MS 890 Industrial Automation Scanner User's Manual Ms890manual

2011-02-01

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MS-890 Industrial
Automation Scanner
User’s Manual

P/N 83-000890 Rev C

Copyright and Disclaimer
Copyright ©2010
Microscan Systems, Inc.
ISO 9001 Certified
Issued by TüV USA
All rights reserved. The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose
of allowing customers to operate and/or service Microscan manufactured equipment and is not to be
released, reproduced, or used for any other purpose without written permission of Microscan.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names might be used. Rather than place a trademark (™) symbol
at every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state herein that we are using the names only in an editorial
fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.

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

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

Technical Support
For technical support, e-mail: helpdesk@microscan.com.

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Chapter 1

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

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

Communications by ESP......................................................................... 3-2
Communications Serial Commands ........................................................ 3-2
RS-232/422 Host Port ............................................................................. 3-3
Host Port Parameters .............................................................................. 3-4
Host Protocol ........................................................................................... 3-5
Poll Address ............................................................................................ 3-7
ACK / NAK Options ................................................................................. 3-8
Polling Mode Options .............................................................................. 3-9
Auxiliary Port Protocol ........................................................................... 3-10
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure .................................................................... 3-19
Daisy Chain Scanner ID ........................................................................ 3-20
Auxiliary / Configuration Port System Data ........................................... 3-21
Preamble ............................................................................................... 3-22
Postamble.............................................................................................. 3-23
LRC Status ............................................................................................ 3-24
Intercharacter Delay .............................................................................. 3-25
Response Timeout ................................................................................ 3-26

Read Cycle by ESP ................................................................................. 4-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands ................................................................ 4-2
Multisymbol.............................................................................................. 4-3
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Trigger ..................................................................................................... 4-5
External Trigger State ........................................................................... 4-11
Serial Trigger ......................................................................................... 4-12
Start Character (Non-Delimited) ............................................................ 4-13
Stop Character (Non-Delimited) ............................................................ 4-13
End of Read Cycle ................................................................................ 4-14
Good Decode Reads............................................................................. 4-17
Gain Settings ......................................................................................... 4-18
Focus..................................................................................................... 4-19
Scan Speed........................................................................................... 4-20
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Settings ................................................ 4-21
Maximum Element................................................................................. 4-22
Tracking Adjustment.............................................................................. 4-23

Symbologies by ESP............................................................................... 5-2
Symbologies Serial Commands .............................................................. 5-2
Code 39 ................................................................................................... 5-3
Code 128 / EAN-128 ............................................................................... 5-6
Interleaved 2 of 5................................................................................... 5-10
Codabar................................................................................................. 5-13
UPC/EAN .............................................................................................. 5-16
Code 93 ................................................................................................. 5-19
Pharmacode .......................................................................................... 5-20
PDF417 ................................................................................................. 5-22
Narrow Margins / Symbology ID............................................................ 5-24
Background Color.................................................................................. 5-26
Autodiscriminate .................................................................................... 5-27

I/O Parameters by ESP ........................................................................... 6-2
I/O Parameters Serial Commands .......................................................... 6-3
Symbol Data Output ................................................................................ 6-4
No Read Message................................................................................... 6-6
Bad Symbol Message ............................................................................. 6-7
No Symbol Message ............................................................................... 6-7
Read Duration Output ............................................................................. 6-8
Output Indicators ..................................................................................... 6-9
Beeper................................................................................................... 6-12
Serial Verification................................................................................... 6-13
EZ Button .............................................................................................. 6-15
EZ Button Modes................................................................................... 6-17
Input 1 ................................................................................................... 6-19
Configurable Output 1 ........................................................................... 6-20
Trend Analysis Output 1 ........................................................................ 6-24
Diagnostics Output 1 ............................................................................. 6-27

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Introduction
Configurable Output 2 ........................................................................... 6-28
Trend Analysis Output 2 ........................................................................ 6-28
Diagnostics Output 2 ............................................................................. 6-28
Configurable Output 3 ........................................................................... 6-29
Trend Analysis Output 3 ........................................................................ 6-29
Diagnostics Output 3 ............................................................................. 6-29
Database Identifier Output..................................................................... 6-30
Quality Output........................................................................................ 6-31

Matchcode by ESP .................................................................................. 7-2
Matchcode Serial Commands ................................................................. 7-2
Overview of Matchcode ........................................................................... 7-3
Using Master Symbols............................................................................. 7-4
Matchcode Type ...................................................................................... 7-5
Sequence Step ...................................................................................... 7-10
New Master Pin ..................................................................................... 7-11
Match Replace....................................................................................... 7-12
Mismatch Replace ................................................................................. 7-13

Diagnostics by ESP ................................................................................. 8-2
Diagnostics Serial Commands ................................................................ 8-2
Counts ..................................................................................................... 8-3
Hours Since Last Reset ........................................................................... 8-4
Warning Messages .................................................................................. 8-5
Laser Current Warning ............................................................................ 8-7
Present Operating Temperature (Deg. C) ............................................... 8-8
High Temperature Threshold................................................................... 8-9
Low Temperature Threshold ................................................................. 8-10
Lifetime Hours ....................................................................................... 8-11
Service Message ................................................................................... 8-12

Calibration Serial Commands .................................................................. 9-2
Calibration Steps ..................................................................................... 9-3
Calibration Routine .................................................................................. 9-4
Calibration Results .................................................................................. 9-5
Configuration Database ........................................................................... 9-6
Optoelectric Control ................................................................................. 9-8
Advanced Calibration Features ............................................................. 9-14
Calibration by Embedded Menu ............................................................ 9-17

Raster/Laser Setup by ESP................................................................... 10-2
Raster/Laser Serial Commands ............................................................ 10-2
Raster Setup.......................................................................................... 10-3
Laser Framing ....................................................................................... 10-7
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Table of Contents
Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu......................................................... 10-9

Terminal Window................................................................................... 11-2
Find ....................................................................................................... 11-3
Send ...................................................................................................... 11-4
Macros................................................................................................... 11-5
Terminal Window Menus ....................................................................... 11-6

Serial Utility Commands ........................................................................ 12-2
Read Rate ............................................................................................. 12-4
Counters ................................................................................................ 12-6
Device Control ....................................................................................... 12-8
Differences from Default...................................................................... 12-10
Master Database ................................................................................. 12-11
Digital Bar Code .................................................................................. 12-16
Firmware ............................................................................................. 12-17
Autodiscriminate .................................................................................. 12-19
Scanner Status Requests.................................................................... 12-20

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

Wiring Box Description .......................................................................... 14-2
Installation Steps ................................................................................... 14-3
Wiring Box Ports.................................................................................... 14-5
Wiring Box PCB with Connectors .......................................................... 14-8
Mounting Plate ...................................................................................... 14-9

Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications .........................................................A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications .......................................................A-4
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands ..........................................A-9
Appendix D ASCII Table .......................................................................A-15
Appendix E Embedded Menus ..............................................................A-17
Appendix F Defaulting / Saving / Initializing ..........................................A-18
Appendix G Position Scanner and Symbol ...........................................A-21
Appendix H Object Detector ..................................................................A-22
Appendix I Bar Code Configuration .......................................................A-23
Appendix J Test Read Rate ..................................................................A-25
Appendix K Formulas for Number of Decodes ......................................A-27

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Introduction
Appendix L Operational Tips .................................................................A-32
Appendix M Interface Standards ...........................................................A-33
Appendix N Multidrop Communications ................................................A-34
Appendix O Glossary of Terms .............................................................A-39

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

About the MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner

About the MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner
The key features of the MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner are:
• Wide angle sweeping raster
• Long-distance read range (10” to 120” (254 mm to 3,048 mm)
• EZ Button setup
• Configurable with ESP Software
• 400 to 1,000 decodes per second
• IP65 rated enclosure
• Optional wiring box
• LED performance indicators

About This Manual
This manual provides complete information on setting up, installing, and configuring the
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner. The chapters follow the ESP menus, which are
presented in the order in which a scanner might be set up and made ready for industrial
operation. Host serial commands are presented side-by-side with ESP.

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

Host Communications
There are four ways to configure and test the MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner:
• EZ Button.
• Microscan’s Windows-based ESP (Easy Setup Program), which offers point-and-click
ease of use and visual responses to user adjustments.
• Serial commands, such as , that can be sent from ESP’s Terminal or another
terminal program, or encoded in Code 128 symbols.
• The tree controls and graphic interfaces in ESP’s App Mode.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Statement of Agency Compliance
The MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner has been tested for compliance with FCC
(Federal Communications Commission) regulations and has been found to conform to all
applicable FCC Rules and Regulations.
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, this device must not be co-located
or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

The MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner has been tested for compliance with CE
(Conformité Européenne) standards and guidelines, and has been found to conform to
applicable CE standards, specifically EN61000-6-3:2001: for Class A products; EN61000-3-2:
2000+A2:2005; EN61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001; EN61000-6-2: Immunity.
The MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner has been tested by an independent electromagnetic
compatibility laboratory in accordance with the applicable specifications and instructions.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Warning and Caution Summary

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.
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.
Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous laser light radiation exposure.
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 7mW.
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Statement of RoHS Compliance

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

This chapter is designed to get your MS-890 up and running quickly, using the EZ Button
or ESP (Easy Setup Program). Following these steps will allow you to get a sense of the
scanner’s capabilities and to test symbol decode performance.
Detailed setup information for installing the scanner into your application can be found in
the subsequent chapters.
Important: If you are switching from an MS-880 to an MS-890 in your application, follow
these steps when you open ESP:
1. With your MS-890 connected to the host computer, open your most recent MS-880 .esp file.
2. Connect to the MS-890 and send all settings.
3. Click the Switch Model button at the top of the ESP view. When you see the model
menu, select the MS-890.
4. Receive settings.
Note: After receiving settings, you can delete the previous MS-880 model by opening
the Model dropdown menu from the menu toolbar, selecting Remove Model, and
selecting MS-880.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Check Required Hardware

Step 1 — Check Required Hardware

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

Description
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner
9-Pin Configuration Cable
Power Supply
Object Detector (optional)
Comm./Serial Cable

Part Number
FIS-0890-0001G, -0002G
61-000010-02
97-100004-15
99-000004-01
61-000034-02

Note: Standalone configuration shown above.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 2 — Connect the System

With Wiring Box

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

Connecting the MS-890 Standalone
1. Attach the configuration cable to either the 9-pin (preferred) or 25-pin connector (on
bottom of unit) to configure, test, and default the scanner.

2 Receive
3 Transmit
5 Signal ground
9-pin host configuration connector

2. Attach the power supply cable to the 3-pin power connector on the bottom of the scanner.

Chassis
ground
2

3
Power +10 to 28
VDC (in)

25-pin host connector

1
Power
Ground 17

Power
connector

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

1
2
Trigger connector

Connect the System

Connecting the MS-890 with Wiring Box
1. Be sure that the wiring box power cord is not plugged in.
2. Connect the scanner to the host computer.
3. Use the 9-pin configuration connector shown below to connect with your computer.
This port is useful for setting up, testing, and defaulting the scanner.

2 Receive
3 Transmit
5 Signal ground
9-pin host configuration connector

4. Connect power to the wiring box.
5. Apply power to the wiring box and confirm that the LED next to the right side power
terminal is green and not red.
6. Disconnect power.

7. Plug the ribbon cable (provided with wiring box) into the bottom of the scanner.
8. Attach the scanner to the wiring box with the 4 screws provided.
9. Power-on the scanner.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 3 — Position Scanner and Symbol
• Set up a symbol at the distance that will be used in your application.
Center line ofof
Centerline
scan window
scan
window

Scan range starts here

Scan Range Starts Here
Note: Code 39 is the default symbology enabled. If you are uncertain as to the symbology
type in your application, enable all symbologies by clicking the Autodiscriminate button
in EZ Mode.
Important: If using Interleaved 2 of 5 symbols in your application, verify that the number
of characters in the symbols being scanned matches the symbol length enabled for
the Interleaved 2 of 5 symbology (default is 10 and 6).

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 4 — Install ESP
Easy Setup Program (ESP) is Microscan’s proprietary setup and testing application. The
purpose of ESP is to provide a quick and easy way to set up and configure Microscan
products.
When the MS-890 is connected to a host computer (Windows Vista, XP, or 2000), ESP
can be used to set up communication with a host, configure various firmware settings, and
control verification processes.
Important: To migrate MS-880 settings to MS-890 settings in ESP, refer to the
beginning of Chapter 2, Using ESP.

If installing from the Microscan Tools CD:
1. Insert the Microscan Tools CD in your computer’s CD drive.
2. Choose ESP Software from the main menu.
3. Select the Current Version of ESP and follow the file download prompts.

If downloading from the Microscan website:
1. Go to http://www.microscan.com/downloadcenter
2. Create a new “myMicroscan” member account or, if you are already a member, enter
your user name and password.
3. Click the Download Software link and extract the latest version of ESP to a directory
of your choice. Note where your ESP.exe file is stored on your hard drive.
4. At the end of the installation process, the following icon will appear on your desktop:

5. Click the ESP icon to start the program.

System Requirements for ESP
•
•
•
•
•

166 MHz Pentium processor (recommended)
Windows Vista, XP, or 2000 operating system
Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher
64 MB minimum RAM
40 MB minimum disk space

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

1. Select the MS-890 from the menu and click OK. If you do not want to make this
selection every time you start ESP, uncheck “Show this dialog at startup”.
2. Click Yes when the following dialog appears:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 6 — Autoconnect
1. Select the appropriate port and click Start when the following dialog appears.

Note: If your communications port is not the default COM1, use the dropdown menu
to change your port.
Once you have chosen the correct port, click Start to connect.
When you are connected, you will see the green connection
indicator in the status bar at the bottom right of your screen:

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

Note: If your RS-232 host settings cannot be
changed to match the scanner’s settings, select
Connect... from the Connect menu in the menu
toolbar, and then click the Force Connect box
when you see the dialog shown at left.
1-8

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 7 — Receive Settings
To copy the scanner’s memory settings into ESP, right-click in the configuration window and
select Receive Reader Settings from the dropdown menu.

Receive Reader Settings

When you select Receive Reader Settings, the settings from the scanner’s memory are
sent to ESP.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 8 — Calibrate
1. Click the Calibration button in EZ Mode or in the Calibration view.

2. Allow some time for the scanner to cycle through the focus, gain, and tracking settings.
Do not move or disturb the scanner or test symbol while calibration is in progress.
3. When calibration is complete, 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.
Note: To silence the beeper, interrupt scanning by removing or blocking the test
symbol, or send a command to disable the beeper.

If calibration fails, try the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.

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.
Verify that the correct symbology is enabled.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 9 — Test Read Rate
Important: To receive symbol data through the 9-pin configuration port, you must enable
the port with the following command: .
1. Position the symbol in front of an operational MS-890 scanner.
2. Click the Utilities button.
3. Click the Start button in the Read Rate view.

If calibration has passed, the scanner sends data to the host computer and emits a beep
(if the beeper is enabled) for each good read.
Move your symbol toward the scanner and away from the scanner until the decode rates
drop off in each direction. This will give you a sense of the depth of field (inner and outer
ranges) for your symbol’s density and range.

p th
f i e of
ld

Note: If the scanner is in the default Continuous Read mode and not in read rate or calibration
routine, 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.
• To end the read rate test, right click Read Rate and select the Stop button.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configure the Scanner in ESP

Step 10 — Configure the Scanner in ESP
To make setup changes to the MS-890, click the App Mode button.

The following modes are accessible by clicking the buttons in the first row of App Mode icons:
• Test and Calibrate the scanner in EZ Mode.
• Establish communications between ESP and the scanner by clicking the Autoconnect
button.
• Send or receive commands by clicking the Send/Recv button.
• Switch reader models by clicking the Switch Model button.
• Click the Parameters button to make changes to tree control settings.
• Click the Setup button to adjust and test scanner settings in Calibration, Raster Setup,
Laser Framing, Configuration Database, Ordered Output, and Output Format.
• Access the Terminal, where you can view symbol data and enter serial commands.
• Review status settings or make changes to operational commands in Utilities.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Step 11 — Save Configuration in ESP
To make changes to a configuration setting:
1. Left click on the + to
expand the desired tree.
2. Double click on the
desired parameter and
click once in the selection
box to view options.
3. Place your cursor in the
selection box, scroll
down to the setting you
want to change, and
click once on the setting.

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Save Configuration in ESP

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

This section is designed to help you understand the basic structure and elements of ESP
(Easy Setup Program).
When you open ESP, unless otherwise specified in the ESP Preferences dialog accessible
from the Options heading on the menu toolbar, you will enter EZ Mode for initial setup.
From there, you can enter Application Mode (App Mode) and access several configuration
menus (Communications, Read Cycle, Symbologies, I/O Parameters, Symbol Quality,
Matchcode, and Diagnostics), a Camera setup interface, a Terminal interface, a Utilities
interface, and an Output Format interface.
For ESP system requirements, see System Requirements for ESP in Chapter 1, Quick Start.
Important: If you are switching from an MS-880 to an MS-890 in your application, follow
these steps when you open ESP:
• With your MS-890 connected to the host computer, open your most recent MS-880 .esp file.
• Connect to the MS-890 and send all settings.
• Click the Switch Model button at the top of the ESP view. When you see the model
menu, select the MS-890.
• Receive settings.
Note: After receiving settings, you can delete the previous MS-880 model by opening
the Model dropdown menu from the menu toolbar, selecting Remove Model, and
selecting MS-880.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

Calibrate
The calibration routine that will optimize the scanner by comparing Read Rates at various
camera and image processing settings.

Starts Read Rate test.

Click Calibrate to begin
the initial calibration
routine. Calbration is
explained at the left of
the EZ Mode screen,
and also in Quick Start.

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

Saves Calibration
settings.

Allows you to decode a
variety of symbologies
without stopping your
application to reconfigure
symbology settings.

Ends Read Rate test.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

Calibration,
Raster/Laser,
Terminal,
Utilities.

Click here for
Ordered Output
and Output Format
features.

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

Click the Configuration button to return
to full App Mode view from Calibration,
Raster/Laser, Terminal, Utilities, or
Output Format.

Note: For specific information on any of the icons shown above in the operations bar or
configuration bar, see the corresponding sections of this manual.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

(Save to Scanner)
(Receive Scanner
Settings)

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Preferences > General Tab

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

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

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

Show Connect Prompt
At startup, displays the Would you like to connect to the MS-890? prompt.

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

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

Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer Defaults’
At startup, enables the Send and Save as Customer Defaults option in the Send/Recv
command.
2-6

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Preferences > Terminal Tab

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

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

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

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

Enable Echo
Allows you to enter command characters in Terminal.

Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus
When Display Incoming Data Even When Not in Focus is enabled, data from the scanner
will continue to appear in the terminal even when ESP is not the top window.
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Preferences > Bar Code Options Tab

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

Sizing Information
Sets the bar width or module width (in mils, or thousandths of an inch) of user-created symbols.
Example: A bar width of 13 is 0.013 inches.

Caption
Allows you to choose the font of human-readable captions (if symbol captions are
required), and to determine the orientation of captions in relation to symbols.
Note: Symbols can be created using the Bar Code Dialog.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Preferences > Advanced Tab

The Auto Sync options at the top of the Advanced tab allow you to determine whether
Auto Sync will be enabled automatically in sections of ESP where it is used, or if it will ask
you before it enables Auto Sync functions.

Always Ask Before Auto Sync Occurs
If you check this option box, you are then able to determine what specific Auto Sync
functions will be enabled. Receive Settings from the Reader will automatically send the
scanner’s settings to ESP when Auto Sync is enabled. Send ESP Settings to the Reader
will automatically send all scanner configuration settings chosen in ESP to the scanner.
Do Not Send or Receive Settings creates a condition in which Auto Sync will not automatically
send scanner settings to ESP, or send ESP settings to the scanner.

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Preferences > Advanced Tab (cont.)

Show TCP/IP Connection Option
When enabled, shows a TCP/IP option on the Select Protocol dialog.
Note: This option should only be selected if you intend to connect using an Ethernet adapter.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Autoconnect
• You can use Autoconnect to establish a connection between the scanner and the host.

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Autoconnect (cont.)
If your RS-232 host settings cannot be changed to match the scanner’s settings:
• Click Connect on ESP’s menu toolbar,
and then select Connection Wizard.
• When the Select Protocol dialog
appears, select RS-232 and click Next.

• When the RS-232 dialog appears,
check the Force Connect box and
click the Connect button.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

Drag configuration commands
from the tree controls directly
into this field to encode new
symbols.
Choose a spatial
orientation for the
new symbol.
Create a caption
for the symbol
that matches the
encoded data, or
write your own
caption.

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

Click the Differences from Default
Settings button to create a symbol
encoded with configuration settings
that differ from ESP defaults.
Differences from Default can be
viewed on the Differences tab in the
Utilities view.
Click Add start configuration code
and Add end configuration code;
Save Settings to add a symbol that
will enable Bar Code Configuration
mode and a symbol that will save all
new configuration settings. (Both
symbols shown at left).

See Bar Code Configuration on page A-23 for more information about configuring the
MS-890 by decoding symbols.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Navigating in ESP
To change scanner settings, or to access the Calibration, Raster/Laser, Terminal, Utilities,
or Output Format views, click the App Mode button.

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

To make changes to configuration settings in the tree controls:

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

The X denotes the
default option setting.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Send/Receive Options

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

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

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

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

Send and Save as Customer Defaults ()
Saves your default settings for quick retrieval.
This option will be visible only if you have checked Enable ‘Send and Save as Customer
Defaults’ in ESP Preferences.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Advanced Options

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

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Send/Receive Options

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

3 Communications
Contents
Communications by ESP.............................................................................................................. 3-2
Communications Serial Commands ............................................................................................. 3-2
RS-232/422 Host Port .................................................................................................................. 3-3
Host Port Parameters ................................................................................................................... 3-4
Host Protocol ................................................................................................................................ 3-5
Poll Address ................................................................................................................................. 3-7
ACK / NAK Options ...................................................................................................................... 3-8
Polling Mode Options ................................................................................................................... 3-9
Auxiliary Port Protocol ................................................................................................................ 3-10
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure ......................................................................................................... 3-19
Daisy Chain Scanner ID ............................................................................................................. 3-20
Auxiliary/Configuration Port System Data .................................................................................. 3-21
Preamble .................................................................................................................................... 3-22
Postamble................................................................................................................................... 3-23
LRC Status ................................................................................................................................. 3-24
Intercharacter Delay ................................................................................................................... 3-25
Response Timeout ..................................................................................................................... 3-26

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: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NUL, <, >, and ,
can only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.
Note: Default settings for establishing communications are:
Baud =
Parity =
Stop Bits =
Data Bits =
Flow Control =

9600
Even
One
Seven
None

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Communications by ESP

Communications by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
Applications
menu.

Click this button
to bring up the
Communication
menu.

To open nested options,
single-click the +.

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

Communications Serial Commands
Command Title
Host Port Parameters

Response Timeout

Intercharacter Delay

Auxiliary/Configuration Port System Data
ACK/NAK Options

Polling Mode Options

Daisy Chain Autoconfigure

Daisy Chain Scanner ID

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

RS-232/422 Host Port
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
• Wiring box
• 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.

Communications with Host through the Wiring Box
The settings are the same as those of the 25-pin port. See Chapter 14, Wiring Box, for
details on wiring connections.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Host Port Parameters

Host Port Parameters
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 3-3 for 9-pin
host port parameters.

Baud Rate (Host Port)
Usage:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Data Bits (Host Port)
Usage:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.

Number of bits in each character.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

1 = Eight
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Host Protocol
Usage:

In general, point-to-point protocols 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 Polling Mode, between
scanners and a concentrator.
Important: When using Polling Mode, LRC must be Enabled and Preamble/
Postamble must be Disabled.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

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.

Point-to-Point with RTS/CTS
Usage:

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Point-to-Point with XON/XOFF
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 tasks 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 and 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.

ACK/NAK
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

See the ACK / NAK Options command on page 3-8.

Polling Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

See the Polling Mode Options command on page 3-9.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Poll Address
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

ACK / NAK Options

ACK / NAK Options
Definition:

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

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

0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x00 (disabled)
0x06
0x15

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

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

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

Command Response from Scanner to Host
TX to host: [STX] [preamble] COMMAND RESPONSE DATA [postamble] [ETX] [LRC]
Response from host: ACK/NAK. Sent when LRC, ETX, postamble, command-ending
angle bracket ‘>’, or timeout (waiting for more data) are detected, depending on what is
enabled.
As with Polling Mode , the scanner can optionally perform the REQ and RES
event sequences in ACK/NAK mode. If the sender does not receive an ACK or NAK, it will
send REQ to request such a response (if enabled). When the sender receives an ACK, too
many NAKs, or times out (if already enabled), it will send a RES (if enabled) to terminate the
transaction.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Polling Mode Options
Definition:

These parameters only take effect for Polling Mode on the main
RS-232 or RS-422 ports (not on the Auxiliary Port), and are completely
independent of the ACK/NAK Options .
The values of protocol characters can be changed, but the protocol events
cannot be disabled. The polling mode address is configured in the
command (see Poll Address on page 3-7).

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

0x04 (disabled)
0x05 (disabled)
0x02 (disabled)
0x03 (disabled)
0x06
0x15

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Protocol

Auxiliary Port Protocol
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.
Usage:

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.

An auxiliary port connects the scanner to a remote display or to other scanners
that can display or transfer data. As with the host port parameters, the auxiliary
terminal’s settings (baud rate, parity, stop bits, and data bits) must be identical
to those of the auxiliary device.

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

0 = Disabled
1 = Transparent
2 = Half Duplex
3 = Full Duplex
4 = Daisy Chain
5 = Command Processing

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Transparent (Aux Port Mode)
Usage:

Often used in conjunction with handheld scanners. Employs an auxiliary readout
to detect mis-applied 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
Auxiliary port data is passed through to the host
whenever a return key is pressed at the auxiliary
Aux.
Host
port or symbol data is sent.
Port
Whenever Aux Port data is sent with symbol
data, the Aux Port data will appear between the
preamble and the symbol data.
Scanner
Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent with a
preamble and a postamble.
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.
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.

Serial Cmd:
1 = Transparent

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Protocol

Half Duplex (Aux Port 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
Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the scanner
is in a polled mode.
Auxiliary port data or scanned data is sent to the
host whenever it is received.
Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent without a
preamble or 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 Initiated from the Host
All host data is echoed to the auxiliary port in
unpolled mode.
Host

Serial Cmd:
2 = Half Duplex

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Full Duplex (Aux Port 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
Auxiliary port data to the host is ignored if the
scanner is in a polled mode.
Auxiliary port data or scanned data is sent to the
host whenever it is received.
Auxiliary port data is not echoed.
Auxiliary port data to the host is always sent
without a preamble or 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 not sent to the auxiliary port.
Host

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

Serial Cmd:
3 = Full duplex

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Protocol

Daisy Chain (Aux Port Mode)
Note: See also Daisy Chain Autoconfigure on page 3-19.
Usage:

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

In a daisy chain application, scanners are connected in series 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 secondary scanner in the chain. Thereafter,
each secondary’s auxiliary port is linked to the host port of the secondary 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.

Serial Cmd:
4 = Daisy Chain
Function:

Before the master scanner times out, it checks its auxiliary port for data. It
should be set to wait at least 20 ms for each secondary in the daisy chain.
(See Read Cycle Timeout on page 4-16.) If no data is received within the
read cycle timeout, the master sends a No Read 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 secondary
scanner downstream might be set to 100 ms, the next to 80 ms, and so forth,
thus assuring that at least 20 ms 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, No Read messages are appended to the
data string to make up the difference between the number of symbols
enabled in Multisymbol and the number of symbols read.
For example, a master and two secondary scanners have Number of Symbols
set to 3 and Multisymbol Separator defined as %. If the master and the first
secondary scanner do not find symbols, but the next secondary scanner
registers a good read, the transmitted results would be:
symbol data % No Read % No Read
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 secondaries in the
daisy chain can affect timing and may need to be included in your calculations for complete
accuracy.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Daisy Chain (Aux Port Mode) (cont.)
Conditions:

The conditions for a daisy chain application are as follows:
1. The master scanner’s trigger must be Serial or External; the secondary
scanners’ triggers are configured for Serial.
2. All scanners are enabled to Daisy Chain mode.
3. Each scanner’s auxiliary port must be connected to the Host port of its
secondary scanner.
4. Each secondary scanner in the daisy chain must be set to send its
data no less than 20 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 No Read 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Protocol

Command Processing (Aux Port Mode)
Usage:

Allows user to send configuration from the Host port or the Aux Port.

When enabled, Command Processing allows commands to be entered via
the Aux Port. The following rules apply:
• Symbol data, including the serial trigger if used, will be transmitted to the
last port from which a command was sent.
• If a reset occurs, all data will be transmitted to the host port.

Serial Cmd:
Options:

5 = Command Processing

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Auxiliary Port Protocol

Data Bits (Aux Port)
Usage:

Only changed if necessary to match host setting.

Number of bits in each character.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Daisy Chain ID Status (Aux Port)
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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Daisy Chain ID (Aux Port)
Note: All secondary scanners must be set to Serial for Daisy Chain to function.
See Trigger on page 4-5.
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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Any one or two ASCII characters.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Daisy Chain Autoconfigure
Note: This command is not available in ESP.
Usage:

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 secondary scanners in the daisy chain.
• Assigns an internal ID number (1...n) to each secondary scanner, where
the first secondary scanner is number 1 (and its 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
secondary scanner.
• Resets each secondary scanner.
• Verifies that each secondary scanner has acquired the new settings.

Serial Cmd:
When setting up a daisy chain operation, follow these steps:
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 primary scanner to Serial (S):
Host

Primary
Scanner

Secondary
Scanner

Secondary
Scanner

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

Primary
Scanner

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Secondary
Scanner

Secondary
Scanner

Daisy Chain Scanner ID

Daisy Chain Scanner ID
Note: Scanner IDs can also be assigned in Daisy Chain (Aux Port Mode) (page 3-14).
Usage:

This command provides a convenient 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 secondary scanner. The command
is sent to the master scanner to configure the other secondary scanners.

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 secondary
scanners are numbered 1...n in the order that they are connected.
Note: These numbers are for assigning IDs only and are not
changeable.

Serial Cmd:
Options:

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

Scanner ID
Definition:

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

Any two characters except NUL, <, >, or ,.
Note: See also Chapter 13, Output Format.
Note: After a secondary scanner accepts a new ID, it automatically invokes a
reset-with-save command.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Auxiliary/Configuration Port System Data
Note: Do not use Auxiliary Port in a daisy chain operation.

Auxiliary Port Status
Note: This command only applies if Auxiliary Port Mode is set to Command Processing.
See Command Processing (Aux Port Mode) on page 3-16.
Usage:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Configuration Port Status
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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
Important: Enable Data Out 9-Pin when using the configuration port.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Preamble
Preamble Status
Usage:

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 on its own line.

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

1 = Enabled (within any protocol)

Preamble Character(s)
Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

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 CTRL-m to enter ^M

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Postamble
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 on its own line.

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Postamble Character(s)
Serial Cmd:
Default:

^M^J corresponds to carriage return/line feed/NUL/NUL, 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 CTRL-m Space CTRL-j to enter ^M^J.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

LRC Status
(Longitudinal Redundancy Check)
Usage:

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 connected to the host port performs the
same addition and compares the results.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Response Timeout

Response Timeout
Usage:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

2 (x 10 = 20 ms)

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

4 Read Cycle
Contents
Read Cycle by ESP ...................................................................................................................... 4-2
Read Cycle Serial Commands ..................................................................................................... 4-2
Multisymbol................................................................................................................................... 4-3
Trigger .......................................................................................................................................... 4-5
External Trigger State................................................................................................................. 4-11
Serial Trigger .............................................................................................................................. 4-12
Start Character (Non-Delimited) ................................................................................................. 4-13
Stop Character (Non-Delimited) ................................................................................................. 4-13
End of Read Cycle...................................................................................................................... 4-14
Good Decode Reads .................................................................................................................. 4-17
Gain Settings .............................................................................................................................. 4-18
Focus.......................................................................................................................................... 4-19
Scan Speed ................................................................................................................................ 4-20
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Settings ..................................................................................... 4-21
Maximum Element...................................................................................................................... 4-22
Tracking Adjustment................................................................................................................... 4-23

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 trigger or timer
activates a read cycle during which the scanner actively searches for symbols. You will
need to decide how to initiate the read cycle and how and when to end it.
Note: When assigning characters in user-defined fields, the characters NUL, <, >, and ,
can only be entered through embedded menus, not through ESP or serial commands.
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 .
Note on Serial Commands: To preserve continuity with other Microscan products, some
serial configuration commands may include 0s or 1s as placeholders. In order for a these
commands to be implemented, the parameter values or a comma must be included.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Read Cycle by ESP

Read Cycle by ESP

Click this button to
bring up the Read
Cycle menu.

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

To open nested options, single-click the +.

Read Cycle Serial Commands
Command Title
Trigger
Serial Trigger Character
External Trigger State
End of Read Cycle
Good Decode Reads
Multisymbol
Start Serial Trigger Character
End Serial Trigger Character
Scan Speed
Maximum Element
Gain Settings
AGC Settings
Focus
Tracking Adjustment

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 symbols that can be read in a
single read cycle.

Conditions: The following conditions apply:
1. Each 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 32520 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 = 37425.
4. All No Read 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.

Conditions: The following conditions apply:
1. When Number of Symbols is set to Single, the read cycle ends when
one symbol is decoded and output.
2. When Number of Symbols is set to Multiple, all decoded symbol data
(for both the same and different symbols) are output while the read
cycle is active and/or no timeout has occurred.
Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Multisymbol Separator
Usage:

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.

Serial Cmd:
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 or the embedded menu.
Default:

Any available ASCII character, except NUL, <, >, and , .

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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

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

Continuous Read
Usage:

Continuous Read is useful in testing 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 output every scan
crossing a symbol. When To Output and No Read options have no effect on
Continuous Read.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Continuous Read 1 Output
Usage:

Continuous Read 1 Output can be useful in applications where it is not feasible
to use a trigger and all succeeding symbols contain different information. It is
also effective in applications where the objects are hand-presented.

In Continuous Read 1 Output the scanner self-triggers whenever it decodes
a new symbol or a timeout occurs.
If End Of Read Cycle is set to Timeout and the symbol doesn't change, the
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.

Serial Cmd:
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

This mode is effective in an application where the speeds of the conveying
apparatus are variable and the time the scanner spends scanning each object
is not predictable. It also allows the user to determine if a No Read has
occurred.

External Level allows the read cycle 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.

Serial Cmd:
Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Open or 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 4-13.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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 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.External Trigger Edge, as
with Level, allows the read cycle 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 or with a No Read when a No Decode Timeout occurs.

Serial Cmd:
Important: Level and Edge apply to the active logic state (Open or 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 4-13.

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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 No Read 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 Data and External Edge
Usage:

Serial Data and 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Trigger Filter Duration
Usage:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

External Trigger State
Note: External Level, External Edge, or Serial Data and External 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
an object detector, use Active Closed.)

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-890 Industrial Automation 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 online 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 enclosed within angle bracket 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 and External 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 and External Edge.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

^] (corresponds to displayed in the embedded menu)

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Start Character (Non-Delimited)
Usage:

Useful in applications where a different character is required to start a read
cycle. Works with External Edge, External Level, and Serial Data and
External Edge.

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

Stop Character (Non-Delimited)
Usage:

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 >.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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.
Definition:

The read cycle is the time during which the scanner will attempt to read and
decode a symbol. At the end of a read cycle the scanner stops reading symbols
and sends the symbol data or No Read 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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Options:
0 = Timeout
1 = New Trigger
2 = Timeout and 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 Read Cycle 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 and External Edge
enabled, a timeout ends the read cycle and symbol data or a No Read message
is sent to the host.
With External Level enabled, the read cycle does not end until the falling
edge trigger or a timeout occurs. The next read cycle does not begin until the
next rising edge trigger.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

New Trigger
Usage:

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.

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

Timeout and New Trigger
Usage:

Useful in applications that require an alternative way to end the read cycle.
For example, if an assembly line should stop completely or the intervals
between objects are highly irregular.

Timeout and New Trigger is identical to Timeout, except that a timeout or a
new trigger (whichever occurs first) ends the read cycle.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

End of Read Cycle

Read Cycle Timeout
Usage:

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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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 Read Cycle Timeout to take effect.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 No
Read will be sent.
Note: Higher settings will decrease throughput speed.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Good Decode Output Mode
Definition:

Affects how the scanner counts symbols that it reads successfully.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Non-Consecutive

0 = Non-Consecutive
1 = Consecutive

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Gain Settings
The settings in this section are typically adjusted by Calibration, 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 Adjustment
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 9, Calibration.

Sets a voltage amplitude value for the analog circuitry.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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

AGC Mode
Definition:

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Focus
Focus is generally set during the Calibration routine (see Chapter 9, Calibration). However,
in certain applications involving specific focal lengths, manual control of focus may be
appropriate.

Focus Position
Definition:

Allows the user to change the focus position setting.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Scan Speed
Definition:

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Settings
Important: AGC settings apply to both AGC and symbol detection.

Symbol Detect Status
Usage:

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.

AGC is the acronym for Automatic Gain Control. AGC increases the depth of
field by attempting to maintain signal strength at a constant level regardless
of the range of the symbol.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Minimum Number of Transitions
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.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Maximum Element

Maximum Element
Definition:

Maximum Element represents the maximum bar element width that is
allowed before a video reset occurs (default to white).
Caution: Do not change this parameter unless instructed by a Microscan
representative.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

400 (x 0.01% of scan)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Tracking Adjustment
Definition:

Sets a tracking value for the scanner’s analog circuitry. Changes to tracking
adjustment should be made by Autocalibration.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Tracking Adjustment

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

5 Symbologies
Contents
Symbologies by ESP .................................................................................................................... 5-2
Symbologies Serial Commands ................................................................................................... 5-2
Code 39 ........................................................................................................................................ 5-3
Code 128 / EAN-128 .................................................................................................................... 5-6
Interleaved 2 of 5........................................................................................................................ 5-10
Codabar...................................................................................................................................... 5-13
UPC/EAN.................................................................................................................................... 5-16
Code 93 ...................................................................................................................................... 5-19
Pharmacode ............................................................................................................................... 5-20
PDF417 ...................................................................................................................................... 5-22
Narrow Margins / Symbology ID................................................................................................. 5-24
Background Color....................................................................................................................... 5-26
Autodiscriminate ......................................................................................................................... 5-27

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Symbologies by ESP

Symbologies by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
Symbologies
menu.

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

To open nested options,
single-click the +.

Symbologies Serial Commands
Command Title
Narrow Margins/Symbology ID
Background Color
Code 39
Codabar
Interleaved 2 of 5
UPC/EAN

Code 128/EAN-128
Code 93
PDF417
Pharmacode

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

An alphanumeric symbol with unique start/stop symbol 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 Character Status (Code 39)
Serial Cmd:

Check Character Output (Code 39)
Usage:

Check Character Output Status, added to the symbol, provides additional
security.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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)
Usage:

Helps prevent truncations and increases data integrity by ensuring that only
a fixed symbol length will be accepted.

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

Symbol Length (Code 39)
Definition:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Full ASCII Set (Code 39)

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 symbol 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Code 128/EAN-128

Code 128/EAN-128
Usage:

Code 128/EAN-128 is a smaller symbology, and is 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:

1 = Enabled
(Serial Standard)

3 = Serial Standard
and Edge

Note: Code 128 must be Enabled for EAN-128 to function.

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 is considered a valid symbol.

Symbol Length (Code 128)
Usage:

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 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.
5-6

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

EAN-128 Status
Usage:
Definition:

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 using application identifiers
to define the meaning and format of fields that immediately follow them. For
more information, refer to the AIM website at:
http://www.aimglobal.org/standards/aimpubs.asp

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

If set to Enabled, symbols can be read 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 format in order to decode the symbol.
Note: Code 128 must also be Enabled for EAN-128 to function.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Code 128/EAN-128

Output Format (EAN-128)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Default:
Options:
Standard:
Application
Record:

Application Record is useful in applications in which the software can
use application record formatting to help automate the processing of its
EAN-128 data.
Offers an option between Standard EAN-128 and Application Record format.

Standard
0 = Standard
1 = Application Record
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 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
No Read and output a No Read message (if enabled).

Application Record Separator Status (EAN-128)

When enabled, a separator character is inserted between application
records.

Definition:
Serial Cmd:

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

Default:
Options:

Defines an ASCII character as an application record separator.

, (comma)
User Defined ASCII character

Note: Output Format must be set to Application Record before this parameter can take effect.
5-8

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Application Record Brackets Status (EAN-128)

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

Definition:
Serial Cmd:

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

Application Record Padding Status (EAN-128)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

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.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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

Minimum Ratio Distance (Code 128)
Definition:

Default:
Options:

Determines the error tolerance level.
Normal enforces a requirement for normal error tolerance.
High enforces a requirement for high element-to-element quality.
Highest enforces a requirement for very high element-to-element quality.

Normal
0 = Normal
1 = High
2 = Highest

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5
Usage:

Interleaved 2 of 5 has been popular because it is the most dense symbol 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 (truncation, for example).

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)
Usage:

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 bar symbol
data for added data security.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

0 to 128, even
Note: 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)
Usage:

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–2/5.

0 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Interleaved 2 of 5

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:

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.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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

When enabled, this feature causes symbol length # 1 and symbol length # 2
to form of a range of lengths that can be decoded.
For example, if symbol lengths of 10 and 6 are enabled, those are the
lengths that can be decoded. Note that either length can serve as the minimum
or maximum.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Used in photo-finishing and library applications. Used in some medical
applications at one time, 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:

Start and 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 and Stop Output Status (Codabar)
Usage:

Used to verify matching.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

Symbol Length (Codabar)
Definition:

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

Options:
1 to 128
Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Symbol Length to take effect.
Note: Because of symbology limitations, setting Symbol Length to any number less than
four will produce undetermined results.
5-14

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Check Character Type (Codabar)
Definition:

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

0 = Disabled
1 = Modulus 16
2 = NW 7
3 = Both
Modulus 16: Used in the photo-finishing market.
NW 7: Used in Japanese markets.

Check Character Output Status (Codabar)
Usage:

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

UPC/EAN
Usage:
Definition:

Used primarily in POS application in the retail industry. It is commonly used
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 (UPC-A) symbol is used to encode a
12 digit number. The first digit is the number system character, the next five
are the manufacturer number, the next five are the product number, and the
last digit is the checksum character.
When enabled, the scanner will read UPC-A and UPC-E only.

UPC Status
Serial Cmd:
Default:

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.

Usage:
Definition:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Supplemental Status (UPC/EAN)
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:
Disabled:
Enabled:

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 codes.

Disabled
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 No Read 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.

Separator Status (UPC/EAN)

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

Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Separator Character (UPC/EAN)
Note: If Separator Character has been changed to any other character and you wish to
redefine the separator as a comma, you will need to use ESP or the embedded menu.
Note: Whenever Separator Character is defined as a comma (,) sending a
command will return the current settings, including the separator character comma which
appears after the separator status comma.
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

, (comma)
Any ASCII character

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

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

Both
0 = Both
1 = 2 characters only
2 = 5 characters only
Either 2 character or 5 character supplementals will be considered valid.
2 Char Only: Only two character supplementals will be considered valid.
5 Char Only: Only five character supplementals will be considered valid.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Code 93
Usage:
Definition:

Used occasionally in the 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:
Default:

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Code 93)

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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 is considered a valid symbol.

Usage:
Definition:

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Pharmacode
Usage:
Definition:

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:
Default:

Fixed Symbol Length Status (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:
Default:

Fixed Symbol Length (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Minimum Number of Bars (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Bar Widths (Pharmacode)
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Mixed
0 = Mixed
1 = Narrow
2 = Wide

Decode Direction (Pharmacode)

Specifies the direction that a bar can be read.

Definition:
Serial Cmd:

Fixed Threshold Value (Pharmacode)
Default:

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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, 1,800
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:

Raster Sweeps Before Decode Attempt (PDF417)
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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Fixed Symbol Length (PDF417)
Definition:

Specifies the exact number of characters the scanner will recognize.

1 to 2710
Note: Fixed Symbol Length Status must be enabled for Fixed Symbol
Length to take effect.

Decode at End of Read (PDF417)
Definition:

Allows the user to specify that the decoding of the PDF417 symbol take
place after the requirements of End of Read Cycle have been satisfied.
This means that the scanner will accumulate information about the PDF417
candidate symbol but will not attempt to error-correct or translate the information
until the end of the read cycle.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Narrow Margins/Symbology ID

Narrow Margins/Symbology ID
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. The “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.

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

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 scanner 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, P, M
A = Code 39, C = Code 128 or EAN-128, E = UPC/EAN,
I = I–2/5, F = Codabar; G = Code 93, L = PDF417, a = Pharmacode,
e = Composite/RSS, L = PDF417 and Micro PDF417
3. Modifier (see Explanation of Modifiers below)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Check Character

Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled

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

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Background Color

Background Color

Serial Cmd:
Default:

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.

Usage:
Definition:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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, UPC/EAN, and
Pharmacode. The user may also individually disable/enable each symbology
type.

Enables all codes except noted above.
Enables Code 39 only
Enables Codabar only
Enables 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).

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Autodiscriminate

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

6 I/O Parameters
Contents
I/O Parameters by ESP.................................................................................................................6-2
I/O Parameters Serial Commands ................................................................................................6-3
Symbol Data Output......................................................................................................................6-4
No Read Message ........................................................................................................................6-6
Bad Symbol Message ...................................................................................................................6-7
No Symbol Message .....................................................................................................................6-7
Read Duration Output ...................................................................................................................6-8
Output Indicators...........................................................................................................................6-9
Beeper.........................................................................................................................................6-12
Serial Verification ........................................................................................................................6-13
EZ Button ....................................................................................................................................6-15
EZ Button Modes ........................................................................................................................6-17
Input 1 .........................................................................................................................................6-19
Configurable Output 1 .................................................................................................................6-20
Trend Analysis Output 1..............................................................................................................6-24
Diagnostics Output 1...................................................................................................................6-27
Configurable Output 2 .................................................................................................................6-28
Trend Analysis Output 2..............................................................................................................6-28
Diagnostics Output 2...................................................................................................................6-28
Configurable Output 3 .................................................................................................................6-29
Trend Analysis Output 3..............................................................................................................6-29
Diagnostics Output 3...................................................................................................................6-29
Database Identifier Output ..........................................................................................................6-30
Quality Output .............................................................................................................................6-31

This section includes instructions on setting up conditions for changing input/output electrical
transitions for control of the scanner’s internal and external devices.
Note: The characters NUL, <, >, and , can only be entered through embedded menus, not
through ESP or serial commands.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

I/O Parameters by ESP

I/O Parameters by ESP

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

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

To open nested
options, single-click
the +.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

I/O Parameters Serial Commands
Command Title
Serial Verification
Beeper
Quality Output
Symbol Data Output
Read Duration Output
No Read Message
Bad Symbol Message
No Symbol Message
Input 1
Target/Flood LEDs
Database Identifier Output
EZ Button
EZ Button Modes
Trend Analysis Output 1
Trend Analysis Output 2
Trend Analysis Output 3
Diagnostic Output 1
Diagnostic Output 2
Diagnostic Output 3
Configurable Output 1
Configurable Output 2
Configurable Output 3

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Symbol Data Output

Symbol Data Output
Usage:

Useful 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
1 = Match
2 = Mismatch
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, No Reads, etc.).

Match is typically used to route items with the same identifying data to the
same location.

With Match enabled, the scanner transmits symbol data whenever the
symbol data information matches the master symbol.

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 No Read 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 No Read can still be transmitted if enabled.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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.

End of Read Cycle
Note: See End of Read Cycle Mode on page 4-14 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.

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.
Start of read cycle

End of read cycle
Read Cycle Timeout
Host expects output

Host activates trigger

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

No Read Message

No Read 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 No Read message will be transmitted to the host.

No Read Status
Serial Cmd:

No Read Message
Definition:

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

Options:
1 to 128 ASCII characters.
Note: No Read Message will only be transmitted if Symbol Output is set to Match,
Mismatch or Good Read.
No Read Message can be set to any ASCII characters except NUL, <, >, and , .

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Bad Symbol Message
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

BAD_SYMBOL
1 to 128 ASCII characters

No Symbol Message
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

NO_SYMBOL
1 to 128 ASCII characters

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Read Duration Output

Read Duration Output
Usage:
Definition:

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

Read Duration Output Mode
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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

Read Duration Output Separator
Definition:

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

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Any ASCII character.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Indicators
Note: System features such as autocalibration and EZ Button setup may illuminate
scanner LEDs regardless of parameter settings.

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

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

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

Disabled
Green flash LEDs are disabled.

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Indicators

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Can be used as an audible verification that either a good read or a No Read
has occurred.

A beep is emitted either after each good read of a symbol or after each No
Read.
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 No Read

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.
Definition:

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.

Serial Command Beep Status
Important: 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Verification

Control/Hex Output
Usage:

Useful 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

Global Status
Disabled
When set to Disabled, the EZ Button does not function.

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

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

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Default on Power-On
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Load Configuration Database
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Allows the user to load the Configuration Database with calibration results.
When the user performs a calibration using the EZ Button, all the database
entries are moved down one index and the results of the calibration are
saved to index 1. The results will be saved as current settings as well.

Enabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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

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

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Useful for performing multiple, repetitive tasks at the work site.
Allows the user to program each of the EZ Button’s 3 positions from a selection
of 10 modes.

Single Beep
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibration
3 = Save for Power-On
5 = Load New Master
9 = Bar Code Configuration

Two Beeps
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibration
3 = Save for Power-On
5 = Load New Master
9 = Bar Code Configuration

Three Beeps
0 = Disabled
1 = Read Rate
2 = Calibration
3 = Save for Power-On
5 = Load New Master
9 = Bar Code Configuration

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

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

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

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

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

Bar Code Configuration
Enables Bar Code Configuration mode whenever the associated button position is
selected. When enabled, the scanner can accept configuration commands from symbols.
To disable, quickly press and release the EZ Button.
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

EZ Button Modes

EZ Button Operation
Single Beep (Position #1)
Hold down button until a single beep is heard.

Two Beeps (Position #2)
Hold down button until two quick beeps are heard.

Three Beeps (Position #3)
Hold down button until three quick beeps are heard.

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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. 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.

Disabled
Definition:

When set to Disabled, there is no effect on operation.

Reset Counts
Usage:

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

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 12-6).

Unlatch Output
Definition:

This setting is used in combination with any of the three discrete outputs
that are in Unlatch Mode 1. A transition to the active state will clear any of
the three outputs that were previously latched.

Active State
Definition:

Determines the function of the input pin.

1 = Active Closed

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.
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configurable Output 1

Configurable Output 1
Output On
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Mismatch or No Read
0 = Mismatch or No Read
1 = Match or Good Read
2 = Mismatch
3 = No Read
4 = Trend Analysis
5 = [reserved]
6 = Diagnostic Warning
7 = In Read Cycle

Note: If Output On is set to Mismatch/No Read or Match/Good Read, a transition
(switching) will not occur unless Matchcode Type is enabled and a master symbol is
loaded into memory.

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

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

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

No Read
Activates a discrete output whenever the symbol data is not decoded before the end of the
read cycle.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

In Read Cycle
Activates a discrete output when the scanner is in a read cycle.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configurable Output 1

Output State
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Sets the active electrical state of the discrete output.

Negative
0 = Negative
1 = Positive

Pulse Width
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

50
1 to 65535 (Divide the number entered on the command line by 100 for time
in seconds)

Output Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Pulse
0 = Pulse
1 = Latch Mode 1
2 = Latch Mode 2
3 = Latch Mode 3

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

Latch Mode 1 (Unlatch on Input 1 Pin)
In this mode the programmable output will be activated when the Output On condition is
met. It will stay active until the state of the Input 1 pin changes from inactive to active or
the proper mode is configured using the EZ Button.
Important: To unlatch using the Input 1 pin, the input status must be set to “Unlatch Outputs”. To unlatch using the EZ Button, the button status must be set to Unlatch Mode.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configurable Output 1

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Trend Analysis Mode
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

No Read
0 = Mismatch
1 = No Read
2 = Decodes/Trigger Threshold
3 = Bad Symbol
4 = No Symbol

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

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

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configurable Output 1

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

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

Number to Output On
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Decodes/Trigger Threshold
Definition:

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Over Temperature
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Service Threshold
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Laser Current High
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Laser Current Low
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Low Temperature
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configurable Output 2

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Database Identifier Output

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

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

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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

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

Separator
Usage:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

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

Any ASCII character

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 symbol data.
When enabled, symbol 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 decodes 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.

Quality Output Separator
Serial Cmd:

Options:
Any ASCII character
Note: For all serial configuration commands, the following characters cannot be
used: NUL, <, >, and , .

Decodes/Trigger Status
Serial Cmd:

Direction Output
Serial Cmd:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

7 Matchcode
Contents
Matchcode by ESP ....................................................................................................................... 7-2
Matchcode Serial Commands ...................................................................................................... 7-2
Overview of Matchcode ................................................................................................................ 7-3
Using Master Symbols.................................................................................................................. 7-4
Matchcode Type ........................................................................................................................... 7-5
Sequence Step ........................................................................................................................... 7-10
New Master Pin .......................................................................................................................... 7-11
Match Replace............................................................................................................................ 7-12
Mismatch Replace ...................................................................................................................... 7-13

This section explains the Matchcode output functions and setup.
Note: The characters NUL, <, >, and , can only be entered through embedded menus, not
through ESP or serial commands.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Matchcode by ESP

Matchcode by ESP

Click this button
to bring up the
Matchcode
menu.

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

Matchcode Serial Commands
Command Title
Matchcode Type
Master Symbol Database Size
New Master Pin
Configuration Database
Sequence Step
Enter/Delete Master Symbol Data
Request Master Symbol Data
Match Replacement Message
Mismatch Replacement Message

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Overview of Matchcode
Usage:

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Using Master Symbols

Using Master Symbols
1. Set Triggering Mode to External or Serial (see Trigger on page 4-5).
2. Set Matchcode Type to an option that fits your application (see Matchcode Type
on page 7-5).
3. Define the output you want with your matchcode setup:
a) Data output (Symbol Data Output on page 6-4).
b) Discrete output (see Configurable Output 1 on page 6-20).
4. Select the number of master symbols you want to create. If more than one, send a
command (see Master Database on page 12-11).
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 the next symbol as the
master symbol.
d) 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 7-11).

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled
2 = Sequential
3 = Wild Card

Has no effect on operations.

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

Sequential
Matching:

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.

Sequential Matching
Usage:

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 setting will disable this feature.

Match Length
Definition:

Defines the length of the character string that will be compared with that of
the master symbol when Match Start Position is set to 1 or greater. When
Match Start Position is set to 0, no comparison will occur.

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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. provided that the number of wild card characters
matches or exceeds the number of characters present.

Wild Card Character allows a user to define a wild card character as part
of the master symbol.

Any valid ASCII character

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Sequence On No Read
Usage:

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

When Sequence On No Read is Enabled and Matchcode is set to
Sequential, the scanner sequences the master symbol on every match or
No Read. When disabled, it does not sequence on a No Read.

As an example of Sequence on No Read Enabled, consider the following series of decodes:
Master symbol
001
002
003
004
005
006
007

Decoded symbol
001
002
No Read
004
No Read
No Read
007

Master symbol after decode
002
003
004 (sequenced on No Read)
005
006 (sequenced on No Read)
007 (sequenced on No Read)
008

As an example of Sequence on No Read Disabled, consider the following series of decodes:
Master symbol
001
002
003
003
004
004
004

Decoded symbol
001
002
No Read
003
No Read
No Read
004

Master symbol after decode
002
003
003 (not sequenced)
004
004 (not sequenced)
004 (not sequenced)
005

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Decoded symbol
001
002
abc
004
def
ghi
007

Master symbol after decode
002
003
004 (sequenced on mismatch)
005
006 (sequenced on mismatch)
007 (sequenced on mismatch)
008

As an example of Sequence On Mismatch Disabled, consider the following decodes:
Master symbol
001
002
003
004
005
005
005

Decoded symbol
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Sequence Step
Usage:

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 rollovers.
For example, 000 – 3 = 997 (not –3) and 999 + 3 = 002 (not 1002).

Note: See (Matchcode Type on page 7-5) 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
003
003
003
006
006
006

Decoded Symbol
001
002
003
004
005
006

Master Symbol After Decode
003
003
006
006
006
009

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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(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.

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 symbols will be saved as master symbols 1, 2, and 3.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Match Replace
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Provides a convenient shortcut for applications that need to output a
predefined text string whenever a symbol matches a master symbol.
Outputs a user-defined data string whenever a match occurs and
Matchcode is enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Replacement String
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

User-defined data string that, when enabled, replaces symbol data
whenever a match occurs.

MATCH
1 to 128 ASCII characters

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Mismatch Replace
Usage:
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Provides a convenient shortcut for applications that need to output a
predefined text string whenever a symbol does not match a master
symbol.
Outputs a user-defined data string whenever a mismatch occurs and
Matchcode is enabled.

Disabled
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Replacement String
Definition:
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

User-defined data string that, when enabled, replaces symbol data
whenever a mismatch occurs.

MISMATCH
1 to 128 ASCII characters

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Mismatch Replace

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

8 Diagnostics
Contents
Diagnostics by ESP.......................................................................................................................8-2
Diagnostics Serial Commands ......................................................................................................8-2
Counts...........................................................................................................................................8-3
Hours Since Last Reset ................................................................................................................8-4
Warning Messages .......................................................................................................................8-5
Laser Current Warning..................................................................................................................8-7
Present Operating Temperature (Deg. C).....................................................................................8-8
High Temperature Threshold ........................................................................................................8-9
Low Temperature Threshold .......................................................................................................8-10
Lifetime Hours .............................................................................................................................8-11
Service Message.........................................................................................................................8-12

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 NUL, <, >, and , can only be entered through embedded menus, not
through ESP or serial commands.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Diagnostics by ESP

Diagnostics by ESP

Click this button to bring
up the Diagnostics menu.

To open nested options,
single-click the +.

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

Diagnostics Serial Commands
Command Title
Warning Message Status
Lifetime Hours
High Temperature Warning
Low Temperature Warning
Power-On/Resets Counts
Hours Since Last Reset
Present Operating Temperature
Service Message
Laser Current Warning

returns:
(Read-Only)
returns: (Read-Only)
returns: (Read-Only)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Counts
(This command is Read-Only.)

Power-Ons
Definition

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

Read-Only
Range:

0 to 65535 power-ons.

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

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

Read-Only
Range:

0 to 65535 resets.

Parameter Saves
Definition

Returns the number of times parameters are written to memory, including
commands and hardware defaults.

Read-Only
Range:

0 to 65535 saves.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Hours Since Last Reset

Hours Since Last Reset
(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 255 hours, 0 to 59 minutes.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Warning Messages
Important Note: Warning Message Status must be enabled before any warnings in this
menu can be displayed.
Usage:

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 constantly 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

Laser High Status
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.
Usage:

Alerts the user to impending laser failure.

Enables the Laser High message.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Warning Messages

Laser Low Status
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.
Usage:

Alerts the user to impending laser failure.

Enables the Laser Low message.

NOVRAM/Reset Warning Status
When enabled, a 7-character message is sent whenever the system detects a warning
condition.
Important: Warning Message Status must be enabled before the NOVRAM message in
this menu can be transmitted.
Usage:

Alerts the user to NOVRAM failure.

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.

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

Indicates a problem with laser current factory reference. The message repeats once every
30 minutes.

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.
8-6

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Laser Current Warning
Alerts the user to impending laser failure.

High Current Status
Definition:

The High Current message is output whenever the laser current exceeds
the factory-defined maximum. The message repeats once every 30
mimutes until the condition is eliminated.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

High Current Message
Definition:

This message is output whenever the laser current exceeds the factory-defined
maximum.

Any ASCII string up to 10 characters.

Low Current Status
Definition:

The Low Current message is output whenever the laser current exceeds
the factory-defined minimum. The message repeats once every 30 mimutes
until the condition is eliminated.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Low Current Message
Definition:

This message is output whenever the laser current exceeds the factory-defined
minimum.

Any ASCII string up to 10 characters.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Present Operating Temperature (Deg. C)

Present Operating Temperature (Deg. C)
(This command is Read-Only.)
Usage:

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.

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

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 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Low Temperature Threshold

Low Temperature Threshold
Low Temperature Degrees
Usage:

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 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

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)

Options:
0 to 65534
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Service Message

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

0
0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Service Message
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

SERVICE
An ASCII string between 1 and 10 characters.

Threshold
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

300 (5 minutes)
1 to 65535

Resolution
Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:

Seconds
0 = Seconds
1 = Minutes

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

9 Calibration
Contents
Calibration Serial Commands ....................................................................................................... 9-2
Calibration Steps........................................................................................................................... 9-3
Calibration Routine ....................................................................................................................... 9-4
Calibration Results........................................................................................................................ 9-5
Configuration Database ................................................................................................................ 9-6
Optoelectric Control ...................................................................................................................... 9-8
Advanced Calibration Features................................................................................................... 9-14
Calibration by Embedded Menu.................................................................................................. 9-17

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 initiate calibration:
• ESP Calibration menu
• Serial command <@CAL>
• 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration Serial Commands

Calibration Serial Commands
Command Title
Optoelectric Control
Configuration Database
Save Configuration Database
Load Configuration Database
Request Configuration Database
Autocalibration

or for entire database.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 Scanner and
Symbol on page 1-5).
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.
3. Start the calibration procedure.
Note: Once a successful calibration is completed, you may want to save the setting to
the calibration database (see Configuration Database on page 9-6).
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,
be sure that you only test for calibration in
the active areas of the scan beam.
6. To save the new settings (including focus,
gain, and tracking) for power-on, use the
Send/Recv button or send a command.
See Configuration Database on page 9-6 to learn how to setup a database using
calibration or manually specified values.
See Advanced Calibration Features on page 9-14 for ways to speed up and
improve your calibration process.
Note: To silence the beeper, send or remove or block the test symbol.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration Routine

Calibration Routine
To calibrate gain, tracking, focus position, and scan speed automatically:
1. Click the Calibration button near the top of the screen.

2. Click 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”.
If calibration passed, you will continue to see the read rate percentage and symbol
data in the open pane below the data.

Calibration by Serial Command
To start the calibration process by serial command, send <@CAL> from ESP’s Terminal.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration Results
When a calibration command is sent, the scanner first steps through a coarse grid of focus
settings, looking for readable symbols, and recording the highest read rates it encounters.
This is Pass 1. During Pass 2, 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, a “Calibration
Passed” message is displayed at the top of the window.
To load the settings obtained from calibration into the Configuration Database:
1. Perform the calibration routine described in Calibration Routine on page 9-4.
2. Click on the Configuration Database tab.
3. Set Number of Active Database Settings and make your selection in Optoelectric
Control in the menu tree to the left of the Database tab.
4. Click on an index to load standard settings.
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.
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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configuration Database

Configuration Database
Configuration Database by Serial Command
Note: You can also set Focus, Gain Settings, Tracking Adjustment, Scan Speed,
Laser Framing, and Background Color individually.
Definition:

The Configuration Database allows the user to save multiple scanner
configuration settings. The database can be used to save the most commonly used configurations, making the scanner easily adaptable to changing
applications, or it can be used in conjunction with Optoelectric Control, to
change configurations dynamically.
When Optoelectric Control is set to Control Trigger (Optoelectric Control
Mode), the first seven indexes can be switched by external inputs. Each
database configuration setting is assigned to a control trigger sequence.
The table below illustrates the relationship between control trigger
sequence and database indexes.

Index
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Active Trigger(s) = 1, 2, 3
Control Triggers
3
2
1
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
0
1
1
1
0
1
1
1

Active Trigger(s) = 1, 2
Control Triggers
3
2
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
Disabled 1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

Active Trigger(s) = 1
Control Triggers
3
2
1
0
1
N/A
Disabled Disabled N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A

0 = Inactive Input State
1 = Active Input State
Serial Cmd:

Important: Control Trigger 3 uses the External Trigger input. When this
input is active, there is no external trigger available to the scanner. Therefore,
when Control Trigger 3 is active and External Trigger Mode is selected, a
read cycle will be triggered by an active input from any of the control trigger
inputs.
Since an active state on one of the control inputs is required to trigger a
read cycle, sequence “000” would not be valid. When Control Trigger 3 is
active, the sequence starts at “001”. This allows a maximum of
7 accessible database settings. When Control Trigger 3 is not active, the
sequence starts with all active inputs disabled.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Configuration Database by ESP
Click this button to bring up the Calibration view.
Then select the Configuration Database tab to
display the view shown below.

All the database settings in the command can be configured in this graphic interface.

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Optoelectric Control

Optoelectric Control
Note: Optoelectic Control requires the assembly of a Configuration Database.

Optoelectric Control Mode
Usage:

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:
• A timer in which all settings cycle throughout the time duration.
• An automatic search for the best database index.
• 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.

0 = Disabled
1 = Control Trigger
2 = Automatic/Static Mode
3 = Timer
4 = Number of Raster Sweeps

Disabled
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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Control Trigger (Optoelectric Control Mode)
Usage:

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 re-assigned 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
Configuration Database on page 9-6)

Using Control Trigger
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.
Set up your sensors or other controls. For example, the three object sensors, 1, 2 and 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.
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 controls by clicking on the Control Trigger
Status buttons on the bottom of the Control Trigger Map. The red buttons indicate active
states on the three control triggers. The combination of active/inactive triggers determines
the focus, 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Optoelectric Control

Automatic/Static (Optoelectric Control 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: 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.

Timer Mode (Optoelectric Control Mode)
Usage:

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/Switch
Value on page 9-11.)
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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

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.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Timer/Switch 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)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Optoelectric Control

Control Trigger 1 Status
Definition:

When Control Trigger mode is enabled, Control Trigger #1 takes over
Input 1 (see Input Mode on page 6-19) and uses it to select an optoelectric
configuration from the configuration database. Active state is set by Input 1
serial command.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Control Trigger 2 Status
Definition:

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”.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

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.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Database Cycles
Definition:

Database Cycles refers to the number of times the scanner will load the
series of active entries when it is set to Timer or Raster Sweep modes.
When set to 0, the scanner will cycle repeatedly through all active database
entries until the read cycle ends. When set to a value greater than 0, the
scanner will only load the active database entries for the defined number of
times before staying with the last active entry for the remainder of the read
cycle.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Advanced Calibration Features

Advanced Calibration Features
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 Framing on page 10-7 for information on laser framing.

Auto Range
Usage:

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

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

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Using Auto Range
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Be sure there are no extraneous objects between the symbol and the scanner.
Click on the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu.
If Auto Range is not enabled, click on it to enable it.
Click the Calibrate button to start calibration.
Examining the read rates in the Results graph following calibration.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Starting Focus Position
Usage:

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.

Improving the speed and accuracy of focus position setup:
1. Click on the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu.
2. If Auto Range is enabled, click on it to disable.
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Advanced Calibration Features

Focus Step Size
Usage:

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

Improving the speed and accuracy of focus step size setup:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Click on the Advanced tab in the Calibration menu.
If Auto Range is enabled, click on it to disable.
Enter a value in Focus Step Size.
Click the Calibrate button to start calibration.
Examine the read rates in the Results graph following calibration.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

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 uppercase 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.
A 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.
7. If not successful, a Calibration Failed message will be displayed. If successful, a
Calibration Passed message 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 in Embedded Menus on page 9-20.
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 decoded symbol data in the
menu. However, after exiting the Calibration menu, you will not be able to see symbol
data without sending the following command: . If using ESP, this is not necessary.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration by Embedded Menu

Scanner Settings by Embedded Menus
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. These settings are incremented or decremented by pressing the
indicated key shown on the menu. PDF417 Decode, AGC Status, Laser Power, and
Raster Status use single commands to toggle between states.

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.

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

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.

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 1 will take you to the Calibration Results menu.
Typing 2 will take you to the Raster/Laser Framing Setup menu.
Typing 3 will take you to the Configuration Database menu.
Typing 4 will take you to the Advanced Setup menu.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration by Embedded Menu

Calibration Results in Embedded Menus
To access Calibration Results menu from within the Calibration Setup menu, type the
numeral 1.

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Advanced Calibration Setup Embedded Menu
The 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.
• 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 symbol and not decode it.
Note: All single letter commands must be entered in upper case.
• Auto Range is disabled by default. To enable, press A.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Calibration by Embedded Menu

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

10 Raster/Laser
Contents
Raster/Laser Setup by ESP ........................................................................................................10-2
Raster/Laser Serial Commands ..................................................................................................10-2
Raster Setup ...............................................................................................................................10-3
Laser Framing .............................................................................................................................10-7
Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu ..............................................................................................10-9

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Raster/Laser Setup by ESP

Raster/Laser Setup by ESP

Click this button to bring up
the Raster/Laser menu.
To open nested
options, single-click
the +.

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

Raster/Laser Serial Commands
Command Title
Raster
Laser On/Off

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Raster Setup
You can set up and make changes to the scanner’s raster parameters in ESP’s Read
Cycle, Calibration, or Raster/Laser views (preferred).
To access the Raster Setup menu, click the Raster/Laser button and the Raster Setup tab.

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.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 self-calibration.

Top Offset
Definition:

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Bottom Offset
Definition:

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

Options:
0 to 255
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.

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-28.

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.
The table below shows the maximum speeds at selected raster sweep
arcs. To maximize the number of scans per symbol, use the lowest effective
sweep rate required for the application.
Raster Sweep Arc
0 to 10°
11 to 20°
21 to 36°

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Maximum Sweeps per Second
30
20
10

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,
the raster mirror stops at top offset at the end of triggered read cycle.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Laser On/Off Status
Usage:

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 timeout and minimizes laser exposure to people.

When enabled, the laser is ON only during the read cycle. When disabled,
the laser operates continuously.

Options:
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.
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Laser Framing Status
Usage:

Useful in avoiding highly reflective objects, for filtering out unwanted signals,
or 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.

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.
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 beginning at the start of
the scan beam sweep and turns ON for the duration of the Laser On Time.

Laser On Position
Definition:

Measured in increments equal to 1/100th of total scan width.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Laser Off Position
Definition:

Measured in increments equal to 1/100th of total scan width.

Serial Cmd:
Default:

Laser Power
Usage:

Used to optimize read performance at different distances. Typically higher
power is used at greater distances.

Allows the user or calibration routine to select laser power setting.

Serial Cmd:
Default:
Options:
10-8

High Power (low or medium density scanner)
0 = Low (3.0 mW)

1 = Medium (3.25 mW)

2 = High (3.5 mW)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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 10-3.

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 Framing on page 10-7.
Press the enter key (CR) to return to the main calibration menu or ESC to leave the Auto
Calibration Setup menu entirely.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Raster/Laser by Embedded Menu

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

11 Terminal
Contents
Terminal Window........................................................................................................................ 11-2
Find............................................................................................................................................. 11-3
Send ........................................................................................................................................... 11-4
Macros........................................................................................................................................ 11-5
Terminal Window Menus ............................................................................................................ 11-6

This section describes the Terminal window and macro functions.
Note: The characters NUL, <, >, and , can only be entered through embedded menus, not
through ESP or serial commands.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Terminal Window

Terminal Window
Click this button to bring up the Terminal view.

The following window will appear:
Copy, paste, save

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

Terminal
screen

Type serial
commands
here.

Macros listed
on this bar

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

Click on desired
Macro to run.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Send
The Send function in ESP’s Terminal allows you to enter serial commands and then send
them to the scanner.
1. Type the command into the Send box.

2. Press Enter.
3. Click the Send button to the left of the text field to send.

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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 see Add
Macro or Default Macros.
When you default macros, the entire
macros set is restored to their original
macro commands.

Click on subsequent
arrows to edit macros.

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

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

You can edit an existing macro or type in the Macro Name text field and define it in the
Macro Value text field. Click OK.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Terminal Window Menus

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

Copy selected text to clipboard.
Paste from Terminal or 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 Dropdown Menu
The dropdown Terminal menu has Capture Text and Save Current Text functions, as
well as the functions defined above.
• 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

12 Utilities
Contents
Serial Utility Commands ............................................................................................................. 12-2
Read Rate .................................................................................................................................. 12-4
Counters ..................................................................................................................................... 12-6
Device Control ............................................................................................................................ 12-8
Differences from Default........................................................................................................... 12-10
Master Database ...................................................................................................................... 12-11
Digital Bar Code ....................................................................................................................... 12-16
Firmware................................................................................................................................... 12-17
Autodiscriminate ....................................................................................................................... 12-19
Scanner Status Requests......................................................................................................... 12-20

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 NUL, <, >, and , can only be entered through embedded menus, not
through ESP or serial commands.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Utility Commands

Serial Utility Commands
Command Type
Read Rate

Master Database

Name
Enter Read Rate Test
Enter Multisymbol Read Rate Test
Enter Percent Test
Enter Multisymbol Percent Test
Extended Read Rate
Enter Percent PDF Read Rate Test
Exit Read Rate and Percent Test
No Read Counter
No Read Counter Reset
Trigger Counter
Trigger Counter Reset
Good Read/Match Counter
Good Read/Match Counter Reset
Mismatch Counter
Mismatch Counter Reset
Enable Laser Scanning (Laser On)
Disable Laser Scanning (Laser Off)
Motor On
Motor Off
Programmable Output 1 Pulse
Programmable Output 2 Pulse
Programmable Output 3 Pulse
Enable Matchcode Type
Disable Matchcode Type
Store Next Symbol to Database Index 1
Store Next Symbol to Database Index n
Download Master Symbol Data to Database Index n
Display Master Symbol Data from Database Index n
Delete Master Symbol from Database Index n
Display Checksums for Boot Code and Application Code
Display Checksum for Boot Code
Display Checksum for Application Code
Display Checksum for Raster Code
Display Boot Code and Application Code Part Number
Display Boot Code Part Number
Display Application Code Part Number
Autodiscriminate All Symbologies
Enable Code 39 Only
Enable Codabar Only
Enable Interleaved 2/5 Only
Serial Trigger Character

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Utilities
Default/Reset/Save

Status Requests

Reset (does not save for Power-On)
Reset and Restore Microscan Default Parameters
Reset and Read Flash Parameters
Save Current Settings for Power-On
Restore Microscan Default Parameters and Save for Power-On
Status Byte
Extended Status
All Commands Status
Single Command Status
All Command Descriptions
Single Command Description
All Command Ranges
Single Command Range
Single Command Wildcard
Single Command Default

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Enter Single Symbol Read Rate 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.

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

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 750ms 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 .
12-4

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Enable Extended Read 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.
The example below shows output with Postamble enabled and defined as Carriage
Return/Line Feed.
Decode rate

Number of bar/space
transitions

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 multisymbol.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Counters
Counter commands can be a numeric value from 00000 to 65535. After reaching the
maximum numeric limit of 65,535, the counter will automatically rollover and start counting
again at 00000 and report any errors. To obtain the cumulative total of counts after the
rollover has occurred, add 65,536 per each rollover (the scanner does not keep track of
the number of rollovers) to the current count.
Note: All counter values will be lost if power is recycled to the scanner or the scanner
receives a reset or save command.

Counters by Serial Command
No Read Counter
Sending displays the total number of No Reads that have occurred since the last reset.

No Read Counter Reset
Sending sets No Read Counter to 00000.

Trigger Counter
Sending displays the total number of triggers since the last reset.

Trigger Counter Reset
Sending sets the trigger counter to 00000.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Good Read/Match Counter
Sending displays the total number of good reads matching the master symbol if
Matchcode is enabled. This counter is always enabled, but will only work as a match
count when Matchcode is enabled. If Matchcode 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Device Control
Device Control is accessible from the Utilities menu.

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.

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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).

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Differences from Default

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

Click Generate Barcode to bring up the Bar Code
Dialog. Then create configuration symbols containing
the configuration commands of your choice.

Send configuration settings
to the scanner without saving
by clicking Send to Reader.

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

Send configuration settings to the
scanner and save in ESP by clicking
Send and Save.

• To create a symbol containing any of the command settings in the table, click Generate
Barcode. This will bring up the Bar Code Dialog.
• To save the Differences from Default report, either as plain text or as a tab-delimited
text file, click Save As.
• Click Send and Save to send the settings to the scanner and save them, or Send to
Reader to send the settings without saving them.
Important: The use the Differences from Default feature, you must connect to the
scanner and Receive Reader Settings via the Send/Recv button on the toolbar.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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
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.
Click the Master Database tab.
Set the Master Symbol Database Size.
Select database index you want to enter the master symbol.
Do one of the following to enter master symbol data:
• Double-click the index row to type data directly into index. (See Enter Master
Symbol Data on page 12-13.)
• Click Read Symbol into Selected Index to enter the next decoded symbol.

Definition:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Set Master Symbol
Database Size here.

Double-click a row
to enter data into
popup dialog box.

Loads the next symbol decoded into
the selected index.

Loads the scanner’s saved
master symbols into ESP.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Saves the displayed
database to the scanner.

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 double-clicking
Database Size and entering the number.

Set Master Symbol
Database Size here.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Enter Master Symbol Data
Definition:

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. 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, any combination of ASCII text up to the maximum indicated in the
Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database table below.
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 12-12), 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).
Options:

The table below 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 12-12.
Maximum Characters for Master Symbol Database
Number of Master
Symbols
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5

Maximum Characters
20452710
1022
681
510
408

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

Maximum Characters
340
291
254
226
203

Master Database

Request Master Symbol Data
Definition:

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

Send to request the
current master symbol for a specific master symbol.
Returns all master symbols if no number is added before the question mark.

Delete Master Symbol Data
Definition:

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.

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Read Next Symbol as Master Symbol
Definition:

After you’ve set the size in the database, you can order the scanner to read
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 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Digital Bar Code

Digital Bar Code
When you click the Digital Bar Code tab and the Start button, a digitized representation
of the candidate symbol will appear.

This routine is useful for conveying a sense of the symbol’s readability and graphically
indicating bad or unreadable portions of symbols or extraneous “noise”. A green waveform
indicates a decoded symbol; a red waveform indicates an undecoded symbol or other object.
The red triangles represent the width of the scan beam relative to the symbol. The upward
pointing arrows indicated the symbol’s margin.

Zoom In, Zoom Out
You can zoom in by sliding the Zoom lever to the right. You may have to scroll right or left
to locate your symbol, but the results will be striking.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Firmware
Firmware Update

Firmware Update is used to download application code to the scanner.
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, verify the current firmware (see Firmware Verification (Part Number)
below.)
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Firmware Verification (Part Number)
You can send a request for the scanner’s current firmware part numbers using this dialog:
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.

Part Number by Serial Command
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.
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.

Checksum 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 are returned when their
respective commands and and are sent.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Autodiscriminate
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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Scanner Status Requests

Scanner Status Requests
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 the hex-to-binary table.
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 the “Scanner Status” table,
in the “Binary” column next to the appropriate bit.
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 port buffer overflow
Scanner is in a read cycle
Software Watchdog reset
Hardware Watchdog 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.”

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

Extended Status
The scanner responds to an extended status request with
several fields, for example: <35-558002-10,35-55800112,F6D4,20C5,02D3,02D3>.
These represent, in order: the status byte discussed above, the boot part number (35-558002-10),
the application part number (35-558001-12), boot checksum (5F6D4), app checksum
(02D3), RAM parameter checksum (02D3), and flash parameter checksum (02D3).

All Commands Status
This is the fastest way to learn the scanner’s current configuration. Sending this request
will return the current settings of all commands, starting with the lowest K command value
and ending with the highest K command value.

Single Command Status
This request will return the value of the variables associated with the requested K command.
The request of a single entry of a database command cannot exceed the number of database
slots for the specific command.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

All Command Descriptions
This request will return all current descriptions of every K command, starting with the
lowest K command value and ending with the highest K command value.

Single Command Description
This request returns the basic functional description of all fields in the requested K command.

All Command Ranges
This request will return the current settings of all commands within the user-defined range,
starting with the lowest user-defined K command value and ending with the highest
user-defined K command value.

Single Command Range
This request will return the value range and storage type description of all fields in the
requested K command.

Single Command Wildcard
This request will return the requested K command’s status, description, and range for all
parameters.

Single Command Default
This request will default a single K command for the user, provided that the requested K
command has user-defined parameters (rather than factory-defined parameters).

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Scanner Status Requests

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

This section explains how to control the formatting and filtering of decoded symbol data for
output.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Format Serial Commands

Output Format Serial Commands
Command Title
Format Extract
Format Insert
Format Assign
Format Status
Output Filter Configuration
Number of Filters

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Format Status
Definition:

This is a global enable/disable parameter. In order to use formatting you
must set up the format using the insert and extract commands, and you
must also assign a symbol to format using the Format Assign command.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled

Output Format Status Disabled
When Format Status is set to Disabled, output formatting is globally disabled.

Output Format Status Enabled
When Format Status is set to Enabled, output formatting is enabled. However, Format
Assign, Format Insert, and Format Extract must be properly set up as well.

Output Format Status by ESP
On the Output Format tab, check the Enable Output Format box.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Format Assign
Symbol Number
Definition:

Symbol Number refers to the number of the symbol to which output formatting
will apply. For example, if you wish to enable user-defined formatting to
symbol # 2 in a multisymbol read cycle, you would send the command
. Note that the number of symbols may exceed the format
capabilities.

1 to 12
1 = Formatted output status for symbol # 1.
2 = Formatted output status for symbol # 2.
...
12 = Formatted output status for symbol # 12.

Format Assign Status
Definition:

Status refers to the user-defined formatting of a selected symbol position in
the read cycle result. Note that there is also a global formatting “enable”
command that must be set for the formatting to be applied.

0 = Disabled
1 = Enabled (Assign parameters to specified symbol)

Format Assign by ESP
Use the Set Number of Symbols spin box to
determine the number of symbols to be included
in the output phrase.

Then check the Parse boxes
beneath the symbols that you wish
to format for user-defined output.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Format Extract
Output Index
Definition:

Output Index refers to the database entry you wish to modify with this
command. A formatted output is built by extracting data from a symbol’s
original data output and/or inserting user-defined characters.
It may be helpful to think of individual indexes as positions in the final formatted
output you wish to build. Starting with index # 1, enter either an extract or
insert command to begin building your desired output string. Then, with the
next index number, enter either an extract or insert command to continue
building the output string. Continue this process until you are finished building
the string.

Start Location
Definition:

Defines the location within the symbol data where the character extraction
will begin. The first character extracted will also be the first character in the
sequence displayed in user-defined output.

1 to n (maximum number of characters in symbol data)

Length
Definition:

Defines the length (in consecutive characters) that will be extracted and
placed in user-defined output.

0 (disabled; end of format cell array)

1 to n (maximum number of characters in symbol data)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Format Extract by ESP

The Extract Range
function corresponds to
the Start Location and
Length parameters in
the Format Extract
serial command.

You can extract and insert several character sequences using ESP’s Symbol Parse feature.
In this example, the selected extraction range is characters 2-4. The “Sample Symbol” example
on the Symbol Parse dialog shows the selected character positions extracted and output as
desired. Simultaneously, the data string from the actual selected symbol is displayed at the
bottom left of the Parse Table, followed by the user-defined extracted output.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Format Insert
Output Index
Definition:

Output Index refers to the database entry you wish to modify with this
command. A formatted output is built by extracting data from a symbol’s
original data output and/or inserting user-defined characters.
It may be helpful to think of individual indexes as positions in the final formatted
output you wish to build. Starting with index # 1, enter either an extract or
insert command to begin building your desired output string. Then, with the
next index number, enter either an extract or insert command to continue
building the output string. Continue this process until you are finished building
the string.

Length
Definition:

Specifies the length of the user-defined character string that will be inserted.
This function is limited to 4 characters per output index, so multiple indexes
must be entered in order to insert longer character sequences.
For example, if you wish to insert a 10 character sequence in user-defined
output, you would need three commands with consecutive index numbers,
where the first two character sequence lengths were 4 and the third was 2.

0 (disabled; end of format cell array)

Hex String
Definition:

Specifies a character string that represents ASCII characters to be inserted
in the database entry. Two hex characters are required for every ASCII
character to be inserted in the user-defined output string. These two characters
comprise the hex (base 16) value of the ASCII character.
For example, if you wanted to enter the three-character sequence “Hi!” you
would enter 3 for the length of the string, and a hex sequence of 486921 for
the ASCII sequence to be inserted. (48 = H; 69 = i; 21 = !)
Important: Each pair of hex characters represents one ASCII character.
Hex character pairs range from 00 to FF. Since you are limited to 4 ASCII
characters per insertion per database entry, you are likewise limited to 8
hex characters per insertion per database entry.

NUL (00 in hex)

00 to FF (As many as 4 bytes, or hex pairs.)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Format Insert by ESP

The Format Insert process is very similar
to the Format Extract process, except that
Insert allows you to enter characters using
the Insertion Calculator (shown above).

Notice that Extract
and Insert share the
same Parse Table.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Filter Configuration
Definition:

Output filtering is a method of providing a set of good read qualifiers and
also providing ordered output. There is a filter for up to the first 10 positions
in a multisymbol output. The first filter corresponds to the first symbol output
at the end of the read cycle. Each filter has has settings for the following
four parameters: Symbology Type, Symbol Length, Data, and Configuration
Database Number.

Rules for Output Filter Configuration
Output Filter Configuration Rule # 1
Each symbol that is decoded must match one of the filters before it can be saved to a read
cycle record. There is an exception to this rule, however, when the number of symbols
required for a read cycle exceeds the number of active filters. In such a case, unfiltered
symbols can be placed into unfiltered output positions.
For example, if the number of symbols required is 6 but there are only 4 active filters, the
last 2 positions can be filled by any (unfiltered) qualified symbol.

Output Filter Configuration Rule # 2
The same filter setup can be used multiple times.
For example, filters 1, 2, and 3 can be set up to filter Data Matrix symbols, and the output
will occur in the order the symbols are decoded.

Output Filter Configuration Rule # 3
All qualified symbols will be sorted and output in the matching filter position. If a symbol
matches filter 3, it will be output as the third symbol. If a filter does not have a matching
qualified symbol, a No Read message will be output in place of the symbol (assuming the
No Read message is enabled).
For example, if there is not a symbol that meets filter 3’s requirements, then a No Read
message will be output in the third output position.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Filter Configuration

Filter Number
Definition:

This is the filter index number that represents the position of the symbol in
the data output at the end of the read cycle. This index number should be
entered along with the following filter settings for the predetermined symbol
position.

Symbology
Definition:

Specifies the symbology type allowed to occupy this location in multisymbol
output.
Note: To filter or order a symbol, the symbol must meet all the requirements
of the selected filter index.

0 (any symbology type)

0 = Any type
1 = Interleaved 2 of 5
2 = Code 39
3 = Code 128
4 = Codabar
5 = UPC
6 = PDF417
7 = EAN 128
8 = Code 93
9 = Pharmacode

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Length
Definition:

Specifies the length of the decoded symbol allowed to occupy this location
in multisymbol output.
Note: To filter or order a symbol, the symbol must meet all requirements of
the selected filter index.

Wildcard
Definition:

This is the character to be used in the data output field when performing a
data filter comparison. The wildcard character represents the end of matching,
and allows for variable lengths of symbol output.

“ * “ = (2A in hex)

Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters.
Example:
2A = *
00 = disabled

Placeholder
Definition:

The placeholder character requires a character to be present, but does not
compare the data value.

“ ? ” = (3F in hex)

Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters.
Example:
3F = ?
00 = disabled

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Output Filter Configuration

Data
Definition:

This is the data string to be used when comparing symbol data for output
filtering and ordering. This data string may also contain wildcard and
placeholder characters to facilitate matching. Remember that in order to
filter or order symbol data, it must meet all the requirements of the selected
filter index.
Examples:
• Filter data = “123*”. This will match data strings of “123”, “123456”, and
“123ABC”, but not “12”.
• Filter data = “123*AB?C”. This will be interpreted as “123*”.
• Filter data = “123?”. This will match “1234” and “123A”, but not “123”,
“12345”, or “1234C”.
• Filter data = “123?A”. This will match “1234A” and “123BA”, but not
“123”, “1234C”, or “1234ABCD”.
• Filter data = “123?A?”. This will match “1234AB” and “123BAT”, but not
“1234A” or “123BATS”.
• Filter data = “12??*”. This will match “1234”, “123456”, and “123ABC”,
but not “12” or “123”.
• Filter data = “123?A*”. This will match “1234A”, “123BA”, and
“123BATS”, but not “1234” or “1234C”.

NUL (00 in hex)

Any ASCII input in the form of a pair of hex characters.
Maximum length: 63 bytes defined.
Examples:
41422A = AB*
Data [0] = NUL represents string matching disabled.

Decode Direction
Definition:

Decode direction is determined by the direction of the output filter.

0 (any direction)

0 = Any Direction
1 = Forward
2 = Reverse

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Database Index
Definition:

The index of the database entry that decodes a given symbol must equal
this setting for filtering to occur. A setting of 0 allows any database index for
this filter entry.

0 = Any Database Index
1 = Database # 1 to n (maximum number of characters in the symbol data)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Number of Filters

Number of Filters
Definition:

Number of Filters refers to the number of active output filters. 0 disables
all output filters. Any non-zero numeral will enable filtering to be performed
using the filter indexes covered by this value.
For example, if the number of filters is 1, then only filter index # 1 will be
applied. If the number of filters is 2, then only filter index # 1 and filter index
# 2 will be applied, etc.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

14 Wiring Box
Contents
Wiring Box Description ............................................................................................................... 14-2
Installation Steps ........................................................................................................................ 14-3
Wiring Box Ports......................................................................................................................... 14-5
Wiring Box PCB with Connectors ............................................................................................... 14-8
Mounting Plate............................................................................................................................ 14-9

This section has instructions for assembling, wiring and using the MS-890’s optional
Wiring Box. When this option is selected, the MS-890 and wiring box option are shipped
as an assembly.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Wiring Box Description

Wiring Box Description
Note: The wiring box PCB resides inside the wiring box.
Ribbon Cable to
MS-890 Scanner

Portal hole,
3/4” pipe
thread
(4 places)
Bottom mounting
plate of 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Installation Steps
1. Connect power through the portal holes (see Check Required Hardware on page 1-2).
2. Temporarily apply power to the scanner and confirm that the light next to the input
terminal is green and not red.
3. Disconnect power before making the remaining connections.
4. Connect the host and trigger port wires through the portal holes to the appropriate
connections.
5. Plug the ribbon cable into the scanner as shown below (apply pressure back and forth
on the connector to ensure that it fits inside the receptacle).

Bottom plate of
scanner attaches to
top of wiring box
Portal holes
3/4” pipe thread
(4 places)

Base mounting plate of
wiring box

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Installation Steps (cont.)

Installation Steps (cont.)
6. Attach the scanner to the wiring box with four attached mounting screws in the bottom
plate of the scanner, making sure that the gasket is evenly seated.

Mounting screws
(4 corners of
base plate)

7. Mount the wiring box (see Wiring Box Ports on page 14-5).

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Wiring Box Ports
Relay Modules
These can be used as an alternative to the 3 optoisolated outputs from the scanner itself.
K1, K2, and K3 are module sockets for SM off-the-shelf AC/DC output/relay modules.
Note: For relay module kits, use a slim module that does not exceed 0.43” (11 mm) in width.

3 relay module sockets

40-3100 08-01
REV. 2

R E LA Y
PA S S

43-310008REVS/N:

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

Jumpers
When installing relay modules in K1, K2, and K3, corresponding jumpers (J1, J2, J3) need
to be moved. Move jumpers from 3-5 to 1-3 and 4-6 to 2-4 for each relay to be installed
(K1, K2, K3).
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
MA DE IN U.S.A.

43-310008REVS/N:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

R ELA Y 2 O U T

R EL AY 3 O U T

Wiring Box Ports

Relay Terminals
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
optoisolated current.

+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).

RS-232
Main serial communication port.

Aux RS-232
Daisy chain and Auxiliary connections.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

New Master Pin
Allows you to wire in a switch for New Master Pin. (See Optoisolator Inputs on page A-7.)

Trigger Port (NPN)
To initiate the read cycle. (See Optoisolator Inputs on page A-7.)

Power LED
GREEN means the polarity of the input connections is correct; RED means it is reversed.
Caution: While the MS-890 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Wiring Box PCB with Connectors

Wiring Box PCB with Connectors

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

IB-890 Wiring Box Mounting Plate

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Appendix A General Specifications.............................................................................................. A-2
Appendix B Electrical Specifications............................................................................................ A-4
Appendix C Serial Configuration Commands .............................................................................. A-9
Appendix D ASCII Table ............................................................................................................ A-15
Appendix E Embedded Menus .................................................................................................. A-17
Appendix F Defaulting / Saving / Initializing............................................................................... A-18
Appendix G Position Scanner and Symbol ................................................................................ A-21
Appendix H Object Detector ...................................................................................................... A-22
Appendix I Bar Code Configuration ........................................................................................... A-23
Appendix J Test Read Rate ....................................................................................................... A-25
Appendix K Formulas for Number of Decodes .......................................................................... A-27
Appendix L Operational Tips...................................................................................................... A-32
Appendix M Interface Standards................................................................................................ A-33
Appendix N Multidrop Communications..................................................................................... A-34
Appendix O Glossary of Terms.................................................................................................. A-39

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

General Specifications

Appendix A — General Specifications
Mechanical
Height: 3.5" (88 mm)
Width: 5" (127 mm)
Depth: 6" (152 mm)
Weight: 5 lbs. (2268 g)

Environmental
Enclosure: IP65
Operating Tempurature: 0° to 50°C (32° to 122°F)
Storage Tempurature: -50° to 75° C (-58 to 167°F)
Humidity: up to 90% (non-condensing)

Emissions and Immunity
EN61000-6-3:2001: for Class A products
EN61000-3-2:2000+A2:2005
EN61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001
EN61000-6-2: Immunity

Laser Light
Type: Semiconductor visible laser diode (650 nm nominal)
Operating Life: 50,000 hours @ 25°C (77°F)
Safety Class: CDRH Class II

Indicators
Beeper: Good Read, Match/Mismatch, No Read, serial
command confirmation
LEDS: 1 status, 1 power, 1 Good Read, 5 read performance
(representing percentage of good decodes), network/include
status, green flash

Discrete I/O
Trigger, New Master, Input 1: Optoisolated, 5-28V rated
(12mA at 24VDC)
Outputs (1, 2, 3): Optoisolated, 1-28VDC rated,
(ICE<100mA @ 24VDC, current limited by user)

Communications
Interface: RS-232, RS-422485, Daisy Chain/Aux Port-capable,
dedicated configuration port

MS-890 Dimensions

Symbologies
Standard symbologies: Code 39, Code 128, UPC/EAN, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, Code 93, PDF417
Applications Standards: AIAG, GS1-128

Scanning Parameters
Scanner Mirror Type: Rotating, single line, 14-faceted
Scan Rate: Adjustable from 400 to 1000 scans/second (default = 500 scans/second)
Raster Sweep Speed: 1 to 30 sweeps/second
Raster Sweep Angle: 30° maximum
Scan Width Angle: Typically 60°
Pitch Angle: ±50° maximum
Skew Angle: ±40° maximum
Contrast: 25% min. absolute dark-to-light differential at 650 nm wavelength

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Read Ranges
Symbol/Narrow Bar Width
7.5 mil (.190 mm)
10 mil (.254 mm)
15 mil (.381 mm)
20 mil (.508 mm)
30 mil (.762 mm)
40 mil (1.020 mm)
50 mil (1.27 mm)

Read Range
10” to 35” (254 to 889 mm)
10” to 44” (254 to 1118 mm)
10” to 74” (254 to 1880 mm)
10” to 90” (254 to 2286 mm)
10” to 100” (254 to 2540 mm)
10” to 110” (254 to 2794 mm)
10” to 120” (254 to 3048 mm)

FIS Options
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner
Long Range, Stand Alone Version, RS-232/485, 10-28VDC
Long Range, Wiring Box-Ready, RS-232/485, 10-28VDC

FIS-0890-0001G
FIS-0890-0002G

Safety Certifications
FCC, CDRH, CE, UL/cUL, BSMI, RoHS/WEEE Compliance

ISO Certification
ISO 9001 Certified
Issued by TüV USA
©2010 Microscan Systems, Inc.
All rights reserved. Specifications subject to change.
Product specifications are given for typical performance at 25°C (77°F) using grade A labels. Performance
characteristics may vary at high temperatures or other environmental extremes. Warranty–One year limited
warranty on parts and labor. Extended warranty available.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Electrical Specifications

Appendix B — Electrical Specifications
Maximum Operating Power: 24 Watts
Power Requirement: 10 to 28VDC, 200mV p-p max. ripple, 230mA @ 24VDC (typ.)
Trigger, New Master, Input 1: 4.5 to 28 VDC (optoisolated)

Connectors at the base of the MS-890 unit::
• Power Connector
• Host 25-Pin Connector
• Trigger Connector

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

Power Connector: 3-pin microchange plug
1
2
3

Power Ground
N/C
Power 10 to 28 VDC (in)

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.
Trigger Connector: 4-pin microchange socket
1
2
3
4

Power 10 to 28 VDC (out)
NPN
Ground
N/C

Programming Connector: 9-pin D-sub plug
2
3
5
9

RX232
TX232
Signal Ground
Boot Mode

Note: RS-422 and RS-232 are both enabled by default in the MS-890.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Host 25-Pin Connector
25-pin D-sub plug
Pin

Host and Aux RS-232

Host RS-422/485

1
Chassis Ground
2
Host TxD
Out
3
Host RxD
In
4
RTS
Aux TxD
Out
5
CTS
Aux RxD
In
6
Output 1 (+)
Out
7
Signal Groundb
8
Output 2 (+)
Out
9
Trigger (–)
In
10
Trigger (+)
In
11
N/C
12
Input 1 (+)
In
13
RxD (+)
In
14
TxD (–)
Out
15
No Read/Output 3 (+)
Out
16
RxD (–)
In
17
Power Groundc
18
Power + 10 to 28 VDC
In
19
TxD (+)
Out
20
Output 1 (–)
Out
21
Output 2 (–)
Out
22
No Read/Output 3 (–)
Out
23
Input 1 (–)
In
24
New Master (–)
In
25
New Master (+)
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 failure or software failure.

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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 possible wiring configurations.
Iload=5mA

Iload=100mA
1.0V

Output Circuit Examples
Fully Optoisolated

Isolated MS-880

This circuit is fully optoisolated and is
the recommended configuration. It
allows the user to apply 1 to 28VDC to
the circuit.
Caution: The maximum current that can
pass through the optoisolator is 100mA.

Pins
6,8,15
respectively
paired with:

Pins
20,21,22
Pwr –

Not Optoisolated, Scanner Grounded
Host

Non-isolated MS-880
Pwr +

Pins
6,8,15
respectively
paired with:

Pins
20,21,22
Pwr –

Non-isolated MS-880
Pwr +

Pins
6,8,15
respectively
paired with:

Pins
20,21,22
Pwr –

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Optoisolator Inputs
New Master pin and Trigger pulses can be sent to the scanner in the following ways:

New Master Pin Inputs
W aveform Characteristics:
V
I N -H IG H
V
IN -LO W

/ I IN -HIG H
/ I IN-LO W

P ulse W idth m in

Minim um
4.5V / 4 m A

Maxim um
28V / 33 m A

25-pin Host Connector
The following New Master Pin inputs can be fully isolated pulses as PNP or NPN circuits.
NPN Circuits

PNP Circuits
Is o la te d M S -8 8 0

P N P M a s te r P in
S o u rc e
+V

Is o la te d M S -8 8 0
V
CC

N P N M a s te r P in
S o u rc e
P in 2 4 o f h o s t (+ )

S ig n a l
P in 2 4 o f h o s t (+)
P in 2 5 o f h o s t (– )

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

P in 2 5 o f h o s t (– )
S ign a l

Electrical Specifications

Trigger Inputs
W aveform Characteristics:
V

Minim um
M axim um
4 .5 V / 4 m A 28V / 3 3 m A

Trigger pulses can be sent to the scanner either through the host 25-pin connector or a
separate 4-pin trigger connector on the bottom of the scanner.

4-pin Trigger Input
Non-isolated MS-880

NPN Trigger Source
+V

+5 to 28 V
V
CC

Pin 1 of 4-pin trigger
connector. Pwr +

Pin 2 of 4-pin trigger
connector. Pwr –
Signal

Trigger Input
Pin 3 of 4-pin trigger
connector. Pwr +

25-pin Trigger Input
P N P Trigger
Source

Isolated M S -880

N P N Trigg er
S ource

Isolate d M S -880
V

Pin 10 of host (+)

Signal
Pin 9 of host (–)

Pin 10 of host (+)

P in 9 of host (–)

P N P T rigger
S ou rce

N on-isolated M S -880
V

Pin 18 (+5 to 28V )
P in 10 of host (+)
P in 9 of host (–)
P in 17 of host
pw r (–)

N PN T rigger
S ou rce

N o n-isolated M S -880
CC

P in 18 (+10 to 28V)

Pin 10
of host (+)
Pin 9 of host (–)

Pin 17 of host
Pwr (–)

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix C — Serial Configuration Commands
Communications
Host Port Parameters
Aux Port Parameters
Host Protocol
Preamble
Postamble
Response Timeout
Intercharacter Delay
LRC
Auxiliary/Configuration Port System Data
ACK/NAK Options
Polling Mode Options
Daisy Chain Autoconfigure
Daisy Chain Scanner ID
Read Cycle
Trigger Mode
Serial Trigger Character
External Trigger State
End of Read Cycle
Good Decode Reads
Multisymbol
Start Serial Trigger Character
End Serial Trigger Character
Scan Speed
Maximum Element
Gain/Tracking
AGC Settings
Focus
Tracking Adjustment
Symbologies
Narrow Margins/Symbology ID
Background Color
Code 39
Codabar
Interleaved 2 of 5

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Configuration Commands
UPC/EAN

Code 128/EAN-128
Code 93
PDF417
Pharmacode

I/O Parameters
Serial Verification
Beeper
Quality Output
Symbol Data Output
Read Duration Output
No Read Message
Bad Symbol Message
No Symbol Message
Input 1
Target/Flood LEDs
Database Identifier Output
EZ Button
EZ Button Modes
Trend Analysis Output 1
Trend Analysis Output 2
Trend Analysis Output 3
Diagnostic Output 1
Diagnostic Output 2
Diagnostic Output 3
Configurable Output 1
Configurable Output 2
Configurable Output 3
Matchcode
Matchcode Type

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Master Symbol Database Size
New Master Pin
Configuration Database
Sequential Step
Enter/Delete Master Symbol Data
Request Master Symbol Data
Match Replacement Message
Mismatch Replacement Message
Diagnostics
Warning Message Status
Lifetime Hours
High Temperature
Low Temperature
Power-On/Resets Counts
Hours Since Last Reset
Present Operating Temperature
Service Message
Laser Current Warning

returns: power-ons,resets (Read-Only)
returns: hours,minutes (Read-Only)
returns: current operating temp. (Read-Only)

Calibration / Configuration Database
Optoelectric Control

Configuration Database
Save Configuration Database
Load Configuration Database
Request Configuration Database
Advanced Calibration
Raster/Laser
Raster
Laser On/Off
Output Format
Format Extract

or for entire database.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Configuration Commands
Format Insert
Format Assign
Format Status
Output Filter Configuration
Number of Filters

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

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

An initializing command or may follow the command. A initializes the
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
.

Serial Configuration Command Conventions
• All data fields (except the last) must be followed by a comma (without a space).
• All fields preceding a modified field must be included.
• If there is no change in preceding fields, then commas alone can be entered in these
fields. For example, if only the last field in the following command is changing,
can be entered as .
• All fields following a modified field can be omitted. For example, to change Baud Rate
only, send .

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Serial Configuration Commands

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

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

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

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. It is displayed as in the menu when the screen is refreshed.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communications Protocol Command Table
Protocol Command
(Mnemonic displayed on menu)

Control Characters
(Entered in menu or
serial command)

Effect of Command

Negative Acknowledge

Begin Transmission

Stop Transmission

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix E — Embedded Menus
In addition to ESP, you can also use a communications menu such as HyperTerminal to
establish communication with Microscan’s embedded menus.1
12. 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. OR, with
your host connected to the 25-pin configuration port, set your host communications
settings as follows: 9600, 7, 1, and Even.
13. Set Flow Control to None.
14. Make the communications port selection. (Usually COM 1 or COM 2 for desktops and
COM 1 for laptops.)
15. Upon connection, send a command to bring up the main menu.

Note: The 9-pin configuration port settings are fixed.
Important: To receive symbol data through the 9-pin configuration port, you must
enable the port with the following command: .
16. Press the return key (CR) to view 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 HyperTerminal, 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Defaulting/Saving/Initializing

Appendix F — 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.

Restore User-Saved Settings to Active Memory by Serial Command
Send command to the scanner.
Note: There is no equivalent ESP command.

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.

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active Memory by Serial Command
Send command to the scanner.

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active Memory by ESP
Right-click in the configuration window and select Default All ESP Settings.

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active Memory and 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.

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active Memory and Power-On
Send command to the scanner.

Restore Microscan Defaults to Active Memory and Power-On 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.

Restore Microscan Defaults by Hardware Default
There is no hardware default for the MS-890. 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Defaulting/Saving/Initializing

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.

Save Active Settings (Except Factory) for Power-On by Serial Command
Send command to the scanner.

Save Active Settings (Except Factory) for Power-On by ESP
Right-click in the configuration window and select Save to Reader, then Send and Save.

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 active memory and resets counters to zero.
• Does not save settings for power-on.

Initializing by Serial Command
Send after a serial configuration command or a string of serial configuration commands.
For example: .

Initializing 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix G — Position Scanner and Symbol
In positioning the scanner in relation to the symbols 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 symbol (or scanner) slightly to avoid specular reflection, the return of direct, non-diffused
light. Specular reflection is avoided by pitching symbols at least 5° plus or minus from a
line perpendicular to the default position of the Raster Bottom and Raster Top.2
Note: Another way to avoid specular reflection is to skew the scanner slightly in relation
to the symbol.

Scanner 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Object Detector

Appendix H — Object Detector
In a typical operation, a scanner will wait for symbol data only during a triggered read
cycle. A read cycle is initiated by a “trigger” and can be in the form of a serial command
from the host (internal trigger) or a signal from an object detector (external trigger).
When an object detector (also called a sensor, package detector, etc.) is used, it is set up
so that its beam will bounce off the approaching object and the resulting pulse will be sent
to the 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.

Object Detector Operation

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix I — Bar Code Configuration
You can configure the MS-890 by presenting Code 128 symbols encoded with serial commands.
Note: Your scanner does not need to be enabled for Code 128 in order to enter Bar Code
Configuration.

Entering Bar Code Configuration
The symbol used to enter configuration is the 7-character code 128 symbol shown below.
It is not required that the scanner be configured to read code 128 symbols to read this start
symbol or the following configuration symbols.
To set up Bar Code Configuration:
1. Put the scanner in a read cycle mode.
2. Place a special Code 128 configuration Start symbol (provided below) in the scanner’s
field of view.

If the scanner is able to read the Start symbol, it will begin to beep and the performance
LEDs will activate.
3. When the scanner starts to beep, remove the configuration symbol from the scanner’s
field of view.
The scanner is now in Bar Code Configuration mode.
During Bar Code Configuration mode, the LEDs will illuminate in a sequential pattern to
indicate that the scanner is ready to be configured.
You can create your own start symbol by encoding the following character sequence
in a Code 128 symbol:
FNC4 <_CFG>

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Bar Code Configuration

Using Configuration Symbols
Once in Bar Code Configuration mode, serial command data encoded in Code 128 symbols
is decoded by the scanner as serial input.
Configuration symbols must meet the following conditions:
1. The only valid symbology for Bar Code Configuration is Code 128.
2. Symbol data may contain more than one command, but individual symbols must be
presented individually. This is because only the first symbol in a read cycle will be
used as a possible configuration symbol. A symbol that is presented to the scanner
must be read 25 times consecutively to be used as a valid symbol.
Once this is done, the scanner will interpret the symbol data in the same fashion as
it interprets serial data.
3. Any valid command may be encoded in Code 128 symbols, including operational
commands.
Because the data is treated like serial input, multiple symbols may be used to represent
one command as long as the symbols are presented individually and in the correct order.
4. Read Rate commands may also be used to enter Read Rate from Bar Code Configuration
mode.
5. When in Read Rate, the scanner will read the symbologies that were enabled prior to
entering Bar Code Configuration mode. However, the scanner will read a in Code
128 regardless of the current enable/disable state of Code 128.
Once the is issued, the scanner will exit both Read Rate and
Bar Code Configuration mode. To exit Read Rate and remain in Bar
Code Configuration mode, present the start symbol once again.
Symbols decoded during Read Rate will not configure the scanner.
Scan the symbol shown to the right to start a Read Rate test.

Exiting Bar Code Configuration
There are multiple ways of exiting Bar Code Configuration.
The first way is simply to decode a symbol encoded with the command, or to enter a
command from a terminal. The scanner will beep when exiting Bar Code Configuration
in response to a command.
Any command that executes a software reset will also end Bar Code Configuration mode.
These commands include the Save family as well as the Reset family (, , ,
, , , ).
To end the Read Rate test and Bar Code Configuration mode, scan this symbol:

Configuration changes will remain in effect, as would changes made by using serial
commands or ESP.
A-24

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix J — Test Read Rate
Test Read Rate by Bar Code Configuration
You can enter a Read Rate test by scanning the following symbols:
Enable Bar Code Configuration
(Also activates the scanner’s read performance LEDs.)

Enable All Symbologies

Start Read Rate Test

End Read Rate Test and Disable Bar Code Configuration

Test Read Rate by Serial Command (Static Symbol)
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 (Raster Top setting equal to Raster Bottom).
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 Appendix K, Formulas for Number of Decodes on page A-27).
5. End the test by sending the command.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Test Read Rate by ESP
See Read Rate in Chapter 12, Utilities.

Test Read Rate 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 Appendix K, Formulas for Number
of Decodes on page A-27.
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 the 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix K — Formulas for Number of Decodes
To ensure reliable scanning, apply a minimum of five decodes to each symbol. Use the
formulas below to calculate 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
for your application, 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.

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

ND (Number of Decodes) is the number of decodes that a
Single Line Ladder
given symbol can be expected to achieve in a given
Orientation
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.
Example:

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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.

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.
The formula for finding Sweep Rate (SPS) is as follows:

Raster Picket Fence
Orientation

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).
Example:

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 10, Raster/Laser.)

MS-890 Industrial Automation 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 fence symbol is calculated by the following formula:
ND = Number of Decodes (total applied to each symbol)
SH = Symbol Height
DR = Decode Rate
RH = Raster Height
SPS = Sweeps per Second
Example:

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

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:

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:

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Formulas for Number of Decodes

Single Line Picket Fence Calculation
For single scan line picket fence scanning (Top Offset
setting equal to Bottom Offset), use the following fomula:

ND = Number of Decodes (total applied to each symbol)
SW = Scan Width
SL = Symbol Length
SS = Symbol Speed
DR = Decode Rate

Single Line Picket Fence
Orientation

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.

Angled Picket Fence
Orientation

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Improving Decode Rate
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.

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.

Symbol Speed
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-18). Changes to tracking will
generally have a limited affect on decode rates.
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Operational Tips

Appendix L — 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 symbol.
• Check the symbol for readability by doing a decode rate test. If there is any question
about the symbol's readability, contact your Microscan sales representative.
• After changing any parameter that might affect decode rate, repeat decode rate test.
• Clean the scanner window with a clean, dry cotton swab 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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix M — 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
RS-232 defines an interface between two devices such as, for example, 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.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Multidrop Communications

Appendix N — Multidrop Communications
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.
Host

Polled Protocol
Multidrop ONLY
RS-485 Interface

Scanner 01
Scanner 02
Scanner 03
Multidrop

Configure Scanner for Multidrop
1. With the scanner connected to the host, Retrieve Reader Settings.
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 NUL.
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 but CR.
6. Repeat the above process for Postamble.
7. Check the multidrop address. Enter a number from 01 to 50.
8. Right-click in the window and select Save to Reader 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. Move on to Connect to Scanner via Concentrator.
A-34

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Connect to Scanner via Concentrator
You will need a multidrop concentrator and the required power supplies and cabling to
communicate with your scanner(s).
1. From the Communications dropdown menu in the menu
toolbar, select Configure Multidrop. The Multidrop Settings
dialog will appear.
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.
4. The Connection Settings dialog will appear. Notice that
the Force Connect option is checked. Do not change this.
5. 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.
6. Click Connect.
You should see the CONNECTED message in green at the
bottom of the window along with the scanner’s Multidrop
address.

7. Click Retrieve Reader Settings to upload the scanner’s configuration. If upload fails,
return to the Connection Settings dialog and make the necessary parameter
changes.
8. Follow the same procedure for connecting other scanners to your multidrop network.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Multidrop Communications

Polling Sequence
Data that is transmitted to the host (symbol data, No Read messages, counters, etc.) via
concentrators is solicited by poll requests from the host.
The polling sequence example 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 successful exchange with a RES (reset).
End of Sequence

Start of Sequence

Concentrator
Scanner 02

ACK
1E STX DATA ETX LRC

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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.
End of Sequence

Start of Sequence

Concentrator RES 1F REQ
Scanner 02

STX ETX LRC
1F ACK

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-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Multidrop Communications

Multidrop Addresses
Multidrop
Address
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

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

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

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendix O — Glossary of Terms
Active Closed — An optoisolated input-output that’s logically “on” when current flows
through the connection points.
Active Open — An optoisolated input-output 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 EAN-128 which adds an application identifier to
symbol data, including user-definable separators, brackets, and padding.
Autocalibration — A routine that cycles through various optical settings and selects the
combination that produce the best read rate.
Autodiscrimination — 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 — Auxiliary terminal connection for remote viewing and command inputs.
Bar Code — A symbol in which data has been encoded in an array of parallel bars and
spaces of varying widths.
Baud Rate — The number of discrete signal events per second. Bits per second.
Channel — A high-speed pathway between the computer and the control units of the
peripheral devices.
Check Digit — A Modulus 43 or Modulus 10 digit that is added to the symbol data for
additional data integrity.
Command Processing — Allows the user to enter ESP from the Aux Port or send serial
string commands from the Aux Port.
Configuration — A setup or process of changing a scanner’s settings to conform to a
specific application.
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 scanners to allow data to be relayed up to the host via Aux
Port connections.
Decode — A Good Read. The successful scanning and decoding of the information
encoded in a symbol.
Default — Restores ROM settings and resets the scanner.
Delimited — A command or field that is bracketed by pre-defined characters.
Decode Rate — The number of good reads per second decoded by the scanner.
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms
Depth of Field — The distance between the minimum and maximum range in which a
scanner can read symbol.
Discrete I/O — Inputs and outputs characterized by discrete signal transitions.
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
data to decode.
External Edge — Allows a read cycle to be initiated by a trigger signal from an object
detector when it detects the appearance of an object (rising edge). The read cycle ends
with a good read, a timeout, or a new trigger.
External Level — Allows a read cycle to be initiated by a trigger signal from an object
detector. The read cycle ends when the object moves out of the detector’s range.
Fixed Symbol 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.
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 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.
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 symbol.
Ladder Orientation — An orientation in which a symbol’s bars are parallel to its direction of
travel.
Large Intercharacter Gap — Allows the scanner to read symbols with gaps between
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.
Longitudinal Redundancy Check (LRC) — An error-checking routine that verifies the
accuracy of transmissions.
A-40

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Matchcode — The ability to compare symbols 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.
Mil — One thousandths of an inch or 0.0254 mm. In bar coding, a measurement standard
that measures 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.
Narrow Bar Width — The width of the narrowest bar of a given symbol, expressed in
thousands of an inch (or mils).
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.
Non-Volatile RAM (NOVRAM) — Random Access Memory that is available on power on;
that is, after power to the unit has been recycled.
No Read — A failed decode attempt. A condition that occurs when the scanner is set up to
decode symbols but no symbol is scanned during the read cycle.
NOVRAM — Non-volatile random access memory. Data that is saved for “power on” is
saved to NOVRAM.
Number of Decodes — The number of times a symbol is scanned by the scanner during
one pass through the laser beam.
Object Detector — A photoelectric device used to sense the presence or absence of an
object (also referred to as a package detector).
Output — To transfer or transmit from the computer to a peripheral device or communications
line. A channel or communications line. Decoded data or discrete signal.
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
so that the total number of 1 bits in the data field is even or odd.
Picket Fence Orientation — An orientation in which a symbol’s bars are perpendicular to
its direction of travel.
Pitch — Symbol (or scanner) rotation around the center of a line perpendicular to the
symbol’s bars.
Point-to-Point — A protocol consisting of a single communications event, typically used
to connect a 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.)
MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms
Protocol — The rules for communication between devices, providing a means to control
the orderly flow of information between linked devices.
Quiet Zone — Specified “clear” (nonprinted) area immediately before and after the symbol.
The area is usually white (for black and white symbols) and at least 10 times the width of
the narrowest bar, as measured in thousands of an inch. The quiet zone can be a shade or
color other than white as long as its density remains consistent and it has 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.
Read Range — The distance within which a symbol can be read reliably, as measured
from the front of the scanner.
Relay — An electrical switch that allows a low power to control a higher one.
Reset — Clears current data and initializes counters and configuration parameters.
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) — The width across the scan beam at a given distance from the scanner
in which a symbol can be read.
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 command specifically for changing
configuration and distinguished from operational command by the fact that they modify the
non-volatile for power up configuration.
Skew — Symbol (or scanner) rotation around the center of the skew axis.
Specular Reflection Zone — The 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.
Supplemental — A character or data string that is appended to the main symbol.
Sweep — One pass of the raster, up or down.
Sweep Rate (SwR) — The number of passes per second, up or down, describing the raster
image.
Symbol Density — The number of characters per inch (or other unit of measure) encoded
in a symbol.
Symbol Height — Regardless of orientation, the measurement taken along the length of
a symbol’s individual bars.
A-42

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Appendices
Symbol Length — Regardless of orientation, the measurement taken across the symbol’s
bars from one end to the other, including the quiet zone.
Symbology — A set of symbols, such as Code 39 or Code 128, that have special rules to
define the widths and positions of bars and spaces to represent specific numeric or
alphanumeric information.
Symbology ID — An AIM standard prefix character that identifies the symbol type.
Symbol Speed — The distance per second that a symbol moves as it travels through the
scan lines.
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 center line of the scan beam.
Timeout — A user-selected period of time that ends a scanner's read cycle.
Tracking — Adjustment of the precision of analog-to-digital conversion.
Transparent — Data is 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.
TTY — Abbreviation for TeleTYpewriter. This is a device that sends information character
by character over an analog line.
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.
Wildcard — User-defined character entered into a master symbol to permit matches with
variable characters.

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

Glossary of Terms

MS-890 Industrial Automation Scanner User’s Manual

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