Keyence BL-500 Series, BL-501, BL-500H, BL-501H, BL-550 User Manual

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User’s Manual

Laser Bar Code Reader

BL-500 Series

No part of this document is to be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any
means without the written consent of KEYENCE Corporation.

The contents of this document are subject to revision without notice.
If you have any problems or questions regarding this document, please contact

one of the KEYENCE offices listed on the last page of this document.
KEYENCE is not responsible for any results of the application of the product.
If the document contains incomplete printing, it can be exchanged for a complete

one.

• MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft U. S. A.

• MS-Windows is a trademark of Microsoft U. S. A.

• Other company names and product names are registered trademarks or trade­marks of the respective companies.

Contents

Safety Precautions ...........................................................................................................xi

Symbols ...........................................................................................................................................................xi

General precautions .........................................................................................................................................xi

Laser Safety Precautions ................................................................................................xii

Classification ...................................................................................................................................................xii

Warning labels ................................................................................................................................................xii

Label location ..................................................................................................................................................xii

Safety consideration .......................................................................................................................................xiii

Safety features ...............................................................................................................................................xiv

Unpacking .......................................................................................................................xiv

System Configuration .....................................................................................................xv

Laser Bar-Code Reader Model Types: ...........................................................................................................xv

Other Options ..................................................................................................................................................xv

Parts and Functions .......................................................................................................xvi

BL-500/501/500H/501H .................................................................................................................................xvi

BL-550/551/550H/551H .................................................................................................................................xvi

Chapter 1: Connection and Installation

BL-500 Connections ..........................................................................................................2

Wire colors and signal types ............................................................................................................................ 2

Power supply wiring ......................................................................................................................................... 2

Connecting shielded cables ............................................................................................................................. 2

Wiring I/O ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

RS-232C Connections ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Installing the BL-500 Series ..............................................................................................5

Chapter 2: Functions for Reading Operation

Read Operation ..................................................................................................................8

Scanning method ............................................................................................................................................. 8

Data-send mode ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Read modes .....................................................................................................................10

Single label read mode .................................................................................................................................. 10

Multi-label read mode 1 (Multi 1) .................................................................................................................... 10

Multi-label read mode 2 (Multi 2) .................................................................................................................... 11

Multi-label read mode 3 (Multi 3) .................................................................................................................... 11

Label orientation mode ...................................................................................................14

Test Mode .........................................................................................................................15

STABILITY LEDs ..............................................................................................................17

Preset Function (Compare with:) ...................................................................................19

What is the preset function? ........................................................................................................................... 19

Wildcard symbols (“!” and “?”) ........................................................................................................................19

Additional Information ....................................................................................................20

Max. Code Length (Designated Digit )

Output Function ...............................................................................................................22

iii

Chapter 3: Setup Software

Controlling the BL-500 .................................................................................................... 24

Setup Software Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 24

Operating Procedure ...................................................................................................... 26

Outline of Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 26

Setup Software Operating Procedure ........................................................................... 27

File Operation ................................................................................................................................................ 28

Main setting screen ........................................................................................................................................ 30

CODE39 setup ............................................................................................................................................... 31

ITF setup ........................................................................................................................................................ 32

Setup for Industrial 2 of 5 and COOP 2 of 5 .................................................................................................. 32

Codabar setup ............................................................................................................................................... 33

UPC/EAN setup ............................................................................................................................................. 34

CODE128 setup ............................................................................................................................................. 34

Timing setting ................................................................................................................................................. 35

Communication setting .................................................................................................................................. 36

Communication strings setup ......................................................................................................................... 36

Other setting .................................................................................................................................................. 37

Sending Settings ............................................................................................................................................ 38

Version Display .............................................................................................................................................. 38

List of Error Messages ................................................................................................... 39

How to Use Terminal Software ...................................................................................... 40

Chapter 4: Serial Communication (RS-232C/RS-422A)

Serial Communication .................................................................................................... 44

Communication Setup .................................................................................................................................... 44

Details on Data Communication .................................................................................... 45

Communication Protocols(Hardware handshaking) ....................................................................................... 45

Capacity of Transmission Buffer .................................................................................................................... 46

Read Data Format ......................................................................................................................................... 46

Read Error Code ............................................................................................................................................ 47

Command Communication ............................................................................................ 48

Setup of Direct Control Commands ............................................................................................................... 48

Explanation of Direct Control Commands ...................................................................................................... 49

Details on Parameter Setting Commands ...................................................................................................... 50

Response Error Code .................................................................................................................................... 52

Description of Parameter Setting Commands ................................................................................................ 52

Appendix

Specifications .................................................................................................................. 60

Raster Scan Specifications ............................................................................................................................ 61

Reading Range Characteristics (Typical) ..................................................................... 62

Angular Characteristics (Typical) .................................................................................. 66

Dimensions ...................................................................................................................... 67

Example Program for Serial Communication ............................................................... 69

Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 70

CODE128 Specifications ................................................................................................ 72

ASCII Code Table ............................................................................................................ 73

Default Settings ...............................................................................................................74

iv

BL-U1 Power Supply

Introduction ......................................................................................................................80

Conventions .....................................................................................................................80

System Configuration .....................................................................................................81

Using the RS-232C and RS-422A .................................................................................................................. 81

Using the RS-485 multidrop link ..................................................................................................................... 81

Other Options .................................................................................................................................................81

BL-U1 .............................................................................................................................................................82

BL-U1 Connections .........................................................................................................83

Connecting the AC power supply ...................................................................................................................83

Connecting the BL-U1 to a BL series .............................................................................................................83

Setting the BL-U1 DIP switches ..................................................................................................................... 84

Function and wiring on the I/O terminal block ................................................................................................ 85

RS-232C port pin assignment ........................................................................................................................ 86

RS-232C port wiring .......................................................................................................................................87

RS-422A port wiring ....................................................................................................................................... 87

Wiring the RS-485 (multidrop link) .................................................................................................................88

Installation ........................................................................................................................89

Precautions before use .................................................................................................................................. 89

Installing the BL-U1 ........................................................................................................................................90

Outline of Multidrop Link ................................................................................................91

Multidrop Link .................................................................................................................................................91

System Configuration .....................................................................................................................................91

Setup and Connection Procedures ................................................................................92

Communication ................................................................................................................93

Outline of Communication types .................................................................................................................... 93

Communication Format ..................................................................................................................................93

Details on Data Communication ..................................................................................................................... 95

Details of Command Communication ............................................................................................................. 97

Precautions for Programming ........................................................................................99

BL-U1 Specifications .....................................................................................................100

WARRANTIES .................................................................................................................103

v

vi

Safety Precautions

This User’s Manual describes the operation and functions of the BL-500. Read
this manual carefully to ensure safe use and maximum performance from your
BL-500.

The BL-500 uses a semiconductor laser as the light source. Before using the
product, see “Laser Safety Precautions” on page 3 to learn the safe and correct
method of using the reader.

Symbols

The following symbols alert you to important messages. Be sure to read these
messages carefully.

WARNING

CAUTION

Note

General precautions

Failure to follow instructions may lead to injury. (electric shock, burn, etc.)

Failure to follow instructions may lead to product damage.

Provides additional information on proper operation.

Any reference to the BL-500 in this manual refers to information on all products in
the BL-500 series. When refering to specific product information, the product
name exclusively will be used.

• The BL-500 uses a semiconductor laser as the light source. Before using the
product, see “Handling a Laser Product” on page 3 to learn the safe and cor­rect method of using the reader.

• Do not use the BL-500 as a controller for equipment which could potentially
harm a person.

• Be sure to match the polarities (+ and -) of the power supply when soldering
the connections. Reversing the polarities will damage the unit.

• Do not disassemble the BL-500. Doing so may make repair impossible.

• The BL-500 is a precision instrument. Dropping the unit could damaged it.
Exercise caution when moving or installing.

• Be sure that there is no water, oil or dust on the optical pickup. Such obstruc­tions can cause read errors. Clean the pickup by gently wiping with a soft lens
cloth soaked with water.

vii

CAUTIONCAUTION

AVOID EXPOSURE

Laser radiation is emitted
from this aperture.

Laser radiation­Do not stare into beam.

Semiconductor laser
Maximum output
Pulse duration
Class II laser product

CAUTION-Laser radiation when
open. Do not stare into beam.

670nm

1.2mW
70µsec

CAUTIONCAUTION

Laser radiation­Do not stare into beam.

Semiconductor laser
Maximum output
Pulse duration
Class II laser product

CAUTION-Laser radiation when
open. Do not stare into beam.

670nm

1.2mW
70µsec

LASER RADIATION

DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM

IN CONFORMITY TO IEC825 1 11, 1993

CLASS2 LASER PRODUCT

MAXIMUM OUTPUT
PULSE DURATION
EMITTED WAVELENGTH

1.2mW
127µs

670nm

LASER RADIATION

DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM

CAUTION

LASER RADIATION
WHEN OPEN. DO NOT
STARE INTO BEAM.

IN CONFORMITY TO IEC825 1 11, 1993

CLASS2 LASER PRODUCT

MAXIMUM OUTPUT
PULSE DURATION
EMITTED WAVELENGTH

1.2mW
127µs

670nm

LASERSTRAHLUNG

NICHT IN DEN STRAHL BLICKEN

NACH ENTWARF DIN EN 60825-1 07.1994

LASER KLASSE 2

MAXIMUM LEIGTUNG
PULSDAUER
WELLENLÄNGE

1.2mW
127µs

670nm

LASERSTRAHLUNG

NICHT IN DEN STRAHL BLICKEN

VORSICHT

LASERSTRAHLUNG
WENN ABDECKUNG
GEOFFNET. NICHT IN
DEN STRAHL BUCKEN.

NACH ENTWARF DIN EN 60825-1.1994

LASER KLASSE 2

MAXIMUM LEISTUNG
PULSDAUER
WELLENLÄNGE

1.2mW
127µs

670nm

CAUTION – Laser radiation
when open.
Do not stare into beam.

AVOID EXPOSURE

Laser radiation is emitted
from this aperture.

CAUTION

LASER RADIATION
WHEN OPEN. DO NOT
STARE INTO BEAM.

VORSICHT

LASERSTRAHLUNG
WENN ABDECKUNG
GEOFFNET. NICHT IN
DEN STRAHL BLICKEN.

CAUTION

LASER RADIATION
WHEN OPEN. DO NOT
STARE INTO BEAM.

VORSICHT

LASERSTRAHLUNG
WENN ABDECKUNG
GEOFFNET. NICHT IN
DEN STRAHL BUCKEN.

Laser Safety Precautions

Classification

Warning labels

Model
FDA
IEC 825-1, 11 1993
DIN EN 60825-1 07.1994

BL-500(H) BL-501(H) BL-550(H) BL-551(H)

Class II
Class 2

Klasse 2

FDA Class II

BL-500/501/500H/501H BL-550/551/550H/551H

IEC Class 2

BL-500/501/500H/501H BL-550/551/550H/551H

DIN Klasse 2

BL-500/501/500H/501H BL-550/551/550H/551H

Aperture label

FDA Class II IEC Class 2 DIN Klasse 2

Protective housing label

IEC Class 2 DIN Klasse 2

viii

Label location

The following label positions are recommended.
FDA Warning labels are attached to the sensor head as shown below. The IEC/

DIN Warning labels are packaged with the BL-500 series. Affix the Warning labels
on the sensor head as shown below.

FDA

BL-500/501/500(H)/501(H) BL-550/551/550(H)/551(H)

)

CAUTION

2

)

1

CAUTION

)

1

IEC

BL-500/501/500(H)/501(H) BL-550/551/550(H)/551(H)

)

)

)

1

2

1

)

3

Safety consideration

CAUTION

WARNING

Use of controls or adjustment, or the performance of procedures other than those
specified herein, may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

The laser beam is not harmful to the skin. There is, therefore, no danger in expos­ing arms or hands to the beam. The only possible health hazard is in exposing the
eyes to the laser beam. Damage to the eyes can occur if the operator stares di­rectly into the beam.

Following the safety precautions below to ensure operator safety:

• Operate the BL-500 series only according to the procedures described in

• Do not disassemble the sensor head.

• Do not look directly at the laser beam.

• Protective enclosure

• Protective goggles

• Stop laser emissions before cleaning the laser emission port.

• Chek the laser beam path.

this instruction manual.

Otherwise, injury may occur due to exposure to the laser beam.

Laser emission from the BL-500 series is not automatically stopped if the sen­sor head is disassembled. If you disassemb le the sensor head f or inspection or
repair, you may be exposed to the laser beam. If the BL-500 series malfunc­tions, contact KEYENCE immediately.

Looking directly at the laser beam may result in serious eye injury.

We recommend that you install a protectiv e enclosure around the sensor head
to prevent any person from getting near the sensor head during operation.

We recommend that you wear protective goggles when using the BL-500
series.

Failure to stop the laser emission may expose eyes to the laser beam.

To prevent exposure to the laser beam due to specular or diffuse reflection,
install a screen which offers the appropriate reflectance and temperature char­acteristics to interrupt the reflected laser beam. Do not install the BL-500
series in such a way that the laser beam passes at eye height.

ix

Safety features

The BL series is provided with the following safety features. Make sure these fea­tures function correctly before making any measurement.

1. LASER ON alarm LED

A visible LED that informs you that the laser beam is being emitted, or is about to
be emitted, at least 3 seconds after power is provided to the amplifier and the sen­sor head.

2. Laser emission delay

Laser emission only starts when the LED has been ON/lit for at least 3 seconds,
thus decreasing the possibility of laser exposure.

3. Laser Stop function

By sending the laser stop command (see page 18) to the BL-500, you can dis­abled laser emission. When working near the laser pickup, use the laser can dis­abled laser emission. When working near the laser pickup, use the laser stop
command to protect you from direct exposure to laser beam. When this command
is activated, the top LED of the STABILITY LEDS blinks.

Unpacking

How to use the Laser Stop command

Laser stop mode can be invoked by transmitting the serial command from the
host computer to the unit.

To execute the Laser stop command, use the following instruction.
LOCK [CR]

To cancel Laser stop, use the following instruction.
UNLOCK [CR]

When either above instruction is properly processed, the BL-500 series returns
the following message to the host computer.
OK [CR]

There are two packages: A BL-500 package and a software package.
Each package contains the following components. Be sure to check the items

against the checklist below:

BL-500 package

BL-500 unit 1
Mounting bracket 1
Mounting bracket screw (32 mm) 2
Laser warning label 1
Instruction manual 1

Setup software (BL-50H1E) and user’s manual

Setup software floppy disk (3.5-inch) 1
User’s Manual (this document) 1

Note

x

The setup software and user’s manual are not included in the BL-500 package.
You can order the software package, free of charge, separately.

System Configuration

Note

RS-232C null modem cable
OP-22149 (1.5 m) + OP-25057
(25- to 9-pin adapter)

BL-500

5VDC

Power-supply unit*

Trigger input

Timing sensor

OK/NG
output

PLC etc.

RS-232C

BL-50H1E
Setup software

3.5-inch version
WINDOWS 3.1

The 5 VDC power supply unit must be purchased separately.
The optional BL-U1 or BL-U2 power supply is also available.

IBM PC/AT
or compatible

Laser Bar-Code Reader Model Types:

Model

BL-500
BL-501 Raster
BL-550
BL-551 Raster
BL-500H
BL-501H Raster
BL-550H
BL-551H Raster

The readable bar width is the range in which narrow-group bar codes can be read.

Reading direction Scanning method Readable bar width

Front

Side

Front

Side

Other Options

BL-U1:.................. 5 VDC power supply (100 to 240 VAC input)

(with built-in RS-232C, RS-422A, RS-485 ports)

See page 79 for details.

OP-22149: ...........RS-232C null modem cable (1.5 m) for BL-U1

OP-25057.............25- to 9-pin adapter

BL-U2:.................. 5VDC power supply (24 VDC input)

(with built-in RS-232C port)

See the BL-U2 manual for details.

Single

Single

Single

Single

0.25 to 1.0 mm

(Standard type)

0.125 to 0.5 mm

(High-resolution type)

OP-27937: ...........RS-232C null modem cable (2 m) with 9-pin connector for BL-

U2

xi

Parts and Functions

Optical pickup

Laser
light source

OK/NG

TIMING

LASER ON

STB

STABILITY LED
Indicates the reading stability or
the unit’s operation status (see P.
33 to P. 34).

OK/NG LED
OK output: Lights in green
NG output: Lights in red

TIMING LED
Lights when the timing input turns
ON.

LASER ON LED
Lights when the laser turns ON.

Cable (2 m)

Optical pickup/
light source

BL-500/501/500H/501H

BL-550/551/550H/551H

xii

For LED names, see the BL-500/501(H) User’s Manual.

Chapter 1

Connection and Installation

BL-500

Shield —

Black GND

Shield —

Black GND

BL-500

Ceramic capacitor
(Withdraw voltage 0.5 k to

1.0 kVDC, Capacity 0.1 µF,
non-polarity)

GND

TIM

Yellow

Black

5 VDC

10KΩ

4.7
KΩ

1.1 BL-500 Connections

1.1 BL-500 Connections

1.1.1 Wire colors and signal types

The following wires extend from the BL-500. Solder the required wires to a con­nector to connect the BL-500 to a computer/controller.

Wire Color

Shield
Purple RS­Brown RD (RXD) Receive data Input
Pink RS (RTS) Request to send (always on) Output
Blue CS (CTS) Request to receive Input

Black GND (SG)
Yellow TIM Trigger input Input

White OK OK output Output
Gray NG NG output Output
Red + 5V + 5V power supply input Input

1.1.2 Power supply wiring

CAUTION

• Be sure to match the polarities of the power supply when soldering the con­nections. Reversing the polarities will damage the unit.

• Make sure that the power supply provides a stable 5 VDC ± 5%. If the power
supply does not function in the above range, it can damage the unit.

• Do not use a power cable longer that 2 meters. A long power cable can cause
a voltage drop, preventing the BL-500 from starting properly.

• If the power supply is UL rated, it must provide Class 2 output.

Symbol Description Signal Direction

Shield Connect to ground (SG) ——

232C

SD (TXD) Send data Output

Ground (common ground for
respective signals)

BL-500

+5V

GND

Red

Black

+

——

5 VDC

1.1.3 Connecting shielded cables

For optimum reading performance, connect the BL-500’s shielded cable to GND
(black) directly or through a condenser.

• Using a capacitor provides a more stable operation.

1.1.4 Wiring I/O

Trigger (TIM) input

The trigger input is used to signal the BL-500 to start reading (Start laser emis­sion).
The trigger input is a non-voltage input (TTL input is also available).

2

3

1.1 BL-500 Connections

OK/NG output

This output signals whether the readout data is the same as the preset data.
When no preset data has been registered, the signal indicates bar code read sta­tus. It is an NPN open-collector output.

BL-500

1.1.5 RS-232C Connections

Note

This BL-500 setup software applies to port 1 and port 2 only.
Communication cannot be performed with other ports.

When using a D-sub 9-pin connector:

Use a metallic connector housing for the D-sub 9-pin connector. Connect the
shielded cable with the connector housing.

PC

Load

+

–

2

RD
SD

3

RS

7

CS

8

SG

5

ER

4

DR

6

OK/NG

1kΩ

Internal circuit

BL-500

Shield Connector case

Shield

SD

Purple

RD

Blown

CS

Blue

RS

Pink

GND

Black

+5V

Red

+

5 VDC

Write/Gray

Black

GND

*Rated load: 24 VDC
(30 mA) max.

D-sub 9-pin (male)

# 4-40 screw

Note

When using a D-sub 25-pin connector:

BL-500

Shield FG

Shield

Blown

RD
SD

Purple

CS

Blue

RS

Pink

GND

Black

+5V

Red

+

5 VDC

PC

1
2

SD
RD

3

RS

4

CS

5

SG

7

DR

6

ER

20

D-sub 25-pin (male)

M 2..6 screw

Be sure the BL-500’s shielded cable is properly connected. Refer to “1.1.3 Con­necting shielded cables” in the User’s Manual.

Optical
pickup

Light
source

Object

Bar code

s

1.1 BL-500 Connections

Hints on correct use

Trigger (TIM) input

Set the trigger input to be long enough to allow the laser beam to cover the entire
bar code.

If the trigger input needs to be on for only a short period of time, select one-shot
mode.

Influence from mirror surface

If a mirror surface (metallic surface) is near the bar code and the laser beam re­flects off the mirror, the BL-500 may cause a read error. Protect the unit from the
influence of a mirror surface by covering the surface or changing the bar code la­bel position.

Bar code pitch

Do not place several bar codes in the field of the laser beam, unless you are in
multi-label read mode (Multi 3).

If you use multi-label read mode (multi 3), the BL-500 can simultaneously read 2
to 4 bar codes in the field of the laser beam.

Influence from photoelectric sensor

When using a photoelectric sensor to control trigger, block the sensor beam so it
does not enter the BL-500 optical pickup.

The beam from the photoelectric sensor can interfere with the BL-500, deteriorat­ing reading performance. If this case, reposition the photoelectric sensor.

When a bar code is stained or partially missing

Use a raster scan reader (BL-501/551(H)) when a bar code is stained or partially
missing. This raster scan readers scan several portions of the bar code. Normal
portions of the bar code, even with stained or missing portions, can be read by
the BL-501/551(H).

Scan

4

1.2 Installing the BL-500 Series

1.2 Installing the BL-500 Series

Installation method

Use the mounting holes on the side panel to install the unit.

Using the supplied mounting brackets

Install the BL-500 Series as shown in the figures below.

• Select screws of the proper length by checking the thickness of the plate used
for mounting. (The screws provided are for use with the mounting bracket.)

• For the mounting hole diameter, see page 66.

(BL-500/501/500H/501H)

M3 screws

(BL-550/551/550H/551H)

M3 screws

Optical pickup/
light source

• Use the set screw to secure the mounting bracket to the unit.

• See page 68 for mounting bracket dimensions.

• The mounting bracket for the front type (BL-500/501(H)) differs from that for

the side type (BL-550/551(H)). The correct bracket is provided with your unit.

Installation with no mounting bracket

• (BL-500/501/500H/501H)(BL-550/551/550H/551H)Prepare M3 male screws

M3 nuts

M3 screws

separately.

• Although the mounting holes are on both sides of the unit, only one side should
be mounted.

• For the mounting hole diameter, see page 66.

M3 screws

M3 nuts

5

15°

Laser beam

Reading distance

BL

-

500

BL-550

*Reading distance = 120 mm

Reading distance

15°

Laser beam

*Reading distance = 95 mm

1.2 Installing the BL-500 Series

Mounting angle and mounting distance

BL-500/501/500H/501H BL-550/551/550H/551H

Set the angle and reading distance by referring to the read range characteristics
and angle characteristics described on page 62 and 66.

The allowable reading distance and angle may vary depending on the narrow bar
width of the bar code, the bar code size, and the readability of the bar code. Set
these parameters after performing a test read of the required bar code using the
unit.

Note

Do not set the unit at an angle at which the laser beam is perpendicular to the sur­face of the bar code. The beam will be fully reflected into the reader, making cor­rect reading impossible (see page 66).

The laser radiation angle differs between the front and side type units. The opti­mal mounting angle differs depending on the type.

The reading check test mode (see page 15) allows you to set the optimal reading
position.

6

Chapter 2

Functions for Reading Operation

Trigger input

Bar code

Laser beams

Communication time

OK/NG output OK/NG NG

<Succeed to read> <Fail to read>

*2

*1

*3

*4

*5

Data bits + (1: If parity is used) + Start/stop bit

Baud rate

(code length of data to be sent + Header/
number of characters in delimeter)

X

2.1 Read Operation

2.1 Read Operation

2.1.1 Scanning method

There are two methods for triggering the BL-500 to read bar codes; the “Level sig­nal” method and the “One-shot signal” method. The example given for these two
methods uses the “single label read mode” (see page 10), which reads one bar
code while trigger input turns on once, and uses the “after read” as the data-send
mode (see page 9).

Level signal trigger

When the trigger input turns on, laser emission begins and the the unit begins
reading. The laser turns off after reaching the specified decode count. Then, the
unit sends the readout data.

CAUTION

1. Set trigger input so that it stays on long enough for the laser beam to cover
the entire bar code.

2. After the trigger input exceeds the preset input time, the laser begins to emit.

3. The communication time can be obtained from the following expression:

4. The length of time that the OK/NG output is on can be changed to between
10 ms and 2.55 s.

5. The OK/NG output turns on 5 ms after the data has been read (or trigger
input turns off in case of reading failure).

5 seconds after the power switch turns on or an UNLOCK command (see
page 50) is sent, the unit will not start reading a bar code by turning on the trigger
input.

8

One-shot signal trigger

2.1 Read Operation

The unit detects the rising edge of the trigger input and starts reading bar codes
for the preset input time. The laser beam turns off after reaching the specified de­code count and the unit sends the readout data.

The remaining actions are the same as those for level signal trigger.

<Succeed to read> <Fail to read>

Trigger input

*1

Bar code

Laser beams

Communication time

OK/NG output

1. After the trigger input exceeds the preset input times, the laser begins to

Note

• The BL-500 can read up to 4 types of bar codes without changing the bar code
type setting (see page 30).

• For general operation, see "Level signal trigger"

• Choose “One-shot signal trigger” when the trigger input signal is very short or

you want to set the input time.

2.1.2 Data-send mode

In the single label read mode only, you can select from the two data send modes
(OK/NG output on trigger) described below: In the multi-label read mode, you can
only select the “send after reading” mode.

Send after read

The unit outputs the communication and OK/NG signals after a sucessful read
(trigger output turns on as many times as the preset decode count). This is the
same operation as in the time chart described in “1.1 Scanning method”. Normal­ly, this is the method you should use.

emit.

Preset input time

OK/NG NG

Preset input time

Send at trigger input

The unit outputs the communication and OK/NG signal when the trigger input
turns off (or the preset input time has passed if one-shot signal trigger is selected).

OK/NG

<Fail to read>

NG

<Succeed to read>

Trigger input

Bar code

Laser beams
Communication time

OK/NG output

9

BL-500

OK/NG

STB

TIMING

LASER ON

Repeat reading time

OK

NG

<Succeed to read> <Fail to read>

Trigger input

Bar code

Laser beams
Communication time

OK/NG output

OK OK OK

2.2 Read modes

2.2 Read modes

The BL-500 provides 4 types of read modes.

2.2.1 Single label read mode

This mode allows the unit to read one bar code during one trigger input signal.
The operation and timing chart are described on page 8.

2.2.2 Multi-label read mode 1 (Multi 1)

This mode allows the unit to read several bar codes printed on one label as shown
below during one trigger input signal. The unit outputs the readout data sequen­tially.

Multi-label read mode 1 operation

In the multi-label read mode 1, the unit reads several bar codes continuously, and
outputs them sequentially as it reads while laser beam remains on and trigger in­put turns on after bar codes have been read (or during the preset input time if one­shot signal trigger is selected).

To prevent the unit from reading the same bar code twice, the time for one bar
code to pass across the laser beam’s field and read, plus the repeat reading time
must be set (100 ms to 25.5 s). During the repeat reading time, the unit cannot
read the same bar code repeatedly, but can read different bar codes.

A reading error is issued only when the unit cannot read any bar code while the
trigger input is on.

For OK/NG output, “OK” turns on every time the unit reads a bar code and “NG”
turns on if the unit fails to read a bar code. (Comparison to the preset data is not
performed.)

10

2.2.3 Multi-label read mode 2 (Multi 2)

As with multi 1 mode, this mode allows the unit to read several bar codes contin­uously while the trigger input is on. (The number of bar codes that can be read
depends on the buffer capacity. See page 46.) The difference between the two
modes is that multi 2 modesends all the readout data at one time after the trigger
input turns off.

Multi-label read mode 2 operation

<Succeed to read> <Fail to read>

Trigger input

Bar code

Laser beams

Repeat reading
time

12345

2.2 Read modes

Communication time

OK/NG output

Reading data format

12345

OK

NG

Multi 2 mode allows the unit to read several bar codes while the trigger input is on
(or during the preset input time if one-shot signal trigger is selected) and sends all
the readout data at one time after the trigger input turns off (or after the preset
input time is expired if one-shot signal trigger is selected).

To prevent the unit from reading the same bar code twice, the time for one bar
code to pass across the laser beam’s field and read, plus the repeat reading time
must be set (100 ms to 25.5 s). During the repeat reading time, the unit cannot
read the same bar code repeatedly, but can read different bar codes.

For OK/NG output, after trigger input turns off, “OK” turns on if the unit reads at
least one bar code and “NG” turns on if the unit fails to read a bar code. (Compar­ison to the preset data is not performed.)

Header

1st

data

2nd

,

data

3rd

,

data

4th

,

data

, Delimeter

Each data packet is separated by a comma (, : 2CH) (intermediate delimiter).
The unit sends as many data packets the number of bar codes read.
See page 46 for “header string” and “delimeter”.

2.2.4 Multi-label read mode 3 (Multi 3)

As described in multi-label read modes 1 and 2, this mode also allows the unit to
read several bar codes (up to 4 codes) while the trigger input is on.

The unit sends the readout data at one time according to a specified sequence
after the trigger input turns off. When up to 4 codes are in the laser beam’s field,
the unit can simultaneously reads all of them.

11

OK

Trigger input

Bar Code

Laser beams
Communication time

OK/NG output

Code 1 Code 2 Code 3 Code 4

Code 1

Code 2

Code 3

Code 4

NG

2.2 Read modes

Operation of multi-label read mode 3

This mode allows the unit to continuously read each one of 4 bar code types
“Code 1”, “Code 2”, “Code 3”, and “Code 4” as specified in the “code setup” of the
setup software (see page 30). If 3 types are specified in the “code setup”, the unit
reads 3 bar codes (each of 3 types). If 2 types are specified, the unit reads 2 bar
codes.

The following time chart is given.

The above example chart is with all four codes specified in the “code setup” of the
setup software.

• The bar code reading sequence is not fixed.

• The unit communicates the readout data in the order of Code 1 to Code 4.

After the trigger input turns off, the unit sends all the data at one time.

• For OK/NG output, “OK” turns on if the unit reads all the specified Codes 1 to 4
and “NG” turns on if the unit fails to read at least one bar code. (Comparison to
the preset data is not performed.)

Reading data format

Example Suppose that the following codes are specified:

Header

Data read

from Code

1

Data read

from Code

,

Data read

from Code

2

,

3

Data read

from Code

,

4

, Delimeter

• Each data packet is separated by a comma (, : 2CH) (intermediate delimiter).

• If an read error occurs on any one of Codes 1 to 4, or the corresponding bar

code does not exist, “ERROR” (see page 47 for the reading error codes),
instead of the read data is sent.

• See page 46 for “header string” and “delimeter”.

Code 1 --- CODE39, 10 digits
Code 2 --- EAN/UPC, 13 digits
Code 3 --- None
Code 4 --- CODE39, 8 digits

When the unit successfully reads all 3 types of codes:

Header ABCDE12345 , 4901234567894 , KEYENCE Delimeter

When the unit fails to read Code 1 (CODE39, 10 digits)

Header ERROR , 4901234567894 , KEYENCE Delimeter

12

When the unit fails to read Code 1 (CODE39, 10 digits) and Code 4 (CODE39, 8
digits)

Header ERROR , 4901234567894 , ERROR Delimeter

When the same type of data having the same digits is specified to all Codes 1 to
4, the unit sends the data in the reading order.

13

Example
Suppose that the following codes are specified:
Code 1 --- CODE39, 7 digits

Code 2 --- CODE39, 7 digits
Code 3 --- CODE39, 7 digits
Code 4 --- CODE39, 7 digits

2.2 Read modes

Note

Header

The unit cannot read the bar code having the same content twice while trigger in­put turns on once.

ABCD123 , XYZ3333 , 1234567 , KEYENCE , Delimeter

4 9000000

4 9000000

Forward orientation Reverse orientation

OK/NG

NG

<Specified orientation>

<Non-specified orientation>

Trigger input

Bar code

Laser beams
Communication time

OK/NG output

2.3 Label orientation mode

2.3 Label orientation mode

As shown below, this mode allows the unit to read bar codes only in the specified
orientation when bar code labels are moving both in the forward and reverse ori­entations.

Normally, the unit can read bar codes regardless of the orientation.

An reading error is issued when the unit reads a bar code label running in the ori­entation which is not specified.

The above chart applies to the single label read mode. You can also use this
mode together with the desired multi-label read mode. However, in any case, the
unit reads bar codes running in the specified orientation only.

You can specify the orientation individually for Codes 1 to 4, such as specifying
“forward orientation” for Code 1, and “reverse orientation” for Code 2.

14

2.4 Test Mode

2.4 Test Mode

Test mode can be used for the bar code reading test. Because trigger input is not
required, this mode allows you to perform a reading test easily. You can select
one of the following 3 methods to enter the test mode.

Send the command

Enter test mode by sending the serial command for the test mode (TEST1,
TEST2). Commands should be entered in all uppercase characters.

Turning on trigger input

You can use the BL-500 to switch to test mode by turning on the trigger input (see
page 35). If you select this method to enter the test mode, trigger input is disabled
to ensure normal operation.

Turning on power supply

You can set the BL-500 to enter test mode by turning on the power supply (see
page 35).

Note

When you try to enter the test mode by turning on trigger input, you cannot use
the serial command to enter the test mode.

The following 2 types of test modes are available:

Reading rate check mode

The unit scans a bar code100 times and analyzes how many times it can decode
the scanned data (reading rate). This mode is useful in the following cases:

• When adjusting the mounting distance and angle

• When verifying the reading stability of the bar code to be used

• The analyzed result will be output anytime (every 100 scans) using the follow-

ing format:

• Although an OK/NG signal is not output, the OK/NG LED lights (see page 17).

Tact check mode

In this test mode, the unit counts how many scans can be decoded (the decode
count) while reading one bar code.

This mode is useful when testing which line speed can be expected when actually
implementing the BL-500 system on the line.

• The analyzed data is output using the following format 0.2 seconds after the
bar code has passed the laser beam’s field.

Readout data

Delimiter

: m %

m = 0 to 100 (zero-suppressed)

Readout data

• The unit continues to read a bar code while the code is in the laser beam’s field
and does not output the result. If the laser beam does not detect a bar code for

0.2 seconds, the unit stops scanning and outputs the result.

• If the unit reads the same bar code twice within the 0.2 seconds, the unit can­not separate the bar codes and will add to the read count. However, the unit
can continuously reads different bar codes within the 0.2 seconds by recogniz­ing the delimiter.

Delimiter

: m

m = 1 to 999 (zero-suppressed)

15

2.4 Test Mode

16

• The read count can be up to 9999.

• Although an OK/NG signal is not output, the OK/NG LED lights (see page 17).

Note

When the unit is running in test mode, the laser beam remains on, which can
shorten the laser’s service life.
Select the test mode only when you need to perform a test read.

Avoid long emission times.
When using the “additional information” (see page 20 to 21) in the test mode, the

selected data is added in the same manner as in the normal operation mode.
However, only when selecting the reading rate check mode, the decode count
and scan count are not added to the analyzed results.

2.5 STABILITY LEDs

STABILITY LEDs allow you to easily check reading stability and operation status.

Indication of reading stability

When reading rate check mode is selected

STABILITY LEDs light according to the reading rate shown in the table below. Al­though, in the test mode, the unit does not output an OK/NG singnal, the OK/NG
LED lights as below. (Comparison to the preset data is not performed.)

2.5 STABILITY LEDs

Reading rate

81 to 100%

61 to 80% 4 LEDs light Green
41 to 60% 3 LEDs light Green
21 to 40% 2 LEDs light Green

1 to 20% 1 LED lights Green

0% —— Red

STABILITY LED OK/NG LED

5 LEDs light Green

When tact check mode is selected

STABILITY LEDs light according to the scan count (decode count), which indi­cates the number of successful reads, as shown in the table below.

Although, in the test mode, the unit does not output an OK/NG signal, OK/NG LED
lights as below. (Comparison to the preset data is not performed.)

Decode count

100 or more

50 to 99 4 LEDs light
10 to 49 3 LEDs light

5 to 9 2 LEDs light
1 to 4 1 LED lights

0 —— Red

STABILITY LED OK/NG LED

5 LEDs light

Green (decode counts are
equal to or greater than
the preset match count)
Red (decode counts are
less than the preset
match count)

When normal read mode is selected

When you select multi-label read mode 1 or 2 (see page 10 to 11), or the send
mode is set to “after trigger input” (see page 9), or you select the decode count
adding function (see page 20), STABILITY LEDs light according to the decode
count as shown in the table below.

However, If you do not select “use STABILITY LED” in the setup software (see
page 37), STABILITY LEDs do not light in normal read mode.

ON/NG output (ON/NG LED) turns on/off normally according to the result of a
comparison to the preset data.

Decode count

100 or more

50 to 99 4 LEDs light
10 to 49 3 LEDs light

5 to 9 2 LEDs light
1 to 4 1 LED lights

0 ——

STABILITY LED

5 LEDs light

17

2.5 STABILITY LEDs

Unit operation status display

STABILITY LEDs indicate the following information in addition to reading stability.

Power-on

LEDs turn on sequentially from the bottom. The unit cannot read bar codes while
STABILITY LEDs are lit (for 5 seconds).

During setup (see page 49)

All the STABILITY LEDs blink.

Using “Laser stop” function (by sending LOCK; see page 50)

The top LED blinks. When resetting “laser stop” (by sending UNLOCK ), the
LEDs light in the same manner as at power-on.

Unit error

The 2nd or 3rd LED from the top blinks. The unit may have failed. Contact your
nearest KEYENCE office or distributor.

18

2.6 Preset Function (Compare with:)

2.6 Preset Function (Compare with:)

2.6.1 What is the preset function?

The BL-500 can store one bar codeas preset data. It compares the preset data to
the bar code data actually read and outputs an OK/NG signal to whether there is
a match.

Using the BL-500 preset function, you can prevent the wrong products from en­tering the line without using a PC.

If no preset data is registered, the unit outputs OK when it successfully reads a
bar code and NG when it fails to read a bar code.

• See page 8 to 14 for output timing.

• Use the setup software and serial command to register the preset data (see

page 37 and page 58).

?:

!:

Note

• The bar code actually read can be compared to the preset data only in the sin­gle label read mode.

• See page 72 if you want to use CODE128.

2.6.2 Wildcard symbols (“!” and “?”)

Using “!” and “?” in the preset data allows for flexible settings.

Does not define numeric values (characters) of certain digit(s) of the bar code.
Ignores numeric values and symbols within the dot box and recognizes the bar codes

as the same group.

4912 3456
4912 5256

4912 AB5 6

When using “?” data as “4912??56”, 2
digits positioned in “??” can contain
any numeric values (or characters),
expanding the allowable range. Iden­tifies all the bar codes to be OK as
long as the beginning or ending
strings match.

4912 3456
4912 C

4912

When using “!” as “4912!”, any bar
code which begins with “4912” will be
OK. When using “!” as “!4912”, any
bar code which ends with “4912” will
be OK.

Setting examples 1. “ABC?” ABCD (OK), ABC3 (OK), ABC (NG), ABCDE (NG)

2. “ABC!” ABCD (OK), ABC3 (OK), ABC (OK), ABCDE (OK), AB (NB)

3. “?????” Any 5-digit bar code will be OK.

4. “!CDE” ABCDE (OK), 3CDE (OK), CDE (OK), ABBDE (NG), ADE (NG)

5. “A!E” ABCDE (OK), A3CE (OK), ABCD (NG), AE (OK)

Note

You can use “!” only once in the setting.

If you do not register preset data, “!” is automatically registered. Therefore, when
the unit sucessfully reads a bar code, “OK” is output; when the unit fails to read,
“NG” is output.

You cannot use the “*” character as a wild card symbol with the BL series.

19

2.7 Additional Information

m = 1 to 999 (zero-suppressed)

The value is zero-suppressed.

Delimiters

Readout data

: d / s

t = 0 :Code39

1 :ITF
2 :Industrial 2 of 5
3 :Codabar
4 :EAN/UPC (A•E)
5 :CODE 128
6 :COOP 2 of 5
7 :Read error

Delimiter

t

:

Readout data

2.7 Additional Information

When sending the bar code data, you can add the following data to the readout
data.

Additional information types

Decode match count add function

Adds the number of successful scans during one bar code reading (decode
count) to the end of the readout data (up to 9999 count). However, this decode
count is never less than the preset decoding match count.

• This function can be used to check reading stability and code label quality.

When using this function, output turns on at a different time from normal opera­tion.

• In single label read mode, output turns on after one bar code has been read
(after trigger input turns off). Even if you set the data-send to “after read”, the
data is forced sent after trigger input turns off.

• In multi-label read mode 1, a bar code passes across the laser beam’s field,
after repeat read time, and is finally output.

• In multi-label read mode 2 or 3, operation is the same as when you do not use
the decode match count adding function.

Delimiter

Readout data

The value is zero-suppressed.

:

d

d = [Decoding match count] to
9999: Decode count

Code type add function

Scan count add function (valid only when using the read count add func­tion)

Adds the number of scans, including when no bar code exists, to the end of the
decode count (up to 9999).

Adds the bar code type before the readout data .

20

label orientation add function

Adds the orientation of bar code travel before the readout data.

Order of additional information

If you select to include all the additional information functions, they appear in the
following order:

2.7 Additional Information

Delimiter

r

:

r =F :Forward

R :Reverse

If an read error occurs, this information is not added.

Forward orientation Reverse orientation

4 9000000

Readout data

4 9000000

21

Note

Code type

:

label

orientation

: Readout data :

Decode match

count

: Scan count

You can change the delimiter as desired (one character), except the delimiter of
the scan count.

2.8 Max. Code Length (Designated Digit ) Output Function

4 9 1 2 3 4 5 6

Forward Reverse

4 9 1 2 3 4 5 6

3 digits starting from 5th digit by counting forward

4 9 1 2 3 4 5 6

5th digit by counting forward

1 5 8 4 2 3 4 2 1

5 8 4 2 3 4 2 1

2.8 Max. Code Length (Designated Digit )
Output Function

This function allows you to output the designated digit(s) as desired from the
readout bar code data. For example, from bar code data “49123456”, you can ex­tract “1234” for output.

Setting digits to be output

Set the digits to be output as shown below. Individually set the digits for codes 1
to 4.

1. Set the direction to designate.
Set from which direction you want to start counting.

2. Set how many digits you want to designate for output starting from the desig­nation start digit in (2) (designation effective digits).

The actual setting order is (1) (3) (2).

3. Set from which digit you want to begin designation (destination start digit).

Example Designating and outputting “34” from bar codes “158423421” and “58423421”

Designate 2 digits starting from 3rd digit by counting reversely.

Note

• Regardless of the designated direction, the data is output forward in the com-

munication application.

• When the bar code group includes those having different digits, take special

care on the designated direction when setting the digits to be output.

• When comparing to the preset data, all the digits of the bar code are used.

22

Chapter 3

Setup Software

3.1 Controlling the BL-500

3.1 Controlling the BL-500

The BL-500 can be controlled by computer using an RS-232C serial communica­tion with Windows™ Terminal software or using BL-500 Setup Software. This
chapter describes how to set the BL-500 using the BL-500 setup software. For
more information on using the serial communication, see “Chapter 4” on page 43.

3.1.1 Setup Software Requirements

The BL-500 Setup Software for Windows operates in the following environments:

Personal Computer

IBM PC/AT or compatible model (100% compatible)
CPU: 80386 or higher
Memory: 4 MB or more
Floppy drive: One or more 3.5 inch drives
RS-232C: One serial port (COM 1 or COM 2)
DOS: Windows 3.1

* The BL-500 Setup Software applies to COM 1 and COM 2 only.

Starting the setup
software

1. Prepare the following items before starting.

• BL-500

• Power supply unit for BL-500 (5 VDC) or the BL-U1/BL-U2

• RS-232C cable described on p. 2 to 4 in this manual

• Setup software

• Personal computer

• Mouse

2. Connect the PC with the BL-500 or BL-U1/BL-U2 using the RS-232C cable.

3. Set the DIP switches on the BL-U1 to RS-232C when you use the BL-U1.

4. Install the setup software.
Turn the PC’s power switch ON to start Windows.

5. Insert the setup software into the floppy disk drive.

6. Select F

ile - Run on the menu bar of the program manager.

24

7. When the following screen appears, type the name of the floppy disk drive
and the name of the installed file “SETUP” in the “Command Line”. After typ­ing the above, click on the OK button.

Example When the floppy disk drive name is A, type as follows:

A:\SETUP

Then, the target directory for installation is displayed.

“C:\BL500”

is displayed.

25

3.1 Controlling the BL-500

8. To accept the directory name, click on the OK button.
To change the directory name, click on the column displying the directory

name, type a desired directory name using the keyboard, and click on the OK
button.

9. After the installation is completed, the “KEYENCE Barcode Reader” window
is created in the program manager. In this window, icon “BL50WIN” is cre­ated.

10. To start the setup software, double-click on the “BL50WIN” icon.

Note

11. After the setup software gets started, the following screen appears:

When using a monochrome display on a laptop PC, the display appears in re­verse video. To make the display clearer, set the laptop’s display to reverse video
and then restart the setup software.

3.2 Operating Procedure

3.2 Operating Procedure

3.2.1 Outline of Operation

To operate the setup software, place the mouse pointer on the item to be
changed, and click the left button of the mouse.

Use the Down Arrow button to select an item from a list. Place the mouse pointer
on a desired item, and click on the item.

Click on the Option button to select one of several items.

In the above settings, Read mode is set to “Single” and Data-send is set for “At
trigger input.”

The Check Box is used to enable special functions. An “X” in the Check Box indi­cates that a function has been enabled.

In the above settings, “Inspect check-digit[Modulus43]” is enabled.
To enter characters or a value in a field, insert the mouse pointer over the field.

The pointer will change to a cursor. Click inside the field and type in the desired
value.

If the specified value exceeds the setting range, an error message will appear

26

To shift to a different screen, click the mouse cursor one of the buttons in the win­dow. For example to return to the previous screen, click on the button.

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

After the setup software is started, the following screen (main setting screen) is
displayed.

The function of each display is as follows.

Title (Name of the current setting screen)

Menu bar (*)

Parameter

Current file name
The initial file name is “Untitled. CFG”.

Setting screen selector buttons

The setup software provides the following setting screens according to the pa­rameters.

Main setting [Main]

• Type of the bar code to be read

• Read mode and its setup

• Decoding match count

• Additional information

Setting details for the specified code type [Code setup]

• Setting No. of bar code length, inspection of check-digit, etc.

Trigger input setup [Setup Trigger input]

• Setting the operation mode and the trigger input

• Selecting the test mode starting method

• Setting characters for the trigger ON/OFF command

Communication parameters [Setup comm]

• Setting the baud rate, data bits, stop bit and parity

• Setting the protocol

• Setting the Communication strings (header string, delimiter, read error code,

etc.)

Utility [Utility]

• Indication of the STABILITY LED

• Duration of OK/NG output

• Registration of preset data

For the operating procedure, see “Setup Software Operating Procedure” on
page 27.

For the error messages displayed during operation, see page 39.

27

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

Menu Bar

The following operations can be performed using the menu bar.

File Menu (Alt+F)

Specifies a file name/Saves a file.
Exits the setup software.

Send Settings (Alt+S)

Sends settings to the BL-500.

Info (Alt+I)

Indicates the version number of this software.

3.3.1 File Operation

The following is the procedure for specifying a file name, saving a file or exiting
the setup software.

Click on F
The following menu appears.

ile in the menu bar.

New

New

Cancels the current setting file and calls the initial setting.

Open

Calls the previously stored file.

Save As

Saves a file with a specified file name.

Save

Saves a file.

Exit

Exits the setup software.

1. Click on New.
The following message appears.

2. To cancel the current settings and call the initial setting, click on the OK but­ton. If you wish not to execute this operation, click on Cancel

.

28

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

Open

1. Click on Open .

2. The following screen is displayed for selection of the file to be read.

Directory selection
list

File name
entry column

File selection
list

Drive selection
list

Select a desired file from those listed in the file selection column, and click on
the OK button.

If you wish to cancel this operation, click on the Cancel button.
To change the directory or drive, select a desired directory or drive in the di-

rectory/drive selection column.

3. When you click on the OK button on the above screen, the following mes­sage appears.

Save As

To cancel the current setting and call a new file, click on the OK button. If you
wish not to execute this operation, click on the Cancel button.

1. Click on Save As .

2. The “Save As” screen appears.

3. Click in the file name entry field and type a file name using the keyboard.
Type a file name of up to 8 characters. Be sure to add extension “CFG” to the
file name.

29

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

Example When the file name is “TEST”:

1. Click on the file name entry column.

2. Enter “TEST. CFG” as the file name .

3. Click on the OK button.
If you wish cancel this operation, click on the Cancel button.
To change the directory or drive, select a desired directory or drive in the
directory/drive selection column.

4. If the specified file name has already been stored, the following message will
appear.

To save the setting by overwriting the existing file, click on the OK button. If
you wish not to save the setting, click on the Cancel button.

30

Save

Exit

A file name must be entered before the file can be saved

1. Click on Save . The file will be saved.

1. Click on Exit .
The following message appears.

2. To exit the setup softw are, clic k on the OK button. If y ou wish cancel, clic k on

Cancel .

Save the current settings before exiting the setup software.

3.3.2 Main setting screen

1. Place the mouse cursor at the item to be changed and click it, or move to the
target item by pressing [TAB] . Then, change the setting using [Space] .

2. To codes 1 to 4, specify the types of bar codes to be read.
If you specify 4 different types of bar codes, the BL-500 can read them with­out changing the settings.

3. To set the code length or the inspect for check-digit, click Setup or press

[ENTER] to move to the setup screen for each code (see page 31 to 34).

31

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

4. When selecting Single for Read mode, the following appears on the screen:

When selecting Multi 1 or Multi 2, the following appears on the screen:

Set the time within the range from 1 to 255 (100 ms to 25.5 s).
When selecting Multi 3, none of the above information appears.

5. In the Additional information field, you can select one or more items. How­ever, the scan count is given only when the decode count is selected.

Note

Read mode --> Page 10
Data-send --> Page 9
Repeating-reading time --> Page 10
Decoding match count --> Page 8
Additional information --> Page 20

3.3.3 CODE39 setup

When setting CODE39 to any one of codes 1 to 4 and trying to set details, this
setting screen appears.

1. Place the mouse cursor at the item to be changed and click it, or move to the
target item by pressing [TAB] . Then, change the setting using [Space] .

2. Setting Max code length and Min code length allows the BL-500 to read bar
codes having the specified range of digits. If you want to read bar codes with
the specific code length, set the same value to both Max code length and
Min code length.

The allowable setting range is 3 to 32 digits including the start/stop character.

3. When you select Send start/stop character, * is added to the data when
being sent.

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

4. When you select Inspect check-digit, the following information appears:

The above setting sends the data together with the check-digit.
Modulus 43 is used to calculate the check-digit.

5. When you select Max code length output, the following information appears:

Set Effective and Starting from 1 to 32.

6. When you select Specify label orientation, the following information appears:

32

Note

3.3.4 ITF setup

7. Click the Return button or press [ENTER] to return to the main setting
screen.

Max. code length output --> Page 22
Specify label orientation --> Page 14

1. Setup is the same as the CODE39 setup. However, ITF does not have Start/
stop character.

2. Set code length using a even value within the range from 2 to 32.

3. Modulus 10/Weight3 is used to calculate the check-digit.

Note

When reading the standard distribution code (bar code on the corrugated fiber­board box), set the code length to 14 or 16 and select the Inspect check-digit.

3.3.5 Setup for Industrial 2 of 5 and COOP 2 of 5

1. Setup is the same as the CODE39 setup. However, a start/stop character
and Inspect check-digit are not provided.

2. Set code length within the range from 1 to 32.

3.3.6 Codabar setup

1. Set code length from 3 to 32 including the start/stop character.

2. When you select Send start/stop character, A, B, C, and D are added to the

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

data to be sent.
In this case, the following information appears:

You can select lowercase or uppercase for the start/stop character.

3. When you select Inspect check-digit, the following information appears:

Specify the check-digit calculation method and whether or not the check-digit
is sent.

4. Set the other parameters in the same manner as for CODE39.

33

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

3.3.7 UPC/EAN setup

1. Select Read EAN 8 code, Read UPC-A[EAN13] code or Read UPC-E to
enable to read.

If you select Read UPC-A[EAN13] code, the following information appears,
asking you to select which digits you want to output on UPC-A.

2. You can use the same setting procedure as f or CODE39 f or Max code length

• Although the check-digit parameter is not provided on the screen, the system

internally calculates it using modulus 10/Weight3. (The calculated data is
sent.)

3.3.8 CODE128 setup

If you select Read UPC-E, the following information appears, asking if you
want to send data with the leading zero-suppressed.

output and Specify label orientation. However, the setting range of Effective
and Starting in Max code length output is limited to the code length of the
readout UPC/E code.

34

1. The setting range of code length depends on the start character type CODE­A to C (see page 72).

• CODE-A and B --- 1 to 32

• CODE-C --- 2 to 64
The code length does not include the start/stop character or check-digit. Also,

FNC1 to 4 (function codes), SHIFT, and CODE-A to C are excluded from the
code length.

2. Check that the double-character start pattern is regulated in the UPC/EAN­128 standard. It means the combination of start character (CODE-C) and
FNC1 (function code 1). The standard specifies that the UPC/EAN-128 bar
codes should start with the double character start pattern.

Using this parameter, you can specify that reading will not start without the
double character start pattern.

3. You can use the same setting procedure as f or CODE39 f or Max code length
output and Direction. However, the setting range of Effective and Starting in
Max code length output is 1 to 64 if the start character is CODE-C.

• Although the check-digit parameter is not shown on the screen, the system

internally calculates it using modulus 10/Weight3. (The calculated data is not
sent.)

3.3.9 Trigger input setting

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

1. Place the mouse cursor at the item to be changed and click it, or move to the
target item by pressing [TAB]. Then, change the setting using [Space].

2. Select Level synchronization or One-shot synchronization as the scanning
method. When you select One-shot, the following information appears, ask­ing you to set the scanning time:

Set the scanning time within the range from 1 to 255 (100 ms to 25.5 s).

3. When you select “Test mode initiated with trigger input ON” or “Test mode ini­tiated at startup,” the following information appears, asking you which test
mode you want to start:

If you select both “Test mode initiated with trigger input ON” and “Test mode
initiated upon power-up,” “Test mode initiated with trigger input ON” is used.

4. In the Command for trigger input parameter, you can freely change the char­acters for the Trigger ON/OFF command (within 8 characters).

Normally, you should use the default setting (Lon, LOff).

5. Click the Return button or press [ENTER] to return to the main setting
screen.

Note

Scanning method --> Page 8
Starting the test mode --> Page 15
Trigger ON/OFF command --> Page 49

35

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

3.3.10 Communication setting

1. Place the mouse cursor at the item to be changed and click it, or move to the
target item by pressing [TAB]. Then, change the setting using [Space].

2. When setting the header string, delimeter, and read error, click [Communica­tion strings] or press [ENTER] to move to the communication strings setting
screen.

3. Click the Return button or press [ENTER] to return to the main setting
screen.

If you use multidrop link, click on “Set RS-485 multidrop link”. When you click this
box, “ID No: [ ]” message will appear. Then specify the proper ID number for the
BL connected. After that, transmit the setting to the BL. Then repeat the same pro­cedure for the other BLs. Please change the ID number so that the ID numbers
differ among all BL readers connected.

Note

(Communication) protocol --> Page 45
The setup software does not allow you to set the baud rate to 19200 to 38400 bit/

s. If you want to set the baud rate within this range, use the serial commands (see
page 57).

3.3.11 Communication strings setup

1. Place the mouse cursor at the item to be changed and click it, or move to the
target item by pressing [TAB]. Then, change the setting using [Space].

2. Select appropriate values for Header string and Delimiter from among the
displayed items. When you select Custom, the following appears:

36

Then, you can enter the desired value from the keyboard (within 5 charac­ters).

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

3. When you select Default[:] for Partition mark and Intermediate delimiter,
these parameters are set as below:

When you select Custom, the following appears:

Then, you can enter the desired value from the keyboard (using one character
for the partition mark and 5 characters or less for the intermediate delimiter).

4. Input the Read error using the keyboard.
You can change the code as desired (within 8 characters).

Normally, you should use the default setting (ERROR). You can chose not to
send the read error by selecting a null value for the read error.

5. Click the Return button or press [ENTER] to return to the communication
setting screen.

Note

3.3.12 Other setting

Header string, delimeter --> Page 46
Partition mark --> Page 20
Intermediate delimiter --> Page 11
Read error --> Page 46

1. Place the mouse cursor at the item to be changed and click it, or move to the
target item by pressing [TAB]. Then, change the setting using [Space].

2. By setting STABILITY LED, STABILITY LED turns on which indicates reading
stability during the normal reading operation.

3. To set OK/NG output duration, enter the appropriate numeric value from the
keyboard. The setting range is from 1 to 255 (10 ms to 2.55 s).

4. To set Compare with, enter the preset data to be registered from the key­board.

Usually, specify the data within 32 characters. If you are using CODE128 and
the start character is CODE-C, you can set the data using up to 64 characters.

Note

5. Click the Return button or press [ENTER] to return to the main setting
screen.

STABILITY LED --> Page 17
OK/NG output duration --> Page 8
Preset data --> Page 19

37

3.3 Setup Software Operating Procedure

3.3.13 Sending Settings

1. Choose Send from the menu bar. The following screen appears.

2. Set the baud rate, data bits, stop bit and parity according the BL-500’s set­tings. The BL-500’s default settings are shown above.

3. Specify whether the parameter settings are to be saved in the EEPROM or
not. If the current settings are not saved in the EEPROM, the setup software
will start with the previous settings when the power is turned on again.

4. After setting the communication parameters, click on OK. Data transmission
will begin. If a communication error occurs, the following message will
appear.

5. If the setup software is normally exited, it will return to the main setting

3.3.14 Version Display

1. Click on Info on the menu bar.

2. The following screen appears, where you can confirm the version of this

If you are not sure of the communication parameter settings of the BL-500,
turn ON the BL-500’s power switch before executing data transmission, and
set the communication parameters as shown in step 1.

* The BL-500’s communication parameters are set as shown above for 5 sec­onds after the power is turned ON. (see page 44.)

screen.

setup software.

38

3.4 List of Error Messages

If an error occurs, the following messages will appear on the screen.
Click on OK and delete the error message. Then, take the necessary corrective

action.

Error message Cause of error

File not found. The file specified for Open Setting does not exist.

Drive is not ready. The specified disk is not prepared.

Write protected. Overwrite protection is set to the disk.

3.4 List of Error Messages

Insufficient disk space.
Illegal filename (must be in

format of xxxxxxxx.CFG.)
Illegal file. Use a correct file name.

Path not found. The pass for the specified file is invalid.

Device not ready. The specified drive is invalid.

Insufficient memory. The main memory capacity is insufficient.

Error during file operation

Device I/O error The disk may be damaged or unformatted.

This is not BL-500 setting file.

Error in detailed code data.

Communication error

Value out of range.
Min. code length is set larger

than Max. code length.

Error during setup

Device is unavailable.

The remaining disk capacity is insufficient. Replace
the disk.

The file name does not have extension CFG. Enter
the file name correctly.

The stored file data are incorrect. Specify a correct
file name.
Data of the BL-500 setup file are different from that
of the BL-180. These files are not for common use.

The stored file data are damaged. Specify a ne w file
name.

An error occurred during communication.
The parameter settings (e.g. baud rate) may not be
matched, or the connection may be incorrect.

The specified value is exceeding the setting range.
Enter a correct value.

The minimum code length is set larger than the
maximum code length. Enter a correct number.

The serial port is being used for a device other than
the BL or else “Terminal” is running.

39

3.5 How to Use Terminal Software

3.5 How to Use Terminal Software

The terminal software allows bar code data to be displayed on a Windows-based
personal computer and allows serial commands to be sent to the BL-500.

You can use the standard terminal software included in Windows Ver. 3.1. This
section describes how to use the terminal software to confirm the operation of the
BL-500.

For more information on the terminal software and its functions, please refer to
theWindows manual.

1. Double-click on the Terminal icon in the Accessory Group.

The terminal software starts up.

2. When the terminal software is started, the following screen appears.

3. First, set the terminal software.
When you click on S

ettings, the following menu appears.

40

3.5 How to Use Terminal Software

4. When you click on Terminal Preferences , the setting screen is displayed.
Set the displayed parameters as shown below. After setting the parameters,
click on OK.

5. Then, Click on S
The following screen appears.

After setting “Connector” to COM1 or COM2, set the baud rate, data bits, stop
bits and parity according to the BL-500’s settings. When the data bits is set to
“8 bits”, the parity can only be set to “None.”

After setting the communication parameters, click on [OK].

6. When the BL-500 reads a bar code, the read data is displayed on the screen.
(When the BL-500’s delimiter is set to CR, data will be displayed with car­riage returns. Control codes cannot be displayed.)

7. To send a command, type TEST 1/TEST 2 using the keyboard, and then
press [ENTER]. All commands should be entered in all upppercase charac­ters. Refer to pages 49 to 51 for available commands and descriptions of
each command.
In read rate display test mode (TEST 1 mode), the entered command is diffi­cult to see on the screen because the BL-500 is displaying the read data.
However, the command will be correctly sent.

8. To exit the terminal software, click on F

ettings then Communications.

ile then Exit.

Note

Multi drop link commands cannot be sent.
RTS/CTS protocol commands cannot be confirmed.
When you start up “Terminal”, you cannot send the setting to BL using SETUP

software. Quit on close “Terminal” before you send the setting.

41

3.5 How to Use Terminal Software

42

Chapter 4

Serial Communication (RS-232C/RS-422A)

4.1 Serial Communication

4.1 Serial Communication

The BL-500 communicates with the PC via the RS-232C serial port. This enables
you to change the BL-500’s settings from your PC.

Communication T ypes

The BL-500 provides the following two communication types:

Data communication

Sends read bar code data from the BL-500 to the PC.

Command communication

Changes the BL-500’s settings by sending a command from the PC to the BL-

500.
All communication is performed using ASCII codes.

4.1.1 Communication Setup

Configure the setup for BL-500 and the PC before attempting serial communica­tion.

Note

Setup of BL-500

Set the following parameters for the BL-500 using the setup software.
Baud rate, Data bits, Parity, Stop bit, Communication protocol, Header/Delimiter,

Read error code

PC setup

Based on the BL-500’s settings, set the communication parameters on the PC us­ing the “Ports” setting in the Windows Control Panel.

The following communication parameters are the default settings for the BL-500:
Baud rate: 9600 bps

Data bits: 7 bits
Parity: Even
Stop bit: 1 bit

Set the PC according to the above settings before attempting communication.
The BL-500 is set, temporarily, to the default settings for 5 seconds after the pow-

er switch is turned on.
When the current settings of BL-500 is not certain, send the command “SSET”

and a [CR] to the BL-500 from your PC with 5 seconds after power-up. This caus­es the BL-500 to remain at its default settings and you can communicate with the
BL-500 at the default settings.

For information on checking the BL-500’s current settings, see “Details on Param­eter Setting Commands” on page 50. For information on changing the above
communication parameters see “Description of Parameter Setting Commands”
on page 52.

44

Note

All commands should be entered in all uppercase characters. The BL cannot ac­cept lowercase characters.

4.2 Details on Data Communication

4.2 Details on Data Communication

4.2.1 Communication Protocols(Hardware handshaking)

The BL-500 supports the following four handshaking protocols.

No Handshaking

The BL-500 sends read data to the PC without using any handshaking protocol.

Read data

PASS/RTRY Handshaking

After sending the read data, the BL-500 waits for a response from the PC. The
response is either a PASS command or a RTRY command.

Note

Read data

Response

C

(PASS , RTRY )

The PASS command (quit) indicates that the PC has successfully received one
data packet. The BL-500 then prepares for the next data transmission.

The RTRY command (request to re-send) indicates that the data was not trans­mitted successfully. The command is a request to the BL-500 to re-send the data.
The BL-500 sends the same data again and then waits for the response.

After the BL-500 once receives PASS, the BL-500 sends back no data even if
RTRY is sent to the BL-500.

The BL-500 can continue to read while waiting for the PASS command. The data
is stored in the BL-500’s transmission buffer (For the capacity of the transmission
buffer, see page 46).

If the amount of stored data exceeds the capacity of the transmission buffer, the
BL-500 sends back <Header> OVER <Delimiter> to the PC, and clears all data
stored in the transmission buffer. For more information, see “Capacity of Trans­mission Buffer” on page 46.

The BL-500 can receives other commands while waiting for the PASS command.
In this case, the BL-500 sends back an immediate response (e.g. OK).

When the SSET command (see “4.3.3” on page 50) is sent to the BL-500 while
the BL-500 is waiting for the PASS command, the BL-500 clears the data stored
in the transmission buffer, and enters the setting mode.

C

R

R

ACK/NAK Handshaking

The ACK/NAK handshaking uses ACK (06H) and NAK (15H) instead of PASS
and RTRY used in the PASS/RTRY handshaking, respectively. With these proto­cols, the BL-500 sends back different characters, but performs the same opera­tion.

45

4.2 Details on Data Communication

RTS/CTS Handshaking

When the PC’s RTS (BL-500’s CTS) signal turns off, the BL-500 becomes ready
for data transmission. When the PC’s RTS signal turns on, the BL-500 starts data
transmission.

When the PC’s RTS signal is off, the BL-500 can still read. In this case, data is
stored in the BL-500’s transmission buffer (see 4.2.2 below).

If the amount of stored data exceeds the capacity of the transmission buffer, the
BL-500 sends back <Header>OVER<Delimiter> to the PC, and clears all data
stored in the transmission buffer.

Note

The RTS/CTS handshaking cannot be used for RS-422A communication.
The RTS/CTS protocol can be used together with other handshaking protocols.
When the PC’s RTS signal is off, the BL-500 does not sends back a response to

the PC.

4.2.2 Capacity of Transmission Buffer

The BL-500’ s transmission buffer can store 400 bytes (400 characters).
The number of characters stored in the transmission buffer for each data packet

is the number of characters in the data (including additional data such as the num­ber of decoding match count) plus an additional five characters indicating the da­ta’s attributes.

When multi label reading mode 2 or 3 is used, these five attribute characters are
added to each data packet.

Example 1

When the number of bar code digits is 10 (with no additional data)
400 ÷ (10 + 5) = 26
The transmission buffer can store 26 pieces of data.

Example 2

When the number of bar code digits is 20 (with no additional data)
400 ÷ (20 + 5) = 16
The transmission buffer can store 16 pieces of data.

4.2.3 Read Data Format

Set the data format of the Header and Delimiter, respectively.

With the setup software, the following formats can be selected. Other than the fol­lowing formats, you can freely set up to 5 characters.

Header

ESC (1BH)/STX (02H)/None

Delimiter

CR (ODH)/CR (ODH) LF (OAH)/ETX (O3H)

46

Header

Read data Delimiter

4.2.4 Read Error Code

If the BL-500 fails to read a bar code, the B-500 sends back a read error code.
The initial setting of the read error code is as follows:

4.2 Details on Data Communication

Header

The read error code can freely be changed (within 8 characters).
The BL-500 can be set to send no error code (see page 36).

ERROR Delimiter

47

Command

Response

LF

4.3 Command Communication

4.3 Command Communication

The BL-500 includes commands to directly operate the BL-500 (direct control
commands) and the commands used to change or confirm the BL-500’s settings
(parameter setting commands).

4.3.1 Setup of Direct Control Commands

Communication procedure

1. Send a direct control command from the PC to the BL-500.

2. After receiving the command, the BL-500 sends back an OK response and
executes the required operation.
When the read operation control command or test mode control command is
sent to the BL-500, the BL-500 sends back no response.

3. When an incorrect command is sent to the BL-500, the BL-500 sends back
no response.

Note

Note

can be added after the command being sent. In this case, however, LF is not

added to the response data.
When ESC is inserted before the command being sent, characters in the BL-

500’s command receiving buffer are cleared.
If the BL-500’s command receiving buffer contains erroneous characters due to

data transmission error during communication, add ESC to the command being
sent.

For command communication, set the time duration between transmission of
each character (byte) to up to 30 seconds. If this duration exceeds 30 seconds,
the BL-500 cancels the received characters.

48

4.3 Command Communication

4.3.2 Explanation of Direct Control Commands

The following describe direct control commands in details.

Read operation control

This command specifies the data read timing.

[LON] Trigger on

Command: LON
Response: None

[LOFF] Trigger off

Command: LOFF
Response: None

• Even when the read operation is controlled with these commands, the BL-500
performs the same operation as with the trigger input (see page 8 to 10).

•“Trigger input: on” corresponds to LON , and “trigger input: off” corresponds to

LOFF .

• The BL-500 starts read operation on receipt of LON and stops it on receipt of

LOFF .

• When a bar code can be correctly read and the read data has already been
set, you need not send LOFF .

• The command characters can be freely changed (within 8 characters).

Test mode control

[TEST1] Reading rate check

[TEST2] Tact check

[QUIT] Resetting test

OK/NG output control

[OKON] Turning the OK output on

Starts or quits the test mode.

Command: TEST1
Response: None

Command: TEST2
Response: None

Command: QUIT
Response: None

• After using the test mode, be sure to reset it.

Directly turns on/off the OK/NG output.
This enables you to easily check wiring.

Command: OKON
Response: OK

[NGON] Turning the NG output on

Command: NGON
Response: OK

[ALLOFF] Turning the OK/NG outputs off

Command: ALLOFF
Response: OK

49

4.3 Command Communication

Clearing transmission buffer

[BCLR] Clears data stored in the transmission buffer.

Command: BCLR
Response: OK

Shift to setting mode

[SSET] Enters the setting mode (see page 49).

Command: SSET
Response: OK

Laser off/Resetting Laser off

Turns off the laser emission when the laser beam may cause injury to an operator
(see page x).

[LOCK] Laser off

Command: LOCK
Response: OK

[UNLOCK] Resetting Laser off

Command: UNLOCK
Response: OK

• When the Laser off command is executed, bar code read operation (laser
emission) is disabled until the Laser off command is reset by using UNLOCK
command.

• The Laser off command is retained even after the power is turned off.

4.3.3 Details on Parameter Setting Commands

The following describes how to change the BL-500’s settings through command
communication.

You can use the setup software to change the BL-500’s settings instead of these
commands.

Communication Details

1. Send the direct control command SSET to the BL-500.

The BL-500 will shift to setting mode.
After successfully executing the command, the BL-500 sends back an OK .

2. After the BL-500 shifts to setting mode, send the command (setting change

command) corresponding to the item to be changed to the BL-500.
After successfully executing the command, the BL-500 sends back an OK .

If an error occurs with this command, the BL-500 sends back ERR
sttands for error code numbers.)

3. To confirm the current settings, send a setting confirmation command.

After successfully executing the command, the BL-500 sends back an OK .
If an error occurs with this command, the BL-500 sends back ERR

4. To save the current settings in the EEP-ROM, send SAVE to the BL-500.

Once you save the settings in the EEP-R OM, the BL-500 will start with these
settings when the BL-500 is turned on next.
After successfully executing the command, the BL-500 sends back an OK .

If an error occurs with this command, the BL-500 sends back ERR

5. To quit the setting mode and perform the normal bar code reading, send

SEND to the BL-500.

After successfully executing the command, the BL-500 sends back an OK.
If an error occurs with this command, the BL-500 sends back ERRnn.

nn

nn

nn

. (nn

.

.

50

4.3 Command Communication

Note [LF] can be added at the end of the command being sent. In this case, however,

[LF] is not added to the response data.

When [ESC] is added before the command being sent, characters in the BL-500’s
command receiving buffer are cleared.

If the BL-500’s command receiving buffer contains erroneous characters due to a
data transmission error during communication, add [ESC] to the command being
sent.

Note

For command communication, set the time duration between transmission of
each character (byte) to up to 30 seconds. If this duration exceeds 30 seconds,
the BL-500 cancels the received characters.

51

4.3 Command Communication

4.3.4 Response Error Code

When an incorrect command is sent to set parameters, the BL-500 sends back
data indicating the cause of the error (error code). For the commands correspond­ing to the error codes, see the error code column given in the table on the follow­ing pages.

Error code Cause of error

00 Undefined command.
01 Command format is incorrect.
02 Nothing corresponds to the number in the command.
03 “m” value (codes 1 to 4) is other than 0 to 3.

“Bar code type setting command” was not sent first.

04

05 The number in the command is too long.
06 “hhh...” data is too short.
07 “n” value is not 0 or 1.
08 “n” value is exceeding the setting range.
09 “nnn” or “nn” value is exceeding the setting range.
10 “hhh...” is not specified in HEX (hexadecimal) code.
11 “hhh...=FF” cannot be set.

12
13 Characters of “aaa...” are invalid.
14

15
17 \ is not followed by !, ? or \ in preset data. (See page 72.)

18 Two !s exist in preset data. (See page 19.)
99 The BL-500 may malfunction. Contact KEYENCE.

Sending “No. of readable digits setting command” is invalid
for UPC/EAN code.

“hhh...” or “aaa...” contains more than the specified number
of characters.

Data in the EEPROM may be damaged. Perform initial
setup.

Error in the area storing initial settings.
Settings are automatically initialized.

4.3.5 Description of Parameter Setting Commands

Saving/Initializing Settings/Quitting Setting Mode

Function Command being sent

Saves settings in the EEP­ROM.

Initializes settings. DFLT OK Returns to the default-settings, and saves the set-

Quits the setting mode. SEND OK See page 49. -

SAVE OK See page 49. -

Respons

e

Description

tings in the EEP-ROM.

Error
Code

00,05
14,15

52

4.3 Command Communication

Setting Bar Code Type and Number of Readable Digits for Codes 1 to 4

The following describes the parameter setting commands for Codes 1 to 4.
Be sure to send “Bar code type setting command” first before setting other param-

eters.

Note

Function command being sent

Setting bar code type for
codes 1 to 4.

Setting Max. No. of readable
digits

Setting Min. No. of readable
digits

CODE39

Sending start/stop character.

CODE39

Inspection of check digit
(Modulus 43)

When “Bar code type setting command” is newly sent, all other parameters for the
specified code will return to the default settings.

In this case, set all other parameters again.
Setting change commands and setting confirmation commands are described on

the following pages.

Respons

e

Change CODEm=n OK m= 0 to 3:Codes 1 to 4
Confirm CODEm mn

Change MAXm=nn OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm MAXm mnn
Change MINm=nn OK
Confirm MINm mnn

Change WCm00n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm00 00n

Change WCm01n OK
Confirm RCm01 01n

n= 0:CODE 39

1:ITF
2:Industrial2-of-5
3: Codabar
4: UPC/EAN
5: CODE128
6: COOP2-of-5
7: None

nn= 01 to 32
* For CODE39, Codabar: 03 to 32
* For ITF: 02 to 32
* For CODE128: 01 to 64
Note:
With EAN code, this command causes error.

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

Description

Error
Code

00, 01
03, 05
08, 14

00, 01
03, 04
05, 09
14

00, 02
03, 04
05, 07
14

Function Command being sent

CODE39

Sending check digit.

ITF

Inspection of check digit
(Modulus 10)

ITF

Sending check digit.

Codabar

Sending start/stop character.

Codabar

Start/Stop character type

Codabar

Inspection of check digit

Codabar

Sending check digit

Respons

e

Change WCm02n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm02 02n

Change WCm10n OK
Confirm WCm10 10n

Change WCm11n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm11 11n

Change WCm30n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm30 30n

Change WCm31n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm31 31n

Change WCm32n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm32 32n

Change WCm33n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm33 33n

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Lower case

1: Upper case

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

Description

Error
Code

00, 02
03, 04
05, 07
14

53

4.3 Command Communication

CODE128

Function Command being sent

Codabar

Setting check digit type

UPC(A-E)/EAN

Reading UPC-E

UPC(A-E)/EAN

Reading EAN 8 digits

Function Command being sent

UPC(A-E)/EAN

Reading JAN 13 digits

UPC(A-E)/EAN

No. of UPC-A output digits

UPC(A-E)/EAN

Adding “0” to UPC-E system
code

Checking double character
start pattern
(See p. 34.)

Setting max. code length out­put function

Setting direction for max.
code length output

Setting effective digits for
max. code length output

Setting starting digit for max.
code length output

Setting label orientation speci­fied reading

Setting orientation for orienta­tion- specified reading

Respons

e

Change WCm34n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm34 34n

Change WCm40n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm40 40n

Change WCm41n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm41 41n

Respons

Change WCm42n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm WCm42 42n

Change WCm43n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm43 43n

Change WCm44n OK
Confirm RCm44 44n

Change WCm51n OK
Confirm RCm51 51n

Change WCm83n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm83 83n

Change WCm84n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm84 84n

Change WCm85nn OK
Confirm RCm85 85nn
Change WCm86nn OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm86 86nn

Change WCm81n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm81 81n

Change WCm82n OK m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
Confirm RCm82 82n

n= 0: Mudulus16

1: Modulus 11
2: Modulus 10/Wait 2
3: Modulus 10/Wait 3
4: 7 Check DR
5: Modulus 11-A
6: Modulus 10/Wait 2-A

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

e

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0:Output in 13 digits

1:Output in 12 digits

m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Forward

1: Reverse

m= 0 to 3: Codes 1 to 4
nn= 01 to 32: Effective digits

nn= 01 to 32:

Starting digit

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Forward

1: Reverse

Description

Description

Error
Code

00, 02
03, 04
05, 08
14

00, 02
03, 04
05, 07
14

Error
Code

00, 02
03, 04
05, 07
14

00, 02
03, 04
05, 09
14

00, 02
03, 04
05, 07
14

54

Setting Reading Mode/Data Addition Functions

4.3 Command Communication

Function Command being sent

Setting reading mode Change WP12n OK n= 0: Single label

Confirm RP12 12n

Setting data send timing Change WP13n OK

Confirm RP13 13n

Setting repeat-read time in
multi label reading mode 1 or
2

Setting decoding match count Change WP43nnn OK

Setting decoding match count
in additional information

Setting scans in additional
information

Setting label orientation in
additional information

Setting code type in additional
information

Change WP41nnn OK
Confirm RP41 41nnn

Confirm RP43 43nnn
Change WP10n OK
Confirm RP10 10n
Change WP11n OK n= 0: No addition
Confirm RP11 11n

Change WP14n OK
Confirm RP14 14n
Change WP17n OK
Confirm RP17 17n

Respons

e

1: Multi label 1
2: Multi label 2
3: Multi label 3

N= 0: Sends data after reading

1: Sends after timing input turns off

nnn=001 to 225
(by 100 ms step)

nnn=001 to 225
n= 0: No addition

1: Add

1: Add
Note:
Effective only when No. of decodings are added.

n= 0: No addition

1: Add
n= 0: No addition

1: Add

Description

Error
Code

00, 02
05, 08
14

00, 02
05, 07
14

00, 02
05, 09
14

00, 02
05, 07
14

55

4.3 Command Communication

WP5653 CR

S

S=53h

Setting Trigger Input (Starting Test Mode)

Function Command being sent

Setting signal type Change WP05n OK

Confirm RP05 05n

Setting one-shot input time Change WP42nnn OK

Confirm RP42 42nnn

Setting time constant of trig­ger input

Setting state of trigger input Change WP03n OK

Starting test mode when trig­ger input turns on.
(To specify the test mode, use
the command below.)

Specifying the test mode to be
started when trigger input
turns on.

Starting test mode when
power is turned on.

Setting characters of trigger
on command

Setting characters of trigger
off command

Change WP04n OK
Confirm RP04 04n

Confirm RP03 03n
Change WP06n OK
Confirm RP06 06n

Change TRGTn OK
Confirm TRGT TRGTn

Change TESTn OK n= 0: Reset
Confirm TEST TESTn

Change WP56hhh... OK
Confirm RP56 56hhh...
Change WP57hhh... OK
Confirm RP57 57hhh...

Respons

e

Description Error

n= 0: Level

1: One-shot

nnn=001 to 225

(by 100 ms step)

n= 0: 2 ms

1: 10 ms

n= 0: Normal-open

1: Normal-close

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

N= 1: Reading rate check mode

2: Tact check mode

1: Reading rate check mode
2: Tact check mode

hhh...=Trigger on command (Up to 8 characters)
* Specify characters in HEX (hexadecimal) code.

hhh...=Trigger off command (Up to 8 characters)
* Specify characters in HEX (hexadecimal) code.

Code

00, 02
05, 07
14

00, 02
05, 08
14

00, 02
05, 11
14

Note

To set characters of the trigger on/Off command, send the following command.
Example 1: Change the trigger on command to S.

56

Setting Communication Parameters

4.3 Command Communication

Function command being sent Respons

e

Setting baud rate Change WP35n OK N= 0: 9600 bps

Confirm RP35 035n

Setting data bit length Change WP30n OK

Confirm RP30 30n

Setting parity check
* To set the parity type, use the
command below.

Setting parity type Change WP32n OK

Setting Stop bit Change WP33n OK

Setting handshaking protocol 1
* To specify the protocol, use
the command below.

Setting handshaking protocol 2 Change WP08n OK

Setting RTS/CTS handshaking Change WP22n OK

Setting RS-485 multi drop link Change WP34n OK

Setting ID No. for RS-485
multi drop link.

Change WP31n OK
Confirm RP31 31n

Confirm RP32 32n

Confirm RP33 33n
Change WP07n OK
Confirm RP07 07n

Confirm RP08 08n

Confirm RP22 22n

Confirm RP34 34n
Change WP44nn OK
Confirm RP44 44nn

1: 4800 bps
2: 2400 bps
3: 1200 bps
4: 600 bps
5: 38400 bps
6: 31250 bps
7: 19200 bps

n= 0: 7 bits

1: 8 bits

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Even

1: Odd

n= 0:1 bit

1: 2 bits

n= 0: No protocol

1: Set protocol

n= 0: PASS/RTRY handshaking

1: ACK/NAK handshaking

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

n= 0: Disable

1: Enable

nn=01 to 31

Description Error

Code

00, 02
05, 08
14

00, 02
05, 07
14

00, 02
05, 09
14

Special Commands for Reading Reversed Bar Codes

Function command being sent Response Description

Reading reversed bar codes
(white bars on a black base)

CAUTION

Change WP0Rn OK n= 0: Reverse OFF (Default)
Confirm RP0R 0Rn

Because the white area of a reversed bar code is smaller than a regular bar code,
reflection on a reversed bar code is weaker. This often makes it difficult to read
reversed bar codes. Therefore, the BL may not perform at the levels described in
the specifications.

Run a series of read tests to ensure that the BL correctly reads the targeted re­versed bar codes.

1: Reverse ON

57

4.3 Command Communication

WP51013031 CR

00SOH

WP52410D CR

CRA

SOH=01h, 0=30h, 1=31h, A=41h, CR=0Dh

WP554252 CR

RB

B=42h, R=52h

WP55FFCR

Setting Communication strings

Function command being sent Response Description

Setting header Change WP51hhh... OK hhh...= Header (Up to 5 characters)

Confirm RP51 51hhh...

Setting delimiter Change WP52hhh... OK hhh...= Delimiter (Up to 5 characters)

Confirm RP52 52hhh...

Setting partition mark when
additional information is used.

Setting intermediate delimiter
when multi label reading
mode 2 or 3 is used.

Setting read error code Change WP55hhh... OK hhh...= Read error code (Up to 8 characters)

Change WP50hh OK hh= Partition mark(1 character)
Confirm RP50 50hh

Change WP54hhh... OK hhh...=Intermediate delimiter (Up to 5 charac­Confirm RP54 54hhh...

Confirm RP55 55hhh...

Note

To set communication strings, send the following command.

* Specify characters in HEX (hexadecimal) code.
* To set no header, hhh...=FF.

* Specify characters in HEX (hexadecimal) code.
* To set no delimiter, hhh...=FF.

* Specify the mark in HEX (hexadecimal) code.
* To set no mark, hh=FF.

ters)
* Specify characters in HEX (hexadecimal) code.
* To set no intermediate delimiter, hhh...=FF.

* Specify characters in HEX (hexadecimal) code.
* To set no read error code, hhh...=FF.

Example 1: Set the communication data format to SOH 01 Bar Code Data ACR .

Error
Code

00, 02
05, 06
10, 12
14

Example 2: Set the read error code to “BR”.

Example 3: Set no read error code.

Utility Setting (Stability LED, OK/NG output duration, Preset data for compare)

Function command being sent Response Description

Indication of Stability LED Change WP09n OK n=0: Disable

Confirm RP09 09n

Setting OK/NG output duration Change WP40nnn OK nnn= 001 to 255

Confirm RP40 40nnn

Registration of preset data for
compare

Change WP68aaa... OK aaa...= Preset data (Up to 32 characters)
Confirm RP68 68aaa...

Note

To register the preset data, send the following command.
Example: Register “ABC123” as preset data.

WP68ABC123 CR

1: Enable

(by 10 ms step)

* For CODE128, see page 72.
* To delete the preset data, send WP68.

Error
Code

00, 02
05, 07
14

00, 02
05, 09
14

00, 02
05, 12
13, 14
17, 18

58

APPENDIX

A.1 Specifications

A.1 Specifications

BL-500/501/550/551

Model
Model

(with connector)

Type
Reading direction

Scanning method

1

Light source

Wavelength

FDA
IEC 825-1 11. 1993

Class

DIN EN 60825-1 07. 1994
Reading distance
Readable bar width

2

3

Maximum readable label width
PCS

Scanning rate
Target code

BL-500 BL-501 BL-550 BL-551

BL-500SO

(7034)

BL-501SO

(7035)

BL-550SO

(7036)

Standard

Front

Single

Raster Single Raster Single Raster Single Raster

80 to 240 mm

0.25 to 1.0 mm

194 mm (At 220 mm

4

reading distance)

145 mm (At 175 mm

reading distance)

0.6 or more (Reflectance of white part: 75% or more)

CODE39, ITF, Industrial2-of-5, COOP2-of-5, Codabar, CODE128, EAN/UPC(A-E)

BL-501H BL-550H BL-551H

BL-501HSO

(7039)

BL-550HSO

(7040)

BL-551HSO

(7041)

BL-551SO

(7037)

BL-500H

BL-500HSO

(7038)

High-resolution

Side Front Side

Visible semiconductor laser

670 nm

Class II
Class 2

Klasse 2

50 to 200 mm 35 to 170 mm 15 to 140 mm

0.125 to 0.5 mm

137 mm (At 150 mm

reading distance)

100 mm (At 115 mm

reading distance)

500 scans/sec

No. of readable digits
Trigger input

Non-voltage input (contact or solid-state) *TTL input is also possible.

Rated load
Enclosure rating
Ambient light

Sunlight: 10,000 lux, , Incandescent lamp: 7,000 lux.

Current consumption
Weight

1. BL-501 raster width: 8.5
For the raster widths of the BL-501H and BL-551H, please refer to Instruction Manual.

2. For the reading distances and Maximum readable label widths of the BL-500H, BL-501H, BL-550H, and BL-551H, please refer to In­struction Manual.

3. Readable bar width indicates the range of the narrowest readable bar.

4. For the reading distances and Maximum readable label widths of the BL-500H, BL-501H, BL-550H, and BL-551H, please refer to In­struction Manual.

1 mm(reading distance: 135 mm), BL-551 raster width: 8.5

±

Approx. 210 g Approx. 260 g Approx. 210 g Approx. 260 g

32 digits

24 VDC, 30 mA

IP-64

320 mA max.

1 mm (reading distance: 110mm)

±

60

A.1 Specifications

Output type
Leakage current (at off)

Residual voltage
(at on)

OK/NG output
Ambient temperature
Relative humidity

Vibration
Power supply voltage

Applied standard
Synchronization
Transmission code
Baud rate
Data length

Serial interface

Parity check
Stop bit

1. Use a stable power supply of 5 VDC±5%. The BL-U1 Special Power Unit is available as an option.

Note

The internal settings of the BL-500 series are stored in the EEPROM. (Rewritable
up to 10,000 times)

A.1.1 Raster Scan Specifications

NPN open collector ouptput

0.1 mA max.

0.5 V max.

0 to 40°C (32 to 104°F), No freezing

35 to 85%, No condensation

10 to 55 Hz, Double amplitude in X, Y and Z directions, 2 hours

respectively

5 VDC±5%

EIA RS-232C port

Start-stop

600 tp 38,400 bits

7 bits/8 bits

None/even/odd

1

ASCII

1/2 bit

The raster scanning method scans several portions of a bar code by swinging the
laser beam optical axis vertically. This enables stable reading unaffected by a
stain or defect of a bar code.

For the raster width (vertical width for raster scanning), see the following table.

Operating Environments

The BL-500 Setup Software for Windows operates in the following environments:

Personal Computer

IBM PC/AT or compatible model (100% compatible)
CPU: 80386 or higher
Memory: 4 MB or more
Floppy drive: One or more 3.5 inch drives
RS-232C: COM1 or COM2 port
* The BL-500 Setup Software must communicate through COM1 or COM2 port.

Model

BL-501/501H
BL-551/551H 110 mm

Reading distance Raster width

135 mm

8.5 ±1 mm

61

0 50 100 150 200 250

120 (Focal length)

100

50

0

50

100

106

134

142

178

194

A (80~165)

B (80~175)

C (80~220)

D (80~240)

(Measuring conditions)

•The KEYENCE standard bar
code is used.

•Skew :-15°

•Pitch : 0°

•Tilt : 0°

Reading distance (mm)

Readable label width
(mm)

A.2 Reading Range Characteristics (Typical)

A.2 Reading Range Characteristics (Typical)

BL-500/501

Unit: mm

A

Narrow bar width

0.25 80 to 165 134

Reading distance Max. readable label width

B 0.33 80 to 175 142
C 0.5 80 to 220 178
D 1.0 80 to 240 194

* For the reading distance measuring reference, see page 6.

Note

The readable label width means a bar code length including the right and left mar­gins (quiet zones) of a bar code.

Even if a bar code is within the above reading range, it may not be read depending
on the bar code quality. Set the optimum reading position based on enough read­ing tests.

Normally, set the reading distance to 120 mm (focal length). In this case, the max­imum readable label width is 106 mm.

62

BL-550/551

A.2 Reading Range Characteristics (Typical)

Unit: mm

A
B 0.33 50 to 135 100
C 0.5 50 to 185 130

D 1.0 50 to 200 145

0

95 (Focal length)

(Measuring conditions)

•The KEYENCE standard bar
code is used.

•Skew : 0°

•Pitch : 0°

•Tilt : 0°

Narrow bar width

Reading distance Max. readable label width

0.25 55 to 125 100

50 100 150 200 250

91

100

130

A (55~125)

B (50~135)

C (50~185)

Reading distance (mm)

100

50

145

Readable label width
(mm)

0

50

100

Note

D (50~200)

* For the reading distance measuring standard, see page 6.

The readable label width means a bar code length including the right and left mar­gins (quiet zones) of a bar code.

Even if a bar code is within the above reading range, it may not be read depending
on the bar code quality. Set the optimum reading position based on enough read­ing tests.

Normally, set the reading distance to 95 mm (focal length). In this case, the max­imum readable label width is 91 mm.

63

0 50 100 150 200

100

50

0

50

100

Reading distance (mm)

Readable label width
(mm)

90 (Focal length)

80

10589117

137

A (75~110)

B (70~130)

C (55~145)

D (35~170)

(Measuring conditions)

•The KEYENCE standard bar
code is used.

•Skew :-15°

•Pitch : 0°

•Tilt : 0°

A.2 Reading Range Characteristics (Typical)

BL-500H/501H

Unit: mm

Reading distance Ma. Readable label width

A

Narrow bar width

0.125 75 to 110 89
B 0.19 70 to 130 105
C 0.25 55 to 145 117
D 0.5 35 to 170 137

64

Note

* For the reading distance measuring reference, see page 6.

The readable label width means a bar code length including the right and left mar­gins (quiet zones) of a bar code.

Even if a bar code is within the above reading range, it may not be read depending
on the bar code quality. Set the optimum reading position based on enough read­ing tests.

Normally, set the reading distance to 90 mm (focal length). In this case, the max­imum readable label width is 80 mm.

BL-550H/551H

A.2 Reading Range Characteristics (Typical)

Unit: mm

Reading distance Max. readable label width

A

Narrow bar width

0.125 50 to 80 80
B 0.19 45 to 100 90
C 0.15 25 to 115 90

D 0.5 15 to 140 100

0 50 100 150

(Measuring conditions)

•The KEYENCE standard bar
code is used.

•Skew : 0°

•Pitch : 0°

•Tilt : 0°

65 (Focal length)

A (50~80)
B (45~100)
C (25~115)
D (15~140)

Reading distance (mm)

768090

50

100

Readable label width
(mm)

0

50

Note

* For the reading distance measuring standard, see page 6.

The readable label width means a bar code length including the right and left mar­gins (quiet zones) of a bar code.

Even if a bar code is within the above reading range, it may not be read depending
on the bar code quality. Set the optimum reading position based on enough read­ing tests.

Normally, set the reading distance to 65 mm (focal length). In this case, the max­imum readable label width is 76 mm.

65

0°

–

+

BL-500(H)
BL-501(H)

0°

–

+

BL-550(H)

BL-551(H)

0°

–

+

+

–

0°

Laser beam

A.3 Angular Characteristics (Typical)

A.3 Angular Characteristics (Typical)

CAUTION

Model

BL-500/501

BL-550/551

BL-500H/501H

BL-550H/551H

(Measuring conditions)
Bar code: KEYENCE standard bar code
Reading distance: 120 mm (BL-500/501)/95 mm (BL-550/551)

The skew angles of -10

Narrow bar width Skew Pitch Tilt

0.25 mm -50° to -10°, +10° to +50° ±30° ±45°

0.5 mm -60° to -10°, +10° to +60° ±50° ±45°

0.25 mm -60° to -25°, -5° to +30° ±25° ±45°

0.5 mm -70° to -25°, -5° to +40° ±50° ±45°

0.125 mm -55° to -10°, +10° to +60° ±35° ±15°

0.25 mm -60° to -10°, +10° to +65° ±55° ±35°

0.125 mm -70° to -25°, -5° to +50° ±35° ±15°

0.25 mm -70° to -25°, -5° to +50° ±55° ±35°

90 mm (BL-500H/501H)/65 mm (BL-550H/551H)

to +10

°

(BL-500/501(H)) or -25

°

to -5

(BL-550/551(H))

°

°

are the specular reflection range. In this range, bar codes cannot be read, or read­ing error may occur. Be sure not to mount the BL500 series at the above skew
angles.

Skew

66

Pitch Tilt

A.4 Dimensions

BL-500/501/500H/501H

A.4 Dimensions

11.8

3.5

ø5.3
Cable
length: 1.8 m

33

2 x ø3.3

(mounting hole)

BL-550/551/550H/551H

11.8

50

KEYENCE

42 4.5

80

Laser beam

Laser transmitter

8.5

40

28

ø5.3
Cable
length: 1.8 m

Laser transmitter

3.5

33

2 x ø3.3

(mounting hole)

15°

KEYENCE

42 34.5

Laser beam

18

40

28

67

A.4 Dimensions

BL-500/501/500H/501H (with mounting bracket)

2-R2.25

34

R19

28

10.510.5
ø4.3

mounting hole

68

50°

29

2

16

BL-550/551/550H/551H (with mounting bracket)

49

5 37.5

16

9.5

4.5

3

3

4.5

11

41

2

61

48

47

2

A.5 Example Program for Serial Communication

A.5 Example Program for Serial Communication

The following is a example program that allows data communication and com­mand communication. Type in a command and press [Enter] to send the data to
the BL-500.

Only the QUIT command can be sent by pressing [Q] .
Set the BL-500 as follows:

• Header: [STX] Delimiter: [ETX]

• Handshaking protocol: No handshaking or PASS/RTRY handshaking

100 ‘***BL-500 SAMPLE PROGRAM*********************************************
110 CLS 3
120 DAT$=””:RD$=””:CM$=””
130 OPEN “COM1:” AS #1
140 *BUFFCLR :’***CLEAR BUFFER********************************************
150 A=LOC(1)
160 IF A<>0 THEN R$=INPUT$(1,#1) :GOTO *BUFFCLR
200 ‘
210 *MAIN :’***MAIN ROUTINE***********************************************
220 K$=INKEY$
230 IF K$<>”” THEN GOSUB *COMMAND
240 A=LOC(1)
250 IF A<>0 THEN GOSUB *RECEIVE
260 GOTO *MAIN
300 ‘
310 *Receive :’***RECEIVE DATA
320 RD$=INPUT$(1,#1)
330 IF RD$=CHR$(&H02) THEN RD$=”” :’RECEIVE STX
340 IF RD$=CHR$($H03) THEN GOSUB *BARCODE :RETURN :’RECEIVE ETX
350 IF RD$=CHR$($H0D) THEN GOSUB *RESPONSE :RETURN :’RECEIVE CR
360 DAT$=DAT$+RD$
370 RETURN
400 ‘
410 *COMMAND :’***SEND COMMAND********************************************
420 IF K$=CHR$(&H0D) THEN *SEND
430 IF K$=”Q” AND CM$=”” THEN CM$=”QUIT”:GOTO *SEND
440 PRINT K$;
450 CM$=CM$+K$
460 RETURN
470 *SEND
480 PRINT #1, CM$;CHR$(&H0D); :’SEND COMMAND
490 PRINT:PRINT CM$;”COMMAND IS SENT”
500 CM$=””
510 RETURN
600 ‘
610 *RESPONSE :’***DISPLAY RESPONSE DATA TO THE COMMAND*******************
620 PRINT DAT$ ;”IS SENT BACK”
630 DAT$=””
640 RETURN
700 ‘
710 *BARCODE :’***DISPLAY BAR CODE DATA***********************************
720 PRINT DAT$ ;”IS READ”
730 DAT$$=””
740 RETURN

69

A.6 Troubleshooting

A.6 Troubleshooting

If a problem occurs during operation, please check the following troubleshooting
notes first. If you cannot fix the problem, contact KEYENCE or your nearest deal­er.

Bar codes cannot be read.

Check whether power is applied to the unit.

Confirm that the power supply voltage and capacity is 5 VDC±5% and 320 mA
(340 mA for the BL-500H series). Check the wiring of the power supply unit and
the trigger input terminal (see page 2).

CAUTION

Note

Connecting the power supply unit with the reverse polarity may damage the BL
series.
If the BL-500 does not operate, contact KEYENCE.

Check whether the laser is emitting

• Check whether the laser stop command (LOCK, see page 50) has been sent
to the BL series. If so, send the laser stop reset command (UNLOCK).
If a laser stop command has been executed, the top LED on the STABILITY
indicator will be flashing.

Check the bar code setting (type, No. of digits).

Check the following parameters using the setup software.

• Bar code type, No. of digits.

• Setting of the check digit inspection (enabled or disabled)

• Setting of the label orientation-specified reading

When using CODE39 or Codabar, include the start/stop characters and check
digit in the number of digits.

For Code128, see page 72.

Check the distance and angle between the BL-500 and bar code.

Check the distance and angle while referring to “Mounting angle and mounting
distance” on page 6.

70

Check the bar code margins (quiet zones).

A bar code requires the right and left margins to be at least 10 times wider than
the narrow bar width.

If the bar code margins are too narrow, it may not be read.

Check the bar code label length.

The bar code label length is the lateral length of a bar code including the right and
left margins (quiet zones).

The readable bar code label length is limited depending on the reading distance.
See “Reading Range Characteristics (Typical)” on page 62 to 65.

Check the bar code.

A bar code with blurred sections, defects or stains may not be read correctly.
Bar codes printed with dot matrix or ink jet printers are prone to such problems.

Check whether the transmitter (light source) and the receiver (optical
pickup) are clean.

If moisture, oil or dust adheres to the transmitter or the receiver, wipe the units
using a soft cloth and a mild plastic cleaner.

Check the environmental conditions.

See “Hints on correct use” on page 4.

Reading rate check mode is not 100%.

Check the previous item “Bar codes cannot be read”.

A.6 Troubleshooting

71

Note

The Read rate indicates the number of acceptable decodings (reads) during 10
scans of a bar code. When a bar code has stains or defects, the read rate is re­duced.

However, even when the read rate is 20%, 2 decodings are possible during 10
scans. Therefore, if the number of decode matches is 2, the bar code can be read.

If the trigger input can be set enough long, the read operation is not affected.

Initial settings cannot be sent to the BL-500 series using the setup software.

• Check whether the communication parameters such as baud rate and data
length conform to the settings of the BL-500.

• Check whether the pin assignment of RS-232C cable conforms to those of the
BL-500 and the PC. Check that the cable isn’t disconnected. Also check the
BL-U1’s connection.

• Check whether the BL-500’s or BL-U1’s power switch is on.

• Check whether the PC’s RS-232C interface is “enabled”.

• If you are using the BL-U1, check that its DIP switches are set to RS-232C.

A.7 CODE128 Specifications

A.7 CODE128 Specifications

Setting No. of Digits

• The start/stop character and check digit are not included in the number of dig­its.

• FNC1 to 4 (Function codes), SHIFT, and CODE-A to -C should not be added to
the number of digits.

• The number of digits setting range varies depending on the start character
(CODE-A to -C).

CODE-A, B: 1 to 32

CODE-C: 2 to 64

One digit of CODE-A or CODE-B represents two digits of CODE-C.

Data T ransmission

• The start/stop character and check digit cannot be sent.

• FNC1 to 4 (Function codes), SHIFT, and CODE-A to -C cannot be sent.

• Control codes are sent.

Note

Example: To register 123 \!?ABC as preset data, send the following command (see

Do not use CODE128 with control codes when you build a multidrop link. Com­munication errors may occur.

Registration of Preset Data

The number of characters that can be registered as preset data is up to 32 digits
for CODE-A or CODE-B, and up to 64 digits for CODE-C, as described above.

When ! or ? is registered as preset data, it functions as the Preset “!” “?” Function,
as described on page 19 .

Since CODE128 can represent all ASCII codes as bar code data, ! or ? can also
be represented as bar code data.

To register ! or ? as preset data, send \! or \? to differentiate it from the Preset “!”
“?” function.

To register \ as preset data, send \\.

page 58).
WP68123 \\!\?ABC
Control codes (00h to 2Fh of the ASCII code table, such as and <STX>), start/

stop character, check digit, FNC1 to 4 (function codes), SHIFT or CODE-A to-C
cannot be registered as preset data. (Data comparison is also impossible.)

72

A.8 ASCII Code Table

0 0000 DLE (SP) 0 @ P ‘ p
1 0001 SOH DC1 ! 1 A Q a q
2 0010 STX DC2 “ 2 B R b r
3 0011 ETX DC3 # 3 C S c s
4 0100 EOT DC4 $ 4 D T d t
5 0101 ENQ NAK % 5 E U e u
6 0110 ACK SYN & 6 F V f v

Lower

4 bits

7 0111 BEL ETB ‘ 7 G W g w
8 1000 BS CAN ( 8 H X h x
9 1001 HT EM ) 9 I Y i y
A 1010 LF SUB * : J Z j z
B 1011 HM ESC + ; K [ k {
C 1100 CL → , < L \ l |

D 1101 CR ← - = M ] m }

E 1110 SO ↑ . > N ^ n ~
F 1111 SI ↓ / ? O _ o del

A.8 ASCII Code Table

Upper 4 bits

HEX 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Binary 0000 0001 0010 0011 0100 0101 0110 0111

73

A.9 Default Settings

A.9 Default Settings

In the main setting screen, the default bar code selections for the four bar code
fields are as shown below.

Bar Code Default Settings

Below are the default settings for each bar code setting screen.

CODE 39

ITF

74

2of5

Codabar

A.9 Default Settings

UPC-EAN

75

A.9 Default Settings

COOP 2opf5

CODE 128

Read Mode/Data Addition Functions default settings

76

Trigger input default settings

Communication Parameters default settings

A.9 Default Settings

Communication strings default settings

77

A.9 Default Settings

Utility default settings

78

BL-U1

Power Supply

Introduction

This User’s Manual describes the operation and functions of the BL-U1. Read this
manual carefully to ensure safe use and maximum performance from your BL-U1.

Note: No part of this document is to be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any

means without the written consent of KEYENCE Corporation.
The contents of this document are subject to revision without notice.
If you have any problems or questions regarding this document, please contact
one of the KEYENCE offices listed on the last page of this document.
KEYENCE is not responsible for any results of the application of the product.
If the document contains incomplete printing, it can be exchanged for a complete
one.

• MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft U. S. A.

• MS-Windows is a trademark of Microsoft U. S. A.

• Other company names and product names are registered trademarks or trade­marks of the respective companies.

Conventions

CAUTION

Note

This document uses the following conventions to help you easily recognize impor­tant and useful information.

Important information which must be read to avoid damaging the unit.

Provides information for effective use of the unit. Read as required.

System Configuration

Using the RS-232C and RS-422A

BL series

Trigger input

Timing sensor

BL-U1 Power supply unit

OK/NG
output

PLC etc.

RS-232C null modem cable
OP-22149 (1.5 m) + OP-25057
(25- to 9- pin adapter)

RS-232C

BL-50H1E
Setup software

3.5-inch version
WINDOWS 3.1

RS-422A

IBM PC/AT
or compatible

Equipment with

RS-422A*

• If not using the BL-U1, prepare an equivalent 5 VDC power supply unit sepa­rately.

• To communicate through the RS-422A, you need a BL-U1 in your system.

Using the RS-485 multidrop link

BL series

BL-U1

• To communicate through the RS-485, you need a BL-U1 in your system.

• Prepare a RS-485/RS-232C convertor separately.

• When using the RS-485 multidrop link, you cannot use the Windows™ Setup
software.

Other Options

OP-22149

RS-232C null modem cable with D-sub 25-pin connector (1.5 m).
To connect the BL-U1 to a IBM PC/AT compatible using the RS-232C port, use a
25- to 9-pin adapter (OP-25057).

Maximum number of connected units: 31
Maximum extension distance: 1.2 km

RS-485/RS-232C
convertor

RS-485

RS-232C

PC

81

123

OK/NG LED
OK output: Lights in green.
NG output: Lights in red.

TIMING LED
Lights when trigger input turns ON.

POWER LED

Communication status indicator LEDs
Indicate the communication status of
each communication signal line. Each
LED lights when the corresponding
signal turns ON. Show SD, RD, RS,
and CS from the top.

I/O terminal block
Contains I/O terminals and
RS-422A/RS-485 terminals.

DIP switches

Power switch
Power cable (2 m)
Use 100 to 240 VAC (50/60 Hz).

RS-232C port
Connects to a PC.

READER port
Connects to a bar-code reader

BL-U1

82

CAUTION

Power Supply BL-U1

1 BL-U1 Connections

1.1 Connecting the AC power supply

Plug the BL-U1 power cable into the power receptacle. At the same time, ground
the frame ground wire.

FG line

Make sure that the power supply provides 100 to 240 VAC ± 10%.

1.2 Connecting the BL-U1 to a BL series

Use the READER port on the BL-U1.
The pin assignment is shown in the table below:

UL-U1 READER port pin assignment

21345

6789

Pin No.

1
2 RD (RXD)
3 SD (TXD)
4 OK

5 GND (SG)
6
7 RS (RTS)

8 CS (CTS)

9 +5V

Symbol Description

TIM

NG

Trigger input
Send data through RS-232C
Receive data through RS-232C
OK uotput
Ground (common ground for respective sig-

nals)

NG uutput
Enable to send data through RS-232C

(always ON)
Request to send data through RS-232C

(control method can be selected by DIP
switches)

+ 5VDC power supply

D-sub 9-pin (male)
DCE specification (defined as modem)
#4-40 screw (female)

Signal

direction

Output
Output

Input
Input

——

Input
Input

Output

Output

83

84

Ω

Ω

Power Supply BL-U1

Prepare the BL series for connection to the BL-U1 by soldering a D-sub 9-pin con­nector to the BL series cable. Then connect the cable to READER port of the BL­U1.

Prepare the D-sub 9-pin connector and its connector case separately.

BL series

Connector case

Shield

Yellow
Blown
Purple

White
Black

Gray

Pink
Blue
Red

D-sub 9-pin (female)

Use a metallic connector case for the D-sub 9-pin connector and connect the
shielded line to the connector case. This allows connection to the earth ground of
the AC power cable.

­TIM

1

RD

2

SD

3

OK

4

GND

5

NG

6

RS

7
8

CS

9

+5VDC

#4-40 screw

BL-U1

READER port

CAUTION

Take special care when soldering pin 5 (GND) and pin 9 (+5VDC). A wrong con­nection will damage the unit.

Do not use a power cable over 2 meters long. A long power cable can cause a
drop in voltage, preventing the BL series from starting up properly.

1.3 Setting the BL-U1 DIP switches

According to the selected interface and timing input, change the DIP switch set­tings.

OFF

ON

123456

DIP switch setting

Interface select

RS-422A terminator
(terminal resistance 100

)

RS-485 terminator
(terminal resistance 100

)

READER port CS control
method select

RS-232C ON OFF OFF
RS-422A OFF ON OFF
RS-485 multidrop OFF OFF ON

OFF OFF
ON ON

OFF OFF
ON ON
Reflect ON/OFF of CS

at RS-232C port
Always ON ON

The switch settings at left are the
factory default settings.

1 2 3 4 5 6

OFF

OK

1.4 Function and wiring on the I/O terminal block

TIM +12V OUT– COM OK NG SDA SDB SG RDA RDB

Power Supply BL-U1

Trigger

input

Symbol

TIM

+12V OUT

COM

NG
SDA
SDB

SG
RDA
RDB

Power supply

for sensors

(12 VDC, 300 mA)

Timing input

Power supply for sensors (+) (+12 VDC,
300 mA)

Power supply for sensors (-) (0 V)
Common for OK/NG output ——
OK output
NG output
Send RS-422A data (+)/RS-485 (+)
Send RS-422A data (-)/RS-485 (-)
Signal ground
Receive RS-422A data (+)
Receive RS-422A data (-)

OK/NG output

Description Signal Direction

RS-422A/RS-485

Input

Input
Output
Output

Output
Output

Output/Input and output
Output/Input and output

——

Input

Input

The above list starts from the left edge terminal on the terminal block and sequen­tially goes to the right.

• M 3.0 screws are used on the terminal block.

• Use the clips shown below when wiring.

Wiring the trigger
input

6.0 mm or
less

Round-shape

6.0 mm or
less

Fork-shape

The trigger input signals the BL series to start reading.
Turn on the trigger input by supplying 8.5 to 30 VDC between the trigger input ter-

minals.
You can use the “power supply for sensors” terminals of the BL-U1 as the input

power supply.

TIM +12V OUT–

Contact or

+

+

8.5~30VDC

non-contact

85

Power Supply BL-U1

TIM

2.4
KΩ

3.3KΩ

Internal circuit

Load

OK/NG

COM

+

Internal circuit

13

25

1

14

D-sub 25-pin connector (female)
DTE specification (defined as terminal)
N 2.6 screw (female)

Wiring the OK/NG
output

Input/output circuit
diagram

Use this output to determine OK/NG status by comparing the readout data with
the preset data. It is NPN open-collector output.

COM OK NG

*Rated load: 30 V max. (100 mA)

Load

Load

+

Input circuit Output circuit

1.5 RS-232C port pin assignment

Pin No.

1
2
3 RD (RXD)

4 RS(RTS)
5 CS(CTS)

6 DR(DSR)
7 GND(SG)

20

Symbol Description

Shield

SD (TXD)

ER(DTR)

Shield
Send data through RS-232C
Receive data through RS-232C
Request to send data through RS-232C

(Always ON)
Enable to send to RS-232C
Connect to pin 20 internally
Signal Ground
Connect to pin 6 internally

Signal

direction

——

Output

Input

Output

Input
Input

——

Output

86

1.6 RS-232C port wiring

When you want to connect the BL-U1 to a PC through the RS-232C port, the wir­ing is as shown below.

You can use the optional OP-22149 cable (1.5 m) and OP-25057 (25- to 9-pin
adapter).

Power Supply BL-U1

1.7 RS-422A port wiring

When you want to communicate using the RS-422A port, the wiring is as shown
below. Use the BL-U1 input/output terminal block.

GND

D-sub 25-pin (male)

BL-U1

SDA
SDB
RDA
RDB
GND

BL-U1

1

SD

2

RD

3

RS

4

CS

5
7

DR

6

ER

20

M 2.6 screw

PC/AT

1
2
3
4
5
7
6

20

D-sub 25-pin (male)

M 2.6 screw

Twisted pair cable

External unit

Shield
SD
RD
RS
CS
SG
DR
ER

Shield

RDA
RDB

SDA
SDB

SG

• Set both terminators (terminal resistance 100 Ω ) of the BL-U1 and external
unit to ON (see P. 13).

• The extended cable length must be within 1.2 km.

You can prepare an equivalent cable which meets the following specifications:

Item

Cable type

Shielded cable
Logarithm 3P
Conductor resistance (20°C) 88.0 Ω /km or less
Insulator resistance 10,000 M Ω .km or more
Withdraw voltage 500 VDC/minute
Static capacity (1 kHz) 60 nF/km or less (average)
Characteristic impedance (100 kHz) 110 ± 10 Ω

Specification

87