PSC Scanners User Manual

User’s / Programming Guide

Handheld Laser Bar Code Scanners

Keyboard Wedge /

Wand Emulation Interface

PSC INC.

If you have any questions or need assistance after reading this manual, please contact PSC Customer Service at:

PSC Inc. 675 Basket Road P.O. Box 4 48 Webster, New York 14580-0448

Telephone: 716-265-1600

800-828-6489 Fax: 716-265-6400 The descriptions and specifications herein were in effect at the time

of manual production. Every effort was made to make the information complete and correct.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or electronic transmission, or other means of reproduction or distribution without prior written consent of PSC Inc.

The drawings, specifications and other technical information contained in this manual are the property of PSC Inc. and shall not be copied, reproduced or used in any way; in whole or in part, as the basis of manufacture or sale of similar items without the prior written consent of PSC Inc.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.

PSC, the PSC logo and AutoSense are registered trademarks and QuickScan is a trademark of PSC Inc.

Scanners discussed in this manual are covered by patents issues or pending in the U.S. and other countries.

NOTICE

The scanner is certified to be a Class II laser product with the United States Department of Health and Human Services Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

NOTICE

The scanner, as a component, has been tested for compliance with the EMI requirements of the United States Federal Communications Commission Part 15, Sub-Part J, Class A. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are responsible for testing the scanner with their equipment to ensure system compliance with FCC requirements.

THIS APPARATUS COMPLIES WITH THE CLASS "A" LIMITS FOR RADIO INTERFERENCE AS SPECIFIED IN THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATIONS.

CET APPAREIL EST CONFORME AUX NORMES CLASS "A" D’INTERFERENCE RADIO TEL QUE SPECIFIER PAR LE MINISTERE CANADIEN DES COMMUNICATIONS DANS LES REGLEMENTS D’INTERFERENCE RADIO.

Table of Contents

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

Keyboard Wedge Mode ........................................................ 1

Serial Communications Mode............................................... 1

AutoSense® Mode ............................................................... 1

Wand Emulation Mode ......................................................... 1

Magnetic Stripe Reader ........................................................ 1

Unpacking ........................................................................................ 2

Installation ........................................................................................2

Keyboard Wedge ........................................................................ 2

Cable Installation .................................................................. 2

Connecting the Power Supply .............................................. 3

Connecting a Magnetic Stripe Reader.................................. 3

Terminal Power-Up Sequence ............................................. 3

Serial Communications ............................................................... 4

Serial TTL Mode ................................................................... 4

Serial RS232 Mode .............................................................. 4

AutoSense® Operation ............................................................... 5

Wand Emulation Operation .........................................................7

Setup Overview................................................................................ 8

Wedge Mode Options ........................................................... 8

Wand Emulation Options ...................................................... 8

Serial Communication and Wedge Options.......................... 9

Symbologies ....................................................................... 10

Parameters Selection Guidelines................................................. 11

Examples ............................................................................ 11

Serial Communication ............................................................... 13

Reset Default ...................................................................... 13

Baud Rate........................................................................... 13

Data Transmission.............................................................. 14

Communications Protocol................................................... 16

Label Buffering ................................................................... 19

No Read Option .................................................................. 19

Menu Commands Parameter Messages ............................ 20

External Trigger Operation ................................................. 20

General Parameters .......................................................................21

Intercharacter Delay ........................................................... 21

Transmission Mode ............................................................ 22

i User’s / Programming Guide

System Status .................................................................... 22

Power Consumption........................................................... 23

Laser Redundancy ............................................................. 23

Laser Timeout .................................................................... 24

Beeper Operation............................................................... 24

Message Formatting .................................................................... 25

Prefixes and Suffixes ................................................................ 25

Prefix .................................................................................. 26

Suffix .................................................................................. 26

Code Identifier.................................................................... 28

Preamble or Postamble Selection...................................... 29

Preamble............................................................................ 29

Postamble .......................................................................... 29

Serial Commands.......................................................................... 31

General Serial Command Format ............................................. 31

ACK/NAK ........................................................................... 31

Beeper Off CR-LF Ack ....................................................... 32

Power Standby and Serial Commands .............................. 33

Communication Parameter Changes ................................. 33

Manual Scanning Interaction.............................................. 33

Keyboard Wedge Parameters ...................................................... 34

Symbologies 38

UPC (A and E) .......................................................................... 38

EAN/JAN .................................................................................. 42

Code 39 .................................................................................... 44

Code 2 of 5 – Interleaved ......................................................... 46

Code 2 of 5 – Standard ............................................................ 47

Code 128 .................................................................................. 48

MSI/Plessey.............................................................................. 50

Code 11 .................................................................................... 50

Code 93 .................................................................................... 51

16K ........................................................................................... 52

Digit Selection........................................................................... 53

Symbology Identifiers ............................................................... 54

Wand Emulation Parameters ....................................................... 58

Select Code Type ..................................................................... 58

Bar Code Polarity ..................................................................... 58

Transmission Rate .................................................................... 58

Data Synchronization ............................................................... 60

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Memory Module ............................................................................. 62

Setup......................................................................................... 63

Marker Beam .................................................................................. 64

Scanner Labeling........................................................................... 66

Service and Warranty ......................................................... 66

Maintenance ............................................................................. 67

Cleaning ....................................................................................67

Inspection ..................................................................................67

Appendix A .....................................................................................69

Hexadecimal Conversion Tables........................................ 69

Primary Function Key Table ............................................... 72

Secondary Function Key Tables......................................... 73

iii User’s / Programming Guide

Introduction

Keyboard Wedge Mode

As a keyboard wedge interface, the PSC scanner can be used with terminals provided by most of the major terminal manufacturers. In most cases, the PSC scanner is easily connected between the keyboard and display of the terminal. The use of Preamble/Postamble, embedded keyboard function codes or keyboard function records allow operation of the terminal without manual entry from the keyboard. In this mode of operations, the PSC scanner draws power from the terminal.

Serial Communications Mode

The PSC scanner can be configured by the user for a serial communication output. In this mode, the scanner can be connected to any device that accepts serial ASCII data at TTL voltage levels. RS232 voltage levels can be achieved by the use of an optional RS232 conversion pod.

AutoSense® Mode

The PSC scanner may be configured at the factory with PSC’s AutoSense

hands-free operation. When the scanner is placed in the stand, it becomes immediately active for reading any bar code label presented to it. The user can remove the scanner from the AutoSense and use it as a conventional hand-held scanner. When replaced in the stand, the scanner reverts automatically to AutoSense

feature. AutoSense® operates with a passive stand for

Stand

Wand Emulation Mode

The PSC scanner can be configured by the user for Wand Emulation. In this mode, the PSC scanner can be connected to any device that accepts a wand signal input. Wand Emulation communication presents bar code data to a host device exactly as a wand does. This precludes the use of any option which adds information to the bar code symbol data (preamble, for example). A typical example of this would be to interface the scanner to a portable data terminal for remote data collection.

Magnetic Stripe Reader

Magnetic stripe reading capabilities are available with appropriate cabling.

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Unpacking

Your package should include a scanner, interface cable, User’s Manual, and a plastic scanner holder.

The unit should be inspected immediately upon receipt to determine if any damage has occurred during shipment. If damage has occurred, a claim should be filed with the carrier immediately.

Retain the shipping box, since it should be used to return the scanner to the factory for service.

Installation

Keyboard Wedge

In Keyboard Wedge mode the PSC scanner simulates keyboard keystrokes. Whether a person has pressed a key on the keyboard or data has been transmitted from the scanner is indistinguishable by the host device. When the PSC scanner is not transmitting data to the terminal the keyboard operates as if the PSC scanner was not attached.

Installation of the PSC scanner should be completed by a user who is familiar with installing computer systems and cabling.

Cable Installation

1. Turn off power to the terminal to which the PSC scanner will

be connected.

2. Verify that you received the correct cabling. The cable sup-

plied for keyboard wedge installation is referred to as a “Y”

cable.

3. Connect the modular plug to the PSC scanner. Insert plug

into the rectangular opening in the bottom of the scanner

handle.

4. Unplug the keyboard from the terminal and replug the key-

board into the short leg of the “Y” cable that mates with it.

5. Plug the remaining long leg of the “Y” cable into the terminal

where the keyboard was connected.

6. Arrange the fully connected unit so that all cables run freely.

2 User’s / Programming Guide

Connecting the Power Supply

If supplied, plug the connector from the external power supply into the receptacle located on the housing connector. Then plug the power supply into a power source.

Connecting a Magnetic Stripe Reader

If a detached Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) is to be used, plug the connector into the MSR receptacle located on the housing connector.

Terminal Power-Up Sequence

Turn on the power to the terminal to which the PSC scanner is connected. The unit will issue a series of beeps which are intentional and indicate that the terminal/keyboard power-on reset routines have been completed.

Programming for Terminal Type

If this is a first-time installation, it is NECESSARY to program the PSC scanner for use with the connected termi-

NOTE

Proceed as follows:

1. Using the Keyboard Wedge Parameters menu given in the Keyboard Wedge Parameters Section scan:

WEDGE MODE ENABLE (CE)

nal.

This sets the PSC scanner into a Keyboard Wedge interface mode.

2. Select the terminal type by next scanning the appropriate symbol for your terminal.

Scanning Reset to Default (ZA) will cause the PSC scanner to revert to Keyboard Wedge mode with a PC-AT termi-

NOTE

nal type.

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Serial Communications

The PSC scanner provides the user with two different serial communications options: Serial TTL and Serial RS232 communications.

Serial TTL Mode

Serial TTL is a serial communications interface that uses TTL/CMOS voltage levels ranging from 0 to 5 volts. The user can select a normally high (default setting) or normally low (inverted) voltage levels. Serial TTL communications mode uses different cables than those used in keyboard wedge applications. To configure the PSC scanner in a Serial TTL mode, the user must have the appropriate cable with the correct signal pinouts in order to interface the scanner to the host terminal. To program the PSC for Serial TTL communications, the user must first identify the serial communications parameters supported by the host terminal. Typical parameters are the baud rate, parity and number of bits in the data word. These parameters are discussed in the section on Serial Communication Parameters. The PSC scanner has the added versatility to enable the user to select the quiescent voltage levels for interfacing with terminals that require inverted signals.

Serial RS232 Mode

The PSC scanner can also be used in an RS232 environment by converting the serial TTL voltage levels to RS232 voltage levels. For this installation, the user needs an optional cable, an adapter pod, and a power supply.

When the PSC scanner is operated with the RS232 adapter pod, the same serial communications parameters apply as those used in a serial TTL environment. The only difference is that the RS232 adapter pod inverts the polarity of all the signals passing through it. Therefore, the user needs to program the scanner for serial communication, normal polarity (symbol CA). RS232 levels are available only in full continuous power mode.

4 User’s / Programming Guide

AutoSense

Operation

AutoSense® is a factory installed feature requested at time of order. It

provides for hands-free or handheld operation. AutoSense

vated by scanning the Enable AutoSense

symbol. The scanner will

is acti-

respond by emitting a continuous, low level red beam of light known

as the trigger beam. AutoSense

able AutoSense When the AutoSense

symbol.

feature is used with PSC’s AutoSense® stand

is deactivated by scanning the Dis-

(specifically designed for standard and HP scanners), the user must first attach the plastic scanner holder to the bracket of the stand as shown in Figure 1, next page. The scanner is then mounted into the holder. Insure that the trigger beam is aimed at the reflective tape affixed to the stand. AutoSense

is now ready to automatically scan bar code labels presented to it. When the trigger beam is broken by the bar code label, the scan beam will automatically engage and decode the bar code symbol. Any time the scan beam disappears, whether by a decode or by a scan beam timeout, the automatic trigger must be re-enabled by allowing the trigger beam to sense the reflective tape.

While AutoSense

is activated, the user is able to remove the scanner from its holder and use it for handheld scanning operation. When the scanner is removed from the AutoSense

holder, the trigger beam will be broken and the scan beam will automatically be engaged. If the scanner does not decode a bar code symbol, the scanning beam will turn off after two to six seconds. Scanning is re-initiated by manually pulling the trigger. When the scanner is replaced into the holder AutoSense

will be automatically re-engaged when the trigger beam

senses the reflective tape.

When the scanner is powered from a battery, such as in a hand-held terminal, AutoSense

should be disabled. In a battery powered application, the user is strongly recommended to use the power conservation feature of scan-

NOTE

ner operation. Power conservation reduces power draw from the battery between scans to extremely low levels. AutoSense

will function only in full power mode.

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NO Enable AutoSense

NN Disable AutoSense

To use this mode of operation properly, the user must first attach the plastic scanner holder to the bracket of the stand as shown in Figure 1. The (NO) Enable AutoSense

programming symbol is scanned until the green “Good Decode” light blinks. This will activate the trigger screen. The scanner is then placed into the holder and the user must check that the red laser beam is aimed at the reflective label affixed to the stand. The AutoSense

is now ready to read labels

presented to it.

Figure 1. The PSC AutoSense

Stand

a. Riser sub-assembly d. Reflective tape b. Scanner holder e. Stand base c. Scanner

6 User’s / Programming Guide

Wand Emulation Operation

To operate the PSC scanner in Wand Emulation the user must first turn off the powerto the host device and then detach the scanner from the host device by removing the cable from the scanner.

The proper Wand Emulation cable must be connected between the scanner and the portable data terminal for remote data collection. If using an optional Smart Cable, the scanner automatically switches to Wand Emulation. Specific Wand Emulation parameters may still need to be set. If using a cable without Smart Cable switching, the user must then configure the scanner to its Wand Emulation mode by scanning the symbol CC.

CC Same Code Wand Emulation

This symbol activates the following default parameters:

Code Type = Same Code Wand Emulation

Code type, bar code polarity, and transmission rate can each be set for Wand Emulation. Menu symbols for these parameters are found in the section on Wand Emulation Parameters.

When the user with a Smart Cable again connects to the host device, the scanner will automatically revert to the original communication mode. Without Smart Cable, scan the appropriate programming symbol.

CE Enable Wedge

CA Enable Serial Mode

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Setup Overview

General setup parameters are divided into Keyboard Wedge options (communication to host through the terminal keyboard), Wand Emulation options (communication between the scanner and the host system’s decoder), and Serial Communication options (communications direct to the host system).

Default options are denoted throughout the manual as follows:

— Keyboard Wedge @

— Wand Emulatio n #

— Serial Communication *

Wedge Mode Options

Several wedge mode options are available. Consult the Keyboard Wedge Parameters section for a complete list.

Wand Emulation Options

The available wand emulation options, listed below, are found in the section Wand Emulation Parameters.

Bar Code Polarity

• Black High

• White High

Transmitted Code Type

• Same Code Wand Emulation

• Converted to Code 39 (full ASCII)

Simulated Scan Rate

• 5 inches per second

• 10 inches per second

• 15 inches per second

• 20 inches per second

• 50 inches per second

• 70 inches per second

8 User’s / Programming Guide

Data Synchronization

• Disable Data Synchronization

• Enable Data Synchronization

• Active Polarity High

• Active Polarity Low

Serial Communication and Wedge Options

The following communication options are used to define how your PSC scanner communicates with the host system through its serial interface or its keyboard wedge interface.

A message transmitted from the scanner upon a successful decode has the following format:

Prefix

Terminal

Preamble Code ID Data Postamble Suffix

Some of these attributes, e.g., prefix, preamble, etc., may not be required or may vary from one host system to another. The parameter selection process allows you to tailor these elements for the particular requirements of your host system. You may also program an intercharacter delay to prevent data overrun problems with your host terminal.

Options specific to serial communications are:

Baud Rate Protocol Parity Inverted Serial Stop Bits External Trigger Word Length Buffering Level

Each of these options is discussed in greater detail in the section on Serial Communication Parameters.

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Symbologies

The bar codes that can be read by PSC’s bar code scanners include:

Code 39 Code 93 Interleaved 2 of 5 Code 128 Standard 2 of 5 Codabar UPC-A, UPC-E Code 11 EAN/JAN MSI/Plessey

A complete list of the related options and the instructions for setting them are provided in the section on Symbologies.

Scanning problems are most often caused by poor quality bar code symbols. If scanning problems arise, test your bar code system using the high quality bar code test symbols

NOTE

supplied in this manual or contact your PSC Customer Service representative.

10 User’s / Programming Guide

Parameters Selection Guidelines

Three basic steps must be followed when selecting parameters for your scanner.

1. Review this manual to be sure you understand the terminology.

2. Review the requirements of your host system, with a technical expert from your company, if necessary. This will enable you to determine if any of the factory default settings must be altered.

3. Enable or disable the relevant parameters by scanning the appropriate menus. This operation is described in more detail in the following example.

Examples

Assume that the beeper volume is too loud at its default setting. To change the beeper volume from its default value of loud to a setting of low, locate the beeper volume bar code menu in the General Parameters section. Then scan the label to the left of Beeper On, Volume Low. The correct label is reproduced below.

AB Beeper On; Volume Low

When enabling or disabling a parameter, be sure the scanner beam illuminates only one bar code symbol at a time. The layout of this manual minimizes accidental multiple-label

NOTE

A successful scan is indicated by two short-high beeps. An unsuccessful scan produces no beeps and requires you to rescan the Beeper On; Volume Low bar code.

Most parameters are modified in this way, and you may resume normal bar code scanning when no further modifications are desired.

Some parameters require multiple scans to modify a setting; for example, Intercharacter Delay. If you wish to set this parameter to 5 milliseconds (msec.):

scanning.

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1. Scan the bar code beside Intercharacter Delay = XX and listen for one short-high beep.

2. After the beep, scan the bar code beside 0 on the Digit Selection page and listen for one short-high beep.

3. Still at the Digit Selection page, scan the bar code for 5 (the last argument in the command) and listen for two short beeps.

Your PSC scanner does not have a distinct programming mode. Instead, it automatically recognizes and reacts to the labels you scan. If, for example, you scan INTERCHARACTER DELAY = XX and then scan a normal data label, a normal tone is emitted in response to the data label, and the programming command is ignored. No special

exit code is required to resume normal operations.

12 User’s / Programming Guide

Serial Communication

Reset Default

To program the communication mode for serial asynchronous communication, scan the following label:

CA Select Serial Output

Baud Rate

There are seven standard serial communication baud rates to select from. Your scanner and the serial host computer must be set to the same baud rate. Select the correct rate.

DA Baud Rate = 300 Baud

DB Baud Rate = 600 Baud

DC Baud Rate = 1200 Baud

DD Baud Rate = 2400 Baud

DE Baud Rate = 4800 Baud

DF Baud Rate = 9600 Baud *

DG Baud Rate = 19200 Baud

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Data Transmission

Serial transmission data is composed of three of four different elements, depending upon host system requirements. These elements are the START bit, DATA bits (7 or 8 bits), OPTIONAL PARITY bits, and STOP bit (s) (1 or 2 bits).

The PARITY bit is used for error detection (e.g., data altered in transmission), but is not required by all systems. A parity bit, if required, will be in one of the following four formats:

If your system requires a WORD length of 7 bits, one or two STOP bits, and a PARITY check, select the appropriate option from Table 1.

Table 1. 7 Bit Options

Data

71Odd

71Even

71Mark

71Space

72Odd

Stop

Bits

Parity Option

EA*

72Even

14 User’s / Programming Guide

Table 1. 7 Bit Options

Data

72Mark

72Space

If your system requires a WORD length of 8 bits, 1 or 2 STOP bits, and PARITY check, select the appropriate option from the table below:

Stop

Bits

Parity Option

Table 2. 8 Bit Options

Data

81Odd

Stop

Bits

Parity Option

81Even

81Mark

81Space

06656 15

If your system requires a WORD length of 8 bits and 1 or 2 STOP bits, but no PARITY, select the option below:

Table 3. 8 Bit, No Parity

81None

PARITY check is not possible with this combination of STOP bits and WORD length.

Some receiving equipment requires inverted serial communication signals.

CD Inverted Serial Communications

Communications Protocol

XON/XOFF

Protocol controls data flow between your PSC scanner and a serial host computer. If Protocol = XON/XOFF is selected, the scanner recognizes the ASCII XON/XOFF characters. The host may then stop transmission with XOFF and resume with XON.

Controlled data flow is achieved between devices when the receiving device sends ASCII XON/XOFF codes to the transmitting device. In other words, when the receiving device is unable to accept data, it sends on XOFF code to inform the host to temporarily suspend data transmission.

When the receiving device “catches up,” it sends an XON code to inform the host that it is again ready to accept data. An advantage of this protocol is that additional hardware is not required for implementation; only transmit, receive, and signal ground are required.

16 User’s / Programming Guide

CTS

Like XON/XOFF protocol, CTS protocol is a mechanism used to control data flow out. The CTS input is used to inform the scanner that the host terminal is ready to accept scanned data. When CTS (+) protocol is selected, the scanner waits for a low level on its CTS input before transmitting data. When CTS (-) is selected, the signal polarities are reversed and a high level indicates data may be transmitted. The CTS protocol may be programmed independently of the RTS protocol; however, the signal polarities must be the same. You may not select CTS (+) and RTS (-).

RTS

The RTS output from the scanner may be programmed to operate in one of three different modes. In the default mode RTS signals when the scanner is ready to receive commands or data. In the second mode, RTS is in a fixed state. In the third mode, RTS signals when the scanner has data to transmit. The RTS modes are independent of the CTS protocol. However, you must select the same active state for RTS as for CTS. You may not select CTS (-) and RTS fixed low. If CTS (-) is selected, then the active state for RTS will be high.

The specified levels are at the modular connector and are inverted when using an RS232 converter pod.

NOTE

CTS Protocol = None*

HB Protocol = XON/XOFF

HC Protocol = CTS (-)

RTS low indicates scanner ready to receive data

06656 17

HD Protocol = CTS (+)

HG RTS always low

HH RTS always high

Another flow control option is available. If enabled, the stop/go protocol disables the trigger after every successful scan. The trigger is then re-enabled with a serial ‘BG’ command in format <STX><ESC>BG<ETX>.

BS Disable Stop/Go Protocol*

BT Enable Stop/Go Protocol

RTS high indicates scanner ready to receive data

RTS low indicates scanner has data to transmit

RTS high indicates scanner has data to transmit

18 User’s / Programming Guide

Label Buffering

The user may select one of three levels of serial buffering. With Full Buffering (the default) selected, the scanner will place all scanned labels into a buffer for transmission. This allows the operator to continue scanning even though the previous label may not have been transmitted yet. Scanning will continue normally until the buffer is full, then scanning will stop. Scanning will continue when enough space is available for the current label.

When No Buffering is selected then scanning will be stopped until the current label is completely transmitted.

When One Label Buffering is selected the scanner will allow the operator to scan one more label in addition to the label already in the transmit buffer. In other words, one label may be scanned beyond the label being transmitted.

NE Full Buffering

NF No Buffering

NG One Label Buffering

No Read Option

The scanner can be programmed to send a no read message (‘NR’) upon a scan that does not result in a good read.

NX Enable No Read

NY Disable No Read *

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Menu Commands Parameter Messages

In serial mode, most menu commands when scanned will provide a confirmation message to the host along with the ACK. This feature can be enabled or disabled.

BA Enable Parameter Messages *

BB Disable Parameter Messages

External Trigger Operation

External trigger operation enables an external device to control scanning. External trigger is controlled by applying an external trigger signal to the CTS input (with external triggering enabled). When active, this signal causes scanning to begin just as if the scanner’s trigger were depressed. Scanning continue until a label is decoded or the external trigger signal is deactivated.

In the event of a decode, the trigger signal must be deactivated for a minimum of 50 milliseconds before another scan can be attempted (“tying” the trigger signal active does not cause continuous scanning and decoding).

When EXTERNAL TRIGGER(+) is scanned, scanning begins when a high level input is applied to the CTS input. Conversely, when EXTERNAL TRIGGER(-) is scanned, scanning begins when a low level is applied to CTS. When CTS is not connected, it is treated as if a high level is applied. The voltage levels given are at the modular connector. If an RS232 converter pod is used, then the levels are inverted.

HA Disable External Trigger#*@

HE External Trigger(+)

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