Cordless Ring Scanner Series 9 with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology Featuring a “Hands-Free” Bluetooth enabled bar code scanner to capture and send data wirelessly to Bluetooth enabled Pocket PCs and other Windows Mobile-based devices User’s Guide
4/2006 Document # 6410-00273 C Copyright Notice Copyright © 2006 Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Socket, the Socket logo and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Cordless Ring Scanner with Bluetooth Wireless Technology, SocketScan and Mobility Friendly are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A. and licensed to Socket Communications, Inc.
Table of Contents COPYRIGHT NOTICE 2 1 | INTRODUCTION 4 About the Software About Combining Scanning with Bluetooth System Requirements Package Contents Product Registration Hardware and Software Indicators Scanning Tips 2 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE STEP 1: Charge and Install the Battery STEP 2: Install the Software STEP 3: Configure Scanner Settings STEP 4: Connect CRS to Host Device with Bluetooth STEP 5: Put on the CRS STEP 6: Scan Data into Your Application OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies OPTIONAL: Con
1 | Introduction If you need to collect bar coded data but don't want to be tied to your mobile or desktop computer, the Socket Cordless Ring Scanner (CRS) Series 9 with Bluetooth wireless technology is just what you're looking for. This innovative device combines the power of laser bar code scanning with the convenience of Bluetooth wireless technology in a single compact, lightweight device that is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably on your hand.
About Combining Scanning with Bluetooth The Cordless Ring Scanner represents an optimal combination of proven laser bar code scanning technology and state-of-the-art Bluetooth connectivity. Because of the problems inherent in the intermittent storage of scanned data in on-board memory if the Bluetooth connection is lost, the CRS is designed to operate only when connected to the host, with the powerful Class 1 radio providing the maximum possible connection range.
scanning can be resumed. To prevent this from happening, the user should wait until the confirming beep is received before scanning the next bar code. System Requirements Your mobile computer should meet these minimum requirements: • Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE/5.0 • Any of the following Bluetooth stacks: − Socket Drakar v1.4 (from Socket SD/CF Connection Kits) − Broadcom (Widcomm) v1.4 − Microsoft Bluetooth stack for Pocket PCs • Software installation requires ActiveSync 4.
Hardware and Software Indicators Battery Charger LEDs LED Power Charging LED Activity Red Meaning Plugged into valid power source Yellow Charging Green Battery is fully charged Scanner LED LED Good Read LED Activity Green Meaning Data successfully scanned and sent to host device LED Activity Blinking blue every second Blinking blue, every 5 seconds Blinking Red Meaning Wrist Unit LEDs LED Bluetooth Status Battery Status Bluetooth radio is on, no connection Bluetooth connection 20% battery capa
Scanning Tips Practice to determine the best scanning angle and distance for your type of bar code. Scan Angle For best results, position the scanner at an angle to the bar code, at least 15° from perpendicular. Otherwise, light can bounce back into the scanner and “blind” the sensing mechanism. Aiming Beam Aim the laser so that the red beam covers the entire width of the bar code.
Scanning Distance • • • The optimal scanning distance varies depending on the bar code size, symbology, label media, W-N Ratio, and scan angle. In general, the CRS can successfully scan 2.2 to 30+ inches from the bar code. The larger the bar code, the further away you should position the scanner. The tighter the bars of the bar code, the closer you should position the scanner.
2 | Setup for Windows Mobile This chapter explains how to install and use the Cordless Ring Scanner (CRS) with a Bluetooth enabled Pocket PC or other Windows Mobilebased device. Setup Summary STEP 1: Charge and install the battery. STEP 2: Install the software. STEP 3: Configure scanner settings. STEP 4: Connect scanner to host device with Bluetooth. STEP 5: Put on the CRS. STEP 6: Scan data into your application. OPTIONAL: • Select symbologies. • Configure prefix/suffixes. • Run Scan Demo application.
STEP 1: Charge and Install the Battery 1. The battery must be charged before initial use, using the included Socket approved charger. The Charging LED will be yellow during charging. After the battery reaches full charge, which takes about 4 hours, the Charging LED will turn green. Do not use the charger with other types of batteries. A fully charged battery should provide at least 10,000 scans and more than 8 hours of operation. 2.
Installation Instructions for Connect!Agent or SocketScan Connect the CRS to your mobile computing device and make a test scan to verify that your CRS works before you install Connect!Agent. ADVANCED USERS: Refer to the README file for CAB file installation instructions. 1. Delete any bar code scanning software already installed in your device, including software from other companies. Make sure the software is closed. Tap Start | Settings | System tab | Remove Programs.
6. After installing the software, a dialog on your Pocket PC will direct you to soft reset. Tap Yes or ok to proceed. 7. If desired, install Connect!Agent by repeating the same process, but launching the Setup.exe file inside the Connect!Agent folder in the CD.
STEP 3: Configure Scanner Settings 1. Tap Start | Settings | System tab | Socket Scanner Settings. Alternatively, tap Start | Programs | SocketScan. Go to the Today screen. Tap the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the screen. In the pop-up menu, tap Settings. 2. Tap on the CS tab at the bottom of the screen. Check Enable Cordless Scanner support. Under Bluetooth Port Configuration, if your device has a built-in Bluetooth radio, your Bluetooth stack will be reported (e.g., Widcomm).
STEP 4: Connect CRS to Host Device with Bluetooth 1. Turn on the Cordless Ring Scanner. Press the small power button on the side of the wrist unit for at least 2 seconds, until you hear a beep. The Bluetooth status LED on the wrist unit should be blinking blue. 2. Turn on the Bluetooth radio of your mobile device. Refer to your device manual for instructions. 3. If you did not install Connect!Agent, make sure a COM port is enabled for outbound Bluetooth serial communication. Refer to the device manual. 4.
7. After your mobile device connects to the CRS, the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the Today screen will change into a ring icon to indicate the connection. Connect!Agent will save information about the CRS to automate future connections to your specific unit. If the Pocket PC suspends or the CRS is taken out of range, the Bluetooth connection will be lost.
STEP 5: Put on the CRS You can put on the CRS either with or without the case. If you choose not to use the case, the wrist unit will be more susceptible to abuse, specifically the plastic parts. How to put on the CRS with the wrist unit case 1. Insert the wrist unit into the case. During insertion, you may hear a beep because the wrist unit’s power button was pressed, however, the wrist unit will not turn on unless the button was pressed for more than 2 seconds. 2.
STEP 6: Scan Data into Your Application 1. Start the Windows application that you want to enter scanned data into (e.g., Excel, Notepad, etc.). Make sure a document or spreadsheet is open. 2. Place the cursor where you want data from the next scan to be entered. 3. Press the trigger button and aim your finger at the bar code. The red laser beam should cover the entire width of the bar code. See the next page for scanning tips.
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies The applet makes it quick and convenient to modify which symbologies you want the scanner to recognize. By default, the scanner is set to recognize nine of the most common symbologies. 1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Symbology Selector... 2. In the screen that appears, check the symbologies you wish to enable. Uncheck those you wish to disable. Alternatively, tap Enable All or Disable All. Tap ok. Symbologies not supported by the CRS will be grayed out.
OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes The SocketScan applet lets you specify prefix and/or suffix characters to be added automatically to the data you scan. This helps to further eliminate manual data entry. 1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Settings. You can configure prefix/suffixes whether or not the CRS is connected to your Pocket PC. 2. The Scanner Settings utility will appear, with the Prefix/Suffix tab open.
OPTIONAL: Run Scan Demo Scan Demo makes it easy to determine the symbology, number of characters, and decoded data (in either ASCII or Hex) of any bar code supported by the scanner. This is especially useful if you encounter a bar code that the scanner will not decode by default. 1. Tap Start | Programs | Scan Demo. Accessing Scan Demo disconnects the Bluetooth link. If you have not configured the CRS to automatically connect, select the CRS tab at the bottom of the page to re-establish this link. 2.
Appendix A Specifications Physical Characteristics Wrist Unit Size: 98l x 13.1h x 47w (mm) 3.86l x 0.52h x 1.85w (in.) Ring Size: 55l x 37h x 38w (mm) 2.17l x 1.46h x 1.5w (in.) Total Mass: approx. 90 g (0.2 lb) Power Source: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery BL-6C Expected Battery Life with Typical Operation (connected via Bluetooth and minimum 10,000 bar code scans): 8 hours Operating Temp: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C) Operating System Support: • Windows Mobile 5.
Certification/Compliance (pending) FCC: Part 15, Class B CE: EN55024:1998 C-TICK: s.182 Industry Canada VCCI Bluetooth 1.1 IP54 TELEC About Bluetooth Range The Cordless Ring Scanner features a powerful Class 1 Bluetooth radio to provide the maximum possible range.
Appendix B Safety and Usage Tips About Bluetooth and Health Bluetooth wireless technology allows you to use short-range radio signals to connect a variety of devices, such as bar code scanners, mobile phones, Pocket PCs, notebook computers, printers, LAN access points, and many other devices at home or work. These radio signals replace the cables that have traditionally connected these devices. Bluetooth products have small radio transmitters and receivers.
Efficient Use For optimum performance, please make sure that there is no metal surrounding your Cordless Ring Scanner. Driving RF energy may affect some electronic systems in motor vehicles, such as car stereo, safety equipment, etc. Check with your vehicle manufacturer to be sure that the Cordless Ring Scanner will not affect the vehicle’s electronics. Aircraft • Turn off your Cordless Ring Scanner before boarding any aircraft.
Appendix C Bar Code Label Specifications All bar code symbols/labels should satisfy the appropriate AIM Uniform Symbology Specification. Background Substrate: The bar code symbol should be printed on material (media) that is reflective and has a matte (not glossy) finish. A background diffuse reflectance of at least 70% to 80% is desirable for optimum contrast. Retro-reflective media should be used to obtain decode distances greater than 36 inches.
Appendix D Enabling or Disabling Symbologies The Cordless Ring Scanner is pre-set to automatically detect and decode (auto-discriminate) the most common bar code symbologies. To enable or disable symbologies, simply use SocketScan’s Symbology Selector. Notes: • The length of some symbologies will change after Symbology Selector is used. See Table 1. • With more symbologies enabled, the scanner must work harder to search through all the possible combinations.
Table 2.
For more information on bar codes, symbologies, labels or other bar code related topics, visit any of the following web sites: a. www.aimglobal.org/technologies/barcode/ b. www.aimglobal.org/aimstore/stackedsymbologies.htm c. www.adams1.com d. www.bizfonts.com e. www.barcode-us.com/info_center/upc.htm (UPC Codes) f. www.barcode-us.com/info_center/bookinfo.htm (Bookland EAN) g. www.dataid.com/bcsymbology.htm h. www.aaabarcodes.com i. www.snx.com/mechanics.html j. www.pscnet.com/html/aabcsymbologies.
Appendix E Decode Zone The decode zones for the Cordless Ring Scanner is shown below. The minimum element width (“X Dimension” or bar code “size”) is the width in thousandths of an inch (mils) of the narrowest element (bar or space) in the symbol. The figures shown are the typical scanning distances (depths of field) for selected bar code sizes. The maximum usable length of a bar code symbol (Width of Field) at any given range is also shown.
Appendix F Troubleshooting For help on SocketScan, tap Start | Help on a Pocket PC. icon in the task tray SYMPTOM: I get the “No Scanner Detected” of my Windows device and can’t trigger the laser or scan any bar codes. POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION Your mobile computer is not connected to the Cordless Ring Scanner. Make sure the Cordless Ring Scanner is on and in range and has enough battery power. Try to reconnect.
SYMPTOM: While scanning with the CRS, I turned off the Pocket PC, or my Pocket PC entered suspend mode. Now my Pocket PC won’t turn on again. POSSIBLE REASONS SOLUTION This is a known problem with the Widcomm stack (built into HP h221X iPAQ Pocket PCs with ROM version 1.00). Soft reset the Pocket PC by pressing the reset button. SYMPTOM: While scanning with the CRS, I turned off the host device, or my host device entered suspend mode. Now the CRS won’t reconnect to my host device.
Appendix G Technical Support If you have trouble installing or using the Socket Cordless Ring Scanner, contact Socket’s technical support department for assistance. IMPORTANT! To obtain technical support, you must first register your product online at www.socketcom.com/prodreg. After you register your product, log in and click on the Technical Support tab. Click New Trouble Ticket to submit an online request for technical support. Afterwards, you can log in anytime to monitor the status of your request.
Limited Warranty Socket Communications Incorporated (Socket) warrants this product against defects in material and workmanship, under normal use and service, for the following period from the date of purchase: Cordless Ring Scanner: Two years Incompatibility is not a defect covered by Socket’s warranty.
Limited Software Warranty LIMITED WARRANTY. SOCKET warrants that the original disk or CD ROM is free from defects for 90 days from the date of delivery of the SOFTWARE. CUSTOMER REMEDIES. SOCKET’S entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be, at SOCKET’S option, either (a) return of the price paid or (b) replacement of the SOFTWARE which does not meet SOCKET’S Limited Warranty and which is returned to SOCKET with a copy of your receipt.
Regulatory Compliance The Socket Cordless Ring Scanner is designed to be compliant with the rules and regulations in locations where they are sold and will be labeled as required. This product is type approved — users are not required to obtain license or authorization before using. This product has been certified as conforming to technological standards.
This equipment generates and radiates radio-frequency energy. To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, the following antenna installation and device operating configurations must be satisfied: (1) Users are not permitted to make changes or modify the system in any way, and (2) connecting external antennas to the Cordless Ring Scanner is prohibited. This device and its antenna must not be co-located or operated with any other antenna or transmitter.
CE Marking & European Union Compliance Products intended for sale within the European Union are marked with a CE Mark which indicates compliance to applicable Directives and European Normes (EN), as follows.
Battery Warning: • Your device contains a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. Never throw the battery into a fire, as that could cause the battery to explode. • Never short-circuit the battery by bringing the terminals in contact with another metal object. This could cause personal injury or a fire, and could also damage the battery. • Never dispose of used battery with other ordinary solid wastes. Batteries contain toxic substances.
© Socket Communications, Inc. 4/2006 Printed in U.S.A.
