Socket Gun Scanner (GS) 2X (Xtreme Performance) User Manual

Gun Scanner Series 2

Socket Gun Scanner (GS) 2X (Xtreme Performance) bar code laser scanning gun with CompactFlash card and cable for adding data collection functionality to a variety of Windows-based mobile computers

User’s Guide

8/2005 Document # 6410-00165 H

Copyright Notice

Socket, the Socket logo and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. GS 2X and SocketScan are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

The Bar Code Laser Scanning Card includes technology licensed under United States Patent Nos. 4,543,450, 4,603,320, 4,686,506, and 4,972,470.

Reproduction of the contents of this manual without the permission of Socket Communications is expressly prohibited. Please be aware that the products described in this manual may change without notice.

Feel free to contact SOCKET COMMUNICATIONS at:

Socket Communications, Inc.

37400 Central Court Newark, CA 94560

Other than the above, Socket Communications can assume no responsibility for anything resulting from the application of information contained in this manual.

Socket Communications requests that you refrain from any applications of the product that are not described in this manual. Please refrain from disassembling the card. Disassembly of this device will void the product warranty.

You can track new product releases, software updates and technical bulletins by visiting Socket’s web page at:

www.socketcom.com.

Table of Contents

1 | INTRODUCTION 5

About the Software 5 Package Contents 6 Scanner Maintenance 6

2 | SCANNING TIPS 7

Aiming 7 Decode Zone 8 LED Definitions 8 Beeper Definitions 9

3 | PREPARING FOR SETUP 10

4 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13

STEP 1: Install the Software 14 STEP 2: Insert the Card into your Device 16 STEP 3: Start SocketScan 17 STEP 4: Scan Data into a Windows Program 18 OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes 20 OPTIONAL: Configure Sounds 21 OPTIONAL: Configure Special Symbologies 22

5 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS 98SE/ME/2000/XP 23

STEP 1: Insert the Installation CD 24 STEP 2: Insert the Card into Your Computer 24 STEP 3: Configure for New Hardware 25 STEP 4: Install SocketScan Software 27 STEP 5: Scan Data into a Windows Program 28 OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes 30 OPTIONAL: Configure Sounds 31 OPTIONAL: Configure Symbologies 32

6 | USER PREFERENCES 33

Hints and Tips on Programming the Scanner 34 User Preferences 35

Set Default Parameters 35 Beeper Tone 35 Beeper Volume 36 Variable Length Scan Line 37 Laser On Time 38

Limited Warranty 56 Limited Software Warranty 57 Regulatory Compliance 58

1 | Introduction

The Socket GS 2X gives you the freedom of scanning bar codes anytime anywhere with a variety of Windows-based mobile computers. The system features the S-2208 scanner, which combines excellent scanning performance and advanced ergonomics to provide the best value in a lightweight laser scanner. The scanner ensures comfort and ease of use for extended periods of time.

The Bar Code Laser Scanning Card works in the CompactFlash or PC Card slot of the following mobile computers:

• Pocket PC 2000/2002/2003/2003SE

• HPC 2000 or pen tablet running Windows Mobile

• Notebook computer running Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP.

Operation in a PC Card slot requires a Type II PC Card adapter, (available separately, SKU# AC4001-979).

About the Software

The GS 2X include SocketScan™ keyboard emulation software, which enters scanned data directly into any active Windows program as if it were manually typed. This is known as a “keyboard wedge.”

Major bar code symbologies are automatically detected, including Code 39, UPC/EAN, and Code 128. Other symbologies can be enabled using the S-2208 Advanced Programming Guide from the Socket website.

You can configure SocketScan to automatically add prefix/suffixes (e.g., carriage return or tab) to scanned data, further eliminating the need for manual data entry. SocketScan also lets you configure a sound to indicate a good read.

Note: Prefix/suffixes can be enabled either in SocketScan or in the S-2208 laser gun, and the effect is cumulative.

For software updates, or to download the S-2208 Advanced Programming Guide, please visit:

www.socketcom.com/support/support_bar.asp

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5

Package Contents

• A Socket Bar Code Laser Scanning Card (CompactFlash), with cable

• A Socket GS 2X

• The SocketScan Installation CD

• The Quick Start Guide software installation, warranty, and copyright

information

• A Type I CompactFlash-to-PC Card adapter (optional)

Note: In case your scanner ever becomes damaged and you want to send it back to Socket for servicing, KEEP THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING. It is the approved container for shipping.

Scanner Maintenance

Cleaning the exit window is the only maintenance required. A dirty window may affect scanning accuracy.

• Do not allow any abrasive material to touch the window

• Remove any dirt particles with a damp cloth or tissue moistened with

ammonia/water. Do not spray water or other cleaning liquids directly into the window.

2 | Scanning Tips

Aiming

Do not hold the scanner directly over the bar code, with the laser beam perpendicular to the bar code. Laser light reflecting directly back into the scanner from the bar code is known as specular reflection. This specular reflection can make decoding difficult. You can tilt the scanner up to 55° forward or back and achieve a successful decode (Figure 2-3). Simple practice quickly shows what tolerances to work within.

Figure 2-1. Maximum Tilt Angles and Dead Zone

CHAPTER 2: SCANNING TIPS 7

Decode Zone

Figure 2-2. S 2208 Decode Zone

LED Definitions

In addition to beeper sequences, the scanner communicates with the user using a two-color LED display. Table 2-1 defines LED colors that display during scanning.

Table 2-1. Standard LED Definitions

LED Meaning

Off

Green A bar code was successfully decoded.

Red

No power is applied to the scanner, or the scanner is on and ready to scan.

A data transmission error or scanner malfunction occurred.

Beeper Definitions

The scanner emits different beeper sequences and patterns to indicate status of the scanner power, symbol decode, decode errors, etc.

Table 2-2. Standard Beeper Definitions

Usage Beeper Sequence Meaning

Standard Usage

Parameter Menu Scanning

Code 39 Buffering

Low/medium/high beep

Short high beep

4 long low beeps

5 low beeps Conversion or format error. Lo/hi/lo beep ADF transmit error. Hi/hi/hi/lo beep RS-232 receive error.

Short high beep

Lo/hi beep

Hi/lo beep

Hi/lo/hi/lo beep

Low/hi/low/hi beep

Hi/lo beep 3 Beeps - long high

beep

Lo/hi/lo beep

Power up. A bar code symbol was decoded (if decode

beeper is enabled). A transmission error was detected in a

scanned symbol. The data is ignored. This occurs if a unit i s not properly configured. Check option setting.

Correct entry scanned or correct menu sequence performed.

Input error, incorrect bar code or “Cancel” scanned, wrong entry, incorrect bar code programming sequence; remain in program mode.

Keyboard parameter selected. Enter value using bar code keypad.

Successful program exit with change in the parameter setting.

Out of host parameter storage space. Scan Set Default Parameter in Chapter 6.

New Code 39 data was entered into the buffer.

Code 39 buffer is full. The Code 39 buffer was erased or there

was an attempt to clear or transmit an empty buffer.

Lo/hi beep A successful transmission of buffered data

CHAPTER 2: SCANNING TIPS 9

3 | Preparing for Setup

This chapter explains preliminary steps that you should complete prior to installing the GS 2E. After completing the steps in this chapter, proceed to the appropriate chapter for the setup instructions for your specific Windows version.

This chapter covers the following:

• Registering your product

• Uninstalling old scanning software

• Attaching the interface cable

Register Your Product

Socket highly recommends that all users register their Socket products. Registered users receive priority for technical support. Register online at:

www.socketcom.com/prodreg

Product registration is not required to ensure your warranty rights.

Uninstall Old Scanning Software

Delete any bar code scanning software you may already have installed on your mobile computer.

Windows Mobile:

For Windows Mobile devices, you have two options for uninstalling scanning software.

OPTION 1: Uninstall Directly from Device

1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed, and remove the Bar

Code Laser Scanning Card from your mobile computer.

2. Tap Start | Settings. Tap on the System tab or Control Panel.

3. Tap on the Remove Programs icon.

4. Select the bar code scanning software, then tap Remove.

5. Tap Yes to confirm removal of the program.

OPTION 2 Uninstall via ActiveSync

1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed, and remove the Bar

Code Laser Scanning Card from your mobile computer.

2. Use ActiveSync and a serial/Ethernet/USB cable or cradle to make an

active connection between your Pocket PC and a host PC.

3. On the host PC, open Microsoft ActiveSync.

4. Click Tools | Add/Remove Programs.

5. Select the bar code scanning software and click Remove.

6. In the confirmation screen, click OK.

7. The next dialog will ask if you want to remove the software from your

host PC as well.

• Click NO to keep a copy of the software on the host PC that can later

be re-installed onto a Pocket PC.

• Click YES to remove the software from the host PC.

Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP:

1. Go to Start | Settings | Control Panel | Add or Remove Programs

2. Select the bar code scanning program and click Remove .

3. Follow the instructions on your screen until the program has been

removed.

CHAPTER 3: PREPARING FOR SETUP 11

Attach the Interface Cable

1. Plug the interface cable modular connector into the cable interface

port on the bottom of the scanner handle.

2. Gently tug the cable to ensure the connector is properly secured.

3. Connect the other end of the interface cable to the host (see the specific host chapter for information on host connections).

4 | Setup for Windows Mobile

This chapter shows how to install, configure, and use the Socket GS 2X on any of the following mobile computers based on Windows Mobile:

• Pocket PC 2000/2002/2003/2003SE

• HPC 2000 or pen tablet based on Windows Mobile

This chapter shows Pocket PC 2002 screens. Other Windows Mobile devices will have functionally equivalent screens except where otherwise noted.

Setup Summary

STEP 1: Install the software. STEP 2: Insert the Card into Your Device. STEP 3: Start SocketScan. STEP 4: Scan data into a Windows program.

OPTIONAL:

• Configure prefix/suffixes.

• Configure sounds.

• Manually configure symbologies or extensions.

CHAPTER 4: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13

STEP 1: Install the Software

Follow these steps for software installation BEFORE inserting the Bar Code Laser Scanning Card into your mobile computer.

1. Use ActiveSync and a serial/Ethernet/USB cable or cradle to make an active connection between the mobile computer and a host PC.

2. Insert the SocketScan Installation CD into your CD-ROM dr ive.

3. Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to access your CD-ROM drive. In the CD, click on SETUP.EXE.

4. Follow the instructions on the host PC screen to install the software for Windows CE.

• Read the information in the welcome screen and click next.

• In the Main Page, click Install Software.

• In the Installation screen, click Windows CE.

5. In the File Download screen, select the option that lets you OPEN (or run) the file from its current location.

IMPORTANT!

YOU MUST

OPEN

THE FILE!

NOT SAVE!

Note: If the File Download screen reports that the file may be harmful, disregard the warning and open the file.

6. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen until setup is done.

7. Disconnect the mobile computer from the host PC.

8. Soft reset the mobile computer by pressing the reset button.

Important! Be sure to soft reset your mobile computer after software installation!

Press the reset button, which may be located on the back of your mobile computer!

CHAPTER 4: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 15

STEP 2: Insert the Card into your Device

1. If you have not installed the interface cable yet, plug it in now. Refer to Chapter 2, “Preparing for Setup” for instructions.

2. Insert the Socket Bar Code Laser Scanning Card into the appropriate slot of your mobile computer.

To use the Bar Code Laser Scanning Card in a PC Card slot, first insert into a CompactFlash-to-PC Card adapter.

STEP 3: Start SocketScan

1. Pocket PC: Go to Start | Programs | SocketScan.

Tap on SocketScan.

HPC 2000: Tap on the SocketScan icon on your desktop.

2. Whenever SocketScan is running, either of two icons may appear in the menu bar (visible from the Today screen for Pocket PCs).

Scanning Card

detected

No scanning

card detected

3. Make sure the “Scanning Card detected” icon appears. If the “No scanning card detected” icon appears, you may have an improperly inserted card. Remove and reinsert the card, pushing it in all the way.

CHAPTER 4: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 17

STEP 4: Scan Data into a Windows Program

1. Make sure SocketScan is open.

2. Start the Windows application that you want to receive the data (e.g., Excel, Notepad, etc.).

Make sure a new document or spreadsheet is open.

For information about bar code scanning applications, please vist:

www.socketcom.com/solutions

3. Make sure all cable connections are secure.

4. Now you are ready to scan. Aim the scanner at the bar code and press the trigger.

Make sure the scan line crosses every bar and space of the symbol.

RIGHT WRONG

Important! Do not look directly into the laser beam or point it at a person!

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