Socket Mobile Cordless Hand Scanner User Manual
Cordless Hand Scanner Series 7
with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
Featuring a Bluetooth enabled bar code scanner and SocketScan
software for wirelessly adding bar code scanning to Bluetooth
enabled mobile computers running:
• Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE
• Palm OS 5.2 or later
• Windows XP or XP Tablet Edition
User’s Guide
July 2005 Document # 6410-00233 F
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2005 Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Socket, the Socket logo and Mobility Friendly are registered trademarks of
Socket Communications, Inc. Cordless Hand Scanner with Bluetooth
Wireless Technology is a trademark of Socket Communications, Inc.
Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG,
Inc., U.S.A. and licensed to Socket Communications, Inc. All other brand
and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
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.
Please refrain from any applications of the Socket Cordless Hand Scanner
that are not described in this manual. Please refrain from disassembling the
Cordless Hand Scanner. 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
About Combining Scanning with Bluetooth 6
System Requirements, Package Contents 7
Product Registration, Hardware Features 8
2 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 10
STEP 1: Install Batteries and Attach Tether 10
STEP 2: Charge the Scanner 11
STEP 3: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 11
STEP 4: Install the Software 12
STEP 5: Configure Scanner Settings 14
STEP 6: Connect Scanner to Pocket PC via Bluetooth 17
STEP 7: Scan Data into Your Application 21
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies 22
OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes 23
OPTIONAL: Run Scan Demo 24
OPTIONAL: Configure Automatic Connections 25
3 | SETUP FOR PALM 27
STEP 1: Install Batteries and Attach Tether 27
STEP 2: Charge the Scanner 28
STEP 3: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 28
STEP 4: Install the Software 29
STEP 5: Connect Scanner to PDA via Bluetooth 31
STEP 6: Scan Data into Your Application 34
OPTIONAL: Configure Scan Settings 35
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies 37
OPTIONAL: Test Bar Codes 38
4 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS XP 39
STEP 1: Install Batteries and Attach Tether 39
STEP 2: Charge the Scanner 40
STEP 3: Uninstall Other Scanning Software 40
STEP 4: Install the Software 41
STEP 5: Connect Scanner to Computer via Bluetooth 43
STEP 6: Configure Scanner Settings 48
STEP 7: Scan Data into Your Application 52
OPTIONAL: Assign Sound and Prefix/Suffix Settings 54
OPTIONAL: Configure Advanced Bluetooth Settings 55
OPTIONAL: Assign a Trigger Button 57
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies 58
OPTIONAL: View Version Information 59
3
APPENDICES
A | SPECIFICATIONS 60
B | SAFETY AND USAGE TIPS 62
C | BAR CODE LABEL SPECIFICATIONS 64
D | ENABLING OR DISABLING SYMBOLOGIES 65
E | DECODE ZONE 68
F | TROUBLESHOOTING 69
G | TECHNICAL SUPPORT 71
LIMITED WARRANTY 72
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 74
4
1 | Introduction
If you need to collect bar coded data but don't want to be tied to your mobile
or desktop computer, Socket's Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) Series 7 with
Bluetooth wireless technology is just what you're looking for. This
innovative device combines the power of laser bar code scanning with the
convenience of Bluetooth wireless technology in a single compact,
lightweight device that is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the
palm of your hand.
Bar code scanning is the most efficient way to collect data from a mobile
computer. If the data to be entered is bar coded, using a laser scanner is 50
times faster and 10,000 times more accurate than manual data entry.
Bluetooth wireless technology transforms how devices connect with each
other, offering you new possibilities for using your mobile computer with
other devices. With Socket's Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS), you can scan
bar codes while connected to the PDA in your pocket or your laptop or
desktop located up to 300 feet away — all without the hassle of cables or the
wkwardness of a protruding antenna. a
About the Software
SocketScan™ enters scanned data directly into any open
Windows or Palm OS program, as if the data were manually
typed. You can configure Prefix/Suffixes and assign a beep
tone to signify good data reads at the host.
The Socket CHS configuration utility makes it easy to
configure SocketScan for use with the Cordless Hand
Scanner. Simply identify which kind of Bluetooth hardware
you will be using on your mobile computer, and SocketScan
will automatically search for it when you try to connect.
Note: For Palm OS and Windows XP, the Socket CHS configuration utility
is integrated into the SocketScan program.
For software updates, please visit: www.socketcom.com/support/support_bar.asp
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5
About Combining Scanning with Bluetooth
The Cordless Hand Scanner represents an optimal combination of proven
laser bar code scanning technology and state-of-the-art Bluetooth
connectivity. Because of the problems inherent in the intermittent storage of
scanned data in on-board memory if the Bluetooth connection is lost, the
CHS is designed to operate only when connected to the host, with the
powerful Class 1 radio providing the maximum possible connection range.
The user is advised of the connection status with a single beep when the
CHS connects to the host and a double beep when the connection is closed
or lost. As with any wireless device, connectivity range can be affected by a
variety of environmental variables.
The most likely source of errors in any cordless scanning system is not in
the scanning and decoding process, but in the transmission of the data to the
host. For this reason, the beeper and green LED signals provided by the
CHS confirm not only a successful scan but also the successful
transmission of the scanned data to the host. Users familiar with bar code
scanning may notice a slight delay between the successful scan and shut off
of the laser and the beep and green LED from the CHS confirming
completed transmission of the data. In most instances, this delay is less than
300 ms (milliseconds), but may be slightly longer as the connectivity range
limit is approached.
Because of the two-way transmission verification process, it is
possible to cause communication problems by scanning bar
codes as fast as possible. When this occurs, all transmissions
will stop for several seconds before scanning can be resumed. To
prevent this from happening, the user should wait until the
confirming beep is received before scanning the next bar code.
6
System Requirements
Your mobile computer should meet these minimum requirements:
• Any of the following operating systems:
− Windows Mobile 2003/2003SE
− Palm OS 5.2 or later
− Windows XP or Tablet XP
• Any of the following Bluetooth stacks:
− Socket Drakar v1.4 (from Socket SDIO and CF Connection Kits)
− IVT BlueSoleil v1.4.7 or later (from Socket CF Connection Kit with Adapter
or Socket Class 1 USB Adapter)
− Widcomm v1.4
− Microsoft Bluetooth stack for Pocket PCs
− Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
If you are using a Pocket PC or Palm device, during installation you will
need a deskop or laptop computer that meets these minimum requirements:
• Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP
• Either Microsoft ActiveSync or Palm Desktop Software
For information about using the CHS with Symbian Series 60 devices,
please visit:
www.socketcom.com/product/cordless.asp?Type=Scanner
Support for other Bluetooth stacks is planned for future releases.
Package Contents
The Socket Cordless Hand Scanner package includes these items:
• Socket Cordless Hand Scanner with
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
• AC charging adapter with international
plugs
• 2 NiMH rechargeable AAA batteries
• Lanyard with retractable tether
• Software Installation CD
• Booklets with copyright, warranty, and
regulatory compliance information
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 7
Product Registration
Socket highly recommends that all customers register their Socket products.
Product registration is required for technical support. Register online at:
www.socketcom.com/prodreg
Hardware Features
Rechargeable Battery and AC Adapter
Recharge the internal battery by using the included AC adapter. The adapter
rating is 5V, 2A, positive pole center. A fully charged battery should
provide roughly 8 hours of normal operation.
WARNING: Charge ONLY NiMH batteries in the CHS.
Damage may result if other battery types are charged.
Do not store the CHS for more than 30 days with the
batteries installed.
The red Battery Status LED will not function properly if
Besides the included AC adapter, you can also recharge the CHS by using
any of the following:
• Socket’s Mobile Power Pack. For more information, please visit:
www.socketcom.com/product/AC4009-541.asp
• AC and DC adapters of most recent Pocket PCs from Casio, Compaq,
Dell, Fujitsu, and Toshiba are also compatible.
standard AAA non-rechargeable batteries are being used..
8
Status Indicator LED
LED LED Activity Meaning
Bluetooth
Status
(Blue)
Good Read
(Green)
Battery
Status
(Red)
1 blink per second
1 blink per 5 seconds
Green
1 blink per second
Solid red Batteries are charging.
Off when connected
to charger
Bluetooth radio is on, but not
connected.
Bluetooth radio is on, connection
established.
Data successfully scanned and
transmitted to host device.
Less than 20% of battery life
remaining.
Batteries are fully charged.
Status Indicator Beeps
The scanner beeps to signal the Bluetooth connection status. Optionally,
you can also set the scanner to beep every time it successfully scans data
and transmits it to the host device.
LED Beep Pattern Meaning
Bluetooth
Status
(Blue)
Good Read
(Green)
1 beep Connection to host device has begun.
2 beeps Connection to host device has ended.
1 beep
Data was successfully scanned and
transmitted to host device.
Touch Screen Stylus
The touch screen stylus in the tail of the CHS can be removed with small
pliers if desired. Visit the Socket website to purchase replacement styli.
WARNING: Do not use the stylus if damaged. A damaged
stylus may scratch the display screen of your computer.
The stylus does not work with XP Tablet computers using
Active Matrix displays.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 9
2 | Setup for Windows Mobile
This chapter explains how to install and use the Cordless Hand Scanner
(CHS) with a Bluetooth enabled Pocket PC 2003.
Setup Summary
STEP 1: Install batteries and attach tether.
STEP 2: Charge the scanner.
STEP 3: Uninstall other scanning software.
STEP 4: Install the software.
STEP 5: Configure scanner settings.
STEP 6: Connect scanner to Pocket PC via Bluetooth.
STEP 7: Scan data into your application.
OPTIONAL:
• Select symbologies.
• Configure prefix/suffixes.
• Run Scan Demo application.
• Configure automatic connections.
STEP 1: Install Batteries and Attach Tether
1. Use a coin or screwdriver to unlock and remove the battery cover. Turn
the lock underneath the scanner to a horizontal position. Remove the
casing.
2. Install the batteries in opposite directions, as indicated by the positive
symbols.
WARNING: Do not install the batteries incorrectly.
Damage may result.
3. If desired, attach the tether. Wrap the string loop around the inside part
of the lock.
4. Replace the battery cover and lock it into place.
5. If desired , attach the tether to a lanyard or belt.
10
STEP 2: Charge the Scanner
Use the included AC adapter to charge the Cordless Hand Scanner. The
scanner’s NiMH batteries must be charged for at least 4 hours before the
first use. The Battery Status LED will emit a solid red light while charging,
and turn off when the batteries are fully charged.
WARNING: Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries —
this may cause alkaline batteries to leak and damage the
CHS.
The red Battery Status LED will not function properly if
standard AAA alkaline batteries are being used.
STEP 3: Uninstall Other Scanning Software
Delete any bar code scanning software you may already have installed on
your Pocket PC. You can uninstall either directly from your Pocket PC, or
indirectly via ActiveSync.
OPTION 1: Uninstall Directly from the Pocket PC
1. Remove any scanning hardware from the Pocket PC.
2. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed.
3. Tap Start | Settings. Tap on the System tab or Control Panel.
4. Tap on the Remove Programs icon.
5. Select the bar code scanning software, then tap Remove.
6. Tap Yes to confirm removal of the program.
7. Soft reset the Pocket PC by pressing the reset button.
OPTION 2: Uninstall via ActiveSync
1. Make sure the bar code scanning software is closed.
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. A screen will ask if you also want to remove the software from the host PC.
If desired, click NO to keep a copy of the software on the host PC that
can later be re-installed onto a Pocket PC.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 11
STEP 4: Install the Software
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 installation CD into your host PC.
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 your screen to begin the installation process
for Windows CE (also compatible with Windows Mobile 2003).
• Read the instructions in the Welcome screen, then click Next.
• In the Main Page, click Install Software.
• In the Installation screen, click Windows CE.
12
5. In th e File Download screen click Run.
6. If a Security Warning screen appears, click Run.
7. The SocketScan for Windows CE Setup Program will begin. Follow the
instructions on your screen to install the software.
8. When software installation is complete, disconnect the Pocket PC from
the host PC. Soft reset the Pocket PC by pressing the reset button.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13
STEP 5: Configure Scanner Settings
1. Start the Socket CHS configuration utility.
Tap Start | Settings | System | Socket CHS.
2. In the General screen, check the box Enable Socket CHS Support.
3. In the Port configuration field, select the Bluetooth hardware that you are
using with your Pocket PC. Depending on which option you select,
additional fields may appear.
Device information will also appear on the screen if you have
previously connected to the CHS.
• Socket: Select if you are using the Socket SDIO/CF Connection Kit.
• Built-in: Select if your device has Bluetooth built in. The software
will automatically detect the type of stack and provide customized
fields.
Widcomm: No further settings are required in this screen.
The checkbox Automatically
connect to CHS will appear gray
until you successfully connect
to the CHS. If desired, return to
the utility after connecting and
check the box for your Pocket
PC to automatically connect to
the CHS whenever you start
SocketScan.
14
Microsoft: You must assign the CHS as your favorite. Tap on the
Favorite button to initiate a Bluetooth device search.
When the CHS is found, select it from the list and tap OK.
4. Tap on the Scanner tab. Enter the following settings:
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 15
• Trigger Operation:
− Scan always: Select if you would like the CHS to scan whether or not
it has a Bluetooth connection to the host device.
− Scan only when connected to host: Select if you would like the CHS
to detect a Bluetooth connection to the host device before it scans.
Scanning will be a few milliseconds slower. This option allows the
CHS to be triggered remotely if needed.
• Good Read Indicator: Select how would like the scanner to indicate that data
has been successfully scanned and transmitted to the host device.
− Beep: If desired, select the KHz of the beep used to indicate good
reads. If operating the CHS in a noisy environment, adjust the KHz
as needed.
− Flash green LED: Check to have the CHS LED flash green to indicate
good reads.
The delay in the ‘good scan’ indicator increases with the
distance from the host, giving the user valuable feedback
about the strength of the connection.
• CHS Battery Level: No progress bar should appear since you have not yet
connected to the CHS. Later, when the CHS is connected to your Pocket
PC, you can return to this utility to view the battery level.
• Disable CHS Auto Power Off mode: By default, the CHS will automatically
shut off if no Bluetooth connection has been established for 20 minutes.
Check the box to disable this mode.
5. After modifying any settings, tap ok. If you enabled the Flash green LED
setting, the CHS will beep once to confirm. If SocketScan is already
open, you must close and reopen SocketScan for the changes to take
effect.
16
STEP 6: Connect Scanner to Pocket PC via Bluetooth
1. Turn on the Cordless Hand Scanner. Press the small
power button for five seconds, until you see the LED
turn blue. The LED should blink blue once every second
to show that the Bluetooth radio is on but not connected.
If the LED begins blinking red, the battery needs to be
recharged.
2. Prepare the Bluetooth hardware for your Pocket PC. Make sure the
Bluetooth radio is turned on. If needed, make sure a COM port is
enabled for outbound Bluetooth Serial communications, and note
the COM port number. Refer to the documentation for your Bluetooth
hardware for instructions.
Socket SDIO or CF Connection Kit:
• Insert the Socket SDIO or CF Bluetooth card into your Pocket PC.
• Make sure a Bluetooth COM port is enabled. Tap Bluetooth icon |
Advanced Features | My Bluetooth Device | COM Ports tab. Make sure
the box Bluetooth COM Port is checked.
• If the COM port cannot be enabled, you need to disable the IrDA
port first. Tap Start | Settings | System | IrDA. Follow the instructions
to disable the IrDA port, then repeat the instructions above to enable
the Bluetooth COM port.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 17
3. Start SocketScan. Tap Start | Programs | SocketScan.
4. The SocketScan icon should appear in the task tray (visible in the
Today screen), indicating that your device is not currently connected to
the CHS. Tap on the icon. In the pop-up menu, select Connect CHS.
Your Pocket PC cannot connect to the CHS if another device
is assigned as the favorite/default Bluetooth serial device. If
needed, remove any such settings.
• If using the Socket SDIO or CF card, from the Bluetooth
Devices folder, tap Tools | My Favorites | COM Ports tab.
If the Connect CHS option does not appear, use the Socket
CHS configuration utility to enable SocketScan for use with
the CHS. See Step 5: Configure Scanner Settings.
5. You r Pocket PC will begin searching for Bluetooth enabled devices in
range. After it finishes searching, select the CHS from the list of
discovered devices. The screen will vary depending on which Bluetooth
hardware you are using on your Pocket PC.
18
The Cordless Hand Scanner will appear as Socket CHS [xxxxxx], where
the characters in brackets are the last 6 characters of the scanner’s
Bluetooth MAC address.
Socket stack Widcomm stack, Fujitsu Pocket LOOX
If multiple Cordless Hand Scanners were detected, identify
yours by checking the MAC address printed on a label in the
battery compartment.
Your screen may vary if you are using different Bluetooth
hardware/software.
6. If using the Widcomm stack, you may be prompted to configure
automatic connections. Tap Yes or No.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 19
7. Your device will automatically connect to the CHS. If a passkey is
requested, enter 1234. To indicate the connection, the CHS will
beep once, and the SocketScan icon will change to show an image
of the scanner.
Note: If you are using the
Socket SDIO or CF card, the
Socket Bluetooth icon in the
task tray will also begin
blinking to indicate that the
devices have connected.
If the Pocket PC suspends or the CHS is taken out of range, the
Bluetooth connection will be lost. After the Pocket PC comes out
of suspend mode or returns within range, SocketScan will try to
re-establish the connection every 10 seconds for 30
seconds.
For more information about the meanings of LEDs and beeps,
please see page 9.
20
STEP 7: Scan Data into Your Application
1. Start the Windows application that you want to receive the data (e.g.,
Excel, Notepad, etc.). Make sure a document or spreadsheet is open.
2. Press the trigger button and scan the code. For example, try this bar code:
When data is read and transmitted to the host, the laser will
turn off. Depending on the settings you chose in the Socket
CHS configuration tool, the scanner may beep and/or the LED
may flash green. If the Scanner fails to read data within a few
seconds, the laser will turn off, and you must try again.
3. After a successful scan, data should appear in your document. For
example, after you scan the code above into a Pocket Excel spreadsheet,
data should appear in the first cell. The default “CR” (carriage return)
suffix will advance the cursor to the next cell, ready for the next scan.
Note:
Wait for the “Good Scan”
indication before you scan another
bar code. If you try to scan too fast,
the device can lock up until you stop
scanning.
If your device enters sleep mode, the
Bluetooth connection may be lost,
and you may need to re-connect the
devices.
For information about bar code
scanning applications, please visit:
www.socketcom.com/solutions
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 21
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies
The applet makes it quick and convenient to modify which symbologies
you want the scanner to recognize. By default, the scanner is set to
recognize nine of the most common symbologies.
1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Symbology Selector...
2. In the screen that appears, check the symbologies you wish to enable.
Uncheck those you wish to disable. Tap ok.
22
Symbologies not supported by the CHS will be grayed out.
Enabling all possible symbologies will make the decode
process slightly longer.
OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes
The SocketScan applet lets you specify prefix and/or suffix characters to be
added automatically to the data you scan. This helps to further eliminate
manual data entry.
1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Prefix/Suffix.
You can configure prefix/suffixes whether or not the CHS is
connected to your Pocket PC.
2. In the pop-up menu, select Prefix/Suffix...
3. In the screen that appears, enter the characters you want to be appended
to each scan (128 character maximum). Tap ok.
Only printable ASCII characters can be used as prefixes or
suffixes. The default suffix is a carriage return.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 23
OPTIONAL: Run Scan Demo
Scan Demo makes it easy to determine the symbology, number of
characters, and decoded data (in either ASCII or Hex) of any bar code
supported by the scanner. This is especially useful if you encounter a bar
code that the scanner will not decode by default.
1. Tap on the SocketScan icon. In the pop-up menu, tap Scan Demo. This
will close SocketScan and open Scan Demo as a separate application.
Accessing Scan Demo disconnects the Bluetooth link. If you
have not configured the CHS to automatically connect, select
the CHS tab at the bottom of the page to re-establish this link.
2. The Scan Demo screen will appear. If desired, use the check boxes at
the bottom of the screen to modify the test.
Enable all symbologies: By default, this option is checked. Different
symbologies can sometimes interpret the same bar code differently, so
you may want to uncheck this option.
Display as hex data: Check this box to view scanned data in hexadecimal
format. Otherwise, data will appear as ASCII.
3. Scan the bar code. Scan Demo will report the properties of the bar code.
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