Single Chip Systems S556 Model S556 Scanner User Manual S556 Operators Manual

Single Chip Systems Corporation Model S556 Scanner S556 Operators Manual

S556 Operators Manual

SCSINSTASCAN SCANNERMODEL S556OPERATIONS MANUALSingle Chip Systems10905 Technology Place San Diego, CA 92127 Phone: 858-485-9196 Fax: 858-485-0561www.scs-corp.cominfo@scs-corp.com
iiThe products and programs described in this Operations Manualare licensed products of SCS. This Operations Manual containsproprietary information protected by copyright and thisOperations Manual and all accompanying hardware, software,and documentation are copyrighted.SCS does not warrant that the hardware will work properly inall environments and applications, and makes no warranty andrepresentation, either implied or expressed, with respect to thequality, performance, or fitness for a particular purpose.Information in this Operations Manual is subject to changewithout notice and does not represent a commitment on the partof SCS. SCS assumes no responsibility for incidental damage thatmay result do to any inaccuracies that may be contained in thisOperations Manual.SCS makes no commitment to update or keep current theinformation in this Operations Manual, and reserves the right tomake changes to this Operations Manual and/or productwithout notice.No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in anyform or by any means, electronic or mechanical, includingphotocopying, recording, or information storage and retrievalsystems, for any purpose other than the purchaser's personaluse, without the express written permission of SCS.This document represents a version 100144-2 of the OperationsManual. As a result, some items described herein may notcurrently be available.IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.MS-DOS and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.All other trademarks or registered trademarks listed belong to their respectiveowners. InstaScan and Dura-label are trademarks of SCS Corporation.Version 100144-2 September, 1999 Copyright 1999 SCS 10905 Technology Place San Diego, California 92127
iiiContentsChapter 1-- Introduction.......................................................................1Advantages ................................................................................2S556 InstaScan Scanner............................................................4Conventions in This Manual.....................................................5What Else You Need..................................................................5Summary of Chapters................................................................6Chapter 2 -- Installation........................................................................7Panel Information......................................................................8InstaScan Scanner Installation Steps........................................9Connecting External Antennas...............................................10Placing the Antennas ..............................................................11Connecting to a PC Serial Port...............................................12Connecting to an AC Outlet ...................................................13Configuring the Scanner .........................................................14Aligning the Scanner...............................................................16Installing Dura-labels..............................................................17Reading Information from your Dura-labels...........................17Loading Your Application.......................................................18Chapter 3 -- RF Communications......................................................19Signal Interference...................................................................20Signal Attenuation/Reflections ...............................................21Optimizing Performance.........................................................22
ivChapter 4 -- Troubleshooting.............................................................23Solving Problems.....................................................................23Contacting Customer Service..................................................25Returning Your System...........................................................27Chapter 5 -- Specifications.................................................................29SCS Patents .............................................................................29InstaScan Scanner Specifications............................................30
Page 1Chapter 1Introductionhe scanners and Dura-labels developed by SCS are state-of-the-art data gathering and inspection systems that combinesophisticated Interactive Identification technology in acompact form factor. This unique synergy allows our system tointegrate seamlessly into  and significantly increase productivityfor  a wide range of applications and environments.These systems consist of Dura-labels that are designed to storeinformation under extremely harsh environments without requiringa battery and scanners capable of reading the Dura-labels.Communications between the scanner and Dura-label are conductedusing a revolutionary two-way technology that provides superioradvantages over conventional communication methods. The specificdata being communicated, and the amount of interaction you havewith the scanner and Dura-label, may be determined by yourapplication.T
Page 2AdvantagesData-gathering systems such as bar code readers and conventionalRadio Frequency Identification products use one-waycommunication: a sensor reads information from a device, withoutany interaction between the two devices.Moreover, bar code systems are subject to line-of-sight limitations.As a result, airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, oil, and mist, aswell as label damage and objects residing outside the line of sight,result in inefficient and erroneous results.The SCS Interactive Identification System overcomesthese restrictions by using state-of-the-art technology.This technology allows the InstaScan and Dura-label toconduct ongoing two-way communications that are notrestricted by line-of-sight constraints.Figure 1. Interactive Identification Technology
Page 3This unique capability allows:Collective or selective data to be read from a singleDura-label.Collective or selective data to be read from multipleDura-label without requiring sorting or unpacking.Classes of Dura-label to be filtered according to user-defined criteria.This technology employs a superior interrogation feature thatenables applications to uniquely identify all Dura-label in thescan field, without misidentification or identifying the sameDura-label multiple times.It also uses a robust protocol that maintains a uniform per-Dura-label scan time, regardless of the number of Dura-labels in thescan field. The protocol provides a flexible software applicationinterface that can be customized to the specific needs ofparticular industries and markets.These unparalleled capabilities make our system an idealsolution for asset and document management, inventory control,ticketing, and other high-volume applications andenvironments.
Page 4S556 InstaScan ScannerThe S556 InstaScan Scanner is designed for applications orconfigurations that require the scanner to be a considerabledistance from Dura-labels, or where a high volume of Dura-labels are required to be read simultaneously. Conveyor Beltapplications are ideally suited to the scanner.The scanner provides six pairs of coaxial connectors forsupporting up to six external antennas. Each antenna plugs intoits own set of connectors on the back panel of the scanner.Figure 2 shows the S556 InstaScan Scanner.Figure 2. S556 InstaScan Scanner
Page 5Conventions in This ManualThis Operations Manual uses the following conventions:Steps you are to perform are numbered. Any result thatoccurs after performing a step appears below the step.Text you are to type appears in a Courier typeface.The carriage return key (designated as ↵ on somekeyboards) is referred to as the Enter key.What Else You NeedTo complete your system, you need an IBM or compatiblepersonal computer with the following system requirements:486 processor or betterCompatible screen and keyboard9-pin RS-232 portMS-DOS version 3.3 or higherORWindows 95Windows users: 8 MB of RAM (12 MB recommended)DOS users: 8 MB of RAMFCC Part 90 Site License (U.S. Customers)The applications you use to interface with this system may haveadditional hardware and software requirements. For moreinformation, consult the manual that came with yourapplications.
Page 6Summary of ChaptersBesides Chapter 1, this Operations Manual contains thefollowing additional chapters:Chapter 2, Installation – describes how to install theInstaScan and Dura-label.Chapter 3, RF Tips – provides information on radiofrequency (RF) communications.Chapter 4, Troubleshooting – describes how to identify,resolve, and avoid problems when using the InstaScanand Dura-label. This chapter also contains CustomerService information and merchandise returninstructions.Chapter 5, Specifications – lists InstaScan specifications.
Page 7Chapter 2InstallationThe InstaScan provides the connectors and LEDs described inthe following sections and shown in Figure 3.Figure 3. InstaScan Scanner
Page 8Panel InformationThe InstaScan’s front panel has three LEDs that indicate power,activity, and transmitter on (see Figure 3). Table 1 describes themeanings of the InstaScan LEDs.The InstaScan’s front panel has an On/Off switch located belowthe Power ON LED (see Figure 3).In the ON position, the red Power ON LED should goON, indicating that the InstaScan is receiving power.If the OFF position, the InstaScan is not receiving power,even if the connected to the power outlet.Table 1. InstaScan Scanner Led MeaningsLED Color StatusPower ON Red ON = InstaScan is turned on andreceiving power from an AC outlet.Activity/Error Yellow Flicker = InstaScan detects Dura-label information.Constant Flickering with no Dura-label in the scanning field = Noisyenvironment or possible interface,resulting in diminished Dura-labelreading.Transmit Green ON = InstaScan transmitter is on.
Page 9InstaScan Scanner Installation Steps1. Connect external antenna(s) – see page 10.2. Place the antenna for optimum read operation – see page 11.3. Connect the InstaScan to a computer serial port – see page12.4. Power-up the InstaScan – see page 13.5. Configure the InstaScan – see page 14.6. Align the InstaScan – see page 16.
Page 10Connecting External AntennasThe front panel provides six pairs of coaxial antennaReceive/Transmit connectors. Each pair of connectorsaccommodates a single external antenna. Figure 4 shows theexternal antenna connections to the scanner.! The S556 can be used with fewer than six antennas. Installantennas sequentially, starting with the right-most connectorpairs.Figure 4. Antenna Connections
Page 11Placing the AntennaAntenna placement is critical to ensuring that information istransmitted to and from Dura-labels accurately. Observe thefollowing guidelines when placing the antenna:Locate the antenna away from metal objects, microwaveovens, and other devices that may induce radiofrequency interference. In addition, make sure there areno metallic surfaces between, or in relative proximity to,the InstaScan and Dura-label. For additional placementconsiderations, refer to “RF Communications” on page19.When reading, the InstaScan should be placed no more than 50inches from the objects bearing the Dura-labels.! Dura-labels must reside within the scan field for at least 10milliseconds for information to be retrieved from them.
Page 12Connecting to a PC Serial PortThe scanner has a 9-pin female RS-232 connector that connects toa serial port or RS-232 connector on an IBM or compatiblepersonal computer. The serial port can operate at 2,400 bps or19,200 bps.To make this connection, you need:An appropriately configured serial cable.One of the following adapters, if your computer’s serialport does not have a 9-pin connector:- A 15-pin to 9-pin adapter, if your computer hasa 15-pin serial port connector.- A 25-pin to 9-pin adapter, if your computer hasa 25-pin serial port connector.These adapters are available from most computer andelectronics stores.Use the following procedure to connect the InstaScan to yourcomputer’s serial port.1. Attach the male connector on the serial cable to the 9-pinserial connector on the InstaScan front panel (see Figure 3).2. Connect the other end of the cable to your computer’s serialport. Use an adapter, if appropriate, to make thisconnection.
Page 13Connecting to an AC OutletThe following procedure describes how to connect the InstaScanto an AC Outlet.1. Verify that the On/Off switch on the InstaScan front panel isin the OFF position (see Figure 3).2. Connect the power cord the front panel (see Figure 3).3. Connect the other end of the power cord to an AC outlet.4. Set the On/Off switch to the ON position. The Power ONLED lights.
Page 14Configuring the InstaScan ScannerUse the following procedure to configure the InstaScan forcommunications and verify that the RS-232 connection isoperating properly.1. Insert the supplied Software Development diskette into anavailable floppy disk drive.2. If you are in Microsoft Windows, display an MS-DOSprompt either by exiting to a DOS shell or exiting Windows.3. At an MS-DOS prompt, switch to the floppy disk drivecontaining the diskette, If the diskette is in drive A, forexample, type the following command at the MS-DOSprompt and press the Enter key:A:4. Type the following command and press Enter:cd \tools5. Type the next command and press Enter:CHKLINK if using COM1 or CHKLINK /C 2 if usingCOM2The following message appears on your computer screen:SCANNER/PC LINK OK: VSxx:xx VHxx:xxWhere VSxx:xx is the InstaScan software version numberand VHxx:xx is the hardware version number.! If you receive the error message “Problem with scanner/PClink,” refer to page 23 for troubleshooting procedures.
Page 156. Type the following command and press Enter:CHKREAD if using COM1 or CHKREAD /C 2 if usingCOM2A running series of zeros appear on your computer screen:00 type <esc> to stop..00 Type <esc> to stop7. Place the supplied Diagnostic Label in front of the antenna.Do not place your finger over the Label. It should glow redwhen powered. Removed Diagnostic Label from scannerfield.8. Place an SCS Dura-label into the field. The Activity LED onthe InstaScan flickers and the display changes to a runningseries of zeros and ones:01 Type <esc> to stop..01 Type <esc> to stopThis indicates that the InstaScan is identifying Dura-labelscorrectly and is ready for operation.9. To exit CHKREAD, press the Esc key.
Page 16Aligning the InstaScanAfter verifying that the InstaScan is operating properly, use thefollowing procedure to align the InstaScan. Aligning theInstaScan ensures optimal performance.1. At the DOS prompt, type the following command and pressEnter:CHKREAD or CHKREAD /C 2 if using COM2 Port.A running series of zeros appear on your computer screen.2. Hold an SCS Dura-label within the scanning area, at thepoint where you intend to scan.3. Adjust the position and orientation of the antenna mountinguntil the display on your computer screen changes to:01 Type <esc> to stop..01 Type <esc> to stop..01 Type <esc> to stop4. To exit CHKREAD, press the Esc key.5. Remove the Software Development diskette from the floppydisk drive.This completes the InstaScan Scanner installation procedure.
Page 17Installing Dura-labelsDura-labels have a diminutive form factor that allows them to beinstalled in areas that cannot accommodate conventional RFtags. In addition, Dura-labels can communicate with theInstaScan without having to be in the line-of-sight. This uniquecombination provides tremendous flexibility when determininga location for placing Dura-labels.When considering locations for installing Dura-labels, make surethey are within 50 inches of the InstaScan antenna for at least 10milliseconds, so data can be read from the Dura-label. Avoidlocations where metal or water is present because radio-frequency communication does not penetrate metal and isabsorbed by water.Reading Information from your Dura-labelsOnce you have installed your Dura-labels, and have set-up yourInstaScan system, you are ready to begin.Insert the Software Development Disk into you A: drive. Turnyour InstaScan power on. Type:cd \toolsThen type the following command:A: READ_ID /w 2This will begin the “READ_ID” program which will display theinformation programmed into Memory Word 2 from the Dura-labels that pass through the scanner field. This memory locationcontains your Dura-labels’ unique serial number or “ID”.This program will continually read the unique serial numbersfrom any labels that pass within 50 inches of the InstaScan.
Page 18Loading Your ApplicationAfter you install your system according to the instructions in thischapter, you can load your application and begin readinginformation from the Dura-labels. Your application willdetermine the amount of interaction you have with the InstaScanScanner and Dura-labels.! If you will be developing applications designed to interface to yoursystem, refer to the Software Development Disk for programminginformation.
Page 19Chapter 3RFCommunicationsn general, devices that communicate using radiofrequency, such as your system , can be sensitive to signalinterference and signal attenuation. This chapter providestips for optimizing radio-frequency (RF) communications withyour InstaScan and Dura-label.Topics in this chapter include:Signal interference  see page 20.Signal attenuation  see page 21.Optimizing performance  see page 22.I
Page 20Signal InterferenceSignal interference is RF signals that interfere with theinformation being exchanged between the Dura-label and theInstaScan. Signal interference can severely diminish theScanner’s ability to read information from the Dura-labels. TheActivity LED on the InstaScan flickers constantly if the InstaScandetects signal interference.The source of the interfering signals may be:An RF system, such as an RF local-area network (LAN) oranother Interactive Identification system, located close toyour system.Security gates, garage doors, or similar devices that emit RFsignals.Appliances such as microwave ovens.The effects of these noise sources are localized and can beeliminated by relocating the InstaScan or its antenna.Your system’s communication capabilities are significantlyreduced when the noise level perceived by the system exceedsthe strength of signals received.
Page 21Signal Attenuation/ReflectionsSignal attenuation is the loss of signal strength that occursnaturally over distances, but which can also be caused by RFbarriers in the signal path.Examples of such barriers include:Enclosed locations that have concrete walls, floors, andceilings.Metal surfaces surrounding the antenna or Dura-label.Water or other fluids surrounding the antenna or Dura-label.Almost every object (furniture, partitions, and people) in thepath of a signal causes some degree of attenuation. The effectscan be minimized by careful antenna placement.The reflection from metal or metallic surfaces behind the Dura-label can also affect signal attenuation. In some cases, this mayincrease the read distance slightly, while inducing intermittent“dead” spots within the read field that permit little or nocommunication between the InstaScan Scanner and Dura-label.! Dura-labels with similar orientations, placed within two inches ofeach other, will have their read distance diminished by about 40%.
Page 22Optimizing PerformanceWhile it is not possible to predict how the system will perform inany given environment, observing the following guidelines willhelp optimize performance in your environments andapplications:Carefully plan the placement of the InstaScan Scannerantenna.Consider the environment’s RF characteristics, includingconstruction materials, office plan (closed or open), and thepresence of windows and ducting. The RF field pattern, andthe reading distance, may be influenced by nearby metalobjects, such as appliances, equipment, metal wall framing,and wire coat hangers.Ensure that the InstaScan antenna is not pointed directly atfluorescent lighting.Ensure that objects containing Dura-labels are no more than50 inches from the antenna and remain in the scan field forat least 10 milliseconds.To avoid mutual interference when installing more than oneDura-label in the same object, allow a sufficient distancebetween the Dura-label. The maximum interference occurswhen Dura-labels within the same object are within 2 inchesof each other and nearly equidistant from the InstaScanScanner antenna.Never apply chemicals to the Dura-label. Certain chemicals,such as alcohol, may have little or no effect at roomtemperature, but may become corrosive at highertemperatures.
Page 23Chapter 4Troubleshootinghis chapter provides troubleshooting information you canuse in the unlikely event you have a problem with your system. Customer Service information and merchandisereturn instructions are included in this chapter.Solving ProblemsThe following table identifies InstaScan Scanner and Dura-labelproblems and provides suggestions for resolving the problem.Table 2. Problem SolvingProblem Probable Cause SolutionThe Power ON LEDdoes not light when youturn on the scannerThe AC outlet may notbe working. Plug another electricalappliance, such as alamp, into the outlet andturn it on. If theappliance does notwork, plug the scannerinto a different outlet.The AC outlet may becontrolled by a wallswitch.Set the wall switch toprovide AC power to theoutlet, or use an outlet tobe controlled by aswitch.T
Page 24Problem Probable Cause SolutionThe Activity/Error LEDdoes not light when youconfigure the scannerYou may have a faultyDura-label. Use your diagnosticlabel to ensure the LEDis working.Problem Probable Cause SolutionThe Activity/Error LEDdoes not light when youconfigure the scannerThe scanner may befaulty. Use the CHKLINK andCHKREAD utilities toverify scanner operation(see “Configuring theInstaScan” on page 14).The Antenna cable maybe faulty. Contact SCS CustomerService (see page 25).You receive an errormessage whenconfiguring the scannerThe scanner may not beturned on. Verify that the PowerON LED is lit.The scanner’s serial portconnection to yourcomputer may not besecure.Verify the scanner-to-serial port connection. Ifyou are using a serialport adapter, make surethe adapter connectionsare secure.The Check programs areaccessing a differentCom Port than the oneconnected.Switch the serial cable toCom Port 1 or use the/C option afterCHKREAD orCHKLINK to set theCom Port being used.Information could not beread from the Dura-label The Dura-label may beoutside of the scanningarea.Make sure the Dura-label is no more than 50inches from the scanner.The Dura-label mayhave passed too quicklypast the scanner.Make sure the Dura-label is in the scanningarea for at least 10milliseconds.
Page 25Problem Probable Cause SolutionSame as above, but theActivity/Error LEDflickers constantlyRF Interference isdisrupting scanner-to-Dura-labelcommunications.See “RFCommunications” onpage 19 for suggestionson improvingcommunications.Contacting Customer ServiceIf you encounter a problem using your system that you cannotresolve, contact Customer Service:Before contacting CUSTOMER SERVICE, please have thefollowing information available:1. InstaScan Scanner Information:• InstaScan Model Number• Serial Number, located on the bottom of InstaScan• Any modifications made to the InstaScan or Dura-labelssystem• Location where system is installed2. Computer Information:• Computer Brand and Model number• Processor speed and available RAM• COM Port used
Page 26" SCS Support (858) 485-91968:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PSTEmail – techsupport@SCS-Corp.com
Page 27Returning Your SystemIf SCS Customer Service determines you need to return yoursystem for service, the Service Representative will give you aReturn Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Write this numberon the outside of the box containing the returned system, and ona slip of paper inside the box, so your return can be processedquickly.Return only your InstaScan, antenna, cable, and adapter. Do notreturn accessories, such as the Diagnostic Label or the diskettecontaining the Scanner configuration program.Follow these steps to return your InstaScan Scanner andaccessories for service:1. Carefully pack your InstaScan Scanner and accessories inthe original static-protected bubble wrap and container. Ifyou no longer have the original container, use a protectedbox.2. Use filler material to cover the items in the box.3. Add a note with the RMA number inside the package.4. Write the RMA number and the word FRAGILE on theoutside of the package in large, legible writing.5. Address the package to: SCS Corporation 10905 Technology Place San Diego, CA 92127ATTN: RMA # ________ (indicate your RMA number here)
Page 29Chapter 5SpecificationsSCS PatentsSCS Corporation is currently holding the following patents.There are multiple patents outstanding.• #4,424,579• #4,442,507• #4,933,735• #5,148,256• #5,296,722• #5,407,851• #5,496,763• #4,796,074• #5,095,362• #5,583,819• #5,686,341
Page 30• #5,856,788• #5,963,144InstaScan Scanner SpecificationsLEDs: One Power ON LED, oneTransmit On LED, and oneActivity LEDCommunication Method: RS-232Serial transmission rate: 2,400 or 19,200 bpsConnector: One DB-9F for RS-232communicationsPin assignments: Pin 1 – Not usedPin 2 - Transmit Data (Input)Pin 3 - Receive Data (Output)Pin 4 - Internally connected to Pin 6Pin 5 - Protective GroundPin 6 - Internally connected to Pin 4Pin 7 - Internally connected to Pin 8Pin 8 - Internally connected to Pin 7Pin 9 - Protective GroundPower jack: Internal Power Module, ExternalPower cableRF Output Power: 5 Watts
Page 31Power Consumption: 120 wattsAmbient operating 32° to 110° F (0° to 43° C)temperature:Approved standards: FCC Part 90Maximum serial cable 30 feet (10 meters)length:Dimensions: 5.5” high x 16” wide x 14.5” length (14 cm high x 40.6 cm wide x 36.8 cm length)Weight: 12 lbs. (5.5 kg.)
Page 32Limited WarrantySCS warrants its Dura-label to be free from defects in workmanship andmaterials, under normal use and service, for a period of ninety (90) days fromreceipt of products.SCS warrants its InstaScan Scanner to be free from defects in workmanship andmaterials, under normal use and service, for a period of ninety (90) days fromdate of receipt.If a product does not operate as warranted during its applicable warranty period,SCS shall, at its option, repair the defective product or deliver to Customer anequivalent product to replace the defective item. All products that are replacedshall become the property of SCS. Replacement products may be new orreconditioned. The warranty for replacement or reconditioned product is thesame as the equivalent newly purchased product.SCS reserves the right to refuse to warranty repair any product that has beensubjected to any abnormal electrical, mechanical, or environmental abuse.FCC Part 90 ComplianceThe FCC has established rules that permit the Scanner and Label system to beused within acceptable bounds of radio frequency emissions. Your Scanner andLabel system complies with Part 90 of the FCC Rules.Operation of the Scanner and Label system is subject to the following conditions:This device may not cause harmful interference; This device may accept anyinterference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.This device complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part90. The Class B limits help ensure that this device provides reasonable protectionagainst harmful interference in residential installation. This equipment generates,uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used inaccordance with the instructions in this manual, may cause harmful interferenceto radio communications.
Page 33Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements foroperators of this deviceOperators of this device must have knowledge of their RF exposure conditions inorder for the device to comply with FCC-adopted RF exposure limits for personsin the “controlled exposure environment”. The average RF exposure foroperators is 5.0 mW/cm2, which requires them to maintain an estimatedseparation distance of 22 cm or 8.5” from the transmitter, while in operation.They should not remain closer than the suggested distance for any continuous 6minute interval. Holding “Tags” in front of the transmitter for brief moments, atcloser than 8.5” is allowed provided the average exposure in any 6 minuteinterval is less than 5.0 mW/cm2. For example, if an operator spends 50% of thetime with his/her hands or body closer than 8.5” to the transmitter whilespending the other 50% of the time at more than 15” away, the allowed RFexposure limits will be satisfied. Operators should use their own judgment tolimit their exposure to the allowed RF exposure limits with control of exposureconditions, separation distance from the transmitter, and duration of exposure.While this device is in operation, nearby persons who have no knowledge ofbeing in the RF fields of this device should be at least 20” away from thetransmitter in order for this devise to be compliant with the FCC-adopted RFexposure limits.DisclaimerOperation of any radio transmitting equipment, including the Scanner, mayinterfere with the functionality of inadequately protected medical devices.Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device if you have anyquestions. Other electronic equipment may also be subject to interference.

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