Metrologic Instruments ScanPal 2 User Manual

ScanPal®2

Portable Data Terminal

User manual

Printed August 2001

ScanPal 2

The content of this manual is the property of Metrologic Instruments Inc. The information contained in
this manual has been carefully checked and is considered to be accurate. Metrologic Instruments Inc.
accepts no responsibility regarding any inaccuracies in this document.

The information appearing in this document may be subject to modification, without prior notice, in
order to improve the reliability, design and function, and under no circumstances constitutes an
obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

All rights reserved. Under no circumstances may any part of this manual be reproduced or transmitted
in any form whatsoever, or by any means whatsoever, without the prior authorization of Metrologic
Instruments Inc.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................... 1

2. General characteristics ....................................................................................... 2

2.1. Electrical characteristics..........................................................................................2

2.2. Environment............................................................................................................ 2

2.3. Physical characteristics........................................................................................... 2

2.4. CPU.........................................................................................................................2

2.5. Memory....................................................................................................................3

2.6. Scanner...................................................................................................................3

2.7. Screen..................................................................................................................... 3

2.8. Keypad ....................................................................................................................3

2.9. Indicator................................................................................................................... 4

2.10. Communication .......................................................................................................4

2.11. Programming language........................................................................................... 4

2.12. Accessories.............................................................................................................4

3. Hardware configuration.......................................................................................5

3.1. Front, back and side view....................................................................................... 5

3.2. RS232 and IrDA connection ...................................................................................5

4. Software organization.......................................................................................... 6

4.1. Kernel Module......................................................................................................... 6

4.2. System Module........................................................................................................6

4.3. Program Module......................................................................................................7

4.4. Creating your own program.....................................................................................7

5. Operations ............................................................................................................ 9

5.1. Operations at the keypad........................................................................................9

5.2. Program Mode.......................................................................................................11

5.3. System Mode ........................................................................................................15

5.4. Kernel Mode..........................................................................................................19

5.5. Overview................................................................................................................21

6. Troubleshooting guide...................................................................................... 22

7. Metrologic reference and descriptions............................................................ 24

1. Introduction

The ScanPall2 is a high performance, light-weight and compact portable terminal, designed for
daily intensive use.

It is powered by two ‘AAA’ replaceable batteries or one Ni-MH rechargeable battery and is
equipped with a comprehensive set of development tools, including a Windows based
application generator, a "BASIC" compiler and a "C" compiler.

It is provided with an FSTN technology LCD graphics screen, with a resolution of 128x64 pixels,
equipped with backlighting and a contrast control enabling it to be read perfectly, whatever the
ambient lighting.

Its CCD scanner and integrated RS-232 and IrDA communication ports make the ScanPall2
ideal for inventory, stock control, document monitoring, factory floor management, asset
tracking, warehousing and distribution operations.

1

2. General characteristics

The basic characteristics of the ScanPall2 are as follows:

2.1. Electrical characteristics

• Main battery................................. two AAA replaceable batteries or one Ni-MH rechargeable

battery

• Backup battery............................. 3.0 V, 7.0 mAh rechargeable lithium battery, for the static

random access memory (SRAM) and the calendar

• Stand-alone operation................. over 100 hours and over 50,000 reads (CPU in low-speed

mode and 1 read every 5 seconds)

2.2. Environment

• Humidity (operating).................... non-condensing from 10% to 90%

• Humidity (storage)....................... non-condensing from 5% to 95%

• Temperature (operating)............. from -20° C to 60° C (-4° F to 140° F)

• Temperature (storage) ................ from -30° C to 70° C (-22° F to 158° F)

• EMC regulations.......................... FCC class A, CE and C-Tick approved

(EMC: Electromagnetic compatibility) (FCC: Federal Communications Commission)

• Shock resistance......................... 1.2 m (4’) drop on to concrete

2.3. Physical characteristics

• Dimensions.................................. 145 mm (5.7”) L x 63 mm (2.5”) W x 33.5 mm (1.3”) H

• Weight.......................................... 180 g (6.3 oz) including batteries

• Color............................................ dark grey

• Material........................................ ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

2.4. CPU

• Toshiba 16-bit CMOS microprocessor

• Dual clock with low-speed mode capability for saving the batteries (for further information on

the Speed setting, refer to section 5.3)

2

2.5. Memory

• Program....................................... 1-MB Flash-ROM, flash memory used for saving the

program, character sets, constants, etc.

• Data ............................................. 1 MB SRAM, static random access memory

2.6. Scanner

The ScanPall2 is equipped with a CCD scanner. The scanners characteristics are as follows:

ScanPal 2C (CCD)

• Minimum bar width ...................... 0.102 mm (4 mil)

• Depth of field ............................... 30 mm – 160 mm (1.2” – 6.3 “) for 0.33 mm (13 mil) codes

• Field width.................................... 124 mm (4.9”) @ 160 mm (6.3”)

• Scan rate ..................................... 100 scans / second

• Ambient light rejection................. 1200 Lux (direct lighting from the sun)

2500 Lux (fluorescent lighting)

2.7. Screen

• FSTN technology LCD graphics screen, with a resolution of 128x64 pixels and LED

backlighting.

2.8. Keypad

• 21 rubber keys, consisting of alphanumeric keys, arrow keys, function keys and a key for

triggering the scanner.

3

2.9. Indicator

• Buzzer.......................................... audible indicator, programmable from 1 KHz to 4 KHz,

low-power transducer type

• LED.............................................. dual-colour (green and red) programmable LED

2.10. Communication

Three types of communication are possible: standard RS232, infrared and screen/keyboard.

• RS232.......................................... transmission speed up to 115,200 bps

• Infrared ........................................ standard 1.0 IrDA or high-speed IR:

- transmission speed up to 115,200 bps

- distance, 5 cm to 100 cm (2” to 39”)

- maximum angle, 30 °

• Keyboard ..................................... only for data upload

2.11. Programming language

• Application generator (under Windows)

• "BASIC"

• "C"

2.12. Accessories

• Battery charger

• Ni-MH rechargeable battery

• Keyboard wedge cable

• Protective case

• High-speed IR transceiver

• Download/charger cradle

• RS232 cable

• Cradle power supply (only for the charger function)

For the references and descriptions, refer to section 7.

4

3. Hardware configuration

2

9

IH G 6PQR3*Z Y

side view

Battery

Trigger

Indicator

711

SCANPAL 2

RS-232 port

SCANPAL 2

3.1. Front, back and side view

63mm

IrDA

33.5mm

LED

ABC

7 8

FE D

4

5

1

ESC

RS-232

front view back view

3.2. RS232 and IrDA connection

RS-232 & IrDA connection

IrDA connection

RS-232 port

IrDA port

IrDA Transceiver

o

30

711

ABC FE D

7 8

9

IH G

4

6

PQR

152

3

*Z Y

ESC

5~100cm

RS-232 port

AAA Battery*2

RS-232 connection

5

4. Software organization

The ScanPall2 software system consists of three modules:

• The Kernel module

• The System (Operating System) module

• The Program module

4.1. Kernel Module

The Kernel module forms the heart of the system. It is extremely secure and always protected
by the system. Only a failure of the flash memory or incorrect switching off of the power supply,
during system restart after a kernel update, can destroy the kernel. The Kernel module
guarantees that the user can always download his program, even when the operating system
has been damaged by the user program.

The Kernel module allows the following operations to be performed:

• Program Download

• Update Kernel

• Test & Calibrate

• Version

For further information, refer to section 5.4.

4.2. System Module

The System module is the operating system. It allows the following operations to be performed:

• Memory

• Settings

• Reader

• Battery

• Test

• Download

• Version

For further information, refer to section 5.3.

6

4.3. Program Module

The Program module operates on top of the System module. The user programs are
downloaded into this module.

The user program, downloaded into the Program module, is started automatically when the
ScanPall2 is powered up.

The user program pre-loaded into the Program module of the ScanPall2 is the application
interpreter, making it possible to run an application created with the application generator. By
default, the application loaded is an inventory application allowing the following operations to
be performed:

• Collect data

• Upload data

• Utilities

For further information, refer to section 5.2.

4.4. Creating your own program

There are three development tools making it possible to create your own application or
program.

• The application generator

Requires prior loading, into the Program module , of the application interpreter making it
possible to run an application created with the application generator.

For further details, see the application generator user manual.

• The "BASIC" compiler

Requires prior loading, into the Program module, of the "BASIC" interpreter making it
possible to run a "BASIC" program.

• The "C" compiler

7

For further information on the development tools, contact one of the Metrologic offices:

Metrologic Instruments, Inc – Corporate Headquarters

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Metrologic Instruments GmbH – European, Middle East, & African Headquarters

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Metrologic do Brasil Ltda. – Brazil only

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Metrologic South America – Outside Brazil

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Metro (Suzhou) Technologies Co., Ltd. – China

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Metrologic Asia (PTE) Ltd. – Singapore

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Metrologic Japan Co., Ltd. – Japan

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

8

5. Operations

X

Before any operation, it is advisable to make sure that the replaceable batteries are new, or that the
rechargeable battery is correctly charged.

5.1. Operations at the keypad

The ScanPall2 keypad consists of 20 rubber keys and one key for triggering the scanner. The
functions of the special keys are as follows:

Enter

Confirms an entry on the keypad.

BS

SP

Y

Alpha

Back Space

Deletes the characters situated to the left of the cursor.

Space

Inserts the space character.

Up

Moves the cursor upwards.

Down

Moves the cursor downwards.

Alphabetic / Numeric toggle

Makes it possible to change alternately from the alphabetic entry mode to the
numeric entry mode.

When the terminal is in alphabetic mode, a small icon is displayed on the screen,
and each numeric key can be used to insert one of the three letters written on the
key. Successive pressing of the key successively displays the three available
letters. Releasing the key for one second or pressing another key confirms the
letter displayed and inserts it.

9

FN

1

ESC

Function

This key cannot be used on its own, but in combination with a numeric key (1 to

9), in order to obtain a specific function, depending on the program loaded.
For example, pressing simultaneously on the and keys activates

FN

STU

the function #1 (up to 9 functions).
Pressing simultaneously on the and , or and , keys

FN

X

FN

Y

makes it possible to adjust the screen contrast.
Pressing simultaneously on the and keys makes it possible to

FN

activate or de-activate the screen backlighting.

Escape

Generally makes it possible to exit the current operation.

Power On/Off

To avoid pressing this key in error, the power on/off function is activated only
when the key is held in for around 1.5 seconds.

10

5.2. Program Mode

This is the default operating mode when the ScanPall2 is powered up. It depends on the user
program loaded into the Program module.

The application interpreter and its inventory application, loaded by default, displays the
following main menu:

1.Collect data

2.Upload data

3.Utilities

JUN 16, 13:30 00000

The counter, located in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, displays the number of
records collected.

1. Collect data

Data collection starts after confirmation of the Collect data operation, using the , key.
A new screen displays the following two prompts:

(R)

Item:
Qty: 1

The Item (Article) prompt expects an item code, read by the scanner or entered on the

keypad and confirmed by the key.

The Qty (Quantity) prompt offers, by default, a quantity of 1, which can be modified by

entering on the keypad the new quantity desired. This is confirmed using the key.
The data collected are then recorded and the two prompts are displayed again.

Pressing the key allows a return to the main menu.

ESC

11

2. Upload data

Uploads the data collected, via the selected upload port.
The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Upload Data line, indicates the

selected upload port: RS232 (R) , IR (T), IrDA (I) or Wedge (K).
On the PC (under Windows), to receive the data and create a text file, use the application

generator, 232_Read.EXE or IR_Read.EXE.
For further information, refer to the application generator user manual.

3. Utilities

• System settings

- Set Upload Port

Defines the data upload port: RS232 (cable or download cradle), IR (high-speed
infrared transceiver), standard IrDA infrared or screen/keyboard Wedge.

The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Set Upload Port line,
indicates the selected upload port: RS232 (R), IR (T), IrDA (I) or Wedge (K).

Default value: RS232.

- Set Download Port

Defines the port for downloading an application or a file: RS232 (cable or
download cradle), IR (high-speed infrared transceiver) or standard IrDA infrared.

The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Set Download Port line,
indicates the selected download port: RS232 (R), IR (T) or IrDA (I).

Default value: RS232.

- Transmission Speed

Defines the transmission speed, up to 115,200 bps.

Default value: 115,200 bps.

- LCD Backlight

Defines the duration of the backlighting.

Default value: 20 seconds.

12

- Data Deletion

-

¯

Defines whether, after an upload, the data is deleted Manually, with a request for
confirmation, or Automatically, with no request for confirmation.

Default value: Manually.

- Record Prompting

Activates (Yes) or de-activates (No) the display of the record number, after
confirmation of an entry.

Default value: Yes.

- View Settings

Displays the various settings.

• Browse Data
Displays the data collected. The and keys allow scrolling, in a loop, of all

the data collected.

• Delete Data
Deletes the last record or all the records collected.

• Reading Test
Tests the read performance of the scanner and displays the bar code read, its length

and its type (symbology).
The symbologies enabled by default are as follows:

Code 39
Industrial 2/5
Interleaved 2/5
Codabar
Code 93
Code 128
UPCE without Addon
EAN8
EAN13/UPCA without Addon

The other symbologies can be enabled by the application generator.

• Set Date & Time
Defines the date and time.

13

• Download Program
Downloads an application (*.ATX) created with the application generator into the

ScanPall2 Portable Terminal, via the selected download port.
The letter displayed on the screen, at the right of the Download Program line, indicates

the selected download port: RS232 (R), IR (T) or IrDA (I).
On the PC (under Windows), use the application generator or ATX_Load.EXE.
For further information, refer to the application generator user manual.

• Memory & Battery
Displays the size of the data memory (SRAM) in kilobytes, the voltage of the

replaceable batteries or the rechargeable battery, and the voltage of the backup
battery.

• Download Lookup
Downloads a Lookup File containing, for example, an item database, into the

ScanPall2, via the selected download port.
On the PC (under Windows), use the application generator or DLookup.EXE.
Note: this function is not available if the application loaded does not use a lookup file.
For further information, refer to the application generator user manual.

14

5.3. System Mode

7 Version

7

9

Turn off the ScanPall2, and then simultaneously press the ,

ABC

and keys to enter System mode.
System mode offers the following operations:

System Menu

1 Memory

2 Setting
3 Reader
4 Battery
5 Test
6 Download

1. Memory

• Size Information
Displays the size of the data memory (SRAM) and the size of the program memory

(Flash ROM), in kilobytes.

• Initialize
Initializes the data memory (SRAM).
Note: after an initialization, the data contained in the memory is deleted.

• Test

GHI

Tests the data memory. For a static random access memory (SRAM) size of 256 KB,
the test takes around 15 seconds.

Note: after a test, the data contained in the memory is deleted.

2. Settings

• Clock
Defines the date and time.

• Backlit
Defines the duration of the backlighting.

Default value: 20 seconds.

15

• Speed
Defines the CPU operating speed. Five speeds are available:

Speed Consumption

Full..........................39 mA

1/2........................... 22 mA

1/4........................... 12 mA

1/8............................. 7 mA

1/16........................... 5 mA

The consumptions are given for normal operation, with no scanner reading or data
transmission.

If the full-speed mode is not necessary, choose the lowest speed, in order to save the
batteries.

Default value: Full speed.

• Auto Off
Defines the time beyond which power down is automatic, when no operation has been

performed during this time period. If this value is equal to zero, the function is de­activated.

Default value: 10 minutes.

• Power On
Two possible selections:
Program Resume, which starts the program from the last session used before power

down; or Program Restart, which restarts the program from the beginning.

Default value: Program Resume.

• Key Click

Enables or Disables the issuing of a sound when a key is pressed.
Default value: Enable.

16

3. Reader

Tests the scanner read performance and displays the bar code read, its length, and a letter
identifying the code type (symbology).

The symbologies enabled by default are as follows:

Symbology Identifier

Code 39 ......................................A

Industrial 2/5 .............................. D

Interleaved 2/5............................ E

Codabar......................................G

Code 93 ......................................H

Code 128 .....................................I

UPCE without Addon...................J

EAN8...........................................M

EAN13/UPCA without Addon..... P

The other symbologies must be enabled by programming.

4. Battery

• Main
Displays the voltage of the replaceable batteries or the rechargeable battery.
An icon, representing the battery, is permanently displayed on the screen, thus making

it possible to view the charge state. When the battery icon is completely empty, the
batteries should be replaced or the rechargeable battery recharged.

• Backup
Displays the voltage of the backup battery.

5. Test

• Buzzer
Tests the buzzer by means of the emission of different frequencies and durations.
Press the key to start or stop the test.

• LCD & LED
Tests the LCD screen and the dual-colour LED.
Press the key to start or stop the test.

17

• KBD
Tests the keypad keys.
Pressing a key displays its value on the screen. The function key must be used

in combination with a numeric key (1 to 9).
Press the key to stop the test.

ESC

6. Download

• RS232
Downloads a user program (*.SHX) into the ScanPall2, via the RS232 port (cable or

download cradle).
On the PC (under Windows), use DownLoad.EXE. The speed can go up to 115,200

bps.

• IR (High-speed infrared)
Downloads a user program (*.SHX) into the ScanPall2, via the high-speed infrared

transceiver.
On the PC (under Windows), use IRLoad.EXE. The speed can go up to 115,200 bps.

• IrDA
Downloads a user program (*.SHX) into the ScanPall2, via the standard IrDA infrared.
On the PC (under Windows), use DownLoad.EXE. The speed can go up to 115,200

bps.

FN

7. Version

Displays the following information:

Hardware version number..........................(H/W)

Serial number..............................................(S/N)

Manufacturing date.....................................(M/D)

Kernel version number ...............................(KNL)

Library version number................................(LIB)

User program.............................................(USR)

18

5.4. Kernel Mode

7

9

7

1

Turn off the ScanPall2, and then simultaneously press the ,

ABC

GHI

and keys to enter System mode; next turn off the ScanPall2, and then simultaneously
press the , and keys to enter Kernel mode.

STU

ABC

Kernel mode offers the following operations:

Kernel Menu

1 Program Download

2 Update Kernel
3 Test & Calibrate
4 Version

1. Program Download

Downloads a user program (*.SHX) into the ScanPall2.
The download procedure is identical to that described in System mode (refer to section 5.3,

Download).

2. Update Kernel

Updates the system kernel. Updating the kernel is sometimes necessary in order to improve
the system performance, or for some other reason. This function guarantees that the latest
version of the kernel is being used. The procedure for updating the kernel (KSP2-xxx.SHX)
is identical to that for downloading a user program.

Be careful: after updating the kernel, wait until the system has completely restarted before
powering down the ScanPall2.

3. Test & Calibrate

This function is intended solely for performing various tests, diagnostics and calibrations in
the factory. Do not use.

19

4. Version

Displays the following information:

Hardware version number..........................(H/W)

Serial number..............................................(S/N)

Manufacturing date.....................................(M/D)

Kernel version number ...............................(KNL)

20

5.5. Overview

.SHX

File

KSP2Ý.SHX

"C" compiler

DownLoad.EXE

DownLoad.EXE

File

USP2Ý.SHX

DownLoad.EXE

USP2Ý.SHX

.ATX

Application

DownLoad.EXE

ATX_Load.EXE

BCÝ.SHX

File

.SYN

"BASIC"

SynLoad.EXE

DownLoad.EXE

ScanPal 2

ScanPal 2

9

7

1

7

R232_Read.EXE

DLookup.EXE

To be defined

To be defined

generator

R

OOR

compiler (3)

or

Ir_Read.EXE

or directly

from AG_SP2.exe

or directly

from AG_SP2.exe

by

programming

Application "BASIC" program "C" program

Application created with the application

generator AG_SP2.EXE

File

Application interpreter (1)

File Ý

"BASIC" program created with
the "BASIC" compiler BC.EXE

Ý

or directly

from AG_SP2.EXE

or

IrLoad.EXE

or directly

from BC.EXE

Program
Module

System

menu

Download

option

System

menu

ownload

Basic

option

System
Module

File

"BASIC" interpreter (2)

or

IrLoad.EXE

System

menu

Download

option

by

programming

DataDataData

off

ABC

+

GHI

+

off

R

OOR

(3)

UUppddaatte

File Ý

Compiled "C" program

or

IrLoad.EXE

System

menu

Download

option

STU

+

ABC

+

Kernel

menu

e

Kernel

or

IrLoad.EXE

pdate

Kernel

option

Kernel
Module

Kernel

menu

or BCÝ.SHX
or Ý.SHX

or

IrLoad.EXE

rogram
Download

option

21

6. Troubleshooting guide

7

9

• The ScanPall2 doesn’t come on after the key has been pressed.
Change the batteries or recharge the battery.

• The ScanPall2 doesn’t come on after the batteries have been changed or the battery

recharged.

Check that the replaceable batteries are correctly installed in their compartment and that
the compartment (or the rechargeable battery) is properly engaged in the terminal.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

• The battery icon, indicating the charge state, is empty.
Change the replaceable batteries or recharge the battery.

• No transmission between the ScanPall2 and the host system (PC or other), via the

RS232 port (cable or download cradle).

Check that the RS232 cable is correctly connected to the host system and to the
ScanPall2 or to the download cradle.

For transmission using the download cradle, check that the ScanPall2 is correctly
inserted in its cradle.

Check that the communication settings of the host system match those of the ScanPall2.

• No transmission between the ScanPall2 and the host system (PC or other), via the

high-speed IR transceiver.

Check that the IR transceiver is correctly connected.
Check that the communication settings of the host system match those of the ScanPall2.
Check that the ScanPall2 is correctly positioned in the IR transceiver read area (a

distance of 5 cm to 100 cm, 2” to 39”, and a maximum angle of 30°).

• The keypad doesn’t work correctly.
Turn off the ScanPall2, and then simultaneously press the ,

ABC

GHI

and keys to enter System mode. Select the Test KBD option and carry out the
keypad key test.

If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

22

The scanner doesn’t work.

Check that the symbologies of the codes read are enabled.
Check whether the battery icon, indicating the charge state, is empty. If this is the case,

change the replaceable batteries or recharge the battery.
If the problem persists, contact Technical Support.

23

7. Metrologic references and descriptions

Part Number Description

Basic ScanPal 2 CCD kit, including:

SCANPAL2CB

SCANPAL2CE-US

SCANPAL2CE-EC

46-46539 Dual Battery Charger, 1 NiMH battery and Euro Power Supply

46-46540 Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack

46-46541 Keyboard Wedge cable

46-46542 Protective Cover (imitation leather)

- 1 ScanPal 2 CCD portable terminal - CD includes:

- 2 AAA batteries Application Generator

- 1 RS232 cable User Manual
Advanced ScanPal 2 CCD kit, including:

- 1 ScanPal 2 CCD portable terminal - CD includes:

- 1 download/charger cradle and US power supply Application Generator

- 1 RS232 cable User Manual

- 1 rechargeable battery

Advanced ScanPal 2 CCD kit, including:

- 1 ScanPal 2 CCD portable terminal - CD includes:

- 1 download/charger cradle and Euro power supply Application Generator

- 1 RS232 cable User Manual

- 1 rechargeable battery

46-46543 IR Transceiver with Euro Power Supply

46-46544 "BASIC" compiler and license

46-46545 "C" compiler and license

46-46546 Charger Cradle with Euro Power Supply

46-46547 Download Cradle/Battery Charger, 1 NiMH battery and US Power Supply

46-46548 IR Transceiver with US Power Supply

46-46549 Charger Cradle with US Power Supply

46-46550 RS232 Cable

24