MS 4 Imager User's Manual Ms4manual

2010-05-18

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MS-4 Imager
User’s Manual

P/N 83-000004 Rev E

Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©2010
Microscan Systems, Inc.
ISO 9001 Certified
Issued by TüV USA
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, e-mail: helpdesk@microscan.com.

Warranty and Terms of Sale
For Standard Warranty information, see: www.microscan.com/warranty.

Microscan Systems, Inc.
Renton Headquarters
Tel: 425.226.5700 / 800.251.7711
Fax: 425.226.8250
Nashua Office
Tel: 603.598.8400
Fax: 603.577.5818
Microscan Europe
Tel: 011 31 172 423360
Fax: 011 31 172 423366
Microscan Asia Pacific
Tel: 65 6846 1214
Fax: 65 6846 4641

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Chapter 1

Step 1 Check Required Hardware ........................................................... 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System ..................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Position Imager and Symbol ........................................................ 1-4
Step 4 Install ESP.................................................................................... 1-5
Step 5 Select Model ................................................................................ 1-6
Step 6 Select Communications Protocol ................................................. 1-7
Step 7 Locate the Symbol in the FOV ..................................................... 1-8
Step 8 Calibrate Settings ....................................................................... 1-10
Step 9 Test Read Rate .......................................................................... 1-11
Step 10 Configure the Imager in ESP ................................................... 1-12
Step 11 Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP ................................... 1-13

EZ Mode .................................................................................................. 2-2
Application Mode ..................................................................................... 2-3
Menu Toolbar .......................................................................................... 2-4
Connecting ........................................................................................... 2-12
View ...................................................................................................... 2-13
Navigating in ESP................................................................................. 2-14
Send/Receive Options .......................................................................... 2-15
Using EZ Trax........................................................................................ 2-17

Communications by ESP......................................................................... 3-2
Communications Serial Commands ........................................................ 3-3
Host Port Connections............................................................................. 3-4
Host Port Protocol ................................................................................... 3-5
ACK/NAK Options ................................................................................... 3-7
Polling Mode Options .............................................................................. 3-8
RS-422 Status ......................................................................................... 3-9
Auxiliary Port Connections .................................................................... 3-10
Auxiliary Port System Data Status......................................................... 3-18
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure .................................................................... 3-19
Response Timeout ................................................................................ 3-20
LRC Status ............................................................................................ 3-21
Protocol Configuration Examples .......................................................... 3-22
USB HID Interface ................................................................................. 3-23
ASCII Character Entry Modifier ............................................................. 3-32
Preamble ............................................................................................... 3-33
Postamble.............................................................................................. 3-34

Calibration Serial Commands .................................................................. 4-2
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Calibration Overview ............................................................................... 4-2
Calibration Options .................................................................................. 4-3
Calibration by ESP ................................................................................ 4-10
Initiating Calibration ............................................................................... 4-12
Additional Notes about Calibration ........................................................ 4-17

Read Cycle by ESP ................................................................................. 5-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands ................................................................ 5-3
Read Cycle Setup ................................................................................... 5-4
Multisymbol ............................................................................................. 5-5
Trigger Mode and Duration ..................................................................... 5-6
External Trigger Polarity ........................................................................ 5-11
Serial Trigger ......................................................................................... 5-12
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)................................................ 5-13
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)................................................ 5-13
End of Read Cycle ................................................................................ 5-14
Capture Mode........................................................................................ 5-16
Capture Timing ...................................................................................... 5-20
Image Processing Timeout.................................................................... 5-22
Image Storage ....................................................................................... 5-23
Minimum Good Reads........................................................................... 5-25
Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax ........................................................ 5-26

Symbologies by ESP............................................................................... 6-2
Symbologies Serial Commands .............................................................. 6-3
Data Matrix .............................................................................................. 6-4
QR Code ................................................................................................. 6-6
Code 39 ................................................................................................... 6-7
Code 128 / EAN 128 ............................................................................. 6-10
BC412 ................................................................................................... 6-13
Interleaved 2 of 5................................................................................... 6-14
Code 93 ................................................................................................. 6-17
Codabar................................................................................................. 6-18
UPC / EAN ............................................................................................ 6-21
GS1 DataBar (RSS) .............................................................................. 6-25
PDF417 ................................................................................................. 6-27
MicroPDF417 ........................................................................................ 6-29
Composite ............................................................................................. 6-30
Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier.................................................. 6-31
Background Color.................................................................................. 6-33

I/O Parameters by ESP ........................................................................... 7-2
I/O Parameters Serial Commands .......................................................... 7-3
Symbol Data Output ................................................................................ 7-4

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Introduction
No Read Message ................................................................................... 7-6
Bad Symbol Message.............................................................................. 7-8
No Symbol Message ............................................................................... 7-8
1D / Stacked Symbology Qualification .................................................... 7-9
2D Symbology Qualification .................................................................. 7-10
Read Duration Output............................................................................ 7-16
Output Indicators ................................................................................... 7-17
Beeper ................................................................................................... 7-21
LED Configuration ................................................................................. 7-22
Serial Verification................................................................................... 7-23
EZ Button............................................................................................... 7-25
EZ Button Modes ................................................................................... 7-27
Configurable Output 1 ........................................................................... 7-29
Trend Analysis Output 1 ........................................................................ 7-32
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1 .............................................. 7-35
Diagnostic Output 1 ............................................................................... 7-38
Configurable Output 2 ........................................................................... 7-39
Trend Analysis Output 2 ........................................................................ 7-39
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2 .............................................. 7-39
Diagnostic Output 2 ............................................................................... 7-39
Configurable Output 3 ........................................................................... 7-40
Trend Analysis Output 3 ........................................................................ 7-40
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3 .............................................. 7-40
Diagnostic Output 3 ............................................................................... 7-40
Power-On/Reset Counts........................................................................ 7-41
Time Since Reset .................................................................................. 7-42
Service Message ................................................................................... 7-43
Frame Information ................................................................................. 7-44
Image Output ......................................................................................... 7-45
Database Identifier Output..................................................................... 7-48
Quality Output........................................................................................ 7-49
Configuring EZ Trax Output................................................................... 7-50

Symbol Quality Serial Commands ........................................................... 8-2
Overview of Symbol Quality .................................................................... 8-3
Symbol Quality by ESP ........................................................................... 8-4
Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode ............................ 8-8
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output ................................................. 8-10
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP .................................... 8-12
Microscan Symbol Quality Output ......................................................... 8-13
Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP ............................................ 8-16

Matchcode by ESP .................................................................................. 9-2
Matchcode Serial Commands ................................................................. 9-2
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Overview of Matchcode ........................................................................... 9-3
Matchcode Type ...................................................................................... 9-4
Match Replace ........................................................................................ 9-9
Mismatch Replace ................................................................................. 9-10
New Master Pin ..................................................................................... 9-11

Camera and IP Setup

Camera and IP Setup by ESP............................................................... 10-2
Camera and IP Setup Serial Commands .............................................. 10-3
Video ..................................................................................................... 10-4
Evaluation.............................................................................................. 10-5
Calibration ............................................................................................. 10-9
Window of Interest............................................................................... 10-10
Configuration Database....................................................................... 10-13
Dynamic Setup .................................................................................... 10-14
Pixel Sub-Sampling ............................................................................. 10-15
Camera................................................................................................ 10-16
Focal Distance..................................................................................... 10-18
Focal Distance Table (Read-Only) ...................................................... 10-19
IP Threshold ........................................................................................ 10-20
Number of Symbols in Field of View ................................................... 10-22
Image Processing Timeout.................................................................. 10-23
Damaged Symbol ................................................................................ 10-24
IP Mode ............................................................................................... 10-25
Hollow Mode........................................................................................ 10-26
Mirrored Image .................................................................................... 10-27
Illumination Brightness ........................................................................ 10-28
Skew Correction .................................................................................. 10-29

Configuration Database

Configuration Database Serial Commands ........................................... 11-2
Number of Active Indexes ..................................................................... 11-3
Configuration Database Status ............................................................. 11-4
Database Mode ..................................................................................... 11-9
Save Current Settings to Configuration Database .............................. 11-14
Load Current Settings from Configuration Database .......................... 11-15
Request Selected Index Settings ........................................................ 11-16
Request All Configuration Database Settings ..................................... 11-17

Terminal Window................................................................................... 12-2
Find ....................................................................................................... 12-3
Send ...................................................................................................... 12-4
Macros................................................................................................... 12-5
Terminal Window Menus ....................................................................... 12-6

Serial Utility Commands ........................................................................ 13-2

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Introduction
Read Rate ............................................................................................. 13-4
Counters ................................................................................................ 13-5
Device Control ....................................................................................... 13-7
Master Database ................................................................................... 13-8
Firmware.............................................................................................. 13-14
Bar Code Configuration ....................................................................... 13-17
Default / Reset / Save.......................................................................... 13-18
Imager Status Requests ...................................................................... 13-20
Other Operational Serial Commands .................................................. 13-22

Output Format Serial Commands .......................................................... 14-2
Output Format Status ............................................................................ 14-3
Format Assign ....................................................................................... 14-4
Format Extract ....................................................................................... 14-5
Format Insert ......................................................................................... 14-7
Output Filter Configuration .................................................................... 14-9
Ordered Output Filter........................................................................... 14-13

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-12
Appendix E ASCII Table ........................................................................A-21
Appendix F Interface Standards ............................................................A-22
Appendix G Object Detector ..................................................................A-23
Appendix H Operational Tips.................................................................A-24
Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver ................................A-25
Appendix J Glossary of Terms ..............................................................A-28

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

About the MS-4 Imager

About the MS-4 Imager
The key features of the MS-4 are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

A multi-function EZ button for location, calibration, and symbol reading.
A target pattern symbol locator that identifies the center point of the field of view.
A green flash (visible from all angles) to signal a successful read.
Ability to read both 2D and linear symbols.
Ability to read difficult and damaged symbols.
USB, RS-232, RS-422 connectivity options.
Standard Density and Low Density options.

About This Manual
This manual provides complete information on setting up, installing, and configuring the
Imager. The chapters are presented in the order in which an Imager might be set up and
made ready for operation.

Highlighting
Commands 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. References to topic headings within this manual or other documents are
enclosed in quotation marks.

Host Communications
There are four ways to configure and test the MS-4:
1. EZ button.
2. Microscan’s Windows-based ESP (Easy Setup Program), which offers point-and-click
ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
3. Serial commands, such as , that can be sent from ESP’s Terminal window
or another terminal program.
4. The tree control menus and graphic interfaces in ESP’s App Mode.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Warning and Caution Summary
WARNING
LED LIGHT
DO NOT VIEW DIRECTLY WITH OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS
CLASS 1 LED PRODUCT
LED Output: .564 mW. Wavelength: 470 nm; 525 nm; 617 nm.
IEC 60825-1:1993+A1:1997+A2:2001

• Viewing the MS-4’s LED output with optical instruments such as magnifiers, eye loupes,
or microscopes within a distance of 100 mm could cause serious eye injury.
• Maximum LED output: .564 mW.
• Wavelength: 470 nm; 525 nm; 617 nm.
• Location of the MS-4’s LED aperture window:

LED Aperture Window

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

IMPORTANT: The MS-4 is intended for connection to a UL-listed direct plug-in power unit
marked Class II and rated 5 VDC at 3 Watts, or greater if using electrical accessories.
European models must use a similarly rated Class I or Class II power supply that is certified
to comply with standard for safety EN 60950.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Statement of Agency Compliance

Statement of Agency Compliance
The MS-4 Imager has been tested for compliance with FCC (Federal Communications
Commission) regulations and has been found to conform to all applicable FCC Rules and
Regulations.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this device must not be co-located
or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

The MS-4 Imager has been tested for compliance with CE (Conformité Européenne)
standards and guidelines, and has been found to conform to applicable CE standards,
specifically the EMC requirements EN 55024, ESD EN 61000-4-2, Radiated RF Immunity
EN 61000-4-3, ENV 50204, EFT EN 61000-4-4, Conducted RF Immunity EN 61000-4-6, EN
55022, Class B Radiated Emissions, and Class B Conducted Emissions.
The MS-4 Imager has been tested by an independent electromagnetic compatibility laboratory
in accordance with the applicable specifications and instructions.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Statement of RoHS Compliance
All Microscan readers with a ‘G’ suffix in the FIS number are RoHS-Compliant. All compliant
readers were converted prior to March 1, 2007. All standard accessories in the Microscan
Product Pricing Catalog are RoHS-Compliant except 20-500013-01 and 98-000039-02.
These products meet all the requirements of the European Parliament and the Council of
the European Union for RoHS compliance. In accordance with the latest requirements, our
RoHS-compliant products and packaging do not contain intentionally added Deca-BDE,
Perfluorooctanes (PFOS) or Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) compounds above the maximum
trace levels. To view the documents stating these requirements, please visit:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=CELEX:32002L0095:EN:HTML

and
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:372:0032:0034:EN:PDF

Please contact your sales manager for a complete list of Microscan’s RoHS-Compliant products.
This declaration is based upon information obtained from sources which Microscan believes to be reliable, and
from random sample testing; however, the information is provided without any representation of warranty,
expressed or implied, regarding accuracy or correctness. Microscan does not specifically run any analysis on our
raw materials or end product to measure for these substances.
The information provided in this certification notice is correct to the best of Microscan’s knowledge at the date of
publication. This notice is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. Users are responsible for
determining the applicability of any RoHS legislation or regulations based on their individual use of the product.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Statement of RoHS Compliance

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

1 Quick Start
Contents
Step 1 Check Required Hardware ................................................................................................ 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System .......................................................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Position Imager and Symbol.............................................................................................. 1-4
Step 4 Install ESP ......................................................................................................................... 1-5
Step 5 Select Model...................................................................................................................... 1-6
Step 6 Select Communications Protocol....................................................................................... 1-7
Step 7 Locate the Symbol in the FOV........................................................................................... 1-8
Step 8 Calibrate Settings ........................................................................................................... 1-10
Step 9 Test Read Rate .............................................................................................................. 1-11
Step 10 Configure the Imager in ESP........................................................................................ 1-12
Step 11 Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP ....................................................................... 1-13

This section is designed to get your MS-4 Imager up and running quickly, using the EZ
button or ESP (Easy Setup Program). Following these steps will allow you to get a sense
of the Imager’s capabilities and to test sample symbols.
Detailed setup information for installing the Imager into your actual application can be
found in the subsequent chapters.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Check Required Hardware

Step 1 — Check Required Hardware
Item
1
2

Description
MS-4 Imager
IB-3PC

Part Number
FIS-0004-XXXXG
FIS-0001-0030G
97-000002-01 (90-264 VAC, +5VDC)
97-100004-15 (24VDC)
61-000010-02

To additional imagers
or terminating resistor

Hardware Required (RS-232 / RS-422)

Hardware Required (USB)

Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to a
system with an external power source (RS-232 / RS-422). Always power down
BEFORE disconnecting any cables.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Step 2 — Connect the System
Connecting by RS-232 / RS-422
•
•
•
•

Connect the Imager (1) to the IB-3PC interface (2).
Connect the comm. cable (4) to the host (5) and to the host connector on the IB-3PC (2).
Connect power supply (3) to the IB-3PC (2).
Apply power to the Imager.

Connecting by USB
• Plug the MS-4 Imager’s USB cable into a host USB port. The host will power the Imager.

To additional imagers
or terminating resistor

Hardware Configuration
(RS-232 / RS-422)

Hardware Configuration
(USB)

Caution: Be sure that all cables are connected BEFORE applying power to a
system with an external power source (RS-232 / RS-422). Always power down
BEFORE disconnecting any cables.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Position Imager and Symbol

Step 3 — Position Imager and Symbol
• Position the Imager at a distance from the symbol that matches the factory pre-set focal
distance. For example, if your MS-4 is pre-set at 4”, position the Imager’s parting line 4”
from the symbol.
• Tip the Imager relative to the symbol to avoid the glare of direct (specular) reflection. The
case parting line should be perpendicular to the plane of the symbol by either pitching the
symbol or the Imager as shown.
• Position the Imager in a place with as little ambient light as possible.
• Symbols can be rotated (tilted) at any angle; however, for best results symbols should
be aligned with the FOV (field of view).

Imager Position Relative to Symbol
• In the case of linear symbols, aligning the bars in the direction of their movement (“ladder”
orientation) will minimize the chances of blurring, and will produce better reads.
• Avoid excessive skew or pitch. Maximum skew is ±30°; maximum pitch is ±30°.
Note: For instant setup and validation, the MS-4 can be hand-held or placed on its side.
For accuracy, however, Microscan’s mounting arm adapter kits (P/N 98-000048-01) are
recommended.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Step 4 — 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 readers.
When the MS-4 is connected to a host computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000), ESP can
be used to configure reader settings and to set up communications between the reader
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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Step 5 — Select Model
When you start ESP, the following menu will appear:

1. Click the MS-4 button and then click OK. If you do not want to make this selection
every time you start ESP, uncheck “Show this window at Startup”.
2. Select the default reader name (MS-4-1), or type a name of your choice in the
Description text field and click OK.
3. Click Yes when this dialog appears:

Note: If you need to select another reader model later, click the Switch Model button
near the top of the screen.
1-6

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Step 6 —Select Communications Protocol
Important: The Imager is in Continuous Read Mode by default. For best connection
results, be sure that no symbols are within the Imager’s field of view while attempting to
connect.
• When the Select Protocol dialog appears, choose your connection protocol and click Next.

If you choose USB protocol:

If you choose RS-232 protocol:

• Select the
MS-4 from
the Select
Device menu
and click
Finish.

• Click Connect.

When you are connected, you will see the green connection indicator in the status bar
at the bottom right of your screen.
USB:
RS-232:
• If you are using an RS-232 interface and your 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
Imager’s settings, check
the Force Connect box.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Locate the Symbol in the FOV

Step 7 — Locate the Symbol in the FOV
• Move the symbol or the Imager so that the blue target pattern is centered over the symbol.
At 2 to 3 inches, the pattern resembles an X. At 3 to 6 inches, the pattern resembles a V.
It is important for the whole symbol to fall within the field of view (FOV) of the Imager.
The field of view is what appears in ESP’s Locate/Calibrate window.

Center on object
in field of view.

Target pattern shown as it would appear between 3 and 6 inches.

Locate by EZ Button
If you are not connected to a host computer, the EZ button will allow you to locate a symbol
in the Imager’s FOV.
• Hold down the EZ button for about one second and release when you hear one short beep.
The amber 20% LED will turn on, and you will see the blue target pattern projected from the
front of the Imager.
• Center the target pattern on the symbol.
Note: To end all EZ button functions, press the EZ button once and quickly release.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Locate by ESP
• In ESP’s EZ Mode, click the Locate button to enable the target pattern.

You will see the blue target pattern projected from the front of the Imager.
• Center the target pattern over the symbol you wish to read.

Center on object
in field of view.

Target pattern shown as it would appear between 3 and 6 inches.

• Click the Stop button to end the Locate function.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibrate Settings

Step 8 — Calibrate Settings
MS-4 image settings can be adjusted automatically for optimum readability by either the
EZ button or by ESP.
During the calibration routine, the reader will flash its amber read rate percent LEDs and
red illumination LEDs while searching through various focus and camera settings and
determining the best configuration for decoding symbol data. Upon successful completion
of this routine, a green LED pattern will flash brightly and illuminate the symbol. If unsuccessful,
the Imager will emit 5 short beeps and stop searching.

Calibrate by EZ Button
1. Hold down the EZ button about two seconds and release when you hear two short
beeps. The 20% and 40% LEDs will illuminate.
2. The Imager will search through various camera and IP settings to determine the best
configuration for decoding symbol data.
Important: The object must be centered in the field of view for the calibration process
to be successful.
Note: To end all EZ button functions, press the EZ button once and quickly release.

Calibrate by ESP
1. Click the Calibrate button.

2. The Imager will search through various camera and IP settings to determine the best
configuration for decoding symbol data.
A successful calibration will display a green frame around the symbol, and the following
message will appear: “Uploading all reader parameters.” After a moment the symbol’s
data and related features will be presented under the “Symbol Information” box below
the image display window.

Calibrate by Serial Command
Send <@CAL> to begin calibration.
1-10

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Step 9 — Test Read Rate
This test will let you know the percent of good reads per image captures the Imager is
producing.

Testing by EZ Button
1. To start the read rate test, hold down the EZ setup button about three seconds until you
hear three short beeps. The 20%, 40%, and 60% LEDs will illuminate.
While the symbol is being decoded, the read rate LEDs will indicate the corresponding read rate percentage on the back of the unit.
2. To end the read rate test, press the EZ button and quickly release.

Testing by ESP
1. Click the Test button to start the read rate test and Stop to end it.

If your symbol has been successfully decoded, its data and related features will be
presented under “Symbol Information.” Also, while the symbol is being decoded, the read
rate LEDs will indicate the corresponding read rate percentage on the back of the unit.
2. To end the test, click the Stop button.

Testing by Serial Command
You can also start a test with the or command and end it with the command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configure the Imager in ESP

Step 10 — Configure the Imager in ESP
To make setup changes to the MS-4, click the App Mode button.

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

•
•
•
•

Establish communications between ESP and the Imager by clicking the Autoconnect button.
Send or receive commands by clicking the Send/Recv button.
Make changes to Camera options by clicking the Camera button.
Access the Terminal window, where you can see symbol data and enter serial commands,
by clicking the Terminal button.
• Review status settings or make changes to operational commands by clicking the Utilities
button.
• Format data for output by clicking the Output Format button.
Click the Configuration button to display the second row of ESP icons.

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

For further details, see ESP Help in the pulldown Help menu.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Step 11 — Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP
To make changes to a configuration 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.

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

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 Imager.

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

2 Using ESP
Contents
EZ Mode........................................................................................................................................2-2
Application Mode...........................................................................................................................2-3
Menu Toolbar ................................................................................................................................2-4
Connecting ..................................................................................................................................2-12
View ............................................................................................................................................2-13
Navigating in ESP .......................................................................................................................2-14
Send/Receive Options ................................................................................................................2-15
Using EZ Trax .............................................................................................................................2-17

This section is designed to help you understand the structure, elements, and application 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 several configuration
menus (Communications, Read Cycle, Symbologies, I/O Parameters, Symbol Quality,
Matchcode, and Diagnostics), a Camera setup interface, a Terminal interface, a Utilities
interface, and an Output Format interface.
ESP can be used to configure the MS-4 Imager in four different ways.
• Control Trees: Each configuration menu contains a list of all option settings that pertain to that
specific element of Imager 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: Imager settings can be configured using such point-and-click
tools as radio buttons, zoom in/zoom out sliders, spin boxes, check boxes, and dragand-drop functions.
• Terminal: ESP’s Terminal interface allows you to send serial configuration and utility
commands directly to the Imager by typing them in the provided text field.
• Symbol Configuration: The Imager can be configured by reading symbols produced in
ESP’s Bar Code Dialog interface. Symbols can be created by dragging and dropping
configuration settings from the control trees to the Bar Code Value field in the Bar Code
Dialog, and then printing the new symbol.
For ESP system requirements, see Chapter 1, Quick Start.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

EZ Mode
In EZ Mode you are presented with the Locate, Calibrate, and Test options. After connecting
to your Imager, EZ Mode is the screen you will see. You will be provided with on-screen
instructions that will help you with positioning, testing, and calibration.

Test
Click the Test button to start the read rate test for a quick indication of the Imager’s read
capabilities and the limits of your application. When Decodes per Second is unchecked,
the test will count the percentage of decodes relative to the number of actual scans. Click
Stop to end the test.

Calibrate
The calibration routine that will optimize the Imager by comparing read rates at various
camera and image processing settings.
Enter App Mode to
access configuration
trees and other setup
features.
Click Calibrate to begin the initial
calibration routine. Calbration is
explained at the left of the EZ Mode
screen, and also in the “Quick Start”
chapter of this manual.

Click Locate to activate the MS-4’s blue target pattern
LEDs. Center the target pattern on the symbol. The real-time
display shows you where the symbol is located in the
Imager’s field of view.

Starts read rate test.

Click here to change
from percentage of
good decodes to
decodes per second
while performing a
read rate test.

Ends read rate test.

MS-4 Imager User’s 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.
Camera Setup, advanced
Calibration, Configuration
Database.
Click this icon to
return to EZ Mode.

Click here to open
the Terminal view.

Click here for
Ordered Output
and Output Format
features.

Click on icons in this row to
access configuration trees
like the one shown here.
Click the Configuration icon to return to full
App Mode view from Camera, Terminal,
Utilities, or Output Format.

Click Capture and Decode to
read the symbol in the field of
view, and to see a high resolution
image capture of the symbol.

Decoded symbol data
is shown in this table.

Note: For specific information on any of the icons shown above in the operations bar or
configuration bar, see the corresponding chapters in this manual.
MS-4 Imager User’s 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 your Imager. The illustration
below shows how settings can be saved and received between
ESP and the Imager, and ESP and the host hard drive.

(Save to Imager)
(Receive Imager
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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Model
In Model you can select any of the models shown in ESP’s model
menu. When you choose another model, your current connection to
your present model will be terminated.
To connect to another model, select New Model, choose a new
model from the menu, and click OK.

Note: All the models you have enabled by selecting will continue to appear in the Model
menu and that the same menu is repeated when clicking the Switch Model icon.

When you save your ESP file, you will be saving the settings of all the models defined in a
single ESP file.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

Preferences
General Tab

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.
Skip EZ Mode
At startup, skips EZ Mode and opens directly in App Mode.
Show Connect Prompt
At startup, displays the Would you like to connect...? prompt.
Receive After Connect
At startup, loads the Imager’s settings into ESP. (This is not recommended if you want to
preserve your ESP settings for future use.)
Enable Send and Save as Customer Defaults
At startup, enables the Send and Save as Customer Defaults option in the Send/Recv
command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

When Show Non-Printable Characters is checked, 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
In this dialog you can first select the function key and then enter your macro keystrokes in the
associated key map. For example, to make Ctrl-F5 the keystroke to enable, send a trigger
character, select F5, and then in the Ctrl row, enter and click OK. Then
whenever the Ctrl-F5 keystroke is pressed, the trigger character will start the read cycle.
Change Font
Allows you to modify the font used for decode data received from the Imager on the Terminal
screen.
Change Echo Font
Allows you to modify the font used for command characters typed into the Terminal view.
Toolbar Style
Displays user-selected toolbar buttons as icons, text only, or both (default).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Bar Code Options Tab

The Bar Code Options dialog allows you to set the size (in mils) of user-created symbols.
Sizing Information
Sets the bar width (in thousands of an inch) of user-created symbols. A bar width of 14 is
0.014 inches.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Grade Report Options Tab

Overall Grade Based On
Allows you to choose which symbol characteristics will be considered in generating a
symbol quality grade.
Use Number Grades
Allows you to switch from the default letter grades to number grades in symbol quality
report output.
Show Report Options during ‘Generate Report’
Sets the symbol quality report output to show the complete array of report options.
Include Image
Sets the symbol quality report output to include a captured image of the symbol being
analyzed. Bitmap and JPEG image formats are both available. Bitmap images, although
higher resolution, have larger file sizes and take longer to load.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

The Auto Sync dialog at the top of the Advanced tab allows you to determine whether
Auto Sync will be automatically enabled in sections of ESP where it is used, or if it will ask
you before it enables Auto Sync functions.
Always Ask Before Auto Sync Occurs
If you check this option box, you are then able to determine what specific Auto Sync
functions will be enabled. Receive Settings from the Reader will automatically send
the Imager’s settings to ESP when Auto Sync is enabled. Send ESP Settings to the
Reader will automatically send all Imager configuration settings chosen in ESP to the
Imager. Do Not Send or Receive Settings creates a condition in which Auto Sync will
not send Imager settings to ESP, or send ESP settings to the Imager.
Show Targeting Pattern During Calibrate and Locate
Allows you to determine whether the blue LED target pattern will be on or off during the
Locate and Calibrate routines.
Send XON with Autoconnect
Sends an XON (Begin Transmission) command to the Imager before starting the Autoconnect
routine.

MS-4 Imager User’s 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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Connecting
When you open ESP and the Select Protocol dialog appears, choose either RS-232 or
USB protocol and click Next.
The MS-4 Imager’s default trigger mode is Continuous Read Mode. The USB version of the MS-4 will
be in a keyboard wedge configuration, causing ESP to receive incoming symbol data as keyboard text.
This will interfere with the connection attempt and cause it to fail. Be sure that no symbols are within
the Imager’s field of view while connecting to ESP.

If you choose USB protocol:

If you choose RS-232 protocol:

Select the MS-4
from the Select
Device menu and
click Finish.

When you are connected, you will see the green connection indicator in the status bar
at the bottom right of your screen.
USB:
RS-232:
Important: If you are using an RS-232 interface and your 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
Imager’s settings, check
the Force Connect box.
2-12

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

View
The View menu allows you to move quickly between interfaces
without using the icon buttons on the App Mode toolbar. It also
allows you to access the Bar Code Dialog.

Bar Code Dialog
In the Bar Code Dialog you can create symbols by typing the text you
wish to encode. This is a useful tool for creating configuration symbols,
allowing you to configure your reader by reading the symbols you create.

Drag specific configuration
values from the control tree
directly into this field to
encode new symbols.
Choose a spatial
orientation for the
new symbol.
Set a humanreadable caption
for the symbol
that matches the
encoded data, or
write your own
caption.

The symbol you create
will be displayed in the
field at the bottom of the
Bar Code Dialog.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Navigating in ESP

Navigating in ESP
To change Imager settings, or to access the Utilities, Camera, Terminal, or Output Format
views, click the App Mode button.

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

To make changes to configuration settings in the control trees:

1. Left click on the + to expand
menu items.

The X denotes the
default option setting.

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.
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 Imager.
You can send the command without saving it, or you
can send and save the command simultaneously.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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 Imager’s settings. For
example, if your ESP file has a number of custom settings that you want to maintain and
download into the Imager, these settings would be lost by choosing Yes.
This is useful if you want to receive (upload) the Imager’s settings and save them as a file
for future use. For example, if your Imager 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 Imager’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.

Saving
1. Send, No Save
()
This saves ESP
settings to current
memory.
2. Send and Save
()
This activates all changes in current memory and saves to the Imager for power-on.
3. Send and Save as Customer Defaults
()
Use this option to save your own default settings for quick retrieval with a
command.
This option will be visible only if you had checked Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer
Defaults’ in the ESP Preferences dialog.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Send/Receive Options

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 configuration tree are sent.

Send Current Command
This is the same as Send Current
View , except that it saves only
the command that is currently
selected.

Add / Remove Exception
After you perform a Receive Reader Settings command1 and you click on the Add Exception
option, you may see a list of serial commands. These are commands that may be in your
Imager’s firmware, but not included in, or different from, your current version of ESP.
You can edit these commands by double-clicking on them and changing them as needed.
It is important to note that these commands will be saved to your Imager whenever you
send a Save to Reader command, or an or a 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 from within the configuration trees.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Using EZ Trax
For detailed information about using EZ Trax, refer to the Help menu in EZ Trax software,
or the EZ Trax Quick Start Guide, available on the Microscan Tools CD.
For information about how to configure the MS-4 for use with EZ Trax, see Setting Up the
Imager for EZ Trax in Chapter 5, Read Cycle.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

3 Communications
Contents
Communications by ESP .............................................................................................................. 3-2
Communications Serial Commands.............................................................................................. 3-3
Host Port Connections .................................................................................................................. 3-4
Host Port Protocol......................................................................................................................... 3-5
ACK/NAK Options......................................................................................................................... 3-7
Polling Mode Options.................................................................................................................... 3-8
RS-422 Status............................................................................................................................... 3-9
Auxiliary Port Connections.......................................................................................................... 3-10
Auxiliary Port System Data Status .............................................................................................. 3-18
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure ......................................................................................................... 3-19
Response Timeout...................................................................................................................... 3-20
LRC Status.................................................................................................................................. 3-21
Protocol Configuration Examples................................................................................................ 3-22
USB HID Interface ...................................................................................................................... 3-23
ASCII Character Entry Modifier................................................................................................... 3-32
Preamble..................................................................................................................................... 3-33
Postamble ................................................................................................................................... 3-34

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications by ESP

Communications by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
Applications
menu.

Click this button
to bring up the
Communication
menu.

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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications Serial Commands
Host Port Connections
Auxiliary Port Connections
RS-422 Status
Host Port Protocol
Preamble
Postamble
Response Timeout
LRC
Auxiliary Port System Data Status
ACK/NAK Options
Polling Mode Options
USB HID Reports
Autoconfiguration Daisy Chain

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Host Port Connections

Host Port Connections
The host port can be configured with RS-232 and RS-422 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 reader and host transfer data back and forth.

115.2K
0 = 600
1 = 1200
2 = 2400
3 = 4800
4 = 9600
5 = 19.2K
6 = 38.4K
7 = 57.6K
8 = 115.2K
9 = 230K

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.

None
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.

Eight
0 = Seven
1 = Eight

Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB.
3-4

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Host Port Protocol
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

In general, the point-to-point protocols will work well in most applications. They
require no address and use RS-232 or RS-422 communications standards.
Protocols define the sequence and format in which information is transferred
between the reader and the host, or in the case of Multidrop, between the
readers and a concentrator.

Point-to-Point
0 = Point-to-Point
1 = Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
2 = Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF
3 = Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF
4 = ACK/NAK
5 = Polling Mode

Note: In all protocol modes, the preamble and postamble character
strings can be used to frame the decode data, and both are included in calculating the
LRC Status (Longitudinal Redundancy Check).

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

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:

A reader 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 a reader to initiate data transfers
to the host.

Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:

If an XOFF has been received from the host, data will not be sent to the host
until the host sends an XON. During the XOFF phase, the host is free to carry
on other chores and accept data from other devices.Used only with RS-232.
This option enables the host to send the XON and XOFF command as a
single byte transmission command of start (^Q) or stop (^S).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Host Port Protocol

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF
Usage:
Definition:

Used only with RS-232.
This option is a combination of Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and Pointto-Point with XON/XOFF.

ACK/NAK
Definition:

See the ACK / NAK Options command on page 3-7.

Polling Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

See the Polling Mode Options command on page 3-8.

Poll Address
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

1
1 to 50
1 = Poll address 0x1C, Select address 0x1D
2 = Poll address 0x1E, Select address 0x1F
...
50 = Poll address 0x7E, Select address 0x7F

Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ACK / NAK Options
Definition:

These parameters take effect for ACK/NAK on the main RS-232 or
RS-422 ports (not on the Auxiliary Port), and are completely independent of
the Polling Mode Options .
The Imager always follows the protocol in both directions (to and from the
host). There is no option to disable it from either direction.

RES-NAK Defaults
RES: (Reset)
REQ: (Request)
STX: (Start of Text)
ETX: (End of Text)
ACK: (Acknowledge)
NAK: (Negative Acknowledge)

00 (disabled)
00 (disabled)
00 (disabled)
00 (disabled)
06
15

The following are general outlines of the ACK/NAK protocol. Items that are framed by
brackets ( [ ] ) can either be disabled or enabled. LRC does not include STX, but it does
include preamble, postamble, and ETX.

Symbol Data Output
TX to host: [STX] [preamble] SYMBOL DATA [postamble] [ETX] [LRC]
Response from host: ACK/NAK. Sent when LRC, ETX, postamble, or timeout (waiting
for more data) are detected (if REQ is disabled) depending on what is enabled.

Commands from Host to Imager
TX to Imager: [STX] [ETX] [LRC]
Response from Imager: ACK/NAK. Sent when LRC, ETX, or command-ending angle
bracket ‘>’ are received, depending on what is enabled.

Command Response from Imager to Host
TX to host: [STX] [preamble] COMMAND RESPONSE DATA [postamble] [ETX] [LRC]
Response from host: ACK/NAK. Sent when LRC, ETX, postamble, command-ending
angle bracket ‘>’, or timeout (waiting for more data) are detected, depending on what is
enabled.
As with Polling Mode , the Imager can optionally perform the REQ and RES
event sequences in ACK/NAK mode. If the sender does not receive an ACK or NAK, it will
send REQ to request such a response (if enabled). When the sender receives an ACK, too
many NAKs, or times out (if already enabled), it will send a RES (if enabled) to terminate the
transaction.
Note: See ACK / NAK Data Flow Examples in Appendix D for sample ACK/NAK communications
scenarios.
Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Polling Mode Options

Polling Mode Options
Definition:

These parameters only take effect for Polling Mode on the main
RS-232 or RS-422 ports (not on the Auxiliary Port), and are completely
independent of the ACK/NAK Options .
The values of protocol characters can be changed, but the protocol events
cannot be disabled. The polling mode address is configured in the
command (see Poll Address on page 3-6).
To enable multidrop protocol, the RS422 port must be enabled, ,
in order to turn the transmitter on and off. If RS-232 is enabled instead of
RS422, , then Polling Mode will operate as a Point-to-Point
polling protocol. This is because the RS-232 transmitter is always left on
when enabled.

RES-NAK Defaults
RES: (Reset)
REQ: (Request)
STX: (Start of Text)
ETX: (End of Text)
ACK: (Acknowledge)
NAK: (Negative Acknowledge)

04
05
02
03
06
15

Note: See Polling Mode Data Flow Examples in Appendix D for sample Polling Mode
communications scenarios.
Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

RS-422 Status
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

RS-232 is an industry standard. RS-422 is used when greater cable lengths
are required and/or where noise interference is an issue.
RS-422, if enabled, allows communication through RS-422 I/O lines.
When RS-422 is enabled, RS-232 is disabled.
When RS-422 is disabled, RS-232 is enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Note: The default setting can only be changed in readers with multiplexed RS-232 / RS-422
ports. It is forced to 1 (enabled) in readers with “dedicated” RS-422 ports.
Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not support RS-422.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Connections

Auxiliary Port Connections
The auxiliary port offers an alternative port that can be configured to communicate by
RS232 in several modes, including daisy chain.
As with the host port parameters, the auxiliary port settings (baud rate, parity, stop bits,
and data bits) must be identical with those of the auxiliary device.
Usage:
Definition:

An auxiliary port connects the Imager to a remote display or to other readers
that can display or transfer data.
These commands set the communication parameters with the auxiliary
port, which can be used to configure menus, send data to the host, display
data transmissions originating from the host, and relay data from other
Imagers set in tandem (daisy chained).

Auxiliary Port Mode
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Can be used to transfer data faster or to match an auxiliary device.
Determines the flow of data between the auxiliary port device(s), the
Imager, and the host..

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Transparent
2 = Half duplex
5 = Command Processing
3 = Full duplex
4 = Daisy chain

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

Can be used to transfer data faster or to match an auxiliary device.
The rate at which the Imager and host transfer data back and forth.

115.2K
0 = 600
1 = 1200
2 = 2400
3 = 4800
4 = 9600
5 = 19.2K
6 = 38.4K
7 = 57.6K
8 = 115.2K
9 = 230K

Parity, Auxiliary Port
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:
3-10

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
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.

None
0 = None
1 = Even
2 = Odd
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Allows the user to select the last one or two bits in each character to indicate
the end of the character.

One
0 = One
1 = Two

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

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.
Number of bits in each character.

Eight
0 = Seven
1 = Eight

Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not have an Auxiliary Port.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Connections

Transparent Mode
Usage:
Definition:

A common application, in conjunction with handheld Imagers, is one that
employs an auxiliary readout to detect misapplied symbols.
In Transparent Mode, data is passed between the auxiliary port and the
host. The Imager buffers data from the auxiliary port and echoes the keyed
data on the auxiliary port.
• Auxiliary port data is passed through to the
host whenever a return key is pressed at the
auxiliary port or whenever symbol data is
sent. If sent with symbol data, it is processed
on a first-in/first-out basis.
• Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
with a preamble and postamble.
• If the Imager is in a polling mode with the
host, auxiliary port data will still pass
through.
Data Originating from the Imager
• Transmission to the auxiliary port occurs
immediately upon a good read.
• Data sent to the auxiliary port does not include
a preamble or a postamble.
• Communications with the auxiliary port is
always in Point-to-Point protocol, even if the
host is in a polled protocol mode.
Data Originating from the Host
• All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled mode.

Serial Cmd:
Options:

1 = Transparent

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Half Duplex Mode
Usage:
Definition:

Useful when the user wants symbol data displayed on an auxiliary menu
close to the Imager.
In Half Duplex Mode all auxiliary port data and symbol data is sent directly
to the host. Symbol data is displayed on the auxiliary port menu at the
same time the data is sent to the host.
Data Originating from the Auxiliary Port
• Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the
Imager is in a polled mode.
• Auxiliary port data or read data is sent to the
host whenever it is received.
• Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
• Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or postamble.
Data Originating from the Imager
• Data is transmitted to the auxiliary port at the
same time it is transmitted to the host.
• Data transmission conforms with all parameters
specified in the configuration menu (e.g. Preamble,
Postamble, End of Read Cycle).

Data Originating from the Host
• All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled mode.

Serial Cmd.
Options:

2 = Half Duplex

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Connections

Full Duplex Mode
Usage:
Definition:

When communication to and from the auxiliary port is required.
In Full Duplex Mode all auxiliary port data and symbol data is sent directly
to the host. Symbol data is not displayed on the auxiliary port menu.
Data Originating from the Auxiliary Port
• Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the
Imager is in a polled mode.
• Auxiliary port data or read data is sent to the
host whenever it is received.
• Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
• Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or postamble.

Data Originating from the Imager
• Data is not sent to the auxiliary port.
Aux.
Port

Data Originating from the Host
• All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled mode.

Serial Cmd:
Options:

3 = Full Duplex

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Daisy Chain Mode
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Options:
Function:

Useful in applications where:
• More than one symbol type is present.
• A symbol may be present on multiple sides of a package.
• Symbols are presented at different depths.
In a daisy chain application, readers are connected in tandem or a “daisy
chain” and decoded data is relayed from one reader to another until the
data reaches the host.
A primary reader has its host port linked to the host computer and its auxiliary
port linked to the host port of the first secondary reader in the chain.
Thereafter, each secondary reader’s auxiliary port is linked to the host port
of the secondary reader that is farther from the host in the daisy chain.
Each reader in the chain can be assigned an ID that accompanies any data
that it sends.

4 = Daisy Chain
Before the primary reader times out, it checks its auxiliary port for data. It
should be set to wait at least 30 mS for each secondary reader in the daisy
chain. If no data is received within the read cycle timeout, the primary
reader sends a No Read message to the host. Otherwise the complete data
is sent.
If, for example, the primary reader is set to timeout in 120 mS, the first
secondary reader reader downstream might be set to 90 mS, the next to 30
mS, and so forth, thus assuring that at least 30 mS elapses between
transmissions.a
Daisy-chained readers can send a series of symbols by enabling Multisymbol
and a common multisymbol separator. If the primary reader does not
receive the expected number of symbols, No Read messages are
appended to the data string to make up the difference between the number
of symbols enabled in Multisymbol and the number of symbols read.
For example, a primary and two secondary readers have Number of
Symbols set to 3 and Multisymbol Separator defined as %. If the primary
and the first secondary reader do not find symbols, but the next secondary
reader registers a good read, the transmitted results would be:
symbol data % No Read % No Read

a. The above example assumes a best-case scenario. Other factors, such as baud rate, dynamic focus
timing, number of characters in a given symbol, and the number of secondary readers in the daisy chain
can affect timing and may need to be included in your calculations for complete accuracy.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Connections

Command Processing Mode
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Options:

Allows a user to send configuration settings from the host port to the auxiliary
port.
When enabled, Command Processing Mode allows commands to be
entered via the auxiliary port and direct externally triggered read cycle data
in one of two ways:
• Bar code data, including the serial trigger (if used), will be transmitted to
the last port from which a command was sent.
• If the last command came from the host port, then externally triggered
read cycle data will only be output to the host port.

5 = Command Processing

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Daisy Chain ID Status
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used in a daisy chain setup in cases where the host needs to know which
reader in the chain sent the data.
Each reader in a daisy chain can be assigned a one or two character ID
that will appear in front of decoded data and identify its source.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Note: Enable/disable and length must be the same in all readers.

Daisy Chain ID
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Used in a daisy chain setup in cases where the host needs to know which
reader in the chain sent the data.
A one or two character prefix which identifies the particular daisy chain
reader from which the data is being sent to the host.

Any one or two ASCII characters.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port System Data Status

Auxiliary Port System Data Status
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, system data will be routed to the Auxiliary Port. This
includes decoded data and diagnostic warning messages.
When disabled, system data will not be routed to the Auxiliary Port.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not have an Auxiliary Port.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Daisy Chain Autoconfigure
Usage:
Definition:

For quick setup and configuration of your daisy chain network.
The command to autoconfigure the daisy chain is sent to the primary
Imager and the software responds in the following ways:
• Counts the number of secondary readers in the daisy chain.
• Assigns an internal ID number (1...n) to each secondary reader, where
the first secondary reader is number 1 (the primary reader’s ID being a 0).
• Propagates the communications settings and the relevant operating
modes of the primary Imager to the host and auxiliary ports of each
secondary reader.
• Resets each secondary reader.
• Verifies that each secondary reader has acquired the new settings.

Note: All secondary readers must be set to Serial for Daisy Chain to function.
When setting up a daisy chain operation, perform the following steps:
1. Set the primary Imager (the one connected to the host) to Serial.
This sets all the Imagers in the chain to Serial when the command is executed.
Before Autoconfigure you must set the primary Imager to Serial (S):

Secondary
Imager

Secondary
Imager

2. Send .
3. If necessary, set the primary Imager to Edge.
After Autoconfigure you may set the primary Imager to Edge (E), but the other Imagers
must remain in Serial (S):

Secondary
Imager

Secondary
Imager

Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not support this command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Response Timeout

Response Timeout
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Only used when a response is required from the host. While in Multidrop, if
the Imager does not receive an ACK or NAK from the host after sending
polled data, it will act on a fault. The reader can be set to wait indefinitely by
setting Response Timeout to zero.
The time that the Imager will wait before timing out if ACK, NAK, and ETX
are enabled, and a host response is expected.

12 (in 1mS increments)
0 to 255 (A zero (0) setting causes an indefinite wait.)

Note: See USB HID Interface on page 3-23 for protocol information relating to USB.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

LRC Status
(Longitudinal Redundancy Check)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used when extra data integrity is required.
An error-checking routine that verifies the accuracy of transmissions. It is
the exclusive OR of all characters following the STX (start of text) up to
and including the ETX (end of text). What this means is that the binary
representation of all the characters in a transmission are cumulatively
added in a column and each resulting odd integer is assigned a 1 and
each even integer a 0 (two 1s = 0, two 0s = 0, a 1 and a 0 = 1). The extra
LRC character is then appended to the transmission, and the receiver
(usually the host) performs the same addition and compares the results.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Note: The USB version of the MS-4 does not support this command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Protocol Configuration Examples

Protocol Configuration Examples
Point-to-Point (Main Port)

Baud Rate: 115.2K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8
Point-to-Point
RS-232 enabled; = RS-422 enabled

Polling Mode (Main Port)

Baud Rate: 9600; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8
Polling Mode; Address: 23
RS-232 Point-to-Point polling
30 mS Response Timeout

“User-Defined” Polling Mode (Main Port)

Baud Rate: 9600; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8

Polling Mode; Address: 12
Default RES (0x04), REQ=0x08; EOT=0x09; STX=0x18;
ETX=0x0B; ACK=0x0C; NAK=0x0D

RS-232 Point-to-Point polling

40 mS Response Timeout

ACK / NAK (Main Port)

Baud Rate: 230K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8
ACK/NAK
Default RES and REQ (00, disabled); STX=0x01; ETX=0x1B;
ACK=0x2E; NAK=0x1F
RS-422 enabled; = RS-232 enabled
50 mS Response Timeout

Auxiliary Port
Listed below are several examples of Auxiliary Port commands.

Half Duplex; Baud Rate: 9600; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8
Transparent; Baud Rate: 19.2K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8
Full Duplex; Baud Rate: 57.6K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2; Data Bits: 8
Command Processing; Baud Rate: 230K; Parity: None; Stop Bits: 2;
Data Bits: 8
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

USB HID Interface
The USB version of the MS-4 Imager operates as an HID (Human Interface Device) on the USB
bus. HID-class devices communicate via “report” packets. An HID may support multiple report
types, each of which is identified with a unique report ID. The MS-4 supports two different report
types:
• Microscan HID Report (ID = 1)
• Keyboard Report (ID = 2)
The Imager always outputs the same data for both report types. The user may enable or
disable either report type.
Regardless of the report type used by the host application, the application protocol via USB
is identical to RS-232 / RS-422 ports. HID Reports are used as a channel for standard
Microscan Imager communication, command input, and symbol data output.
Important: No matter how the Imager is configured, it is always able to receive and
respond to commands from the host application using Microscan HID Reports.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

USB HID Interface

Report Options
The following functionality conditions hold true regardless of how HID Reports are configured:
1. The host application must establish a connection with the Imager to receive Microscan
HID IN Reports (symbol data) and to send Microscan HID OUT Reports (commands,
serial triggers).
2. The Imager can always receive Microscan HID OUT Reports (commands, serial triggers).
3. The host application can always send commands through Microscan HID OUT
Reports. If the command requires a response (a part number, for example), the
Imager will always send the response through Microscan HID IN Reports.
4. The Imager always ignores Keyboard OUT Reports sent by the host operating system.
5. The content of both the Keyboard Reports and Microscan HID IN Reports is identical,
except for Keyboard Reports non-printable data limitations.

Microscan HID IN Reports
HID Reports are used as a channel for standard Microscan Imager communication,
command input, and symbol data output. There are two types of Microscan HID
Reports:
Report Type
Microscan HID IN (Imager to host)
Microscan HID OUT (host to Imager)

Data Content
Symbol data; No Reads; Service messages
Commands; serial triggers

Note: The Imager is always able to receive commands and serial triggers from the host
through Microscan HID OUT Reports, regardless of the Microscan HID IN Report status.
If the Imager receives a command that requests a response, such as a part number query,
the Imager will send a Microscan HID IN Report regardless of the IN Report status.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Microscan HID IN Reports Enabled
When this feature is enabled, the Imager will send Microscan HID IN Reports to the host,
containing data originated by the Imager.

Microscan HID IN Reports Disabled
When this feature is disabled, the Imager will not send Microscan HID IN Reports to the
host, containing data originated by the Imager.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Keyboard IN Reports
The host operating system will interpret Keyboard IN Reports from the Imager as if the
user were typing keyboard text. The host operating system sends keystrokes to the current
application. This is commonly called a Keyboard Wedge configuration.
There is one type of Keyboard Report used:
Report Type
Keyboard IN (Imager to host)

Data Content
Symbol data; No Reads; Service messages

Note: If Keyboard IN Reports is enabled, and Microscan HID IN Reports is disabled,
the read cycle must be Continuous Read 1 Output, because there will be no External
Trigger or Serial Trigger. It is not possible to send commands to the Imager as Keyboard
OUT Reports. To send commands to the Imager via USB, the host application must
establish a connection with the Imager and send Microscan HID OUT Reports.
Serial Cmd:
Default:

Keyboard IN Reports Enabled
When this feature is enabled, the Imager will send Keyboard IN Reports to the host,
containing data originated by the Imager.

Keyboard IN Reports Disabled
When this feature is disabled, the Imager will not send Keyboard IN Reports to the host,
containing data originated by the Imager.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

USB HID Interface

Microscan HID Report Format
Size: 64 bytes, fixed-length. The USB HID standard defines all reports as being fixed-length.
Structure: REPORT ID (1) LENGTH (1) DATA (62)
Values in parentheses indicate the size, in bytes, of the field.

Field Descriptions
REPORT ID
Size: 1 byte
Value: 0x01
Note: Report ID is the method employed by USB HID to allow multiple report formats to be
sent and received from the same interface.
LENGTH
Size: 1 byte
Value: 0-62
Note: Length indicates the number of valid data bytes in the fixed-length data field. This is
necessary because the USB HID standards define HID Reports as fixed-length, yet the
Imager or host may require a smaller data size in any given report.
DATA
Size: 62 bytes, fixed-length
Value: 0x00 to 0xFF
Note: The Data field is left-justified, meaning it begins immediately after the Length field.
All unused data space is NUL (0x00) padded. Data values can be “binary”, meaning that
they span the entire 8 bit range of 0x00 to 0xFF.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Report Format Examples
For clarity, all report format examples are shown as follows: report fields separated by an
underscore ( _ ), REPORT ID and LENGTH fields shown as decimal values, data fields
shown as printable ASCII characters, and the number of NUL padding bytes shown as
decimal values (nn).
IN report (to host)
1_11_A]002374938 (51)
REPORT ID = 1 = Microscan HID
LENGTH = 11
DATA = ”A]02374938” = This is a Code 39 symbol.
NUL padding = 51 bytes
OUT report (from host to Imager)
1_27_ (35)
REPORT ID = 1 = Microscan HID
LENGTH = 27
DATA = “” = These commands enable External Edge, set
a 3 second timeout, and request the No Read configuration command.
NUL padding = 35 bytes
IN report (to host)
1_62_ command. Note that the command status
response is not yet complete. See the next report example for the complete response.
NUL padding = 0 bytes
IN report (to host)
1_6_PORTS>(56)
REPORT ID = 1 = Microscan HID
LENGTH = 6
DATA = “PORTS>” = This is the end of the response to the command from the
previous example.
The entire command response is as follows:
DATA = “K714,1, A LONG MESSAGE STREAMED OVER MULTIPLE MICROSCAN HID
REPORTS>” .
NUL padding = 56 bytes

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

USB HID Interface

Keyboard Report Format
Size: 9 bytes, fixed-length.
Structure: REPORT ID (1) MODIFIER (1) RESERVED (1) KEYCODES (6)
Values in parentheses indicate the size, in bytes, of the field.
Important: The host application does not need to understand and process Keyboard
Reports. This task belongs to the host operating system. Keycodes are passed to the host
application as if a user were typing keyboard text. The host application must be the active
application in order to receive keystrokes.
Keyboard Reports protocol requires that two reports be sent for every keystroke. The first
report indicates which key is pressed. The second report indicates “no key pressed”, with
all keycodes NUL (0x00) to indicate that all keys have been released. In the case of the
MS-4 Imager, each byte output is equivalent to a keystroke, with a “key pressed” report
and a “no key pressed” report. For this reason, data rates are much slower when using
Keyboard Reports.

Field Descriptions
REPORT ID
Size: 1 byte
Value: 0x02
Note: Report ID is the method employed by USB HID to allow multiple report formats to be
sent and received from the same interface.
MODIFIER
Size: 1 byte
Value: 0x00 to 0xFF
Note: Modifier is an 8 bit field, corresponding to the state of the modifier keys at the time
the keycode field was generated.
Bit

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Field Descriptions
RESERVED
Size: 1 byte
Value: 0x00
Note: This field is Reserved. Its value is always NUL (0x00).
KEYCODES
Size: 6 bytes
Value: 0x00 to 0xFF
Note: The MS-4 Imager translates 8 bit data values into Keycode data in the following ways:
8 Bit Data Value

0x00 to 0x1F and 0x7F to 0xFF

Decimal key ( . ) unless otherwise noted.

“Printable” characters, 0x20 to 0x7E

These all translate to the keystrokes that produce them.
This includes a-z, 0-9, punctuation, and SHIFT in the
Modifier field, when necessary. Only the first Keycode
in the 6 byte array will be populated.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

USB HID Interface

USB HID Configuration Options
The user has the following options for configuring and defaulting a USB version of the MS-4:

Configuration Symbols (Data Matrix with “Configure Reader” Flag)
Symbol configuration can be performed “out-of-the-box”, as the MS-4 is configured for
Continuous Read Mode, and Data Matrix is enabled by default. Data Matrix symbols are
used to encode configuration commands when the symbology’s “configure reader” flag is
set.
If the read cycle is changed, or if Data Matrix is disabled, another configuration/default
method must be used. This is because the USB MS-4 has no external trigger, unless the
user has configured the EZ button as a trigger.

EZ Button Configuration
By default, basic calibration can be initiated from the EZ button (3 beeps). Note that this
only changes the camera, image processing, and symbology settings of the Imager. To
default the USB MS-4, hold down the EZ button during power-on.
Note: This only overwrites Power-On settings with Custom Default settings, as when the
command is received. It does not overwrite Power-On settings with Factory
Defaults, as when the command is received. If Custom Defaults are misconfigured,
another method must be used to default the Imager.

Implementing the Host Operating System API and Establishing a
Connection with the Microscan HID Interface
When a connection is made, the host can send serial configuration/default commands. The
Imager will always be able to receive configuration commands from the host application and
send responses to those commands. However, the Imager can be configured to stop producing
IN Reports to the host from symbol data output and diagnostics (service messages).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Exceptions for USB
Read Cycle Mode
By default, the Imager operates in Continuous Read Mode. If the Imager is configured
using Data Matrix symbols, the read cycle mode should be the last item changed before
saving the configuration settings and beginning operation. This is because all read cycle
modes other than Continuous Read Mode require a trigger event. In USB, a trigger event
can only be initiated by serial command. To send a trigger command the Imager, the host
application must establish a connection with the Imager’s Microscan HID interface and
send the trigger command in a Microscan HID Report.

The following read cycle conditions are required for USB MS-4:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Continuous
0 = Continuous Mode 1 = Coninuous Read 1 Output Mode
2 = Level Mode
3 = Edge Mode
4 = Serial Mode
5 = Serial and Edge Mode

Important:
• To use Level Mode, you must enable Undelimited Start Trigger Character
and Undelimited End Trigger Character .
• To use Edge Mode, you must enable and use the Undelimited Start Trigger Character
.
• To use Serial Mode, you must use the Delimited Trigger defined by , or enable
and use the Undelimited Start Trigger Character .
• To use Serial and Edge Mode, you must use the Delimited Trigger defined by
, or enable and use the Undelimited Start Trigger Character .

Communications
For the USB version of MS-4, no communications serial commands have any effect on the
Imager except the following:
• USB HID Report Status
• Preamble
• Postamble

EZ Button
Default on power-on cannot be disabled = . This ensures a
level of safety for recovering from misconfigured Power-On settings . However, it is not
foolproof, as defaulting with the EZ button only recovers Custom Default settings, which
can be misconfigured themselves. For this reason, do not save to Custom Default settings
until the Imager’s configuration has been tested.

Symbologies
If the Imager is going to be configured with Data Matrix symbols, do not disable Data Matrix
. Disabling Data Matrix will prevent the Imager from reading configuration symbols.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ASCII Character Entry Modifier

ASCII Character Entry Modifier
Commands that require ASCII text fields, such as Preamble and Postamble commands, can
be sent to the Imager as hex value pairs (see Appendix E, ASCII Table, for conversions).
Serial Cmd Format:
To enter ASCII fields as hex values (00 to FF), add a lower-case h directly after the command’s
K number, and then enter the hex value that corresponds with the desired ASCII character.
Example:
Consider the Postamble command:
Serial Cmd:

Imagine that your application requires the ASCII character > to be the postamble in your
symbol decode output.
The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs. So, to make > the
postamble in your symbol decode output, enter the Postamble command as follows:

Note that the “status” field contains only a , . This is because the only field that is being
changed is the “postamble character(s)” field. (See Serial Configuration Command
Conventions on page A-10 for a more detailed explanation of this command shortcut.)

MS-4 Imager User’s 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 front of
the decoded data.

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

Preamble Characters
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

^M corresponds to: 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.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s 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 corresponds to carriage return/line feed.
To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the control
key while typing the desired character.
Example: to enter ^M^J.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

4 Calibration
Contents
Calibration Serial Commands ....................................................................................................... 4-2
Calibration Overview..................................................................................................................... 4-2
Calibration Options ....................................................................................................................... 4-3
Calibration by ESP...................................................................................................................... 4-10
Initiating Calibration .................................................................................................................... 4-12
Additional Notes about Calibration.............................................................................................. 4-17

This section shows the MS-4 Imager’s calibration options and their default settings.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration Serial Commands

Calibration Serial Commands
Calibration Options
Autocalibrate

Calibration Overview
Autocalibration is one of the most powerful features of the MS-4 Imager. The calibration
process can be initiated by serial command, EZ button, or ESP user interface.
When the Imager enters calibration, it runs through an optimization cycle that sets the ideal
parameters for reading symbols at the highest possible level of performance. Autocalibration
can be specially configured to optimize specific parameters, such as gain, shutter speed,
and symbol type.
The calibration process consists of a search pass, medium pass, and fine-tune pass. During
this process the Imager quickly locates configuration setup, defines a calibration range for
the configuration parameters, and then tunes those parameters for optimal performance.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration Options
This command specifies the operation of the Imager’s calibration feature. The default
configuration is set up to perform calibration on gain and symbol type. The default shutter
speed setting is disabled, because not all applications require shutter speed, and when it
is required, the application-specific settings tend to vary widely.
Note: Background Color (page 6-35) is part of the calibration process regardless of the
calibration setup. After successful completion of the calibration routine, the background
color will be set to the appropriate value, depending on the symbol in the field of view. The
Mirrored Image parameter (page 10-28) is not part of the calibration process, and it must
be configured appropriately prior to calibration.

Gain
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, gain will be calibrated to provide the best available image
quality and performance.
When disabled, gain is fixed and is not part of the calibration process.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration Options

Shutter Speed
Definition:

Unless an application is a static setup, the shutter speed setting should be
configured by the user based on the application. For dynamic applications, the
user should configure the shutter speed setting so the calibration process can
optimize the gain for that setting.
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Disabled
Options:
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Fast Shutter
Note: The following table shows general guidelines for shutter speed configurations based on
various line speeds. The configurations shown depend on the Imager’s optical configuration,
and on symbol element size.
Shutter Speed
0 - 250
250 - 750
750 - 1500
1500 - 2000
2000 - 2500

Line Speed
static
5” / sec
10” / sec
15” / sec
20” / sec

Shutter Speed Disabled
When this feature is disabled, the shutter speed is fixed and is not part of the calibration
process.

Shutter Speed Enabled
When this feature is enabled, shutter speed will be calibrated to provide the best possible
image quality and performance.

Fast Shutter
The calibration process will concentrate on achieving the fastest possible shutter setting that
will still provide good performance. The image quality or contrast may not be as good as
what would be achieved with the Enabled setting. The calibration process is not designed to
choose the fastest shutter speed that can decode a symbol, but rather to optimize for the
fastest shutter speed that still provides good image quality.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbol Type
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Symbol Type Disabled
When this feature is disabled, only the currently-enabled symbologies will be considered
during the calibration process.

Symbol Type Enabled
When this feature is enabled, autodiscrimination will be in effect during the calibration
process. All symbologies that are readable by the Imager except PDF417 will be considered
during calibration. Any new symbologies successfully decoded during calibration will
remain enabled at the end of the process. All enabled symbologies will remain enabled.
For example, assume that only Code 39 is enabled at the beginning of calibration. If a
Code 128 symbol is read during calibration, then Code 128, as well as Code 39, will be
enabled after the calibration process is complete.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration Options

Window of Interest (WOI) Framing
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

If a WOI framing mode is enabled, it will set the camera WOI to a full-size
image when calibration begins. Once a symbol is decoded, the camera
WOI will be re-sized both vertically and horizontally (regardless of which
WOI mode is enabled) to include the symbol plus an additional margin
area. This is done to accelerate the calibration process.
When a successful calibration process is completed, the camera WOI
will be adjusted according to the mode enabled. Otherwise, the original
WOI configuration will be retained.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Row and Column
2 = Row
3 = Column
4 = Straight Line
5 = Straight Line Framed

Calibration Passed

Calibration Failed

If WOI framing is not enabled, the current WOI configuration will be used until a symbol
has been decoded. After a symbol is decoded, the WOI is framed exactly as it would be if
a WOI framing mode was enabled. When the calibration process is complete, the original
WOI configuration is restored. Refer to the diagram below:

Calibration Passed

Calibration Failed

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Window of Interest Framing Disabled
When this feature is disabled, the Window of Interest is not modified after the calibration
process is complete.

Row and Column
If the calibration process is successful, the Window of Interest will be modified to frame the
symbol as well as an additional margin area around the symbol, determined by the WOI
Margin parameter. Refer to the diagram below:

Column
If the calibration process is successful, the Window of Interest columns will be modified to
vertically frame the symbol, plus an additional margin area around the symbol, determined
by the WOI Margin parameter. Refer to the diagram below:

Row
If the calibration process is successful, the Window of Interest rows will be modified to horizontally
frame the symbol, plus an additional margin area around the symbol, determined by the WOI
Margin parameter. Refer to the diagram below:

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration Options

Straight Line
This feature is intended for use with linear symbologies. If the calibration process is successful,
the orientation of the symbol is determined and the Window of Interest is modified according
to the symbol orientation. The scan line orientation is determined to be vertical if the
symbol tilt is between 225° and 315°, or between 45° and 135°. Otherwise, the scan line
will be horizontal.
If the symbol is vertical, the image column size will be set by the scan height parameter,
and will be configured for full row resolution. If the symbol is horizontal, the image row size
will be set by the scan height parameter, and will be configured for full column resolution.
The scan line will be centered in the middle of the symbol. If the symbol is tilted such that
the scan line will not pass completely through the symbol, the scan width will be adjusted
to include the entire symbol. Refer to the diagram below:

Straight Line Framed
This parameter is the same as “Straight Line”, except that the Window of Interest will also
frame the scan line on the symbol length as well. The scan line includes the symbol plus
an additional margin area determined by the WOI Margin parameter.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Window of Interest (WOI) Margin
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sets the margin size that is applied to the calibrated symbol. This parameter
is expressed in number of pixels. If the margin causes the image to exceed
the maximum image size, it will be reduced accordingly.

75 (pixels)
20 to 640

Line Scan Height
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This parameter is only used with the Straight Line modes. It sets the scan
height of the straight-line image, and it is expressed in number of pixels.

64 (pixels)
3 to 480

Processing
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This setting defines the amount of time and effort the Imager will spend
attempting to decode a symbol for each parameter configuration.

Medium
0 = Low
1 = Medium
2 = High
3 = Definable

Low
The Imager will spend a low amount of effort attempting to decode the given symbol for
each parameter configuration.

Medium
The Imager will spend a medium amount of effort attempting to decode the given symbol
for each parameter configuration.

High
The Imager will spend a high amount of effort attempting to decode the given symbol for
each parameter configuration.

Definable
The processing time for each image frame is defined by the Image Processing Timeout
parameter .
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration by ESP

Calibration by ESP
ESP’s Calibration view incorporates all the functionality of the (Calibration
Options) command in a single easy-to-use, intuitive interface. This calibration process
allows the user much finer control of individual parameters than the calibration routine in
EZ Mode or on the Video tab.

Before / During Calibration
Before and After tabs give the user an authentic
representation of the difference in what the Imager
“sees” before and after the calibration routine.

Shutter, Gain,
and Image
Quality values
are all tracked in
real-time during
the calibration
process.
Gain and Shutter Speed
are configurable in the
Calibration interface.

Determines the
amount of time
and effort the
Imager will spend
attempting to
decode a symbol
for each parameter
configuration.
(Low, Medium,
High, Definable).

Dropdown menu of 1D and 2D symbologies, and a check
box for enabling or disabling Composite symbologies.

Initiates the
calibration
routine.
Cancels the
calibration
process, if
necessary.

The Window of Interest section of the Calibration interface allows the user to make precise adjustments
to WOI Framing, WOI Margin (in pixels), and the scan height of the straight-line image (in pixels).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

After Calibration
Notice the improved image
resolution after the calibration
process is complete.

The Shutter, Gain, and
Quality indicator bars
remain stationary at the end
of calibration to provide a
visual reference for the final
values of these parameters.

The calibration
progress bar
indicates that
the process has
been completed.

Saves the optimal configuration parameters
determined by calibration results.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Initiating Calibration

Initiating Calibration
Calibration can be initiated by serial command, the EZ button, or from the Calibration
interface in ESP.
In ESP, the Calibrate button starts the calibration routine.

To initiate calibration by serial command, enter the serial command <@CAL> from a terminal,
such as ESP’s Terminal interface. <@CAL> is a calibration routine that emphasizes contrast
and readability.

See Calibrate by EZ Button on page 1-10 for the EZ button calibration procedure.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Calibration Progress Indicators
During the calibration process, the Imager has a number of ways to communicate its
progress to the user. The following three types of feedback are the primary ways that the
Imager communicates calibration progress.

Read Rate LEDs
When calibration is initiated through a serial command or the EZ button, the Imager’s read
rate LEDs indicate calibration progress as follows:
LEDs
20%
20%, 40%, 60%
20%, 40%, 60%, 80%
20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%

Calibration Progress
Search Pass in progress.
Medium Pass in progress.
Fine-Tune Pass in progress.
Calibrated Successfully (holds for green flash duration).

Beeper / Green Flash
The beeper and green LED flash are used to indicate calibration status as shown in the
table below:
Indicator
2 quick beeps
5 quick beeps
1 long beep
1 sec. Green Flash

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Status
Calibration has started.
Calibration has failed.
Calibration has been completed successfully.
Calibration has been completed successfully.

Initiating Calibration

Calibration Progress Output to Terminal
When initiated by serial command or EZ button, the autocalibration operation will output
progress and process information to a terminal if the system is configured to do so.

Terminal
Depending upon how the calibration options are configured, the autocalibration process
can have up to 3 steps (Search Pass, Medium Pass, Fine-Tune Pass). Calibration data is
shown in a simple table format under 7 category headings, each of which are defined
below.
Heading
Prog
Rating
Decode
Quality
Shutter
Gain
Locate

Definition
Progress indicator with a range of 0 - 100. Indicates percent complete.
Rating indicator; higher ratings are more favorable.
Number of successful decodes for the pass.
Quality indicator; higher ratings are more favorable.
Shutter setting under operation.
Gain setting under operation.
Time required to locate symbol, expressed in milliseconds.

Calibration Progress Output Examples (Terminal)
Search Pass
The purpose of Search Pass is to decode a symbol in as few configurations as possible
during calibration. This process is designed to quickly identify symbology type, and any
image processing parameters that are already calibrated.
Running Search Pass

250
250
250
250

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Medium Pass
The theory behind Medium Pass is to develop a readable range from which to dial in a
decoded symbol.
Running Medium Pass
Prog

51
53
55
57
59
61
63
65
67
69
71
73
75

4216
8436
6336
8448
8456
8464
8472
8488
8504
8512
8528
8584
8644

2
4
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

8
20
24
32
40
48
56
72
88
96
112
168
228

250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250

0
4
8
12
16
20
24
28
32
36
40
44
48

5
4
4
4
5
4
5
5
5
5
6
5
5

Rating List (Best):
Rating = 8606; Shutter = 250; Gain = 48
Rating = 8581; Shutter = 250; Gain = 44
Rating = 8553; Shutter = 250; Gain = 40
Rating = 8527; Shutter = 250; Gain = 36
Rating = 8505; Shutter = 250; Gain = 32
Rating = 8488; Shutter = 250; Gain = 28
Rating = 8476; Shutter = 250; Gain = 24

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Initiating Calibration

Fine-Tune Pass
The theory behind Fine-Tune Pass is to dial in a decoded symbol based on the range
supplied by the Medium Pass.
Running Fine Tune Pass
Prog

77
79
81
84
86
88
90
93
95
97
100

6416
6424
6424
6432
6448
6464
6476
6488
6506
6524
6538

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

104
112
112
120
136
152
164
176
194
212
226

250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250

38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48

7
6
6
6
5
5
5
5
6
5
6

Rating List (Best):
Rating = 6527; Shutter = 250; Gain = 48
Rating = 6517; Shutter = 250; Gain = 47
Rating = 6505; Shutter = 250; Gain = 46
Rating = 6491; Shutter = 250; Gain = 45
Rating = 6476; Shutter = 250; Gain = 44
Rating = 6462; Shutter = 250; Gain = 43
Rating = 6449; Shutter = 250; Gain = 42
Calibration PASSED.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Additional Notes about Calibration
The following conditions apply to the Imager’s calibration process. Some of these items
are noted at various points throughout this section, or in other sections of the Imager’s
documentation.
1. The Mirrored Image parameter is not part of the calibration process.
2. Background Color is calibrated.
3. If Window of Interest (WOI) Framing is enabled, the WOI will be set to full frame
when calibration begins. If WOI Framing is disabled, the current WOI configuration
will be used for the Search Pass.
4. IP Mode will not be altered during calibration.
5. Threshold Mode will be set to Adaptive during calibration. At the end of a
successful calibration, Threshold Mode will remain set to Adaptive regardless of its
previous setting. Otherwise, the value will revert to its original state.
6. If Symbol Type is enabled for calibration (Autodiscriminate), then Interleaved 2 of 5
Range Mode Status (Interleaved 2 of 5) will be enabled. This allows variable-length
Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols to be decoded. If an Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol is decoded
during calibration, then symbol length # 1 will be set to the decoded symbol length at
the end of calibration. Otherwise, the symbol lengths will be restored to their original
configurations.
7. The symbol size, dimension, and orientation parameters of the No Symbol Message
and Bad Symbol Message, and 2D Symbology Qualification command
will be updated if calibration is completed successfully.
8. All symbol types that were enabled before calibration will still be enabled after calibration.
For example, if Data Matrix ECC 200 was enabled before calibration, and the calibration
routine was performed on a Code 128 symbol, then after calibration is completed both
Data Matrix ECC 200 and Code 128 will be enabled.
9. The calibration process does not modify the global Composite status . The
global Composite status must be configured properly before calibration.
10. If the user requires calibration of a stacked symbology , , or ,
that symbology must be enabled and configured appropriately before calibration.
11. UPC Supplementals will be disabled during calibration.
12. The Search Pass process will use the configurable Window of Interest for image captures. However, when the search process is completed, the WOI will be reduced to
include only the symbol of interest and some additional boundary area.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Additional Notes about Calibration

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

5 Read Cycle
Contents
Read Cycle by ESP ...................................................................................................................... 5-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands...................................................................................................... 5-3
Read Cycle Setup......................................................................................................................... 5-4
Multisymbol................................................................................................................................... 5-5
Trigger Mode and Duration........................................................................................................... 5-6
External Trigger Polarity ............................................................................................................. 5-11
Serial Trigger .............................................................................................................................. 5-12
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)..................................................................................... 5-13
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited) ..................................................................................... 5-13
End of Read Cycle...................................................................................................................... 5-14
Capture Mode ............................................................................................................................. 5-16
Capture Timing ........................................................................................................................... 5-20
Image Processing Timeout ......................................................................................................... 5-22
Image Storage ............................................................................................................................ 5-23
Minimum Good Reads ................................................................................................................ 5-25
Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax.............................................................................................. 5-26

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Read Cycle by ESP

Read Cycle by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
Read Cycle
menu.
To change a setting,
double click the
setting and use your
cursor to scroll
through the options.

To open nested
options, single click
the +.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Read Cycle Serial Commands
Trigger Mode/Duration
Serial Trigger Character
External Trigger State
End of Read Cycle
Minimum Good Reads
Multisymbol
Start Trigger Character
Stop Trigger Character
Capture Mode
Capture Timing
Image Storage
IP Timeout

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Read Cycle Setup

Read Cycle Setup
Setting up read cycle and triggering parameters will involve a series of decisions based on
your particular application, as follows:
1. Select the number of symbols to be read in a single cycle. The MS-4 can read multiple
symbols in a single image frame.
2. Decide on the trigger type to be used: if serial, choose a serial character; if external,
choose either Level or Edge.
3. Designate how the read cycle should end (Timeout, New Trigger, Last Frame).
4. Select Capture Mode, Continuous Mode, or Rapid Mode.
5. Select Number of Captures (if in Rapid Capture Mode).
6. Set the Time Before First Capture and Time Between Captures, if any.
Note: The Imager’s camera captures images at a rate of about 16/second (based on a
full-size 640 x 480 image). The capture rate increases as frame sizes decrease.
Note: If you need to set up your MS-4 for use with EZ Trax software, see Setting Up the
Imager for EZ Trax.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Multisymbol
Usage:
Definition:
Conditions:

Multisymbol is commonly used in shipping applications where a shipping
symbol contains individual symbols for part number, quantity, etc. This
feature allows on trigger to pick up all the symbols.
Multisymbol allows the user to define up to 100 symbols that can be read
in a single read cycle.
The following conditions apply:
• Each symbol must be different to be read, unless in Rapid Capture
Mode, configured for “triggered capture”.
• The maximum number of characters in a read cycle is 3,000 for all
symbols.
• All No Read messages are posted at the end of the data string, unless
output filtering is enabled.
• If more than one symbol is within the field of view at the same time,
symbol data may not be displayed in the order of appearance.
• If Matchcode Type is set to Sequential or if Trigger is set to Continuous
Read 1 Output, the Imager will behave as if Number of Symbols were
set to 1, regardless of the user-defined configuration.

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.

Multisymbol Separator
Usage:
Definition:

Used to delimit or separate data fields with a user defined character.
Any valid ASCII character, inserted between each symbol read when Multisymbol
is set to any number greater than 1.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
, (comma)
Options:
Any available ASCII character.
Note: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a more detailed explanation of how
to enter ASCII characters as hex values.
Note: If No Read messages are disabled and there are No Reads occurring, separators
will only be inserted between symbol data outputs.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Trigger Mode and Duration

Trigger Mode and Duration
Trigger
Definition:

The event that initiates the read cycle.

Note: When calibrating the Imager or testing read rate, the current trigger setting will be
disregarded.

Trigger Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Continuous Read
0 = Continuous Read 1 = Continuous Read 1 Output
2 = External Level
3 = External Edge
4 = Serial Data
5 = Serial Data and External Edge

Continuous Read
Usage:
Definition:

Continuous Read is useful in testing symbol readability or reader functions.
It is not recommended for normal operations.
In Continuous Read, trigger input options are disabled, the Imager is
always in the read cycle, and it will attempt to decode and transmit every
capture. 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 Imager sends replies to serial commands that require responses when
symbol data is transmitted, or read cycle timeout is enabled and a timeout
occurs and at least one captured image has been processed. Depending
on the combination of enabled symbologies and the Threshold Mode setting,
the Imager may take longer than the timeout to process a captured image.
Note: When to Output and No Read options have no affect on Continuous
Read.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Continuous Read 1 Output
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.
In Continuous Read 1 Output the Imager self-triggers whenever it
decodes a new symbol or a timeout occurs.
If End of Read Cycle is set to Timeout and the symbol doesn’t change,
the output is repeated at the end of each timeout period. For example, if
Timeout is set to one second, the Imager sends the symbol data immediately
and repeats the output at intervals of one second for as long as it continues
to capture the symbol.
If End of Read Cycle is set to New Trigger, the Imager will send the current
symbol data immediately, but only once. A new symbol appearing in the
Imager’s range will be read and sent immediately, provided it is not identical
to the previous symbol.

Caution: In automated environments, Continuous Read 1 Output is not recommended
because there is typically no reliable way to verify that a symbol was missed.
Note: If Trigger Mode is set to Continuous Read 1 Output, the Imager will behave as if
Number of Symbols were set to 1, regardless of the user-defined configuration.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Trigger Mode and Duration

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 Imager 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.

Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Negative or Positive) that exists
while the object is in a read cycle, between the rising edge and the falling edge. Rising edge
is the trigger signal associated with the appearance of an object. Falling edge is the trigger
signal associated with the subsequent disappearance of the object. This applies both to
External Level and External Edge.

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:

Serial Cmd:
5-8

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.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Data
Usage:
Definition:

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.
In Serial Data, the Imager 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: .

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 or External Edge
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Serial Data or External 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 Imager to the host.
In this mode the Imager accepts either a serial ASCII character or an external
trigger pulse to start the read cycle.

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.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Trigger Mode and Duration

Trigger Filter Duration
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Trigger Filter Duration allows the Imager to disregard false trigger
events.
When Trigger Mode is set to either External Edge or External Level, the
read cycle’s active state must be delayed until the specified filter duration
has elapsed. The Imager will trigger at the end of that duration.

313 (x 32µs = 10.24mS)
1 to 65535 (corresponding with 32µs to 2.097seconds in 32µs steps)

Note: If Trigger Mode is set to External Edge, the Imager will trigger only after the active
state has been delayed for the specified filter duration.
Note: If Trigger Mode is set to External Level, the Imager will trigger once the active
state has been delayed for the specified filter duration after the appearance of an object’s
active edge.
In addition, the active state must be delayed for the specified filter duration after the disappearance
of the object’s falling edge for the trigger to be rendered inactive.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

External Trigger Polarity
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows users to select the trigger polarity that will be used in their application.
Determines the active state of the trigger signal applied to the cable input of
the Imager.

Positive
0 = Negative
1 = Positive

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Trigger
Usage:
Definition:

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.

Serial Trigger Character (Delimited)
Usage:
Definition:

Allows the user to define the trigger character that initiates the read cycle.
A single ASCII host serial trigger character that initiates the read cycle.
A delimited trigger character is one that either starts or ends the read cycle
and is enclosed by delimiters such as < >.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Space bar
Options:
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 or External Edge triggering mode must be enabled for
Serial Trigger Character to take effect.
Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s 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 Imager 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 Imager remains in
External Level trigger read cycle until a Stop character is received.
• In Serial Data or External 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.

Note: See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for hex entry instructions.

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 Imager 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 Imager remains in
External Level trigger read cycle until a Stop character is received.
• In Serial Data or External 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.

Note: See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for hex entry instructions.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

End of Read Cycle

End of Read Cycle
Definition:

The read cycle is the time during which the Imager will attempt to capture
and decode a symbol. A read cycle can be ended by a timeout, a new
trigger, or by the last frame in a capture sequence or a combination of the
above.

End of Read Cycle Mode
Note: When operating in Continuous Read or Continuous Read 1 Output, the Imager is
always in the read cycle.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Timeout
1 = New Trigger
0 = Timeout
3 = Last Frame
2 = Timeout or new Trigger
4 = Last Frame or New Trigger

Typically used with Serial Data or External Edge and Continuous Read
1 Output.
It is effective in highly controlled applications when the maximum length of
time between objects can be predicted. It assures that a read cycle ends
before the next symbol appears, giving the system extra time to decode
and transmit the data to the host.
Timeout ends the read cycle, causing the reader to stop reading symbols
and send the symbol data or No Read message when the time set in Timeout
elapses (times out), if When to Output is set to End of Read Cycle.
If in Continuous Read 1 Output, a timeout initiates a new read cycle and
allows the same symbol to be read again.
With External Edge, Serial Data, or Serial Data or External Edge
enabled, a timeout ends the read cycle and symbol data or a No Read
message is sent to the host.
With External Level enabled, the read cycle does not end until the falling
edge trigger occurs or a timeout occurs. The next read cycle does not begin
until the next rising edge trigger.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

New Trigger
Usage:
Definition:

New Trigger is an effective way to end a read cycle when objects move
past the reader at irregular intervals (not timing-dependent).
New Trigger ends the current read cycle and initiates a new one when a
new trigger occurs. New Trigger refers only to a rising edge trigger.
With External Edge, Serial Data, or Serial Data or External Edge
enabled, an edge or serial trigger ends a read cycle and initiates the next
read cycle.
In the case of External Level, a falling edge trigger ends the read cycle but
the next read cycle does not begin until the occurrence of the next rising
edge trigger.

Timeout or New Trigger
Usage:
Definition:

Useful in applications that require an alternative way to end the read
cycle. For example, if an assembly line should stop completely or the
intervals between objects are highly irregular.
Timeout or New Trigger is identical to Timeout except that a timeout or a
new trigger (whichever occurs first) ends the read cycle.

Last Frame
Usage:
Definition:

Useful in applications in which the number of captures needed can be
defined but the timeout duration varies.
Last Frame only applies to Rapid Capture Mode.

Last Frame or New Trigger
Usage:
Definition:

Useful in applications in which line speeds are irregular and a new
labelled object could appear before the last frame in a Rapid Capture
sequence.
Last Frame or New Trigger is identical to New Trigger except that a new
trigger or last frame (whichever occurs first) ends the read cycle.

Read Cycle Timeout
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Read Cycle Timeout is the duration of the read cycle.

200 (x10mS)
1 to 65,535

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Capture Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Capture Mode relates to the way that images are captured and processed.

Continuous Capture
0 = Rapid Capture
1 = Continuous Capture

Rapid Capture
Definition:

In a rapid capture mode, one or multiple captures (as many as 32) can be
taken at an interval specified by the time-between-captures parameter. In
this mode, the only limiting time factor is integration and transfer timing.

Continuous Capture
Usage:
Definition:

Continuous Capture is useful in applications with slower line speeds or
where symbol spacing may be random or not time-dependent.
In Continuous Capture Mode, image captures are taken throughout the
read cycle in a multi-buffered format (see diagram below). The Imager
begins processing the first captured image at the same time that it captures
the second image. Captures will continue occurring throughout the read
cycle until an end condition occurs, such as a timeout, a new trigger, the
last frame in a capture sequence, or a combination of the above.

Start of Read
Cycle

End of
read cycle

Processing time

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Number of Captures
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used to increase the opportunities for good reads and to “extend” the field
of view in dynamic applications.
Sets the total number of captures that are processed during a read cycle in
Rapid Capture Mode when Switching Mode is set to Number of Captures.

Note: The range of maximum number of captures is dynamic. This range is dependent
on the maximum image size in the system. A full-size image (640 x 480) reduces the
maximum number of images to 6. The smaller the image size, the greater the maximum
number of captures. Once the image size is reduced to small enough dimensions, the
maximum number of captures will be capped at 32.
If a user enters a maximum capture value greater than that allowed, the value will be
limited to the number of system images. This command also affects the number of
stored images allowed in the system. If the maximum number of captures is selected,
the number of stored images allowed will be 0.

Rapid Capture Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

In Rapid Capture Mode, one or multiple captures (as many as 32) can be
taken at an interval specified by the time-between-captures parameter. In
this mode, the only limiting time factor is integration and transfer timing.

Timed Capture
0 = Timed Capture
1 = Triggered Capture

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Timed Capture
Usage:
Definition:

Timed Capture is useful in fast-moving applications in which symbols are
only in the field of view for a short time and precise timing is required.
In Timed Rapid Capture, decoding occurs independent of and simultaneous
with capturing, thus allowing precise timing or no delay at all between
captures.
Also, consecutive captures are regarded as the same symbol if the output
data is the same.

No Time Delay Between Captures

Start of Read Cycle

End of
read cycle

Time Before First Capture
Time Delay Between Captures
End of
read cycle

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Triggered Capture
Usage:
Definition:

Useful in applications where each decode must be treated as a discrete
event, regardless of symbol data.
When Rapid Capture Mode is set to Triggered Capture, each decode is
considered a separate event, even if the current decode data is identical to
the previous decode data.
The first trigger event starts the read cycle, and subsequent triggers will
continue until the predetermined Number of Captures is met, or until the
predetermined End of Read Cycle condition is met-- whichever occurs
first.
Note: If End of Read Cycle is set for New Trigger and the read cycle
qualifications have not been met, the read cycle will only end once it
receives the first trigger after reaching the predetermined Number of
Captures setting.

First trigger
starts the read
cycle

Captures on every trigger

Capture
Read cycle ends
on New Trigger
or Timeout, as
configured.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Capture Timing
Note: Capture Timing applies only to Rapid Capture Mode.

Time Before First Capture
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

In almost any moving line application, a time delay is needed to ensure that
a symbol will be in the Imager’s field of view at the beginning of the capture
sequence.
Time Before First Capture in a moving line application is the time between
an external trigger event and the occurrence of the first capture.

0
0 to 65535 (2.097 seconds, in 32 µS increments)

Start of Read
Cycle

Time Before First Capture
Processing

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Time Between Captures
Usage:

This is useful in applications where more than one symbol can appear
during a single read cycle (multisymbol), or where line speeds are slow
enough that captured frames might overlap or miss a symbol.
A time delay can be inserted between individual frame captures in Rapid
Capture Mode.

5,000 mS (5 sec.)
1 to 65535 (in 1mS increments)

Notes:
• The timeout period does not include capture time.
• If a timeout occurs during processing and no symbols in the field of view have been
decoded, the image will be recorded as a No Read. For this reason, a longer timeout
should be tried to ensure that the symbol is decoded successfully.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Image Storage
Image Storage Type
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows the user to store images from separate read cycles and to retrieve
them later. The number of available slots for storage depends on the mode
of operation. If the Imager is in Rapid Capture Mode, the number of
images that can be stored is equivalent to the maximum number of the
rapid count (the current rapid count setting). If the Imager is in Continuous
Capture Mode, a number of images equivalent to the maximum number of
the rapid count minus 3.

Disabled/Clear
0 = Disabled/Clear
1 = Store on No Read

Disabled / Clear
Upon selection of this option, all saved images will be cleared and the Imager will not store
images for later viewing.

Store on No Read
This option will cause the Imager to store an image upon exiting the read cycle for retrieval
at a later time. If multiple captures are present during the duration of a read cycle, the
stored image will be the last image processed for that read cycle. This image is stored in
RAM and can be retrieved as long as power is cycled to the Imager, and as long as the
Imager has not been reset via a reset/save sequence. Other commands that can initialize
storage in RAM are ones that change capture modes or put the Imager in a test capture
mode.

Image Storage Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

First Mode
0 = First Mode
1 = Last Mode

First Mode
This mode allows the Imager to store images until the available image memory has been
filled. At that point the Imager will stop saving additional images. In this mode, you will
always have the first image captured, because the saving process stops once memory
has been filled.

Last Mode
In this mode, image storage continues after available memory limits are reached. The oldest
image in memory is overwritten, so you will always have the most recent stored image.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Image Storage Example
The following example assumes that the Imager is in a rapid capture mode of 3 captures.
Number of Symbols:
Frame # 1:
Frame # 2:
Frame # 3:
Read Cycle Result:
Stored Frame:

1
No Read
No Read
Good Read, Symbol # 1
Good Read
None

Number of Symbols:
Frame # 1:
Frame # 2:
Frame # 3:
Read Cycle Result:
Stored Frame:

1
No Read
No Read
No Read
No Read
Frame # 3

Number of Symbols:
Frame # 1:
Frame # 2:
Frame # 3:
Read Cycle Result:
Stored Frame:

2
No Read
No Read
Good Read, Symbol # 1
No Read
Frame # 2

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Minimum Good Reads
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This value specifies the number of times a symbol needs to be read to
qualify as a good read.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax

Setting Up the Imager for EZ Trax
If you are using EZ Trax software, it is important to set up the MS-4 correctly before beginning.
Click the Read Cycle button to display the Read Cycle tree control.

Set Trigger Mode, , to External Edge.

Set Capture Mode, , to Rapid Capture.

Once these Read Cycle parameters are set, you will be ready to connect to EZ Trax. For a
description of how to configure EZ Trax using serial commands or ESP, see Configuring EZ
Trax Output in Chapter 7, I/O Parameters.
For more detailed information about using EZ Trax, refer to the Help menu in EZ Trax
software, or the EZ Trax Quick Start Guide, available on the Microscan Tools CD.
5-26

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

6 Symbologies
Contents
Symbologies by ESP.................................................................................................................... 6-2
Symbologies Serial Commands ................................................................................................... 6-3
Data Matrix ................................................................................................................................... 6-4
QR Code ...................................................................................................................................... 6-6
Code 39........................................................................................................................................ 6-7
Code 128 / EAN 128 .................................................................................................................. 6-10
BC412 ........................................................................................................................................ 6-13
Interleaved 2 of 5........................................................................................................................ 6-14
Code 93...................................................................................................................................... 6-17
Codabar...................................................................................................................................... 6-18
UPC / EAN ................................................................................................................................. 6-21
GS1 DataBar (RSS) ................................................................................................................... 6-25
PDF417 ...................................................................................................................................... 6-27
MicroPDF417 ............................................................................................................................. 6-29
Composite .................................................................................................................................. 6-30
Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier ...................................................................................... 6-31
Background Color....................................................................................................................... 6-33

This section describes the various symbol types that can be read and decoded by the MS-4
Imager.
See the following sites for additional information about linear and 2D symbologies:
http://www.aimglobal.org/standards/aimpubs.asp
http://barcodes.gs1us.org/dnn_bcec/Default.aspx?tabid=82

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbologies by ESP

Symbologies by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
Symbologies
menu.

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

To open nested
options, single-click
the +.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbologies Serial Commands
Narrow Margins/Symbology ID
Background Color
Composite
Code 39

Interleaved 2 of 5
UPC/EAN
Code 128/EAN 128

Code 93
PDF417
Data Matrix

QR Code
BC412
DataBar-14
DataBar Limited
DataBar Expanded
MicroPDF417

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Data Matrix
Usage:

Very useful where information needs to be packed into a small area, and/
or where symbols need to be applied directly to the substrate with laser
etching, chemical etching, dot peen, or other methods.
Data Matrix is a type of Matrix symbology and has subsets ECC 000 - ECC
200.
ECC 200 symbols have an even number of rows and an even number of
columns. Most of the symbols are square with sizes from 10x10 to
144x144. Some symbols, however, are rectangular, with sizes from 8x18 to
16x48. All ECC 200 symbols can be recognized by the upper right corner
module being light (binary 0) instead of dark.

ECC 200
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 200 Data Matrix symbols.

Enabled
Note: This is the only symbol type enabled by default.
0 = Disabled

ECC 000
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 000 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

ECC 050
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 050 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ECC 080
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 080 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

ECC 100
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 100 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

ECC 140
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 140 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

ECC 120
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 120 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

ECC 130
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, will decode ECC 130 symbols.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

QR Code
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Widely implemented in the automotive industry in Japan and throughout
their worldwide supply chain.
QR Code is capable of handling numeric, alphanumeric, and byte data as
well as kanji and kana characters. Up to 7,366 characters (numeric data)
can be encoded using this symbol. Therefore, less space is required to
encode the same amount of data in a QR Code symbol than in a conventional
symbol, lowering the cost of labelling.
Three Position Detection Patterns in the symbol make omnidirectional,
ultra-fast reading possible.
QR Code has error protection capability. Data can often be restored even if
a part of the symbol has become dirty or damaged.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

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

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Check Digit Status (Code 39)
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Disabled
0 = Disabled

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Large Intercharacter Gap (Code 39)
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Large Intercharacter Gap is helpful for reading symbols that are printed
out of specification.
Caution: Do not use Large Intercharacter Gap with Narrow Margins
enabled, because a large intercharacter gap (over 3x) could cause a narrow
margin (5x) to be interpreted as an intercharacter gap.
When enabled, the Imager can read symbols with gaps between symbol
characters that exceed three times (3x) the narrow element width.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 39)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, the Imager will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field. If disabled, any length will be considered valid.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Fixed Symbol Length (Code 39)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Fixed 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 Imager will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The
Imager ignores any symbology that does not match the specified length.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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 Imager can read the full ASCII character set, from 0 to 255.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Code 128 / EAN 128

Code 128 / EAN 128
Usage:
Definition:

Default:
Options:

Code 128 is a smaller symbology useful in applications with tight spots
and high security needs.
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

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

When enabled, the Imager will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field. If disabled, any length will be considered a valid symbol.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

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

Default:
Options:

Fixed 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 Imager will recognize
(this does not include start, stop, and check digit characters). The Imager
ignores any symbol not having the specified length.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

EAN 128 Status (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

When this field is disabled, the Imager will not check any Code 128 labels
for conformance to EAN requirements, or perform any special formatting.
When enabled, the Imager can read symbols with or without a function 1
character in the first position. If a symbol has a function 1 character in the
first position, it must conform to EAN format. Symbols that conform to EAN
format will also be subject to the special output formatting options available
in this command.
Note: Code 128 status must be enabled for EAN status to be active.
If EAN status is required, the Imager will only decode symbols that have a
function 1 character in the first position and that conform to EAN format. All
symbols read will be subject to the special output formatting options available
in this command.
Note: Code 128 status must be enabled for EAN status to be active.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Required

Output Format (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

In Standard, the Imager will not apply special EAN output formatting
options.
In Application, the Imager will apply the special EAN output formatting
options to decoded EAN-conforming symbols.

Standard
0 = Standard

1 = Application

Application Record Separator Status (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

When enabled, an EAN separator will be inserted into the output between
fields whenever an EAN-conforming symbol is decoded and EAN output
formatting applies.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

1 = Enabled
6-11

Code 128 / EAN 128

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

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

Any ASCII character (7 bit).

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

Application Record Brackets (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

If an EAN-conforming symbol is decoded and EAN formatting applies, this
feature places bracket characters “( )” around the application identifiers in
the formatted output.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Application Record Padding (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

This feature causes the Imager to pad variable-length application fields with
leading zeroes. This is not done for the last field of a symbol.

Enabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

BC412
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Widely used in semiconductor manufacturing. Particularly useful where
speed, accuracy, and ease of printing are required.
BC412 (Binary Code 412), a proprietary IBM symbology since 1988, is an
alphanumeric symbol with a set of 35 characters, each encoded by a set of
4 bars in 12 module positions. All bars have a single width; it is the presence
(1) or absence (0) of bars in each of the twelve module positions that make
BC412 binary.
This symbology is also bi-directional and self-clocking, with a start character
and a stop character.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Check Digit Output (BC412)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Check Digit Output, added to the symbol, provides additional security.
When enabled, the check digit character is read and compared along with
the symbol data. When disabled, symbol data is sent without the check
digit.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (BC412)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, the Imager will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field. If disabled, any length will be considered valid.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Fixed Symbol Length (BC412)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, the check digit character is read and compared along with
the symbol data. When disabled, symbol data is sent without the check
digit.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

I-2/5 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 digit is highly recommended).
Important: You must set Symbol Length in order to decode I-2/5 symbols,
unless Range Mode is enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Check Digit 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 digit verification.
An error correcting routine in which the check digit character is added.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

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

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

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbol Length #1 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:

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.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
10
Options:
0 to 64, even only.
Important: If Range Mode is disabled, the length of the symbol must match
either Symbol Length # 1 or Symbol Length # 2 to be considered a valid
symbol.
If Range Mode is enabled, Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length # 2 form
a range into which the length of the symbol must fall to be considered valid.

Symbol Length #2 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:

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.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
6
Options:
0 to 64, even only.
Important: If Range Mode is disabled, the length of the symbol must match
either Symbol Length # 2 or Symbol Length # 1 to be considered a valid
symbol.
If Range Mode is enabled, Symbol Length # 2 and Symbol Length # 1 form
a range into which the length of the symbol must fall to be considered valid.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Interleaved 2 of 5

Guard Bar Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Note: Whenever Guard Bar is enabled, the presence of guard bars (also called “bearer
bars”) is required for decoding to take place.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful when I-2/5 multisymbols are enabled to prevent false data output.
This typically occurs with highly tilted or skewed symbols.
A guard bar is a heavy bar, at least twice the width of the wide bar, surrounding
the printed I-2/5 symbol and helping to prevent false reads.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Range Mode Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in applications where I 2/5 symbols of a specific length are required.
When Range Mode is disabled, the Imager checks the value of the symbol
length against the values set in Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length #
2. If the symbol length does not match either of the preset values, then it is
rejected as invalid.
When Range Mode is enabled, Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol Length #
2 are combined to form a range of valid symbol lengths. Any symbol length
that does not fall into this range is rejected as an invalid symbol. Either of
the preset symbol length values in the Symbol Length # 1 and Symbol
Length # 2 fields can form the start or end of the range.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

Sometimes used in 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

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 93)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the Imager will accept any Code 93 symbol provided is
doesn’t exceed the system’s maximum capabilities.
When enabled, the Imager will reject any Code 93 symbol that doesn’t
match the fixed symbol length.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Symbol Length (Code 93)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This is the symbol length value against which all Code 93 symbols will be
compared.

MS-4 Imager User’s 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 Match (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the Imager will decode Codabar symbols whether or not
the start and stop characters are the same.
When enabled, the Imager will not decode Codabar symbols unless the
start and stop characters are the same.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Start / Stop Output (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the start and stop characters will not be present in the data
output of the decoded symbol.
When enabled, the start and stop characters will 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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Large Intercharacter Gap (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the spaces between characters, or the “inter-character
gap”, are ignored during the decode process.
Note: If the inter-character space is large enough to be considered a margin,
the symbol will not decode, regardless of this parameter’s setting.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the Imager will accept any Codabar symbol provided it
doesn’t exceed the system’s maximum capabilities.
When enabled, the Imager will reject any Codabar symbol that doesn’t
match the fixed length.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Symbol Length (Codabar)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This is the value against which all Codabar symbol lengths will be compared.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Check Digit Type (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the Imager will not perform any character checking calculations
on decoded Codabar symbols.
When set to Mod 16, the Imager will perform a modulus 16 check character
calculation on the symbol. If the symbol does not pass this calculation, it
will not be decoded.
When set to NW7, The Imager will perform an NW7 modulus 11 check character
calculation on the symbol. If the symbol does not pass this calculation, it will not
be decoded.
When set to Both, the Imager will perform both the Mod 16 and NW7 modulus
11 check character calculations on the symbol. If the symbol does not pass
either calculation, it will not be decoded.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Mod 16
2 = NW7 (Mod 11)
3 = Mod 16 and NW7

Check Digit Output (Codabar)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

UPC / EAN
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used primarily in POS application in the retail industry. It is commonly
used with Microscan readers in applications in combination with Matchcode
when there is a need to verify that the right product is being placed in the
right packaging.
UPC (Universal Product Code) is a fixed 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.
When enabled, the Imager will read UPC Version A and UPC Version E
only.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

EAN Status
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

EAN is the European version of the UPC symbology and is used in European
market applications.
Note: UPC must be enabled for EAN to take effect.
EAN is a subset of UPC. When enabled, the Imager will read UPC Version
A, UPC Version E, EAN 13, and EAN 8. It also appends a leading zero to
UPC Version A symbol information and transmits 13 digits. If transmitting
13 digits when reading UPC Version A symbols is not desired, disable EAN.
Note: The extra character identifies the country of origin.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

Reads Supplementals typically used in publications and documentation.
A supplemental is a 2 to 5 digit symbol appended to the main symbol.
When set to Enabled or Required, the Imager reads supplemental code
data that has been appended to the standard UPC or EAN codes.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Required

Disabled
UPC Supplementals will not be decoded.

Enabled
When enabled, the Imager will try to decode a main and a supplemental. However, if a
supplemental is not decoded, the main will be sent by itself at the end of the read cycle.

Required
When set to Required, both the main and the supplemental symbols must be read or a
single No Read condition results.
For example, if Supplementals is set to Required, Separator is enabled, and an asterisk
is defined as the UPC separator character. Then the data is displayed as:
MAIN * SUPPLEMENTAL.
Note: Under no circumstances will the supplemental symbol data be sent without a main
symbol.
Note: If additional symbols—other than the main or supplemental—will be read in the
same read cycle, Number of Symbols should be set accordingly.

Separator Status (UPC / EAN)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows users to distinguish between the main and Supplemental symbols.
A character can be inserted between the standard UPC or EAN symbology
and the supplemental symbology when Supplementals is set to Enabled
or Required.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Separator Character (UPC / EAN)
Note: If Separator Character has been changed to any other character and you wish to
redefine the separator as a comma, you will need to use ESP.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

As required by the application.
Allows the user to change the separator character from a comma to a new
character.

, (comma)
Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.
Note: Whenever Separator Character is defined as a comma (,) sending a
command will return the current settings, including the separator character comma which
appears after the separator status comma.

Supplemental Type (UPC / EAN)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

As required by symbology used in application.
Allows the user to select 2 character or 5 character supplements, or both.

Both
0 = Both
1 = 2 characters only
2 = 5 characters only

Both
Either 2 character or 5 character supplementals will be considered valid.

2 Characters Only
Only two character supplementals will be considered valid.

5 Characters Only
Only five character supplementals will be considered valid.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Format UPC-E as UPC-A (UPC / EAN)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When disabled, the Imager will output the version E symbols in their
encoded 6-character format.
When enabled, the Imager will format the symbol as either a 12-character
UPC-A symbol or an EAN-13 symbol, depending on the state of the EAN
status parameter. This formatting reverses the zero suppression that is
used to generate the symbol in the UPC specification.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

GS1 DataBar (RSS)
DataBar Expanded
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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 (non-stacked) 2 = Enabled (stacked and
non-stacked)

Where appropriate, use 1 (non-stacked) for better performance over 2 (stacked and nonstacked).

Fixed Symbol Length Status (DataBar Expanded)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, the Imager will check the symbol length against the symbol
length field, minus the embedded check digit. If disabled, any length
would be considered valid.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length (DataBar Expanded)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Fixed 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 Imager will recognize
(this does not include start, stop, and check digit characters). The Imager
ignores any symbol not having the specified length.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

GS1 DataBar (RSS)

DataBar Limited
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

DataBar Limited is designed to be read by laser 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-14
Usage:

Used in the grocery, retail, and prescription drug industries where 14-digit
EAN item identification may be needed.

DataBar-14 (Reduced Space Symbology) is a fixed symbol 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 (non-stacked) 2 = Enabled (stacked;
decode both stacked
and non-stacked)

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Note: Where appropriate, use 1 (non-stacked) for better performance over 2 (stacked;
decode both stacked and non-stacked).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used in applications where a large amount of information (over 32 characters)
needs to be encoded within a symbol, typically where the symbol is transported
from one facility to another. For example, an automobile assembly line
might use a single symbol with multiple fields of information that will be
read at several stations along the way, without reference to a database.
A two-dimensional, multi-row (3 to 90), continuous, variable length symbology
that has high data capacity for storing up to 2,700 numeric characters, 1800
printable ASCII characters, or 1100 binary characters per symbol. Each
symbol character consists of 4 bars and 4 spaces in a 17-module structure.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Note: Sending will cause PDF417 data to be prefaced with information consisting of
error correction level (ECC Level n), number of rows (n Rows), number of columns (n
Columns), number of informative code words (n Info Code Words) and the number of data
characters (n Data Characters). This feature can be disabled by re-sending .

Fixed Symbol Length Status (PDF417)
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Fixed Symbol Length (PDF417)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used to increase data integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length
will be accepted.
When enabled, the PDF symbol must contain the same number of characters
as the symbol length setting before it can be considered a good read. The
Imager will ignore any symbol not having the specified length.

Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol Length to take
effect.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Codeword Collection (PDF417)
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Multiple Codeword Collection is useful in applications where portions of
subsequent images can be read and pieced together so that no opportunity
or time is lost to assemble codewords for decoding.
When set to Multiple, PDF codewords are collected from multiple images
and assembled throughout the read cycle until the read cycle ends or the
symbol is fully decoded. It is important to note that when this feature is
enabled, only one PDF symbol should be presented to the Imager per read
cycle.

Single Image
0 = Single Image

1 = Multiple Image

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

MicroPDF417
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used for labelling small items that need large data capacity.
A variant of PDF417, a very efficient and compact stacked symbology
that can encode up to 250 alphanumeric characters or 366 numeric
characters per symbol.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length Status (MicroPDF417)
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length (MicroPDF417)
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used to increase data integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length
will be accepted.
When enabled, the MicroPDF417 symbol must contain the same number
of characters as the symbol length setting before it can be considered a
good read. The Imager will ignore any symbol not having the specified
length.

Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol Length to take
effect.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Composite
When set to Enabled or Required, will attempt to decode the composite component of a
linear symbol. The linear symbol can be DataBar-14, DataBar Expanded, DataBar Limited,
EAN-128, UPC-A, EAN-13, EAN-8, and UPC-E.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows reading by both linear and 2D readers.
Combines 2D and linear width modulated symbology on the same symbol
where different messages can be read by each reader type.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Required

Enabled
If set to Enabled, the Imager only decodes the linear component, and it will only output the
linear component.

Required
If set to Required, the Imager must decode both the linear and the composite components;
otherwise it outputs a No Read.

Separator Status (Composite)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows the user to distinguish between the main and Supplemental symbols.
Separates the linear and the composite component.

Disabled
0 = Disabled

Separator Character (Composite)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

As required by the application.
Allows the user to change the separator character from a comma to a new
character.

, (comma)
Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.
6-30

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier
Narrow Margins
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used when the leading and trailing edges of the symbols are smaller than
the standard margin or other objects encroach into the margins.
Allows the imager to read 1D symbols with quiet zones less than 8 times
the width of the narrow bar element. “Quiet zone” is the space at the leading
and trailing ends of a symbol. Each quiet zone can be as narrow as only
five times the width of the narrow bar element when Narrow Margins is
enabled.

2D Enhanced
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = 2D Enhanced

Note: Do not use Narrow Margins when Large Intercharacter Gap is enabled for Code 39.

Enabled
When Narrow Margins is set to Enabled, the imager uses a 5x margin requirement for
standard linear symbols.

2D Enhanced
2D Enhanced enables a special decode algorithm for narrow-margin 2D symbols.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier

Symbology Identifier
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Symbology Identifier is an ISO/IEC 16022 standard prefix set of characters
that identifies the symbol type.
When enabled, the imager 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, L, Q, Y, b, d, e, p, z
• (A = Code 39; C = Code 128; E = UPC/EAN; F = Codabar; G = Code
93; I = I-2/5; L = PDF417 and MicroPDF417; b = BC412; d = Data
Matrix; e = GS1 DataBar (RSS)
• Modifier
Example: ]d indicates a Data Matrix symbol.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Explanation of Modifiers for Code 39, Codabar, and I-2/5
• For Code 39, Codabar, and I-2/5, 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, a 1 indicates EAN 128; otherwise the modifier is 0.
• For all other symbologies, the modifier is 0.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Background Color
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Symbol backgrounds are often White, or other very light colors. If the
background is darker than the symbol, Black background should be enabled.
Allows the user to specify the symbol background used in the application.

Both
0 = White
1 = Black
2 = Both

White
When White background is enabled, the bars of linear symbols and the elements of 2D
symbols are recognized as dark on a light background.

Black
When Black background is enabled, the bars of linear symbols and the elements of 2D
symbols are recognized as light on a dark background.

Both
When Both is enabled, the imager will attempt to decode for white background first, and if
there is no decode, will then attempt to decode for black background.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Background Color

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

7 I/O Parameters
Contents
I/O Parameters by ESP ................................................................................................................ 7-2
I/O Parameters Serial Commands ............................................................................................... 7-3
Symbol Data Output ..................................................................................................................... 7-4
No Read Message........................................................................................................................ 7-6
Bad Symbol Message .................................................................................................................. 7-8
No Symbol Message .................................................................................................................... 7-8
1D / Stacked Symbology Qualification ......................................................................................... 7-9
2D Symbology Qualification ....................................................................................................... 7-10
Read Duration Output ................................................................................................................ 7-16
Output Indicators ........................................................................................................................ 7-17
Beeper........................................................................................................................................ 7-21
LED Configuration ...................................................................................................................... 7-22
Serial Verification ....................................................................................................................... 7-23
EZ Button ................................................................................................................................... 7-25
EZ Button Modes........................................................................................................................ 7-27
Configurable Output 1 ................................................................................................................ 7-29
Trend Analysis Output 1............................................................................................................. 7-32
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1 ................................................................................... 7-35
Diagnostic Output 1.................................................................................................................... 7-38
Configurable Output 2 ................................................................................................................ 7-39
Trend Analysis Output 2............................................................................................................. 7-39
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2 ................................................................................... 7-39
Diagnostic Output 2.................................................................................................................... 7-39
Configurable Output 3 ................................................................................................................ 7-40
Trend Analysis Output 3............................................................................................................. 7-40
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3 ................................................................................... 7-40
Diagnostic Output 3.................................................................................................................... 7-40
Power-On/Reset Counts ............................................................................................................ 7-41
Time Since Reset ....................................................................................................................... 7-42
Service Message........................................................................................................................ 7-43
Frame Information ...................................................................................................................... 7-44
Image Output.............................................................................................................................. 7-45
Database Identifier Output ......................................................................................................... 7-48
Quality Output ............................................................................................................................ 7-49
Configuring EZ Trax Output ....................................................................................................... 7-50

This section includes instructions on setting up conditions for changing input/output electrical
transitions for control of the Imager’s internal and external devices. A discrete I/O (in/out) signal
is an electrical transition from one voltage level to another so that digital switching can occur.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

I/O Parameters by ESP

I/O Parameters by ESP

Click this button to
bring up the I/O
menu.

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

To open nested
options, single-click
the +.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

I/O Parameters Serial Commands
Power On/Reset Counts

Time Since Reset

Service Message

Serial Verification

Symbol Data Output

Read Duration Output

No Read Message

Bad Symbol Message

No Symbol Message

1D/Stacked Symbology Qualification

2D Symbology Qualification

Frame Information

LED Configuration

Target/Flood LEDs

Database Identifier Output

EZ Button Modes

Trend Analysis Output 1
Trend Analysis Output 2

Trend Analysis Output 3

Diagnostic Output 1

Diagnostic Output 2

Diagnostic Output 3

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3

Configurable Output 1

Configurable Output 2

Configurable Output 3

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbol Data Output

Symbol Data Output
Symbol Data Output Status
Note: Symbol Data Output relates to data and should not be confused with Outputs 1, 2,
and 3 listed in the Output Parameters which describe output states and functions.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful when the host needs symbol data only under certain conditions.
Defines the conditions under which decoded symbol data is transmitted
to the host.

Good Read
0 = Disabled
1 = Match
2 = Mismatch
3 = Good Read

Note: Symbol Data Output Status, if set to Match or Mismatch, will not take effect
unless Matchcode Type is enabled and a master symbol is loaded into memory.

Disabled
Usage:

It is useful when an application only needs to use the discrete outputs
and can allow the Imager to do the decision-making. When Disabled, the
host does not need the symbol data and the communication lines are
used only for setup and status checks.
When set to Disabled, the Imager will not transmit any data that is generated during a read cycle (symbols, No Reads, etc.)

Match is used in an application that requires specific symbol information
and needs to sort, route, or verify based on matching the specific symbol
data.
When set to Match, the Imager transmits symbol data whenever a symbol
matches a master symbol. However, if Matchcode Type is Disabled, it
transmits on any good read.

Note: A No Read can still be transmitted if Enabled.

Mismatch
Usage:
Definition:

Mismatch is typically used as a flag within the host system to prevent an
item from being routed in the wrong container.
With Mismatch enabled, the Imager transmits symbol data whenever the
symbol data information does NOT match the master symbol.

Note: A No Read can still be transmitted if Enabled.
7-4

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Good Read
Usage:

Good Read is used when an application requires all symbol data to be
transmitted. It’s typically used in tracking applications in which each
object is uniquely identified.
With Good Read enabled, the Imager transmits symbol data on any good
read regardless of Matchcode Type setting.

Note: A No Read can still be transmitted if Enabled.

When to Output Symbol Data
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This command allows the user to choose when symbol data can be sent
to the host.

As Soon As Possible
0 = ASAP
1 = End of Read Cycle

As Soon As Possible
Usage:

As Soon As Possible is useful in applications in which symbol data
needs to be moved quickly to the host, typically when the host is making
decisions based on symbol data.
Enabling As Soon As Possible causes symbol data to be sent to the
host immediately after a symbol has been successfully decoded.

Note: More than one decode might in fact be required to qualify as a good read, depending
on how Decodes Before Output is set.

End of Read Cycle
Usage:
Definition:

End of Read Cycle is useful in timing-based systems in which the host is
not ready to accept data at the time that it is decoded.
Enabling End of Read Cycle means that symbol data does not get sent
to the host until the read cycle ends with a timeout or new trigger.
End of read cycle

Start of read cycle
Read cycle duration
Host
activates trigger

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

This is when host
expects output

No Read Message

No Read Message
Usage:
Definition:

Used in applications where the host needs serial verification that a symbol
has not been read and especially useful in new print verification.
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 Message Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Enabled
2 = Detailed No Read Message
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Disabled
No message is output when a No Read condition occurs.

Enabled
The user defined No Read message is output whenever a No Read condition occurs.

Detailed No Read Message
Important: In the case where the conditions set in Bad Symbol/No Symbol Qualification
are met, then the Bad Symbol or No Symbol message output will override the No Read
Message or the Detailed No Read Message, if either is enabled.
Usage:
Definition:

Use this option to cover more detailed reasons for decode failures.
Outputs a No Read message followed by an additional message (an
Image Processing Results Code) indicating the reason a symbol failed to
decode.

For example, in the following output: “No Read d_1, E_2”, d and E are symbology IDs for
Data Matrix and UPC respectively. The message means that Data Matrix and UPC are
enabled (and other symbologies are not), and that both failed to decode. The reason for
the failing Data Matrix is 1 and the reason for the failing UPC is 2. The first part of these
numbers (preceding the dot) is the relevant number and is interpreted here:

2D Symbols:
1. Failed to locate symbol (no finder pattern).
2. Failed to locate four corners or failed to qualify user defined dimensions (in pixels).
3. Failed to locate clock patterns or failed to qualify user defined orientation (0-359
degree).
4. Failed to validate clock patterns or failed to qualify user defined symbol size (clock
element count).
5. Failed to decode symbol.
7-6

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Linear Symbols:
1. Failed user defined minimum number of bars.
2. Failed to decode start/stop character (doesn’t apply to UPC, GS1 DataBar, or
MicroPDF417).
3. Failed user defined minimum number of scan lines that qualify for the minimum
number of bars.
4. Failed to decode.
5. Failed to decode UPC supplemental.

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

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

No Read
A string of up to 64 ASCII characters.

Note: No Read Message will only be transmitted if Symbol Data Output is set to Match,
Mismatch, or Good Read.
No Read Message can be set to any ASCII character.
Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Bad Symbol Message

Bad Symbol Message
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in determining if a symbol is present and if user defined requirements
for that symbol are met. Can tell the user if a qualified symbol is present
but not decodable.
Sets the requirements that will qualify an object or a symbol before outputting
a decode or message. When enabled, sends a message to the host
whenever an object meets the qualifications setup but is not decoded.

BAD_SYMBOL
Up to 64 ASCII characters.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

No Symbol Message
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in determining if a symbol is present and if user defined requirements
for that symbol are met. Can tell the user if an object does not qualify as a
symbol.
Sets the requirements that will qualify an object or a symbol before outputting
a decode or message. When enabled, sends a message to the host
whenever an object meets the qualifications setup but is not decoded.

NO_SYMBOL
Up to 64 ASCII characters.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

1D / Stacked Symbology Qualification
Minimum Number of Bars
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sets the minimum number of bars to qualify linear symbols.

0
0 to 255 (0 is disabled)

Minimum Number of Qualified Scan Lines
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sets the minimum number of scans that have the required number of
bars set in Minimum Number of Bars.
Important: This is a percentage value, from 0 to 100.

Disabled
Any number from 0 to 100 (0 disables this feature).

Start/Stop Status
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, both Start and Stop characters need to be present to
qualify as a decodable symbol. In the case of PDF417, only a Stop needs
to be present.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

2D Symbology Qualification

2D Symbology Qualification
Note: In the cases where Symbol Size Status, Dimension Status, or Orientation Status
is enabled, the Imager will always check the finder pattern regardless of Finder Patter
Status setting.

Finder Pattern Status
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Checks for the presence of a finder pattern.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Symbol Size Mode (2D Symbology Qualification)
Note: If Symbol Size 1 is larger than Symbol Size 2, it will be automatically reversed in
the algorithm.
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Specifies the outputs resulting from the searches for Symbol Size 1 and
Symbol Size 2.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Bad/No Symbol Output 2 = Object Qualification
3 = Enable Both

Disabled
Decoded messages are output, but no attempt to qualify symbols or output Bad or No
Symbol messages is undertaken.

Bad/No Symbol Output
Checks first for decodes. If no symbol is decoded, checks for symbol size. If both Symbol
Size 1 and Symbol Size 2 requirements are met, a Bad Symbol message is output. If
neither are met, a No Symbol message is output.

Object Qualification
Checks first for matches to symbol size. If qualified, attempts to decode. If no decodes are
found within the specified read cycle parameters, outputs a No Read message.

Enable Both
Same as Object Qualification, except that if no objects qualify, then a No Symbol message
is output; if at least one object qualifies, then a Bad Symbol message is output.
7-10

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbol Size 1
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Checks for symbol sizes for a specified number of elements. In the case
of rectangular symbols, checks the longer side.

10
8 to 88 elements

Symbol Size 2
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Checks for symbol sizes for a specified number of elements. In the case
of rectangular symbols, checks the shorter side.

10
8 to 88 elements

Symbol Size Tolerance
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Sets the allowable deviation, up or down, for symbol sizes specified in
Symbol Size 1 and Symbol Size 2.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

2D Symbology Qualification

Dimension Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Enables searches for symbol Dimension 1 and Dimension 2.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Bad/No Symbol Output
2 = Object Qualification
3 = Enable Both

Disabled
Decoded messages are output, but no attempt to qualify symbols or output Bad Symbol
or No Symbol messages is undertaken.

Bad/No Symbol Output
Checks first for decodes. If no symbol is decoded, checks for symbol dimension. If both
Dimension 1 and Dimension 2 requirements are met, a Bad Symbol message is output.
If neither are met, a No Symbol message is output.

Object Qualification
Checks first for matches to symbol dimension. If qualified, attempts to decode. If no
decodes are found within the specified read cycle parameters, outputs a No Read message.

Enable Both
Same as Object Qualification, except that if neither Dimension 1 nor Dimension 2
qualifies, then a No Symbol message is output; if either Dimension 1 or Dimension 2
qualifies, then a Bad Symbol message is output.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Dimension 1
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Checks symbol dimension for a specified number of pixels. In the case of
rectangular symbols, checks the longer side.

0
0 to 640 pixels

Dimension 2
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Checks symbol dimension for a specified number of pixels. In the case of
rectangular symbols, checks the shorter side.

0
0 to 480 pixels

Dimension Tolerance
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Sets the allowable deviation, in percentage, for symbol sizes specified in
Dimension 1 and Dimension 2.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

2D Symbology Qualification

Orientation Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Sets the orientation value.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Bad/No Symbol Output
2 = Object Qualification
3 = Enable Both

Disabled
Decoded messages are output, but no attempt is made to qualify symbols or to output
Bad Symbol or No Symbol messages.

Bad/No Symbol Output
Checks first for decodes. If no symbol is decoded, checks for symbol orientation. If Orientation
Value is satisfied, a Bad Symbol message is output. If not satisfied, a No Symbol message
is output.

Object Qualification
Checks first for matches to symbol Orientation Value. If qualified, attempts to decode. If no
decodes are found within the specified read cycle parameters, outputs a No Read message.

Enable Both
Same as Object Qualification, except that if Orientation Value is satisfied but the symbol
is not decoded, then a Bad Symbol message is output; if not satisfied, a Bad Symbol
message is still output.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Orientation Value
Usage:
Definition:

Instructs the Imager to ignore symbols not in the specified orientation.
Sets the orientation of the symbol,
in degrees clockwise from the
default 0 orientation.
“L” finder pattern
For Data Matrix symbols, sets the
(Data Matrix)
finder “L” pattern, with the example
to the right showing the default 0
orientation.
For QR Code, sets the locator
pattern (three squares), with the
Three-square
example to the right showing the
finder pattern
default 0 orientation.
(QR Code)
The other position settings will
rotate clockwise from the defaults
shown above.

Default:
Options:

Note: A symbol’s orientation can miss the precise Orientation Value by several degrees
and still be qualified. To be certain of the extent of the allowable tolerance, you should
experiment with symbols in various orientations. In no case can they be more than 45°
from the assigned orientation value and still be qualified.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Read Duration Output

Read Duration Output
Usage:

Useful in evaluating actual read cycle timing results, especially when
initially setting up an application to determine maximum line speed
(obtainable based on spacing between symbols.)
When enabled the duration of the read cycle (in milliseconds) is
appended to the symbol data.
The read duration is the time from the beginning of the read cycle until
data is output.

Read Duration Output Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Important: To measure the entire read cycle when in External Level trigger mode, set
When to Output Symbol Data to End of Read Cycle.
This output can measure over 49 days’ worth of duration; if exceeded, the “OVERFLOW”
message will be output in place of the duration.

Read Duration Output Separator
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

User defined character that separates the symbol information from the
Read Duration Output.

[space character]
Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Indicators
The MS-4 Imager has a beeper and three LED arrays, as follows:
1. A target pattern of blue LEDs for centering the field of view, which is projected from
the front of the Imager .
2. An array of green LEDs projected from the front of the Imager that can be programmed
to flash in response to user-defined conditions.
3. A row of five status LEDs on the side of the Imager.

Green Flash Mode
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used as a visual verification that a good read has occurred.
An array of green LEDs in the front of the Imager can be programmed to
flash in response to user-defined conditions.

Good Read
0 = Disabled
1 = Good Read
2 = Static Presentation
3 = Match
4 = Mismatch
5 = Strobe

Disabled
Green flash LEDs are disabled.

Good Read
Green flash LEDs will flash when a good read condition is met or when Matchcode is
enabled and a match occurs.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Indicators

Static Presentation Mode
Static Presentation Mode is used in conjunction with Continuous Read Mode: .
When operating in Static Presentation Mode, the red LEDs will illuminate while the
Imager is searching for a symbol in Continuous Read Mode. When a symbol is placed in
the field of view and a good read occurs, the green LEDs will illuminate and stay on for the
duration of time set in Green Flash Duration. Only one read will occur during that time
unless more than one symbol is enabled in Number of Symbols.
Note: If Static Presentation Mode is selected but the Imager is not in Continuous Read,
the Green Flash will not occur.
To use Static Presentation:
1. Enable Continuous Read.
2. Select the number of symbols.
3. Enable Static Presentation in Green Flash Mode.
4. Select the read time in Green Flash Duration.

Match
The green LEDs will flash when a match condition is met. If multisymbol is enabled, then
green flash LEDs will illuminate only if all symbols qualify as a match. If matchcode is
disabled, then this mode will activate the LEDs on a good read.

Mismatch
Same as Match, except that LEDs will illuminate on a mismatch.

Strobe
Green flash LEDs will act as an illumination strobe for image capture. If it is required that the
green flash LEDs be the only illumination for image capture, then the internal illumination
LEDs can be disabled.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Target Pattern
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Assists users in positioning and locating symbols in the center of the
Imager’s field of view.
The user can control when the targeting system is ON or OFF, and can
save this condition for power-on.

Always ON
0 = Always OFF
1 = ON only when not in the read cycle
2 = ON only when in the read cycle
3 = Always ON

Important: The targeting system actuated by the EZ button or operational command overrides
this setting.

Always OFF
The target pattern will remain OFF at all times unless overridden by the EZ button or
operational command.

ON When Not in the Read Cycle
The target pattern is always ON except during the read cycle. If the EZ button or operational
command overrides this setting, the target pattern will remain on at all times.

ON When in the Read Cycle
The target pattern will remain OFF except during the read cycle. If the EZ button or operational
command overrides this setting, the target pattern will remain on at all times.

Always ON
The target pattern is always ON.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Indicators

Green Flash Duration
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Provides visual verification that a good read has occurred.
When a good read occurs, the green LEDs will illuminate and stay on for
the time set in the Green Flash Duration value.

100 (1 second)
0 to 65535 (in 10mS increments)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Beeper
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

An audible verification that either a good read or a No Read has
occurred.
A beep is emitted after each good read or No Read.

Good Read
0 = Disabled
1 = Good Read
2 = No Read

Note: The beeper will also sound at any of the following times:
• When the Imager is defaulted.
• When a send/save command is sent from ESP.
• At the conclusion of a calibration procedure.
• When a , , , or command is sent.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

LED Configuration

LED Configuration
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful as a visible verification of read rates and symbol quality.
Determines the mode in which the status LEDs operate.

Standard
0 = Standard
1 = ISO/IEC 16022 grade

In ISO/IEC 16022 grade mode the LEDs represent the grade of the first Data Matrix
symbol decoded in the read cycle.
The parameter to be graded is set in the ISO/IEC 16022 Grade options.
For example, to program the LEDs to indicate the ISO/IEC 16022 print growth grade, set
LED Mode to ISO/IEC 16022 Grade and set ISO/IEC 16022 Grade to Print Growth. If all
the LEDs from 20% to 100% were illuminated, the read result would be a grade A; if only
the 20% LED were illuminated, the result would be a grade F.

Standard
In Standard Mode, the STATUS LED indicates read cycle status and the GOOD READ
LED illuminates upon a good read at the end of a read cycle. In a read rate test, these
LEDs represent the percentage of good reads per images captured.

ISO/IEC 16022 Grade
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Provides visual grading of specific ISO/IEC 16022-related features.
Determines which ISO/IEC 16022 feature the Imager will grade via the
LEDs.

Final Grade
0 = Final Grade
1 = Symbol Contrast
2 = Print Growth
3 = Unused ECC

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Verification
Allows the user to verify configuration command status.

Serial Command Echo Status
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This command is useful in removing any doubt about the Imager’s interpretation
of any configuration command.
For example, if the current preamble is “SOM” and is
entered, the Imager will echo back since the attempted
entry “START” exceeds the four character limit for that command.
Therefore, it is rejected and the existing “SOM” message is echoed back
and remains the preamble message.
When enabled, a configuration command
received from the host is echoed back to the
Imager
Host
host with the resultant settings.
If a command with multiple fields is processed, some of the fields may
have been processed properly while others were not. The changes will
appear in the string echoed back so that the user will know which fields
did or did not change.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Serial Command Beep Status
Usage:
Definition:
Function:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used to audibly verify the acceptance and validity of a command.
Causes the Imager to beep once whenever a K command is entered to
indicate that the command was accepted and processed.
If an invalid command is entered, the Imager beeps 5 times to indicate an
invalid entry. However, this does not necessarily mean that all data fields
have been entered incorrectly. Only one bad field needs to be found in
order to activate the 5 beep response.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Verification

Control/Hex Output
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful for viewing settings with binary characters when using serial
commands on a terminal.
Determines the response to a Serial Command Echo or status request
command.
When set to Control, two characters are transmitted to represent a nondisplayable character. For example, a carriage return will be shown as:
^M.

Control
0 = Control
1 = Hex

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

EZ Button
The EZ button has four positions, selectable by the length of time the button is held down,
and indicated by one, two, three, and four beeps in succession. Each position can be
programmed for any of eight options.
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Serves as a master switch to enable/disable the EZ button status.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Trigger
3 = Unlatch Outputs 4 = Parameter Switch

Disabled
When set to Disabled, the EZ button does not function.

Enabled
When selected, the EZ button is enabled and the function of each button position is
selected by the EZ Button Mode command.

Trigger
When selected, the EZ button acts as a trigger for the Imager to start and end read cycles.
All other button operations are inactive.
In External
Level:
In External
Edge:

The read cycle endures for as long as the EZ button is pressed, unless a
timeout occurs and Timeout is enabled for End of Read Cycle.
As with Level, Edge allows a read cycle to be initiated by pressing the EZ
button, but unlike Level, the read cycle ends with a good read output, a
timeout, or a new trigger.

Unlatch Outputs
In this configuration, the EZ button will unlatch any logic outputs that have been latched.

Parameter Switch
The parameter switch toggles between custom defaults and power-on settings. The condition
is the same as that achieved by sending the and commands consecutively.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Default on Power-On
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When enabled, if the EZ button is held down on power-on the Imager will
default to customer defaults and save for power-on. This is the same as
sending a command.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Load Configuration Database
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows the user to load the Configuration Database with calibration results.
When the user performs a calibration using the EZ button, all the database
entries are moved down one index and the results of the calibration are
saved to index 0. The results will be saved as current settings as well.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Save for Power-On
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

If enabled, after calibration is complete, all parameters will be saved for
power-on.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

EZ Button Modes
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Options:

Useful for performing multiple, repetitive tasks at the work site.
Allows the user to program each of the EZ button’s 4 positions from a selection
of 8 modes.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Single Beep
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibrate
3 = Save for Power-On
4 = Unused
5 = Load New Master
6 = Unused
7 = Target System
8 = Bar Code Config.

Two Beeps
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibrate
3 = Save for Power-On
4 = Unused
5 = Load New Master
6 = Unused
7 = Target System
8 = Bar Code Config.

Three Beeps
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibrate
3 = Save for Power-On
4 = Unused
5 = Load New Master
6 = Unused
7 = Target System
8 = Bar Code Config.

Four Beeps
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibrate
3 = Save for Power-On
4 = Unused
5 = Load New Master
6 = Unused
7 = Target System
8 = Bar Code Config.

Disabled
When set to disabled, the associated button position will have no function associated with
it, and the position will be skipped over.

Read Rate
Read Rate will be initiated when the associated button position is selected. Read Rate will
perform decodes/second and is the same as sending a from the Terminal. To exit
Read Rate Mode quickly press and release the EZ button.

Calibrate
Calibration will be initiated when the associated button position is selected. To abort calibration,
quickly press and release the EZ button.

Save for Power-On
All Imager settings will be saved to non-volatile memory to be recalled on power-on
whenever the associated button position is selected. This is the same as sending a
from the terminal.

Load New Master
Functions in the same way as new master pin input whenever the associated button
position is selected. The new master pin’s Consecutive Decode requirement holds true
for this function.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

EZ Button Modes

Target System
Turns on the target pattern whenever the associated button position is selected. To disable,
quickly press and release the EZ button.
Note: This mode is the only one that does not require that the button be released before
taking effect. Thus, as soon as the Imager beeps the appropriate number of times for the
position, it will take effect. If it is necessary to have the target system on before another
operation such as calibration or read rate is performed, ensure that the target system
mode is assigned a lower position so that it will be activated first.

Bar Code Configuration
Enables bar code configuration mode whenever the associated button position is
selected. When enabled, the Imager can accept configuration commands from bar codes
without first reading a special, coded Data Matrix ISO/IEC 16022 symbol. To disable,
quickly press and release the EZ button.

EZ Button Operation
To execute EZ button commands,

Single Beep (Position #1)
Hold down button until a single beep is heard (and the 20% LED illuminates).

Two Beeps (Position #2)
Hold down button until two quick beeps are heard (and the 20% and 40% LEDs illuminate.)

Three Beeps (Position #3)
Hold down button until three quick beeps are heard (and the 20%, 40%, and 60% LEDs
illuminate).

Four Beeps (Position #4)
Hold down button until four quick beeps are heard (and the 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%
LEDs illuminate).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configurable Output 1

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This option provides discrete signalling to host software to control external
devices such as PLCs and relays. It is useful for routing, sorting, and to
prevent mis-packaging and mis-routing.
Sets the discrete output functions for specific user-selected conditions.
Allows the user to set the conditions under which an output (or outputs) will
be activated.

Mismatch or No Read
0 = Mismatch or No Read 1 = Match (or good read)
3 = No Read
4 = Trend Analysis
6 = Diagnostic Warning
7 = In Read Cycle

2 = Mismatch
5 = Symbol Quality

Note: If Output On is set to Match or Mismatch, a transition (switching) will not occur
unless Matchcode Type is enabled and a master symbol is loaded into memory.

Mismatch or No Read
Activates discrete output when the data does not match that of the master symbol or the
symbol has not been decoded before the end of the read cycle.

Match or Good Read
Activates a discrete output when the symbol data matches the master symbol.
Note: If you want to output for a good read and Matchcode is not enabled, you can
enable any output for Match.

Mismatch
Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data does not match that of the master
symbol.

No Read
Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data is not decoded before the end of the
read cycle.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configurable Output 1

Trend Analysis
Usage:
Definition:

Typically used when successful decodes are occurring but a discrete output
is needed to flag a trend in quality issues.
Activates discrete output when a trend analysis condition is met, depending
on the trend analysis option enabled.

Symbol Quality
Usage:
Definition:

Typically used when a discrete indication is needed to flag a symbol quality
condition.
Activates discrete output when a symbol quality condition is met, depending
on the symbol quality option enabled.

Diagnostic Warning
Usage:
Definition:

Typically used when a discrete indication of a diagnostic condition is
needed.
Activates discrete output when a diagnostic warning condition is met,
depending on the diagnostic option enabled.

In Read Cycle
Definition:

Activates a discrete output when the Imager is in a read cycle.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output State
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:

Sets the active electrical state of the discrete output.

Pulse Width
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sets the time in 10mS increments that the discrete output remains active.

5 (Corresponds to 50 mS)
0 to 255 (0 to 2.55 seconds). Divide the number entered on the command
line by 100 for time in seconds.

Output Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:

Sets the condition in which the discrete output is de-activated.

0 = Pulse
2 = Latch Mode 2
3 = Latch Mode 3

Pulse
This is the default mode of operation in which the programmable output is activated when
the Output On condition has been met and held active for the duration of the selected
pulse width.

Latch Mode 2 (Unlatch Opposite Condition)
The programmable output is activated when the Output On condition has been met and
held active until the opposite condition selected under Output On has been met.
For example, if No Read is enabled under Output On, the programmable output will go
active on a No Read and remain active until the opposite condition, a good read, occurs.

Latch Mode 3 (Unlatch Re-enter Read Cycle)
The programmable output is active when the Output On condition has been met and is
held active until a new read cycle begins.
Note: All of the Output On modes are inhibited when any Output on Warning is active
for Output 1.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Trend Analysis Output 1

Trend Analysis Output 1
Note: Output On under Output 1 Parameters must be set to Trend Analysis for this output
to function.

Under Output 1 Parameters, expand the Trend Analysis tree:

Usage:
Definition:

Useful in cases where the user doesn’t want to shut down for one condition
but wants to monitor quality and read conditions.
Applies Trend Analysis settings to Output 1.
With Trend Analysis, the user can track the occurrences and frequency of
mismatches, No Reads, and the number of reads per trigger, and output the
results to any of three outputs.
Trend Analysis Mode = No Read
Trigger Evaluation Period= 25 triggers (read cycles)
Number to Output On = 4
In this example, the Imager will activate an output when 4 No Reads occur
within a period of 25 triggers (read cycles).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Trend Analysis Mode
Definition:

Sets the trend condition (Mismatch, No Read, or Decodes/Trigger) that
will activate the output.

Default:
Options:

0 = Mismatch
3 = Bad Symbol

1 = No Read
4 = No Symbol

2 = Decodes/Trigger

Mismatch
Output will be activated when the number of mismatches equals the value entered for
Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers.

No Read
Output will be activated when the number of No Reads equals the value entered for
Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers.

Decodes/Trigger
Output will be activated when the number of decodes equals the value entered for Number to
Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers.

Bad Symbol
Output will be activated when the number of Bad Symbol occurrences equals the value
entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers.

No Symbol
Output will be activated when the number of No Symbol occurrences equals the value
entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window selected in Number of Triggers.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Trend Analysis Output 1

Trigger Evaluation Period
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:

The number of triggers to examine for the trend analysis condition.

Number to Output On
Usage:

Example: If Number to Output On is set to 3 and Trend Analysis Mode is
set to No Read, then the output will not be activated until 3 No Reads have
occurred.
Sets the number of Trend Analysis Mode events (mismatches, No Reads,
or reads/trigger as configured by Trend Analysis Mode) to occur within the
trigger evaluation period before activating the associated output.

Decodes/Trigger Threshold
Definition:

When set to this mode, and when the appropriate output is set to output on
trend analysis, the Imager will function in a Decodes per Trigger mode
during the read cycle and the trend analysis operation. Output will be activated based on whether or not the symbol decode count at the end of the
read cycle crosses the decodes per trigger threshold.
Note: Although this setup causes the Imager to function in a Decodes per
Trigger mode, the decode count will only be appended to the symbol data if
the status of the Decodes per Trigger command is enabled.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1
Note: Output On under Output 1 Parameters must be set to Symbol Quality for this
output to function.

Under Output 1 Parameters, expand the Symbol Quality (ISO/IEC 16022) tree.

Output on Symbol Contrast
Usage:
Definition:

Lets the user know if symbol quality is less than acceptable.
If enabled, toggles Output 1 to an active state when Symbol Contrast
Threshold is met.

Output on Print Growth
Usage:
Definition:

Lets the user know if symbol quality is less than acceptable.
If enabled, toggles Output 1 to an active state when Print Growth Threshold
is met.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1

Output on Axial Non-Uniformity
Usage:
Definition:

Lets the user know if symbol quality is less than acceptable.
If enabled, toggles Output 1 to an active state when Axial Non-Uniformity
Threshold is met.

Output on Unused Error Correction
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Lets the user know if symbol quality is less than acceptable.
If enabled, toggles Output 1 to an active state when UEC Threshold is met.

Symbol Contrast Threshold
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Lets the user set the acceptable level of symbol quality.
Conforms to ISO/IEC 16022 symbol quality grading (A,B,C,D).

Grade C
0 = Grade A
3 = Grade D

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Print Growth Threshold
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Lets the user set the acceptable level of symbol quality.
Conforms to ISO/IEC 16022 symbol quality grading (A,B,C,D).

Grade C
0 = Grade A
3 = Grade D

Axial Non-Uniformity Threshold
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Lets the user set the acceptable level of symbol quality.
Conforms to ISO/IEC 16022 symbol quality grading (A,B,C,D).

Grade C
0 = Grade A
3 = Grade D

Unused Error Correction Threshold
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Lets the user set the acceptable level of symbol quality.
Conforms to ISO/IEC 16022 symbol quality grading (A,B,C,D).

Grade C
0 = Grade A
3 = Grade D

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Diagnostic Output 1

Diagnostic Output 1
Note: Output On under Output 1 Parameters must be set to Diagnostic Warning for
this output to function.

Under Output 1 Parameters, expand the Diagnostics tree.

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Service Unit
When Diagnostic Warning is enabled, the Output On configuration has no effect. The
output will remain active as long as one of the diagnostic warning conditions is met. The
output will become inactive once it detects that there are no diagnostic warning conditions.
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows the user to set up the output to toggle to active when the service
timer has expired. This condition will only be held for one service timer
click.
Note: This feature cannot be used if the Imager is in a Continuous Read
mode.

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configurable Output 2
Note: Output 2 has the same parameters and default settings as Output 1.

Trend Analysis Output 2
Note: Output On under Output 2 Parameters must be set to Trend Analysis for this output
to function.

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2
Note: Output On under Output 2 Parameters must be set to Symbol Quality for this
output to function.

Diagnostic Output 2
Note: Output On under Output 2 Parameters must be set to Diagnostic Warning for
this output to function.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configurable Output 3

Configurable Output 3
Note: Output 3 has the same parameters and default settings as Output 1 and Output 2.

Trend Analysis Output 3
Note: Output On under Output 3 Parameters must be set to Trend Analysis for this output
to function.

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3
Note: Output On under Output 3 Parameters must be set to Symbol Quality for this
output to function.

Diagnostic Output 3
Note: Output On under Output 3 Parameters must be set to Diagnostic Warning for
this output to function.

Serial Cmd:
7-40

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Power-On / Reset Counts
Note: Power On / Reset Counts is a read only command.

Power-On
Serial Cmd:

Power-On uses a 16-bit counter that increments each time the Imager is powered-on.

Resets
Serial Cmd:

Resets uses a 16-bit counter that increments each time the Imager is reset. This value is
reset at power-on.

Power-On Saves
Serial Cmd:

Power-On Saves uses a 16-bit counter that increments each time an Imager setting is
saved for power-on with a command.

Power-On Flash Saves
Serial Cmd:

Power-On Flash Saves uses a 16-bit counter that increments each time an Imager setting
is saved to the customer parameter section of flash memory with a command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Time Since Reset

Time Since Reset
Note: Time Since Reset is a read only command.

Hours
Serial Cmd:
Default:

16-bit counter (0 to 65535)

Hours uses a 16-bit counter that increments every 60 minutes.

Minutes
Serial Cmd:
Default:

16-bit counter (0 to 60)

Minutes uses a 16-bit counter that increments every 60 seconds.
Note: Time counts are reset at power-on, but not with an or command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Service Message
When Service Message is enabled, a message of up to 10 ASCII characters is sent
whenever the system detects that the service timer’s limit has been reached. The service
timer is reset at power-on, meaning that the service timer’s limit is the amount of time
since last reset. Service timer increments can be set in seconds or minutes.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Service Message
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

SERVICE
An ASCII string between 1 and 10 characters.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

Threshold
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

300 (5 minutes)
1 to 65535

Resolution
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Seconds
0 = Seconds
1 = Minutes

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Frame Information

Frame Information
Output Frame Number
Serial Cmd:

Disabled
When Output Frame Number is set to Disabled, the frame number is not output as part
of the symbol data.

Enabled
When Output Frame Number is set to Enabled, the number of the frame in which the
symbol was first decoded is attached to the symbol output information. The output format
is “Fnnn”, where “nnn” is a 3-digit decimal value from 0 to 255. The frame number rolls
over to 0 once it passes 255.
If this feature is enabled, the frame information will follow the symbol data, and it will precede any symbol quality data (if symbol quality settings are enabled-- see Symbol Quality
Separator on page 8-5). The symbol quality separator is located between the end of the
already-formatted data and the “F” that precedes the frame number.

Output Coordinates
Serial Cmd:

Disabled
When Output Coordinates is set to Disabled, the coordinates are not output as part of
the symbol data.

Enabled
When Output Coordinates is set to Enabled, the four sets of object coordinates for the
first successfully decoded symbol are attached to the symbol data output in the following
format:
“(nnn,mmm)”, where “nnn” is a 3-digit X-coordinate and “mmm” is a 3-digit Y-coordinate.
The validation separator is located between the end of the already formatted data and the
first coordinate point. The point with the lowest X + Y sum will be output first, followed by
the next three points in a clockwise direction.
Example:
(032,040)(287,056)(287,279)(048,271)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Image Output
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This feature allows the user to select what read cycle condition triggers
the image file output.
Used to output an image file when a specified read cycle condition has been
met, such as No Read or Good Read. When the read cycle is complete, the
normal read cycle output will occur, including any configured postamble or
preamble data. The read cycle will the check if image output is enabled, and
if the specified read cycle condition has been met. If both these conditions
are true, the image file will be output to the user-specified communication
port in the user-specified image file format.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Good Read
2 = No Read
3 = No Read or Good Read 4 = Mismatch

Good Read
If a Good Read condition is met during the read cycle, the image file corresponding with
the first Good Read will be output. The image file will immediately follow the read cycle
output and postambles. For a Good Read condition to occur, all symbols in the read cycle
must qualify.

No Read
If a No Read condition occurs during the read cycle, the image file corresponding with the
first No Read will output. The image file will immediately follow the read cycle output and
postambles. There are conditions in which the read cycle may have a No Read condition
but the image will not be output. For example, if the read cycle is looking for two No Read
symbols in the same image capture but one is a Good Read, the image will not be output,
because it is not considered a No Read image.

No Read or Good Read
If a No Read condition or a Good Read condition occurs, the first image of either kind will
be output.

Mismatch
If a Good Read occurs during the read cycle but the image is a Mismatch condition, the
first Mismatch image will be output.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communication Port
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This setting selects the communication port through which the image file
will be transferred to the host.

Host
0 = Host
1 = Auxiliary
2 = USB

File Format
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This setting selects the format of the image file to be output.
Note: If JPEG is the chosen image file format, the resolution of the image
will be determined by the setting in the JPEG Quality field.

JPEG
0 = Bitmap
1 = JPEG
2 = Binary

JPEG Quality
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This setting determines the quality of JPEG image compression. The user
may select a value from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest).

90
1 to 100 (percent)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Image Output Example
The following example assumes that the Imager is set to output on No Read, and that it is
in a rapid capture mode of 3 captures.
Number of Symbols:
Frame # 1:
Frame # 2:
Frame # 3:
Read Cycle Result:
Output Frame:

1
No Read
No Read
No Read
No Read
Frame # 1

Number of Symbols:
Frame # 1:
Frame # 2:
Frame # 3:
Read Cycle Result:
Output Frame:

1
No Read
No Read
Good Read
Good Read
None

Number of Symbols:
Frame # 1:
Frame # 2:
Frame # 3:
Read Cycle Result:
Output Frame:

2
No Read
No Read
Good Read, Symbol # 1
No Read
Frame # 1

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Database Identifier Output

Database Identifier Output
Usage:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in keeping track of which database entries read which symbols.

Disabled
When this command is disabled, no database identifier information will be output.

Enabled
When this command is enabled, the Imager will append a two-digit number and the characters
“DB” to the data output following the separator for each symbol decoded using Configuration
Database. For example, if the separator is an underscore character and the second database
entry reads a symbol encoded with “data capture” during the read cycle, the symbol data output
will be “data capture_DB02”. If the database is not active, no identifiers will be attached to output.

Separator
Usage:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The separator character separates the symbol data from the database identifier.

Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Quality Output
Separator
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The separator character separates quality output data from symbol data.

,
Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-23 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

Decodes per Trigger Status
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

When this feature is enabled, the Imager enters a state where it processes
frames as configured until the end of a read cycle, with or without a successful
symbol decode. When the read cycle ends, the Imager outputs any
decoded symbol data along with the decodes per trigger count.

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuring EZ Trax Output

Configuring EZ Trax Output
After you have set up your Imager for EZ Trax, you can configure the software in three
different ways: using the EZ Trax interface, using the tree controls in ESP, and using serial
commands.
For detailed information about how to use the EZ Trax user interface for configuration,
refer to the Help menu in EZ Trax software, or the EZ Trax Quick Start Guide, available on the
Microscan Tools CD.

Configuring EZ Trax Output by ESP
To configure EZ Trax using ESP, first click the I/O button in App Mode to display the I/O
Parameters tree control.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

EZ Trax Output
When EZ Trax output is
enabled, the Imager will attempt
to output all enabled EZ Trax
options. EZ Trax will not function
unless enabled.

Comm Port
Selects the communication port
that will be used to transfer
image files.

Determines which
read cycle condition
triggers image file
output.

Selects the format of the image
output file.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuring EZ Trax Output

JPEG Quality
Sets the amount of JPEG image
compression. A value of 1 represents
the highest compression and lowest
image quality, and 100 represents
the lowest compression and highest
image quality.

Object Info Output

If a symbol is decoded during
an image capture, the symbol
type and other supplementary
symbol information is also
included.

Symbol quality information
will be output in the form of an
abbreviated identifier for each
read cycle.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuring EZ Trax Output by Serial Command
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful for when you want to configure EZ Trax output using serial commands
instead of the EZ Trax graphic interface.
When EZ Trax output is enabled, the Imager will attempt to output all
enabled EZ Trax options. EZ Trax will not function unless enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Comm Port
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Selects the communication port that will be used to transfer image files.

Host
0 = Host
1 = Aux
2 = USB

Host Port
Sends output using the current Host Port.

Aux Port
Sends output using the Auxiliary Port.

USB
Sends output using a USB connection.

Image Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Determines which read cycle condition triggers image file output.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Good Read
2 = No Read
3 = No Read and Good Read
4 = Mismatch

Good Read
Outputs the first Good Read image in the read cycle. The image file will immediately follow
the symbol data.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuring EZ Trax Output

No Read
Outputs the first No Read image in the read cycle. The image file will immediately follow
the symbol data.
Note: If two symbols are present in the same image capture and one of them is successfully
decoded, no image will be output.

No Read and Good Read
Outputs the first No Read or Good Read image in the read cycle.

Mismatch
Outputs the image of the first mismatch condition.

Image Format
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Selects the format of the image output file.

Compressed
0 = Lossless
1 = Compressed

Lossless
A “lossless” image is one that is in a high resolution format, and that will not lose resolution
even when manipulated and saved multiple times. When Lossless is enabled, the JPEG
Quality setting has no effect.

Compressed
Outputs the image in JPEG format. Image quality is determined by the JPEG Quality
setting.

JPEG Quality
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sets the amount of JPEG image compression. A value of 1 represents the
highest compression and lowest image quality, and 100 represents the
lowest compression and highest image quality.

90
1 to 100 (percent)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Object Info Output
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

If a symbol is decoded during an image capture, the symbol type and other
supplementary symbol information is also included.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Grade Output
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Symbol quality information will be output in the form of an abbreviated
identifier for each read cycle.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuring EZ Trax Output

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

8 Symbol Quality
Contents
Symbol Quality Serial Commands ................................................................................................ 8-2
Overview of Symbol Quality.......................................................................................................... 8-3
Symbol Quality by ESP................................................................................................................. 8-4
Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode.................................................................. 8-8
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output....................................................................................... 8-10
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP.......................................................................... 8-12
Microscan Symbol Quality Output .............................................................................................. 8-13
Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP ................................................................................. 8-16

This section describes parameters that, when enabled, will output detailed symbol quality
evaluations.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbol Quality Serial Commands

Symbol Quality Serial Commands
Symbol Quality Separator/ Data
Matrix Output Mode
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality
Output
Microscan Symbol Quality Output
Static Validation Report

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Overview of Symbol Quality
Information about symbol quality and timing can be appended to symbol data by enabling
specific evaluation parameters. The order in which these values are appended corresponds
directly to the order in which they appear in ESP‘s Symbol Quality tree control.
Symbol Quality parameters are separated into ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output and
Microscan Symbol Quality Output.
Total Read Time, Symbol Quality Separator, and Output Mode are common to both
ISO/IEC 16022 and Microscan Grading Parameters.

The enabled Symbol
Quality parameters are
appended to symbol data
output in the order that they
appear in the tree control.

If you enable the outputs shown above, they will be returned
in this order:

Locate Time
(Microscan Grading)

Symbol Contrast
(ISO/IEC 16022)

Decode Time
(Microscan Grading)

0123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuv 256 A 30 210 3 17
Total
Read Time

Pixels Per Element
(Microscan Grading)

Capture Time
(Microscan Grading)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbol Quality by ESP

Symbol Quality by ESP
Tree Control
To open nested options, single-click the +.
Click this button
to bring up the
App Mode view.

Click this button
to bring up the
Symbol Quality
tree control.

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Report Tab
The Report tab allows the user to initiate Data Matrix Grading and to generate and save
grading reports.
To save the report as a PDF file, an HTML file, a CSV file, or an RTF file, click the Save
Report button.
Reports appear in the viewing area underneath the Data Matrix Grading and Save
Report buttons.

The Symbol Quality
interface is divided
into three sections:
Report, Locate, and
Preferences.

The imager’s field of view is shown here.
When grading is completed, the initial
report is also shown in this viewing area.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Locate Tab
The Locate tab allows the user to determine the position of the symbol within the imager’s
field of view, and to optimize the imager’s camera settings for symbol quality evaluation.

Click the Locate
button to display the
symbol in the
imager’s field of view.

Click the Calibrate
button to optimize
camera settings.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Preferences Tab
The Preferences tab allows the user to set defaults that are automatically activated when
grading is completed. For this reason, the user is advised to set preferences before performing
grading.

This information is
appended at the
bottom of the report.

Choose the default report type to be generated when you click Save Report on the Report tab.
Check Autofit Content to ensure that saved PDF report content will fit on a single page.

Typically you will be asked
where you wish to store
your report.
If you do not want to be
prompted to choose a file
path, click Store Report
without file path prompt.

Click the Include Image
check box to output the
captured symbol image
with your saved report as a
Bitmap or JPEG image file.

Enables ESP to parse UII
symbol data into the correct
fields and output order defined
by the U.S. Department of
Defense IUID initiative.

Returns all settings to
default.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Returns all settings to
most recent.

Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode

Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode
Symbol Quality Separator applies to both Symbol Quality groups: ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol
Quality Output and Microscan Symbol Quality Output.

Symbol Quality Separator
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Inserts a separator between each enabled field of the symbol quality
output.

(space character)
Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

Symbol Quality Separator by ESP

When you double-click on the
default separator SP, the Symbol
Quality Separator Calculator
appears. Use the calculator keypad
for one-click separator configuration.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Data Matrix Output Mode
Note: Output Mode applies to ISO/IEC 16022 symbol quality parameters.
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Output Mode specifies how the four output parameters, if enabled, are
formatted.

Grade
0 = Grade
1 = Value

Grade
If in Grade Mode, a grade (A,B,C,D) is appended to the symbol data.

Value
If in Value Mode, the calculated value for the given parameter is appended to the symbol
data.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output
Symbol Quality Parameters for Data Matrix symbols specified by ISO/IEC 16022.

Symbol Contrast
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Lets the user know if contrast settings are less than acceptable.
All the pixels that fall within the area of the test symbol, including its
required zone, will be sorted by their reflectance values to select the
darkest 10% and the lightest 10% of the pixels. The arithmetic mean of
the darkest and the lightest pixels is calculated and the difference of the
two means is the Symbol Contrast.
(ANSI) Symbol Contrast grading is defined this way:
A (4.0) if SC > 70%
B (3.0) if SC > 55%
C (2.0) if SC > 40%
D (1.0) if SC > 20%
F (0.0) if SC < 20%
If enabled, the symbol contrast is appended to the symbol data according
to the ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output Mode setting.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Print Growth
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The extent to which dark or light markings appropriately fill or exceed
their module boundaries. These values are determined by counting pixels
in the clock pattern of the binary digitized image, then comparing it to a
nominal value and minimum and maximum values. The print growth
grade is defined in this way:
A (4.0) if -.050 < PG < 0.50
B (3.0) if -.070 < PG < 0.70
C (2.0) if -.085 < PG < 0.85
D (1.0) if -.10 < PG < 1.00
F (0.0) if PG < -1.00 or PG > 1.00
If enabled, the print growth is appended to the symbol data according to
the ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output Mode setting.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Axial Non-Uniformity (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Axial non-uniformity is a measure of how much the sampling point
spacing differs from one axis to another, namely AN = abs (XAVG YAVG) / ((XAVG + YAVG)/2) where abs () yields the absolute value. If a
symbology has more than two major axes, then AN is computed for those
two average spacings which differ the most. (ANSI) axial non-uniformity
grading is defined this way:
A (4.0) if AN < .06
B (2.0) if AN < .08
C (2.0) if AN < .10
D (1.0) if AN < .12
F (0.0) if AN > .12
If enabled, the axial non-uniformity is appended to the symbol data
according the ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output Mode setting.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Unused Error Correction (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The correction capacity of Reed-Solomon decoding is expressed in the
equation: e + 2d < d - p, where e is the number of erasures, d is the number
of error correction code words, and p is the number of code words reserved
for error detection.
A (4.0) if UEC > .62
B (3.0) if UEC > .50
C (2.0) if UEC > .37
D (1.0) if UEC > .25
F (0.0) if UEC < .25
If enabled, the UEC is appended to the symbol data according to the
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output Mode setting.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP
ESP’s Symbol Quality interface allows you to evaluate Data Matrix symbols for compliance
with ISO/IEC 16022 requirements.
First, determine which ISO/IEC 16022 Parameters you need to evaluate, using the Symbol
Quality tree control.

Once you have set these Data Matrix evaluation parameters, go to the Preferences Tab
and set your Data Matrix Grading Report output preferences.

After your output preferences are set, click the Data Matrix Grading button.

There will be a wait of a few seconds, and then the evaluation results will appear in the
Symbol Quality view, in a format similar to the one shown below.

If you want to view the results in a report format, click the Save Report button. The report
will be output in the format you chose in the Preferences dialog.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Microscan Symbol Quality Output
Percent Cell Damage (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

When this feature is enabled, the cell damage percentage is appended to
data output.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Total Read Time
Definition:

Default:
Options:

The time that transpires between the image capture and the output of the
decoded data, including locate time.
When enabled, the total read time is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

a. Total Read Time applies globally to all three Symbol Quality standards.

Capture Time
Definition:

Default:
Options:

Capture time (in milliseconds) is a fixed “overhead” that includes the time
of capture and transfer of the image.
When enabled, the capture time is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Locate Time
Definition:

Default:
Options:

The time in milliseconds from the start of image processing until the
symbol has been located and is ready to be decoded.
When enabled, the locate time is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Microscan Symbol Quality Output

Decode Time
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

The time in milliseconds required to decode a symbol.
When enabled, the decode time is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Pixels Per Element (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

The number of pixels for each element, either dark or light for both x and
y directions.
When enabled, the pixels per element value is appended to the symbol
data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Error Correction Level (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

Outputs the Data Matrix ECC level.
When enabled, the ECC level is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Matrix Size (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

Defines the symbol matrix size, in number of pixels in both the x and y
axis.
When enabled, the matrix size value is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Quiet Zone (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

When this feature is enabled, the size of the quiet zone is evaluated and
a PASS or FAIL message is appended to the symbol data.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Symbol Angle (Data Matrix Only)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:

When this feature is enabled, the symbol orientation is appended to
data output as a degree value representing the angle of the Data Matrix
symbol’s L-shaped finder pattern relative to the Imager.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP

Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP
ESP’s Symbol Quality interface allows you to evaluate Data Matrix symbols for compliance
with a rigorous set of standards, such as Locate Time, Capture Time, and Decode Time.
First, determine which parameters you want to evaluate, using the Symbol Quality tree control.

Once you have set these Data Matrix evaluation parameters, go to the Preferences Tab
and set your Data Matrix Grading Report output preferences.

After your output preferences are set, click the Data Matrix Grading button.

There will be a wait of a few seconds, and then the evaluation results will appear in the
Symbol Quality view, in a format similar to the one shown below.

If you want to view the results in a report format, click the Save Report button. The report
will be output in the format you chose in the Preferences dialog.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

9 Matchcode
Contents
Matchcode by ESP ....................................................................................................................... 9-2
Matchcode Serial Commands ...................................................................................................... 9-2
Overview of Matchcode ................................................................................................................ 9-3
Matchcode Type ........................................................................................................................... 9-4
Match Replace.............................................................................................................................. 9-9
Mismatch Replace ...................................................................................................................... 9-10
New Master Pin .......................................................................................................................... 9-11

This section explains the MS-4’s matchcode output functions and the master symbol
database setup.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Matchcode by ESP

Matchcode by ESP

Click this button to
bring up the
Matchcode menu.

To open nested options,
single-click the +.

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

Matchcode Serial Commands
Matchcode Type
Number of Master Symbols
New Master Pin
Enter Master Symbol Data
Request Master Symbol Data
Delete Master Symbol Data
Match Replace
Mismatch Replace

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Overview of Matchcode
Definition:

Matchcode allows the user to store master symbol data in the Imager’s
memory, compare that data against other symbol data, and define how
symbol data and/or discrete signal output will be directed.
A master symbol database can be set up for up to 10 master symbols.
Note: Matchcode will function with multiple symbols; however, if Matchcode
Type is set to Sequential or if Triggering Mode is set to Continuous Read 1
Output, the Imager will behave as if Number of Symbols were set to 1,
regardless of the user-defined configuration.
Matchcode is used in applications to sort, route, or verify data based on
matching the specific symbol in a variety of ways as defined in this section.
For example, a manufacturer might sort a product based on dates that
are embedded in the symbol.

Steps for Entering and Using Master Symbols
1. Set Triggering Mode to External or Serial.
2. Choose the method of symbol comparison that fits your application.
3. Define the output you want to achieve with your matchcode setup:
a. Symbol data output
b. Discrete output
4. Select the number of master symbols you want to create.
5. Decide which of 4 ways you want to enter your master symbol(s):
a. Use ESP to type master symbol data directly.
b. Send a serial command with symbol data in the form of .
c. Send a (Read Next Symbol as Master Symbol) command.
d. Enable the New Master Pin command and activate the discrete input to store the
next symbol read as the master symbol.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Matchcode Type
Definition:

Allows the user to choose the way that master symbols will be compared
with subsequently read symbols.
Note: First set Triggering Mode to External or Serial.

Default:
Options:
Disabled:
Enabled:
Wild Card:
Sequential:

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Wild Card
3 = Sequential
Has no effect on operations.
Instructs the Imager to compare symbols or portions of symbols with the
master symbol.
Allows the user to enter user-defined wild card characters in the master
symbol.
Instructs the Imager to sequence after each match (numeric only) and
compare symbols or portions of symbols for sequential numbers.
Note: If Matchcode Type is set to Sequential, the Imager will behave
as if Number of Symbols were set to 1, regardless of the user-defined
configuration.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Sequential Matching
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in tracking product serial numbers that increment or decrement
sequentially.
With Sequential enabled, Sequential Matching determines if a count is in
ascending (incremental) or descending (decremental) order.

Increment
0 = Increment
1 = Decrement

Match Start Position
Usage:

Match Start Position is useful in defining specific portions of a symbol
for comparison. For example, if a symbol contains a part number, manufacturing
date, and lot code info, but you are only interested in the part number
information, you can set the Imager to sort only the part number and
ignore the other characters.
Definition:
Match Start Position determines the portions of symbols that will be
matched by defining the first character in the symbol (from left to right)
that will be compared with those of the master symbol, when Matchcode
Type is set to Enabled or Sequential.
Function:
For example, if Match Start Position is set to 3, the first 2 characters
read in the symbol will be ignored and only the 3rd and subsequent
characters to the right will be compared, up to the number of characters
specified by Match Length.
Serial Cmd:

Default:
0
Options:
0 to 3000
Note: Match Start Position must be set to 1 or greater to enable this feature. A 0 setting
will disable this feature.

Match Length
Usage:

Example: If Match Length is set to 6 in a 10-character symbol, and
Match Start Position is set to 2, only the 2nd through 7th characters
(from left to right) will be compared.
Definition:
Defines the length of the character string that will be compared with that
of the master symbol when Match Start Position is set to 1 or greater.
When Match Start Position is set to 0, no comparison will occur.
Serial Cmd:

Default:
1
Options:
1 to 3000
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual
9-5

Wild Card Character
Usage:

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Example: With Wild Card Character defined as the default asterisk,
defining CR*34 as the master symbol will result in matches for CR134
and CR234, but not CR2345. Entering the wild card at the end of the
master symbol, as in CR*, will result in matches for variable symbol
lengths such as CR1, CR23, CR358, etc.
Wild Card Character allows a user to define a wild card character as part
of the master symbol.

* (asterisk)
Any ASCII character.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Sequence on No Read
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sequence on No Read is useful when the Imager needs to stay in
sequence even if no decode occurs.
When Sequence on No Read is Enabled and Matchcode is set to
Sequential, the Imager sequences the master symbol on every match or
No Read. When disabled, it does not sequence on a No Read.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

As an example of Sequence on No Read Enabled, consider the following decodes:
Master Symbol
001
002
003
004
005
006
007

Decoded Symbol
001
002
No Read
004
No Read
No Read
007

Master Symbol after Decode
002
003
004 (sequenced on No Read)
005
006 (sequenced on No Read)
007 (sequenced on No Read)
008

As an example of Sequence on No Read Disabled, consider the following series of
decodes:
Master Symbol
001
002
003
003
004
004
004

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Decoded Symbol
001
002
No Read
003
No Read
No Read
004

Master Symbol after Decode
002
003
003 (not sequenced)
004
004 (not sequenced)
004 (not sequenced)
005

Sequence on Mismatch
Note: Matchcode must be set to Sequential for this command to function.
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Enable this parameter if every trigger event should have a decode and
more than one consecutive mismatch may occur.
Disable this parameter if every trigger event should have a decode but
no more than one consecutive mismatch may occur.
When set to Enabled, the master symbol sequences on every decode,
match, or mismatch.
When set to Disabled, the master symbol will not sequence whenever
consecutive mismatches occur.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

The Imager will sequence the master to one more or one less than the decoded symbol.
As an example of Sequence on Mismatch Enabled, consider the following decodes:
Master Symbol
001
002
003
004
005
006
007

Decoded Symbol
001
002
abc
004
def
ghi
007

Master Symbol after Decode
002
003
004 (sequenced on mismatch)
005
006 (sequenced on mismatch)
007 (sequenced on mismatch)
008

As an example of Sequence on Mismatch Disabled, consider the following decodes:
Master Symbol
001
002
003
004
005
006
006

Decoded Symbol
001
002
abc
004
def
ghi
006

Master Symbol after Decode
002
003
004 (sequenced because of previous match)
005
006 (sequenced because of previous match)
006 (not sequenced)
007

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Match Replace
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Provides a convenient shortcut for applications that need to output a
predefined text string whenever a symbol matches a master symbol.
Outputs a user-defined data string whenever a match occurs and
Matchcode is enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Replacement String
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

User-defined data string that, when enabled, replaces symbol data
whenever a match occurs.

MATCH
An ASCII string up to 64 characters.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Mismatch Replace

Mismatch Replace
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Provides a convenient shortcut for applications that need to output a
predefined text string whenever a symbol does not match a master
symbol.
Outputs a user-defined data string whenever a mismatch occurs and
Matchcode is enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Replacement String
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

User-defined data string that, when enabled, replaces symbol data
whenever a mismatch occurs.

MISMATCH
An ASCII string up to 64 characters.

Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

New Master Pin
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

If Matchcode and New Master Pin are enabled and the new master pin
is momentarily connected to ground (must be held low for a minimum of
10 mS) master symbol information will be loaded into the database
based on the next read cycle that achieves a Good Read, starting with
Index 1. The Master Symbol Database will be loaded with all symbols
decoded in the read cycle as long as it does not exceed the Number of
Master Symbols parameter.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

New Master Load Status
Definition:

The new master status responds with the number of the next master
position to be loaded, where 0 represents “idle” or “no master to be
loaded.”
Example: If the user has the Number of Master Symbols set to 1, and
then either sends a or toggles an active New Master Pin, the state
will be 1, and prior to reading and effectively loading position 1, the
response to would be . Once a symbol has been
read and loaded, the status will be cleared: .

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

10 Camera and IP Setup
Contents
Camera and IP Setup by ESP .................................................................................................... 10-2
Camera and IP Setup Serial Commands.................................................................................... 10-3
Video........................................................................................................................................... 10-4
Evaluation ................................................................................................................................... 10-5
Calibration................................................................................................................................... 10-9
Window of Interest .................................................................................................................... 10-10
Configuration Database ............................................................................................................ 10-13
Dynamic Setup ......................................................................................................................... 10-14
Pixel Sub-Sampling .................................................................................................................. 10-15
Camera ..................................................................................................................................... 10-16
Focal Distance .......................................................................................................................... 10-18
Focal Distance Table (Read-Only) ........................................................................................... 10-19
IP Threshold ............................................................................................................................. 10-20
Number of Symbols in Field of View......................................................................................... 10-22
Image Processing Timeout ....................................................................................................... 10-23
Damaged Symbol ..................................................................................................................... 10-24
IP Mode .................................................................................................................................... 10-25
Hollow Mode ............................................................................................................................. 10-26
Mirrored Image ......................................................................................................................... 10-27
Illumination Brightness.............................................................................................................. 10-28
Skew Correction ....................................................................................................................... 10-29

This section provides adjustment parameters for the physical controls of the camera, image
acquisition, database settings, and image diagnostics.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup by ESP

Camera and IP Setup by ESP

Click this button to
bring up the Camera
Setup menu.

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

To open nested
options, single-click
the +.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Camera and IP Setup Serial Commands
IP Threshold

Window of Interest

Number of Symbols in Field of View
Damaged Symbol

Focal Distance Table

Illumination Brightness

Skew Correction

Pixel Sub-Sampling

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Video
The Video view is similar to the EZ Mode interface, in that the user has the ability to perform
the same Locate, Calibrate, and Test routines. There is also a focal distance adjustment
tool to the right of the video view.
Video also features Capture and Decode functionality, which is similar to the Configuration
interfaces (Communication, Read Cycle, Symbologies, I/O, Matchcode, and Diagnostics).

Initiates Calibration routine.

Activates the Imager’s target
pattern and initiates live
video display of the symbol
in the field of view.

Allows the user to take an
image capture of the
symbol in the field of view
at any time, and to
decode the symbol data.
Similar to the Capture
and Decode function in
the Configuration views.

Initiates the Test routine.
Allows the user to test the
Imager’s read rate and
decodes per second, and also
displays decoded symbol data
in the field at the bottom of the
screen, Click Stop to end the
Test routine.

When enabled, shows the
symbol in higher contrast
than the default contrast
value.

Symbol data and
Test results are
shown in this field.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Evaluation
In Evaluation, you can view images
currently in the Imager, capture and
decode a symbol, save it as a digital
file, and perform histogram and line
scan evaluations.
When you click on the Evaluation
tab, you will see the images that are
currently stored in the Imager.
Click Receive to refresh this view.
Click Capture/Decode to display the
current stored image. Only one capture
and decode event will occur, regardless
of read cycle settings.
Click Read to trigger a read cycle. If
there is enough time in the read cycle,
up to 32 good reads (or 6 full-scale
images) can be captured and displayed,
depending on the size of the images, and
depending on the number enabled in
Number of Captures under Capture
Mode in the Camera Setup menu tree
to the left of the tabs.
If you click Save, the current image
will be saved to the location of your
choice.
Note: An image can only be saved in the
format in which it was uploaded to ESP.
JPEG images will be saved as .jpg, and
bitmaps will be saved as .bmp.
When you click the JPEG Image box,
notice that the Line Scan button is
grayed out.
The JPEG option allows faster captures and transfers, but since the JPEG standard compresses
image data, it is not suitable for the more rigorous demands of line scan evaluation.
JPEG also allows you to adjust the image quality (resolution) by adjusting the sliding tab
between 1 and 100, 1 being the lowest quality and 100 being the highest.
When possible, use the highest quality; when image transfer speed must be increased,
use a lower image quality setting. Adjustments for this setting will depend on your specific
hardware and software limitations.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Histogram
Usage:
Definition:

Useful in determining quality and contrast of symbols.
A histogram is a graphic representation of the numeric count of the
occurrence of each intensity (gray level) in an image. The horizontal axis
represents the values of gray levels, and the vertical axis represents the
number of pixels for each gray level.

Note: Since histograms are performed in the Imager, the results will be saved regardless
of whether the image was uploaded as a JPEG (.jpg) or a bitmap (.bmp).
1. From the Evaluation window, click the Histogram button.
The current image is transferred into the histogram operation. This may take a
moment, since all the relevant pixels are being evaluated intensively.
2. When the Histogram window opens, you may need to expand the window and/or
adjust the scroll bars in order to bring the image into view.
3. To generate a histogram, click and drag your cursor diagonally across the symbol or
a portion of the symbol.
The image will be surrounded by an “area of interest box”, a dashed blue line with red
anchor points that can be selected and moved by placing a cursor inside the box, and
can be resized by clicking and dragging the anchor points.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Threshold (Histogram)
Enable Autothreshold is checked by default.
To adjust the threshold manually,
1. Uncheck the Enable Autothreshold box.
2. Move the threshold marker (vertical green dashed line) in the Histogram chart.
Hint: This should be midway between the maximum and minimum curves.
3. Click on the Send Threshold button to adopt the new threshold position.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Line Scan
1. From the Evaluation tab, click the Line Scan button.
2. Drag your cursor horizontally across the image.
This will create a dashed horizontal line. Pixel information and a visual representation
of the dark and light pixels will be displayed below the image.

When you center your cursor over the dashed line, it becomes a double arrow cross. This
allows you to move the line anywhere in the window. You can also use your keyboard
arrows to move the line incrementally in any direction.
As with the histogram, the line scan compares light and dark pixels, but in a spatial distribution.
On the Y axis of the graph below, 0 is black and 255 is white; the X axis represents the
horizontal axis of the symbol as described by the line scan.
When you click anywhere on the graph, a vertical red line appears at that point and its
position and value (in terms of black-to-white) are updated in the Pixel Info table to the left
of the graph (237 in this example). In addition, a horizontal dashed red line is displayed
that indicates the average value.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Calibration
The Calibration interface in ESP is a powerful and intuitive way to optimize the Imager’s
performance. It allows the user to control several complex, simultaneous calibration
operations, and to follow the progress of those operations using cues such as progress
bars, real-time representations of calibration values, and other dynamic user feedback.
See Chapter 4, Calibration, for full documentation of this feature.

ESP’s Calibration interface shown
during a calibration routine

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

ESP’s Calibration interface shown
after a calibration routine

Window of Interest

Window of Interest
The active pixel area of the image sensor is called the Window of Interest (WOI). The WOI
allows the user to select an area of the field of view in which the desired symbol is located.
The programmable window of interest increases decode speed, improves threshold, and
makes it easy to select specific symbols from among several in the field of view. The user
provides the upper-left pixel location and the size of the window to define the Window of
Interest.

Caution: Window of Interest will shrink the field of view and therefore could cause symbols
to be missed in dynamic applications.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Window of Interest by ESP
1. From the Camera menu, click the WOI tab to bring up Window of Interest.
If you haven’t already captured an image, click the Capture and Decode button to
decode the present image. If successful, the Good Read indicator on the WOI tab will
be green and the symbol will appear in the pane below.
Note: You can resize the image by clicking and dragging the ESP window from the
lower right corner. This is useful where very small symbols are being read.
2. Click and drag your cursor over the symbol that you want to isolate for reading.
Notice that the surrounding area goes black.
You can use the handles on the image area that you have just drawn to resize the
region of interest. You can also click on the center of the window of interest and move
it.
3. Test the new settings in Read Rate Mode.

Note: To remove the window of interest, click the Reset button or just click anywhere
in the WOI pane.
Note that all pixels not in the WOI are defined as black.
Because the Imager has far less processing to do in a smaller window, read rates
typically increase dramatically. One possible downside is that the chance of missing
a symbol increases with the smaller window. Always verify that your WOI will be
large enough to allow for any random movement of symbols in your field of view.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Window of Interest

Window of Interest by Serial Command
The exact size and position of the WOI within
the image area can be defined numerically in
terms of pixels.
The figure to the right shows where to locate
the start position of the row and column pointers
and how to measure the column depth and
row width dimensions.

WOI Row Pointer

WOI Column
Pointer
WOI Row Depth

WOI Column Width

Top (Row Pointer)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Defines the row position of the upper-left starting point of the window.

Left (Column Pointer)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Defines the column position of the upper-left starting point of the window.

Height (Row Depth)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Defines the size, in rows, of the window. Maximum value is defined as
the maximum row size of the image sensor minus the Top value.

0
3 to (480 - row pointer)

Width (Column Width)
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:
10-12

Defines the column position of the upper-left starting point of the window.

0
8 to (640 - column pointer)
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Configuration Database
The Configuration Database allows the user to manage multiple configuration profiles. It is
a useful tool in applications that require several different complex Imager configurations to
be applied sequentially, and it allows the user to perform far more complex operations
than would be possible with only one set of configuration parameters.
See Chapter 11, Configuration Database, for full documentation of this feature.

Configuration Database view, set for 5 Active Indexes, with Capture Settings highlighted.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Dynamic Setup
Dynamic Setup is used to calculate image capture timing during a read cycle. Without proper
timing, the Imager will not be able to decode all symbols in a read cycle. An external trigger is
used to activate image captures so the user can make timing adjustments as capture events
occur.

The user can control Capture #, Number of Captures,
and Number of Symbols using these spin boxes.

Read Rate is
represented
graphically in
real-time as the
user makes
adjustments to
the time delay
between image
captures.

The user can control Capture
#, Number of Captures, and
Number of Symbols using
these controls.

The Delay Adjustment slider allows the
user extremely precise control of the time
delays between image captures in a read
cycle. Delay values are shown in seconds
in the field above the slider. The Coarse
and Fine Delay Adjustment options
determine whether larger or smaller
adjustment increments will be used.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Pixel Sub-Sampling
Definition:
Usage:
Default:
Options:

The camera can be enabled to sub-sample pixels in the specified image
frame. Sub-sampling can be set to either 4:1 or 16:1. These ratios signify
the sampling rate.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = 4:1
2 = 16:1

4:1
At this sampling rate, 1 pixel is output for every 4 pixels sampled. The image will be sampled
2:1 vertically and 2:1 horizontally, for a combined 4:1 ratio. An image with dimensions of 640
x 480 will be scaled to 320 x 240.

16:1
At this sampling rate, 1 pixel is output for every 16 pixels sampled. The image will be sampled
4:1 vertically and 4:1 horizontally, for a combined 16:1 ratio. An image with dimensions of 640
x 480 will be scaled to 160 x 120.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera
Camera parameters are typically obtained during the calibration process, and do not
necessarily need to be modified directly by the user.

Optics
The MS-4 Imager has two different optical configurations available: Standard Density and
Low Density. Determine the optics of your Imager and find the corresponding camera values
in the following sections.

MS-4 Standard Density (HD 1.0 mm Optics), 3” Focal Distance
Shutter Speed
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Faster shutter speeds reduce blurring in faster applications.
Slower shutter speeds are useful in slower applications and lower contrast
applications.
This value sets the exposure or integration time for the image sensor pixels.
The shutter speed setting in relation to the speed of the object is critical. If a
slow shutter speed is selected to capture fast-moving objects, blurring or
smearing of the image will occur. As shutter speed is increased, more light
and gain become necessary, because the pixels’ exposure time has
decreased.

30 (1/30 second)
15 to 12,500

Gain
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Can be used to adjust pixel grayscale values for readability.
Sets the gain value for the image sensor. This setting can be configured
through autocalibration, which is the recommended method. A higher
gain value will increase the brightness of the image, but the visual noise
reduction performance of the system is reduced. Before configuring gain
settings, the desired shutter speed should already be set and the gain
should be configured to optimize the shutter speed setting.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

MS-4 Low Density (SD Optics), 4” Focal Distance
Shutter Speed
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Faster shutter speeds reduce blurring in faster applications.
Slower shutter speeds are useful in slower applications and lower contrast
applications.
This value sets the exposure or integration time for the image sensor pixels.
The shutter speed setting in relation to the speed of the object is critical. If a
slow shutter speed is selected to capture fast-moving objects, blurring or
smearing of the image will occur. As shutter speed is increased, more light
and gain become necessary, because the pixels’ exposure time has
decreased.

150 (1/150 second)
15 to 12,500

Gain
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Can be used to adjust pixel grayscale values for readability.
Sets the gain value for the image sensor. This setting can be configured
through autocalibration, which is the recommended method. A higher
gain value will increase the brightness of the image, but the visual noise
reduction performance of the system is reduced. Before configuring gain
settings, the desired shutter speed should already be set and the gain
should be configured to optimize the shutter speed setting.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Focal Distance
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This command returns the Imager’s factory preset focal distance.

Standard Density = 300 (3”)
Low Density = 400 (4”)
N/A

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Focal Distance Table (Read-Only)
Number of Focal Distances
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Specifies the number of focal distances supported by the Imager (1).

1
N/A (Focal Distance is factory preset.)

Focal Distance
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Returns the Imager’s factory preset focal distance.

Returns the Imager’s factory preset Focal Distance value.
N/A

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

IP Threshold
Threshold Mode
Usage:

Fixed Mode works best when decode time must be as short as possible
and the reflectance and illumination of the symbol area is uniform and
unchanging. Cycle Fixed Mode is useful in applications where decode
time can be slightly longer, and reflectance and illumination of the symbol
area is uniform and unchanging. Otherwise, Adaptive Mode is the preferred
mode.
This value switches the image processing threshold mode between the
Adaptive, Fixed, and Cycle Fixed modes.
An adaptive routine sets the light/dark threshold using data acquired from
the current read. A fixed routine applies the same gray scale threshold
value to each and every symbol. A cycle fixed routine loops through a
pre-defined range of values (Cycle Min to Cycle Max) by pre-defined
increments (Cycle Step).

Adaptive
0 = Adaptive
1 = Fixed
2 = Cycle Fixed

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Threshold Value
Usage:

A higher value will increase the threshold for distinguishing between light
and dark elements.
Determines how the Imager will distinguish light pixels from dark pixels.
This value is used for Fixed Mode only. When Adaptive Mode is set,
this value is ignored.

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Cycle Min
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Starting value of the cycle mode.

0
0 to 255
Important: Cycle Min must be a smaller numerical value than Cycle Max.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Cycle Max
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Ending value of the cycle mode.

255
0 to 255
Important: Cycle Max must be a greater numerical value than Cycle Min.

Cycle Step
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

The numerical value of a single cycle mode increment.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Number of Symbols in Field of View

Number of Symbols in Field of View
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This command allows the user to determine how FLM will behave in relation
to the candidate symbols in the field of view.

0
0 = Any number of symbols
1 = One symbol
2 = More than one symbol

Note: When the number of symbols in the field of view is set to 1, codeword stitching from
all scaled image processes is allowed for PDF417 and MicroPDF417.
Note: This variable is used in Fast Linear Mode. FLM usually considers the whole image
as one candidate, but when Number of Symbols in Field of View is set to 2, FLM will try
to locate the candidates first and then decode. The symbols cannot be side-by-side--they
must be parallel.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Image Processing Timeout
Caution: Image Processing Timeout, if not properly set, can have a negative impact on
good reads.
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful in higher speed applications where image processing time is long
enough that not all captures have an opportunity to be processed.
Specifies the maximum amount of time to process a captured image.
When the timeout expires, the image processing is aborted. This timeout
works in both Rapid Capture and Continuous Capture modes, as well
as with the Configuration Database.

5,000 mS (5 sec.)
1 to 65535 (in 1mS increments)

Notes:
• The timeout period does not include capture time.
• If a timeout occurs during processing and no symbols in the field of view have been
decoded, the image will be recorded as a No Read. For this reason, a longer timeout
should be tried to ensure that the symbol is decoded successfully.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Damaged Symbol
Usage:
Definition:

Usage:
Default:
Options:

This feature is useful with badly damaged symbols in which finder patterns
or clock patterns are distorted, margins are distorted or missing on one or
both sides of a symbol, or portions of data are damaged.
When enabled, the Imager will make additional attempts and try different
processes in order to decode the symbol.
Due to the complexity of the algorithm required, enabling this feature
could significantly increase decode time.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

IP Mode
Definition:
Usage:
Default:
Options:

Determines the decode algorithm that will be used to process images.

Standard Mode
0 = Standard Mode
1 = Fast Linear Mode

Standard
In Standard Mode, images are processed using the standard decode algorithm.

Fast Linear Mode
This mode is used to locate and decode linear symbols that are oriented in the field of view
in such a way that a horizontal or vertical scan line can pass through the symbol completely.
The entire image is assumed to be a candidate, and will be scanned either horizontally,
vertically, or in both directions. When the number of symbols in the field of view is
set to 2, Fast Linear Mode will try to locate the candidates first and then decode. The
candidate symbols cannot be side-by-side—they must be parallel.

Fast Linear Mode (FLM) Direction
Usage:
Default:
Options:

Both
0 = Both
1 = Horizontal
2 = Vertical

Both
The Imager tries to read both horizontally and vertically. It decides which direction to
process first based on Window of Interest dimensions. For example, if the WOI height is
greater than its width, the Imager attempts to read vertically first, and if there is no decode,
then it attempts to read horizontally.

Horizontal
This setting forces the Imager to read horizontally.

Vertical
This setting forces the Imager to read vertically.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Hollow Mode
Usage:
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Used to determine which kind of data matrix elements will be processed.
When set to Regular Elements, the Imager will decode data matrix
symbols with solid elements but will not decode data matrix symbols with
hollow elements. When set to Hollow Elements, the Imager will decode
data matrix symbols with outlined, hollow elements but will not decode
data matrix symbols with solid elements.

Regular Elements
0 = Regular Elements
1 = Hollow Elements

The image below is an example of a data matrix symbol with hollow elements.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Mirrored Image
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Enable this setting when the Imager is viewing a mirrored image (as
when it is being used with a right-angle mirror attachment).
When enabled, outputs a mirrored image of the symbol.

Both
0 = Regular Image
1 = Mirrored Image
2 = Both (auto-detect
normal/mirrored)

Regular Image
When Regular Image is enabled, images will be processed as they appear upon capture.

Mirrored Image
When Mirrored Image is enabled, images will be processed as a reverse of the captured
image.

Both
When Both is enabled, regular and mirrored images will be processed.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Illumination Brightness

Illumination Brightness
Definition:

Usage:
Default:
Options:

This feature allows the user to adjust the brightness of the illumination
LEDs. Since the Imager has control over the brightness of the illumination,
it can provide consistent brightness output between Imagers through a
factory calibration operation. Each of the brightness settings are calibrated
to provide the same level of intensity for each Imager.

High
0 = Off
1 = Low
2 = Medium
3 = High

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Skew Correction
The MS-4 Imager’s CMOS image sensor
has a “rolling shutter” mechanism that
controls pixel integration row-by-row,
Full Image Height
unlike a global shutter, which performs
light integration of all pixels at once. When
a row of pixels has integrated light for the
Full Image Width
amount of time specified by the user-defined
shutter speed, that row will be read out. The rows of the image are exposed individually in rapid
sequence. As a symbol moves through the field of view, it is in a different position at each
row read-out. This creates distortion, or “skew”, as in the image shown below. In this
image, the symbol is moving from left to right at a line speed of 40 inches per second. The
bottom of the symbol is read out first while the upper portion is still being integrated, causing
distortion along the symbol’s x-axis.
Note: The amount of blur in the image is an effect of shutter speed, and is not a factor in
rolling shutter distortion.
If the symbol enters the Imager’s field of view from the top or bottom, distortion will occur
on the y-axis. The image below shows two symbols entering the field of view from the top
at different line speeds. As you can see, this causes the image to shrink along the y-axis.
This is because the symbol is moving perpendicular to the CMOS sensor’s row read-out.
In other words, the bottom of the symbol is read out first, and as the symbol moves information
is lost (the symbol enters pixel rows that have already been processed). This causes the
symbol to appear to shrink vertically.
Note: If the symbol were to enter the field of view from the bottom, the captured image
would be stretched along the y-axis.
10” / sec

Direction of
symbol
movement

Full Image Width

The amount of rolling shutter distortion depends upon the amount of time it takes to read
out an image row, and the line speed at which the target object is traveling. Therefore, one
way to reduce skew is to speed up the read-out time per pixel row. This can be accomplished
by reducing the column size of the image sensor.
For example, if the column size is reduced from 640 to 320, the time it takes to read out a
row of pixels from the sensor is reduced by half, and image skew will be reduced by a
factor of 2. As the column dimension of the image is reduced, the effect of rolling shutter
distortion is reduced by the same factor.
Important: Reducing the row size of the image has no effect, because it does not change
the row read-out time. Skew will remain the same regardless of row size.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Skew Correction

Line Speed
Definition:

Usage:
Default:
Options:
Line Speed
10” / sec
20” / sec
30” / sec
40” / sec
60” / sec
80” / sec

This feature is used to specify the line speed of the application, and it
determines how much distortion correction to apply. When enabled, this
feature will cause the overall decode rate to increase significantly.
Note: Processing time decreases with larger image sizes.

0 (Disabled)
0 to 80 (inches per second)
Additional Processing Time
69.5 ms
65.0 ms
62.5 ms
58.0 ms
55.0 ms
45.5 ms

Distortion is corrected by shifting image rows in the direction opposite the symbol’s
movement on the line. The shift value of subsequent image rows is then increased. These
shift values depend on the speed of the line. The faster the line speed, the greater the
required shift values. More data loss is incurred at faster line speeds.
The image shown below was captured at a line speed of 40 inches per second, and it
shows virtually no inherent skew. The black area of the image is unusable, since the
information was lost as the symbol moved through the Imager’s field of view.

The amount of data loss can be reduced by decreasing the image height or the row size of
the image, which reduces the amount of travel represented during the image frame
read-out. Note that the amount of distortion will not be changed, because the object will
have traveled the same distance during the read-out of the target area.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup

Symbol Direction
Definition:

Usage:
Default:
Options:

This feature specifies the direction the symbol is moving through the
Imager’s field of view, or which side of the field of view the symbol will enter
first.
Note: Image captures of symbols entering the field of view from above or
below cannot be skew-corrected.

Right
0 = Right
1 = Left

If a symbol enters the field of view from the left, it will be skewed as shown in the image
below. The image is processed from top to bottom, meaning that the top of the symbol is
captured first. The amount of skew is dependent on the speed at which the symbol moves
through the Imager’s field of view. The symbol below was captured at a line speed of 40
inches per second.

Additional Notes on Skew Correction
• When skew correction is enabled, the pre-processing option in Capture Mode is disabled,
regardless of how it is configured. This is because image distortion must be corrected
before any other image processing can occur.
• Autocalibration does not perform skew correction. It is assumed that during autocalibration
the symbol is stationary, so skew correction is not required.
• Images are corrected before they are processed. Therefore, if an image is still pending
at the end of the read cycle, it will not have been skew-corrected.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Skew Correction

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

11 Configuration
Database
Contents
Configuration Database Serial Commands ................................................................................ 11-2
Number of Active Indexes .......................................................................................................... 11-3
Configuration Database Status................................................................................................... 11-4
Database Mode .......................................................................................................................... 11-9
Save Current Settings to Configuration Database.................................................................... 11-14
Load Current Settings from Configuration Database................................................................ 11-15
Request Selected Index Settings ............................................................................................. 11-16
Request All Configuration Database Settings .......................................................................... 11-17

This section concerns the various capture settings and processing settings that can be
used to fine-tune the MS-4 Imager’s performance in your application.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database Serial Commands

Configuration Database Serial Commands
Number of Active Indexes
Configuration Database Status

Save Current Settings to Database
Load Current Settings from Database
Request Selected Index Settings
Request All Database Settings
Database Mode

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Number of Active Indexes
Usage:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Useful for applications that require several different complex imager configurations
to be applied sequentially. Multiple database indexes allow you to concatenate
configuration profiles, and to perform more complex operations than would
be possible with only one set of configuration parameters.
This feature allows you to set the number of database records (groups of
settings) that will be used automatically during the read cycle. If Number of
Active Indexes is set to 0, only the current imager settings will be used,
not database entry settings.

0 (disabled)
0 to 10

Database Sort
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Database Sort moves the database entry that produced a successful
decode to the first position in the list of database entries.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Number of Active Indexes by ESP
Click the arrow on the Active
Indexes dropdown menu and
select how many database
indexes will be used during
the read cycle. (0 to 10).

Sort Index Positions on Good Reads moves the
database entry that produces the first successful
decode to the top of the list.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database Status

Configuration Database Status
Index
Usage:

Useful for applications that require several different complex Imager configurations
to be applied sequentially. Multiple database indexes allow you to concatenate
configuration profiles, and to perform more complex operations than would
be possible with only one set of configuration parameters.
Definition: Determines the specific database index that will be used.
Serial Cmd:
Options:
1 to 10

Shutter Speed
Serial Cmd:
Default:
250
Options:
15 to 15,000

Gain
Serial Cmd:
Default:
20
Options:
0 to 48

Pixel Sub-Sampling
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Disabled
Options:
0 = Disabled
1 = 4:1
2 = 16:1
Important: Sub-sampling has no effect when the Image Dimension mode is configured as
Region of Interest in the Database Mode command. This is because the Window of Interest
camera settings are determined by the software based on the Region of Interest setup.
There is no benefit to sub-sampling to increase processing speed when ROI is configured,
because the frame size would need to be increased to make sub-sampling possible.
11-4

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Row Pointer
Definition:

The image dimension settings can be applied as a Window of Interest or a
Region of Interest, depending on the image dimension mode selected in the
Database Mode command.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
0
Options:
0 to (480-row depth)

Column Pointer
Definition:

The image dimension settings can be applied as a Window of Interest or a
Region of Interest, depending on the image dimension mode selected in the
Database Mode command.
Serial Cmd:
Default
0
Options:
0 to (640-column width)

Row Depth
Definition:

The image dimension settings can be applied as a Window of Interest or a
Region of Interest, depending on the image dimension mode selected in the
Database Mode command.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
480
Options:
3 to (480-row pointer)

Column Width
Definition:

The image dimension settings can be applied as a Window of Interest or a
Region of Interest, depending on the image dimension mode selected in the
Database Mode command.
Serial Cmd:
Default
640
Options:
8 to (640-column pointer)
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database Status

Threshold Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Adaptive
Options:
0 = Adaptive
1 = Fixed

Fixed Threshold Value
Serial Cmd:
Default:
128
Options:
0 to 255

Processing Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Standard
Options:
0 = Standard
1 = Fast Linear Mode

Narrow Margins
Serial Cmd:
Default:
2D Enhanced
Options:
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = 2D Enhanced

Background Color
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Both
Options:
0 = White
1 = Black
2 = Both

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Symbology Type
Definition:

This field allows the user to configure the database to enable specific symbologies
for selected database indexes. Symbology-specific parameters must be
configured with the appropriate symbology command.
For example, if fixed length Code 128 is required, it must first be set up with
the Code 128 command: .
To select a particular symbology, just add the number value associated with
that symbology type.
Examples:
If Data Matrix and Code 39 are required, the paramater would be: 2 + 16 = 18.

If I 2/5, BC412, and DataBar Limited are required, the parameter would be:
128 + 2048 + 16384 = 18560.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Disabled

Disabled
When Symbology Type is disabled, the database uses the current Symbology Type
setup to determine active symbologies.

Any Symbology Type (Add 1)
All symbologies are enabled while this database index is being used.

Data Matrix (Add 2)
If enabled, Data Matrix will be active for this database index.
Important: The ECC level must be configured using the Data Matrix command . If
no ECC level has been configured, the Imager will not decode Data Matrix symbols.

QR Code (Add 4)
If enabled, QR Code will be active for this database index.

Code 128 (Add 8)
If enabled, Code 128 will be active for this database index.

Code 39 (Add 16)
If enabled, Code 39 will be active for this database index.

Codabar (Add 32)
If enabled, Codabar will be active for this database index.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database Status

Code 93 (Add 64)
If enabled, Code 93 will be active for this database index.

Interleaved 2 of 5 (Add 128)
If enabled, Interleaved 2 of 5 will be active for this database index.

UPC/EAN (Add 256)
If enabled, UPC/EAN will be active for this database index.

PDF417 (Add 512)
If enabled, PDF417 will be active for this database index.

MicroPDF417 (Add 1024)
If enabled, MicroPDF417 will be active for this database index.

BC412 (Add 2048)
If enabled, BC412 will be active for this database index.

DataBar-14 (Add 8192)
If enabled, DataBar-14 will be active for this database index.
Important: If the stacked and non-stacked operation is required, the DataBar-14 command must be configured as follows: . If the DataBar-14 status parameter in the
command is set to either DISABLED or ENABLED, the Imager will only read nonstacked DataBar-14 symbols.

DataBar Limited (Add 16384)
If enabled, DataBar Limited will be active for this database index.

DataBar Extended (Add 32768)
If enabled, DataBar Extended will be active for this database index.
Important: If the stacked and non-stacked operation is required, the DataBar Extended
command must be configured as follows: . If the DataBar Extended status parameter in the command is set to either DISABLED or ENABLED, the Imager will only
read non-stacked DataBar Extended symbols.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Database Mode
Switch Mode
Definition:

Selects the event that causes the Imager to load the next database entry to
current, active settings. When Frame Count/Time expires and Image Process
Looping is enabled, the next database entry with modifications to camera
settings will be used.
Note: The image capture event always occurs when the first database entry
is used.
Note: The Switch Mode setting has no effect on Rapid Capture Mode,
which always operates in Number of Image Frames mode with a frame
count of 1.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
1
Options:
0 = Time
1 = Number of Image Frames

Time
When Switch Mode is set to Time, the Imager will load the next database entry to current,
active settings after a predefined time interval. The timer will start upon use of a database
entry. If the timer expires during an image capture event, the timer will not start again until
that database entry has been incremented and the new database entry has been loaded
to current, active settings.

Number of Image Frames
When Switch Mode is set to Number of Image Frames, the database entry is incremented
after the predetermined number of image capture events has occurred.

Frame Count/Time
Definition:

Indicates the Number of Image Frames that must be captured or the
amount of Time that must transpire before the Imager will load the next
database index entry.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
1 (frames/mS)
Options:
1 to 65535

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Image Process Looping
Usage:

Useful in applications where it is necessary to process a single captured
image multiple times using different IP and decode parameters.
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Disabled
Options:
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Disabled
When Image Process Looping is set to Disabled, an image is captured for every database
configuration, whether or not any camera settings have been modified.

Enabled
When Image Process Looping is set to Enabled, the last captured image frame is re-processed
with the new IP and decode parameters. If camera settings have not been changed from
the last capture event, and when a database configuration is loaded to current, active
settings, no new image is captured.
Note: An exception to this is the first database index: a new image is always captured
when the first database index is used. When a camera setting has been modified from one
database setting to the next, a new image is captured. For example, if all database entries
contained the same camera setting values but had different IP and decode parameters, an
image frame would only be captured when the first database configuration was used.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Image Dimensions
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Determines how the image dimension parameters will be implemented.

0
0 = Window of Interest 1 = Region of Interest

Window of Interest (WOI) by ESP
When Image Dimensions is set to Window of Interest, the database image dimension
parameters are camera settings, and they determine the size of the image to be captured.

Camera settings (Capture Index, Shutter Speed, Gain, Sub-Sampling) located in
the left half of the highlighted area.
Image capture dimensions (Row Pointer, Column Pointer, Row Depth, Column
Width) located in the right half of the highlighted area.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Region of Interest (ROI)
When Image Dimensions is set to Region of Interest, the database image dimension
parameters are IP and decode settings, and they determine the region or area of the
captured image to be processed.
ROI coordinate data is based on the full image size. The WOI of the captured image will be
configured to cover all the ROI settings in the current, active database entry. In the following
example, there are three active database settings, each with a different ROI configuration.
Their coordinates are based at point 0,0 of the full scale image (640 x 480). In this example,
DB1 and DB3 determine the size of the captured image WOI, while DB2 has no impact. The
image WOI is not configurable. It is automatically set up by the database according to the
ROI settings.

row
pointer
column
pointer

DB 3
Camera WOI

Full Image Size (640 x 480)
Note: Since the ROI parameters are not a camera setting, a change in ROI parameters
from one index to another does not indicate an image capture event.
This feature is intended to be used in conjunction with Image Process Looping, to
allow different regions of a captured image to be processed using different IP and
decode settings.
Also, if this feature is used in conjunction with Output Filtering, multiple decoded symbols
in a captured image frame can be output according to their location in the field of view.
11-12

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Region of Interest (ROI) by ESP
When Image Dimensions is set to Region of Interest, the database image dimension
parameters are IP and decode settings, and they determine the region or area of the
captured image to be processed.

Threshold Mode, Fixed Threshold Value, Processing Mode, Narrow Margins,
Background, and Code Type are all Processing Settings values.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Save Current Settings to Configuration Database

Save Current Settings to Configuration Database
Usage:
Serial Cmd:

Allows current, active configuration settings to be saved to a selected
database index.

This command phrase would save the Imager’s current, active configuration settings to
database index 5.

Click the Load Current to Index button to
save the Imager’s current configuration
parameters to the selected database index.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Load Current Settings from Configuration Database
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Allows the configuration settings contained in a selected database index to
be loaded to current, active configuration settings.

This command phrase would load the configuration settings contained in database index 5
to current, active configuration settings.

Load Current Settings from Configuration Database by ESP

Click the Load Index to
Current button to load
configuration settings
from the selected index
to current, active settings.

Notes on Symbol Type
• The current DataBar Expanded status does not change if it is configured as Enabled
(Stacked) and the database DataBar Expanded status is Enabled.
• The current DataBar-14 status does not change if it is configured as Enabled (Stacked)
and the database DataBar Expanded status is Enabled.
• Data Matrix ECC level is determined by the current settings and not by database settings.
Therefore, the database does not know which ECC level to enable, and has no effect on
current Data Matrix ECC settings.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Request Selected Index Settings

Request Selected Index Settings
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Returns configuration settings for the selected database index.

This command phrase would return the configuration settings for database index 5.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Request All Configuration Database Settings
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Returns configuration settings for all indexes in the configuration database.

This command returns the configuration settings for all 10 database indexes.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Request All Configuration Database Settings

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

12 Terminal
Contents
Terminal Window........................................................................................................................ 12-2
Find ............................................................................................................................................ 12-3
Send ........................................................................................................................................... 12-4
Macros........................................................................................................................................ 12-5
Terminal Window Menus............................................................................................................ 12-6

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Terminal Window

Terminal Window
To use ESP’s Terminal, click on the Terminal button:

You will see this window:
Clear
screen

Copy,
paste,
save

Macros listed
on this bar

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

Terminal
screen

Click on Macros arrow to Add Macro,
Remove Macro, or Edit Macro.

Type serial
commands
here.

Click on desired
Macro to run.

The Terminal screen allows you to send serial commands to the Imager by using Macros,
by copying and pasting, or by typing commands in the Send text field.
The Terminal screen also displays symbol data or information from the Imager.
You can also right click on the Terminal screen to bring up a menu of further options.
12-2

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Send
The Send function allows you to enter serial commands and then send them to the
imager.
• Type the command into the Send box.

• Press Enter.
• Click the Send button to the left of the text field to send .

MS-4 Imager User’s 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 this is a command, it is sent to the reader at the same time that it is displayed.

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

You can edit an existing macro or type in the Macro Name text field and define it in the
Macro Value text field. Click OK.

MS-4 Imager User’s 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 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.
• Send File allows you to browse for specific files and
send them to the reader.
• 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-4 Imager User’s Manual

13 Utilities
Contents
Serial Utility Commands ............................................................................................................. 13-2
Read Rate .................................................................................................................................. 13-4
Counters ..................................................................................................................................... 13-5
Device Control ............................................................................................................................ 13-7
Master Database ........................................................................................................................ 13-8
Firmware................................................................................................................................... 13-14
Bar Code Configuration ............................................................................................................ 13-17
Default / Reset / Save............................................................................................................... 13-18
Imager Status Requests ........................................................................................................... 13-20
Other Operational Serial Commands ....................................................................................... 13-22

Utility commands are generally commands that are performed during Imager operations to
check or determine read rates, or to perform miscellaneous operations on Imager hardware.
Serial utility commands are not prefaced with a “K” and a numeric code, nor do they require an
initialization command ( and ). They can be entered from within any terminal program
or from ESP’s Terminal or Utilities windows.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Utility Commands

Serial Utility Commands
Type
Read Rate

Counter Request
and Clear

Master Database

Part Number /
Checksum

Default/Reset/Save

<#>
<#a>
<#b>
<#p>

Name
Enter Decode Rate Test
Enter Percent Rate Test
Exit Decode Rate and Percent Rate Test
No Read Counter
No Read Counter Reset
Trigger Counter
Trigger Counter Reset
Good Read/Match Counter
Good Read/Match Counter Reset
Mismatch Counter
Mismatch Counter Reset
Store Next Symbol Read to Database Index 1
Store Next Symbol Read to Database Index n
New Master Load Status
Display All Firmware Part Numbers
Display Application Code Part Number
Display Boot Code Part Number
Display Profile Module Part Numbers
Display All Available Firmware Checksums
Display Application Code Code Checksum
Display Boot Code Checksum
Display Profile Module Checksum
Programmable Output 1
Programmable Output 2
Programmable Output 3
Targeting System On
Targeting System Off
Disable Imager
Enable Imager
Include PDF Information in Preamble (PDF417)
Reset (does not save for power-on)
Reset and Recall Microscan Defaults
Reset and Recall Power-On Parameters
Reset and Recall Customer Default Parameters
Save Current Settings for Power-On
Save Current Settings as Customer Default
Parameters for Power-On
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Utilities
Default/Reset/Save

Imager Status
Request Commands

Other Operational
Commands

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Recall Microscan Default Parameters and Save
for Power-On
Recall Customer Default Parameters and Save
for Power-On
Imager Status Byte
All Status Request
All Descriptor Status Request
All Range Status Request
Single Status Request
Single Descriptor Status Request
Single Range Status Request
Y-Modem Upload Transfer Options
Y-Modem Download Transfer Options
Image Library Request
Autocalibrate
Enter Bar Code Configuration
Static Validation

Read Rate
Read Rate by ESP
You can access Read Rate from the Utilities menu under the Read Rate tab.
To see the number of decodes per second, click the Decodes/sec radio button and click
the Start button.
To see the percentage of decodes, click the Percent radio button and then the Start button.
To end a read rate test, click the Stop button (the Start button becomes a Stop button
during an active read rate test.)

Read Rate by Serial Command
Enter Decodes / Second Test
Sending instructs the Imager to transmit the decodes per second and symbol data (if
any). The decode rate can vary dramatically due to the angle and location of the symbol in
relation to the field of view. This test is very useful in aligning and positioning the Imager
during setup.

Enter Percent Test
Sending instructs the Imager to transmit the percentage of decodes and any
decoded symbol data.

End Read Rate Test
Sending ends both the Percent test and the Decodes/Second test.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Counters
Counter commands can be a numeric value from 00000 to 65535. After reaching the
maximum numeric limit of 65535, an error message will be displayed and the counter will
automatically roll over and start counting again at 00000. To obtain the cumulative total of
counts after the rollover has occurred, add 65536 per each rollover (the Imager does not
keep track of the number of rollovers) to the current count.
Note: All counter values will be lost if power is recycled to the Imager, or if the Imager
receives a Reset or Save command.

Counters by ESP
You can access Counters from ESP’s Utilities menu.
Click the Request button to display the appropriate count or Clear to set the counter to
zero.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Counters by Serial Command
No Read Counter
Sending displays the total number of No Reads that have occurred since the last
reset.

No Read Counter Reset
Sending sets the No Read Counter to 00000.

Trigger Counter
Sending displays the total number of triggers since the last reset.

Trigger Counter Reset
Sending sets the trigger counter to 00000.

Good Read / Match Counter (or Good Read Counter)
Sending displays the total number of good reads matching the master symbol, or, if
Master Symbol is not enabled, the number of good reads since the last reset. This
counter is always enabled, but will only work as a match count when Master Symbol is
enabled. If Master Symbol is not enabled, this counter records the number of good reads.
This count can be requested at any time.

Good Read / Match Counter Reset
Sending sets the Match Counter to 00000.

Mismatch Counter
Sending displays the number of decoded symbols since the last reset that do not
match the master symbol.

Mismatch Counter Reset
Sending sets the Mismatch Counter to zero.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Device Control
Device Control by ESP

Device Control by Serial Command
Output 1 Pulse
Sending activates the link between Output 1 (+) and Output 1 (-) of the host connector
(regardless of Master Symbol or Output 1 status).

Output 2 Pulse
Sending activates the link between Output 2 (+) and Output 2 (-) of the host connector
(regardless of Master Symbol or Output 2 status).

Output 3 Pulse
Sending activates the link between Output 3 (+) and Output 3 (-) of the host connector
(regardless of Master Symbol or Output 3 status).

Disable Imager
Sending will turn the Imager OFF, end the current read cycle, and will not allow the
Imager to enter another read cycle until turned ON. This feature is useful during extended
periods of time when no symbols are being decoded, or the Imager is being configured.
Disabling the Imager will not affect any commands that have already been downloaded.

Enable Imager
Sending will turn the Imager ON and allow it to enter read cycles.

Enable PDF Information
Sending will cause PDF417 data to be prefaced with information consisting of error
correction level (ECC level n), number of rows (n rows), number of columns (n columns),
number of informative code words (n info code words), and the number of data characters
(n data bits). Send again to disable PDF Information.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Master Database

Master Database
Important: The Master Database is used for all Matchcode modes except Sequential
and Wild Card, both of which use Master Database Index # 1.

Master Database Overview
Usage:
Definition:

Used where more than one master symbol is required, as in a Multisymbol
setup, for matching and other Matchcode operations.
Allows the user to define up to 10 master symbols as the master symbol
database, which can be entered by keyboard, scanned in, displayed, or
deleted by serial or ESP commands.

1. Click the Master Database tab.
2. Enable Matchcode Type.
3. Set the Master Symbol Database Size.
4. Select the database index in which you want to enter the master symbol.
5. Do one of the following to enter master symbol data:
a. Double-click the index row to type data directly into the index.
b. Click the Read Symbol into Selected Index to enter the next decoded symbol.
Set Master Symbol
Database Size here.

Loads the next symbol decoded into
the selected index.

Double-click a row
to enter data into
popup dialog box.
Loads the Imager’s saved
master symbols into ESP.

Saves the displayed
database to the Imager.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Master Symbol Database Size
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Number of Master Symbols allows you to select 1 to 10 master symbols
for the master symbol database.

Note: You must follow this command with a save command or .
1
1 to 10

Set Master Symbol
Database Size here.

Caution: Since the total number of characters available for the master symbol database is
3000, changes to the Master Symbol Database Size will re-allocate the number of
characters available for each master symbol and could cause existing master symbols to
be deleted (except master symbol #1, unless it also exceeds the size limitation).
The table below specifies the maximum number of characters available to each symbol
according the number of master symbols defined, from 1 to 10.
Master Symbol
Number
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Maximum
Characters
3000
1500
1000
750
600

Master Symbol
Number
#6
#7
#8
#9
# 10

Maximum
Characters
500
428
375
333
300

Master Database

Enter Master Symbol Data
Usage:

Allows you to enter master symbol data for any enabled master symbol index
number (1 to 10), provided the total number of characters does not exceed
the maximum allowed.
Serial Cmd:
Options:
Enter data for 1 to 10 symbols (any combination of ASCII text up to the
maximum allowed.
For example, to enter data for master symbol 9, after making certain that master
symbol database size is enabled for 9 or more symbols, send .
Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs.
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation
of how to enter ASCII characters as hex values.
Caution: If no data is entered, the existing data will be deleted.
ESP:
1. Open the Utilities menu.
2. Set the number of master symbols you want to create in Master Symbol
Database Size.
3. Double-click on each symbol number you want to set up and copy, or type
your data in the popup dialog and click OK.

4. When all your data has been entered, click the Send Database to the
Reader button.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Request Master Symbol Data
Definition:

Returns master symbol data for any enabled master symbols from 1 to 10.
For example, to request master symbol # 5, enter . The Imager
transmits master symbol # 5 data in brackets in the following format: <5/>.
If no master symbol data is available, the output will be: <5/>.

Caution: Be sure to add the ? or you will delete the master symbol.
Note: This command returns the number of master symbols if no number is
included.

1. Click the Utilities button and the Master Database tab.
2. Click the Receive Reader’s Database button.

Request All Master Symbol Data
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

This command will return master symbol data for all symbols enabled (up to 10).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Read Next Symbol as Master Symbol
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

After you’ve set the size in the database, you can order the Imager to read
the next symbol as the master symbol for any given master symbol number.

To store the next symbol decoded as master symbol # 1, send:
or .
To store the next symbol decoded as the master symbol for any other
master symbol database number, send:
.
For example, will cause the next symbol read to be entered as master
symbol # 5.
In the Master Database tab under the Output Format menu,
1. Select the master symbol index number in which you want to store the
symbol data.
2. Click the Read Symbol into Selected Index button.
Caution: If you’ve selected an index which already has existing data, that
data will be copied over by new decoded data when you use this command.

Request New Master Status
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Informs the user when a new master symbol is pending and which position
it is in.
Returns the position in the master symbol database that will be loaded on
the next read.

The Imager returns:
Once a symbol has been read and loaded, the status will be cleared and the
response will be .

(See also New Master Pin in Chapter 9, Matchcode.)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Delete Master Symbol Data
Definition:
ESP:

You can directly delete the master symbol data by serial command or by
ESP.
1. Click the Utilities button to access the master symbol.
2. Click the Master Database tab and double-click the symbol number
you want to delete.

3. Delete text and click OK.

To delete a master symbol, enter the database number and a comma, but
leave the data field empty. For example, to delete master symbol # 5, send
the following: . The command is entered with a blank master
symbol data field, which tells the Imager to delete the selected master
symbol from the database.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Firmware
Firmware by ESP

Firmware Update
Application code versions are specific to your Imager. Consult with your sales representative
before downloading application code. If needed, an application code will be sent to you in
the form of a *.mot file.
To download application code:
1. First, be sure that your Imager is connected to the host.
2. Apply power to the Imager.
3. Before updating, you should verify the current firmware.
4. Click in the Firmware Update text box and select the file type you want to download.
This will open a file locator box.
5. Navigate to the appropriate file (it will be a *.mot file) and open the file.
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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Firmware Verification
Request Part Number
You can send a request to the Imager for part numbers, checksums, boot code, and
application code.

By ESP
You can access Part Numbers from the Utilities menu.
1. Click the Firmware tab.
2. From the pulldown selection box to the left of the Request Part No. button, make
your selection.
3. Select the code type to see its part number displayed in the text field to the right of
the Request Part No. button.

By Serial Command
• When you send <#> (a request for all product part numbers), the Imager returns:
<#b/BOOT_P/N><#a/APP_P/N><#p/PROFILE_P/N>.
• When you send <#a> (a request for the application code part number), the Imager returns:
<#a/APP_P/N>.
• When you send <#b> (a request for the boot code part number), the Imager returns:
<#b/BOOT_P/N>.
• When you send <#p> (a request for profile module part numbers), the Imager returns:
<#p/PROFILE_P/N>.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Request Checksum
You can send a request to the Imager for part numbers, checksums, boot code, and
application code.

By ESP
You can access Checksum from the Utilities menu.
1. Click the Firmware tab.
2. From the pulldown selection box to the left of the Request Checksum button, make
your selection.
3. Select the code type to see its checksum displayed in the text field to the right of the
Request Checksum button.

By Serial Command
• When you send (a request for all available firmware checksums), the Imager returns:

• When you send (a request for the application code checksum), the Imager returns:

• When you send (a request for the boot code checksum), the Imager returns:

• When you send (a request for profile module checksum), the Imager returns:

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Bar Code Configuration
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Bar Code Configuration Mode is a way of programming the Imager by
using ECC 200 Data Matrix symbols.

Bar Code Configuration Mode can be entered three different ways:
1. By forcing the Imager into Bar Code Configuration Mode using serial command
.
2. By configuring one of the 4 EZ button positions to Bar Code Configuration Mode.
3. By reading a Data Matrix symbol with a special code word used by ISO/IEC 16022
to signify Imager programming. This can be either in a regular read cycle or during a
read rate test. Reading this symbol in the calibration routine will have no effect.1
Once Bar Code Configuration Mode has been entered, the Data Matrix symbols can be
thought of as serial data. You can configure the Imager by printing labels in Microscan’s
serial command format. Commands are processed as if the data were streamed in
through the serial port. The Imager will acknowledge the symbol with a beep, green flash,
and echo the serial data to the host. If the command causes the Imager to produce more
serial output, such as serial verification or counter requests, the data will be routed to the
host port.
Bar Code Configuration Mode can be exited by any reset or command as well
as a or a quick press and release of the EZ button.
The command to exit Bar Code Configuration Mode can be included as part of the Data
Matrix symbol. For example, try encoding into a Data Matrix symbol.
This configures the Imager to enable Serial Trigger Mode, to program a new trigger to end
the read cycle, and to exit Bar Code Configuration Mode with .
To end all EZ button functions, press the EZ button once and quickly release.

1. In normal reading modes, it is required to read a special Data Matrix symbol with a special codeword used by
ISO/IEC 16022 to signify Imager programming.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Default / Reset / Save

Default / Reset / Save
Understanding and controlling your Imager’s active, saved, and default settings is critical
to its successful operation.

Saved for Power-on

Resets
(not saved
for power-on)

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

Reset and recall Microscan defaults
Reset and recall power-on parameters

Save to Reader,
Send No Save
No
No

Reset and recall customer default parameters

Save current settings for power-on

Save current settings as customer default
parameters for power-on

Recall Microscan default parameters and
save for power-on

Recall customer default parameters and save
for power-on

Save to Reader,
Send and Save
Save to Reader,
Send and Save
Customer Defaults
for Power-Onb

EZ Button
No
No
No
No
No

Press and
hold while
powering on
Imager

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
reader itself, you need to follow up with a Save to Reader, Send and Save command.

b. Only available in ESP if enabled under the Options pulldown menu.

Resets
Resets (“A” commands) affect only the current settings (active memory) and are not saved
for power-on.

Saved for Power-on
Power-on parameters (“Z” commands) are saved to NOVRAM and recalled and loaded
into current parameters when power is cycled to the Imager or the command is
sent.

Defaults
Defaults are Microscan firmware settings or saved customer settings that can be recalled,
either by software or hardware reset.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Customer Default Parameters
Customer default parameters (saved by ) are the same set of parameters as power-on
parameters but are saved in a different, isolated section of NOVRAM. This allows a user
essentially to create a backup set of parameters that can be recalled in the event that the
current parameters or power-on parameters have been accidentally changed or are no
longer desired.
It is important to note that a hardware default does not affect customer default parameters.
For example, a user that has inadvertently changed communication settings and saved
them with a command, may not know the correct settings or have the capability to
communicate within those settings. By first doing an EZ button default or hardware default
to restore the known Microscan defaults, the user can then recall the previous customersaved settings with an or command.

Microscan Default Parameters
Microscan default parameters are contained in the firmware and cannot be changed.

Software Defaults
Microscan default parameters can be recalled (loaded into current settings) with
command or recalled and saved for power-on with the command.

Hardware Default
If a software default and reset is not possible, it may be necessary to reset the reader by
shorting (connecting) specific pins. This procedure has the same effect as the
software command.
Important: For this reset to occur, this command must be executed within 60 seconds of a
power-on or a reset.
1. Apply power to the reader.
2. If using an IB-131, locate pins 7 and 11 on the host connector.
Caution: Be certain that the correct pins are located. Connecting the wrong pins could
cause serious damage to the unit.
3. Momentarily connect these wires (or pins) and listen for a series of short beeps.
4. Within 3 seconds, connect them again. A longer beep should be heard. If not, repeat
the process.

Default on Power-On
You can also use the EZ button to default the reader by holding it down while applying
power to the reader, provided that this feature is enabled.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Imager Status Requests

Imager Status Requests
Status Byte
The Imager responds to a status request with a two character hex value, such as .
To determine status:
1. Look up the binary conversion in the table below.
For example, the first hex 2 would be 0 0 1 0 in binary, as read from binary digits 3
through 0; the second hex 2 is also 0 0 1 0 as read from binary digits 7 through 4.
2. Next, enter your binary values from the table below in the
“Binary” column next to the appropriate bit.
Binary
Bit
0
1
2
3
4
5

Binary
0
1
0
0
0
1

Imager Status
Command error detected
Command received
Communication error detected
Flash sector unprotect failure
Host/Aux port buffer overflow
Imager is in a read cycle

3. Under “Binary,” interpret 1s as true and 0s as not true. For
example, bit 1 has a 1 in the “Binary” column, indicating
“Command Received”. Bit 5 is also a 1, indicating that the
“Imager is in a read cycle”.

All Status Request

Hex
Value
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1

0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
1

0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1

This is the fastest way to learn the Imager’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.

All Descriptor Status Request
This request will return all current descriptors for every K command, starting with the lowest
K command value and ending with the highest K command value.

All Range Status Request
This request will return the current settings of all commands within the user-defined range,
starting with the lowest user-defined K command value and ending with the highest userdefined K command value.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Single Status Request
This request will return the value of the variables associated with the requested K command.
The request of a single entry of a database command cannot exceed the number of database
slots for the specific command.

Single Descriptor Status Request
This request returns the basic functional description of all fields in the requested K command.

Single Range Status Request
This request will return the value range and storage type description of all fields in the
requested K command.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Other Operational Serial Commands
The following serial utility commands can be entered from the ESP Terminal window or a PLC:

Y-Modem Upload Transfer Options

Y-Modem Download Transfer Options

Image Library Request
Manages files in a selected directory.
File Source
(Nothing)
/
/saved
*.*
/del
/saved/del
del*.*

Explanation
All files in “root” directory
All files in “root” directory
All files in “saved” directory
All files in all directories
Deletes all files in the root director
Deletes all files in the saved directory
Deletes files in all directories

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

14 Output Format
Contents
Output Format Serial Commands............................................................................................... 14-2
Output Format Status ................................................................................................................. 14-3
Format Assign ............................................................................................................................ 14-4
Format Extract............................................................................................................................ 14-5
Format Insert .............................................................................................................................. 14-7
Output Filter Configuration ......................................................................................................... 14-9
Ordered Output Filter .............................................................................................................. 14-13

This section explains how to control the formatting and filtering of decoded symbol data for
output.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Format Serial Commands

Output Format Serial Commands
Format Extract
Format Insert
Format Assign
Output Format Status
Output Filter Configuration
Ordered Output Filter

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Format Status
Definition:

This is a global enable/disable parameter. In order to use formatting you
must set up the format using the insert and extract commands, and you
must also assign a symbol to format using the Format Assign command.

Output Format Status Disabled
When Format Status is set to Disabled, output formatting is globally disabled.

Output Format Status Enabled
When Format Status is set to Enabled, output formatting is enabled. However, Format
Assign, Format Insert, and Format Extract must be properly set up as well.

By ESP
On the Output Format tab, check the Enable Output Format

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Format Assign
Symbol Number
Definition:

Symbol Number refers to the number of the symbol to which output formatting
will apply. For example, if you wish to enable user-defined formatting to symbol
# 2 in a multisymbol read cycle, you would send the command .
Note that the number of symbols may exceed the format capabilities

1 to 10
1 = Formatted output status for symbol # 1.
2 = Formatted output status for symbol # 2.
...
10 = Formatted output status for symbol # 10.

Status
Definition:

Status refers to the user-defined formatting of a selected symbol position in
the read cycle result. Note that there is also a global formatting “enable”
command that must be set for the formatting to be applied.

1 = Enabled (Assign parameters to specified symbol.)

By ESP
Use the Set Number of Symbols spin box to
determine the number of symbols to be included in
the output phrase.

Then check the Parse boxes
beneath the symbols that you wish to
format for user-defined output.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Format Extract
Output Index
Definition:

Output Index refers to the database entry you wish to modify with this
command. A formatted output is built by extracting data from a symbol’s
original data output and/or inserting user-defined characters.
It may be helpful to think of individual indexes as positions in the final formatted
output you wish to build. Starting with index # 1, enter either an extract or insert
command to begin building your desired output string. Then, with the next
index number, enter either an extract or insert command to continue building
the output string. Continue this process until you are finished building the
string.

Start Location
Definition:

Defines the location within the symbol data where the character extraction
will begin. The first character extracted will also be the first character in the
sequence displayed in user-defined output.

1 to n (maximum number of characters in the symbol data).

Length
Definition:

Defines the length (in consecutive characters) that will be extracted and
placed in user-defined output.

0 (disabled; end of format cell array)

1 to n (maximum number of characters in the symbol data).

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Format Extract by ESP

The Extract Range
function corresponds to
the Start Location and
Length parameters in
the Format Extract
serial command.

You can extract and insert several character sequences using ESP’s Symbol Parse feature.
In this example, the selected extraction range is characters 2-4. The “Sample Symbol” example
on the Symbol Parse dialog shows the selected character positions extracted and output as
desired. Simultaneously, the data string from the actual selected symbol is displayed at the
bottom left of the Parse Table, followed by the user-defined extracted output.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Format Insert
Output Index
Definition:

Output Index refers to the database entry you wish to modify with this
command. A formatted output is built by extracting data from a symbol’s
original data output and/or inserting user-defined characters.
It may be helpful to think of individual indexes as positions in the final formatted
output you wish to build. Starting with index # 1, enter either an extract or insert
command to begin building your desired output string. Then, with the next
index number, enter either an extract or insert command to continue building
the output string. Continue this process until you are finished building the
string.

Length
Definition:

Specifies the length of the user-defined character string that will be inserted.
This function is limited to 4 characters per output index, so multiple indexes
must be entered in order to insert longer character sequences.
For example, if you wish to insert a 10 character sequence in user-defined
output, you would need three commands with consecutive index numbers,
where the first two character sequence lengths were 4 and the third was 2.

0 (disabled; end of format cell array)

Hex String
Definition:

Specifies a character string that represents ASCII characters to be
inserted in the database entry. Two hex characters are required for every
ASCII character to be inserted in the user-defined output string. These
two characters comprise the hex (base 16) value of the ASCII character.
For example, if you wanted to enter the three-character sequence “Hi!” you
would enter 3 for the length of the string, and a hex sequence of 486921 for
the ASCII sequence to be inserted. (48 = H; 69 = i; 21 = !)
Important: Each pair of hex characters represents one ASCII character.
Hex character pairs range from 00 to FF. Since you are limited to 4 ASCII
characters per insertion per database entry, you are likewise limited to 8
hex characters per insertion per database entry.

NUL (00 in hex)

00 to FF (As many as 4 bytes, or hex pairs.)

See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Format Insert by ESP

The Format Insert process is very similar
to the Format Extract process, except that
Insert allows you to enter characters using
the Insertion Calculator (shown above).

Notice that Extract and
Insert share the same
Parse Table.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Filter Configuration
Definition:

Output filtering is a method of providing a set of good read qualifiers and
also providing ordered output. There is a filter for up to the first 10 positions
in a multisymbol output. The first filter corresponds to the first symbol output
at the end of the read cycle. Each filter has has settings for the following
four parameters: Symbology Type, Symbol Length, Data, and Configuration
Database Number.

Rules for Output Filter Configuration
Rule # 1
Each symbol that is decoded must match one of the filters before it can be saved to a read
cycle record. There is an exception to this rule, however, when the number of symbols
required for a read cycle exceeds the number of active filters. In such a case, unfiltered
symbols can be placed into unfiltered output positions.
For example, if the number of symbols required is 6 but there are only 4 active filters, the
last 2 positions can be filled by any (unfiltered) qualified symbol.

Rule # 2
The same filter setup can be used multiple times.
For example, filters 1, 2, and 3 can be set up to filter Data Matrix symbols, and the output
will occur in the order the symbols are decoded.

Rule # 3
All qualified symbols will be sorted and output in the matching filter position. If a symbol
matches filter 3, it will be output as the third symbol. If a filter does not have a matching
qualified symbol, a No Read message will be output in place of the symbol (assuming the
No Read message is enabled).
For example, if there is not a symbol that meets filter 3’s requirements, then a No Read
message will be output in the third output position.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Filter Configuration

Filter Number
Definition:

This is the filter index number that represents the position of the symbol in
the data output at the end of the read cycle. This index number should be
entered along with the following filter settings for the predetermined symbol
position.

Symbology Type
Definition:

Specifies the symbology type allowed to occupy this location in multi-symbol
output.
Note: To filter or order a symbol, the symbol must meet all the requirements
of the selected filter index.

0 (any symbology type)

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

0 = Any type
1 = Interleaved 2 of 5
2 = Code 39
3 = Code 128
4 = Codabar
5 = UPC
6 = PDF417
7 = EAN 128
8 = Code 93
10 = GS1 DataBar
11 = MicroPDF417
12 = Composite
13 = BC412
14 = Data Matrix
15 = QR Code

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Length
Definition:

Specifies the length of the decoded symbol allowed to occupy this location
in multi-symbol output.
Note: To filter or order a symbol, the symbol must meet all requirements of
the selected filter index.

Wildcard
Definition:

This is the character to be used in the data output field when performing a data
filter comparison. The wildcard character represents the end of matching, and
allows for variable lengths of symbol output.

“ * “ = 2A (hex)

Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters.
Example:
2A = *
00 = disabled

See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

Placeholder
Definition:

The placeholder character requires a character to be present, but does not
compare the data value.

“ ? ” = 3F (hex)

Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters.
Example:
3F = ?
00 = disabled

See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Filter Configuration

Data
Definition:

This is the data string to be used when comparing symbol data for output
filtering and ordering. This data string may also contain wildcard and
placeholder characters to facilitate matching. Remember that in order to
filter or order symbol data, it must meet all the requirements of the
selected filter index.
Examples:
• Filter data = “123*”. This will match data strings of “123”, “123456”, and
“123ABC”, but not “12”.
• Filter data = “123*AB?C”. This will be interpreted as “123*”.
• Filter data = “123?”. This will match “1234” and “123A”, but not “123”,
“12345”, or “1234C”.
• Filter data = “123?A”. This will match “1234A” and “123BA”, but not
“123”, “1234C”, or “1234ABCD”.
• Filter data = “123?A?”. This will match “1234AB” and “123BAT”, but not
“1234A” or “123BATS”.
• Filter data = “12??*”. This will match “1234”, “123456”, and “123ABC”,
but not “12” or “123”.
• Filter data = “123?A*”. This will match “1234A”, “123BA”, and
“123BATS”, but not “1234” or “1234C”.

Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters.
Maximum length: 63 bytes defined.
Data [0] = NUL represents string matching disabled.
Important: The ASCII characters <, >, and , can only be entered as hex pairs:
For <:
For >:
For , :
See ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32 for a detailed explanation of how to
enter ASCII characters as hex values.

Database Index
Definition:

The index of the database entry that decodes a given symbol must equal
this setting for filtering to occur. A setting of 0 allows any database index for
this filter entry.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Ordered Output Filter
Definition:

Number of Filters refers to the number of active output filters. 0 disables
all output filters. Any non-zero numeral will enable filtering to be performed
using the filter indexes covered by this value.
For example, if the number of filters is 1, then only filter index # 1 will be
applied. If the number of filters is 2, then only filter index # 1 and filter index
# 2 will be applied, etc.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Ordered Output Filter

MS-4 Imager User’s 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-12
Appendix E ASCII Table............................................................................................................. A-21
Appendix F Interface Standards................................................................................................. A-22
Appendix G Object Detector....................................................................................................... A-23
Appendix H Operational Tips ..................................................................................................... A-24
Appendix I USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver..................................................................... A-25
Appendix J Glossary of Terms ................................................................................................... A-28

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

General Specifications

Appendix A — General Specifications
Mechanical
Height: 1" (25.4 mm)
Width: 1.8" (45.7 mm)
Depth: 2.10" (53.3 mm)
Weight: 2 oz. (57 g)

Environmental
Enclosure: IP54, category 2
Operating Tempurature: 0° to 40°C (32° to
104°F)
Storage Tempurature: -50° to 75° C (-58 to
167°F)
Humidity: up to 90% (non-condensing)

CE Mark
General Immunity for Light Industry: EN
55024: 1998 ITE Immunity Standard
Radiated and Conducted Emissions of
ITE Equipment: EN 55022:98 ITE Disturbances

Light Source
Type: High output LEDs.

Light Collection Options
Progressive scan, square pixel. Software
adjustable shutter speed, electronic shutter.
VGA: 640 by 480 pixels.

Connector
Type: 3 ft. cable terminated with High Density
15-pin D-Sub socket or USB type A connector.

Indicators
LEDS: Read Performance, Power, Read
Status.
MS-4 Imager Dimensions
Green Flash: Good read.
Blue Target Pattern: Symbol locator.
Beeper: Good read, match/mismatch, No Read, serial command confirmation, on/off.

Discrete I/O
Trigger Input: 5 to 28V rated (0.16 mA @ 5VDC)
New Master: 5 to 28V rated (0.16 mA @ 5VDC)
Default: 3.3V rated (0mA at 3.3V)
Outputs (1, 2, 3): 5V TTL compatible, can sink 10 mA and source 10mA.
Optional I/O: Optoisolated (with IC-332 accessory)

Communication Protocols
Standard Interface: RS-232, RS-422, or USB.

Symbology Types
2D Symbologies: Data Matrix (ECC 0-200), QR Code.
Stacked Symbologies: PDF417, MicroPDF417, GS1 DataBar (Composite & Stacked).
Linear Symbologies: Code 39, Code 128, BC412, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC/EAN, Codabar, Code 93.

Read Parameters
Pitch: ±30° Skew: ±30° Tilt: 360°
Decode Rate: Up to 10 decodes per second.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendices
Read Ranges
Low Density

Standard Density
(inches/mm)
20 mil 2D | 15 mil 1D
15 mil 2D | 10 mil 1D

10 mil 2D | 7.5 mil 1D

Standard Density

Low Density
(inches/mm)

30 mil 2D | 20 mil 1D
20 mil 2D | 15 mil 1D

15 mil 2D | 10 mil 1D

0
4
Wide Axis (H = 3/4 W)

Wide Axis (H = 3/4 W)

Narrow-bar-width

Field of View
(maximum)

.0075" (0.19 mm)

.010" (0.25 mm)

1.6 to 4.7" (41 mm to 119 mm)

1.4 to 5.2" (36 mm to 132 mm)

.010" (0.25 mm)

3.0 to 4.5" (76 mm to 114 mm)

.015" (0.38 mm)

.020” (.51 mm)

5.0” (127 mm)

2.5 to 5.5” (64 mm to 140 mm)

.020" (0.51 mm)

.030” (.76 mm)

5.8” (147 mm)

2.0 to 6.8” (51 mm to 173 mm)

Standard Density
1.8 to 4.2" (46 mm to 107 mm)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

General Specifications
Safety Certifications
FCC, UL/cUL, CE, CB, RoHS/WEEE Compliance

ISO Certification
ISO 9001 Certified
Issued by TUV USA Inc., Member of TUV NORD Group

©2010 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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendix B — Electrical Specifications
Power: 3 Watts (max.) (USB: 2.5 Watts max.)
5 VDC +/– 5 %, 200 mV p-p max. ripple, 394mA @ 5 VDC (typ.) (USB: 300mA @ 5VDC)
Optional I/O: Optoisolated (with IC-332 accessory)

Host Connector / Pin Assignments
High Density 15 Pin D-sub Socket Connector
Pin

Host RS-422/485

Power/Signal Ground

Host/Aux RS-232

Default configuration b

New Master (NPN)

Chassis ground c

a. Can sink 10 mA and source 10 mA.
b. The default is activated by connecting pin 8 to ground pin 4.
c. Chassis ground: Used to connect chassis body to earthground only. Not to be used as power or signal return.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Configuration Commands

Appendix C — Serial Configuration Commands
Communications
Host Port Connections
Auxiliary Port Connections
RS-422 Status
Host Port Protocol
Preamble
Postamble
Response Timeout
LRC
Auxiliary Port System Data Status
ACK/NAK Options
Polling Mode Options
USB HID Reports
Autoconfiguration Daisy Chain
Calibration
Calibration Options
Autocalibrate
Read Cycle
Trigger Mode/Duration
Serial Trigger Character
External Trigger State
End of Read Cycle
Minimum Good Reads
Multisymbol
Start Trigger Character
Stop Trigger Character
Capture Mode
Capture Timing
Image Storage
IP Timeout
Symbologies
Narrow Margins/Symbology ID
Background Color
Composite
Code 39

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendices
Codabar

Interleaved 2 of 5
UPC/EAN
Code 128/EAN 128

Code 93
PDF417
Data Matrix

QR Code
BC412
DataBar-14
DataBar Limited
DataBar Expanded
MicroPDF417
I/O Parameters
Power On/Reset Counts
Time Since Reset
Service Message
Serial Verification
Beeper
Quality Output
Symbol Data Output
Read Duration Output
No Read Message
Bad Symbol Message
No Symbol Message
1D/Stacked Symbology Qualification
2D Symbology Qualification

Frame Information
LED Configuration
Image Output
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Serial Configuration Commands
Target/Flood LEDs

Database Identifier Output

EZ Button Modes

Trend Analysis Output 1

Trend Analysis Output 2

Trend Analysis Output 3

Diagnostic Output 1

Diagnostic Output 2

Diagnostic Output 3

ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3
Configurable Output 1

Configurable Output 2

Configurable Output 3

Symbol Quality
Symbol Quality Separator/ Data Matrix

Output Mode
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output

Microscan Symbol Quality Output

Static Validation Report

Matchcode
Matchcode Type

Number of Master Symbols

Enter Master Symbol Data

Request Master Symbol Data
[for all] or
Delete Master Symbol Data

Mismatch Replace

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendices
Camera and IP Setup
IP Threshold
Mirrored Image
Window of Interest
Hollow Mode
Number of Symbols in Field of View
Damaged Symbol
Focal Distance
Focal Distance Table
IP Mode
Illumination Brightness
Camera
Configuration Database
Number of Active Indexes
Configuration Database Status

Save Current Settings to Database
Load Current Settings from Database
Request Selected Index Settings
Request All Database Settings
Database Mode
Output Format
Format Extract
Format Insert
Format Assign
Output Format Status
Output Filter Configuration
Ordered Output Filter

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communication Protocol Commands

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
Imager’s memory and saves for power-on; an initializes the Imager’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 (see ASCII Character Entry Modifier on page 3-32).
• 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 .

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.
A-10

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications Protocol

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-4 Imager User’s Manual

ACK / NAK Data Flow Examples
Setup 1
RES
REQ
STX
ETX
ACK
NAK
LRC

0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x06
0x15
disabled

Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

Transfer 2
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

Error Condition
Transfer 1
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

symbol data
‘NAK’ (host rejects)
symbol data (resend data)
‘ACK’ (transaction complete)

Transfer 2
HOST_TX

IMAGER_TX
‘ACK’
IMAGER_TX

timeout reached...
timeout reached...
timeout reached...
Timeout Reached transaction aborted, data is flushed

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications Protocol

Setup 2
RES
REQ
STX
ETX
ACK
NAK
LRC

0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x06
0x15
enabled

Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

Transfer 2
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

B
‘ACK’
a
‘ACK’

Error Condition
Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

x (BAD LRC)
‘NAK’
a (GOOD LRC)
‘ACK’

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Setup 3
RES
REQ
STX
ETX
ACK
NAK
LRC

0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x28 ‘(‘
0x29 ‘)’
0x06
0x15
enabled

Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

Transfer 2
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

()k
‘ACK’
()w
‘ACK’

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications Protocol

Setup 4
RES
REQ
STX
ETX
ACK
NAK
LRC

0x21 ‘!’
0x3D ‘=’
0x28 ‘(‘
0x29 ‘)’
0x06
0x15
enabled

Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

Transfer 2
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

()n
‘ACK’
‘!’
()X
‘ACK’
‘!’

Error Condition
Transfer 1
HOST_TX
()H
IMAGER_TX
‘ACK’
HOST_TX
()n
IMAGER_TX
‘ACK’
HOST_TX
‘!’
IMAGER_TX
()X
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘=’
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘=’
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘=’
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘!’

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Polling Mode Data Flow Examples
Setup 1
Address
RES
REQ
STX
ETX
ACK
NAK
LRC

0x01 (translates to) Poll Req @ ‘0x1C’, Unit Select @ ‘0x1D’
0x04
0x05
0x02
0x03
0x06
0x15
disabled

Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

‘RES’ ‘0x1D’ ‘REQ’ (Select Unit 1 to receive data)
‘0x1D’ ‘ACK’ (Unit responds with its address)
‘STX’ ‘ETX’
‘0x1D’ ‘ACK’ (Unit responds with its address)
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 2)

Transfer 2
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’
‘ACK’
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1)

Starting with a ‘RES’ ensures a clean transaction, without “leftovers” from the previous
transaction.

Error Condition 1
HOST_TX
‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
IMAGER_TX
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’
HOST_TX
‘Nothing’ (Host should ‘ACK’ here)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1, data is flushed)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications Protocol

Error Condition 2
HOST_TX
‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
IMAGER_TX
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’
HOST_TX
‘Nothing’ (Host should ‘ACK’ here)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
HOST_TX
‘NAK’ (Host rejects data frame)
(Retry Event)
IMAGER_TX
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ (Unit sends again)
HOST_TX
‘ACK’ (Host receives data)
IMAGER_TX
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1)

The protocol makes 3 retry attempts before data is flushed and transfer is aborted.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Setup 2
Address
RES
REQ
STX
ETX
ACK
NAK
LRC

0x01 (translates to) Poll Req @ ‘0x1C’, Unit Select @ ‘0x1D’
0x04
0x05
0x02
0x03
0x06
0x15
enabled

Transfer 1
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

‘RES’ ‘0x1D’ ‘REQ’ (Select Unit 1 to receive data)
‘0x1D’ ‘ACK’ (Unit responds with its address)
‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘LRC’
‘0x1D’ ‘ACK’ (Unit responds with its address)
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 2)

Transfer 2
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX

‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘LRC’
‘ACK’
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1)

Starting with a ‘RES’ ensures a clean transaction, without “leftovers” from the previous
transaction.

Error Condition 1
HOST_TX
‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
IMAGER_TX
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘LRC’
HOST_TX
‘Nothing’ (Host should ‘ACK’ here)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1, data is flushed)

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Communications Protocol

Error Condition 2
HOST_TX
‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
IMAGER_TX
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘LRC’
HOST_TX
‘Nothing’ (Host should ‘ACK’ here)
timeout reached...
IMAGER_TX
‘REQ’ (Unit requests an ‘ACK’ again)
HOST_TX
‘NAK’ (Host rejects data frame)
(Retry Event)
IMAGER_TX
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘LRC’ (Unit sends again)
HOST_TX
‘ACK’ (Host receives data)
IMAGER_TX
‘RES’ (Terminate Transfer 1)

Error Condition 3
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
(Retry Event)
IMAGER_TX
HOST_TX
IMAGER_TX

‘RES’ ‘0x1C’ ‘REQ’ (Poll Unit 1 for data)
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘BAD LRC’
‘NAK’ (Host rejects bad LRC data)
‘0x1C’ ‘STX’ ‘ETX’ ‘GOOD LRC’ (Unit sends again)
‘ACK’ (Host receives data)
‘RES’ Terminate Transfer 1)

The protocol makes 3 retry attempts before data is flushed and transfer is aborted.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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
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Interface Standards

Appendix F — Interface Standards
Interface Standards, established by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), specify
such things as the signaling voltage levels, maximum cable lengths, and number of drivers.
In the MS-4 Imager, selection of interface is made by pin assignment and, in the case of
host communications, by software switching between RS-232 and RS-422.

RS-232
RS-232 defines an interface between two devices such as, for example, the reader and
host. It differs from the other interfaces by dedicating individual pins to specific functions
and by requiring both devices to share a common ground line. Since both device chassis
are connected to a common ground, a ground loop potential and the possibility of noise
interference exists. Therefore cable lengths are limited to a maximum of 50 feet (19.7m).
Despite being the most limited, this interface is used frequently because of the large
installed base of RS-232 equipment.

RS-422
RS-422, unlike RS-232, measures signals deferentially; that is, the receiver looks at the
potentials between the two receive (or transmit) wires rather than the potential between
signal and ground. As a result, cables, if shielded, can be up to 4000 feet (1219m) in
length. Like RS-232, RS-422 communication is designed for only two devices on a single
line and must have a common ground. It can be used wherever RS-232 is used.

USB
The Universal Serial Bus can connect up to 127 devices to a host at a maximum of 6
megabytes per second (Mbps) of bandwidth.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendix G — Object Detector
In a typical operation, an imager will wait for symbol data only during a triggered read
cycle. A read cycle is initiated by a “trigger” and can be in the form of a serial command
from the host (internal trigger) or a signal from an object detector (external trigger).
When an object detector (also called a sensor, package detector, etc.) is used, it is set up
so that its beam will bounce off the approaching object and the resulting pulse will be sent
to the imager to begin the read cycle. Typically, a detector is positioned so that it will
detect the presence of an object before its symbol can be read.
An object detector is mounted in almost any position relative to the object as long as the
object passes within range of the detector and direct or reflected light from the detector
does not interfere with the imager’s reception.
As the item continues to move down the line, its symbol moves into the imager beam and
is decoded.

Object and Symbol

Object Detector

Object and Symbol
Imager

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Operational Tips

Appendix H — Operational Tips
Cleaning
The MS-4 Imager has a hard coated window that should only be cleaned with alcohol
(100% isopropyl).

Mounting
When mounting the MS-4 Imager, do not insulate the stand mount. The bottom panel is
the hottest part of the Imager and metal-to-metal contact is necessary for heat dissipation.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendix I — USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver
(For use with Windows® Vista (32-bit), XP (32-bit), and 2000 Operating Systems)
Microscan’s USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver allows you to send serial data using a
USB MS-4 Imager. The driver is available at www.microscan.com or on the Microscan
Tools CD.

Installing the USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver
1. Download the driver files from the Microscan website or Microscan Tools CD.
If the driver files are in a .zip file, extract them to a folder of your choice before running
the installer.
2. Double-click on DPInst.exe to launch the Microscan USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port
Driver Installer.

Select DPInst.exe to launch
the driver installer.

3. Click Next on the driver installer’s welcome screen.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver
4. Read the License Agreement shown below. If you accept the terms of the agreement,
click the radio button next to the statement “I accept this agreement”, and click Next.

Important: After accepting the license agreement and clicking Next, you may see a
Windows Security warning that states “Windows can’t verify the publisher of this
driver software”. If you receive this warning, choose the “Install this driver software
anyway” option.
5. The driver files will begin installing. This may take several seconds. Do not interfere
with the installer during this process.

6. Once the driver is installed successfully, you will receive the message shown below.
Click Finish.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Uninstalling the USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver
Important: You must uninstall the USB-to-Serial Virtual COM Port Driver any time you
require high-speed USB connectivity (to upload images using EZ Trax, for example).

Find the driver on the list
of programs, select it, then
click Uninstall/Change.

To use the Virtual COM Port again, follow the steps above to re-install the driver.

Changing the COM Port
Follow these steps to change the reader’s COM Port:
1. Right-click on My Computer in the Windows Start menu and select Properties.
2. Select the Hardware tab in the System Properties dialog and click the Device
Manager button.

3. Expand the Ports (COM & LPT) item on the Device Manager menu. Right-click on
Microscan Reader and select Properties.
4. Select the Port Settings tab in the Properties dialog and click the Advanced button.
5. Expand the COM Port Number menu on the Advanced Settings dialog and select
your new COM Port number.

You are now ready to begin using the new COM Port.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms

Appendix J — 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 imaging front end of a
vision system and generated from outside sources. This light, unless used for actual illumination,
will be treated as background Noise by the vision system.
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.
Architecture — The hardware organization of a vision system designed for high speed
image analysis.
ASIC — See Application-Specific Integrated Circuit.
Aspect Ratio — The ratio between the height and width of a sensor or display. Found by
dividing the vertical number of pixels (height) by the horizontal number of pixels (width)
leaving it in fractional format.
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.
Blooming — A situation in which too many photons are being produced to be received by
a pixel. The pixel overflows and causes the photons to go to adjacent pixels. Blooming is
similar to overexposure in film photography, except that in digital imaging, the result is a
number of vertical and/or horizontal streaks appearing from the light source in the picture.
Baud Rate — The number of discrete signal events per second; bits per second.
Capture — The act of acquiring and storing video images in an imager or host computer.
Also, the image captured.
CCD — See Charge-Coupled Device.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendices
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.
CMOS — See Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor.
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) — Like CCDs, CMOS imagers
include an array of photo-sensitive diodes, one diode within each pixel. Unlike CCDs, however,
each pixel in a CMOS imager has its own individual amplifier integrated inside.
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 imagers to a host and commands
from the host to the imagers or other devices.
Counter — Memory space allocated to keep track of imager events.
DAC — See Digital-to-Analog Converter.
Daisy Chain — Linkage of primary and secondary imagers 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, initializes serial commands and resets all
counters.
Delimited — A delimited command or field is bracketed by predefined characters.
Decode Rate — The number of good reads per second ahieved by an imager.
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 an imaging system. 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 Imaging — Conversion of an image into pixels by means of an Analog-to-Digital
Converter where the level of each pixel can be stored digitally.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) — A VLSI chip designed for ultra-high-speed arithmetic
processing. Often imbedded in a vision engine.
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.
DMA — See Direct Memory Access.
DSP — See Digital Signal Processor.
Dynamic Range — The difference between the minimum and maximum thresholds of
discernible images; the amount of usable signal.
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms
Edge Enhancement — Image processing method to strengthen high-spatial frequencies
in the image.
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 imager 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.
Fill Factor — Percentage of pixel area used for light collection.
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 one symbol length
will be accepted.
Focal Distance — In camera-based vision, the distance from the front of the camera to
the object being viewed. (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.
Frame — The total area captured in an image sensor while the video signal is not blanked.
Frame Grabber — A device that interfaces with a camera and, on command, samples the
video, converts the sample to a digital value and stores that in a computer's memory.
Front End System — The object, illumination, optics and imager blocks of a vision system.
Includes all components useful to acquire a good image for subsequent processing.
Full Duplex — A communications system in which signals can travel simultaneously
between devices.
Gain — The amount of energy applied to pixel gray scale values prior to output, expressed
in dB; optimal signal strength.
Good Read — A decode. The successful scanning and decoding of the information
encoded in a bar code symbol.
Gradient — The rate of change of pixel intensity (first derivative).
Gray Scale — Variations of values from white, through shades of gray, to black in a digitized
image with black assigned the value of zero and white the value of one.
A-30

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendices
Half Duplex — A communications system in which signals can travel between devices in
both directions, but not simultaneously.
Histogram — A graphical representation of the frequency of occurrence of each intensity
or range of intensities (gray levels) of pixels in an image. The height represents the number
of observations occurring in each interval.
Host — A computer, PLC, or other device that is used to execute commands and process
data and discrete signals.
Image — Projection of an object or scene onto a plane (i.e. screen or image sensor).
Image Processing (IP) — Transformation of an input image into an output image with
desired properties.
Image Resolution — The number of rows and columns of pixels in an image. A higher
resolution means that more pixels are available per element of the symbol being read.
Examples: 640 x 480 (VGA), 1024 x 768 (XGA), 1280 x 1024 (SXGA), 1600 x 1200
(UXGA), or 2048 x 1536 (QXGA).
Image Sensor — A device that converts a visual image to an electrical signal; a CCD or
CMOS array.
Initialize — Implement serial configuration commands into the imager’s active memory.
Input — A channel or communications line. Decoded data or a discrete signal that is
received by a device.
Integration — Exposure of pixels on a CMOS sensor.
IP — See Image Processing.
Ladder Orientation — A linear symbol orientation in which the bars are parallel to the
symbol’s direction of travel.
LED — See Light-Emitting Diode.
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.
Machine Vision — The automatic acquisition and analysis of images to obtain desired
data for controlling a specific activity.
Multidrop — A communications protocol for networking two or more imagers or other
devices with a concentrator (or controller) and characterized by the use of individual
device addresses and the RS-485 standard.
Noise — The same as static in a phone line or “snow” in a television picture, noise is any
unwanted electrical signal that interferes with the image being read and transferred by the
imager.
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 an imager’s optical
system at the corresponding image plane on the sensor.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms
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.
Bar code
label

axis
Skew
Tilt
axis
Tilt

Symbol or
other object
of interest
Scanner

Pitch
Pitch
axis

Pixel — An individual element in a digitized image array; “picture element”.
PLC — See Programmable Logic Controller.
Port — Logical circuit for data entry and exit. (One or more ports may be included within a
single connector.)
Processing Time — The time used by a vision system to receive, analyze and interpret
image information. Often expressed in “parts per minute”.
Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) — An electronic device used in industrial automation
environments such as factory assembly lines and automotive manufacturing facilities.
Progressive Scan — A non-interlaced scan that doubles the number of visible picture
lines per field by displaying all picture lines at once.
Protocol — The rules for communication between devices, providing a means to control
the orderly flow of information between linked devices.
RAM — See Random Access Memory.
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.
Real-Time Processing — In machine vision, the ability of a system to perform a complete
analysis and take action on one part before the next one arrives for inspection.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Appendices
Region — Area of an image. Also called a region of interest for image processing operations.
ROM — See Read-Only Memory.
Saturation — The degree to which a color is free of white. One of the three properties of
color perception, along with hue and value.
Scattering — Redirection of light reflecting off a surface or through an object.
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 linear or 2D 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.
Watchdog Timer — A security device that detects system crashes and attempts to reset
the imager.

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Hyperlink Index
A
A/D Converter
Aberration
About the MS-4 Imager
About This Manual
Absorption
ACK / NAK (Main Port)
ACK / NAK Options
ACK/NAK
Active Illumination
ADC
Add / Remove Exception
Add Exception
Add Macro
Advanced Options
Advanced Tab
AGC
All Descriptor Status Request
All Range Status Request
All Status Request
Always Ask Before Auto Sync Occurs
Always OFF
Always ON
Ambient Light
Analog
Analog-to-Digital Converter
Appendices
Application Mode
Application Record Brackets (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Application Record Padding (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Application Record Separator Character (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Application Record Separator Status (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Application-Specific Integrated Circuit
Architecture
As Soon As Possible
ASCII Character Entry Modifier
ASCII Table
ASIC
Aspect Ratio
Automatic Gain Control
Auxiliary Port
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

B
Auxiliary Port Connections
Auxiliary Port Mode
Axial Non-Uniformity (Data Matrix Only)
Axial Non-Uniformity Threshold

B
Background Color
Bad Symbol
Bad Symbol Message
Bad/No Symbol Output (Dimension Mode)
Bad/No Symbol Output (Orientation Mode)
Bad/No Symbol Output (Symbol Size Mode)
Bar Code Configuration
Bar Code Configuration (EZ Button Modes)
Bar Code Configuration Mode
Bar Code Dialog
Bar Code Options Tab
Baud Rate
Baud Rate, Auxiliary Port
Baud Rate, Host Port
BC412
Beeper
Begin Transmission
Black Background
Blooming
Both Horizontal and Vertical (FLM)
Both Supplemental Types

C
Calibrate
Calibrate (EZ Button Modes)
Calibrate Button
Calibrate by ESP
Calibrate by EZ Button
Calibrate by Serial Command
Calibrate Settings
Calibration
Calibration Options
Calibration Overview
Calibration Serial Commands
Camera
Camera and IP Setup
Camera and IP Setup by ESP

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Camera and IP Setup Serial Commands
Capture
Capture and Decode
Capture Mode
Capture Text
Capture Time
Capture Timing
CCD
CE Mark
Change Background Color
Change Echo Font
Change Font
Change Keyboard Macros
Changes to Configuration Settings
Charge-Coupled Device
Check Character
Check Digit Output (BC412)
Check Digit Output (Codabar)
Check Digit Output Status (Code 39)
Check Digit Output Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Check Digit Status (Code 39)
Check Digit Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Check Digit Type (Codabar)
Check Required Hardware
Cleaning the Imager
Clear
CMOS
Codabar
Code 128 / EAN 128
Code 39
Code 93
Codeword Collection (PDF417)
Column
Column Pointer
Column Width
Command Processing Mode
Communication Port
Communication Protocols
Communications
Communications by ESP
Communications Serial Commands
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Composite
Composite Enabled
Composite Required
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

D
Concatenating Configuration Commands
Concentrator
Configurable Output 1
Configurable Output 2
Configurable Output 3
Configuration Database
Configuration Database Serial Commands
Configuration Database Status
Configuration Exceptions for USB
Configuration Symbols (Data Matrix with Configure Reader Flag)
Configure the Imager Using ESP
Connect the System
Connecting
Connecting by RS-232 / RS-422
Connecting by USB
Connector
Continuous Capture
Continuous Read
Continuous Read 1 Output
Continuous Read Mode
Control Characters
Control/Hex Output
Copy
Counter
Counters
Counters by ESP
Counters by Serial Command
Customer Default Parameters
Cycle Max
Cycle Min
Cycle Step

D
DAC
Daisy Chain
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure
Daisy Chain ID
Daisy Chain ID Status
Daisy Chain Mode
Damaged Symbol
Darkfield Illumination
Data
Data Bits, Auxiliary Port
Data Bits, Host Port

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Data Matrix
Data Matrix Grading
Data Matrix Output Mode
Data Originating from the Auxiliary Port (Full Duplex Mode)
Data Originating from the Auxiliary Port (Half Duplex Mode)
Data Originating from the Host (Full Duplex Mode)
Data Originating from the Host (Half Duplex Mode)
Data Originating from the Host (Transparent Mode)
Data Originating from the Imager (Full Duplex Mode)
Data Originating from the Imager (Half Duplex Mode)
Data Originating from the Imager (Transparent Mode)
DataBar Expanded
DataBar Limited
DataBar-14
Database Identifier Output
Database Identifier Output Disabled
Database Identifier Output Enabled
Database Index
Database Mode
Decode
Decode Rate
Decode Time
Decodes/Trigger Threshold
Default
Default / Reset / Save
Default all ESP Settings
Default Current Menu Settings
Default Macros
Default on Power-On
Default Settings
Defaulting
Defaults
Definable
Delete Master Symbol Data
Delimited
Depth-of-Field
Detailed No Read Message
Device Control
Device Control by ESP
Device Control by Serial Command
Diagnostic Warning
Diagnostics Output 1
Diagnostics Output 2
Diagnostics Output 3
Diffused Lighting
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

E
Digital Imaging
Digital Signal Processor
Digital-to-Analog Converter
Dimension 1
Dimension 2
Dimension Mode
Dimension Tolerance
Direct Memory Access
Disable Imager
Disabled (Dimension Mode)
Disabled (EZ Button Modes)
Disabled / Clear
Disclaimer
Discrete I/O
DMA
Do Not Send or Receive Settings
Document Memo
Downloading ESP from the Web
DSP
Dynamic Range

E
EAN 128 Status (Code 128 / EAN 128)
EAN Status
ECC 000
ECC 050
ECC 080
ECC 100
ECC 120
ECC 130
ECC 140
ECC 200
ECC Level (Data Matrix Only)
Edge Enhancement
Edit Macro
Editing a Macro
Effects of Protocol Commands
Electrical Specifications
Embedded Memory
Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer Defaults’
Enable Both (Dimension Mode)
Enable Both (Orientation Mode)
Enable Both (Symbol Size Mode)
Enable Echo

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Enable Imager
Enable PDF Information
End of Read Cycle
End of Read Cycle Mode
End Read Rate Test
Enhanced Format
Enter Decodes / Second Test
Enter Master Symbol Data
Enter Percent Test
Entering Special Characters in Serial Commands
Environmental
EPROM
Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
ESP Preferences
ESP System Requirements
Evaluation
Explanation of Modifiers for Code 39, Codabar, and I-2/5
Explanation of Modifiers for Other Symbologies
External Edge
External Level
External Trigger Polarity
Extract Range
EZ Button
EZ Button Configuration
EZ Button Disabled
EZ Button Enabled
EZ Button Modes
EZ Button Operation
EZ Button Trigger
EZ Mode

F
Falling Edge
Fast Linear Mode (FLM) Direction
Fast Shutter
Field-Programmable Gate Array
File
File Format
Fill Factor
Filter Number
Find
Find Next
Find Previous
Finder Pattern Status
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

F
Firmware
Firmware by ESP
Firmware Update
Firmware Verification
First Mode
Five Characters Only
Fixed Symbol Length
Fixed Symbol Length (BC412)
Fixed Symbol Length (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Fixed Symbol Length (Code 39)
Fixed Symbol Length (DataBar Expanded)
Fixed Symbol Length (MicroPDF417)
Fixed Symbol Length (PDF417)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (BC412)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (Codabar)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 39)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 93)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (DataBar Expanded)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (MicroPDF417)
Fixed Symbol Length Status (PDF417)
Fixed Threshold Value
Focal Distance
Focal Distance Table (Read Only)
Focal Plane
Focus
Force Connect
Format Assign
Format Assign by ESP
Format Extract
Format Extract by ESP
Format Insert
Format Insert by ESP
Format UPC-E as UPC-A (UPC / EAN)
Four Beeps (Position #4)
FPGA
Frame
Frame Count/Time
Frame Grabber
Frame Information
Front End System
Full ASCII Set (Code 39)
Full Duplex
Full Duplex Mode

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

G
Gain
General Specifications
General Tab
Glossary of Terms
Good Read
Good Read (Green Flash Mode)
Good Read / Match Counter (or Good Read Counter)
Good Read / Match Counter Reset
Grade
Grade Report Options Tab
Gradient
Gray Scale
Green Flash Duration
Green Flash Mode
Green Flash Mode Disabled
GS1 DataBar
Guard Bar Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)

H
Half Duplex
Half Duplex Mode
Hardware Configuration (RS-232 / RS-422)
Hardware Configuration (USB)
Hardware Default
Hardware Required (RS-232 / RS-422)
Hardware Required (USB)
Height (Row Depth)
Hex String
Hex Values
High
Highlighting
Histogram
Hollow Mode
Horizontal (FLM)
Host
Host Communications
Host Connector / Pin Assignments
Host Port Connections
Host Port Protocol
Hours

I
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

I
I/O Parameters
I/O Parameters by ESP
I/O Parameters Serial Commands
Illumination Brightness
Image
Image Dimensions
Image Library Request
Image Output
Image Output Example
Image Process Looping
Image Process Looping Disabled
Image Process Looping Enabled
Image Processing
Image Processing Timeout
Image Resolution
Image Sensor
Image Storage
Image Storage Example
Image Storage Mode
Image Storage Type
Imager Position Relative to Symbol
Imager Status Requests
Implementing the Host Operating System API
Import/Export
In Read Cycle
Include Image
Index
Indicators
Initialize
Input
Install ESP
Installing ESP from the Microscan Tools CD
Integration
Interface Standards
Interleaved 2 of 5
IP
IP Mode
IP Threshold
ISO Certification
ISO/IEC 16022 Grade
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 1
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 2
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output 3
ISO/IEC 16022 Symbol Quality Output by ESP

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

K
Keyboard IN Reports
Keyboard IN Reports Disabled
Keyboard IN Reports Enabled
Keyboard Macros
Keyboard Report Format

L
Ladder Orientation
Large Intercharacter Gap (Codabar)
Large Intercharacter Gap (Code 39)
Last Frame
Last Frame or New Trigger
Last Mode
Latch Mode 2 (Unlatch Opposite Condition)
Latch Mode 3 (Unlatch Re-enter Read Cycle)
Latest Manual Version
LED
LED Aperture Window
LED Configuration
Left (Column Pointer)
Length
Lens
Light Collection Options
Light Emitting Diode
Light Source
Limitation of Liability
Line Scan
Line Scan Height
Linear / Stacked Symbology Qualification
Linear Symbols
Load Configuration Database
Load Current Settings from Configuration Database
Load Current Settings from Configuration Database by ESP
Load New Master (EZ Button Modes)
Locate Symbol by ESP
Locate Symbol by EZ Button
Locate Tab
Locate the Symbol in the FOV
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

M
Locate Time
Longitudinal Redundancy Check
Low
Low Density Gain
Low Density Shutter Speed
LRC Status

M
Machine Vision
Macro Name
Macro Value
Macros
Make Menu Changes and Save in ESP
Master Database
Master Database Overview
Master Symbol Database Size
Match
Match Length
Match or Good Read
Match Replace
Match Replacement String
Match Start Position
Matchcode
Matchcode by ESP
Matchcode Serial Commands
Matchcode Type
Matrix Size (Data Matrix Only)
Mechanical
Medium
Menu Toolbar
MicroPDF417
Microscan Addresses
Microscan Default Parameters
Microscan HID IN Reports
Microscan HID IN Reports Disabled
Microscan HID IN Reports Enabled
Microscan HID Report Format
Microscan Symbol Quality Output
Microscan Symbol Quality Output by ESP
Minimum Good Reads
Minimum Number of Bars
Minimum Number of Qualified Scan Lines
Minutes
Mirrored Image

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Mismatch
Mismatch Counter
Mismatch Counter Reset
Mismatch or No Read
Mismatch Replace
Mismatch Replacement String
Model
Model Memo
Mounting the Imager
MS-4 Imager
MS-4 Imager Dimensions
MS-4 Low Density
MS-4 Standard Density
Multidrop
Multisymbol
Multisymbol Separator

N
Narrow Margins
Narrow Margins / Symbology Identifier
Narrow Margins 2D Enhanced
Narrow Margins Enabled
Navigating in ESP
New
New Master Load Status
New Master Pin
New Trigger
Next Row
No Symbol
No Symbol Message
Noise
Non-Printable Characters
No Read
No Read Counter
No Read Counter Reset
No Read Message
No Read Message Mode
No Read Message Mode Disabled
No Read Message Mode Enabled
No Read or Good Read
Normally Closed
Normally Open
Number of Active Indexes
Number of Active Indexes by ESP
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

O
Number of Captures
Number of Focal Distances
Number of Image Frames
Number of Symbols
Number of Symbols in Field of View
Number to Output On

O
Object Detector
Object Plane
Object Qualification (Dimension Mode)
Object Qualification (Orientation Mode)
Object Qualification (Symbol Size Mode)
ON When in the Read Cycle
ON When Not in the Read Cycle
Open/Save
Operational Tips
Optics
Options
Ordered Output Filter
Orientation Mode
Orientation Mode Disabled
Orientation Value
Other Operational Serial Commands
Output
Output 1 Pulse
Output 2 Pulse
Output 3 Pulse
Output Coordinates
Output Coordinates Disabled
Output Coordinates Enabled
Output Filter Configuration
Output Filter Configuration Rule # 1
Output Filter Configuration Rule # 2
Output Filter Configuration Rule # 3
Output Format
Output Format (Code 128 / EAN 128)
Output Format Serial Commands
Output Format Status
Output Format Status by ESP
Output Format Status Disabled
Output Format Status Enabled
Output Frame Number
Output Frame Number Disabled

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Output Frame Number Enabled
Output Index
Output Indicators
Output Mode
Output on Axial Non-Uniformity
Output on Print Growth
Output on Symbol Contrast
Output on Unused ECC
Output State
Overall Grade Based On
Overview of Matchcode
Overview of Symbol Quality

P
Parameter Switch
Parity
Parity, Auxiliary Port
Parity, Host Port
Parse Table
Paste
Pause
PDF417
Percent Cell Damage (Data Matrix Only)
Picket Fence Orientation
Pitch
Pixel
Pixel Sub-Sampling
Pixels Per Element (Data Matrix Only)
Placeholder
PLC
Point-to-Point (Main Port)
Point-to-Point (Standard)
Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF
Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF
Poll Address
Polling Mode
Polling Mode (Main Port)
Port
Position Imager and Symbol
Postamble
Postamble Characters
Postamble Status
Power On / Reset Counts
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Q
Power-On
Power-On Flash Saves
Power-On Saves
Preamble
Preamble Characters
Preamble Status
Preferences
Preferences Tab
Print Growth
Print Growth Threshold
Processing
Processing Mode
Processing Time
Programmable Logic Controller
Progressive Scan
Protocol
Protocol Command Mnemonics
Protocol Configuration Examples
Pulse
Pulse Width

Q
QR Code
Quick Start
Quiet Zone (Data Matrix Only)

R
RAM
Random Access Memory
Range Mode Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Rapid Capture
Rapid Capture Mode
Read Cycle
Read Cycle by ESP
Read Cycle Serial Commands
Read Cycle Setup
Read Cycle Timeout
Read Duration Output
Read Duration Output Mode
Read Duration Output Separator
Read Next Symbol as Master Symbol
Read Parameters
Read Ranges

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Read Rate
Read Rate (EZ Button Modes)
Read Rate by ESP
Read Rate by Serial Command
Read Symbol into Selected Index
Read-Only Memory
Real-Time Processing
Receive After Connect
Receive Imager Settings
Receive Reader Settings
Receive Reader’s Database
Receive Settings from the Reader
Receiving
Region
Region of Interest (ROI)
Region of Interest (ROI) by ESP
Regular and Mirrored Images
Regular Image
Reload Last File
Remove Macro
Report Format Examples
Report Options
Request All Configuration Database Settings
Request All Master Symbol Data
Request Checksum
Request Checksum by ESP
Request Checksum by Serial Command
Request Master Symbol Data
Request New Master Status
Request Part Number
Request Part Number by ESP
Request Part Number by Serial Command
Request Selected Index Settings
Resets
RES-NAK Defaults
Resolution
Response Timeout
ROM
Row
Row and Column
Row Depth
Row Pointer
RS-232
RS-232 Protocol
RS-422
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

S
RS-422 Status
Rules for Output Filter Configuration
Rules that apply to both utility and configuration commands

S
Safety Certifications
Saturation
Save
Save As
Save Current Settings to Configuration Database
Save Current Settings to Configuration Database by ESP
Save Current Text
Save for Power-On
Save for Power-On (EZ Button Modes)
Save Report
Save to Imager
Save to Reader
Saved for Power-on
Saving
Saving Options
Scattering
Select All
Select Communications Protocol
Select Device
Select Model
Send
Send and Save
Send and Save as Customer Defaults
Send Current Command
Send Current View
Send ESP Settings to the Reader
Send File
Send No Save
Send XON with Autoconnect
Send, No Save
Send/Receive Options
Send/Recv
Separator
Separator Character (Composite)
Separator Character (UPC / EAN)
Separator Status (Composite)
Separator Status (UPC / EAN)
Sequence on Mismatch
Sequence on No Read

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Sequential Matching
Serial Command Beep Status
Serial Command Echo Status
Serial Command Format
Serial Command Status Request
Serial Configuration Command Conventions
Serial Configuration Commands
Serial Data
Serial Data or External Edge
Serial Trigger
Serial Trigger Character (Delimited)
Serial Utility Commands
Serial Verification
Service Message
Service Unit
Show Connect Prompt
Show Model Prompt
Show Non-Printable Characters
Show Report Options during ‘Generate Report’
Show Targeting Pattern During Calibrate and Locate
Shutter Speed
Shutter Speed Disabled
Shutter Speed Enabled
Single Beep (Position #1)
Single Descriptor Status Request
Single Range Status Request
Single Status Request
Sizing Information
Skew
Skip EZ Mode
Software Defaults
Standard
Standard Density Gain
Standard Density Shutter Speed
Standard Format
Start / Stop Match (Codabar)
Start / Stop Output (Codabar)
Start Location
Start Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)
Start/Stop Status
Statement of Agency Compliance
Static Presentation Mode 1
Status
Status Byte
Steps for Entering and Using Master Symbols
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

S
Stop
Stop Bits, Auxiliary Port
Stop Bits, Host Port
Stop Trigger Character (Non-Delimited)
Store on No Read
Store Report without file path prompt
Straight Line
Straight Line Framed
Strobe
Substrate
Supplemental Type (UPC / EAN)
Supplementals Status (UPC / EAN)
Supplementals Status Disabled
Supplementals Status Enabled
Supplementals Status Required
Switch Mode
Switch Model
Symbol Contrast
Symbol Contrast Threshold
Symbol Data Output
Symbol Data Output Status
Symbol Data Output Status Disabled
Symbol Length #1 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Symbol Length #2 (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Symbol Length (Codabar)
Symbol Length (Code 93)
Symbol Number
Symbol Parse
Symbol Quality
Symbol Quality by ESP
Symbol Quality Separator
Symbol Quality Separator / Data Matrix Output Mode
Symbol Size 1
Symbol Size 2
Symbol Size Mode (2D Symbology Qualification)
Symbol Size Mode Disabled
Symbol Size Tolerance
Symbol Transitions
Symbologies
Symbologies by ESP
Symbologies Serial Commands
Symbology
Symbology ID
Symbology Identifier
Symbology Type

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Symbology Types
System Requirements for ESP

T
Table of Contents
Target Pattern
Target System (EZ Button Modes)
Terminal
Terminal Dropdown Menu
Terminal Tab
Terminal Window
Terminal Window Menus
Test
Test Read Rate
Testing Read Rate by ESP
Testing Read Rate by EZ Button
Testing Read Rate by Serial Command
Three Beeps (Position #3)
Threshold
Threshold (Histogram)
Threshold Mode
Threshold Value
Tilt
Time
Time Before First Capture
Time Between Captures
Time Since Reset
Timed Capture
Timeout
Timeout or New Trigger
Toolbar Style
Top (Row Pointer)
Total Read Time
Transparent Mode
Tree Control
Trend Analysis
Trend Analysis Mode
Trend Analysis Output 1
Trend Analysis Output 2
Trend Analysis Output 3
Trigger
Trigger Counter
Trigger Counter Reset
Trigger Evaluation Period
MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

U
Trigger Filter Duration
Trigger Mode
Trigger Mode and Duration
Triggered Capture
Two Beeps (Position #2)
Two Characters Only
Two-Dimensional Symbology Qualification
Two-Dimensional Symbols

U
Unlatch Outputs
Unused ECC (Data Matrix Only)
Unused ECC Threshold
UPC / EAN
USB
USB HID Configuration Options
USB HID Interface
USB Protocol
Use Number Grades
User-Defined Polling Mode (Main Port)
Using ESP
Using EZ Trax
Utilities

V
Value
Vertical (FLM)
Very Large-Scale Integration
Video
View
VLSI

W
Warning and Caution Summary
Warranty
Watchdog Timer
When to Output Symbol Data
White Background
Width (Column Width)
Wild Card Character
Wildcard
Window of Interest

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

Window of Interest (WOI) by ESP
Window of Interest (WOI) Framing
Window of Interest (WOI) Margin
Window of Interest by ESP
Window of Interest by Serial Command

Y
Y-Modem Download Transfer Options
Y-Modem Upload Transfer Options

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

MS-4 Imager User’s Manual

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