Datamax I-Class User Manual

92-2282-01 Rev. E

I

Linear Scanner User Guide

Overview

The Linear Scanner, using CCD
technology, interrogates labels at up to
700 times per second to ensure that your
printed bar codes have the correct bar and
space widths, good contrast, and quiet
zones to be readable. A 32-bit
microprocessor and proven decoding
algorithms provide accurate, high-speed,
operation.

Easy to use and fully integrated, the
Scanner has menu-selectable set-up and
control features including fault-handling
options that can void any label containing
an unreadable bar code and, if desired,
automatically generate a replacement.

This document provides all the information needed to operate the Scanner on a daily basis. The
illustration above highlights the Scanner’s connection to the printer.

Centerplate

Cable

Scanner

Performance

Several factors can affect scanning performance. For best results use carbon-based inks, label stocks with
a matte finish, and Print Contrast Signal (PCS – a comparison of the reflectance of the printed bars to that
of the background stock) that is as high as practical. In addition, you can program the Scanner using the
printer’s front panel to meet your specific application requirements; see Setup and Configuration and
Label Layout, below.

High Throughput Applications

If your primary objective is to achieve the highest possible throughput rate with the minimum scanable
region, the following list identifies the parameters and settings that can maximize scanning and decoding
speed. When emphasizing throughput, however, other areas of performance may be affected. For
example, the number of non-reads could increase. If high throughput is critical, consider these settings:

 Enable only those bar codes that you will be scanning.
 Decrease the Redundancy Level or the Min Readable Height setting.

Bar Code Integrity Applications

If your primary objective is to ensure that the correct bar code data is read over a significant region of the
symbology, the following list identifies the parameters and settings that can maximize scanning and
decoding integrity. When emphasizing accuracy and data security, other areas of performance may be
affected. For example, throughput may be slowed. If bar code integrity is critical, consider these settings:

 Increase the Redundancy Level or the Min Readable Height setting.
 Slow the print speed and/or increase the bar code height.

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Setup and Configuration

The Scanner is setup at the factory to read the bar codes on most labels. And, in most cases, further setup
will not be required.

However, if you need to modify the setup to meet your application, this section details the operational
settings of the unit.

To access these menu items, use the printer’s front panel, enter ‘MENU MODE’ and go to ‘PRINTER
OPTIONS’  ‘SCANNER’ (see the I-Class Operator’s Manual for menu system navigation details).

 ‘MODE’ is used for Scanner detection. The settings have differing functions, as follows:

Enabled – Upon power-up, the printer will attempt to detect the Scanner. If not detected, a

“Scanner Fault” occurs.

Disabled – Upon power-up, the printer will not attempt to detect the Scanner. No scanning will

occur.

Auto – Upon power-up, the printer will attempt to detect the Scanner. If detected, the printer

will function normally with the scanning function.

 ‘BARCODES’ is used to enable the reading of a particular bar code symbology. The default setting

enables the reading of all bar codes, except IATA. The table below lists the supported symbologies.

Symbology

Linear Scanner Supported

Code 39
UPC-A
UPC-E
Interleaved 2 of 5 (I2 of 5)
Code 128
EAN-13
EAN-8
HBIC
Codabar
Interleaved 2 of 5 with a modulo 10 checksum
Interleaved 2 of 5 with modulo 10 checksum & bearer bars
IATA [1]
Plessey
2 digit UPC addendum [1]
5 digit UPC addendum [1]
Code 93
UCC/EAN 128
UCC/EAN 128 K-Mart non-EDI
UCC/EAN 128 Random Weight

[1]

Readable only when using the ‘Barcode Count’ menu parameter (see below).

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 ‘BARCODE COUNT’ is used to set the number (1 – 99) of bar codes to be read on each label. The

default setting (00) puts the Scanner in Auto Mode, which allows a variable number of bar codes to
be read. Auto Mode is appropriate for most applications, however, see the note below for exceptions.
Also, if doing multiple-up bar codes, see Label Layout, below.

 Note: Imaged bar codes – that is, bar codes that ar e sent from the host application as bitmaps

to the printer – must be specified by inpu tting the minimum number of bar codes to be
read on each label. Check with your software vendor if you have questions regarding how
the bar codes are generated by your software application.

 ‘MIN READABLE HEIGHT’ is used to ensure bar code integrity by selecting the vertical distance of

the bar code that must have identical reads. For example, a setting of ¼ ensures that ¼ inch of the bar
code is 100% readable. The selectable range is 1/16 – ½ inch (1.5 – 12.5 mm), and Disabled. If this
parameter is selected, the printer will automatically calculate the optimum scan rate and the number
of consecutive reads required for the selected height based on the print speed. When ‘Disabled’ is
selected, then the printer defaults to a REDUNDANCY LEVEL setting of 2.

 Note: As a rule, this distance should not exceed 50% of the measured bar code height.

 ‘REDUNDANCY LEVEL’ is used to ensure bar code integrity by manually setting a specified number

of required redundant reads that must occur. For example, a setting of 2 ensures that the bar code is
identical in two consecutive reads. The setting range is 1 – 6 times, and Auto. When ‘Auto’ is
selected, then the printer defaults to a MIN READABLE HEIGHT setting of 1/16.

 ‘SET DEFAULTS’ is used to restore the Scanner settings to the factory default values, as follows:

Scanner Menu Item Default Value

Mode Auto

Barcodes All codes, except IATA

Barcode Count 00 (Auto Mode)

Min Readable Height Disabled

Redundancy Level Read Barcode 2X

Fault Handling is another important Scanner setting. It determines what happens when an unreadable bar
code is detected. To access this menu item, use the printer’s front panel, enter ‘MENU MODE’ and go to
‘SYSTEM SETTINGS’  ‘FAULT HANDLING’ (see the I-Class Operator’s Manual for menu system
navigation details).

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