SCS INSTASCAN SCANNER MODEL S556 OPERATIONS MANUAL Single Chip Systems 10905 Technology Place San Diego, CA 92127 Phone: 858-485-9196 Fax: 858-485-0561 www.scs-corp.com info@scs-corp.
The products and programs described in this Operations Manual are licensed products of SCS. This Operations Manual contains proprietary information protected by copyright and this Operations Manual and all accompanying hardware, software, and documentation are copyrighted.
Contents Chapter 1-- Introduction.......................................................................1 Advantages ................................................................................2 S556 InstaScan Scanner ............................................................4 Conventions in This Manual.....................................................5 What Else You Need ..................................................................5 Summary of Chapters ........................................
Chapter 4 -- Troubleshooting.............................................................23 Solving Problems .....................................................................23 Contacting Customer Service ..................................................25 Returning Your System...........................................................27 Chapter 5 -- Specifications .................................................................29 SCS Patents ...........................................................
Chapter 1 Introduction he scanners and Dura-labels developed by SCS are state-ofthe-art data gathering and inspection systems that combine sophisticated Interactive Identification technology in a compact form factor. This unique synergy allows our system to integrate seamlessly into and significantly increase productivity for a wide range of applications and environments.
Advantages Data-gathering systems such as bar code readers and conventional Radio Frequency Identification products use one-way communication: a sensor reads information from a device, without any 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, as well as label damage and objects residing outside the line of sight, result in inefficient and erroneous results.
This unique capability allows: Collective or selective data to be read from a single Dura-label. Collective or selective data to be read from multiple Dura-label without requiring sorting or unpacking. Classes of Dura-label to be filtered according to userdefined criteria. This technology employs a superior interrogation feature that enables applications to uniquely identify all Dura-label in the scan field, without misidentification or identifying the same Dura-label multiple times.
S556 InstaScan Scanner The S556 InstaScan Scanner is designed for applications or configurations that require the scanner to be a considerable distance from Dura-labels, or where a high volume of Duralabels are required to be read simultaneously. Conveyor Belt applications are ideally suited to the scanner. The scanner provides six pairs of coaxial connectors for supporting up to six external antennas. Each antenna plugs into its own set of connectors on the back panel of the scanner.
Conventions in This Manual This Operations Manual uses the following conventions: Steps you are to perform are numbered. Any result that occurs 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 some keyboards) is referred to as the Enter key.
Summary of Chapters Besides Chapter 1, this Operations Manual contains the following additional chapters: Chapter 2, Installation – describes how to install the InstaScan and Dura-label. Chapter 3, RF Tips – provides information on radio frequency (RF) communications. Chapter 4, Troubleshooting – describes how to identify, resolve, and avoid problems when using the InstaScan and Dura-label. This chapter also contains Customer Service information and merchandise return instructions.
Chapter 2 Installation The InstaScan provides the connectors and LEDs described in the following sections and shown in Figure 3. Figure 3.
Panel Information The InstaScan’s front panel has three LEDs that indicate power, activity, and transmitter on (see Figure 3). Table 1 describes the meanings of the InstaScan LEDs. The InstaScan’s front panel has an On/Off switch located below the Power ON LED (see Figure 3). In the ON position, the red Power ON LED should go ON, 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 Installation Steps 1. 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 page 12. 4. Power-up the InstaScan – see page 13. 5. Configure the InstaScan – see page 14. 6. Align the InstaScan – see page 16.
Connecting External Antennas The front panel provides six pairs of coaxial antenna Receive/Transmit connectors. Each pair of connectors accommodates a single external antenna. Figure 4 shows the external antenna connections to the scanner. ! The S556 can be used with fewer than six antennas. Install antennas sequentially, starting with the right-most connector pairs. Figure 4.
Placing the Antenna Antenna placement is critical to ensuring that information is transmitted to and from Dura-labels accurately. Observe the following guidelines when placing the antenna: Locate the antenna away from metal objects, microwave ovens, and other devices that may induce radio frequency interference. In addition, make sure there are no metallic surfaces between, or in relative proximity to, the InstaScan and Dura-label.
Connecting to a PC Serial Port The scanner has a 9-pin female RS-232 connector that connects to a serial port or RS-232 connector on an IBM or compatible personal computer. The serial port can operate at 2,400 bps or 19,200 bps. To make this connection, you need: An appropriately configured serial cable. One of the following adapters, if your computer’s serial port does not have a 9-pin connector: - A 15-pin to 9-pin adapter, if your computer has a 15-pin serial port connector.
Connecting to an AC Outlet The following procedure describes how to connect the InstaScan to an AC Outlet. 1. Verify that the On/Off switch on the InstaScan front panel is in 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 ON LED lights.
Configuring the InstaScan Scanner Use the following procedure to configure the InstaScan for communications and verify that the RS-232 connection is operating properly. 1. Insert the supplied Software Development diskette into an available floppy disk drive. 2. If you are in Microsoft Windows, display an MS-DOS prompt either by exiting to a DOS shell or exiting Windows. 3.
6. Type the following command and press Enter: CHKREAD if using COM1 or CHKREAD /C 2 if using COM2 A running series of zeros appear on your computer screen: 00 . . 00 type to stop Type to stop 7. Place the supplied Diagnostic Label in front of the antenna. Do not place your finger over the Label. It should glow red when powered. Removed Diagnostic Label from scanner field. 8. Place an SCS Dura-label into the field.
Aligning the InstaScan After verifying that the InstaScan is operating properly, use the following procedure to align the InstaScan. Aligning the InstaScan ensures optimal performance. 1. At the DOS prompt, type the following command and press Enter: 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 the point where you intend to scan. 3.
Installing Dura-labels Dura-labels have a diminutive form factor that allows them to be installed in areas that cannot accommodate conventional RF tags. In addition, Dura-labels can communicate with the InstaScan without having to be in the line-of-sight. This unique combination provides tremendous flexibility when determining a location for placing Dura-labels.
Loading Your Application After you install your system according to the instructions in this chapter, you can load your application and begin reading information from the Dura-labels. Your application will determine the amount of interaction you have with the InstaScan Scanner and Dura-labels. ! If you will be developing applications designed to interface to your system, refer to the Software Development Disk for programming information.
Chapter 3 RF Communications n general, devices that communicate using radio frequency, such as your system , can be sensitive to signal interference and signal attenuation. This chapter provides tips for optimizing radio-frequency (RF) communications with your InstaScan and Dura-label. I Topics in this chapter include: Signal interference see page 20. Signal attenuation see page 21. Optimizing performance see page 22.
Signal Interference Signal interference is RF signals that interfere with the information being exchanged between the Dura-label and the InstaScan. Signal interference can severely diminish the Scanner’s ability to read information from the Dura-labels. The Activity LED on the InstaScan flickers constantly if the InstaScan detects signal interference.
Signal Attenuation/Reflections Signal attenuation is the loss of signal strength that occurs naturally over distances, but which can also be caused by RF barriers in the signal path. Examples of such barriers include: Enclosed locations that have concrete walls, floors, and ceilings. Metal surfaces surrounding the antenna or Dura-label. Water or other fluids surrounding the antenna or Duralabel.
Optimizing Performance While it is not possible to predict how the system will perform in any given environment, observing the following guidelines will help optimize performance in your environments and applications: Carefully plan the placement of the InstaScan Scanner antenna. Consider the environment’s RF characteristics, including construction materials, office plan (closed or open), and the presence of windows and ducting.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooti ng his chapter provides troubleshooting information you can use in the unlikely event you have a problem with your system. Customer Service information and merchandise return instructions are included in this chapter. T Solving Problems The following table identifies InstaScan Scanner and Dura-label problems and provides suggestions for resolving the problem. Table 2.
Problem The Activity/Error LED does not light when you configure the scanner Problem The Activity/Error LED does not light when you configure the scanner You receive an error message when configuring the scanner Information could not be read from the Dura-label Probable Cause You may have a faulty Dura-label. Probable Cause Solution Use your diagnostic label to ensure the LED is working. Solution The scanner may be faulty.
Problem Same as above, but the Activity/Error LED flickers constantly Probable Cause RF Interference is disrupting scanner-toDura-label communications. Solution See “RF Communications” on page 19 for suggestions on improving communications. Contacting Customer Service If you encounter a problem using your system that you cannot resolve, contact Customer Service: Before contacting CUSTOMER SERVICE, please have the following information available: 1.
" SCS Support (858) 485-9196 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST Email – techsupport@SCS-Corp.
Returning Your System If SCS Customer Service determines you need to return your system for service, the Service Representative will give you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Write this number on the outside of the box containing the returned system, and on a slip of paper inside the box, so your return can be processed quickly. Return only your InstaScan, antenna, cable, and adapter.
Chapter 5 Specification s SCS Patents SCS Corporation is currently holding the following patents. There are multiple patents outstanding.
• • #5,856,788 #5,963,144 InstaScan Scanner Specifications LEDs: One Power ON LED, one Transmit On LED, and one Activity LED Communication Method: RS-232 Serial transmission rate: 2,400 or 19,200 bps Connector: One DB-9F for RS-232 communications Pin assignments: Pin 1 – Not used Pin 2 - Transmit Data (Input) Pin 3 - Receive Data (Output) Pin 4 - Internally connected to Pin 6 Pin 5 - Protective Ground Pin 6 - Internally connected to Pin 4 Pin 7 - Internally connected to Pin 8 Pin 8 - Internally
Power Consumption: 120 watts Ambient operating temperature: 32° to 110° F (0° to 43° C) Approved standards: FCC Part 90 Maximum serial cable length: 30 feet (10 meters) 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.
Limited Warranty SCS warrants its Dura-label to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for a period of ninety (90) days from receipt of products. SCS warrants its InstaScan Scanner to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, under normal use and service, for a period of ninety (90) days from date of receipt.
Radio Frequency (RF) exposure requirements for operators of this device Operators of this device must have knowledge of their RF exposure conditions in order for the device to comply with FCC-adopted RF exposure limits for persons in the “controlled exposure environment”. The average RF exposure for operators is 5.0 mW/cm2, which requires them to maintain an estimated separation distance of 22 cm or 8.5” from the transmitter, while in operation.
