
Preamble
Preamble Characters
Preamble Status
Preferences > Advanced Tab
Preferences > Bar Code Options Tab
Preferences > General Tab
Preferences > Terminal Tab
Programmable Logic Controller
Protocol
Protocol Command

R
Random Access Memory
Range Modes (Industrial 2 of 5)
Range Modes (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Read Cycle
Read Cycle by ESP
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

S
Read Cycle Serial Commands
Read Ranges
Reader Setup
Reader Status Request
Read-Only Memory
Receive After Connect
Receiving
Reload Last File
Request Part Number by ESP
Reset
Ribbon Cable
Ribbon Cable Pinout
Rules for Utility and Configuration Commands

S
Safety Certifications
Save
Save As
Save Configuration in ESP
Save Current Text
Save for Power-On
Saving
Saving Options
Scanning Performance
Select All
Select Model
Send
Send and Save
Send Current Command
Send Current View
Send XON with Autoconnect
Send, No Save
Send/Receive Options
Serial Command Format
Serial Command Status Request
Serial Configuration Command Conventions
Serial Configuration Commands
Serial Data
Serial Data and Edge
Serial Trigger Character (Delimited)
Serial Utility Commands
Setting Up Continuous Read 1 Output Emulation
Setup and Operation
Show Connect Prompt

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

Show Model Prompt
Show Non-Printable Characters
Shutter Speed
Skew
Skip EZ Mode
Standard Format
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)
Start/Stop Output Status (Codabar)
Status (Industrial 2 of 5)
Status (MSI Code)
Status (Plessey Code)
Stop
Stop Bits, Host Port
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)
Substrate
Supplemental 2 Status (UPC/EAN)
Supplemental 5 Status (UPC/EAN)
Supplementals Required (UPC/EAN)
Switch Model
Symbol Caption
Symbol Length # 1 (Industrial 2 of 5)
Symbol Length # 2 (Industrial 2 of 5)
Symbol Length #1 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Symbol Length #2 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Symbol Length (Codabar)
Symbol Length Status (Codabar)
Symbol Sizing Information
Symbol Transitions
Symbologies
Symbologies by ESP
Symbologies Serial Commands
Symbology
Symbology Identifier
System Requirements for ESP

T
Table of Contents
Technical Support
Terminal
Terminal Dropdown Menu
Terminal Window
Terminal Window Menus
Tilt
Time Between Identical Decodes
MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

U
Trigger
Trigger Character
Trigger Mode
Triggering 10-28 Volt Devices
Triggering 5 Volt Devices

U
UPC/EAN
UPC-A as EAN-13 (UPC/EAN)
UPC-A Status (UPC/EAN)
UPC-E as UPC-A (UPC/EAN)
UPC-E Status (UPC/EAN)
Use Default Storage Location
Using an External Trigger
Using ESP
Utilities

V
Variable Length
Very Large-Scale Integration
View
VLSI

W
Warranty
Window Fabrication Companies
Window Materials
Window Materials Vendors
Window Opening
Window Tilt Angle
Window Tilt Angle Graph

MS-1 Scan Engine Integration Manual

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