Socket Mobile Series 7 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 or 5.0
• Palm OS 5.2 or later
• Windows XP or XP Tablet Edition
User’s Guide
5/2006 Document # 6410-00233 H
Copyright Notice
Copyright © 2006 Socket Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Socket, the Socket logo and Battery Friendly are registered trademarks of
Socket Communications, Inc. Cordless Hand Scanner with Bluetooth
Wireless Technology, SocketScan, Mobility Friendly, Connect!Agent, and
Error Proof Protocol are trademarks of Socket Communications, Inc.
Bluetooth and the Bluetooth logos are registered 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.
The Cordless Hand Scanner includes technology licensed under United
States Patent No. 5,902,991.
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
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 2
1 | INTRODUCTION 5
About the Software 5
About Combining Scanning with Bluetooth 6
System Requirements 7
Package Contents 7
Product Registration 8
Hardware Features 8
2 | HARDWARE PREPARATION 10
Installing Batteries and Attaching the Tether 10
Charging the Scanner 11
3 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 12
STEP 1: Install the Software 13
STEP 2: Configure Scanner Settings 15
STEP 3: Connect CHS to Host Device with Bluetooth 17
STEP 4: Scan Data into Your Application 19
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies 21
OPTIONAL: Configure Prefix/Suffixes 22
OPTIONAL: Run Scan Demo 23
4 | SETUP FOR PALM 24
STEP 1: Install the Software 25
STEP 2: Connect CHS to PDA with Bluetooth 26
STEP 6: Scan Data into Your Application 29
OPTIONAL: Configure Scan Settings 31
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies 33
OPTIONAL: Test Bar Codes 34
5 | SETUP FOR WINDOWS XP 35
STEP 1: Install the Software 36
STEP 2: Configure Bluetooth Settings 38
STEP 3: Configure Scanner Settings 44
STEP 4: Start SocketScan and Connect to CHS 46
STEP 5: Scan Data into Your Application 47
OPTIONAL: Assign Sound and Prefix/Suffix Settings 49
OPTIONAL: Configure Advanced Bluetooth Settings 50
OPTIONAL: Assign a Trigger Button 52
OPTIONAL: Select Symbologies 53
OPTIONAL: View Version Information 54
3
APPENDICES
A | SPECIFICATIONS 55
B | SAFETY AND USAGE TIPS 57
C | BAR CODE LABEL SPECIFICATIONS 59
D | ENABLING OR DISABLING SYMBOLOGIES 60
E | DECODE ZONE 63
F | TROUBLESHOOTING 64
G | TECHNICAL SUPPORT 68
LIMITED WARRANTY 69
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE 71
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 to your laptop,
tablet or desktop computer located up to 300 feet away — all without the
hassle of cables or the awkwardness of a protruding antenna.
Scanner Versions
The CHS Series 7 includes three versions of the scanner. The entry-level
CHS 7E uses linear CMOS imaging technology. The mid-level CHS 7M
has a Class 1 laser scanner. The performance level CHS 7P features a Class
2
laser scanner and a ruggedized construction.
About the Software
SocketScan™ enters scanned data directly into any open
Windows or Palm OS program as if the data were manually
typed, so you can use the CHS with your favorite application.
Included is a utility that enables you to configure
Prefix/Suffixes, sounds, and other special settings for the CHS.
Connect!Agent™ for Windows Mobile and XP simplifies Bluetooth by
automatically setting up and managing the wireless connection.
Connect!Agent runs in the background, requiring no user interaction.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 5
About Combining Scanning with Bluetooth
The Cordless Hand Scanner represents an optimal combination of proven
laser bar code scanning and state-of-the-art Bluetooth connectivity. Because
of the problems inherent in the intermittent storage of scanned data in o nboard 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 Cordless Hand Scanner features Socket’s
exclusive Error Proof Protocol (patent pending), which ensures that
scanned data is correctly received by the host computer and allows for realtime validation of data and notifies the user in case of errors.
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 or 5.0
− Palm OS 5.2 or later
− Windows XP or XP Tablet Edition
• 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)
− Broadcom (Widcomm) v1.4
− Microsoft Bluetooth stack for Pocket PCs
− Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2
− Toshiba Bluetooth stack 3.03.06 or greater (with Windows XP)
If you are using a Pocket PC or Palm device, during installation you will
need a desktop or laptop computer that meets these minimum requirements:
• Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 or XP
• Either Microsoft ActiveSync 4.0 or greater 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. For
Windows XP, only the IVT and Microsoft stacks are compatible with the
optional Socket Connect!Agent software.
For software updates, please visit:
www.socketcom.com/support/support_bar.asp
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.
Registered users receive the following benefits:
• Priority for technical support
• Special offers for future products and upgrades
• The latest new product information.
Register online at: www.socketcom.com/prodreg
Hardware Features
Rechargeable Batteries and AC Adapter
Charge the internal batteries 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 standard AAA nonrechargeable batteries are being used.
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.
Touch Screen Stylus
The CHS features a stylus tip in the tail of the CHS
that you can use Pocket PC and other device touch
screens. The stylus 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.
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. You can also
have the scanner beep to indicate scanned data reaching 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.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 9
2 | Hardware Preparation
Installing Batteries and Attaching the 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
Charging 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.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 11
3 | Setup for Windows Mobile
This chapter explains how to install and use the
Cordless Hand Scanner (CHS) with a Bluetooth
enabled Pocket PC or other mobile computing device
running Windows Mobile 2003, 2003SE or 5.0.
Before you begin the instructions in this chapter,
make sure you have installed the batteries (and tether,
if desired), and charged the scanner, as described in
Chapter 2, “Hardware Preparation.”
Setup Summary
STEP 1: Install the software.
STEP 2: Configure scanner settings.
STEP 3: Connect scanner to host device with Bluetooth.
STEP 4: Scan data into your application.
OPTIONAL:
• Select symbologies.
• Configure prefix/suffixes.
• Run Scan Demo.
12
STEP 1: Install the Software
You must install SocketScan, but installing Connect!Agent is optional.
Should I install Connect!Agent?
Connect!Agent simplifies Bluetooth by automatically setting up
and managing the Bluetooth connection. It runs in the background
and requires no interaction from the user. If you choose not to
install Connect!Agent, you will need to use your Bluetooth
software to manually configure and manage the Bluetooth
connection.
Software Installation
ADVANCED USERS: Refer to the README file for CAB installation
instructions.
1. Delete any bar code scanning software already installed in your device,
including software from other companies. Make sure the software is
closed. Tap Start | Settings | System tab | Remove Programs. Use the
utility to delete the software.
2. Use ActiveSync and a serial/USB cable or cradle to make an active
connection between the mobile computer and a host PC. ActiveSync
should say Connected, and the ActiveSync icon should turn green.
IMPORTANT! ActiveSync 4.0 or greater is required. Download it free
www.socketcom.com/activesync.
from
3. Insert the installation CD into your host PC.
4. Use My Computer or Windows Explorer to access your CD drive.
5. In the CD, open the SocketScanCE folder and click on Setup.exe.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 13
6. The installation wizard will automatically begin. Follow the wizard to
install the software.
7. After installing the software, a dialog on your Pocket PC will direct
you to soft reset. Tap ok.
8. Remove your device from the cable/cradle and perform a soft reset by
pressing the reset button. If you skip this step, some icons may not
appear correctly.
9. If desired, install Connect!Agent by opening the Connect!Agent folder in
the CD and clicking on Connect!AgentSetup.exe. Follow the wizard to
install the software.
14
STEP 2: Configure Scanner Settings
1. Tap Start | Programs | SocketScan.
2. Go to the Today screen by tapping Start | Today.
3. Tap the SocketScan icon at the bottom of the screen. In the pop-up
menu, tap Settings.
4. The Scanner Settings utility will appear. Tap on the CS tab at the bottom
of the screen.
5. Enter the following settings:
Enable Cordless Scanner support: Check this box. IMPORTANT!!!
Stack:
• Connect!Agent: Select if you installed Connect!Agent and would
like to use it.
• Built in: Select if your device has a built-in Bluetooth radio, and you
don’t want to use Connect!Agent. Your Bluetooth stack will be
reported (e.g., Widcomm).
• Socket: Select if using the Socket SD/CF Bluetooth card.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 15
6. Tap on the CS HW tab.
Enter the following settings:
• Trigger: Select whether you would like the CHS to scan only when a
Bluetooth connection to the device is detected. If you require the
CHS to detect a Bluetooth connection before each scan, scanning
will be a few milliseconds slower.
• Good Read Indicator: Select how you would like the CHS to indicate
that it has successfully read data.
• Battery Level: No progress bar should appear since you are not
connected to the CHS.
• Disable Auto Power Off mode: The CHS automatically shuts off if
there is no Bluetooth connection for 20 minutes. Check to disable.
7. After enterin g settings, tap ok to save the changes.
16
STEP 3: Connect CHS to Host Device with 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.
3. If you did not install Connect!Agent, make sure a COM port is enabled
for outbound
Bluetooth serial communication. Refer to the device
manual.
4. Tap Start | Programs | SocketScan.
Disregard the icons for Socket Trigger RFID,
Socket Trigger Scan, and Socket Trigger Select.
5. Tap on the SocketScan icon
at the bottom of the screen. In the menu,
tap Connect CS.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 17
6. You r device will begin searching for the CHS.
• If you installed Connect!Agent, your mobile device will automatically
search for and connect to the CHS. A beep will indicate the
connection.
• If you did not install Connect!Agent, your device’s Bluetooth
software will search for devices. In the list of found Bluetooth
devices, select Socket CHS. The device will connect to the CHS,
indicated by a beep.
If using the Broadcom (Widcomm) stack, you will be prompted to
configure automatic connections.
If a passkey is requested, enter 1234.
7. After you r mobile device connects to the CHS, the scanner will beep
once. The SocketScan icon at the bottom of the Today screen will
change into a scanner icon to indicate the connection.
Connect!Agent will save information about the CHS to automate future
connections to your specific unit.
18
STEP 4: 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. Place the cursor where you want data from the next scan to go.
3. Press the trigger button and scan the code.
When data is read and sent to the mobile computing device, the laser will
turn off. Depending on your scanner settings, the scanner may beep
and/or the Hand scanner’s LED may flash green to indicate a good
read.
If no data is read in a few seconds, the laser will turn off, and you must
try again.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 19
4. After a successful scan, data should appear in your document. For
example, after you scan a bar code 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.
Wait for the “Good Scan” indication before you scan another bar code.
If you try to scan too fast, the device can lock up un til you stop
scanning.
If your mobile device suspends or the CHS moves out of range, the
connection will end. After the mobile device turns on again or returns in
range, SocketScan will try to re-connect 3 times. If, after the 3 attempts,
they have not re-connected, you will need to manually re-connect the
devices.
To turn off the CHS, press the power button for at least 2 seconds, until
the LED stops blinking.
For information about third-party applications compatible with the CHS
for asset tracking, health care, and other vertical markets, visit:
www.socketcom.com/solutions/default.asp?Type=Vertical
20
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.
Symbologies not supported by the CHS will be grayed out.
Enabling all possible symbologies will make the decode
process slightly longer.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 21
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 Settings.
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.
By default, SocketScan enters a carriage return after every data scan.
• Use \r for Carriage Return, \n for Linefeed, \t for Tab., \\ for a sing le \
character.
• Other characters can be typed or entered using the format \nnn, where
nnn = ASCII character 001 through 255.
22
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 Start | Programs | Scan Demo.
Accessing Scan Demo disconnects the Bluetooth link. If you
have not configured the CHS to automatically connect, select
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 th e bar code. Scan Demo will report the properties of the bar code.
the CHS tab at the bottom of the page to re-establish this link.
CHAPTER 2: SETUP FOR WINDOWS MOBILE 23
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