MS 880 User's Manual Ms880manual

2009-05-25

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MS-880 Industrial
Long Range Scanner
User's Manual

P/N 83-000880 Rev L

Copyright © 2006
by Microscan Systems, Inc.,
1201 S.W. 7th Street, Renton, WA, U.S.A. 98057
(425) 226-5700 FAX: (425) 226-8682
ISO 9001:2000 Certification No. 03-1212
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 put a trademark (™)
symbol in 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 page on our web site at
www.microscan.com. For technical support email helpdesk@microscan.com.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Microscan Limited Warranty Statement and Exclusions
What Is Covered?
Microscan Systems Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that products manufactured by it will
be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of
one year from the date of shipment. This warranty is specifically limited to, at Microscan’s sole
option, repair or replacement with a functionally equivalent unit and return without charge for
service or return freight.
What Is Excluded?
This limited warranty specifically excludes the following: (1) Any products or parts that have
been subject to misuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair, improper installation, or abnormal conditions or operations; (2) Any products or parts that have been transferred by the original purchaser; (3) Customer mis-adjustment of settings contrary to the procedure described in
the Microscan Systems Inc. owners manual; (4) Upgrading software versions at customer
request unless required to meet specifications in effect at the time of purchase; (5) Units
returned and found to have no failure will be excluded; (6) Claims for damage in transit are to
be directed to the freight carrier upon receipt. Any use of the product is at purchaser’s own risk.
This limited warranty is the only warranty provided by Microscan Systems Inc. regarding the
product. Except for the limited warranty above, the product is provided “as is.” To the maximum
extent permitted by law, this express warranty excludes all other warranties, express or implied,
including but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability and. Technical support questions may be directed to: helpdesk@microscan.com Register your product with Microscan:
www.microscan.com/register fitness for a particular purpose. Microscan Systems Inc. does not
warant that the functions contained in the product will meet any requirements or needs purchaser may have, or that the product will operate error free, or in an uninterrupted fashion, or
that any defects or errors in the product will be corrected, or that the product is compatible with
any particular machinery.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Microscan Systems Inc. be liable to you or any third party for any special, incidental, or consequential damages (including, without limitation, indirect, special, punitive, or
exemplary damages for loss of business, loss of profits, business interruption, or loss of business
information), whether in contract, tort, or otherwise, even if Microscan Systems Inc. has been
advised of the possibility of such damages. Microscan Systems Inc.’s aggregate liability with
respect to its obligations under this warranty or otherwise with respect to the product and documentation or otherwise shall not exceed the amount paid by you for the product and documentation. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages or limitations on an implied warranty, so the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights
which may vary from state to state.
Tel: 425.226.5700 | Fax: 425.226.8250 | helpdesk@m i c r o s c a n .c o m

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................... iv
List of Figures.......................................................................................... viii
List of Tables............................................................................................. ix
About the MS-880 Scanner.........................................................................x
About This Manual ..................................................................................... xi
Host Communications ............................................................................... xii
Highlighting ............................................................................................... xii
Approvals .................................................................................................. xii

Step 1 Hardware Required...................................................................... 1-2
Step 2 Connect the System .................................................................... 1-3
Step 3 Position Symbol and Scanner...................................................... 1-6
Step 4 Install ESP ................................................................................... 1-7
Step 5 Select Scanner Model.................................................................. 1-8
Step 6 Autoconnect................................................................................. 1-9
Step 7 Receive Scanner Settings ......................................................... 1-10
Step 8 Test for Read Rate .................................................................... 1-11
Step 9 Calibrate the Scanner ................................................................ 1-12
Step 10 Configure the Scanner............................................................. 1-13
Step 11 Make Changes and Save in ESP ............................................ 1-14

RS-232/422 Host Port ............................................................................. 2-4
Communications Options ........................................................................ 2-4
RS-232 Auxiliary Port............................................................................ 2-11
Auxiliary/Configuration System Data..................................................... 2-21
IrDA Port ............................................................................................... 2-22
Preamble............................................................................................... 2-23
Postamble ............................................................................................. 2-24
LRC Status............................................................................................ 2-25
Intercharacter Delay.............................................................................. 2-26
Response Timeout ................................................................................ 2-27
Network Client....................................................................................... 2-28
DeviceNet.............................................................................................. 2-31
Profibus ................................................................................................. 2-32
DataHighway Plus................................................................................. 2-33
Menu Mode ........................................................................................... 2-34

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Multisymbol.............................................................................................. 3-4
Serial Trigger ......................................................................................... 3-12
End of Read Cycle................................................................................. 3-14
Good Decode Reads ............................................................................. 3-16
Optoelectric Control............................................................................... 3-17
Scanner Setup....................................................................................... 3-18
Laser Setup ........................................................................................... 3-22
Raster Setup.......................................................................................... 3-23

Code 39 ................................................................................................... 4-4
Code 128 ................................................................................................. 4-7
Interleaved 2 of 5................................................................................... 4-11
Codabar................................................................................................. 4-14
UPC/EAN............................................................................................... 4-17
Code 93 ................................................................................................. 4-21
Pharmacode .......................................................................................... 4-22
PDF417 ................................................................................................. 4-24
Narrow Margins ..................................................................................... 4-26
Symbology ID ........................................................................................ 4-27
Background Color.................................................................................. 4-28
Autodiscriminate .................................................................................... 4-29

Symbol Data Output ................................................................................ 5-3
Noread Message ..................................................................................... 5-6
Beeper ..................................................................................................... 5-7
Serial Verification..................................................................................... 5-8
Input 1.................................................................................................... 5-10
Output 1................................................................................................. 5-12
Output 2................................................................................................. 5-18
Output 3................................................................................................. 5-18
Quality Output........................................................................................ 5-19

Matchcode Type ...................................................................................... 6-4
Sequential Matching ................................................................................ 6-5
Match Start Position ................................................................................ 6-6
Match Length........................................................................................... 6-7
Wild Card Character ................................................................................ 6-8
Sequence On Noread.............................................................................. 6-9
Sequence On Mismatch ........................................................................ 6-10
Sequence Step ...................................................................................... 6-11
New Master Pin ..................................................................................... 6-12
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Counts..................................................................................................... 7-3
Hours Since Last Reset .......................................................................... 7-4
Warning Messages ................................................................................. 7-5
Present Operating Temperature (deg. C) ............................................... 7-9
High Temperature Threshold ................................................................ 7-10
Low Temperature Threshold ................................................................. 7-11
Lifetime Hours ....................................................................................... 7-12

Calibration ............................................................................................... 8-4
Calibration Results .................................................................................. 8-5
Calibration Settings ................................................................................. 8-6
Calibration Database............................................................................... 8-7
Optoelectric Control ................................................................................ 8-8
Advanced Calibration Features ............................................................. 8-14
Calibration by Embedded Menu............................................................ 8-17

Raster Setup ........................................................................................... 9-3
Laser Setup............................................................................................. 9-6
Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu .......................................................... 9-9

Terminal Window .................................................................................. 10-2
Find Function ........................................................................................ 10-3
Macros .................................................................................................. 10-4
Terminal Window Functions.................................................................. 10-5

Read Rate ............................................................................................. 11-5
Counters................................................................................................ 11-7
Device Control....................................................................................... 11-9
Master Database................................................................................. 11-11
Firmware ............................................................................................. 11-16
Autodiscrimination............................................................................... 11-19
Scanner Status Requests ................................................................... 11-20

Overview of Output Format ................................................................... 12-3
Extraction Mode .................................................................................... 12-4
Insertion Mode ...................................................................................... 12-6
Multisymbol Output Format Status ........................................................ 12-9
Ordered Output ................................................................................... 12-11
Diagnostic Outputs.............................................................................. 12-16

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Wiring Box Option

Wiring Box Description .......................................................................... 13-2
Installation Steps ................................................................................... 13-3
Wiring Box Ports.................................................................................... 13-5
Wiring Box PCB with Connectors .......................................................... 13-8
Mounting Plate....................................................................................... 13-9

Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications .........................................................A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications .......................................................A-5
Appendix C IrDA Configuration Port......................................................A-12
Appendix D IrDA/Ir Comm for Palm Pilot...............................................A-14
Appendix E Serial Configuration Commands ........................................A-16
Appendix F Serial Command Format ....................................................A-19
Appendix G ASCII Table .......................................................................A-21
Appendix H Embedded Menus..............................................................A-23
Appendix I Defaulting/Saving/Initializing................................................A-24
Appendix J Position Scanner and Symbol.............................................A-27
Appendix K Position Object Detector ....................................................A-28
Appendix L Test Decode Rate...............................................................A-29
Appendix M Formulas for Number of Decodes .....................................A-31
Appendix N Operational Tips.................................................................A-36
Appendix O Interface Standards ...........................................................A-37
Appendix P Multidrop Communications.................................................A-39
Appendix Q Glossary of Terms .............................................................A-44

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Hardware Configuration ........................................................... 1-2
Figure 1-2 Side Connections ..................................................................... 1-3
Figure 1-3 Bottom Connections ................................................................. 1-3
Figure 1-4 MS-880 with Wiring Box ........................................................... 1-4
Figure 1-4 MS-880 with Wiring Box ........................................................... 1-4
Figure 1-5 Wiring Box Connections ........................................................... 1-5
Figure 1-6 Scanner/Symbol Position ......................................................... 1-6
Figure 1-6 Tilt, Skew, and Pitch ................................................................. 1-6
Figure 3-1 Trigger Level ............................................................................ 3-8
Figure 3-2 Trigger Edge ............................................................................. 3-9
Figure 5-1 Read Cycle ............................................................................... 5-5
Figure 8-1 Calibration Setup ...................................................................... 8-3
Figure 8-2 Calibration In Process .............................................................. 8-4
Figure 8-3 Calibration Results ................................................................... 8-5
Figure 8-4 Database Menu ........................................................................ 8-7
Figure 8-5 Control Trigger Inputs ............................................................... 8-9
Figure 8-6 ESP Control Trigger Setup ..................................................... 8-10
Figure 8-7 Embedded Calibration Setup Menu ....................................... 8-17
Figure 8-8 Embedded Calibration Results Menu ..................................... 8-21
Figure 8-9 Advanced Calibration Menu ................................................... 8-22
Figure 9-1 Raster Setup ............................................................................ 9-3
Figure 9-2 Laser Framing Setup ................................................................ 9-6
Figure 9-3 Laser Framing Sketch .............................................................. 9-8
Figure 9-4 Embedded Calibration Results Menu ....................................... 9-9
Figure 12-1 Output Format Extraction ..................................................... 12-4
Figure 12-2 Output Format Insertion ....................................................... 12-6
Figure 12-2 Output Format Insertion ....................................................... 12-6
Figure 12-3 Multisymbol Output Format Status ..................................... 12-10
Figure 13-1 Wiring Box ............................................................................ 13-2
Figure 13-2 Scanner/Wiring Box Assembly ............................................. 13-3
Figure 13-3 Attaching the Scanner .......................................................... 13-4
Figure 13-4 Relay Module ....................................................................... 13-5
Figure 13-5 Relay Jumpers ..................................................................... 13-5
Figure 13-6 Relay Module ....................................................................... 13-6
Figure 13-7 Wiring Box PCB .................................................................... 13-8
Figure 13-8 Wiring Box Bottom Plate ...................................................... 13-9
Figure A-1 MS-880 Scanner Dimensions .................................................. A-2
Figure A-2 MS-880 Mounting Dimensions ................................................. A-3
Figure A-3 Electrical Connectors ............................................................... A-5
Figure A-4 Trigger Connector .................................................................. A-12

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Figure A-5 Scanner/Symbol Position .......................................................A-27
Figure A-6 Object Detector ......................................................................A-28
Figure A-7 Ladder ....................................................................................A-31
Figure A-8 Raster Picket Fence ...............................................................A-32
Figure A-9 Picket Fence ...........................................................................A-34
Figure A-10 Angled Picket Fence ............................................................A-34
Figure A-11 Polling Sequence .................................................................A-41
Figure A-12 Polling Sequence .................................................................A-42

List of Tables
Table 9-1 Maximum Sweep Rates at Selected Sweep Arcs ...................... 9-5
Table 11-1 Summary of Utility Serial Commands .................................... 11-3
Table 11-2 Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database ............ 11-14
Table 11-3 Hex Value to Binary Conversion .......................................... 11-20
Table 11-4 Scanner Status .................................................................... 11-20
Table A-1 MS-880 Status Lights (on the side of the MS-880) ....................A-4
Table A-2 Power Connector .......................................................................A-6
Table A-3 Trigger Connector ......................................................................A-6
Table A-4 Host 9-pin Configuration Connector ..........................................A-6
Table A-5 Host 25-pin Connector ...............................................................A-7
Table A-6 Serial Configuration Commands ..............................................A-16
Table A-7 ASCII Table with Control Characters .......................................A-21
Table A-8 Communication Protocol Commands ......................................A-22
Table A-9 Multidrop Addresses ................................................................A-43

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

About the MS-880 Scanner
The MS-880 scanner is designed for versatile, robust operation in an industrial automation environment. It offers wireless programming, autofocus, Windows-based software,
linear and 2-D bar code symbol reading, several connectivity paths, multiple protocol
and communications options, and a variety of advanced input/output features.
Its application code resides in an onboard flash memory chip that can be easily updated
by downloads.1 A user interface program, the ESP (Easy Setup Program), can be downloaded from our web site (www.microscan.com) and runs on Microsoft Windows 98,
Windows NT, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating systems.
Alternately, configuration commands can be sent from an embedded, menu-driven
terminal program, or directly by host serial command strings.
The scanner is offered as a standalone or in combination with a wiring box. Four optional
network plug-in protocol cards are also available when using the wiring box option.

1. See your Microscan sales representative to access the latest application codes.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

About This Manual
This manual provides complete information on setting up, installing, and configuring
the MS-880 scanner. The chapters follow the ESP menus which are presented in the
order in which a scanner might be setup and made ready for industrial operation. Host
serial commands are presented side-by-side with ESP.
Chapter 1, “Quick Start” provides overall step-by-step instructions for getting your
scanner operational with specific “go to” references to other chapters and appendices.
Chapter 2, “Communications” through Chapter 4, “Symbologies” are general
setup and configuration options.
Chapter 6, “Matchcode” and Chapter 12, “Output Format” provide instructions
for setting up matching symbols, data output, and data formatting for special operations.
Chapter 5, “I/0 Parameters” lists input/output functions controlled by discrete
electrical levels, including diagnostic warning outputs set up in Chapter 7, “Diagnostics.”
Chapter 8, “Calibration” explains in detail the calibration procedure and the interpretation of the results and tells how to set up a database of the optical settings you
gathered in calibration.
Chapter 9, “Raster/Laser” will help you setup your raster and laser framing envelops.
Chapter 10, “Terminal Mode” describes the use of the Terminal window.
Chapter 11, “Utilities” describes ESP utility commands and their related serial commands for read rate tests, defaulting, etc.
Chapter 12, “Output Format” explains the use of output formatting, including
extraction, insertion, and filtering.
Chapter 13, “Wiring Box Option” describes the wiring box, if used, and it’s installation and port connections.
The appendices include specifications, reference tables of serial commands, ASCII
characters, multidrop setup and addresses, as well as other useful information relating to bar coding and electrical and mechanical setups for the scanner.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Host Communications
There are four ways the scanner can communicate with a host:
1. Microscan’s Windows based ESP, the preferred method which offers pointand-click ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
2. Serial commands such as can be sent from a terminal program. They
can also be sent from the Terminal or Utility window within ESP.
3. Embedded onboard menus are accessed from a terminal window with a
command.
4. Bar code symbol configuration. (See “Test Decode Rate” on page A-29.)

Highlighting
Serial commands, selections inside instructions, and menu defaults are highlighted in
red bold. Cross-references are highlighted in blue bold. Web links and outside references are highlighted in blue bold italics. References to menu topics are highlighted
in Bold Initial Caps. References to topic headings within this manual or other documents are enclosed in quotation marks.

Approvals
This equipment is in compliance or approved by the following organizations:
• CDRH (Center for Devices & Radiological Health)
• UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.)
• cUL (UL mark of Canada)
• FCC (Federal Communication Commission)
• CE Compliant
• BSMI (Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Safety Labels
The following labels are located on the side and back of the MS-880 scanner:

LASER LIGHT IS EMITTED
FROM THIS APERTURE
1 1-110 013 -0 1
CLASS II LASER PRODUCT

C A U TIO N
LASER LIGHT DO NOT
STARE INT O BEAM.
650 nm LASER D IODE
1.0 MILLIWATT MAX

LASERSTRA HLU NG,
WEN N ABDECKUNG

GE ÖFFNET . NICHT I N
DEN STR AHL BLICKEN

LASERSTRAHLUNG NICHT IN
DEN STRAHL BLICKEN
LASER KLASSE 2
94nJ @ 38uS
EN 60825-1: 1994
DIN VDE 0837 T eil 1: 1994-07

CAU TI ON-LAS ER LIG HT WH EN OPEN-D O N OT STA RE INTO BEAM.
PRODUCT CON FORMS T O USA DH HS 21 CF R SUBC HAPT ER "J"

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Warning and Caution Summary
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will
not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
For connection to a UL listed direct plug-in power unit marked Class II and rated 10 to
28 VDC at 6 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.
WARNING
Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result in hazardous laser light radiation
exposure.
WARNING
There are no user serviceable parts in the scanner. Opening the scanner voids the Microscan Systems warranty and could expose the user
to laser diode power of up to 7 mW.
WARNING
The laser beam can be harmful to eyesight. Avoid eye contact with the
laser beam. Never point the beam at other people, or in a direction
where people may be passing.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

1
Chapter Contents
Step 1 Hardware Required ......................................................................1-2
Step 2 Connect the System .....................................................................1-3
Step 3 Position Symbol and Scanner ......................................................1-6
Step 4 Install ESP ....................................................................................1-7
Step 5 Select Scanner Model ..................................................................1-8
Step 6 Autoconnect .................................................................................1-9
Step 7 Receive Scanner Settings ..........................................................1-10
Step 8 Test for Read Rate .....................................................................1-11
Step 9 Calibrate the Scanner.................................................................1-12
Step 10 Configure the Scanner .............................................................1-13
Step 11 Make Changes and Save in ESP .............................................1-14

This chapter is designed to get your scanner up and running quickly using Microscan’s
ESP so the user can get a sense of its capabilities and test bar code symbol samples. Detailed setup information for installing the scanner into the actual application
can be obtained in the subsequent chapters.
In addition to ESP, you can send commands to your scanner by serial commands or
through the scanner’s embedded menus.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

1–Quick Start

1–Quick Start

Step 1 — Hardware Required
To get started you will need:
• An MS-880 standalone scanner (1) (FIS-0880-0001) or an MS-880 scanner with an IB-880
wiring box (2) FIS-0880-0002, 99-420003-01.
• A host computer (3) with either a terminal communications program or Microscan’s
ESP which runs under Windows operating system, Windows 98 or higher, including
Windows NT and Windows XP.
• A null modem 9-pin configuration cable (4) 61-000010-02 DB-25 plug to DB-9
socket, 6ft. or a 25-pin cable to the 25-pin port (see figure 1-3 on page 1-3).
• A power supply for the MS-880 standalone (5), 97-100004-15 (90-264 VAC, 24VDC).

Caution: If using your own power supply, be certain that it is wired correctly and supplies voltage is within the +10 to 28VDC limits. Incorrect wiring or voltage can cause
software or equipment failures.

Figure 1-1 Hardware Configuration
Note: An optional object detector (7) 99-0000017-01 for the MS-880 standalone
or (8) 99-000004-02 for the MS-880 with the wiring box is shown here.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 1 Quick Start
1–Quick Start

Step 2 — Connect the System
Caution:
1. Be sure all cables are connected BEFORE applying power.
2. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables.

Using the MS-880 Standalone
1. Attach your computer’s host cable to either the 9-pin shown in figure 1-2 or the
25-pin connector shown in figure 1-3.
2. The 9-pin port is used for setting up, testing, and defaulting the scanner.
3. Attach power supply to the 3-pin power connector on the bottom of the scanner as
shown in figure 1-3.
IrDA port
2 Receive
3 Transmit
5 Signal ground

9-pin Host
configuration connector

Figure 1-2 Side Connections
4. Connect power supply as shown in Step 1, “Hardware Required.”

Chassis
ground
2

3
Power +10 to
28 VDC (in)

25-pin host connector
1
Power
Ground 17

Power
connector

1
2
Trigger connector

Note: Power connector pins are best identified by their relationship
to the notches on the outside edge of the connector.

Figure 1-3 Bottom Connections

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

1–Quick Start

Using the MS-880 with the Wiring Box
1. Make certain the wiring box power cord is not plugged in.
2. Connect the scanner to the computer.
3. Use the 9-pin configuration connector shown in figure 1-4 to connect with your
computer. This port is useful for setting up, testing, and defaulting the scanner.

5 Signal ground

9-pin Host
Configuration
Connector

Figure 1-4 MS-880 with Wiring Box
4. Connect power to the wiring box as shown in figure 1-5 on page 1-5.1
5. Apply power to the wiring box and confirm that the LED lamp next to right side
power terminal is green and not red.2
6. Disconnect power.
7. If using a network card, install network card in the bottom of the MS-880.

1. Refer to Chapter 13, “Wiring Box Option” and “Electrical Specifications” on page A-5
for complete input/output details.
2. While the MS-880 scanner has reverse polarity protection built in to its circuitry, the wiring box
does not protect external circuits that may already be wired in when power is applied.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 1 Quick Start
1–Quick Start

Power Input
+10 to 28 VDC

40-31000 8-0 1
K3
REV. 2

Shield
MADE IN U.S.A .

4 3-3100 08 R EV S /N :

POWER
1 0-28 VDC
P+
P
-

R EL A Y 2 O U T R EL A Y 3 O U T

TRIGGER
SHL D P- TRI
G

POWER
10-28VDC
P+
P
-

POW ER
10-28VDC
P+
P
-

POWER
LED
10-28VDC
GREEN=OK
RED=RVS.POL.

Auxiliary
power connector
allows power cable to be
conveniently installed from

Lamp is GREEN if polarity is correct
Lamp is RED if polarity is reversed

Figure 1-5 Wiring Box Connections

8. Plug the ribbon cable (provided with wiring box) into the bottom of the scanner.
See figure 13-2 on page 13-3.
9. Attach scanner to the wiring box with the 4 screws provided with the scanner.
See figure 13-3 on page 13-4.
10. Power up the scanner.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

1–Quick Start

Step 3 — Position Symbol and Scanner
1. Set up a symbol1 at the scanning distance you will be using in your application.2
2. Avoid bright light or IR light from other sources, including other scanners.
Pitch or skew symbol or scanner a minimum of ±15° to avoid specular reflection, the
return of direct, non-diffused light.

Skew
axis
Direction
of travel
Tilt
axis
Pitch
axis

Figure 1-6 Tilt, Skew, and Pitch
Code 39 is the default code type enabled. If you are uncertain as to your symbology
type, enable all codes (see “Autodiscriminate” on page 5-28).

1. If using an I 2/5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being scanned
matches the code length enabled for the I 2/5 code type (default is 10 and 6). See “Interleaved 2 of 5” on page 5-10.
2. Consult table A-1 and table A-2 on page A-3.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 1 Quick Start
1–Quick Start

Step 4 — Install ESP1
(ESP is short for Easy Setup Program.)
With your scanner connected to a host computer with Windows operating system,
you can use the ESP to configure and control the scanner.
1. Insert your Microscan CD into your computer’s CD drive.
2. Launch Setup.exe under ESP and follow the prompts.
If downloading from the web:
a) Go to http://www.microscan.com/esp
b) Enter company information.
c) Select ESP and download to your computer hard drive.
d) Extract ESP WinZip files to a directory of your choice.
3. Note where your ESP.exe file is stored on your hard drive.
At the end of the install process, you should see the following icon on your
desktop:

4. Click the ESP icon to start the program.

1. You can also access the scanner through its embedded menus. See “Embedded Menus” on
page A-23.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

1–Quick Start

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

Note: If you need to select another model later, you can find it in the App Mode
under Model on the menu bar.
1. In the Model dialog box, select your model.
If you do not want to make this selection every time you load ESP, uncheck Show
this window at Startup.
2. Select the default name, for example MS-880-1, or type in a file name of your
choice and click OK.
3. Click Yes when the connect to the reader dialog appears.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 1 Quick Start
1–Quick Start

Step 6 — Autoconnect
When the following dialog appears:

1. Select 9-Pin Configuration Port or 25-Pin Host Port and click OK.
2. In the Connecting to... dialog, select your communications port under COM
Port.

3. Click the Start button.
4. Allow time for the autoconnect routine to test all of the combinations. You will see
a blue progress bar fill across the Connecting to... dialog.
When connected, the CONNECTED message will appear in a green box in the status bar on the bottom right of the dialog.

Tip: If connection fails, enable a different Com port and try again.
Tip: If you do not see either the CONNECTED or DISCONNECTED message at the bottom of your dialog, try expanding the ESP window horizontally.
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1–Quick Start

Step 7 — Receive Scanner Settings
After connecting to the scanner, you will be presented with the following option:

When you choose Yes, all of the active ESP settings are replaced with the scanner’s
saved settings.
This is the preferred option and useful if you want to:
• Receive (upload) the scanner’s settings and save them as a computer file for later retrieval.
Ensure that whenever you save ESP settings to the scanner you are not saving any
unwanted changes that you or someone else previously made in ESP.
If you choose not to load the scanner settings, you can receive them later (provided
you have not done a Save to Reader command) by:
1. Clicking the App Mode button, then clicking Send/Recv.

2. From the popup dialog selecting Receive
Reader Settings.
You can also access this dialog by right-clicking in
any of the menu trees.
Note: You can use the same dialog to default
current menu or all ESP settings.

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Chapter 1 Quick Start

If you don’t have a test symbol, print out this page and use the symbol here for
testing.
20 mil Code 39 Test Symbol
You can also find test symbols on the
back of the Microscan Marketing CD
jacket. The 20 mil refers to the width of
the narrowest bar (e.g., 7.5 mil =
.0075" or .1905 mm).

By ESP
After connecting to the scanner, ESP will open in Easy Setup Mode.
1. Click the Test button in Easy Setup Mode to begin the read rate test.

2. Follow the instructions in Easy Setup Mode screen.
3. To end the Read Rate test, click the Stop button.
Note: If the scanner is in the default Continuous Read mode and not in read rate or
calibration, it will read and beep repeatedly as long as a readable symbol remains in
the read range and the read cycle configuration has not changed.
Note: See “Formulas for Number of Decodes” on page A-31 for additional information on scan width and depth of field.

By Serial Commands
Send an to begin the read rate test.
Send a to end the read rate test.

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1–Quick Start

Step 8 — Test for Read Rate

1–Quick Start

Step 9 — Calibrate the Scanner
Important: To receive bar code data through the 9-pin configuration port, you must
enable the port with the following command: .
The MS-880 has a software routine that will automatically search and test a range of
focus, gain and tracking settings and select those that achieve the best reads.
1. With a test symbol in place, start calibration by:
a. ESP, clicking the Calibration button on the overhead toolbar and
clicking the Auto Cal button to start calibration.
b) serial command, sending <@CAL> from a terminal screen
a. embedded menu, opening the calibration menu with <@> and
pressing A.
A “Calibration in Progress” message will be displayed on your monitor along with
the pass number and information on the focus, gain, and tracking.
2. Allow some time for the scanner to cycle through the focus, gain, and tracking
settings. Do not move or disturb scanner or symbol while Calibration is in
progress. (It might take 2 to 3 minutes to complete.)
3. When completed, the settings that provided the highest read rate will be selected.
You will see one of the following messages: “Calibration Passed”, “Calibration
Failed,” or “Original Settings Were Optimal.”
If calibration passes, the scanner sends data to your computer and emits a beep (if
beeper is enabled) for each good read and you will continue to see the read rate percentage and symbol data in the window below the scanner image.
Note: If you wish to silence the beeper, interrupt reading by removing or blocking the
test symbol, or send a command to disable the beeper.

If calibration fails, try the following:
• Check the read range for your particular symbol density.
• Examine symbol quality and try a different sample symbol.
• Slightly skew or tilt the symbol or scanner to minimize specular reflection.
• Ensure that the correct code type is enabled for the symbol you are scanning.
Note: See Chapter 8, “Calibration” for more details on calibration.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 1 Quick Start

See the succeeding chapters and Appendices to see specific configuration command
explanations for both ESP and serial commands.

By ESP
To make changes to scanner settings, or to access the utilities or terminal window,
click on the App Mode button.

To return to the Easy Setup Mode, click on the Setup Mode button.

By Serial Commands
From your terminal program or the terminal screen in ESP, you can enter serial string
commands configuration and utility commands as described herein.
See “Serial Configuration Commands” on page A-16 and “Summary of Utility
Serial Commands” on page 11-3.
Note: You can learn the current setting of any parameter by inserting a question
mark after the number, as in To see all “K” commands, send .

By Embedded Menu
From your terminal program you can send a command to access the embedded
menus.
See “Embedded Menus” on page A-23.

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1–Quick Start

Step 10 — Configure the Scanner

1–Quick Start

Step 11 — Make Changes and Save in ESP
To make changes to a configuration setting:
1. Left click on the + to
expand tree
2. Double click on parameter and click once in selection box to view options.
3. Place your curser 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
the selection.

5. Right click on the open screen and select
Save to Scanner to implement the command in the scanner.

• Send, No Save. This activates all changes in current memory. These changes will be lost if
power to the scanner is cycled.
For Multidrop setup, see “Multidrop Communications” on page A-39.
For Matchcode setup, see Chapter 6, “Matchcode.”
For Daisy Chain setup, see “Daisy Chain ID Status” on page 2-18.
For more on defaulting and saving settings, see “Defaulting/Saving/Initializing”
on page A-24.

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2
RS-232/422 Host Port.............................................................................. 2-4
Communications Options......................................................................... 2-4
RS-232 Auxiliary Port ............................................................................ 2-11
Auxiliary/Configuration System Data ..................................................... 2-21
IrDA Port ................................................................................................ 2-22
Preamble ............................................................................................... 2-23
Postamble.............................................................................................. 2-24
LRC Status ............................................................................................ 2-25
Intercharacter Delay .............................................................................. 2-26
Response Timeout................................................................................. 2-27
Network Client ....................................................................................... 2-28
DeviceNet .............................................................................................. 2-31
Profibus.................................................................................................. 2-32
DataHighway Plus ................................................................................. 2-33
Menu Mode............................................................................................ 2-34
With Microscan’s ESP (Easy Setup Program), configuration changes can be made in
the ESP menus, then sent and saved to your scanner. The user can also send serial
commands to the scanner via the ESP’s Terminal window.
This section includes connecting parameters and options for communicating by the
auxiliary port and various interfaces.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: Default settings for establishing communications are:
Baud = 9600
Parity = Even
Stop Bits = One
Data Bits = Seven
Flow Control = None

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2–Communications

Chapter Contents

Communications by ESP

2–Communications

Click this button to bring
up the Communications
menu.

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

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Chapter 2 Communications

Communications by Serial Command
Host Port Parameters
Host Protocol

Legacy
cmds
Ka
Kf

Aux Port Parameters

Serial Gateway Configuration
DeviceNet
Profibus
DataHighway Plus

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2–Communications

Daisy Chain Auto Configure
Daisy Chain Scanner ID
IrDA Port and Text and Menu
Preamble
Postamble
LRC
Intercharacter Delay
Response Timeout
Network Client

RS-232/422 Host Port

RS-232/422 Host Port

2–Communications

Includes host port connections and host protocols.

Communications Options
You can communicate with the scanner through the following ports:
• 9-pin D-sub external connector

• 25-pin D-sub external connector

Only one port can be used at a time to receive commands.

Communications with Host through the 9-pin Host Port
For the 9-pin configuration port, set the host communications settings as follows:
57.6K baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bits, and None parity. See Chapter 1, “Quick
Start” for more information on using the 9-pin port.
Note: The 9-pin configuration port settings are not changeable.

Communications with Host through the 25-pin Port
The default 25-pin host port configuration settings are as follows: 9600, 7, 1, and
Even.
Making changes to these communications parameters without corresponding changes
in linked device(s) can result in the loss of menu access. If this should occur, connect
via the 9-pin port and reset your scanner’s host parameters to match the 25-pin
defaults shown here.

Communications with Host through the Wiring Box
The settings are the same as those of the 25-pin port. See Chapter 13, “Wiring Box
Option” for details on wiring connections.

Communications with Host through the IrDA Port
See “IrDA Port” on page 2-22 and “IrDA Configuration Port” on page A-12.

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Chapter 2 Communications

Host Port Connections
Important: This applies only to the 25-pin port and wiring box connections (not
for 9-pin port).
Note: See “Communications with Host through the 9-pin Host Port” on page
2-4 for 9-pin host port parameters.

Can be used to transfer data faster or to match host port settings.

The rate at which the scanner and host transfer data back and forth.

1 = 1200
2 = 2400
3 = 4800

4 = 9600
5 = 19.2 K
6 = 38.4 K

7 = 57.6 K
8 = 115.2 K

Parity, Host Port
Usage:

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.

Stop Bits, Host Port
Usage:

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.

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2–Communications

Baud Rate, Host Port

Communications Options

2–Communications

Data Bits, Host Port
Usage:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.

Number of bits in each character.

Host Protocol
Usage:

In general, the point-to-point protocols will work well in most applications. They require no address and must use RS-232 or RS-422 communications standards.

Protocols define the sequence and format in which information is transferred between the scanner and the host, or in the case of Multidrop,
between scanners and a concentrator.

0 = Point-to-Point
1 = Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS2 = Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF 3 =
Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS & XON/XOFF
4 = Polling Mode D 5 = Multidrop 6 = User Defined7 = User Defined
Multidrop
If selecting one of the options from 0 to 4 (Point-to-Point, Point-toPoint with RTS/CTS, Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF, Point-toPoint with RTS/CTS and XON/XOFF, or Polling Mode D), use the
format.
Option 5 through 7 are special cases and discussed later in this section.

Point-to-Point (standard)
Usage:

Used only with RS-232 or RS-422.

Standard Point-to-Point requires no address and sends data to the
host whenever it is available, without any request or handshake from
the host.

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Chapter 2 Communications

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
A scanner 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. CTS and RTS 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 handshaking protocol that allows a scanner to initiate
data transfers to the host.

Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF (Transmitter On/Off)
Usage:

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).

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS & XON/XOFF
Usage:

Used only with RS-232.

This option is a combination of Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS and
Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF.

Polling Mode D
Usage:

When in Polling Mode D, an address of 1 is automatically displayed on
the configuration screen. However, during transmission, a 1C hex poll
address (FS) and a 1D hex select address (GS) are substituted for the 1.

Like Point-to-Point, Polling Mode D requires a dedicated connection
to the host; but unlike Point-to-Point, it requires an address and must
wait for a poll from the host before sending data.

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Communications Options

2–Communications

Note: See also “Multidrop Communications” on page A-39.
Usage:

The MS-5000 can be used as a concentrator to a single host port connection.

Multidrop allows up to 50 devices to be connected to a single RS-485
host, with the scanner assigned an unique address (from 01 to 50).
When Multidrop is selected, the protocol characters for RES, REQ, etc.
are assigned automatically.

Multidrop
Addresses:

Each address has its own separate poll and select address (from 1C to
7F hex).

If selecting Multidrop an address must be defined and
appended to the command string.
Format:

Note: Scanners linking up to a Microscan MS-5000 multidrop concentrator must be
configured in standard multidrop protocol.

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Chapter 2 Communications

User Defined Point-to-Point
Usage:

Used for developing custom protocols in polled or unpolled mode.

User Defined Point-to-Point allows the user to customize the pointto-point protocol.

User Defined Address
User Defined is considered to be in a polled mode only if an address
has been assigned.

Any ASCII character except a null.

User Defined Example
Example:

An ACK/NAK protocol can be configured using User Defined. The scanner will transmit data to the host when an ACK is received. If a NAK or
response timeout occurs, the scanner will re-send the data to the host
up to 3 more times before aborting.
Tip: To use User Defined Point-to-Point, first select Point-to-Point
and then User Defined .
Example: To select an unpolled ACK/NAK User Defined protocol with
LRC disabled, send . ACK
and NAK will be displayed in the menu.

Any ASCII character except a null. Control characters can be used to
define RES through NAK in serial commands.

From Host
Definition:

Allows the handshaking protocol to be initiated from the host, if not
configured in an unpolled mode. Messages sent to the host will include
the scanner’s defined protocol. The status of From Host determines if
messages sent from the host to the scanner must include the defined
protocol. If From Host is disabled, the defined protocol is not included.
If From Host is enabled, the defined protocol must be included.

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2–Communications

Communications Options

User Defined Multidrop

2–Communications

Note: Any ASCII character except a null (00) and a ^A (01) can be assigned as an
address. Control characters can be used to define RES through NAK in serial commands. See (See “Communication Protocol Commands” on page A-22.)
Usage:

Used when connecting to a concentrator or other device that does not
match standard multidrop protocol.

User Defined Multidrop allows the user to customize the polling protocol.
If selecting User Defined Multidrop (7), complete the format by
either choosing new parameters or place commas where unchanged
data fields occur.

For User Defined Multidrop, first select Multidrop , then
User Defined Multidrop .

Any single character (02 hex to 7E hex) in the ASCII table can be
assigned as the address character. The character chosen is used as the
poll character and the subsequent ASCII character becomes the select
character. For example, if a ^B (02 hex) is selected as the address, ^C
(03 hex) becomes the select address that the host will use in sending
host select commands.

Note: Definitions of commands in User Defined and User Defined Multidrop must
be duplicated in host applications to enable poll and select sequences to execute correctly during transmission.
Note: Typically, parameters in User Defined Multidrop are defined by first enabling
Multidrop, then enabling User Defined Multidrop. This pre-loads multidrop characters into the parameters. Then changes are made to individual characters to match
the host or other requirements.

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Chapter 2 Communications

RS-232 Auxiliary Port
Note: The aux port cannot be used when the host port is set to RS-422 or Multidrop.
As with the host port parameters, the auxiliary terminal’s settings (baud rate, parity,
stop bits, and data bits) must be identical with those of the auxiliary device.
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 of the scanner, and
relay data from other scanners set in tandem (daisy chained). If the
scanner’s host port needs to be dedicated to the host, but configuration
must be done on the fly, the auxiliary port can be set to accept configuration changes by Command Processing (page 2-17).

An auxiliary port connects the scanner to a remote display or to other
scanners that can display or transfer data.

Aux Port Connections
As with the host port parameters, the auxiliary terminal’s settings (baud rate, parity,
stop bits, and data bits) must be identical with those of the auxiliary device.

Baud Rate, Aux Port
Usage:

Can be used to transfer data faster or match an auxiliary device.

The rate at which the scanner and host transfer data back and forth.

1 = 1200
2 = 2400
3 = 4800

4 = 9600
5 = 19.2 K
6 = 38.4 K

7 = 57.6 K
8 = 115.2 K

Parity, Aux Port
Usage:

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.

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2–Communications

RS-232 Auxiliary Port

2–Communications

Stop Bits, Aux Port
Usage:

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.

Data Bits, Aux Port
Usage:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.

Number of bits in each character.

Aux Port Mode
Note: The aux port interacts only with the host port via the 25-pin port except when
in Daisy Chain mode. When in Daisy Chain mode, the aux port will also interact
with the configuration port (9-pin port) or the wiring box network ports.
Definition:

Determines the flow of data between the auxiliary port device(s), the
scanner, and the host.

0 = Disabled
3 = Full duplex

1 = Transparent
4 = Daisy chain

2 = Half duplex
5 = Command Processing

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Chapter 2 Communications

Transparent Mode
Usage:

Often used in conjunction with handheld scanners. Employs an auxiliary
readout to detect mis-applied bar code symbols.

In Transparent mode data is passed between the auxiliary port and
the host. The scanner buffers data from the auxiliary port and echoes
the keyed data on the auxiliary port.
Data initiated from the Auxiliary Port

Data initiated from the Scanner

• Transmission to the auxiliary port occurs
immediately upon a good read.
• Scan data 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 initiated from the Host

• All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled and polled mode.

1 = Transparent

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2–Communications

• Auxiliary port data is passed through to the host whenever a return
key is pressed at the auxiliary port or symbol data is sent.
• Whenever aux port data is sent with symbol
Aux
data, the aux port data will appear between
Host
Port
the preamble and the symbol data.
• Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
with a preamble and a postamble.
Scanner
• If the scanner is in a polled mode to the host,
auxiliary port data will still pass through.
• is the only command accepted by the
scanner from the auxiliary port. All other commands will pass through
to the host.

RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Half Duplex Mode
Usage:

Used to display symbol data on an auxiliary screen close to the scanner.

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
screen at the same time the data is sent to the host.
Data initiated from the Auxiliary Port

2–Communications

• Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the
Aux
scanner is in a polled mode.
Host
Port
• Auxiliary port data or scanned data is sent to
the host whenever it is received.
• Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
Scanner
• Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or a postamble.
• is the only command that is accepted by the scanner from the
auxiliary port. All other commands are passed through to the host.
Data initiated from the Scanner

• Scan 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 is initiated from the Host

• All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled mode.

2 = Half Duplex

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Chapter 2 Communications

Full Duplex Mode
Usage:

Used 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
screen.
Data initiated from the Auxiliary Port.

Data initiated from the Scanner.

• Scan data is not sent to the auxiliary port.

Data initiated from the Host

• All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled mode.

3 = Full duplex

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2–Communications

Aux
• Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the
Host
Port
scanner is in a polled mode.
• Auxiliary port data or scanned data is sent to
the host whenever it is received.
Scanner
• Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
• Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or a postamble.
• is the only command that is accepted by the scanner from the
auxiliary port. All other commands are passed through to the host.

RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Daisy Chain Mode

2–Communications

Note: See also “Daisy Chain Autoconfigure System Data” on page 2-19.
Usage:

Used in applications where:
• A symbol might be scanned in both ladder and picket fence directions.
• A bar code symbol may be present on multiple sides of a package.
• Bar code symbols are presented at different depths.

In a daisy chain application, scanners are connected in tandem or
“daisy chain” and decoded data is relayed from one scanner to another
on up to the host.
A master scanner has its host port linked to the host computer and its
auxiliary port linked to the host port of the first “slave” scanner in the
chain. Thereafter, each slave’s auxiliary port is linked to the host port of
the slave that is further from the host in the daisy chain.
Each scanner in the daisy chain can be assigned an ID that accompanies any data that it sends.

4 = Daisy chain

Before the master scanner times out, it checks its auxiliary port for
data. It should be set to wait at least 30mS for each slave in the daisy
chain. (See “Read Cycle Timeout” on page 3-15.) If no data is
received within the read cycle timeout, the master sends a noread message to the host. Otherwise the complete data is sent.
If for example the master scanner is set to timeout in 120 mS, the first
slave scanner downstream might be set to 90 mS, the next to 30mS,
and so forth, thus assuring that at least 30mS elapses between transmissions.a
Daisy-chained scanners can send a series of symbols by enabling Multisymbol and a common multisymbol separator. If the master scanner
does not receive the expected number of symbols, noread 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 master and two slave scanners have Number of Symbols set to 3 and Multisymbol Separator defined as %. If the master
and the first slave scanner do not find symbols, but the next slave
scanner registers a good read, the transmitted results would be: symbol data % noread % noread.

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

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Chapter 2 Communications
Conditions:

The conditions for a daisy chain application are as
follows:
1. The master scanner’s trigger must be Serial or
External; the slave scanners’ triggers are configured for Serial.
2. All scanners are enabled to Daisy Chain mode.

4. Each slave scanner in the daisy chain must be set to send its data
no less than 30 mS before its preceding scanner.
5. All but the master scanner must have Postamble enabled and set
to CR (^M) only.
6. All but the master scanner must have their noread messages disabled.
7. If Multisymbol is enabled, Multisymbol Separator characters
must match in all scanners and Number of Symbols must be set
to number large enough to include all the symbols it may itself read
plus the number of symbols that it will be expected to relay to the
host or the next scanner up the line.
8. Symbology ID enable/disable must be the same in all scanners.
9. All but the master scanner must have their diagnostic warning messages disabled.
10. Daisy Chain ID Status enable/disable and the number of characters in Daisy Chain ID must be the same in all scanners.

Command Processing Mode
Usage:

Allows user to direct externally triggered read cycle data to the host or
both the host and aux ports.

When enabled, Command Processing allows commands to be entered
via the aux port and direct externally triggered read cycle data in one of
two ways:
1. If the last command came from the aux port, then externally triggered
read cycle data will be output to both the host and the aux ports.
2. 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-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

2–Communications

3. Each scanner’s auxiliary port must be connected
to the Host port of its slave scanner.

RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Daisy Chain ID Status

2–Communications

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

Used in a daisy chain setup in cases where the host needs to know
which scanner in a daisy chain setup sent the data.

Each scanner 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.

Daisy Chain ID
Note: All slave scanners must be set to Serial for Daisy Chain to function.
See “Trigger Mode” on page 3-6.
Usage:

Used in a daisy chain setup in cases where the host needs to know
which scanner sent the data.

A one or two character prefix which identifies the particular daisy chain
scanner from which the data is being sent.

Any one or two ASCII characters.

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Chapter 2 Communications

Daisy Chain Autoconfigure System Data
Note: This command is not in ESP.
For quick setup and configuration of the daisy chain network.

Daisy Chain Autoconfigure is issued to the master scanner in the
daisy chain and the software responds as follows:
• Counts the number of slave scanners in the daisy chain.
• Assigns an internal ID number (1...n) to each slave scanner, where
the first slave scanner is number 1 (and it’s own ID being a 0).
• Propagates the communications settings and the relevant operating
modes of the master scanner to the host and auxiliary ports of each
slave scanner.
• Resets each slave scanner.
• Verifies that each slave scanner has acquired the new settings.

When setting up a daisy chain operation, do the following:
1. Set the master (the scanner connected to the host) scanner to Serial.
This sets all the scanners in the daisy chain to Serial when the command is carried out.
Before Autoconfigure you must set the master scanner to Serial (S):
Host

2. Send command.
3. If necessary, set the master scanner to Edge.
After Autoconfigure you may set the master scanner to Edge (E)
but the other scanners must remain in Serial (S):
Host

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2–Communications

RS-232 Auxiliary Port

Daisy Chain Remote Scanner ID

2–Communications

Note: Scanner IDs can also be assigned in “Daisy Chain Mode” on page 2-16.
Usage:

This command provides a handy way to assign custom daisy chain IDs
to specific scanners that were assigned during the daisy chain autoconfigure process.

Assigns a new daisy chain ID to a daisy chain scanner. The command is
sent to the master scanner to configure the other scanners.

Daisy Chain Scanner Number
Definition:

Specifies the target scanner (by sequential number) which will be
receiving the new Daisy Chain ID. The master scanner is always 0
(zero). All slave scanners are numbered 1...n in the order that they are
connected.
Note: These numbers are for assigning IDs only and are not
changeable.

1....n (0 for the master scanner)

Daisy Chain Scanner ID
Definition:

A two-character user-defined ASCII message identifying a scanner in
the daisy chain.

Sequential numbering of scanner units resulting from the Daisy Chain
Auto-configure command; for example: ID Master = 1/;
ID Scanner 1 = 2/; ID Scanner 2 = 3/; etc.

Any two characters except , < > NUL.

Note: See also Chapter 12, “Output Format”.
Note: After a slave scanner accepts a new ID, it automatically invokes a reset-withsave command.

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Chapter 2 Communications

Auxiliary/Configuration System Data
Note: Do not use this with Daisy Chain operation.

Auxiliary Status

To check symbol data and error messages via the aux port.

When enabled, system data, including decoded data and diagnostic
warning messages, will be routed to the aux port.

Data Out 9-Pin
Usage:

To check symbol data and error messages via the configuration port.

When enabled, system data, including decoded data and diagnostic
warning messages, will be routed to the 9-pin configuration port or if
active to the IrDA port.

When using the 9-pin configuration port it is important to remember to enable this
command.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

2–Communications

Note: This command only applies if Aux Mode is set to Command Processing.
See “Command Processing Mode” on page 2-17.

2–Communications

IrDA Port
Usage:

Allows wireless programming of the MS-880 by devices with IrDA ports
such as the Palm Pilot™, laptops, etc. (See Appendix C — “IrDA Configuration Port” of the MS-880 Industrial Bar Code Scanner
User’s Manual and Appendix D — “IrDA/Ir Comm for Palm Pilot”
of the MS-880 Industrial Bar Code Scanner User’s Manual.)

IrDA, which stands for the Infrared Data Association, promotes
interoperable, infrared data interconnection standards that support a
walk-up, point-to-point user model for a broad range of appliances,
computing and communications devices.

Note: IrDA port will be disabled automatically whenever the 9-pin host port is in use.

IrDa Status
Serial Cmd:

IrDA Timeout
Definition:

After the loss of the IrDA link, the MS-880 will attempt to re-acquire
the same link until IR Timeout expires, at which time the software
clears the old link and attempts to “discover” any nearby IRDAequipped devices. Until the timeout period elapses, the scanner will not
end the search for the current IRDA terminal even if that terminal is
removed and another IrDA terminal is put in its place.

3 sec.
12 sec.
20 sec.
40 sec.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 2 Communications

Preamble
Preamble Status
Used 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 of on its own line.

Up to four user defined ASCII characters, including control characters,
can be defined and added to the front or end of the data string that is
sent from the scanner to the host.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled (within any protocol)

Preamble Character(s)
Serial Cmd:

^M corresponds to: carriage return/null/null/null.

Up to four user-defined ASCII characters, including control characters.

Within a Serial Command
To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the
control key while typing the desired character.
Example: to enter ^M

Within an Embedded Menu
Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the
menu as mnemonic characters, such as: .
To enter a control character from within an embedded menu, first type
in a space (with the space key). This has the effect of allowing the control key to be recognized as a part of the control character. Next hold
down the control key while typing the desired character.
Example: Space CNTL-m to enter ^M.

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2–Communications

2–Communications

Postamble Status
Usage:

Used 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 of on its own line.

Defines a one- to four-character data string that can be added to the
end of the decoded data.

Postamble Character(s)
Serial Cmd:

^M^J. Corresponds to carriage return/line feed/null/null, as displayed
in the menu.

Up to four user-defined ASCII characters, including control characters.

Within a Serial Command
To enter control characters within a serial command, hold down the
control key while typing the desired character.
Example: to enter ^M^J.

Within an Embedded Menu
Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the
menu as mnemonic characters, such as:
To enter a control character from within an embedded menu, first type
in a space (with the space key). This has the effect of allowing the control key to be recognized as a part of the control character. Next hold
down the control key while typing the desired character.
Example: Space CNTL-m Space CNTL-j to enter ^M^J.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 2 Communications

LRC Status
(Longitudinal Redundancy Check)
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 transmissions 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.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

2–Communications

Intercharacter Delay

2–Communications

Intercharacter Delay
Usage:

Used only when a host cannot receive data quickly enough and there is
enough time between symbols to allow data to be completely transferred. It is rarely used since any setting other than zero will slow down
communications. For example, a 200 setting will result in a 1/5 second
delay between each character that is transmitted.

The time interval in milliseconds between individual characters transmitted from the scanner to the host.

0 to 255 (in milliseconds). Zero (0) causes no delay between
characters.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 2 Communications

Response Timeout
Used only when a response is required from the host. While in Multidrop, if the scanner does not receive an ACK or NAK from the host
after sending polled data, it will act on a fault. The scanner can be set
to wait indefinitely by setting Response Timeout to zero.

Time the scanner will wait before timing out if ACK, NAK, and ETX are
enabled, and a host response is expected.

2 (x 10 = 20 mS)

0 to 255 in 10mS increments (0 to 2.55 seconds)
(A zero (0) setting causes an indefinite wait.)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

2–Communications

2–Communications

Network Client
Network Client is enabled whenever a network protocol card is installed in the MS-880
wiring box and in conjunction with one of the following protocols: DeviceNet, Profibus,
or DataHighway Plus.
For detailed configuration and installation information on the above protocols and
protocol cards, see The Network Protocol Card User’s Manual, part number
83-210015.

Net Port Status
Usage:

Allows the user to disable the network connection.

Enables client-side (bar code scanner) network port operation.

0 = Enable
1 = Disable

Net Port Status must be enabled for network operation.

Serial Gateway Configuration Command
Definition:

Serial Port Emulation configures the network serial data channels.
Note: This command only applies to serial port emulation mode in
DeviceNet.

Length Status
Usage:

Use of Length is recommended.

The user can decide if a field will be added to the transmit and receive
serial data streams. When Length is enabled, a length field is added to
the serial channel.

0 = Disable
1 = Enable

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Chapter 2 Communications

Rx from Network Size
Receive from Network Size sets the number of serial data bytes in the
stream. The actual number of data bytes in the stream is dependent
upon Length Status plus the handshake.

Rx from network size
+ Handshake
+ Length enabled
= Total size

2–Communications

248 max
4
2
254 max

Tx to Network Size
Definition:

Transmit from Network Size sets the number of serial data bytes in the
stream. The actual number of data bytes in the stream is dependent
upon the Length Status plus the handshake field.

to network size
Handshake
Length enabled
Total size

248 max
4
2
254 max

Pad Status
Usage:

This has no effect on the serial data received from the network.

Pad Status can be enabled to “clear” undefined bytes in the serial data
stream sent to the network.

0 = disabled
1 = enabled

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2–Communications

Pad Character
Definition:

Allows the user to define the Pad Character.

Any ASCII char (must use on-board menu to configure '<', comma, or '>')

Begin/End Justify Data Status
Usage:

Enable this option to end justify the data in the serial stream.

The user can decide whether the serial data sent to the network is
located at the beginning or the end of the serial data stream (also
referred to as “left” and “right.”)
Note: Handshake and length fields are always located at the beginning
of the serial stream.
This has no effect on the serial data received from the network.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Byte Swap Status
Usage:

This is useful for network hosts that map data in 16-bit little-endian format.

Allows the user to decide whether or not the content of the serial data
stream is byte swapped.
Note: Typically this feature is only used in network systems that
require an even number of data bytes. Therefore, if the transmit or
receive streams are configured for an odd size, the last byte is not
swapped.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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Chapter 2 Communications

DeviceNet
Most commonly found in assembly, welding, and material handling
applications that use serial port emulation commands.

Configures DeviceNet port operation.
DeviceNet, based on CAN (Controller Area Network) technology, is
characterized by its widespread acceptance, high reliability, efficient
use of network bandwidth, and availability of power on the network.

Baud Rate
Serial
Cmd:

0 = 125Kbps
1 = 250Kbps
2 = 500Kbps

Address
Serial
Cmd:

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

2–Communications

2–Communications

Profibus
Usage:

Profibus is designed especially for communication between automation
control systems and distributed I/O at the device level. Can be used
with RS-485 transmission technology.

Configures Profibus network port operation.

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Chapter 2 Communications

DataHighway Plus
Definition:

Configures DataHighway Plus port operation.

2–Communications

Address
Serial
Cmd:

1 to 77 (octal)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

2–Communications

Important Note: Menu Mode is only used in special cases. In normal use the correct mode for your device is automatically selected.
Definition:

In VT-100 mode, keyboard arrow keys of a VT-100 terminal (or terminal emulation) may be used. TTY uses a teletype protocol.
Note: Send this command from the port to be changed.

The IrDa port defaults to VT-100 mode.

0 = TTY
1 = VT-100

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

3
3–Read Cycle

Chapter Contents
Multisymbol ..............................................................................................3-4
Serial Trigger .........................................................................................3-12
End of Read Cycle .................................................................................3-14
Good Decode Reads .............................................................................3-16
Optoelectric Control ...............................................................................3-17
Scanner Setup .......................................................................................3-18
Read cycles and triggering modes are at the heart of bar code scanning. 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. In a typical operation a bar coded item moves along a line past a scanner. A sensor or timer
activates a read cycle during which the scanner actively searches for bar code symbols. You will need to decide how to initiate the read cycle and how and when to end
it. This section addresses these issues.

Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Read Cycle by ESP

Click this Button to
bring up the Read
Cycle/Triggering
menu.

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

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Read Cycle by Serial Command
Command Title

Kh
Ki
Km
KD
K.
KH
KI

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Multisymbol
Aux/Config. Port Data
Trigger Mode
External Trigger State
Start Serial Trigger Character
End Serial Trigger Character
End of Read Cycle
Serial Trigger Character
Good Decode Reads
Gain/Tracking
Focus
Scan Speed
AGC Settings
Maximum Element

Multisymbol
Usage:

Multisymbol is commonly used in shipping applications where a shipping symbol contains individual symbols for part number, quantity, etc.
This feature allows one trigger to pick up all the symbols. AIAG and
EAN- 128 are two application standards that address this need.

Multisymbol allows the user to define up to 12 bar code symbols that
can be read in a single read cycle.

The following conditions apply:
1. Each bar code symbol must be different to be read unless they
appear in the scan line at the same time.
2. The maximum number of characters in a read cycle is 32,520 for all
symbols.
3. The maximum number of characters the scanner can transmit is
calculated by: Preamble + maximum number of symbols * (aux id
+ symbology id + maximum symbol length + quality output +
((number of insertion cells x cell length)+ separator) + postamble
+ LRC = 37,425.
4. All noread messages are posted at the end of the data string.
5. If more than one symbol is within the scan beam at the same time,
symbol data may not be displayed in the order of appearance.
6. If Matchcode Type is set to Sequential or if Trigger is set to
Continuous Read 1 Output, Number of Symbols will default to
1 (if set to any number greater than 1).

Number of Symbols
Definition:

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

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Multisymbol Separator
Used to delimit or separate data fields with a user defined character.

The character that’s inserted between each symbol scanned when Multisymbol is set to any number greater than 1.

To select a new multisymbol separator, double-click on Separator and
select a character in the popup window.

Note: If Multisymbol Separator has been changed to any character
other than the default comma and you wish to re-define the separator
as a comma, use ESP (as shown below) or the embedded menu.

Any available ASCII character, except < > NUL.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Trigger
Trigger Mode

Note: When doing calibration or read rate testing, the current trigger setting will be
disregarded.
Note: This command does not need to be followed by an command.
Definition:

The type of trigger event that will initiate the read cycle.

Continuous Read

Continuous Read
Continuous Read 1 Output
External Level
External Edge
Serial Data
Serial Data & External Edge6 = Network Trigger

Continuous Read
Usage:

Continuous Read is useful in testing bar code symbol readability or
scanner functions. It is not recommended for normal operations.

In Continuous Read, trigger input options are disabled, the scanner
is always in the read cycle, and it will attempt to decode and transmit
every scan crossing a symbol.
When To Output and Noread options have no affect on Continuous
Read.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

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
hand-presented.

In Continuous Read 1 Output the scanner self-triggers whenever it
decodes a new bar code symbol or a timeout occurs.

Caution: In automated environments, Continuous Read 1 Output is not recommended because there is no one to verify that a symbol was missed.
Note: If Trigger is set to Continuous Read 1 Output, Number of Symbols will
default back to 1 (if set to any number greater than 1).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

If End Of Read Cycle is set to Timeout and the symbol doesn't
change, the scanner will repeat the output at the end of each timeout
period. For example, if Timeout is set to one second, the scanner
sends the symbol data immediately and repeats the output at intervals
of one second for as long as the symbol continues to be scanned.
If End Of Read Cycle is set to New Trigger, the scanner will send the
current symbol data immediately, but send it only once. A new symbol
appearing in the scanner’s range will be read and sent immediately provided it is not identical to the previous symbol read.

External Trigger Level
This mode is effective in an application where the speeds of the conveying apparatus are variable and the time the scanner spends scanning
each object is not predictable. It also allows the user to determine if a
noread has occurred.

External Trigger 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 endures until the object moves out of the sensor range and the active trigger state changes again.

Initiate Read Cycle:

Object # 1, moving in front of the detector
beam, causes a change in the trigger state,
initiating the read cycle.
Associated waveforms assume
External Trigger State is set
to Active Closed.

End Read Cycle:

The same object, moving out of the detector
beam, causes another change in the trigger
state, ending the read cycle.

Figure 3-1 Trigger Level
Serial Cmd:

Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Active Open or Active
Closed) that exists while the object is in a read cycle, between the rising edge and
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.
Note: In External Trigger Level, sending a non-delimited start serial character will
start a read cycle and sending a non-delimited stop serial character will end it. See
“Start Character (non-delimited)” and “Stop Character (non-delimited)” on
page 3-13.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

External Trigger Edge
Usage:

This mode is highly recommended in any application where conveying
speed is constant or if spacing, object size, or timeouts are consistent.

External Trigger 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 End of Read Cycle setting, a timeout or new trigger
occurs.

Initiate Read Cycle:

Object # 1, moving in front of the detector
beam, causes a change in the trigger state,
initiating the read cycle.

Initiate Second Read Cycle:

Associated waveforms assume
External Trigger State is set
to Active Closed.

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 occurred.

Figure 3-2 Trigger Edge
Serial Cmd:

Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Active Open or Active
Closed) that exists while the object is in a read cycle, between the rising edge and
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.Note: In External Trigger Edge, sending a non-delimited start
serial character will start a read cycle; however a non-delimited stop serial character
has no effect. See “Start Character (non-delimited)” and “Stop Character (nondelimited)” on page 3-13.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Data
Usage:

Serial Data is effective in a highly controlled environment where the
host knows precisely when the object is in the scan zone. It is also useful in determining if a noread has occurred.

In Serial Data, the scanner 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 corner brackets, such as .

Serial Data or External Edge
Usage:

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 manually triggered.
An auxiliary terminal can be connected to the aux port so the user can
send the serial trigger character through the scanner to the host.

In this mode the scanner accepts either a serial ASCII character or an
external trigger pulse to start the read cycle.

Network Trigger
Usage:

Network Trigger allows a network command to be entered from a
host networked to the scanner. See the MS-880 Network Protocol
Card User’s Manual (83-110015).

A trigger can also be sent over the network if installed. A network
attribute triggers a pulse that performs similarly to External Edge.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Trigger Filter Duration
Trigger Filter Duration is useful where trigger bounce could cause
false triggers.

Trigger Filter Duration can prevent trigger bounce from falsely triggering the scanner by limiting the time in which trigger pulses can be
received.

320 (x 31.25 µs = 10ms)

0 to 65535 (corresponding to 0 to 2.047 s in 31.25 µs steps)

External Trigger State
Note: External Level, External Edge, or Serial Data or Edge trigger mode must
be enabled for External Trigger to take effect.
Usage:

Users can select the trigger state that will operate with their systems.
(If using the Microscan object detector, use Active Open.)

When enabled for Active Closed the triggering device imposes a current on the optoisolator to activate the read cycle. When enabled for
Active Open the triggering device interrupts the current to the
optoisolator to activate the read cycle.

0 = Active Open

1 = Active Closed

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Trigger
Usage:

Useful in applications where a read cycle needs to be initiated and/or
ended by user-defined serial characters.

An on-line host command composed of a single ASCII host serial trigger
character that initiates or ends the read cycle.
Trigger characters are of two types: delimited and non-delimited. A
delimited character is entered within angle brackets delimiters < >.
A non-delimited trigger character is one that either starts or ends the
read cycle and is NOT enclosed by delimiters such as < >.

Rules for
Trigger
Modes:

• In External Edge the scanner looks only for the Start Trigger Character and ignores any End Trigger Character that may be defined.
• In External Level, the Start Trigger Character begins the read cycle
and an End Trigger Character ends it. Note that even after a symbol
has been decoded and the data transmitted, the scanner remains in
External Level trigger read cycle until a Stop character is received.
• In Serial Data & Edge trigger mode, command, either a Start Trigger
Character or a hardware trigger can start an Edge trigger read cycle.

Serial Trigger Character (delimited)
Usage:

Useful in applications where a single serial character enclosed in angle
brackets initiates the read cycle.

A delimited trigger character is one that starts the read cycle, is
enclosed by delimiters such as < >, and can only be sent when the trigger mode is set to Serial Data or Serial Data & Edge.

^] (corresponds to displayed in the embedded menu)

Any single ASCII character, including control characters, except NUL
(00H), 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 & Edge triggering mode must be enabled for
Serial Trigger Character to take effect.
Note: Start and End serial trigger characters can be sent through host ports or aux
ports, but not the IrDA port.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Start Character (non-delimited)
It is useful in applications where a different character is required to
start a read cycle. Works with External Edge, External Level, and
Serial Data & Edge.

A single ASCII host serial trigger character that starts the read cycle
and is not enclosed by delimiters such as < and >.

Null (disabled)

Two hex digits representing an ASCII character except <, >, XON and XOFF.

Note: Start and End serial trigger characters can be sent through host ports or aux
ports, but not the IrDA port.

Stop Character (non-delimited)
Usage:

It is useful in applications where a different character is required to end
a read cycle. Works with External Level only.

A single ASCII host serial trigger character that ends the read cycle and
is not enclosed by delimiters such as < and >.

Null (disabled)

Two hex digits representing an ASCII character except <, >, XON and XOFF.

Note: Start and Stop serial trigger characters can be sent through host ports or aux
ports, but not the IrDA port.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

End of Read Cycle

End of Read Cycle
Note: When to Output must be set to End of Read Cycle before this command can
be active.

The read cycle is the time during which the scanner will attempt to read
and decode a bar code symbol. At the end of a read cycle the scanner
stops reading symbols and sends the symbol data or noread message
to the host.

End of Read Cycle Mode
Definition:

A read cycle can be terminated by a new trigger, a timeout, or a combination of both.

0 = Timeout
1 = New Trigger
2 = Timeout & New Trigger

Note: When operating in Continuous Read or Continuous Read 1 Output, the
scanner is always in the read cycle.

Typically used with Serial or Edge and Continuous One.
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 bar coded object appears, giving the system
extra time to decode and transmit the data to the host.

Timeout ends the read cycle when the time set in Timeout elapses or
“times out.”
If in Continuous Read 1 Output, a timeout initiates a new read cycle
and allows the same symbol to be read again.
With either External Edge, Serial Data, or Serial Data & Edge
enabled, a timeout ends the read cycle and symbol data or a noread
message is sent to the host.
With External Level enabled, the read cycle does not end until the falling edge trigger or a timeout occurs. The next read cycle does not begin
until the next rising edge trigger.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 3 Read Cycle

New Trigger
New Trigger is an effective way to end a read cycle when objects
move past the scanner 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 either External Edge, Serial, or Serial or 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.
(See Figure 3-1 on page 3-8 and Figure 3-2 on page 3-9.)

Note: When New Trigger is enabled and if not in External Level mode, Laser On/
Off will have no effect. When noreads occur, the laser will remain on.

Timeout or New Trigger
Usage:

Used 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.

Read Cycle Timeout
Usage:

It is useful in many tightly controlled applications which require a read
cycle to end before the next object appears and therefore need the
flexibility of a timeout adjustment.

Read Cycle Timeout is the time span of the read cycle and is represented in 10 mS increments. It is used in conjunction with External
Edge or Serial Trigger.

100 (Corresponds to one second or 1000 mS.)

0 to 65535. (Divide any positive number entered by 100 to determine
the time in seconds.)

Note: A minimum setting of 2 is recommended.
Note: Timeout or Timeout or New Trigger under End of Read Cycle must be
enabled for Timeout Duration to take effect.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Good Decode Reads

Good Decode Reads
Usage:

This is a very useful feature to increase reliability of reads for symbologies that do not have internal error checking such as Pharmacode.

The number of decodes (from 1 to 31) required per symbol before a
symbol’s decoded data is sent. It requires the scanner to successfully
decode a symbol a designated number of times (not necessarily consecutively) before it is sent. If it doesn’t achieve the number of good
reads during the read cycle, then a noread will be sent.
Note: Higher settings will decrease throughput speed.

Note: When setting up, be sure to determine if the scanner’s scan rate is capable of
scanning your longest symbol the required number of times.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Optoelectric Control
(See “Optoelectric Control” on page 8-8.)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Scanner Setup
The settings in this section are typically adjusted by Calibration (“Calibration” on
page 8-4) or by qualified technicians. They are included here for special applications.
Before making changes to individual commands in this section, it would be advisable
to make a written record of current settings.

Gain Level
Usage:

Can be useful for fine-tuning gain or when portions of analog signals
spike as in the case of specular reflection or extraneous noise.
Caution: Changes to Gain are typically done by qualified technicians in
Calibration. See Chapter 8, “Calibration.”

Sets a voltage amplitude value for the analog circuitry.

Default is 40 (nominal). Gain is optimized at the factory before shipment; the default value may not be 40.

Tracking
Usage:

Useful in fine-tuning tracking or when conditions of poor contrast or
blurred bar edges exist.
Caution: Changes to Tracking are typically done in Calibration. See
Chapter 8, “Calibration.”

Tracks peak signals and selects an amplitude reference point to sample
the analog signals for converting to digital.

Tracking is optimized at the factory before shipment; the default value
may not be 40.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Focus Position
Focus is generally done by the Calibration routine (see Chapter 8,
“Calibration”). However, in certain applications involving specific focal
lengths, manual control of focus might be appropriate.

Focus is the act of narrowing the focal spot to its smallest size and
sharpest edges at the desired distance from the scanner by moving an
internal lens in discrete movement with a stepper motor.
Focus Position is the length of the internal lens.

10 (inside focal length)

0 to 40 (nearest to furthermost focal length)

Zero Position
Usage:

This field is READ ONLY, and is set by a qualified technician during factory setup.

This field displays the current factory-set zero focus position.

Scan Speed
Usage:

To ensure a minimum number of scans, faster scan speeds are typically
used for fast moving symbols and/or longer symbols with larger bar
widths.
Note: Scan beams move faster across symbols further out in the scan
range since the moving beam is being projected from a spinning mirror.

Allows the user to set the number of scans per second by controlling
the spinning mirror motor speed.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Laser Power
Usage:

Applications that read past 45 inches typically use High.

The user can select the Low or High laser power.

0 = Low (laser power = 2 mW)
1 = High (laser power = 3.25 mW)

Automatic Gain Control
Important: AGC settings apply to both AGC gain control and symbol detection.

AGC Sampling Status
Definition:

During the read cycle, the scanner counts the number of bar and space
transitions defined in the Transition Counter. If the count matches or
exceeds the threshold, the scanner will perform AGC routines.

Transition Counter
Usage:

Can be useful in certain application where extraneous objects in the
field of view might require a higher threshold.

Determines the number of bar/space transitions that must be read
before a symbol is considered present and AGC can be resolved.

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Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Maximum Element
Useful if having difficulty reading large element symbols like PDF417.
Caution: Do not change this parameter unless instructed by a Microscan representative.

Maximum Element represents the maximum bar element width that’s
allowed before a video reset occurs (default to white).

1000 (30.5 µs)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

(See “Laser Setup” on page 9-6)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 3 Read Cycle

Raster Setup
(See “Raster Setup” on page 9-3)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4
Chapter Contents
Code 39 ...................................................................................................4-4
Code 128 .................................................................................................4-7
Interleaved 2 of 5 ...................................................................................4-11
Codabar .................................................................................................4-14
UPC/EAN ...............................................................................................4-17
Code 93 .................................................................................................4-21
Pharmacode ..........................................................................................4-22
PDF417..................................................................................................4-24
Narrow Margins .....................................................................................4-26
Symbology ID ........................................................................................4-27
Background Color ..................................................................................4-28
Autodiscriminate ....................................................................................4-29

1. If using an I 2/5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being scanned
matches the symbol length enabled for the I 2/5 symbology type (default is 10 and 6). See
“Interleaved 2 of 5” on page 4-11.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

This section describes the various symbol types that can be read and decoded by the
scanner.
Code 39 is enabled by default. To enable all codes, right-click Autodiscrimination
under Symbol Type in the Utilities menu and select Enable, or send a serial
command to the scanner from the Terminal window.1
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.
See www.aimusa.org/standards for additional information about symbologies.

Symbologies by ESP

Click this button to bring
up the Symbology menu.

4–Symbologies

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

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Chapter 4 Symbologies

Symbologies by Serial Command
Command Title

Code 128/EAN-128

Interleaved 2 of 5

Pharmacode
PDF417

Narrow Margins/Symbology
ID
Background Color

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Code 39 is considered the standard for non-retail symbology.

An alphanumeric symbol with unique start/stop patterns, composed of
9 black and white elements per character, of which 3 are wide.

Code 39 Status
Serial Cmd:

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

Check Digit Status (Code 39)
Serial Cmd:

4–Symbologies

Check Digit Output Status (Code 39)
Usage:

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.
Note: With Check Digit Output and an External or Serial trigger
option enabled, an invalid check digit calculation will cause a noread
message to be transmitted at the end of the read cycle.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Large Intercharacter Gap (Code 39)
Usage:

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 since a large intercharacter gap (over 3x) could cause a
narrow margins (5x) to be interpreted as an intercharacter gap.

When enabled, the scanner can read symbols with gaps between symbol characters that exceed three times (3x) the narrow element width.

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 39)
Definition:

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

Symbol Length (Code 39)
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 scanner will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The
scanner ignores any symbol not having the specified length.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Full ASCII Set (Code 39)
Usage:

Must be enabled when reading characters outside the standard character set (0-9, A-Z, etc.)
User must know in advance whether or not to use 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 scanner can read the full ASCII character set, from 0 to
255.

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Code 128
Usage:

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.

Code 128 Status
Serial Cmd:

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 128)
Definition:

When enabled the scanner will check the symbol length against the
symbol length field. When disabled any length would be considered a
valid symbol.

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

Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Symbol Length to take effect.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Symbol Length (Code 128)

EAN-128 Status
Usage:

Sometimes called the “shipping code,” it is used as a standard to track
a product from site to site with a single symbol that contains categories
of information identifiable across industries worldwide.

A subset of Code 128, with extended features utilizing application identifiers to define meaning and format of fields that immediately follow them.
See the Uniform Code Council, Inc. at www.uc-council.org.

Note: Code 128 serial command fields for K474 precede EAN-128.

If Enabled, the scanner can read symbols with or without a function 1
character in the first position.

If set to Required, the symbol must have a function 1 in the first position and conform to EAN-128 format in order to decode the symbol.

4–Symbologies

Note: Code 128 must also be Enabled for EAN-128 to function.
Note: The reply from a request
may appear to have an extra field, e.g.:
However, the third comma in from the
right is actually the application record separator character in the default setting.
Note: Code 128 must be Enabled for EAN-128 to function.

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Chapter 4 Symbologies

Output Format (EAN-128)
Usage:

Application Record is useful in applications in which the software can
utilize application record formatting to help automate the processing of
its EAN-128 data.

Offers an option between Standard EAN-128 and Application
Record format.

When set to Standard, EAN-128 application identifiers and data fields
are sent, but none of the formatting (separators, parentheses, padding)
will be included.

Application
Record:

1 = Application Record

Application Record is a variation of EAN-128 that allows the user to
define separators between data fields, enclose application identifiers in
parentheses, and enable padding (zeros) for variable length fields.

Note: If an illegal Application Record format is detected, the scanner will process it
as a noread and output a noread message (if enabled).

Application Record Separator Status (EAN-128)
Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can
take effect.
When enabled, a separator character is inserted between application
records.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Application Record Separator Character (EAN-128)
Definition:

Defines an ASCII character as an application record separator.

User Defined ASCII character

Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can
take effect.

Application Record Brackets (EAN-128)
Definition:

When enabled, parentheses ( ) are added to enclose application identifiers.

Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can
take effect.

4–Symbologies

Application Record Padding (EAN-128)
Definition:

Padding is the insertion of zeros to make up the maximum length of a
variable application record data field, except for the last field which
does not require padding.
When enabled, padding is included. When disabled, padding is omitted.
Note: Padding is never added to fixed length fields or to the last data
field of a symbol. Enabling or disabling Record Padding will have no
effect on these.

Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can
take effect.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Interleaved 2 of 5
Usage:

It is 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, continuous, 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.

Interleaved 2 of 5 Status
Serial Cmd:

Check Digit Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
It is typically not used but 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.

Check Digit Output Status (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Definition:

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

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Interleaved 2 of 5

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

With I 2/5, two symbol lengths can be defined. When using only one
symbol length in an application, setting Symbol Length #2 to 0 (zero)
to ensure data integrity is recommended.

Allows user to define the symbol length. Because I 2/5 is a continuous
symbology, it is prone to substitution errors. Hence, a symbol length must
be defined and a symbol must contain an even number of digits.
Note: If start, stop or check digits are used, they are not included in
the symbol length count.

2 to 128, even
Since I 2/5 characters are paired, symbol length must be set to an even
number. If Check Digit is enabled, add 2 to your symbol length. For
example, if your symbol is 10 characters plus a check digit, then enable
Symbol Length for 12.
Note: Typically, when printing an I 2/5 symbol with an odd number of
digits, a 0 will be added as the first character.Note: If both Symbol
Length #1 and Symbol Length #2 are set to 0, then I–2 of 5 will be
variable.

Symbol Length #2 (Interleaved 2 of 5)

4–Symbologies

If using a second symbol, a zero or any even symbol length from 2 to
64 may be specified. If not using a second symbol, set Symbol Length
#2 to 0 to ensure data integrity.

Allows user to define a second symbol length for I–2 of 5.

Since I 2/5 characters are paired, symbol length must be set to an even
number. If Check Digit is enabled, add 2 to your symbol length. For
example, if your symbol is 10 characters plus a check digit, then enable
Symbol Length for 12.
Note: Typically, when printing an I 2/5 symbol with an odd number of
digits, a 0 will be added as the first character.
Note: If both Symbol Length #1 and Symbol Length #2 are set to
0, then I–2 of 5 will be variable.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Guard Bar (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Note: Whenever Guard Bar is enabled, the presence of guard bars is required for
decoding to take place.
Usage:

It is useful when I 2 of 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 2 times the width of the wide bar,
surrounding the printed I 2 of 5 symbol and helping to prevent false
reads.

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Used in photo-finishing and library applications. Formerly used in some
medical applications but not typically used in newer applications.

Codabar is a 16-character set (0 through 9, and the characters $, :, /, .,
+, and –) with start/stop codes and at least two distinctly different bar
widths.

Codabar Status
Serial Cmd:

4–Symbologies

Start & Stop Match Status (Codabar)
Usage:

Used to increase security of symbology.

Requires the Codabar start and stop characters (a, b, c, or d) to match
before a valid read can occur.

Start & Stop Output Status (Codabar)
Usage:

Used to verify matching.

Causes the start and stop characters to be transmitted with bar symbol
data.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Large Intercharacter Gap (Codabar)
Usage:

It is helpful for reading symbols that are printed out of specification.
Caution: Do not use Large Intercharacter Gap with Narrow Margins
enabled since enabling Large Intercharacter Gap (over 3x) could
cause a narrow margins (5x) to be interpreted as an intercharacter gap.

Instructs the scanner to read symbols with gaps between characters
exceeding three times the narrow element width.

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Codabar)
Usage:

Fixed Symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data
integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length will be accepted.

When enabled, the scanner will check the symbol length against the
fixed symbol length field. When disabled, any length would be considered a valid symbol.

Specifies the exact number of characters that the scanner will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The
scanner ignores any symbol not having the specified length.

Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol Length to take effect.
Note: Because of symbology limitations, setting Symbol Length to any number less
than four will produce undetermined results.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Symbol Length (Codabar)

Check Digit Type (Codabar)
Definition:

Allows the user to select the check digit type Codabar will use.

0 = Disabled
1 = Modulus 16
2 = NW 7
3 = Both

Used in the photo-finishing market.

Used in Japanese markets.

Check Digit Output Status (Codabar)
Usage:

For additional security a check digit can be added to the symbol.

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

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Used primarily in POS application in the retail industry. It is commonly
used with Microscan scanners 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 symbol data
following the normal symbol. The U.P.C., Version A (U.P.C., 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 scanner will read UPC version A and UPC version E
only.

UPC Status
Serial Cmd:

EAN Status
UPC/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 scanner 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 UPC/EAN.
Note: The extra character identifies the country of origin.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

4–Symbologies

Supplementals Status (UPC/EAN)
Usage:

Reads Supplementals typically used in publications and documentation.

A supplemental is a 2 or 5 digit symbol appended to the main symbol.
When set to Enabled or Required, the scanner reads supplemental
symbol data that has been appended to the standard UPC or EAN symbols.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Required

UPC Supplementals will not be decoded.

When enabled, the scanner will try to decode a main and a supplemental. However, if a supplemental is not decoded, at the end of the read
cycle, the main will be sent by itself. The UPC main and supplemental
symbols are considered to be one symbol and will be treated as such.

When set to Required and either the main or supplemental symbol is
not read, a single noread condition results. The UPC main and supplemental symbols are treated as one symbol.
For example, if Supplementals is set to Required, Separator is
enabled, and an asterisk is defined as the UPC separator character, then
the data will be displayed as: MAIN * SUPPLEMENTAL.

Note: Under no circumstances will 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.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Separator Status (UPC/EAN)
Usage:

Allows user to distinguish between the main and Supplemental symbols.

Allows the user to insert a character between the standard UPC or UPC/
EAN symbologies and the supplemental symbol when Supplementals
is set to Enabled or Required.

Separator Character (UPC/EAN)
Note: If Separator Character has been changed to any other character and you
wish to re-define the separator as a comma, you will need to use ESP or the embedded menu.Note: Whenever Separator Character is defined as a comma (,) sending
Usage:

As required by the application.

Allows the user to change the separator character from a comma to a
new character.

Any ASCII character

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

a command will return the current settings including the separator character comma which appears after the separator status comma.

Supplementals Type (UPC/EAN)
As required by symbology used in application.

Allows the user to select 2 character or 5 character supplements, or
both.

0 = Both
1 = 2 char only
2 = 5 char only

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

Only two character supplementals will be considered valid.

Only five character supplementals will be considered valid.

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Used occasionally in clinical industry.

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.

Code 93 Status
Serial Cmd:

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 93)
Usage:

Fixed Symbol Length helps prevent truncations and increases data
integrity by ensuring that only one symbol length will be accepted.

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

Specifies the exact number of characters that the scanner will recognize
(this does not include start and stop and check digit characters). The
scanner ignores any symbol not having the specified length.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Symbol Length (Code 93)

Pharmacode
Usage:

Pharmacode is used mostly with packaging for the pharmaceuticals
industry.

The symbol encodes up to five different numbers, each with its own
color which may be entered in decimal or “binary” format with a 1 represented by a thick bar and a 0 represented by a thin bar. Bar width is
independent of height.
In decimal format, each part can be up to 999999.
In binary format, each input have up to 19 ones and zeros.

Note: It is recommended that you disable AGC before enabling Pharmacode.

Pharmacode Status
Serial Cmd:

4–Symbologies

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:

Symbol Length (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Minimum Number of Bars (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:

Bar Widths (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:

Decoding Direction (Pharmacode)
Definition:

Specifies the direction that a bar can be read.

0 = Forward
1 = Reverse

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

PDF417
Note: Calibration does not function with PDF417 symbols. However, you can substitute a Code 128 symbol with the same mil size as your PDF417. When you do this,
enable Code 128 and disable Raster scanning. After calibration, switch back to
PDF417 and Raster scanning.
Usage:

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 2700 numeric
characters, 1800 printable ASCII characters, or 1100 binary character
per symbol. Each symbol character consists of 4 bars and 4 spaces in a
17-module structure.

PDF417 Status
Serial Cmd:

4–Symbologies

Raster Sweeps Before Decode Attempt
Usage:

Might be useful in dynamic applications where symbols are close together
and need to be decoded more quickly than the default setting allows.

Specifies the number of raster sweeps the scanner will execute on PDF
symbols before decoding. A value of 0 effectively disables this feature,
which allows the decoder to make a “best guess” as to when enough
symbol words have been captured.

0 (effectively disables this feature)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Fixed Symbol Length Status (PDF417)
Usage:

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 decode.
The scanner will ignore any symbol not having the specified length.

Symbol Length (PDF417)
Definition:

Specifies the exact number of characters the scanner will recognize.

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

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Narrow Margins
Usage:

Used when the leading and trailing edges of the symbols are smaller
than the standard margin or when other objects encroach into the margins.

Allows the scanner to read 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.

4–Symbologies

Note: Do not use Narrow Margins with Large Intercharacter Gap enabled in
Code 39 or Codabar.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Symbology ID
Usage:

Used when the symbology type and how it’s decoded needs to be known.

Symbology ID is an AIM standard prefix set of characters that identify
the symbol type.
When enabled, the reader analyzes and identifies the symbology and
adds a three character identifying prefix to the data:
1. ] (close bracket character) indicating the presence of a symbology ID
2. A, C, E, I, L, Q, b, d, p
A = Code 39; C = Code 128 or EAN; E = UPC/EAN;
F = Codabar; G = Code 93; I = I–2/5; L = PDF417; p = Pharmacode
3. Modifier (see Explanation of Modifiers below)

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

Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled

Check Digit
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 Digit and Check Digit Output enabled and Full ASCII conversion performed.

For Other Symbologies
• For Code 128, a 1 indicates EAN; otherwise the modifier is a 0.
• For all other symbologies, the modifier is 0.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Background Color

Background Color
Usage:

If the background is darker than the symbol, then enable black background.
Typically the background is white; but on PCBs for example, they can
be black.

Allows the user to choose which symbol background (white or black)
the scanner can read.

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 4 Symbologies

Autodiscriminate
Although Autodiscriminate is not a configuration command, but it is included here
as a convenient tool for enabling most symbol types.
Usage:

Commonly used for quick setup mode to detect symbol type. This is
particularly useful for users who might be unfamiliar with their application’s symbology.
Note: It does not alter individual fields such as Start/Stop, Fixed
Length, etc. These need to be setup individually.

Enables all available symbology types except PDF417, UCC/EAN 128,
and Pharmacode. The user may also individually disable/enable each
symbology type.

Enables all symbologies except noted above.
Enable Code 39 only
Enable Codabar only
Enable I 2/5 only

Note: If using an I 2/5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being
scanned matches the symbol length enabled for the I 2/5 symbol type (default is 10 and 6).

4–Symbologies

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4–Symbologies

Autodiscriminate

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

5
Chapter Contents
Symbol Data Output ................................................................................5-3
Noread Message .....................................................................................5-6
Beeper .....................................................................................................5-7
Serial Verification .....................................................................................5-8
Input 1 ....................................................................................................5-10
Output 1 .................................................................................................5-12
Output 2 .................................................................................................5-18

This section includes instructions for setting up data and discrete I/O controls of internal and external devices.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

I/O Parameters by ESP Menu

Click this button to
bring up the I/O
Parameters menu.
To change a setting,
double-click the
setting and use your
curser to scroll
through the options.

5–I/0 Parameters

/O Parameters by Serial CommandI
Command Title

Symbol Data/When to Output
Noread Message
Beeper

Serial Verification

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Symbol Data Output
Usage:

Used when the host needs symbol data only under certain conditions.

Defines the conditions under which decoded symbols are transmitted to
the host.

Symbol Data Output Mode
Serial Cmd:

0 = Disabled
2 = Mismatch

1 = Match
3 = Good Read

Disabled
Usage:

Disabled is useful when an application only needs to use the discrete
outputs and can allow the scanner to do the decision-making. When set
to 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 scanner will not transmit any data that is
generated during a read cycle (symbols, noreads, etc.).

Match is used in an application that requires specific symbol data information and needs to sort, route or verify based on matching the specific symbol data.

When set to Match, the scanner transmits symbol data whenever a
symbol data matches a master symbol. However, if Matchcode Type is
set to Disabled, it transmits on any good read.
Note: A noread can still be transmitted if Enabled.

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Symbol Data Output

Mismatch
Usage:

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 scanner transmits symbol data whenever
the symbol data information does NOT match the master symbol.
Note: A noread can still be transmitted if enabled.

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 scanner transmits symbol data on any
good read regardless of Matchcode Type setting.
Note: A noread can still be transmitted if enabled.

When to Output Symbol Data
Definition:

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

As Soon As Possible

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

5–I/0 Parameters

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 decode, depending on how Decodes Before Output is set.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

End of Read Cycle
Note: See “End of Read Cycle” on page 3-14 for options to end the read cycle.
Usage:

End of Read Cycle is useful in timing-based systems in which the host
is not ready to accept data at the time it is decoded.Note: Whenever
Quality Output is Enabled, outputs will always function in End Of
Read Cycle mode.

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

This is when host
expects output
Figure 5-1 Read Cycle

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Noread Message
Usage:

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 noread message will be transmitted to
the host.

Noread Status
Serial Cmd:

Noread Message
Definition:

Any combination of ASCII characters can be defined as the noread
message.

0 to 128 ASCII characters.

5–I/0 Parameters

Note: Noread Message will only be transmitted if Symbol Data Output (“Symbol
Data Output” on page 5-3) is set to Match, Mismatch or Good Read.
Noread Message can be set to any ASCII characters except NULL <> and , (comma).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Can be used as an audible verification that either a good read or a
noread has occurred.

A beep is emitted either after each good read of a bar code symbol or
after each noread.
Note: Beeper will also sound if any of the following occur:
• the scanner is defaulted
• a send/save command from ESP or an Exit command from any
embedded menu
• a , , , or command is sent

Beeper Status
Serial Cmd:

0 = Disabled
1 = On Good Read
2 = On Noread

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Verification

Serial Verification
Usage:

These commands are useful in removing any doubt about the scanner’s
acceptance and response to host configuration commands.
For example, if the current preamble is “SOM” and is
entered, the scanner 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.

Allows the user to verify configuration command status.

Serial Command Echo Status
Important Note: ESP will not function whenever this command is enabled.

5–I/0 Parameters

When enabled, a configuration command
received from the host is echoed back to
the 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.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Serial Command Beep Status
Important Note: ESP will not function whenever this command is enabled.
Usage:

Used to audibly verify the acceptance and validity of a command.

Causes the scanner 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 scanner 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.

Control/Hex Output
Usage:

Used for viewing settings with binary characters when using serial command 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
non-displayable character. For example, a carriage return will be shown
as the two characters: ^M.
When set to Hex, the output is the hex character.

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Input 1
Definition:

A programmable, discrete input used to reset counters, outputs or control optoelectrical settings.

For example, an application is setup so that a mismatch stops the production line by using outputs in a latch mode (see “Pulse Width”). A
push button switch can be connected to the input pin so that when
pressed, it unlatches the output, allowing the line to resume operations.

Input Mode
Definition:

Determines the functionality of the input.

0 = Disabled
1 = Reset Counts
2 = Unlatch Output

Disabled
Definition:

When set to Disabled there is no effect on operation.

Reset Counts
Definition:

When set to Reset Counts, a transition to the active state of the input
will cause the scanner to reset the internal counters. (See “Counters”
on page 11-7).

Primarily used in test mode. Can also be used to reset counters daily.

Unlatch Output
5–I/0 Parameters

This setting is used in combination with any of the three discrete outputs that are in Unlatch Mode 1 (see “Control Trigger 1 Status” on
page 8-12). A transition to the active state will clear any of the three
outputs that were previously latched.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Active State
Definition:

Sets the active level of the input pin.

0 = Active Closed
1 = Active Open

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

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Output 1
Usage:

This option provides switching to host software to control external
devices such as PLCs and relays. It is useful for routing and sorting and
to prevent mis-packaging and mis-routing.

Sets the discrete output functions for specific user-selected conditions.

Output On
Definition:

Allows the user to set the conditions under which an output (or outputs) will be activated.

0 = Mismatch or Noread
2 = Mismatch
4 = Trend Analysis

1 = Match
3 = Noread

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

Mismatch or Noread
Definition:

Activates discrete output when the symbol data does not match that of
the master symbol or the symbol has not been decoded before the end
of the read cycle.

5–I/0 Parameters

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
Definition:

Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data does not match
that of the master symbol.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Noread
Definition:

Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data is not decoded
before the end of the read cycle.

Trend Analysis
Definition:

Activates discrete output when a trend analysis condition is met,
depending on the trend analysis option enabled.

Typically used when a discrete indication of a low read quality condition
occurs.

Active State
Definition:

Sets the active state of the discrete output.

0 = Normally Open
1 = Normally Closed

Pulse Width
Definition:

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

5 (.05 seconds). Corresponds to 50 mS displayed in the menu.

1 to 255 (0.01 to 2.55 seconds). Divide the number entered on the
command line by 100 for time in seconds.

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Output Mode
Definition:

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

Pulse
Latch Mode 1
Latch Mode 2
Latch Mode 3

Pulse
Definition:

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 1 (Unlatch on Discrete Input 1)
Definition:

The programmable output is active when the Output On condition has
been met and held active until the discrete Input 1 has been activated.

Latch Mode 2 (Unlatch Opposite Condition)
Definition:

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 Noread is enabled under Output On, the programmable output will go active upon a noread and remain active until the
opposite condition, a good read, occurs.

Latch Mode 3 (Unlatch Enter Read Cycle)
5–I/0 Parameters

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 (see command).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Trend Analysis Mode
Usage:

Useful in cases in which the user doesn’t want to shut down for one
condition but wants to monitor quality and read conditions.

Sets the trend condition (Mismatch, Noread, or Reads/Trigger) that
will activate the output.
Parameters associated with Trend Analysis Mode are Number To Output On and Trigger Evaluation Period. The Number To Output On setting allows the user to select the number of times that the selected trend
condition occurs before activating the output. Trigger Evaluation Period
sets the number of triggered events to evaluate for trend condition.
Example:
Trend analysis mode = Noread
Number to Output On =4
Trigger Evaluation Period=25
In this example, the scanner will activate the output when 4 noreads
occur within a period of 25 trigger events (read cycles).

0 = Mismatch
1 = Noread
2 = Reads/Trigger

Mismatch
Definition:

Output will be activated when the number of Mismatches equals the
value entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window
selected in Trigger Evaluation Period.

Noread
Definition:

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

5–I/0 Parameters

The output will be activated when the number of noreads equals the
value entered for Number to Output On within the trigger window
selected in Trigger Evaluation Period.

Reads per Trigger Threshold
Definition:

The Reads/Trigger trend monitors the number of good reads per triggered read cycle. If the number of Reads/Trigger falls below the
value entered in Reads per Trigger Threshold, a trend condition is
set. If this trend condition matches the number set in Number to Output On, the output will be activated.

Trigger Evaluation Period
Definition:

The number of trigger events to examine within the trend analysis
event.

Number to Output On
Definition:

Sets the number of events (matches, mismatches, noreads, etc. as
configured by Output On) that must occur before activating the associated output.

5–I/0 Parameters

Note: The number of matches, etc. for this setting does not need to be sequential.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Decodes per Trigger
Definition:

When Reads/Trigger trend analysis mode is enabled, the Reads per
Trigger Threshold value is the minimum number of successful reads
required during a read cycle.

You can determine the expected number of scans during a read cycle
by multiplying the enabled Number of Scans per second times the
number of seconds in the read cycle. You can also use Quality Output
(see “Output 1” on page 5-12) to observe the number of successful
reads.

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Output 2
Serial Cmd:

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

Output 3
Serial Cmd:

5–I/0 Parameters

Output 3 has the same parameters and default settings as Output 1.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 5 I/0 Parameters

Quality Output
Definition:

Allows the host to track the number of good reads per trigger by
appending a five digit numeric field to the end of bar code symbol data.
When enabled, bar code data is followed by a separator, followed by the
five digits in the form of 00000. For example, a certain symbol that has
been averaging 00100 reads per read cycle suddenly drops to 00012,
this would be a good indication that a problem has arisen even though
good reads are still occurring.

Host system can monitor scanning performance (printing process,
scanning environment changes, etc.) by setting thresholds in their processing or displaying the outputs for visual verification.

See also “Reads per Trigger Threshold” on page 5-16.

Quality Output Separator
Serial Cmd:

any ASCII character

Note: For all serial configuration commands, the following characters cannot be
used:, < > NUL

Reads/Trigger Status
Serial Cmd:

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

5–I/0 Parameters

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

6
Chapter Contents
Matchcode Type ......................................................................................6-4
Sequential Matching ................................................................................6-5
Match Start Position.................................................................................6-6
Match Length ...........................................................................................6-7
Wild Card Character ................................................................................6-8
Sequence On Noread ..............................................................................6-9
Sequence On Mismatch ........................................................................6-10
Sequence Step ......................................................................................6-11
This section explains the matchcode output functions and setup.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Matchcode by ESP

Click this button to bring up the
Matchcode menu.

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

Matchcode by Serial Command
Command Title
Matchcode Type

Sequential Step
New Master Pin
Master Symbol
Database Size

Optoelectric Control
Optoelectric
Calibration Database
Enter/Delete Master Symbol
Data
Request Master Symbol Data

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 6 Matchcode

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.

With Matchcode you can store master symbol data in the scanner’s
memory, compare this data against the scanned symbols, 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. See “Master Database” on page 11-11.

Using Master Symbols
1. Set Triggering Mode to External or Serial (see “Trigger” on page 3-6).
2. Set Matchcode Type to an option that fits your application (see “Matchcode
Type” on page 6-4).
3. Define the output you want with your matchcode setup:
a) Data output (“Symbol Data Output” on page 5-3).
b) Discrete output (see Chapter 5, “Output 1”)“Output 1” on page 5-12).
4. Select the number of master symbols you want to create, if more than one send a
command (see “Master Database” on page
11-11).
5. Enter master symbol data in one of the following ways:
a) Use ESP to type in master symbol data directly into the Utilities menu.
b) Send a serial command with symbol data in the form of (or <) data)> for single master symbol only).
c) Send a command to scan next symbol in as the
master symbol.
Enable the New Master Pin command and activate a discrete input to store the next
symbol scanned as the master symbol (see “New Master Pin” on page 6-12).
See also “Master Database” on page 11-11 for more information details on entering, requesting, and deleting master symbols.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Overview of Matchcode

Matchcode Type
Note: When Matchcode is set to Enabled, Wild Card or Sequential, Number of
Symbols will default back to 1 (if set to any number greater than 1).
Definition:

Allows the user to choose the way that master symbols will be compared with subsequently scanned symbols.
Note: First set Triggering Mode to External or Serial.

Has no effect on operations.

Instructs the scanner to compare symbols or portions of symbols with
the master symbol.

Instructs the scanner 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, Number of Symbols
will default back to 1 (if set to any number greater than 1).

Allows the user to enter user defined wild card characters in the master
symbol.

Disabled
Enabled
Sequential
Wild Card

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 6 Matchcode

Used in tracking product serial numbers that increment or decrement
sequentially.

With Sequential enabled under Matchcode Type, Sequential
Matching determines if a count is in ascending (incremental) or
descending (decremental) order.

0 = Increment
1 = Decrement

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Sequential Matching

Match Start Position

Match Start Position
Usage:

Match Start Position is useful in defining specific portions of a symbol
for comparisons. For example, if a symbol contains a part number, manufacturing date, and lot code info but the user is only interested in the part
number information, Match Start Position can be set to only sort on the
part number and ignore the rest of the characters.

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.

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.

0 to maximum length allowed for master symbol

Note: Match Start Position must be set to 1 or greater to enable this feature. A 0
(zero) setting will disable this feature.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 6 Matchcode

For example, if Match Length is set to 6 in a 10 character symbol, and
Match Start Position is set for 2, only the 2nd through 7th characters
(from left to right) will be compared.

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.

1 to maximum length allowed for master symbol

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Wild Card Character

Wild Card Character
Usage:

For example, with Wild Card Character defined as the default asterisk, defining CR*34 as the master symbol will result in matches for
CR134, 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.

Any valid ASCII character

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 6 Matchcode

Sequence On Noread is useful when the scanner needs to stay in
sequence even if no decode occurs.

When Sequence On Noread is Enabled and Matchcode is set to
Sequential, the scanner sequences the master symbol on every match
or noread. When disabled, it does not sequence on a noread.

As an example of Sequence on Noread Enabled, consider the following series of
decodes:
Master symbol

Master symbol after decode

001
002
003
004
005
006
007

001
002
noread
004
noread
noread
007

002
003
004 (sequenced on noread)
005
006 (sequenced on noread)
007 (sequenced on noread)
008

As an example of Sequence on Noread Disabled, consider the following series of
decodes:
Master symbol

Master symbol after decode

001
002
003
003
004
004
004

001
002
noread
003
noread
noread
004

002
003
003 (not sequenced)
004
004 (not sequenced)
004 (not sequenced)
005

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Sequence On Noread

Sequence On Mismatch

Sequence On Mismatch
Note: Matchcode must be set to Sequential for this command to function.
Usage:

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.

The scanner will sequence the master to one more/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

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
005
005

001
002
abc
004
def
ghi
005

Master symbol after decode
002
003
004 (sequenced because of previous match)
005
005 (sequenced because of previous match)
005 (not sequenced because of previous mismatch)
006

You can access Master Symbol operations from the Utilities menu.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 6 Matchcode

Useful in applications in which it is desirable to count by intervals other
than 1.

Sequencing in Matchcode operations can occur in steps from 1 to
32,768.
Sequencing performs like a mechanical counter by displaying positive
integers and a specific number of digits after roll-overs. For example,
000 – 3 = 997 (not –3) and 999 + 3 = 002 (not 1002).

Note: See commands (“Matchcode Type” on page 6-4) for more information.
As an example of Sequence Step, if Sequence Step is set to 3 and Sequential
Matching is set to Increment.
Master symbol

Master symbol after decode

003
003
003
006
006
006

001
002
003
004
005
006

003
003
006
006
006
009

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

New Master Pin
Usage:

Some applications require the line worker to change the master symbol. This can be done by installing a switch at the location of the scanner. It is very common to have a keyed switch so that accidental
switching does not occur.

After New Master Pin is enabled, a pulse can be received on the new
master pin which will cause the scanner to record the next decoded
symbol symbol(s) as the new master symbol(s).
It is important to note that the enabling New Master Pin does not in
itself cause a master symbol to be recorded. The master pin must then
be activated momentarily (for a minimum of 10 ms) before a master
symbol can be scanned into memory. (See Table A-5, “Host 25-pin
Connector,” on page A-7 and Figure 13-7, Wiring Box PCB, on
page 13- 8.)“Electrical Specifications” on page A-5.)

In the Utilities menu, select New Master Pin, double-click on Disabled and select Enabled.

After New Master Pin has been enabled and the pin activated, decodes will be saved
in the master database beginning with master symbol #1. If the scanner is configured
for a multisymbol read cycle (Number of Symbols is greater than 1), the remaining
decodes will be saved in each consecutive master symbol location. For example, if
Number of Symbols is set to 3 and New Master Pin is then activated, at the end of
the next read cycle, the decoded symbol symbols will be saved as master symbols 1, 2,
and 3.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

7
Counts.................................................................................................7-3
Hours Since Last Reset ......................................................................7-4
Warning Messages .............................................................................7-5
Present Operating Temperature (deg. C) ...........................................7-9
High Temperature Threshold ............................................................7-10
Low Temperature Threshold .............................................................7-11
Lifetime Hours ...................................................................................7-12

This section describes warning and operating messages and their settings.
Important: Since Warning Messages and NOVRAM Messages are not enabled by
default, these messages will not be displayed. However, if you suspect that erroneous
defaults are occurring, enable Warning Messages and NOVRAM Messages by
sending .
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

7–Diagnostics

Chapter Contents

7–Diagnostics

Diagnostics by ESP Menu

Click this button
to bring up the
Diagnostic
menu.

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

Diagnostics by Serial Command
Command Title

Power-on/Resets Counts
Hours Since Last Reset

Warning Message Status

Laser High
Laser Low
Present Operating
Temperature
High Temperature
Low Temperature
Lifetime Hours
Scan Speed

Format
returns power-ons,resets>
returns: hours,minutes (read only)

returns: deg (read only)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 7 Diagnostics

Counts
(These commands are READ ONLY.)

Power-ons
Used for detecting unwanted resets caused by power supply problems
or ESD transients.

Returns the number of times the scanner has been re-powered or a
watchdog reset occurs.

Read Only
Ranges:

7–Diagnostics

0 to 65,535 power-ons, 0 to 65,535 resets.

Used for detecting unwanted resets caused by power supply problems
or ESD transients.

Resets include watchdog reset, , , , and hardware
defaults. A watchdog reset is a reset that is forced whenever the software locks-up.

Read Only
Ranges:

0 to 65,535 power-ons, 0 to 65,535 resets.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Hours Since Last Reset

Hours Since Last Reset

7–Diagnostics

(This command is READ ONLY.)
Usage:

Used as a troubleshooting tool that can help pinpoint the cause of a
reset.

Records the number of hours and minutes of operation since the last
system reset.

Read Only
Ranges:

0 to 23 hours, 0 to 59 minutes.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 7 Diagnostics

Warning Messages
Important Note: Warning Message Status must be enabled before any warnings
in this menu can be displayed.
These messages serve as a flag to service a scanner or as an early
warning that potential problems could arise. They are particularly useful in factories that run 24/7 and can’t afford down time.

Warning messages that relate to the environment and condition of the
scanner can be defined and set to activate specific outputs.
Note: When enabled, the error condition will override all other operational modes configured for the output.
When enabled, laser current and NOVRAM warning messages will be
transmitted to the host or any active port whenever the pre-defined
conditions are met.

When enabled, warning messages will be transmitted to the host or any
active port.
Note: This option must be enabled before any other warning messages
can be transmitted.

Warning Message Status
Serial Cmd:

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

7–Diagnostics

Warning Messages

Laser High
When enabled, a message is transmitted whenever the laser current exceeds a factory-calibrated reference value which cannot be altered. The message repeats once
every 30 minutes until the condition is corrected.

7–Diagnostics

Laser High Status
Usage:

Alerts the user to impending laser failure. (Contact Microscan Service.)

Enables the Laser High message.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Laser High Message
Definition:

Defines the Laser High message.

Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 7 Diagnostics

Laser Low
When enabled, a message is transmitted whenever the laser current falls below a factory-calibrated reference value which cannot be altered. The message repeats once
every 30 minutes until the condition is corrected.

Laser Low Status
Alerts the user to impending laser failure. (Contact Microscan Service.)

Enables the Laser Low message.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Laser Low Message
Definition:

Defines the Laser Low message.

Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

7–Diagnostics

Warning Messages

NOVRAM Corrupt Warning Status
When enabled, a 7 character message is sent whenever the system detects a warning
condition.

7–Diagnostics

Important Note: Warning Corrupt Message Status must be enabled before the
NOVRAM message in this menu can be transmitted.
Usage:

Alerts the user to NOVRAM failure. (Contact Microscan Service.)

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Note: If you suspect that erroneous defaults are occurring, enable NOVRAM Messages by sending . This will allow the NOVRAM messages, if present,
to be viewed.

Warning messages for NOVRAM can appear in one of five formats:

This message indicates an error in user settings. The message repeats once every 30
minutes. If this message is received, restore customer settings and send a command.
If the condition persists, contact Microscan Service.

Indicates that diagnostic lifetime hours, power-on counts, and reset counts have been
lost. The message repeats once every 30 minutes. (Contact Microscan Service.)

Indicates a problem with laser current factory reference. The message repeats once
every 30 minutes. (Contact Microscan Service.)

Indicates that the customer NOVRAM settings have been defaulted either by a customer initiated default or by a problem with the scanner. This message is sent ONLY
ONCE.

Indicates that the factory NOVRAM settings have been defaulted. This message is sent
ONLY ONCE upon reset. (Contact Microscan Service.)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 7 Diagnostics

Present Operating Temperature (deg. C)
(This command is READ ONLY.)
Used for setting Over Temperature Threshold and Under Temperature Threshold.

Indicates temperature of the environment immediately outside of the
scanner.
A thermal sensor on the main PCB measures the internal temperature
of the scanner. From this, a case-differential constant is subtracted to
yield an estimated external temperature.

Send:
Returns .

Note: When viewing the Present Operating Temperature, allow at least 20 minutes after startup for the scanner’s inside and outside temperatures to stabilize.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

7–Diagnostics

High Temperature Threshold

High Temperature Threshold
A message can be defined that will display when a user-set High Temperature
Threshold has been reached. The message repeats once every 30 minutes until the
condition is corrected. This value is a reference to the external ambient temperature
in the environment around the scanner.

7–Diagnostics

High Temperature Degrees
Usage:

Helps ensure that the scanner is being used within its temperature
specification. Also, since hotter environments tend to shorten the life of
electronics components, a user may want to set the temperature
threshold closer to the nominal temperature of 25°.

A user can set a temperature value that when exceeded will cause a
high temperature message to be displayed. If High Temperature
Threshold is set to zero, then the warning message will be disabled

0° to 50°, zero disables.

High Temperature Message
Definition:

The user can enter a message of up to 10-characters that will be displayed whenever High Temperature Threshold is exceeded.

Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 7 Diagnostics

Low Temperature Threshold
A message can be defined that will display when a user-set Low Temperature
Threshold has been reached. The message repeats once every 30 minutes until the
condition is corrected. This value is a reference to the external ambient temperature
in the environment around the scanner.

Low Temperature Degrees
Helps ensure that the scanner is being used within its temperature
specification.

The user can set a low temperature value that, whenever the ambient
temperature falls below it, causes a low temperature message to be
displayed. If Low Temperature Threshold is set to zero, the warning
message will be disabled.

0° to 50°, zero disables.

Low Temperature Message
Definition:

The user can enter a message of up to 10-characters that will be displayed whenever the ambient temperature falls below the Low Temperature Threshold.

Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

7–Diagnostics

Lifetime Hours
A message can be defined that will be transmitted whenever the scanner’s elapsed
time clock exceeds the set hours threshold. The message repeats one time every 30
minutes.

7–Diagnostics

Hours Threshold
Usage:

Used for setting up a preventive maintenance program.

A user can set a time in hours that will cause a message to be sent
whenever the scanner’s run time exceeds this value.
The elapsed time is the time the scanner is powered up.

2500 (x 10 = 25,000 hours)

Note: Hours entered are 1/10 of the actual hours.

Message
Definition:

The user can enter a message of up to 10-characters that will be displayed whenever the hours threshold is reached or exceeded.

Any 1 to 10 character ASCII string except NUL, <, or >.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8
Calibration................................................................................................8-4
Calibration Results...................................................................................8-5
Calibration Settings..................................................................................8-6
Calibration Database ...............................................................................8-7
Optoelectric Control .................................................................................8-8
Advanced Calibration Features .............................................................8-14
Calibration by Embedded Menu ............................................................8-17

The purpose of calibration is to optimize the scanner’s optical settings (focus, gain,
and tracking) and scan speed to obtain the highest read rates in one or several symbol positions as required by the user’s application. This section includes the overall
steps in calibration and specific steps for calibration by ESP, serial command, and
embedded menus. For most applications calibration is the only optical setup required.
Changes to motor speed, focus, speed, gain, tracking, and AGC can also be made
individually by manual command.

Calibration Methods
There are three ways to start calibration:
1. ESP Calibration menu.
2. Serial command <@CAL>.
3. Embedded menu <@>.
Note: Calibration does not function with PDF417 symbols. However, you can substitute a Code 128 symbol with the same mil size as your PDF417. When you do this,
enable Code 128 and disable Raster scanning. After calibration, switch back to
PDF417 and Raster scanning.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

Chapter Contents

Calibration Serial Commands
Command Title

8–Calibration

Enter Calibration Database
Save Calibration Database
Load Calibration Database
Request Calibration Database
Optoelectric Control
Advanced Calibration

or for entire database.

To start the Calibration routine, send <@CAL>.

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Chapter 8 Calibration

Overall Calibration Steps
Follow this procedure for all three methods of calibration:
1. Position your symbol at the distance used in your application and confirm that it is
at a distance within the specifications for that symbol size (see “Position Symbol
and Scanner” on page 1-6).

3. Start the calibration procedure. (See “Calibration” on page 8-4.)
Note: Once a successful calibration is completed, you may want to save the setting to the calibration database (see “Calibration Database” on page 8-7).
4. Repeat calibration at other
ranges and/or symbol types
you might be scanning in your
application.
5. Check your readings at each
end of the scan width required
for your application, keeping in
mind that the scan width testing may not produce results
that are entirely symmetrical.
Note: If you are setting up for
laser framing (see page 9-6),
be sure that you only test for
calibration in the active areas
of the scan beam.

Figure 8-1 Calibration Setup

6. To save the new settings
(including focus, gain, and tracking) for power-up, use the Send/Recv button or
send a command.
See “Calibration Database” on page 8-7 to learn how to setup a database using
calibration or manually specified values.
See “Advanced Calibration Features” on page 8-14 for ways to speed up and
improve your calibration process.
Note: To silence the beeper, send or remove or block the test symbol.

1. Note: If using an I 2 of 5 symbol, verify that the number of characters in the symbol being
scanned matches the code length enabled for the I 2 of 5 code type (default is 10 and 6). See
“Interleaved 2 of 5” on page 5-10.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

2. If you are not certain of the code type, enable all code types by sending a

command from the terminal window, or clicking on the Autodiscrimination button in Calibration/Advanced in ESP.1

Calibration
To calibrate gain, tracking, focus position, and scan speed automatically,
1. Click on the Calibration button on the overhead toolbar.

8–Calibration

2. In the Main tab click on the Calibrate button to start
calibration.

A Calibration in Progress...
message will be displayed on
your monitor along with the
pass number and information
on the focus position, gain,
tracking and read rate.
Allow some time for the scanner to cycle through the settings. Do not move or disturb
the scanner or symbol while
calibration is in progress. (It
might take 2 to 3 minutes to
complete.)
3. When completed, the settings
that provided the highest read
rate will be selected. You will
see one of the following messages: Calibration Passed or
Calibration Failed.
Figure 8-2 Calibration In Process
If calibration passed, you will
continue to see the read rate
percentage and symbol data in the open pane below the data.
The graph in the Results tab (see “Calibration Results” on page 8-5) shows the
results of this procedure.

By Serial Command
To start the calibration procedure by serial command, send the following:
<@CAL>.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 8 Calibration

Calibration Results
When a calibration command is sent, the scanner first steps through a coarse grid of
focus settings, looking for readable bar code symbols, and recording the highest read
rates it encounters. This is Pass 1, as shown by the blue line on the graph in the
results screen. On Pass 2 (red line) the scanner returns to the focus position where it
found the best read rate and steps through a finer grid of focus, gain and tracking settings. The software evaluates the results and selects the best data. If calibration
passes, an Calibration Passed message is displayed at the top of the window.

8–Calibration

Pass 1
(blue line)

Pass 2
(red line)

Figure 8-3 Calibration Results

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration Settings

Calibration Settings
You can also set gain, tracking, focus position, and scan speed individually.
(For explanation of these and related AGC controls, see “Scanner Setup” on page
3-18.)

8–Calibration

Enter Calibration Database
To enter index values by serial command, use the following:

Save Settings to Calibration Database
To save index values by serial command, use the following:

Load Settings from Calibration Database
To load index values by serial command, use the following:

Request Calibration Database Settings
To request index values, use the following:
or for entire database.

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Chapter 8 Calibration

Calibration Database
To load the settings obtained from calibration into the database:
1. Perform the calibration routine described in “Calibration” on page 8-4.
2. Click on the Database tab.
3. Set Number Active Database Settings and make your selection in Optoelectric Control in the menu tree to the left of the Database tab.
5. Click Load Standard Settings to Database button.
This will put Focus, Gain, and Tracking settings that resulted from calibration
into the database index.
6. Repeat this procedure for other indexes.
Number of Active Database
Settings sets the number of
settings used when Optoelectric Control option is set to any
mode other than Disabled.
The values in the Standard row
are used when the database is
not active; that is, whenever
Optoelectric Control is set to
Disabled.
Active rows are indicated by light
blue highlight.
When you click this, the Standard values will be copied into
any row you have selected.

Figure 8-4 Database Menu

When you click this, the values of
the selected row are copied into
the Standard row.

You can also enter individual values in any of the seven indexes by double-clicking
anywhere on the index row and making changes in the popup text box.

Calibration by Serial Command
To enter index values by serial command, use the following:

Saving for Power-on
To save settings changed in calibration for power-on, send .
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

4. Click on an index to load standard settings.

Optoelectric Control

Optoelectric Control
Note: Optoelectic Control requires the assembly of a Calibration Database.
Useful where different symbol types, sizes, qualities or distances
require more that one optical setup (focus, gain, and tracking) for
dynamic optical changes.

A database index of up to seven pre-defined optical indexes of settings defining focus, gain, and tracking can be accessed and applied
in the following modes:
1. A timer in which all settings cycle throughout the time duration.

8–Calibration

2. An automatic search for the best database index.
3. A combination of up to three control trigger inputs to dynamically select the optimum database index.
The index settings can also be saved and recalled selectively, or
reviewed with a Request Database Settings command.
ESP:

Disabled
Control Trigger
Automatic/static mode
Timer

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Chapter 8 Calibration

Disabled Mode
Definition:

When disabled, the scanner uses the standard configuration settings
that are set in the Calibration tree and shown to the right of Standard in the Database Index.

Control Trigger Mode
Useful where different symbol types, sizes, and/or distances benefit
from pre-defined optical setups (focus, gain, and tracking) that can be
accessed ‘on the fly’ according to the combination of input states.

When Optoelectric Control mode is set to Control Trigger, input 1,
new master pin, and the trigger input pins are de-activated and reassigned as control triggers. When activated, a read cycle will be triggered and—in accordance with their respective states—selected from
a database of up to seven pre-defined optical settings of Focus, Gain,
and Tracking. (See “Calibration Database” on page 8-7)

To use Control Trigger:
1. Set up your application’s symbols by symbology
type/size in the various positions and/or code type/
size at which they will likely appear.
2. Sketch out a diagram as in figure 8-5.
3. Set up your sensors or other controls. For example,
the three object sensors, 1, 2 & 3, are connected to
input 1, new master pin, and trigger input respectively. The bar-coded packages on the left are numbered here according to their database index
numbers. Package #7 will cross all three of the sensors and thus activate the settings for index #7 as
shown.

In this scenario only four index settings are possible. However, up to seven combinations are possible
with other input devices such as PLCs.
You can also enable/disable any combination con3 2
trols by clicking on the Control Trigger Status
Figure 8-5 Control Trigger
buttons on the bottom of the Control Trigger Map.
Inputs
The red buttons indicate active states on the three
control triggers. The combination of active/inactive triggers determines the focus,
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

Optoelectric Control

8–Calibration

gain, and tracking settings that will be applied during a read cycle. For example, if
only Control Trigger 1 is active, the focus, gain, and tracking values that appear in
the top row will be applied.

Figure 8-6 ESP Control Trigger Setup

Automatic/Static Mode
Usage:

Useful in a static application in which the symbol is in front of the scanner when the read cycle begins.

Selects the optimum setting from the Configuration Database.
When selected, the scanner cycles once through all the Configuration
Database settings from the closest to the furthermost focal position,
testing first for optimal signal, then for a successful decode.
Note: Since focus positions are tested in ascending order, the closer
the symbols are to the scanner, the quicker the best focus position will
be found.
Important Note: The maximum time to move from the most inside
focus position to the most outside focus position is 400 ms. One focus
position change takes 10 ms.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 8 Calibration

Timer Mode
Useful in applications in which there is enough time to cycle through the
database index.

When this mode is selected, the scanner cycles through database settings at a time interval determined in Timer Value setting. (See
“Timer Value” on page 8-12.)
Important Note: The maximum time to move from the most inside
focus position to the most outside focus position is 400 ms. One focus
position change takes 10 ms.

Note for Multisymbol: With Multisymbol enabled for more than one symbol, and
either Timer or Automatic/Static mode enabled, the scanner may not locate symbols that are scanned at various ranges. The reason for this is that once a symbol is
located from the optical database index, the scanner will continue to search for symbols that meet that index of focus, tracking and gain settings.

Number of Active Database Settings
Usage:

Can be useful when certain settings that are needed for one application
are not needed in another and processing time is at a premium.

This value sets the number of configuration database settings (in Database Index) that are active. If Control Trigger mode has been
selected, this setting is ignored.

Any number from 1 to 7.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

Optoelectric Control

8–Calibration

Latch on Trigger
Usage:

Useful when only one database index is required for the application.

This feature is only used in Control Trigger mode. If enabled, the configuration database settings selected at the start of a read cycle will
remain active during the entire read cycle. If Latch on Trigger is disabled, depending on the control trigger inputs, the scanner’s optical
settings can change throughout the read cycle.
Note: When Control Trigger #3 is enabled, Latch on Trigger is also
enabled regardless of its previous setting.

Timer Value
Usage:

Useful in slower applications where there is enough time to cycle
through the database index.

When Timer mode is enabled, Timer Value is the time interval in
which database index settings are cycled.

0 to 255 (increments of 10ms)

Control Trigger 1 Status
Definition:

When Control Trigger mode is enabled, Control Trigger #1 “hijacks”
Input 1 (see “Input Mode” on page 5-10) and uses it to select an
optoelectric configuration from the configuration database. Active state
is set by Input 1 serial command.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 8 Calibration

Control Trigger 2 Status
New Master Pin is used for Control Trigger #2. When enabled and
Mode is set to Control Trigger, this input is used to select an Optoelectric configuration from Configuration Database. Active State is
“Active Closed”.

Control Trigger 3 Status
Definition:

Trigger Input is used for Control Trigger #3. When enabled and
Mode is set to Control Trigger, this input is used to select an Optoelectric configuration from the Configuration Database. Active State
is set by the External Trigger State serial command.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

Advanced Calibration Features

Advanced Calibration Features

8–Calibration

In the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu you can constrain the scan width of
the scan beam with Laser Framing and set up the rules the scanner will follow during calibration procedure. See “Laser Setup” on page 9-6 for information on laser
framing.

Focus Step Size
Starting Focus
Position
Click here to enable
Auto Range.

Auto Range
Usage:

Enabling Auto Range improves focus acquisition speed where extraneous objects are not mistaken for bar code symbols.

With Auto Range enabled, the scanner will focus outward and not
begin the calibration routine until an object is detected by signal
strength.

To use Auto Range:
1. Make certain there are no extraneous objects between the symbol and the scanner.
2. Click on the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu.
3. If Auto Range is not enabled, click on it to enable it.
4. Click the Calibrate button to start calibration.
5. Examining the read rates in the Results graph following calibration.

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Chapter 8 Calibration

Starting Focus Position
Starting Focus Position can improve focus acquisition speed during
calibration when the approximate range of the symbol is known.

With Auto Range enabled, the scanner will begin the calibration routine at the focal range set in Starting Focus Position.

After you’ve used calibration and observed the progress of the first and second passes
in the graph and table in the Results tab, you should sense a relationship between
focus position and the distance to the symbol. See figure 8-9 for a table about this.
To improve the speed and accuracy of your calibration setup:
1. Click on the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu.
2. If Auto Range is enabled, click on it to disable it.
3. From previous results, estimate the value of
Starting Focus Position and drop down one or two positions.
For example, if you estimate the distance to your symbol to correspond to a
Starting Focus Position of 6, enter 5 or 4 to be certain of not missing the peak
performance distance.
4. Click the Calibrate button to start calibration.
5. Examining the read rates in the Results graph following calibration.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

Advanced Calibration Features

8–Calibration

Focus Step Size
Usage:

Increasing the Focus Step Size can improve focus acquisition speed
for bar code symbols.

Focus Step Size is the number of focus increments that will be
stepped through during the first calibration pass. The range is 2 to 5.
The higher values will result in fewer readings during the first pass but
will increase the risk of missing the peak performance position.

To improve the speed and accuracy of your calibration setup:
1. Click on the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu.
2. If Auto Range is enabled, click on it to disable it.
3. Enter a value in Focus Step Size.
4. Click the Calibrate button to start calibration.
5. Examining the read rates in the Results graph following calibration.

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Chapter 8 Calibration

Calibration by Embedded Menu
To calibrate via the embedded Calibration menu, do the following:
1. Place the sample symbol at a fixed position in the center of the read range being
tested.
2. Enter Calibration menu by sending an <@> command from a terminal.

8–Calibration

Figure 8-7 Embedded Calibration Setup Menu
3. If the application requires a change in scan rate, adjust the motor speed now with
the M or N commands.
Note: All single letter commands must be entered in upper case.
4. Start calibration by typing an upper case A from your terminal while in the calibration menu.
Note: A user can abort calibration at any time by pressing the ESC key on the
terminal. No other keystroke has any effect while in calibration.
5. Wait for calibration to cycle through its settings.
An Calibration in Progress message will be displayed. A new text line will
appear below the menu displaying the progress of the calibration.
6. As with the serial command, repeat the routine at other positions in your scan
range and width and save each position to the configuration database.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration by Embedded Menu

8–Calibration

7. If not successful an Calibration Failed message will be displayed. If successful
an Calibration Passed message as shown in the above menu will be displayed
along with other settings.
Note: Focus positions Inside, Outside and Set posted near the bottom of the above
menu are explained more fully in “Calibration Results Embedded Menu” on page
6-11.
Note: If you are using the 9-pin configuration port and doing calibration by serial
command or embedded menus, you will be able to view scanned bar code data in the
menu. However, after exiting the Calibration menu, you will not be able to see bar
code data without sending the following command: . If using the ESP, this
is not necessary.

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Chapter 8 Calibration

Scanner Settings by Embedded Menus

AGC Status
Typing S toggles AGC between Enable/Disable, as displayed on a the status line
near the bottom of the menu. With AGC disabled this value is simply the Gain setting.
However, with AGC enabled, this value represents the gain the scanner has to set to
maintain the desired signal amplitude. If a symbol is close to the scanner, the AGC
level should be a small value because the scanner does not need much gain to
achieve the desired signal amplitude. However, as a symbol gets farther away from
the scanner, this value will increase to maintain the signal amplitude.

Laser Power
Typing L toggles between High and Low laser settings. See “Laser Power” on page
9-12 for details.

PDF417 Decode Test
Typing D toggles the PDF417 Decode Test between Enable/Disable, as displayed
on a the status line near the bottom of the menu. Once set to Enabled, PDF417 only
is enabled and a special test mode is enabled that displays the decodes per second of
a full PDF417 symbol. While calibration is not performed in this mode, you can still
adjust settings manually.
This special read rate will remain enabled until the Calibration menu is exited or
PDF417 is disabled with another D command.
Note: This mode averages decode and capture time over a series of readings, thus
assuring for a smooth read-rate output, but at the cost of delayed reaction to symbol
movement and user setting changes.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

8–Calibration

Motor Speed, Gain Setting, and Tracking adjustments affect the read performance. Focus controls a stepper motor that physically slides a lens back and forth to
control focal length. These settings are adjusted automatically in calibration.
The status of these parameters is displayed on the bottom line of the menu under
Motor, Gain, Track, and Focus (see “Overview of Optoelectrics” on page 8-4.
These settings are incremented or decremented by pressing the indicated key shown
on the menu. PDF-417 Decode, AGC Status, Laser Power, and Raster Status use
single commands to toggle between states.

Calibration by Embedded Menu

Calibration Embedded Menu Options
START Calibration
Typing A initiates an calibration sequence. Once entered, no other keystrokes will be
accepted with the exception of the ESC key, which terminates the routine.

8–Calibration

RECALL Initial Settings
Typing B restores the original settings that were present upon entering the Calibration Setup Menu. These settings include Motor Speed, Gain, Tracking, and
Focus.

SAVE Settings to Database
Typing C saves the current Gain, Tracking, and Focus settings to the Configuration Database. The database is made up of indexes 1 through 7. Current settings will
be saved to the first open index. See Chapter 7, “Optoelectrics.”

EXIT Calibration Setup menu
To exit the Calibration Setup menu, press the ESC key. The following prompt will be
displayed:
“Do you want to save calibration settings for power on? (Y=yes N=no).”
Typing Y will cause the current settings in the Calibration Setup menu to be saved
to Flash Memory for recall when the scanner is powered up at a later date. These settings include Motor Speed, Gain, Tracking, Focus, AGC Status, Laser Power, and
Raster Status. Typing N will cause the scanner to be reset without saving the settings to Flash memory.

Menu Selections
Typing
Typing
Typing
Typing

will
will
will
will

take
take
take
take

you
you
you
you

the
the
the
the

Calibration Results menu (page 8-21).
Raster/Laser Framing Setup menu (page 9-9).
Configuration Database menu (page 2-1).
Advanced Setup menu (page 8-22).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 8 Calibration

Calibration Results Embedded Menu
To access Calibration Results menu from within the Calibration Setup menu, (figure 8-7 on page 8-17) type the number 1.

8–Calibration

Figure 8-8 Embedded Calibration Results Menu
The Calibration Results menu shows the results of the calibration process for Read
Rate, Gain, and Tracking for both the first and second passes. Note that the first
pass has only one reading for each parameter.

Focus Positions
In the example above, the focus position selected from the first calibration pass (position 26) represents the optimal focus position for Read Rate, Gain, and Tracking.
The second “fine tune” pass commences 3 focus positions in from this and steps out
until the read rate drops off to zero.

Focal Range
The algorithm selects the best focus position (SET) as the midpoint between those
positions (IN and OUT) at which read rates drop off by no more than 6-2/3 percent of
the maximum read rate. For example, in the above menu, the read rate for focus
position 24 is 73. Since 73 is more than 6-2/3% below the maximum read rate of
100% shown elsewhere, the IN range falls under the next focus position, 25. A mirrored calculation is performed to locate the OUT focal range.
Press the enter key (CR) to return to the main calibration menu or Esc to leave the
Auto Calibration Setup menu entirely.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration by Embedded Menu

8–Calibration

Advanced Calibration Setup Embedded Menu
The Advanced Calibration Setup menu allows you to change the starting focus
position and the number of focus steps during the first pass.
For example, if you are preparing to do calibration on symbols whose minimum distances from the scanner is 40 inches, there is no reason for calibration to cycle
through all of the focal positions inside 40 inches. Figure 8-9 includes a table that
associates several starting focus positions with minimum symbol distances from the
scanner. Use this table to estimate your starting focus position.
To increase Starting Focus Position, type T. To decrease it, type R.
To increase the First Pass Focus Step, type G. To decrease it, type F.
Increasing First Pass Focus Step will speed up the autofocus process, but can also
cause autofocus to skip over a bar code symbol and not decode it.
Note: All single letter commands must be entered in upper case.

Figure 8-9 Advanced Calibration Menu
Auto Range is disabled by default. To enable, press A. See page 8-14 for an explanation of auto range.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

9
Chapter Contents

This section explains the setup and adjustments for the raster and the laser setups.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

9–Raster/Laser

Raster Setup ........................................................................................... 9-3
Laser Framing Setup............................................................................... 9-6
Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu........................................................... 9-9

Raster/Laser Setup by ESP Menus

Click on this button to
bring up the
Raster/Laser menu.

9–Raster/Laser

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

Note: Raster setup commands in the ESP are accessed from the Read Cycle/Triggering menu or from the Raster/Laser or Calibration menus on the ESP toolbar.

Raster/Laser Setup by Serial Command
Command Title

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 9 Raster/Laser

Raster Setup
You can setup and make changes to the scanner’s raster parameters in ESP in the
Read Cycle menu, the Calibration menu, or the Raster/Laser menu (preferred).

Raster scanning is useful when symbols vary in placement and a single
scan line cannot be counted on to cross the symbol, and for reading
stacked symbologies such as PDF417.

The user can enable raster scanning and adjust the raster sweep limits
and the sweep rate.

Top offset sets the
upper limit for the ras
ter sweep.
Bottom Offset sets
the lower limit for the
raster sweep.
A raster sweep is one
arc in either the up or
down direction.

Note: Changes made in the Raster Setup menu are dynamic; that is, they
take effect without saving.
Figure 9-1 Raster Setup

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

9–Raster/Laser

Static Line allows
you to set the raster
beam at a fixed angle

Raster Status
Definition:

When disabled, the raster mirror will park at the top of the raster sweep.

Note: Raster sweeps are only counted during a read cycle (continuous, triggered, and
read rate). Raster sweeps are NOT counted when the raster motor is parked, disabled,
set to straight line operation (top and bottom are equal), or when performing a selfcalibration.

9–Raster/Laser

Top Offset
Definition:

Decreasing the Top Offset value causes the top of the raster pattern to
move up.

Bottom Offset
Definition:

Increasing the Bottom Offset value causes the bottom of the raster
pattern to move down.

Note: For single scan line operation, set Top Offset equal to Bottom Offset or click
on the Static Line option.
Note: Assigning a larger value to Top Offset than Bottom Offset will park the raster
mirror in its “home” (default) position.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 9 Raster/Laser

Raster Sweep Rate
Usage:

If your application allows it, a slower sweep rate can produce more
scans per second and higher read rates. To determine the minimum
read rate for your application, see “Raster Picket Fence Calculation” on page A-32.

The raster sweep rate is the number of sweeps per second the raster
mirror completes. A sweep is one pass of the raster, up or down. The
maximum sweep rate is limited by the size of the arc the raster must
move through.

0 to 30.
Table 9-1 Maximum Sweep Rates at Selected Sweep Arcs
Maximum Sweeps per Second
30
20
10

9–Raster/Laser

Raster Sweep Arc
0 to 10°
11 to 20°
21 to 30°

Read Cycle On/Off
Usage:

This feature should only be used when the raster sweep rate is at least
twice the required trigger rate (decoded outputs per second).

When Read Cycle On/Off is enabled and Laser On/Off is also
enabled, raster mirror stops at top offset at end of triggered read cycle.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Laser Setup
To access the Laser Framing menu, click the Raster/Laser button and the Laser
Framing tab.

9–Raster/Laser

Off Time is the duration of time the laser
beam is OFF from the
zero starting position.

On Time is the duration of time the laser
beam is ON from the
beginning of the OFF
position.

Note: Changes made in the Laser Framing menu are dynamic; that is,
they take effect without saving.
Figure 9-2 Laser Framing Setup

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 9 Raster/Laser

Laser On/Off Status
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Laser On/Off extends the life of the laser. It is useful where there are
significant time gaps between symbols. It also provides visual confirmation of a read cycle duration and minimizes laser exposure to people.
When enabled, the laser is ON only during the read cycle. When disabled, the laser operates continuously.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Note: A serial or external trigger must be enabled for Laser On/Off to take effect.
Note: Laser On/Off is not recommended when New Trigger is enabled, since the
laser will effectively remain on continuously.

Laser Framing Status

Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

This is useful to avoid highly reflective objects, for filtering out
unwanted signals and avoiding the wrong symbols.
Sets the length of time the laser is ON during each scan so that only a
selected portion of the scan width is effectively scanned.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

To adjust laser framing, click the Raster button, click the Laser Setup tab, and click
the Laser On and Laser Off arrows up or down as shown in figure 9-2.
When Laser Framing is not enabled, the scan beam sweeps across the full scan
width. When enabled, the laser remains OFF during the Laser Off time (see figure 93) beginning at the start of the scan beam sweep and turns ON for the duration of the
Laser On Time.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

9–Raster/Laser

Laser Off Time
Definition:

9–Raster/Laser

Default:
Options:

Duration of laser off time, in increments of 1/255th of the total scan
width.
Important: The combined values of Laser Off Time and Laser On
Time cannot exceed 255 which is the duration of one scan.

Because scan widths are not always perfectly
symmetrical, the most effective way to setup
laser framing is to experiment with the Laser
On and Laser Off commands until you get
the best results.
The laser can be turned off between read
cycles and the duration of the scan and hence
the width of the scan can also be adjusted.
Figure 9-3 provides a visual representation
of how the laser beam width can be controlled by the length of time the laser is on
during each scan.
When setting up Laser Framing in ESP, use
the Off Time and On Time arrows to constrain or expand the laser framing area as
shown on figure 9-2 on page 9-6.

Scan beam direction

Figure 9-3 Laser Framing Sketch

Laser On Time
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Duration of laser on time, in increments of 1/255th of the total scan
width.
Important: The combined values of Laser Off Time and Laser On
Time cannot exceed 255 which is the duration of one scan.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 9 Raster/Laser

Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu
To access the Raster/Laser Framing menu, send <@> to open the Calibration
Setup menu and type the number 2.

Raster Settings
Type the letter T to increment the Top Offset and an R to decrement. Notice that the
Top Offset reading at the bottom of the menu changes accordingly.
Type the letter B to increment the Bottom Offset and V to decrement.
Sweep Rate, Raster Status, and Raster On/Off are explained more fully in “Raster Setup” on page 9-3.

Laser Settings
Laser settings are also dynamically updated at the bottom of the menu.
Full instructions and menus for laser operations can be found in “Laser Setup” on
page 9-6.
Press the enter key (CR) to return to the main calibration menu or Esc to leave the
Auto Calibration Setup menu entirely.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

9–Raster/Laser

Figure 9-4 Embedded Calibration Results Menu

9–Raster/Laser

Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

10
Chapter Contents
Terminal Window ...................................................................................10-2
Find Function .........................................................................................10-3
Macros ...................................................................................................10-4
Terminal Window Functions...................................................................10-5

This section describes the terminal window and macro functions.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

10–Terminal Mode

Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

Terminal Window

Terminal Window
To use the terminal mode, click on the Terminal button.
You will see the following window:

Copy, paste,
and save

Type in text
here to find
in terminal
window

Terminal
screen

10–Terminal Mode

Macro List on
this bar

Click on Macros arrow to Add Macro,
Remove Macro or Edit Macro

Click on Macro to Run

The terminal screen allows you to enter serial commands (in red) from the macro
box, by copying, or directly from your keyboard.
The terminal screen also displays symbol data or information from the reader (in
blue).
You can also right click in the terminal screen to bring up a handy option box.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Find Function
The Find box 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 starting with ABC has been read.
1. Type ABC into the Find box.

2. Press the return key.
The first instance of ABC will be high-lighted in the terminal window.
3. Press the F3 key to search again for the next instance of ABC.
4. Press Shift-F3 to search for the previous instance of ABC.

10–Terminal Mode

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner 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
Add Macro or Default Macros.
When you default macros, the
entire macros set is restored to
their original macro commands.

Click here to edit a
macro.

When you click on the macro name, the macro is executed in the terminal window.
If this is a serial command, the command is also sent to the reader at the same time
it is displayed.

Editing a Macro
10–Terminal Mode

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

You can edit an existing macro or type in a new macro name and define it in the
Macro Value text box. Click OK.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Terminal Window Functions
Right-click on the terminal window to display the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•

Copy selected text to clipboard.
Paste from terminal or computer text.
Clear all text in terminal window.
Select All text in the terminal window.
Save... brings up a save as dialog box.
Change Font... of data text, brings up a text
dialog.
• Change Echo Font... to change typed in text
or commands.
• Change Background Color of terminal window.
• Default Settings changes all the above back
to default settings.

Terminal Pulldown Menu
The pulldown Terminal menu has Capture and Save Current Text as well as the
functions defined above.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

10–Terminal Mode

• Capture 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 of your choice.

10–Terminal Mode

Terminal Window Functions

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

11
Chapter Contents

Utility commands are generally commands that are performed during scanner operations to check read rates, determine read rates or perform miscellaneous operations
on scanner 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 within ESP in the Terminal
window.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Read Rate..............................................................................................11-5
Counters ................................................................................................11-7
Device Control .......................................................................................11-9
Master Database .................................................................................11-11
Firmware ..............................................................................................11-16
Autodiscrimination ...............................................................................11-19
Scanner Status Requests ....................................................................11-20

Utilities by ESP Menu

Click this button to
bring up the Utilities
menu

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Utilities by Serial Command
Table 11-1 Summary of Utility Serial Commands
Command Type
Read Rate

Master Database

Name
Enter Single Symbol Percent Rate Test
Enter Single Symbol Decode Rate Test
Enter Multisymbol Percentage Rate Test
Enter Multisymbol Decode Rate Test
Enter Percent PDF Read Rate Test
PDF Information
Extended Read Rate
Exit Decode Rate and Percent Rate Test
Noread Counter
Noread Counter Reset
Trigger Counter
Trigger Counter Reset
Good Read/Match Counter
Good Read/Match Counter Reset
Mismatch Counter
Mismatch Counter Reset
Enable Laser Scanning
Disable Laser Scanning
Motor On
Motor Off
Programmable Output 1
Programmable Output 2
Programmable Output 3
Master Symbol Database Size
Enable Master Symbol
Disable Master Symbol
Enter Data to Database for Specified Symbol.
Note: does the same.
Request Master Symbol Data For Specific Symbol
Note: does the same.
Request all Master Symbol Information
Note: does the same.
Delete Master Symbol
Note: does the same.
Display Checksums of EPROM
Display Checksum for Boot Code
Display Checksum for Application Code
Display Checksum for Raster Code
Display Part Number
Display Boot Code Part Number
Display Application Code Part Number

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Table 11-1 Summary of Utility Serial Commands
Symbol Types

Trigger
Restore/Save

Autodiscriminate All Codes
Enable Code 39 Only
Enable Codabar Only
Enable I 2/5 Only
Serial Trigger Character
Reset (does not save for power-on)
Restore Default Settings
Restore Saved Settings
Reset/Save (for power-on)
Save/Restore Factory Defaults
Network Status Command (See the “Network Protocol
Manual” 83-110015)
Scanner Status
Extended Scanner Status
Configuration Status

Network
Status
Status Requests

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Read Rate
By ESP
You can access Read Rate from the Utilities menu.
To start or end a read rate test, right-click Read Rate and select Start or Stop.
To change from percent read rate to decodes per second, first end the read rate by
selecting Stop, then right-click select Decodes/Sec.

Read Rate by Serial Command
Enter Single Symbol Percent Test
Sending instructs the scanner to transmit the percentage of decodes and any
scanned symbol data.

Enter Multisymbol Percent Enter Single Symbol Decodes/Second Test
Sending instructs the scanner 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 scan line. This test is very useful in aligning and positioning the scanning device during installation.

Test
Sending instructs the scanner to transmit the percentage of scans decoded and
symbol data (if any) for multiple symbols.

Enter Multisymbol Decode Rate Test
Sending instructs the scanner to transmit the decode rate and symbol data
(if any) for multiple symbols.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Read Rate
Enter Percent PDF Read Rate Test
Sending instructs the scanner to transmit the number of decodes per second on the full PDF symbol. This test includes both capture and decode and translation time. Note that the output format of the data is done as a running average of
750 mS windows. This means that you can remove the symbol from the view of the
scanner and it will continue to transmit some history of the symbol for a few outputs.

Enable PDF Information
Sending the check box will cause PDF417 symbology data to be prefaced with
information consisting of error correction level, number of rows, number of columns,
number of informative code words and the number of data characters.
This feature can be disabled by using the exit read rate command .

Enable Extended Rate Test for Single and Multisymbol
Sending after or will generate a an extended mode that applies to
both single and multiple symbols.
Extended mode instructs the scanner to output the decode rate, the symbol data, and
the transition data.
Symbol Information
Decode rate

Number of symbol
bar and space
transitions

Note: Example shows output when Postamble is enabled
and defined as a carriage return and a line feed.

Note: The command has no immediate effect if not preceded by or .

End Read Rate Test
Sending ends both the Percent test and the Decodes/Second test for both
single and multi-symbol.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Counters
Counter commands can be a numeric value from 00000 to 65,535. After reaching the
maximum numeric limit of 65,535, the counter will automatically roll-over and start
counting again at 00000. To obtain the cumulative total of counts after the roll-over
has occurred, add 65,536 per each roll-over (the scanner does not keep track of the
number of roll-overs) to the current count.
Note: All counter values will be lost if power is recycled to the scanner or the scanner
receives a reset or save command.

By ESP
You can access Counters from the Utilities menu.
Click Request All or Request for a specific counter to display count. Click Clear to
set counter to zero.

Counters by Serial Command
Noread Counter
Sending displays the total number of noreads that have occurred since the last
reset.

Noread Counter Reset
Sending sets Noread 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.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Counters
Good Read/Match 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
With Matchcode enabled, 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-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Device Control
By ESP

Device Control By Serial Command
Enable Laser Scanning
Sending will turn the laser on continuously.
Note: Enable Laser Scanning does not relate to Laser On/Off command.

Disable Laser Scanning
Sending will turn the laser off and end the current read cycle. This feature is useful during extended periods of time when no symbols are being scanned or the scanner is being configured. Disabling laser scanning will not affect any downloaded
commands to the scanner.
Note: Disable Laser Scanning does not relate to Laser On/Off, which when
enabled also turns off the laser but only between read cycles.

Motor On
Sending turns the spinning mirror and raster mirror motors on (if not already
running).
Note: The spinning mirror reaches full speed after a short time delay.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Device Control
Motor Off
Sending turns the spinning mirror motor off. This command is useful for long
idle periods.
Note: Laser turns off whenever motor is off.

Output 1
Sending activates the link between Output 1 (+) and Output 1 (–) of the host
connector (regardless of Master Symbol or Output 1 status).

Output 2
Sending activates the link between Output 2 (+) and Output 2 (–) of the host
connector (regardless of Master Symbol or Output 2 status).

Sending activates the link between Output 3 (+) and Output 3 (–) of the host
connector (regardless of Master Symbol or Output 3 status).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Master Database
Important: Master Database is used only for comparing entire symbols, when
Sequential and Wild Card are NOT enabled, and Start Position is equal to 0.

Master Database Overview
Usage:

Used where more than one master symbol is required, as in a Multisymbol setup, for matching and other matchcode operations.

Allows you 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. Set the Master Symbol Database Size. (See “Master Symbol Database Size”
on page 11-12.)
3. Select database index you want to enter the master symbol.
a. Double-click the index row to type data directly into index. (See “Enter Master Symbol Data” on page 11-13.)
b. Click the Read Symbol into Selected Index to enter the next decoded symbol.

Set master
symbol database size here.
Loads the next
symbol scanned
into selected
index.
Double-click row to enter
data into popup dialog box.

Loads the scanner’s
saved master symbols

Saves the displayed database to the scanner.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

4. Do one of the following to enter master symbol data.

Master Database

Master Symbol Database Size
Definition:

Master Symbol Database Size allows you to select 1 to 10 master
symbols for the master symbol database.

First set the number of master symbols you want to include by doubleclicking Database Size and entering the number.

Use the spin wheel to set the master symbol database size.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Enter Master Symbol Data
Allows you to enter master symbol data for a specific master symbol
index number (1 to 10), provided the index number is not larger than
the number of symbols enabled by the Master Symbol Database Size
(see page 11-12). For example, if Master Symbol Database Size is
set to 2, you will not be able to enter data for symbols 3 through 10.

Double-click on the index row.

1 to 10, data (any combination of ASCII text up to the maximum indicated
in “Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database” on page
11-14).
For example, to enter data for master symbol 9, after making certain
that master symbol database size is enabled for 9 or more symbols
(see “Master Symbol Database Size” on page 11-12), send
.

Caution: Since the total number of characters available for the master symbol database is 2710 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).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Master Database
Table 11-2, “Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database,” on page 1114 specifies the maximum number of characters available to each symbol according
to the number of master symbols defined, from 1 through 10.
See “Master Symbol Database Size” on page 11-12.
Table 11-2 Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database
Number of
Master Symbols
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5

Maximum
Characters
20452710
1022
681
510
408

Number of
Master Symbols
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10

Maximum
Characters
340
291
254
226
203

Request Master Symbol Data
11–Utilities

Returns master symbol data for any enabled master symbols from 1 to
10.
For example, to request master symbol #5, enter . The
scanner transmits master symbol #5 data in brackets in the following
format: <5/data>.
If no master symbol data available, the output will be: <5/>.

Click on Receive Reader’s Database button.

Caution: Be sure to add the ? or you will delete the master symbol(s).

Returns all master symbols if no number is included.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Delete Master Symbol Data
This command will delete the current master symbol data.

You can delete master symbol data for any master symbol by erasing
the data in the Master Database popup dialog (under Output Format) and clicking OK, as shown here.

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 scanner to delete the
selected master symbol from the database.

Store Next Symbol Scanned as Master Symbol
Definition:

After you’ve set the size in the database, you can order the scanner to
scan-in the next symbol as the master symbol.

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 on Read Symbol into Selected Index.

To store the next symbol scanned as master symbol #1 send: or
. For all symbols numbers except 1, the number must be included.

Note: Utility commands are not accessible by embedded menus.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Firmware Update
Application code versions are specific to your scanner. 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 make sure the host is connected to your scanner.
2. Apply power to the scanner.
3. Before updating, you should verify the current firmware (see “Firmware Verification — Part Number” on page 11-17.
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 (a *.mot file) and open the file.
As application code begins to download to the scanner, the scanner will go silent, the
scanner’s RDY and GD/RD LEDs will flash intermittently, and a progress indicator at
the bottom of the ESP window will let you know when the download is complete.
Caution: Do not interrupt power or disconnect the host cable while download is in
progress.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Firmware Verification — Part Number
You can send a request for scanner’s current firmware part numbers.

By ESP
1. From the Utilities menu you can access Firmware Verification from the Firmware tab.
2. Select the firmware code you want to check and click Request Part No. to see
the associated part number.

By Serial Command

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Upon sending <#> the scanner returns software part numbers for application code
<#a/__________> and boot code <#b/_________>.
Individual part numbers for Application Code and Boot Code are returned when
their respective commands <#a> and <#b> are sent.

Firmware Verification — Checksum
A checksum verifies a scanner’s flash memory.

By ESP
1. From the Utilities menu you can access Firmware Verification from the Firmware tab.

2. Select the firmware code you want to check and click Request Checksum to see
the associated part number.

By Serial Command
Upon sending the scanner returns two 4-digit hex numbers that are the check
sums for boot code and the application code.
Individual checksums for Boot Code and Application Code and Raster Code are
returned when their respective commands and and are sent.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 11 Utilities

Autodiscrimination
You can enable most or specific symbol types by the following operational commands.
Default:

Enables most symbol types.
Enable Code 39 only
Enable Codabar only
Enable I 2/5 only

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Scanner Status Requests

Scanner Status Requests
Scanner Status Byte
The scanner responds to a status request with a two character hex value, for
example . To determine the status:
1. Look up the binary conversion in Table 11-3.
For example, the first 2 in binary would be 0 0 1 0 as read from binary digits 3
through 0; the second 2 the binary digits 7 through 4 which is also 0 0 1 0.
2. Next, enter your binary values in Table 11-4 in the
“Binary” column next to the appropriate bit.

Table 11-4 Scanner Status
Bit
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Binary
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
0

Scanner Status
Command error detected
Command received
Communication error detected
Flash sector unprotect failure
Host/Aux/Config port buffer overflow
Scanner is in a read cycle
Software Watch dog reset
Hardware Watch dog reset

3. Under “Binary,” interpret 1s as true and the 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 “Scanner is in a read cycle.”

Extended Status

Table 11-3 Hex
Value to Binary
Conversion
Hex
Value
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
E
F

Binary Bit
Digits
7

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

The scanner responds to an extended status request
with several fields, for example: <35-55800210,35-558001-12,F6D4,20C5,02D3,02D3>.
These represent: the status byte discussed above, the boot part number (35558002-10), the application part number (35-558001-12), boot checksum
(5F6D4), app checksum (02D3), RAM parameter checksum (02D3), and flash
parameter checksum (02D3).

Configuration Command Status
Returns the current status of all configuration commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12
Overview of Output Format....................................................................12-3
Extraction Mode .....................................................................................12-4
Insertion Mode .......................................................................................12-6
Multisymbol Output Format Status.........................................................12-9
Ordered Output ....................................................................................12-11
Diagnostic Outputs ..............................................................................12-16

This section has instructions for assigning formatting rules that determine what portions of a symbol will be read and the specific sequence and data that will be inserted
in the output.
Note: The characters NULL <> and , can only be entered through embedded menus,
not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: See Chapter 7, “Diagnostics” for definitions and setup of Diagnostic Warnings.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

Chapter Contents

Output Format by ESP

12–Output Format

Click this button to
bring up the Output
Format menu.

Output Format by Serial Command
Command Title
Output Format Status
Extraction Mode
Insertion Mode
Assignment Command

Ordered Output
Number of Filters
Output During Diagnostic
Warning Messages

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Overview of Output Format

Output Format Status
Definition:

Output Format Status is a “master switch” that controls Output
Format. Extraction and/or Insertion commands must be defined
before an output occurs.

When you set up Output Format in the ESP Output Format menu
and click on Apply in the same menu, Output Format Status will be
changed to Enable in the scanner and displayed as such in the Outputs configuration menu after you send a Retrieve Scanner Settings command.
You can also enable/disable Output Format from the Outputs menu
by double-clicking on Output Format.

Note: Output Format Status must be enabled in order for any Output Format
commands to function.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

Output Format consists of a set of criteria expressed in Extraction and Insertion
serial or ESP menu commands that can be chained together to control the presentation of data that is transmitted from decoded symbols. If a symbol does not meet
the defined criteria, it is treated as a noread.
Note that Extraction and Insertion functions are independent of Ordered Output
criteria. The output format control can also work with all standard read modes such
as Matchcode, Multisymbol etc.
Commands can be chained together in an array of as many as 100 steps and applied
to any symbol.

Extraction Mode

12–Output Format

Extraction Mode
Usage:

Useful in scanning symbols in which only a portion or portions of the
symbol data needs to be transmitted and sorted.

Selects a portion of the symbol data to be transmitted and ignores the
rest.

Extraction by ESP
1. Click on Read Symbol.
This will display in the
current symbol data
under Original.
2. Select text to be
extracted.

3. Click on Extract.

4. Click on Apply or
proceed with additional extractions and
insertions.
Note: When you click Apply, Symbol #1 in Symbol Output Format Status window will automatically be enabled.
5. Click on Test.

Figure 12-1 Output Format Extraction
After selecting and entering the extracted portion or portions of a symbol, you can proceed to Insertion mode where user-selectable ASCII text can be inserted. You can perform up to 100 instances of extraction and insertion for all symbols being scanned in
the read cycle. See “Multisymbol Output Format Status” on page 12-9.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Extraction by Serial Command
Output #
An Output # identifies the step involved in an output format process.
For example, if the routine involves a series of four Extraction and/or
Insertion steps, each of these steps is controlled by assigning sequential output numbers from 1 to 4.

Output # appears in the Advanced Formatting tab.

(none) Must be entered.

Start Position
Definition:

Specifies the precise character in the data sequence (from left to right)
where the selection for output begins.

0 (Zero is disabled. It also marks the end of a format cell array.)

0 to maximum characters per symbol (zero is disabled)

Length
Definition:

Specifies the length of the output string.

0 to maximum characters per symbol (zero is disabled)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

12–Output Format

Insertion Mode
Usage:

Useful in adding designators or separators to add meaning or content
to data in applications where symbol data needs to be sorted.

Inserts up to four characters at a time into a data output string. You
can add additional characters by repeating the procedure.

Note: Insertion by ESP is much simpler than by serial command because the text and
sequences can be visually verified.

Insertion by ESP
Up to 4 ASCII characters can be inserted at any point in symbol input and added to
the output. After scanning a symbol and selecting the original characters for extraction, as shown in “Extraction by ESP” on page 12-4, do the following:
14. Type in text to be inserted
or select ASCII character
from the ASCII selector
and click on Add to
Insertion Data.

13. Click Insert.

15. Click OK. This will append the
insertion to the end of the
extracted data under Format.
In this case Format will read
SPN123.
You can now add another
extraction from the original
followed by an insertion and
another extraction in any
order or sequence that you
want it to appear upon output.
Note: When you click OK,
Symbol #1 in Symbol Output Format Status window
will automatically be enabled.

16. Click on Apply when all
insertions and extractions
are completed.

17. Click on Test to see
resulting output.

Figure 12-2 Output Format Insertion

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Insertion by Serial Command
Output #
An Output # identifies the step involved in an output format process.
For example, if the Output Format routine involved a series of four
Extraction and/or Insertion steps, each of these steps is controlled by
assigning sequential output numbers from 1 to 4.

(none) Must be entered.

Length
Definition:

Specifies the length of the output string.

0 (A zero disables Length or can mark the end of a format cell array.)

Hex String
Definition:

A pair of hex digits represent an ASCII character. Each pair of hex digits
ranges from 00 to FF. Each hex string has a maximum of 4 pairs.
For example, hex 65 = ‘e’, 6e = ‘n’, 64 = ‘d’, thus 656e64 = “end”

Output Format Examples by Serial Commands
A symbol with the data ABCDEFGH needs to be manipulated to output:
DEFGH@$ABCend.

The following commands are sent to achieve this setup:
for extraction mode, output# =1, start position = 4, length = 5.
for insertion mode, output# = 2, length = 2, hex string = 4024.
Note that the hex pairs 40 and 24 = @$ in ASCII.
for extraction mode, output# = 3, start position = 1, length = 3.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

12–Output Format

for insertion mode, output # = 4, length = 3, hex string =
656e64
Note that 656e64 = “end”.
This ends the sequence and could have been done with a 740 command,
as well.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Multisymbol Output Format Status
Symbol Output Format Status corresponds directly with symbols setup in Multisymbol. If Number of Symbols in Multisymbol is set to the default 1, then only
Symbol #1 in Symbol Output Format Status will be enabled. See “Multisymbol”
on page 3-4.

Allows the user to set up as many symbols that are already assigned
in Multisymbol for output and filter formatting.

Specifies the symbol in a multisymbol operation to which output format
status is being applied.

1 to 12, as applicable to symbol number.

Output Format Status
Serial Cmd:

0 = disabled
1 = enabled a

a. (enabled means output format control is assigned to a symbol number specified in the first field; for
example enables symbol number 9)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

Multisymbol Number

Multisymbol Output Format Status

Output Format Status by ESP
Note: Symbol Output Format Status table is found on the right
side of the Output Format tab in the Output Format menu.

12–Output Format

Click on checkbox
to enable or disable.

Figure 12-3 Multisymbol
Output Format Status

Special Rules for using Multisymbol with Output Format
1. Unless you want to assign output formatting to more than one symbol at a time in
your multisymbol sequence, disable all symbols except the one to which you are
applying the output formatting.
2. The 12 symbols in Symbol Output Format Status correspond with multisymbols; the 12 filters in Ordered Output apply only to the order of output and have
no relationship to Multisymbol or Symbol Output Format Status.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Ordered Output
Useful in sorting several symbols into multiple categories with specific
fields and a defined order of output.

Ordered Output involves filtering and ordering.
In the filtering stage, each symbol in a read cycle is read and matched
against a user-defined table of up to 12 filters which search on symbology type, symbol length and data contents. A given symbol must meet
all three criteria in any one of the filters in order to be included.
In the ordering stage, symbols are transmitted in the order that they
match up with the filters. A symbol matching filter #1 will transmit first,
another matching filter #2 will transmit next, and so forth.

Ordered Output by ESP
Click on the Ordered Output tab.
First set
Number of Filters.

Double-click on a row to bring
up the popup on the below for
filter #1

Click on Send or Send and Save
to send all settings to the scanner.

Use this option to limit the symbol length

Type in data that you want the
symbol to match
Use this option to enter a control character on the Matching
line above
This allows you to define the
wildcard and placeholder

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

Ordered Output by Embedded Menu

12–Output Format

Ordered Output by Serial Command
Filter #
Definition:

The filter sequence number from 1 to 12

Symbology Type
Definition:

User-assigned symbology type that the scanner will search for.
If a match is found, the scanner then checks Length.

(Same as available in the Symbology Types setup menus)

Symbol Length
Definition:

User-assigned symbol length that the scanner will search for.
If the length is found, the scanner then checks Wild Card.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Wildcard Character
Wildcard Character indicates that any number of characters that follow the wildcard will be regarded as matches.
For example, “123*” will match “123”, “123456”, “123ABC”, but not
“12”.
Filter data ”123*AB?C” will be interpreted as “123*”
Both Wildcard Character and Placeholder Character can be mixed
in the same filter data.

Any pairings of hex digits representing an ASCII character; for
example, 2A = *
(00 = disabled)

Placeholder Character
Definition:

Placeholder Character is a type of wild card that requires identical
data position.
For example, Filter data “123?”, will match all of the “1234”, “123A”,
but not “123”, “12345”, “1234C”.
Filter data “123?A” will match “1234A” and “123BA”, but not “123”,
“1234C” or “1234ABCD”
Both Wildcard Character and Placeholder Character can be mixed
in the same filter data.

Any ASCII input as pair of hex digit; e.g., 3F=’?’
(00 = disabled)

Wildcard/Placeholder Matches
Both Wildcard Character and Placeholder Character can be mixed in the same filter data.
You can regard wildcard marks as the end of matching, whereas a placeholder
requires identical data both before and after the placeholder.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

Ordered Output
For example:

12–Output Format

Filter
Filter
Filter
Filter
Filter

data
data
data
data
data

“123*” matches “123”, “123456”, “123ABC” but not “12”.
“123*AB?C” will be interpreted as “123*”
“123?A?” matches “1234AB”, “123BAT”, but not “1234A” or “123BATS”.
“12??*” matches “1234”, “123456”, “123ABC”, but not “12”, “123”.
“123?A*” matches “1234A”, “123BA”, “123BATS”, but not “1234”, “1234C”.

For example:
enables Output Filters #1 setting.
enables Output Filters #1 to filter #3’s setting.
disables all output filters. The reader will not perform any filtered output.

Data
Definition:

User-assigned data that the scanner will search for.

Any pairing of hex digits representing ASCII characters;
e.g., 41422A = “AB*”
(00 = disabled)

Number of Filters
Definition:

The number of filters that symbols will be compared against, up to the
specified number. For example, entering 7 means that filters #1
through #7 will be enabled.

0 to 12
Any number from 1 to 12 enables Output Filtering. A zero (0) disables
Output Filtering. The reader will not perform any filtered output.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Examples:
Filter #1
Symbology type = Code 39, Length = disabled, Wildcard = ‘*’, placeholder = ‘?’,
data = “AB*” = 41422A

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

Symbology type = Code 128, Length = 8, Wildcard = ‘*’, placeholder = ‘?’,
data = “NBC??FGH” = 4e42433f3f464748.

enables Ordered Output. It also enables filter#1 and filter#2.
Let’s say we have four symbols, “NBCXYFGH”, “NBDXYFGH”, “123XYZ”, “ABCDE”. The
reader will registered two good reads only and transmit the following:“ABCDE”,
“NBCXYFGH”.

Diagnostic Outputs

Diagnostic Outputs

12–Output Format

Note: See Chapter 7, “Diagnostics” for definitions and setup of Diagnostic Warnings.
Definition:

Warning messages conditions relating to the MS-880 performance and
environment can be programmed to activate selected outputs (Output 1,
Output 2, or Output 3) whenever a warning condition occurs.

Useful where output warnings of scanner malfunctions can be integrated to alert users and/or shut down a line.

Click the Output Format and select the Diagnostic Outputs tab to
bring up the table below:

Double-click the appropriate
row under Outputs and
enable/disable output in the
popup on the left.

A command returns three separate verification responses, one
for each output. A command returns a verification
response for one selected output (n=1,2,3).
For example, in order to cause Output 3 to become active in response
to any warning enabled message, issue this command:
.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 12 Output Format

Output #
Selects the status settings for one of three outputs (Output 1, Output
2, or Output 3).

Each of the three outputs is independently associated with ten status
settings. The settings can be accessed to verify/change one output at
a time.

1 = Logic output 1
2 = Logic output 2
3 = Logic output 3

Status
Definition:

When enabled, the error condition will cause the selected output to
become active.

Disabled (each can be independently enabled)

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
status1 = Laser Current Low
status2 = Laser Current High
status3 = Temperature Low
status4 = Temperature High
status5 = Diagnostics Flash Corrupt
status6 = Laser Ref. Corrupt
status7 = Product lifetime exceeded
status8 = Factory settings defaulted
status9 = Customer settings defaulted

Note: When enabled, the error condition will override all other operational modes
configured for the output.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

12–Output Format

12–Output Format

Diagnostic Outputs

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Wiring Box Option

13
Chapter Contents
Wiring Box Description ..........................................................................13-2
Installation Steps ...................................................................................13-3
Wiring Box Ports ....................................................................................13-5
Wiring Box PCB with Connectors ..........................................................13-8
Mounting Plate .......................................................................................13-9

This section has instructions for assembling, wiring and using the MS-880 scanner’s
optional Wiring Box. When this option is selected, the MS-880 scanner and wiring box
option are shipped as an assembly.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

13–Wiring Box

13–Wiring Box

Wiring Box Description

Wiring Box Description
Flex cable to MS-880
Scanner
Portal hole,
3/4” pipe thread
(4 places)

Bottom mounting
plate of wiring box
Figure 13-1 Wiring Box
Note: Wiring Box PCB and Protocol Card (when used) reside inside the wiring box.

Portal Holes
The wiring box has four external portal holes which are standard 3/4” pipe thread.
Mounting of the box is with four through holes in flanges that extend out over the
ends.

Terminal Strip Specifications
Wire strip length: .24” (6 mm)
Wiring range: 14 - 28 AWG
Current: 13A maximum

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 13 Wiring Box Option

Note: For terminal details, see figure 13-2.
1. Connect power through portal holes (see “Hardware Configuration” on page 1-2).
2. Temporarily apply power to the scanner and confirm that light next to input terminal is green and not red.
3. Disconnect power before making remainder of connections.
4. Connect host and trigger port wires through portal holes to appropriate connections.
5. Plug ribbon cable into scanner as shown below (apply pressure back and forth on
connector to ensure that it seats inside the receptacle).

Bottom plate of
scanner attaches to
top of wiring box
Portal holes
3/4” pipe thread
(4 places)

Bottom mounting
plate of wiring box
Figure 13-2 Scanner/Wiring Box Assembly
6. If using the network protocol card, connect card to underside of scanner (see the
MS-880 Network Protocol User’s Manual for detailed information about
the network protocol cards).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

13–Wiring Box

Installation Steps

13–Wiring Box

Installation Steps
7. Attach scanner to wiring box with 4 attached mounting screws in the bottom plate
of the scanner, taking care that gasket is evenly seated.

Mounting screws
4 places

Figure 13-3 Attaching the Scanner
8. Mount wiring box (see “Wiring Box Ports” on page 13-5).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 13 Wiring Box Option
13–Wiring Box

Wiring Box Ports
(Refer to Figure 13-7 or actual PCB)

Relay Modules
Note: For relay modules kits, use MS 98-000013-XX or equivalent
slim module which does not exceed 0.43” (11 mm) in width)
1.7" (43.2 mm)
0.43"
(11 mm)

3 Relay module
sockets

40 -31 0008 -01
REV. 2

MADE IN U. S.A.

1 JP2
1
2
3
4
6
5

43-31 0008RE V S/ N :

These can be used as
an alternative to the 3
optoisolated outputs
from the scanner
itself. K1, K2, and K3
are pluggable module
sockets for SM offthe-shelf AC/DC output/relay modules.
Relay modules are
installed as shown in
Figure 13-4.

TX+ T X– RX+ RX–

REL AY 2 OUT REL AY 3 OUT

Figure 13-4 Relay Module

Default jumper positions
(using scanner's built-in
relay)

New jumper position
(using pluggable relay)
1
3
5

JP2 JP3
40-31000 8-01
REV. 2

R EL A Y
P A SS

J17
MADE IN U.S.A.

When installing relay
modules in K1, K2,
and K3, corresponding jumpers (J1, J2,
J3) need to be moved
as shown in Figure
13-5. Move jumpers
from 3-5 to 1-3 and
4-6 to 2-4 for each
relay to be installed
(K1, K2, K3).

43-310008REVS/N:

R ELA Y 2 O U T

R EL AY 3 O U T

Figure 13-5 Relay Jumpers

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Relay Terminals
Relay 2
terminal

40-310008-01
REV. 2

K1
K2
R EL AY
PA SS

J17
M A D E I N U . S. A .

Relay 3
terminal

4 3 -3 1 0 0 0 8 REVS/N:

Relay 1
terminal

13–Wiring Box

Wiring Box Ports

TX+ TX– RX+ RX– GND CHS

RE LAY 2 O U T R ELAY 3 O U T

Figure 13-6 Relay Module

Relay terminals 1, 2, and 3 provide output for both internal optoisolated outputs and
alternative relay modules that can be installed in modules K1, K2, and K3.
Relay1 Output handles discrete outputs from the scanner that will switch up to
100 mA of opto-isolated current. See MS-880 Network Protocol Card User’s Manual
for connections.

Field Bus Port (J10)
Used with an optional protocol card to connect as a node from a network wired
directly into this terminal strip.

+5 VDC
Voltage out that can drive a hand held scanner. Maximum current is 5 watts.

Input 1
Used to wire a switch to reset latch mode or counters.

RS-422/485
Used for multidrop or 422 port.

Power 10-28 VDC
Power input port (left side and right side for connectivity convenience).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 13 Wiring Box Option

Main serial communication port. (See Table A-5, “Host 25-pin Connector,” on page A-7.)

Aux RS-232
Daisy chain and auxiliary connections. (See Table A-5, “Host 25-pin Connector,” on page
A-7.)

New Master Pin
Allows you to wire in a switch for New Master Pin. (See “Optoisolator Inputs” on page
A-10.)

Trigger Port (NPN)
To initiate the read cycle. (See “Optoisolator Inputs” on page A-10.)

Power LED
GREEN means the polarity of the input connections is correct; RED means it is
reversed.
Caution: While the MS-880 scanner has reverse polarity protection built in to its circuitry, the wiring box does not protect external circuits that may already be wired in
when power is applied.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

13–Wiring Box

P OW ER
10-28VDC
P+
P
-

RS422/485
NEWMASTER

40-310008-01
REV. 2

PO WER LE D
10-28VD C

G REE N= OK
R ED = RV S.PO L.

POW ER
10-28VD C
P+
P
-

43-310008REVS/N:

13–Wiring Box
Wiring Box PCB with Connectors

Wiring Box PCB with Connectors

Polarity Indicator
Green, if connected
correctly,
Red if incorrect.

Figure 13-7 Wiring Box PCB

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Chapter 13 Wiring Box Option

13–Wiring Box

7.175" ( 182 mm)

2.90"
(73.7 mm)
2 X PEM BS OA-8 63 2-2 0
OR E QUIVAL EN T

.413"
(10.4 mm)
1.81"
(46.0 mm)

4.39" (111.5 mm)

Figure 13-8 Wiring Box Bottom Plate

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

13–Wiring Box

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
A–Appendices

Chapter Contents
Appendix A General Specifications ........................................................ A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications....................................................... A-5
Appendix C IrDA Configuration Port ..................................................... A-12
Appendix D IrDA/Ir Comm for Palm Pilot.............................................. A-14
Appendix E Serial Configuration Commands ....................................... A-16
Appendix F Serial Command Format ................................................... A-19
Appendix G ASCII Table....................................................................... A-21
Appendix H Embedded Menus ............................................................. A-23
Appendix I Defaulting/Saving/Initializing............................................... A-24
Appendix J Position Scanner and Symbol............................................ A-27
Appendix K Position Object Detector.................................................... A-28
Appendix L Test Decode Rate.............................................................. A-29
Appendix M Formulas for Number of Decodes..................................... A-31
Appendix N Operational Tips................................................................ A-36
Appendix O Interface Standards........................................................... A-37
Appendix P Multidrop Communications................................................ A-39
Appendix Q Glossary of Terms............................................................. A-44

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

General Specifications

Appendix A — General Specifications

Key Features
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Multiple symbol and symbology reading
Extra-long scanning range to 90 inches
Autofocusing
Programmable raster scanning
IrDA (infrared) port (palm pilot compatible)
3 programmable outputs
Industrial IP65 rated enclosures
Read rate LEDs
Optional wiring box, IB-880

Centerline of scan window

Mechanical
Depth: 3.5 in (88 mm)
Width: 5" (127 mm)
Height: 6 in. (152 mm)
Weight: 5 lbs. (227 g)

Environmental
Enclosure rating: IP65 for scanner and wiring box
Operating temperature: 0° to 50°C
(32° to 122°F)
Storage temperature: –50° to 75°C
(–58° to 167°F)
Humidity: Up to 90% (non-condensing)

Emissions and Immunity
5.0

General immunity for ITE equipment:
EN 55024:98
Figure A-1 MS-880 Scanner Dimensions
General immunity for light industry:
EN 50082:97
General immunity for heavy industry: EN 61000-6-2:98
Radiated and conducted emissions of ITE equipment: EN 55022:98, Class A

Laser Light
Type: Laser Diode
Output Wavelength: 650nM nominal
Safety class: CDRH Class II
Operating Life: 40,000 hours @25°C

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Scanning Parameters
Scanning mirror type: Rotating, 14- faceted
Scan Rate: 400 to 1000
Scan width angle: Typically 60°; Pitch: ±50° max.; Skew: ±40° max.
Raster sweep angle: ±15°
Raster sweep speed: 1 to 30 sweeps per second

Communication
A–Appendices

RS-232, RS-422/485, Daisy Chain RS-232, RS-422/485, SDS,* DeviceNet,* Profibus,*
Ethernet,* daisy chain/auxiliary port capable, IrDa port**
*Used in conjunction with an accessory protocol card.
**The IrDa port allows communication by Palm and laptop computers.

Protocol Options with Wiring Box
DeviceNet, Profibus DP, Modicon Ethernet, DH485

Symbologies
Standard offering: Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC/EAN,
PDF417, Pharmacode
Application Standards: AIAG, UCC/EAN-128

FIS Options
FIS #
Option
-0001 MS-880 Standalone
-0002 MS-880 for Wiring Box

Mounting Specifications

4X M4
.50 MAX
4X M4
.50 MAX

Figure A-2 MS-880 Mounting Dimensions
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

General Specifications

Narrow-bar-width
.0075" (.190mm)
.010" (.254mm)
.015" (.381mm)
.020" (.508mm)
.030" (.762mm)
.040" (1.020mm)
.050" (1.27mm)

Scanning Distance
10" to 35" (.254 to .889m)
10" to 44" (.254 to 1.118m)
10" to 74" (.254 to 1.880m)
10" to 90" (.254 to 2.286m)
10" to 100" (.254 to 2.540m)
10" to 110" (.254 to 2.794m)
10" to 120" (.254 to 3.048m)

Centerline of
scan window

Scan Range Starts Here

Beeper
Beeps on output (good read, noread, match, or mismatch) and serial command confirmation,
on/off).

LED Indicators
Table A-1 MS-880 Status Lights (on the side of the MS-880)
LED

POWER
GOOD READ/100%
(not in read rate test)
STATUS/80%
(not in read rate test)
20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%
NETWORK STATUS
MODULE STATUS

Green-On Scanner has power
Green-Off No power
On
Scanner is ready to read
Off
Scanner is not ready to read
On
Scanner is in a read cyclea
Off
Scanner is not in a read cycle
On
Represents the percentage of good readsb
This LED is only used with embedded protocols, and its function
depends on the protocol used.c
Same as NETWORK STATUS above.

a. In Continuous and Continuous1, the status light is always on.
b. If these LEDs are flashing in a pattern and the scanner is not in a read rate test, there is an error pattern. Contact Microscan support if this occurs.
c. Refer to Appendix A of the MS-880 Network Protocol User’s Manual for a breakdown of the LED modes.

Power LEDs (inside the wiring box)
OFF = No power is present
RED = power is present, but reversed
GREEN = power is present and correct

Safety Certifications
FCC, CDRH, CE, UL/cUL, TüV, BSMI
Product specifications are given for typical performance at 25°C (77°F) using grade A symbols.
Some performance characteristics may vary at high temperatures or other environmental extremes.
© 2006 Microscan Systems, Inc. Specifications subject to change.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix B — Electrical Specifications
Maximum Operating Power: 24 Watts
Cabling: Power Input: 10 to 28VDC, 200mV p-p max. ripple, 230 mA @ 24VDC (typical)
Trigger, New Master, Input 1, : 4.5 to 28 VDC (optoisolated)

Note: See “Hardware Required” on page 1-2 for power and host connections.

Connectors on the back
of the MS-880:
1 Power connector
2 Host 25-pin connector
3 Trigger connector

Figure A-3 Electrical Connectors

Caution:
1. Be sure all cables are connected BEFORE applying power.
2. Always power down BEFORE disconnecting any cables.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Electrical Specifications
Table A-2 Power Connector
1
2
3

Power grounda
Chassis ground
Power + 10 to 28 VDC

a. Power ground: Used for
power return only.

Caution: If using your own power supply, verify correct connection of power and
ground lines. Incorrect connections or use of “Chassis ground,” “Power ground,” and
“Signal ground” lines could cause equipment and/or software failure.
Table A-3 Trigger Connector
1
2
3
4

Power +10 to 28 VDC
NPN
Power grounda
N/C

a. Power ground: Used for
power return only.

Table A-4 Host 9-pin
Configuration Connector
2
3
5
9

RxD232
TxD232
Signal grounda
Boot Mode

a. Signal ground: Used for communication and signal line
grounds only. Not to be
used as power or chassis
return.

Note: In the MS-880, RS422 and RS232 are both enabled by default.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Table A-5 Host 25-pin Connector1
Pin

Host & Aux
Host
RS232
RS422/485
Chassis grounda
Host TxD
Host RxD

Output 1 (+)
Signal groundb
Output 2 (+)
Trigger (–)
Trigger (+)
N/C
Input 1 (+)

Out
Out
In
In
In

Noread/Output 3 (+)

16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25

Power groundc
Power +10 to 28 VDC

6
7
8
9
10
11
12

TxD (+)
Output 1 (–)
Output 2 (–)
Noread/Output 3 (–)
Input 1 (–)
New Master (–)
New Master (+)

In
In
Out
Out
Out
Out
In
In
In

a. Chassis ground: Used to connect chassis body to
earth ground only. Not to be used as power
or signal return.
b. Signal ground: Used for communication and signal line grounds only. Not to be used as
power or chassis return.
c. Power ground: Used for power return only.

Caution: If using your own power supply, verify correct connection of power and
ground lines. Incorrect connections or use of “Chassis ground,” “Power ground,” and
“Signal ground” lines could cause equipment and/or software failure.Note: In the MS880, RS422 and RS232 are both enabled by default.
1. The host can also be accessed by the 9-pin configuration port connector on the side, by the IrDA port
connector, or by connections inside the wiring box, if wiring box is used.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Electrical Specifications

Optoisolator Outputs

Optoisolator circuits can transfer pulses between the scanner and peripherals with no
direct connection with the scanner’s internal circuitry. However, not every optoisolator
configuration provides complete isolation. The following diagrams show both fully
optoisolated and non-optoisolated circuits. They are only examples and do not represent all the possible wiring configurations.

Iload =5mA Iload =50mA

ILoad
Outputs (–)

a. Voltage drop across output when activated.

Output Circuit Examples
Fully Optoisolated

Isolated Scanner

This circuit is fully optoisolated and is
the recommended configuration. It
allows the user to apply 1 to 28 VDC to
the circuit.
Caution: The maximum current that
can pass through the optoisolator is
100 mA.

1 to 28 V
Scanner

Input
Outputs (–)

Not Optoisolated, Scanner Grounded
In this diagram, power is applied
externally, but the scanner’s power
ground is used to complete the circuit.
This setup involves some risk to the
optoisolator if excessive voltages are
applied.
Caution: The maximum current that
can pass through the optoisolator is
100 mA.

Non-isolated Scanner

Power (+)
1 to 28 V
Scanner

Input
Outputs (–)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Additional Isolated Output Circuit Examples
Secondary Relay
1 to 28 V

Isolated Scanner

Isolated Scanner

Power ground
Outputs (–)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Electrical Specifications

Optoisolator Inputs

All discrete inputs can be fully isolated pulses as PNP or NPN circuits.
Inputs include trigger, new master, and input 1.
Minimum

VIN-HIGH/IIN-HIGH

VIN-LOW/IIN-LOW

Note: Trigger pulses can be sent to the scanner either through the host 25-pin connector or a separate 4-pin trigger connector.

25-Pin Connector Input Examples
Fully Optoisolated
PNP Source
+V

Isolated Scanner
V
CC

Isolated Scanner
V
CC

Signal
Input (+)

Not Optoisolated
PNP Source

Non-isolated Scanner
V
CC

Power (+)
Input (+)

Non-isolated Scanner
Power (+)

Input (+)
Input (–)

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
4-Pin Connector Trigger Input Samples
NPN Trigger Source

Trigger (NPN)
Signal

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

IrDA Configuration Port

Appendix C — IrDA Configuration Port
Provided the 9-pin configuration port is not being
used, the IrDA infrared port is always active and can
be used to communicate with an infrared-equipped
IrDA Port
remote terminal such as a laptop or a palmtop computer. It uses the standard IrCOMM 9-wire modem
emulation.
The Configuration Port communications parameters
are fixed: parity = none, stop bits = 1, and data
bits = 8, with the RTS/CTS channel not used. The
IrDA port initially connects at a baud rate of 9600
b, then automatically increases the rate to 115K b,
or to a smaller value as determined by your remote
IrDA terminal.
Figure A-4 Trigger Connector
In order to communicate with the scanner's IrDA
port, the remote infrared-equipped computer must
contain a terminal-emulation software application and the application's serial port setting must redirect serial data to the computer's IrDA port.
Note: If the IrDA port is being used to access the embedded menus and the infrared
beam is interrupted for longer than the IR timeout time, then the system will exit
from the embedded menus and a reset-without-save event will occur.
Note: When the scanner's configuration port is connected to an RS-232 serial device,
the IrDA channel will be disabled.

Serial Menu:
Determines the flow of data between the infrared configuration port and a separate
IrDA-equipped computer terminal.
Serial Cmd:

IrDA Status
Definition:

Enables or disables the IrDA port.

Can be used to disable all IrDA port functions when access by palmtops
is not desired, or when the scanner's periodic infrared query pulses
interfere with nearby optical sensors.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

IR Timeout
If the infrared beam is interrupted for a period longer than the IR timeout, then the scanner's IrDA port will purge any pending data, reset
its baud rate to 9600 baud, and begin transmitting a periodic query
signal.

If more than one IrDA-equipped computer terminal is to be used in
rapid sequence with the same scanner, the scanner will not communicate with a second terminal until the infrared beam is blocked and the
default 40-second timeout has expired. To quickly communicate with
a second terminal, set the timeout to a smaller value.

3 seconds
12 seconds
20 seconds
40 seconds

Embedded Menu Mode
Definition:

Enables or disables VT100 cursor control sequences for a particular
scanner communication port. To change the status of a particular
port, issue the command through that port.
Note: The IrDA port communicates in VT100, the host, aux, and configuration ports use TTY.

When a VT100-style computer terminal is connected to the host, aux,
configuration, or IrDA port, set the port mode from TTY to VT100 in
order to use the terminal's cursor control keys within the embedded
menus.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

IrDA/Ir Comm for Palm Pilot

Appendix D — IrDA/Ir Comm for Palm Pilot

Needed:
•
•
•
•

Palm Pilot with IR port
PC with internet connection and hotsynch cradle
IrComm drivers
VT100 Terminal Emulator application (shareware)

Obtaining the drivers:
The IrDA drivers are found in the “irenhanc.zip” file available from Palm at:
http://www.palm.com/support/downloads/irenhanc.html

Installing the drivers:
(Read the “readme.txt” file in the zip file for complete instructions.)
1. Extract the file using a standard unzip utility. Save the 4 files in the your Palm (or
Pilot) directory. (usually found at C:\Palm or C:\Pilot)
2. Put the Palm Pilot in its cradle.
3. Launch Palm Desktop 3.0 on your PC.
4. Select the Install Tool icon.
5. Select the correct user name from the User list. Select the Add button.
6. Locate AMX.prc, IrLib.prc, SerialIrPanel.prc and SerIrCommLib.prc in the Palm (or
Pilot) directory. Select the Add button for each of these files.
7. Select Done.
8. Perform a Hotsynch to load drivers in the Palm unit.
9. Select OK.
10. Use a paperclip to perform a soft reset on your Palm III. For more details, see
“Soft Reset” in index of the Basic Handbook manual included with your Palm III.
11. Go to the Prefs app, and select Serial/IR from the drop down list in the upper
right hand corner. Tap the Infrared box to select infrared communications. You
must restore the setting to Cradle in order to use the Hot sync cradle.
Note: An option for transferring IrDA drivers by “beaming” from one IrDA-equipped
Palm to another has been accompanied with problems. It is recommended that drivers
be installed via Palm Desktop and the cradle.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

IrDA to Scanner Communications:
To communicate with the MS-880 scanner via the IrDA port:
1. First disconnect any terminals from the scanner's 9-pin configuration port.
2. Position your PDA directly in front of the scanner's IrDA window, and within three
feet of it (one meter max. distance).
3. Aim the palmtop's IR window at the scanner.
4. Start your PAD’s VT100 terminal application, hit the “online” or “connect” button.
5. Wait five seconds for the scanner to print out its starting message.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

6. Communicate as you would when using a serial terminal.
For example, send the command , and the scanner will respond, giving the
external temperature in degrees C.
Important: Moving or pointing your Palm Pilot away from the scanner will break
communications and you may need to re-establish your connection.

Serial Configuration Commands

Appendix E — Serial Configuration Commands
The following table is a list of all the available serial configuration commands (also
called K commands). These commands are also listed at the beginning of each applicable chapter. For utility (operational) commands see Table 11-1, “Summary of
Utility Serial Commands,” on page 11-3.

Table A-6 Serial Configuration Commands
Command Title

Host Port Parameters
Host Protocol

Aux Port Parameters

Daisy Chain Auto Configure
Daisy Chain Scanner ID
IrDA Port and Text and Menu
Preamble
Postamble
LRC
Intercharacter Delay
Response Timeout
Network Client

Serial Gateway Configuration
DeviceNet
Profibus
DataHighway Plus
Multisymbol
Aux/Config. Port Data
Trigger Mode
External Trigger State
Start Serial Trigger Character
End Serial Trigger Character
End of Read Cycle
Serial Trigger Character
Good Decode Reads
Gain/Tracking
Focus
Scan Speed
AGC Settings
Maximum Element

Kh
Ki
Km
KD
K.
KH
KI

Format
Communications

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Command Title

Code 128/EAN-128

Interleaved 2 of 5

Pharmacode
PDF417

Narrow Margins/Symbology ID
Background Color

Symbol Data/When to Output
Noread Message
Beeper

Serial Verification

Sequential Step
New Master Pin
Master Symbol Database Size

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Configuration Commands
Command Title

Optoelectric Control

Optoelectric
Calibration Database
Enter/Delete Master Symbol
Data
Request Master Symbol Data

Power-on/Resets Counts
Hours Since Last Reset

Warning Message Status

Laser High
Laser Low
Present Operating
Temperature
High Temperature
Low Temperature
Lifetime Hours
Scan Speed

K;
K:
K%?
K+
KK$
KE

Enter Calibration Database
Save Calibration Database
Load Calibration Database
Request Calibration Database
Optoelectric Control
Advanced Calibration
Raster

Output Format Status
Extraction Mode
Insertion Mode
Assignment Command

Ordered Output
Number of Filters
Output During Diagnostic
Warning Messages

[for all] or
Diagnostics
returns power-ons,resets>
returns: hours,minutes (read only)

returns: deg (read only)

or for entire database.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

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

Rules that apply to both utility and configuration commands

Serial Utility Commands
These are sent during operations and are not followed by a or . See Table
11-1, “Summary of Utility Serial Commands,” on page 11-3.

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
scanner’s memory and saves for power-on; an initializes the scanner’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
.
Note: Previous serial commands had alphabetic parameters following the K and did
not insert a comma before the 1st field, as in . The new “numeric” commands
include a comma after the numeric parameter, as in .

Serial Configuration Command Conventions:
•
•
•
•

All data fields (except the last) must be followed by a comma (without a space).
The following characters cannot be used: , < > NUL.
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, send .

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

• A less than < and greater than > characters enclose the commands.
• Commands and data are “case sensitive.” That is, characters must be entered as
upper or lower case, as specified.

Serial Command Format

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
Scanner 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. Commands , , , , and
are used to request the status of groups of serial commands. Note that
there is no comma between the numeric and the question mark.

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

Entering Special Characters in Embedded Menus
Control Characters
Control characters entered on the command line are displayed in the menu as mnemonic characters, such as: .
Press SP (the space bar) once, then enter the control character by holding down the
control key and simultaneously pressing the desired character. For example to define
a line feed, press SP, then Control and J simultaneously. It is displayed as ^J on the
command line and as in the menu when the screen is refreshed.

To Define a Carriage Return as a Character
Press SP, then CR. It is displayed as ^M on the command line and as in the
menu when the screen is refreshed.

To Define a Space as a Character
Press SP twice. It is displayed as a blank space in the menu when the screen is
refreshed. While it appears that nothing has been assigned, the hex value 20 will be
sent during data transmission.

To Select NUL as the Character
Press SP, then a 0 (zero). It is displayed as in the menu when the screen is
refreshed.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix G — ASCII Table
Table A-7 ASCII Table with Control Characters
Hex
00
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
0A
0B
0C
0D
0E
0F
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

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

ASCII Table
Table A-8 Communication Protocol Commands
Protocol Command
Control Characters
Hex
(Mnemonic displayed (Entered in menu or
Code
on Microscan menu)
serial command)

Effect of Command

Negative Acknowledge

Begin Transmission

Stop Transmission

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix H — Embedded Menus

3. Make the communications port selection. (Usually COM 1 or COM 2 for desktops
and COM 1 for laptops.)
4. Upon connection, send a command to bring up the main menu.

Note: The 9-pin configuration port settings are not changeable.
Important: To receive bar code data through the 9-pin configuration port, you
must enable the port with the following command: .
5. Press the return key (CR) to see the communications menu:
Menu navigation commands are case sensitive. Use the space bar or N to advance to the
next item, CR (return key) to select a highlighted item, B to return to the previous item,
M to return to the previous menu, and ESC to return to the Main menu or to exit the program. When exiting the program, you will be prompted to save your active settings for
power up (Y or N). Typing Y will be equivalent to saving with a command.
1. If you are using Microsoft’s HyperTerminal program, you may find that the initial screen is
unviewable when you call up the program with the command. If this occurs, simply exit
the embedded menu with a ESC, E, and N sequence and repeat the command.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

In addition to ESP, you can also use a communications menu such as Microsoft’s
HyperTerminal. to establish communication with Microscan’s embedded menus.1
1. With your host connected to the 9-pin configuration port, set your host communications settings as follows: 57.6K baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bits, and None Parity.
With your host connected to the 25-pin configuration port, set your host communications settings as follows: 9600, 7, 1, and Even.
2. Set Flow Control to None.

Defaulting/Saving/Initializing

Appendix I — Defaulting/Saving/Initializing

Active Memory is where the scanner’s settings are stored during current use and are
initialized by an command.
Microscan Defaults are where the scanner’s default application/boot programs are
stored. They can only be changed by changing the application/boot codes.1
User-Saved Settings are where user-defined settings are saved for power-on.

Defaulting
Defaulting occurs when default settings (either Microscan or user-saved) are restored.
Defaulting might be necessary if you have to make temporary changes, communications between the scanner and another device are lost or interrupted, or you are using
incompatible equipment (for example, a terminal that is set at 9600 baud communicating with a scanner that is set at 38.4K baud).

Restore User-saved Settings to Active Memory
• Restores user-defined settings to active memory.
• Initializes serial configuration commands in
active memory and resets counters to zero.

By Serial Command
Send command to the scanner.
By ESP (There is no equivalent ESP command.)

User-Saved
Settings

Microscan
Defaults

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active
Memory
• Restores Microscan defaults to active memory.
• Initializes serial configuration commands in
active memory and resets counters to zero.
• Does not save settings for power-on.

By Serial Command
Send command to the scanner.
By ESP

User-Saved
Settings

Right-click in the configuration window and select
Default all ESP Settings.

1. See your Microscan sales representative to access the latest application codes.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Microscan
Defaults

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active Memory and for Power-on
Caution: Defaulting the scanner to Microscan
default settings will overwrite user-saved settings.
• Restores Microscan defaults to memory.
• Restores Microscan defaults to user-saved settings for power-on.
• Initializes serial configuration commands in
active memory and resets counters to zero.

Initialize
Active
Memory

User-Saved
Settings

Microscan
Defaults

Send command to the scanner.
By ESP
1. Right-click in the configuration window and select Default all ESP Settings.
2. Right-click and select Save to Reader and Send and Save.
By Hardware Default
There is no hardware default for the MS-880. Default commands can be entered from
any of the host connectors. Since the default communications settings on the 9-pin
connector are fixed, you can always send a default the scanner through this port with
a software command.

Saving
Power-on settings are those that are saved by a command and are loaded into
active memory whenever power to the scanner is recycled.

Save Active Settings, except Factory, for Power-on
• Initializes serial configuration commands into
active memory and resets counters to zero.
• Saves all current settings except factory settings
to user-saved settings for power-on.

By Software Command
Send command to the scanner.
By ESP

User-Saved
Settings

Microscan
Defaults

Right-click in the configuration window and select
Save to Reader, then Send and Save.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

By Serial Command

Defaulting/Saving/Initializing

Initializing occurs whenever any command or set of commands is implemented.
Initializing is a part of all save and default functions. It is also used as a follow-on to
implement serial configuration commands.
• Initializes serial configuration commands into

Initialize
active memory and resets counters to zero.
• Does not save settings for power-on.
Active
Memory

By Serial Command
Send after a serial configuration command or
a string of serial configuration commands, for
example, .

User-Saved
Settings

Microscan
Defaults

By ESP
Right-click in the configuration window and select Save to Reader, Send No Save.
This will initialize all serial configuration changes that have been made in the current
ESP session.
Note: Allow a 1.5 second delay after sending the command before resuming
communications.

Loss of Communications
Making changes to communications with the host such as Baud Rate, Parity, Stop
Bits, LRC, etc. without corresponding changes in linked device(s) can result in the
loss of menu access through the 25-pin port and wiring box connections. If this should
occur, connect the scanner to the 9-pin port and set your host communications settings as follows: 57.6K baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bits, and None Parity. These settings for this port are fixed and cannot be changed.you should restore the scanner’s
defaults.If you wish to return to the 25-pin host port, you’ll first need to change the
scanner’s communications settings by sending: .

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix J — Position Scanner and Symbol

Skew
axis
Direction
of travel
Tilt
axis
Pitch
axis

Figure A-5 Scanner/Symbol Position

1. Maximum tilt is determined by symbol characteristics and number of decodes required.
2. The specular reflection zone is a narrow zone straight out from the scanner in which direct
reflected light from a symbol can distort the scanner’s ability to distinguish bars from spaces.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

In positioning the scanner in relation to the symbol being scanner, consider the following:
• Position the scanner in a place devoid of sunlight, bright lights, or laser light from
other sources.
• Avoid excessive tilt, skew, or pitch. Maximum tilt is determined by symbol characteristics and the number of decodes required. Maximum skew is ±40°; maximum
pitch is ±50°.1
• Pitch or skew symbol or scanner a minimum of ±5° to avoid specular reflection, the
return of direct, non-diffused light.2 For the MS-880, specular reflection is avoided
by pitching symbols at least 5° plus or minus from a line perpendicular to the
default position of the Bottom Offset and Top Offset.

Position Object Detector

Appendix K — Position Object Detector
In a typical operation, a scanner will wait for bar code 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 scanner 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 scanned.
An object detector is mounted in almost any position relative to the object as long as
(1) the object passes within range of the detector and (2) direct or reflected light from
the detector does not interfere with the scanner’s reception.
As the item continues to move down the line, its symbol moves into the scanner beam
and is read by the scanner.
The drawing below shows a symbol in the picket fence direction with the object detector positioned so as not to cause interference.

Bar coded Object

Bar coded Object

Object
Detector

Figure A-6 Object Detector

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix L — Test Decode Rate
By Bar Code Symbol Configuration
You can enter the read rate test by scanning the following symbols:
To enable symbol configuration, scan this symbol:

(This will also activate the read performance LED’s on the scanner.)
To enable all symbologies, scan the following:

To start your read rate test, scan this symbol:

You should now be able to read any enabled symbol.
To end the read rate test and the symbol configuration program, scan this symbol:

This will terminate symbol configuration mode. Changes made in configuration will
remain in effect, as would changes made in the menus or by serial commands.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Test Decode Rate

By Serial Command
1. Position a stationary symbol in front of a functioning scanner at the scan distance
used in your application.
2. Set for single scan line scanning (Top Offset setting equal to Bottom Offset).
3. Enter a command to see the decodes per second.

The decode rate is the number of decoded scans per total number of scan. It will
appear at the beginning of the data strings.
Note: You can also enter a command to see the percentage of decodes per
scans.
4. Make a note of the decode rate. You will need this when calculating the number of
decodes (see “Formulas for Number of Decodes” on page A-31).
5. End the test by sending the command.

By ESP
See “Read Rate” on page 11-5.

Testing with a Moving Symbol
Before testing with a moving symbol, it is highly recommended that you calculate the
expected number of decodes by using the formulas in “Formulas for Number of
Decodes” on page A-31.
Once you’ve mounted the scanner, established a good read rate with a stationary
symbol, and calculated the number of decodes for your symbol speed, you can begin
decoding with moving symbols.

Number of Decodes
To ensure reliable scanning, you need to apply a minimum of five decodes to each
symbol. This means that all variables, symbol speed, read range, etc. are significant.
Note: Variations between symbols are common. For this reason, the greater number
of sample symbols tested, the more likely you are to achieve optimum decode rates.
In general, the number of decodes of a given symbol can be increased by:
• Increasing symbol height
• Decreasing symbol length
• Increasing scan rate (spinning mirror speed)
• Slowing symbol speed
• Decreasing raster sweep rate
• Decreasing raster height

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix M — Formulas for Number of Decodes

Single Line Ladder Calculation
Ladder scanning is seldom done with raster scanning unless
the raster is set for single scan line scanning (Top Offset
setting equal to Bottom Offset) or symbols are presented
as stop-and-go.
For single scan line ladder scanning, use the following formula:1

Direction of label travel

SH
ND =  -------- ⋅ DR – 3
 SS

Figure A-7 Ladder

ND (Number of Decodes) is the number of decodes that a
given symbol can be expected to achieve in a given application.
SH (Symbol Height) is a measurement of the height of individual bars.
SS (Symbol Speed) is the distance per second that a symbol moves through the scan.
DR (Decode Rate) is the number of scans per second that a given symbol receives (as
derived from a stationary scan test in “Test Decode Rate” on page A-29).
Example:
SH = 0.5, SS = 10/second, and DR = 200 decodes per second2

0.5
ND =  ------- ⋅ 200 – 3 = 10 complete decodes
 10


1. The -3 component in the formula is included to allow for AGC acquisition, an incomplete first
scan, and an incomplete last scan. This applies only if the number inside the parentheses equals
4 or more. If the number equals 3, then only subtract 2 to derive 1 good scan.
2. These formulas apply to both inches and millimeters.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

To ensure reliable scanning, the scanner should apply a minimum of five scans to each
symbol. Use the formulas below to predict the number of decodes that your symbol
will receive.
If the number of decodes you derive from one of these calculations is less than the
minimum, plug in the minimum number of decodes (5) and solve for another parameter that might be changed such as symbol speed or scans per second.
Note: While the formulas given here solve for the predicted number of decodes, you
may also use the formulas to solve for other parameters that might be changed, such
as symbol speed, symbol length, etc.

Formulas for Number of Decodes

Raster Picket Fence Calculation
For raster picket fence scanning, the number of
decodes (ND) that can be applied to a given symbol
can be calculated once the sweep rate (SPS) is
known.

Direction of symbol travel

Sweep Rate (Sweeps per Second)
Sweep rate is the number of raster sweeps (up or
down) that occur per second and can be set in ESP.
Since the sweep rate cannot exceed 30, you first
need to ensure that your application can achieve this
by solving for sweep rate (SPS). The sweep rate
should generally be set as low as possible in order to
maximize the number of scans on a given symbol.

Figure A-8 Raster
Picket Fence

The formula for determining Sweep Rate (SPS) is as follows:1

2 ⋅ SS
SPS = --------------------------( SW – SL )
SPS = Sweeps per second, the number of passes, up or down, that are described by
the arc of the raster mirror.
SS = Symbol Speed, the inches per second that a symbol moves through the scan.
SW = Scan Width, the width across the scan beam, at a given distance from the scanner, in which a symbol can be read (picket fence formula only).
SL = Symbol Length, the length of the longest printed symbol to be read plus the
length of the quiet zones (picket fence formula only).

SW = 5
SS = 2 per second

2⋅ 2
SPS = ---------------- = 1
(5 – 1)

SL = 1
Important: The maximum sweep rate that your can set the scanner to is 30. If your
solution is greater than 30, you must change another parameter such as symbol
speed, etc. and recalculate.
Since SPS can only be entered into the software as whole numbers, round off fractions
of SPS to the next higher number, for example enter 0.4 as 1 and 3.5 as 4.
In setting up the scanner, raster height depends on the raster arc and the symbol distance (range) from the scanner. Both the top offset and bottom offsets can be
adjusted independently in 255 increments and the resulting arc can vary from 0° to
30°. (See Chapter 9, “Raster/Laser.”)
1. The number 2 in the SR formula ensures that each symbol receives two full raster sweeps.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Number of Decodes
Note: Because adjustable raster sweeps and scan speeds cannot be synchronized,
some variation in raster height should be anticipated.
Number of decodes (ND) for a raster picket
ND = Number of Decodes (total
fence symbol is calculated by the following forapplied to each symbol)
1
mula:
SH = Symbol height

SH ⋅ DR
ND =  ------------------------- – 3
 RH ⋅ SPS

DR = Decodes rate.
RH = Raster height
SPS = Sweeps per second

Example:
SH = 1, DR = 100, RH = 10, SPS = 1

1 ⋅ 900
ND =  ------------------ – 3 = 87 decodes
10 ⋅ 1
Raster Height
If raster arc (in degrees) and symbol range are known, raster height can be derived
by the following formula, where Ø is raster arc in degrees:1

¬
RH = ( 2 ⋅ Symbol Range ) tan  ----
 2
Raster Arc
If raster height and symbol range are known, then raster arc Ø can be derived by
using the following formula where RH is raster height:

RH
¬ = 2 ⋅ atan  ------------------------------------------------
 2 ⋅ Symbol Range
Note: Raster arc is not presented in degrees in ESP. To convert to degrees, add the
Top Offset to the Bottom Offset and subtract the sum from 255. Enter this as the
offset in the following formula:

Offset ⋅ 30
Degrees = ----------------------------255

1. Raster Height and Raster Arc formulas assume a centered symmetrical arc.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Formulas for Number of Decodes

Single Scan Line Picket Fence Calculation
For single scan line picket fence scanning (Top Offset setting equal to Bottom Offset), use the following formula:

( SW – SL )
ND =  -------------------------- ⋅ DR – 3


SS

Direction of label travel

ND = Number of Decodes (total per symbol)
SW = Symbol Width
SL = Symbol Length
SS = Symbol Speed
DR = Decodes rate.

Figure A-9 Picket Fence

SL = 2 inches (including quiet zones)
SS = 100 inches per second
SW = 4 inches
DR = 1000 decodes per second
4 – 2)
 (---------------⋅ 1000 – 3 = 17 complete decodes
 100


Angled Picket Fence Calculation
The number of complete scans for angled picket fence is
calculated the same as that for picket fence, with the
exception that the scan width is shortened in proportion
to scan tilt.

Direction of label travel

Improving the Number of Decodes

Figure A-10 Angled
Picket Fence

After changing any of the parameters described in this section, recalculate the number
of decodes.

Scan Rate
Scan rate is a function of motor speed and is adjustable. A slower scan rate may allow
greater symbol range and/or higher decode rates, but at the cost of fewer scans per
symbol and scan width.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Range
Adjusting the symbol’s range, if possible, is one of the quickest and most effective
ways to improve decode rates. However, in some applications you may need to select
a less than optimum range, or one that is beyond the fringes of the ranges.

Scan Width
Increasing scan width will increase the number of scans in a picket fence oriented
application. Scan width is linked with scan range and changing one will usually require
a change in the other.

Applies to both picket fence and ladder oriented symbols. If your application allows it,
slowing symbol speed (the time in seconds that a symbol is fully within the scan width
of the scanner) is an effective way to increase the number of decodes.

Raster Height
When using the raster features, you can increase the decode rate by decreasing the
height of the raster image.

Raster Sweep Rate
Slowing the number of sweeps per second to the minimum needed will result in more
scan lines passing over the symbol and a higher decode rate.

Laser Framing
Narrowing the laser frame may not increase the decode rate, but it will minimize the
opportunity of extraneous reads.

Symbol Dimensions, Symbol Density, and Symbol Ratio
Not usually an option in most applications, but changes to symbol parameters can
affect number of decodes calculations and possibly decode rates.
If your application allows it, shortening the length of a picket fence symbol means the
symbol will be in the scan range longer and hence receive a greater number of scans.
Increasing the height of a ladder symbol means it will receive more scans. Changing
symbol density and/or symbol ratio is another way ranges, decode rates, etc. can be
altered.

Gain and Tracking
These adjustments, typically made by qualified technicians, are referenced in the
Scanner Setup menu (see “Defaulting/Saving/Initializing” on page A-24).
Changes to tracking will generally have a limited affect on decode rates.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Operational Tips

Appendix N — Operational Tips

Do:
• Check inputs (symbol speed, length, height, etc.) to ensure the desired number of
decodes per symbol.
• For optimum decodes, mount scanner so that your symbols pass through the center
of the depth-of-field (minimum/maximum range). You find the center by moving
your symbol in and out during a read rate test.
• Avoid excessive tilt, pitch, and skew of the bar code symbol.
• Check the bar code symbol for readability by doing a decode rate test. If there is
any question about the symbol's readability, contact your Microscan representative
at helpdesk@microscan.com.
• After changing any parameter that might affect decode rate, repeat decode rate
test.
• Clean the scanner window with a clean, dry Q-tip or cotton cloth on a regular basis.

Do Not:
•
•
•
•
•

Aim the scanner into direct light or sunlight.
Aim the scanner into an external object detector or other light-emitting device.
Obstruct the scanner window with mounting hardware or other objects.
Connect chassis of scanner and host to different ground potentials.
Operate the scanner in excessive temperature environments.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix O — 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. With Microscan devices, selection of interface is made by pin assignment and,
in the case of the host communications, by software switching between RS-232 and
RS-422. Microscan devices use RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 multidrop.

RS-232 defines an interface between two devices, such as the scanner 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.

RS-485
RS-485, like RS-422, can transmit up to 4000 feet (1219 m) using differential voltages, but unlike RS-422, its transmitters are turned off until a request for data is
received from the host. RS-485 is used exclusively in multidrop protocol.

DeviceNet
DeviceNet is a versatile, general purpose FieldBus designed to satisfy 80% of the
most common machine- and cell-level wiring requirements. One of DeviceNet's major
benefits is its multiple messaging formats, which allow the bus to 'work smart' instead
of work hard.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Interface Standards

ProfiBus DP
PROFIBUS is a vendor-independent, open field bus standard for a wide range of applications in manufacturing and process automation. Vendor-independence and openness are ensured by the international standards EN 50170 and EN 50254. PROFIBUS
allows communication between devices of different manufacturers without any special
interface adjustment. PROFIBUS can be used for both high-speed time critical applications and complex communication tasks.

Ethernet
The Ethernet system consists of three basic elements:
1. the physical medium used to carry Ethernet signals between computers
2. a set of medium access control rules embedded in each Ethernet interface that
allow multiple computers to fairly arbitrate access to the shared Ethernet channel
3. an Ethernet frame that consists of a standardized set of bits used to carry data
over the system

DataHighway Plus
Data Highway Plus can be used in smaller applications (typically less than 20) or with
other industrial networks as part of a plant-wide Computer Integrated manufacturing
(CIM) facility. It can be used include for remote programming of PLC-2, PLC-3, or PLC5s. It is a token-passing protocol that provides efficient and reliable data transport
and can be used with a variety of networks, devices, and software packages.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix P — Multidrop Communications
Host
Concentrator

Polled Protocol
Multidrop ONLY
RS-485 Interface

This appendix describes the rules for setting
up a concentrator or controller to communicate with a scanner in standard Multidrop
protocol.
The diagram to the right shows a typical Multidrop network in which 1 to 50 scanners can
communicate with a host via an intermediary
device, a concentrator or a controller.

Scanner 01
Scanner 02

Configure Your Scanner for
Multidrop

1. With the scanner connected to the host, do Retrieve Scanner Settings as in
Step 7 —“Receive Scanner Settings” on page 1-10.
2. Select Multidrop in the Protocol configuration menu.
You will see the following message:
Important. You must change your preamble and postamble characters so that they
are not CR or NULL.

This allows data to move through the
concentrator without interference.
3. Click OK.
4. Next, go to Preamble Characters
(still in the Protocol menu) and double-click on Characters.
5. This will open up an ASCII character table. Select any character other than CR.
For example, select LF.
6. Repeat the above for Postamble.
7. Check the multidrop address. Enter a number from 01 to 50.
8. Right-click in the window and select Save to Scanner and Send and Save.
9. Your scanner is now in multidrop. From here on, you will need to use the concentrator to relay commands and data between the scanner or scanners and the host.
10. Next, go to “Connect to Scanner via the Concentrator” on page A-40.
MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Multidrop Communications

Connect to Scanner via the Concentrator

You will need a multidrop concentrator and the required power supplies and cabling to
communicate with your scanner(s).
1. From the Communications drop down menu,
select Configure Multidrop to bring up the Multidrop Settings dialog.
2. If necessary, change the default address to match
the address of your multidropped scanner and
click OK.
If the host serial port is not connected in ESP, you
will see the following popup message:
ESP is not currently connected to the multidrop concentrator. Do you wish to establish a connection now?

3. Click Yes.
You will see a Serial Communication Parameters dialog as shown.
Notice that the Force Connection option is checked. Do not change this.
4. Select the concentrator’s host port communications
settings.
When you click Connect, you will be connecting to
your concentrator, which can then relay commands to
the scanner whose address was set in the Multidrop
Settings dialog.
5. Click Connect.
6. You should see the CONNECTED message in green at
the bottom of the window along with the scanner’s
Multidrop address.

7. Click Retrieve Scanner Settings to upload scanner’s
configuration. If upload fails, return to the Serial
Communication Parameters dialog and make the corrections.
8. Follow the same procedure for connecting other scanners to your
multidrop network.
Note: For more information, see your scanner user’s manual or Microscan’s MS-5000
Multidrop Concentrator User’s Manual.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Polling Sequence

Start of Sequence

Concentrator
Scanner 02

End of Sequence

ACK
1E STX DATA ETX LRC

Figure A-11 Polling Sequence
Polling Reset

• If the scanner has no information, it responds to a poll request by transmitting a
RES (reset).
• If the scanner receives a NAK instead of the ACK after transmitting its data string, it
will re-attempt to send the data string up to three times. If the scanner still does
not receive an ACK, it will send a RES (reset) and discard the data in its buffers.
• If the scanner transmits data to the concentrator and the concentrator responds
with an ACK or NAK, but the scanner doesn’t receive the concentrator’s response,
the scanner will timeout and send a REQ to the concentrator and request another
response. If after three retries (the number of times it transmits a REQ to the concentrator) the scanner receives no response, it ends the transmission with a RES
(reset).

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Data that is transmitted to the host (symbol data, noread messages, counters, etc.)
via concentrators is solicited by poll requests from the host.
The polling sequence example is by poll address 1E (ASCII hex value for Scanner 02)
and a REQ (request). The scanner responds by first transmitting its own address, 1E,
followed by a STX (start of text) character, and then the data. Next it transmits an
ETX (end of text) character and an LRC (longitudinal redundancy check) character.
If the concentrator (or controller) receives the data from the scanner and is able to validate it with an LRC calculation, it responds with an ACK (acknowledgment). If the scanner in turn receives the ACK, the scanner ends this exchange with a RES (reset).

Multidrop Communications

Select Sequence
Unlike poll requests, select commands always originate from the host and consist of
serial configuration or operation commands to devices that are configured in Multidrop. The scanner complies with the command when it is polled during the cycle.

Start of Sequence

Concentrator RES 1F REQ
Scanner 02

End of Sequence

STX ETX LRC
1F ACK

Figure A-12 Polling Sequence
A RES (reset) is the first command in the select sequence. The 1F hex is the select
address associated with Scanner 02 address. It is followed by a REQ (request). The
scanner responds with its own select address, 1F hex, and an ACK (acknowledge).
The concentrator then transmits an STX (start of text), the data (in this case a ),
an ETX (end of text), and an LRC character.
The scanner replies by transmitting its own address, followed by an ACK, acknowledging receipt of the command. Upon receipt of an ACK, the concentrator concludes the
successful exchange with a RES.
In the example above, the scanner only acknowledges a trigger counter request from
the concentrator. It does not respond to the trigger counter request until a subsequent poll. For example, if the scanner’s trigger count was 12 at the time the trigger
counter request was received, on a subsequent poll it would send 02T/00012. (The 02
at the beginning of the string is the scanner’s address.)
Select Reset

If the scanner receives bad data from the concentrator, it transmits a SEL (its select
address) and a NAK to the concentrator. The concentrator re-transmits the data up to
three times. The concentrator will end the sequence with a RES (reset) if no ACK is
received.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Table A-9 Multidrop Addresses
Multidrop
Address

Select
Character
ASCII
HEX
^]
1D
^1F
!
21
#
23
%
25
'
27
)
29
+
2B
2D
/
2F
1
31
3
33
5
35
7
37
9
39
;
3B
=
3D
?
3F
A
41
C
43
E
45
G
47
I
49
K
4B
M
4D

Multidrop
Address
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Poll
Character
ASCII
HEX
N
4E
P
50
R
52
T
54
V
56
X
58
Z
5A
\
5C
^
5E
`
60
b
62
d
64
f
66
h
68
j
6A
l
6C
n
6E
p
70
r
72
t
74
v
76
x
78
z
7A
|
7C
~
7E

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Select
Character
ASCII
HEX
O
4F
Q
51
S
53
U
55
W
57
Y
59
[
5B
]
5D
_
5F
a
61
c
63
e
65
g
67
i
69
k
6B
m
6D
o
6F
q
71
s
73
u
75
w
77
y
79
{
7B
}
7D
D
7F

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

Poll
Character
ASCII
HEX
^\
1C
^^
1E
SP
20
“
22
$
24
&
26
(
28
*
2A
,
2C
.
2E
0
30
2
32
4
34
6
36
8
38
:
3A
<
3C
>
3E
@
40
B
42
D
44
F
46
H
48
J
4A
L
4C

Glossary of Terms

Appendix Q — Glossary of Terms
Active Closed. An optoisolated input that’s logically “on” when current flows through
the connection points.
Active Open. An optoisolated input that’s logically “on” when no current flows through
the connection points.
Analog Gain Adjustment (AGC). Adjustment to signal strength that seeks to maintain a constant level regardless of the range of the symbol.
Application Record. A variation of UCC/EAN-128 which adds an application identifier
to symbol data, including user-definable separators, brackets, and padding.
Autodiscriminate. The ability to decode several different symbologies without
changing configuration.
Auto Range. Outward focus of the scanner until an object is sensed by signal strength.
The scanner then begins searching for a decodable symbol.
Auxiliary Port. Provides RS-232 connections to an auxiliary terminal or device for
remote viewing, for the transfer of data to and from the host, and under certain conditions as a configuration port.
Bar Code. See symbol.
Bar Code Data. The information that is transmitted from a decoded bar code symbol.
Baud Rate. The number of discrete signal events per second. Bits per second.
Calibration. A routine that cycles through various optical settings and selects the combination that produce the best read rate.
Capture. The act of grabbing or recording a frame by a sensor. A frame or succession
of frames that are captured.
Check Digit. A Modulus 43 or Modulus 10 digit that is added to the symbol message
for additional data integrity.
Configuration. A setup or process of changing a scanner’s settings to conform to a
specific application. A physical arrangement of components.
Concentrator. Intermediary device that relays data from scanners to a host and
commands from the host to the scanner or other devices.
Connector. Physical device (plug or socket) on a device or cable to provide in/out
connectivity for various circuits and pins.
Counter. Memory space provided to keep track of scanner events.
Daisy Chain. Linkage of master and slave scanners to allow data to be relayed up to
the host via auxiliary port connections.
Decode. A good read. The successful scanning and decoding of the information
encoded in symbol.
Default. (verb) Restore Microscan or customer default settings, initialize serial commands and reset all counters.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Defaults. (noun) The settings that are restored whenever a default takes place
Delimited. A command or field that is bracketed by pre-defined characters.
Decode Rate. The number of reads decoded per second by a scanner or 2D reader.
Depth of Field. The distance between the minimum and maximum range in which
symbols have been read.
Discrete I/O. Inputs and outputs characterized by discrete signal transitions from one
voltage level to another so that digital switching can occur.
Dynamic Setup. Testing and configuration done with symbols in motion.
EPROM. 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 scanner stops expecting symbol information to decode.
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.
ESP. Easy Setup Program. A portable proprietary Windows/NT based program developed by Microscan Systems, Inc.
Falling Edge. A change of state (to inactive) associated with a level trigger in which
the scanner stops searching for symbols. (See Rising Edge.)
Fixed Code Length. Increases data integrity by ensuring that only one symbol
length will be accepted.
Flash Memory. Memory that can be changed by downloading new code and recalled
on power-on.
Focal Length. The distance measured from the scanner to the center of the depth of
field, or focal point.
Focus. The point at which the tip of the scan beam is at its narrowest.
Full Duplex. Auxiliary port data is sent directly to the host but not displayed on the
auxiliary port screen.
Gain. Optimal signal strength.
Good Match. The event occurring when a scanned symbol matches the master symbol information that is stored in the memory of the device.
Good Read. A decode. The successful scanning and decoding of the information
encoded in a symbol.
Half Duplex. Auxiliary port data is sent directly to the host and displayed on the auxiliary port screen.
Host. A computer, PLC, or other device that is used to execute commands and process data and discrete signals.
Host Port. The pins or connections on a scanner or other device that physically connect with a host and—using the RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 standards—pass data and
serial commands from one device to another.

Glossary of Terms
Initialize. Implement serial configuration commands into the scanner’s active memory.
Input. A channel or communications line. Decoded data or a discrete signal that is
received by a device. See Output.
Intercharacter Delay. The time interval in milliseconds between individual characters transmitted from the scanner to the host.
Intercharacter Gap. The extra space between the last element of one character and
the first element of the adjacent character of a specific bar code symbol.
IrDA. Infrared Data Association which promotes interoperable, infrared data interconnection standards.
Ladder Symbol Orientation. A bar code symbol in which the bars are parallel to the
symbol’s direction of travel.
Large Intercharacter Gap. Allows the scanner to read symbols with gaps between
symbol characters that exceed three times (3x) the narrow element width.
Laser Framing. Setting scan width size by adjusting the on/off duration of the laser
beam.
Laser On/Off. When enabled, the laser is ON only during the read cycle, provided
the scanner is enabled for a Serial or External trigger.
LED. Light emitting diode.
Level. The condition in which a read cycle initiated by a trigger signal from an object
detector remains active and ends when the object moves out of the detector’s range.
Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC). An error-checking routine that verifies the
accuracy of transmissions.
Master Symbol. A symbol or symbol data that is stored in a bar code scanner or 2D
reader’s memory and is compared with subsequently scanned symbols.
Master Scanner. First scanner in a daisy chain mode and linked directly to the host
and in tandem to slave scanners.
Matchcode. The ability to compare symbol data being scanned against a master
symbol that is stored in the memory of the scanner.
Embedded Menu. Configuration options embedded in the scanner’s erasable memory.
ESP Menu. Easy Setup Program—Multiple Platform. Configuration program that runs
in Windows-based operating systems 95 and above.
Mil. One thousandths of an inch or 0.0254 mm. In bar-coding, a measurement standard that identifies a symbol by the width of its narrowest element.
Mismatch. An event that occurs when the scanned symbol does not match the master symbol that is stored in the memory of the scanner.
Multisymbol. A scanner mode which allows a scanner to read more than one symbol
in a single read cycle.
Multidrop. A communications protocol for networking two or more scanners or other
devices with a concentrator (or controller) and characterized by the use of individual
device addresses and the RS-485 standard.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Narrow-bar-width. The width of the narrowest bar of a specific bar code symbol,
expressed in thousands of an inch (or mils) as defined by standard code types.
Narrow Margins. Allows the scanner to read symbols with quiet zones less than 8
times the width of the narrow bar element.
Non-delimited. A command that is not bracketed by pre-defined characters.
Noread. A non-read. A condition that occurs when the scanner is set up to decode
symbols but no symbol is scanned during the read cycle.
Normally Closed. A discrete output state that is only active when open.
Normally Open. A discrete output state that is only active when closed.
NOVRAM. Non-volatile random access memory. Data that is saved for “power-on” is
saved to NOVRAM.
Null. Also spelled Nul. A non-printed ASCII character that acts as a space-holder.
Number of Decodes. The number of times a symbol is scanned by the scanner during one pass through the laser beam.
Object Detector. A photo electric device used to sense the presence or absence of an
object (also referred to as a package detector).
Output. A channel or communications line. Data or discrete signals that are transmitted or displayed by a device.
Output Format. The modification of data output according to a user-defined index of
Extraction and Insertion commands.
Parity. An error detection routine in which one data bit in each character is set to 1 or
0 (zero) so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd.
Picket Fence Symbol Orientation. A bar code symbol in which the bars are perpendicular to the symbol’s direction of travel.
Pitch. Symbol (or scanner) rotation around the center of a line parallel to the scan beam.
Point-to-Point. A protocol consisting of a single communications event, typically
used to connect a bar code scanner to a terminal or host computer.
Port. Logical circuit for data entry and exit. (One or more ports may be included
within a single connector.)
Protocol. The rules for communication between devices, providing a means to control
the orderly flow of information between linked devices.
Quiet Zones. Specified “clear” (non printed) areas immediately before and after the
bar code symbol. The area is usually white (for black and white symbol) and at least
10 times the width of the narrowest bar, as measured in thousands of an inch. The
zones can be other than white as long as their densities remain consistent and they
have the required contrast relative to the bars.
RAM. (Random Access Memory) Memory that is lost after power is recycled to the unit.
Raster. Multiple, stacked scans produced by a separate oscillating mirror or by a
spinning mirror with varying facet angles.
Read Cycle. A programmed period of time or condition during which the scanner will
accept symbol input.

Glossary of Terms
Reader. (1) A scanner, a bar code device that can read and decode symbols.
(2) Currently, a device that reads and decodes 2D matrix codes.
Read Range. The distances in which a symbol can be reliably read, as measured
from the front of the scanner. See “Depth of Field.”
Reed-Solomon Error Correction Code. A linear, error correcting block code, suited
to the correction of character errors which could be, in bar or matrix codes, the obliteration or removal of part of the symbol.
Read Range. The distances in which a symbol can be reliably read, as measured
from the front of the scanner. See “Depth of Field.”
Relay. An electrical switch that allows a low power to control a higher one.
Reset. Sets all counters to zero.
Rising Edge. A change of state (to active) that initiates (and in some cases ends) a
read cycle with a new trigger, an edge trigger, or the leading edge of a level trigger.
(See Falling Edge.)
ROM. (Read Only Memory) Memory that cannot be changed.
Scanner. A scanning device that is comprised of a scan head and a decoder integrated in one package.
Scan Rate (SR) The number of decodes per second that a given scanner is capable of
casting.
Scan Width (SW) is the width across the scan beam at a given distance from the
scanner in which a symbol can be read.
Send. Transmit data from one device to another.
Separator. A character that separates data fields.
Serial Commands. Online data strings such as or
sent from a host or auxiliary terminal to a scanner or other device.
Serial Configuration (Host Configuration). Serial commands that change configuration; distinguished from operational command by the fact that they can modify nonvolatile memory for power-on configuration.
Skew. Symbol (or scanner) rotation around the center of the skew axis which is perpendicular to the path of the scan beam.
Slave Scanner. A scanner linked to the master or preceding scanner in a daisy chain
which relays symbol data to the host. See “Daisy Chain.”
Specular Reflection. The direct, mirror-like reflection of light back to the source
causing saturation and bad reads.
Supplemental. A character or data string that is appended to the main bar code
symbol.
Sweep. One pass of the raster, up or down.
Sweep Rate (SwR) is the number of passes per second, up or down, describing the
raster image.
Symbol. A one or two dimensional decodable pattern that can be recognized and
decoded by a bar code scanner or 2D reader.

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Symbology. A code 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.
Symbol Density. Symbol size as measured by the narrow bar width.
Symbol Height. Regardless of orientation, the measurement taken along the length
of a symbol’s individual bars.
Symbol Length. (SL) Regardless of orientation, the measurement taken across the
symbol's bars from one end to the other, including the quiet zone.
Symbol Speed. (SS) the distance per second that a symbol moves in a dynamic
application.
Symbol Transitions. The transition of bars and spaces on a symbol, used to detect
the presence of a symbol on an object.
Tilt. Symbol (or scanner) rotation around the centerline of the scan beam.
Timeout. The termination of a read cycle or other routine by time.
Timeout Duration. The actual time that elapses during a read cycle or other timed
routine.
Tracking. Adjustment of the precision of analog-to-digital conversion.
Transmit. Send or convey signals or information from one device to another.
Transparent. Data that passed between the auxiliary port and the host with keyed
data echoed to the auxiliary port
Trigger. A signal, transition, or character string that initiates a read cycle.
Watchdog Timer. A security device that detects system crashes and attempts to
reset the scanner.
Watchdog Reset. A reset that is forced whenever the software locks up.
Wild Card. User-defined character entered into a master symbol to permit matches
with variable characters.

Glossary of Terms

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Index
Numerics
25-pin host connector
Host connector 1-3
9-Pin 2-21
9-pin Host Configuration Connector 1-3

B
Bar Widths, Pharma Code 4-23

C
Calibration 1-12
by embedded menu 8-17, 8-20
by ESP 8-4
by serial command 8-17
Calibration Database
by ESP 8-7
Calibration Results 8-5
Calibration Settings 8-6
Calibration Steps 8-3
Calibration with Multisymbol 8-11
Caution Summary i-xiv
CDRH i-xii
CE Compliance i-xii
Check Digit
Code 39 4-4
I 2 of 5 4-11
Check Digit Output Status
Codabar 4-16
Checksum 11-18
Codabar 4-14
Code 39 4-4
Code 93 4-21
Communication Protocol Commands A-22
Communications 2-1
by ESP Menu 2-2
by Serial Command 2-3
host 25-pin 2-4
host 9-pin 2-4
host by wiring box 2-4
host IrDA port 2-4

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Active Data Base Settings 8-11
Active State 5-11
Active State, Outputs 5-13
Advanced Calibration Features 8-14
AGC Sampling Status 3-20
AGC Status 8-19
App Mode button 1-13
Application Record
EAN-128 4-9
Application Record Brackets, EAN-128 4-10
Application Record Padding, EAN-128 4-10
Application Record Separator
EAN-128 4-9
Applications Mode 1-13
Approvals i-xii
As Soon As Possible, output 5-4
ASCII Table, including control characters
A-21
Auto Range 8-14
Autoconfigure 2-19
Autodiscriminate 11-19
Autodiscriminate, Symbology Types 4-29
Automatic Gain Control 3-20
Automatic/Static Mode 8-10
Aux Port Connections 2-11
Aux Port Mode 2-12
Auxiliary Port 2-11
Auxiliary System Data 2-21

Baud Rate
aux port 2-11
host port 2-5
Beeper A-4
Bottom Offset 9-4
BSMI i-xii
Byte Swap Status 2-30

Index
Communications Options 2-4
Communications, loss of A-26
Communications, Specifications A-3
Configuration
by symbol A-29
Configuration System Data 2-21
Configure the Scanner 1-13
Connect the System 1-3
Connector, power A-5
Connectors, Electrical A-5
Continuous Read 3-6
Continuous Read 1 Output 3-7
Control Characters A-20
Control Trigger 8-9
Control Trigger 1 Status 8-12
Control Trigger 2 Status 8-13
Control Trigger 3 Status 8-13
Control Trigger Mode, optoelectric database
8-9
Control/Hex Output 5-9
Counts 7-3
cUL i-xii

D
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure 2-19
Daisy Chain ID Status 2-18
Daisy Chain Mode 2-16
Daisy Chain Remote Scanner ID 2-20
Daisy Chain Scanner ID 2-20
Daisy Chain Scanner Number 2-20
Data Bits
aux port 2-12
host port 2-6
Data Out 9-Pin 2-21
Data Output 5-3
DataHighway Plus A-38
configuration 2-33
Decode Rate A-29, A-31
Decodes 3-16
Decodes per Trigger 5-17
Decodes/Second Test 11-5
Decoding Direction, Pharma Code 4-23
Default Commands A-24

Defaulting/Saving/Initializing A-24
Defaults A-24
Delimited 3-12
Device Control 11-9
DeviceNet A-37
DFALT-C 7-8
DFALT-F 7-8
Diagnostic Outputs 12-16
Diagnostics 7-1
by ESP 7-2
by Serial Command 7-2
Dimensions, MS-880 Scanner A-2
Direction 4-23
Disclaimer i-ii

E
EAN Status 4-17
EAN-128 4-10
Easy Setup Mode 1-13
Easy Setup Program i-x, 1-7
Electrical Specifications A-5
Embedded Menu Mode A-13
Emissions, Specifications A-2
End of Read Cycle 3-14
End of Read Cycle, output 5-5
End Read Rate Test 11-6
Enter Master Symbol Data 11-13
Environmental, Specifications A-2
ESP (Easy Setup Program) i-x
Ethernet A-38
Extended Rate Test 11-6
Extended Status 11-20
External Trigger Edge 3-9, 3-10
External Trigger Level 3-8
External Trigger State 3-11
Extraction
by ESP 12-4
by Serial Command 12-5
Extraction Mode 12-4

F
FCC i-xii
Filter #, Ordered Output 12-12

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Filtering 12-11
Find Function, Terminal 10-3
Firmware 11-16
Firmware Verification 11-17
Firmware Verification, checksum 11-18
FIS Options A-3
Fixed Symbol Length
Code 128 4-7
Code 39 4-5
Code 93 4-21
Pharma Code 4-22
Fixed Symbol Length Status
Codabar 4-15
Flash memory i-x
Focal Range 8-21
Focus Position 3-19
Focus Positions 8-21
Focus Step Size 8-16
Formulas for Number of Decodes A-31
From Host 2-9
Full ASCII Set 4-6
Full Duplex Mode 2-15
Fully Optoisolated circuit A-8

I
I 2/5 4-11
I/O Parameters
by ESP Menu 5-2
by Serial Command 5-2
Immunity, Specifications A-2
Initializing (resetting) Commands A-26
Input 1 5-10
Insertion
by ESP 12-6
by Serial Command 12-7
Insertion Mode 12-6
Install ESP 1-7
Intercharacter Delay 2-26
Interface A-3
Interface Standards A-37
Interleaved 2 of 5 4-11
IrDA Communications for Palm Pilot A-14
IrDA Configuration Port A-12
IrDA Port 1-3
IrDa Port 2-22
IrDA Status A-12

Gain A-35
Gain Level 3-18
General Specifications A-2
Glossary of Terms A-44
Good Decode Reads 3-16
Good Read
Symbol Data Output 5-4
Good Read/Match Counter 11-8
Good Read/Match Counter Reset 11-8
Guard Bar (I 2/5) 4-13

Host 25-pin Connector A-7
Host 9-pin Configuration Connector A-6
Host Communications i-xii
Host connector 1-3
Host Port Connections 2-5
Host Port Parameters 2-4
Host Protocol 2-6
Hours Since Last Reset 7-4

J
Justify Data Status 2-30

K
K Commands A-19

Half Duplex Mode 2-14
Hardware Required 1-2
Hex Output 5-9
Hex String, Insertion 12-7
High Temperature Threshold 7-10
Highlighting i-xii

L
Ladder Calculation, single line A-31
Large Intercharacter Gap
Codabar 4-15
Code 39 4-5

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Index
laser beam i-xiv
Laser Control 9-6
Laser Framing 9-6, A-35
Laser Framing Status 9-7
Laser High Warning 7-6
Laser Light, Specifications A-2
Laser Low Warning 7-7
Laser Off Time 9-8
Laser On Time 9-8
Laser On/Off 9-7
Laser Power 3-20, 8-19
Laser Scanning, disable 11-9
Laser Scanning, enable 11-9
Laser Settings
by Embedded Menu 9-9
Latch Mode, discrete outputs 5-14
Latch on Trigger 8-12
LED Indicators A-4
Length Status 2-28
Length, Extraction 12-5
Length, Insertion 12-7
Lifetime Hours 7-12
Longitudinal Redundancy Check 2-25
Low Temperature Threshold 7-11
LRC 2-25

M
Macros 10-4
Master Database 11-11
Master Scanner 2-19
Master Symbol Data
Enter 11-13
Master Symbol Data, Delete 11-15
Master Symbol Database Size 11-12
Master Symbol, store next symbol 11-15
Master Symbols, using 6-3
Match Counter 11-8
Match Length, Matchcode 6-7
Match Start Position 6-6
Match, I/O Parameters 5-12
Matchcode
by ESP 6-2
by Serial Command 6-2

Matchcode Type 6-4
Matchcode, overview 6-3
Mechanical A-2
Menu Mode 2-34
Microscan Defaults A-24
Minimum Number of Bars 4-23
Mirror motor 3-19
Mirror Type A-3
Mismatch
Symbol Data Output 5-4
Mismatch Counter 11-8
Mismatch Counter Reset 11-8
Mismatch or Noread, I/O Parameters 5-12
Mismatch, I/O Parameters 5-12
Model Selection 1-8
Motor Off 11-10
Motor On 11-9
Mounting Plate, wiring box 13-9
Mounting Specifications A-3
Multidrop 2-8
Multidrop Addresses A-43
Multidrop Communications A-39
Multisymbol 3-4
Multisymbol Decode Rate Test 11-5
Multisymbol Output Format Status 12-9
Multisymbol Percent Test 11-5
Multisymbol Separator 3-5

N
Narrow Margins 4-26
Net Port Status 2-28
Network Client 2-28
Network Trigger 3-10
New Master Pin 6-12
New Trigger 3-15
Noise Interference A-37
Non-delimited 3-12
Noread Counter 11-7
Noread Counter Reset 11-7
Noread, I/O Parameters 5-13
Not Optoisolated A-10
NOVRAM Corrupt Warning Status 7-8
Null Modem Cable 1-2

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

NULs, defining A-20
Number of Active Database Settings 8-11
Number of Decodes A-30, A-33
Number of Filters 12-14
Number of Symbols 3-4
Number to Output On 5-16
NVRAM-C 7-8
NVRAM-D 7-8

P
Package detector A-28

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

Object Detector A-28
Operating Life A-2
Operational Serial Commands 11-3
Operational Tips A-36
Optoelectric Control 8-8
Optoisolator Inputs A-10
Ordered Output 12-11
by embedded menu 12-12
by ESP 12-11
by serial command 12-12
Output # 12-5
Output #, Insertion 12-7
Output 1 5-12, 11-10
Output 2 11-10
Output 2, I/O Parameters 5-18
Output 3 11-10
Output 3, I/O Parameters 5-18
Output Circuit Samples A-8
Output Filtering 12-11
Output Format
by embedded menu 12-3
by ESP 12-2
by Serial Command 12-2
EAN-128 4-9
Overview 12-3
overview 12-3
Output Format Status 12-3
Output Mode, discrete outputs 5-13, 5-14
Output On, I/O Parameters 5-12
Output, diagnostic 12-17

Pad Character 2-30
Pad Status 2-29
Padding, Application Record, EAN-128 4-10
Palm Pilot A-14
Parity
aux port 2-11
host port 2-5
Part Number, firmware 11-17
PDF Information 11-6
PDF417 4-24
PDF417 Decode Test 8-19
PDF417 Status 4-24
Percent PDF Read Rate Test 11-6
Percent Test 11-5
Pharmacode 4-22
Picket Fence Calculation
Angled A-34
Raster A-32
Single Scan Line A-34
Pitch 1-6, A-27
Placeholder Character, Ordered Output 12-13
Point-to-Point
standard 2-6
with RTS/CTS 2-7
with RTS/CTS & XON/XOFF 2-7
with XON/XOFF 2-7
Polling Mode D 2-7
Polling Sequence A-41
Position Scanner and Symbol A-27
Position Symbol and Scanner 1-6
Postamble Characters 2-24
Power A-5
Power (inside the wiring box) A-4
Power Connector A-6
Power connector 1-3
Power Supply 1-2, 1-3
Preamble Characters 2-23
Present Operating Temperature 7-9
Profibus 2-32
ProfiBus DP A-38
Protocol Commands A-22
Pulse Width, I/O Parameters 5-13
Pulse, discrete outputs 5-14

Index
Q
Quality Output 5-19

R
Range A-35
Raster Arc A-33
Raster Height A-33, A-35
Raster Setup 9-3
Raster Status 9-4
Raster Sweep Rate 9-5, A-35
Raster Sweeps Before Decode Attempt 4-24
Raster/Laser
by Embedded Menu 9-9
Raster/Laser Setup
by ESP Menus 9-2
by serial command 9-1
Read Cycle 3-14
by ESP Menu 3-2
by Serial Command 3-2
Read Cycle On/Off 9-5
Read Cycle Timeout 3-15
Read Ranges A-4
Read Rate 1-11, 11-5
Reads per Trigger Threshold 5-16
Reads/Trigger Status 5-19
Receive Scanner Settings 1-10
Remote Scanner ID 2-20
Reset A-26
Reset Counts 5-10
Response Timeout 2-27
Restore Commands A-24
Restore Microscan Defaults A-24, A-25
Restore User-saved Settings A-24
RS-232 A-37
RS-232 Auxiliary Port 2-11
RS-232/422 Host Port 2-4
RS-422 A-37
RS-485 A-37
Rx from Network Size 2-29

S
Safety Certifications A-4

Safety Labels i-xiii
Save Active Settings except Factory for Power-on A-25
Save Commands A-24
Saving settings A-25
Scan Rate A-34
Scan Speed 3-19
Scan Width A-32, A-35
Scanner Communications A-15
Scanner Setting
by Embedded Menus 8-19
Scanner Setup 3-18
Scanner Status Byte 11-20
Scanner Status Requests 11-20
Scanning Parameters A-3
Select Sequence A-42
Sensor A-28
Separator Character
EAN-128 4-9
UPC/EAN 4-19
Separator, Quality Output Separator 5-19
Sequence On Mismatch 6-10
Sequence On Noread, Matchcode 6-9
Sequence Step 6-11
Sequential Matching, Matchcode 6-5
Serial Command Beep 5-9
Serial Command Echo 5-8
Serial Command Format A-19
Serial Command Status Request A-20
Serial Commands
Utilities 11-3
Serial Commands, concatenating A-20
Serial Configuration Commands A-19
Serial Data 3-10
Serial Gateway Configuration Command 2-28
Serial Trigger 3-12
Serial Trigger Character 3-12
Serial Utility Commands A-19
Serial Verification 5-8
Setup Mode button 1-13
Skew 1-6, A-27
Slave Scanner 2-19
Special Characters in Embedded Menus A-20

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

T
Terminal Mode 10-1
Terminal Window 10-2
Terminal Window Functions 10-5
Test Decode Rate A-29
Test for Read Rate 1-11
Tilt 1-6, A-27
Timeout 3-14
Timeout or New Trigger 3-15
Timer Mode, optoelectric database 8-11
Timer Value, optoelectric database 8-12
Top Offset 9-4
Tracking 3-18, A-35
Transition Counter 3-20
Transparent Mode 2-13
Trend Analysis 5-13
Trend Analysis Mode 5-15
Trigger Connector A-6
Trigger connector 1-3
Trigger Counter 11-7
Trigger Counter Reset 11-7
Trigger Evaluation Period 5-16
Trigger Filter Duration 3-11
Trigger Input (4-pin) A-11
Trigger Mode 3-6
Trigger State 3-11
Trigger Threshold 5-16, 5-17
Tx to Network Size 2-29

Special Characters in Serial Commands A-20
Specular reflection 1-6, A-27
Standalone 1-3
Standalone scanner 1-2
Start & Stop Match
Codabar 4-14
Start Position, Extraction 12-5
Start Serial Trigger Character 3-13
Starting Focus Position 8-15
Stop Bits
aux port 2-12
host port 2-5
Stop Serial Trigger Character 3-13
Supplementals
UPC/EAN 4-18
Supplementals Status
UPC/EAN 4-18
Supplementals Type 4-20
Sweep Rate A-32
Symbol Data Output 5-3
Symbol Data Output Status 5-3
Symbol Density A-35
Symbol Dimensions A-35
Symbol Height A-31
Symbol Length A-32
Codabar 4-15
Code 128 4-7
Code 39 4-5
Code 93 4-21
I 2 of 5 4-12
Ordered Output 12-12
PDF417 4-25
Pharmacode 4-22
Symbol Ratio A-35
Symbol Speed A-31, A-32, A-35
Symbol Type 11-19
Symbologies A-3
by Serial Command 4-3
Symbology
by ESP 4-2
Symbology ID 4-27
Symbology Type, Ordered Output 12-12

UL i-xii
Unlatch Output 5-10
UPC Status 4-17
UPC/EAN 4-17
User Defined Multidrop 2-10
User Defined Point-to-Point 2-9
Utilities
by ESP Menu 11-2
by Serial Command 11-3
Utility Serial Commands, summary 11-3

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

W
Warning Messages, diagnostics 7-5
Warning Summary i-xiv
Warranty Statement i-iii
When to Output Symbol Data 5-4
Wild Card Character, Matchcode 6-8
Wildcard Character
Ordered Output 12-13
Windows 1-7
Wiring Box 1-4
Aux RS-232 13-7
description 13-2
Field Bus Port 13-6
Input 1 13-6
Installation Steps 13-3
Jumpers 13-5
Mounting Plate 13-9
New Master Pin 13-7
PCB with Connectors 13-8
Polarity 13-7
Portal Holes 13-2
Ports 13-5
Power LED 13-7
Power Port 13-6
Relay Modules 13-5
Relay Terminals 13-6
RS-232 13-7
RS-422/485 13-6
Terminal Strip Specifications 13-2
Trigger Port 13-7
Voltage 13-6
Wiring box 1-2
Wiring Box Connections 1-5
Wiring Box, protocol options A-3

Z
Zero Position, focus 3-19

MS-880 Industrial Long Range Scanner User’s Manual

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