Zebra DS8178 User Manual

DS8178

MN-002752-02

Digital Scanner

Product Reference Guide

DS8178 DIGITAL SCANNER

PRODUCT REFERENCE GUIDE

MN-002752-02

Revision A

March 2017

ii DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form, or by any electrical or mechanical means,
without permission in writing from Zebra. This includes electronic or mechanical means, such as photo copying,
recording, or information storage and retrieval systems. The material in this manual is subject to change
without notice.

The software is provided strictly on an “as is” basis. All software, including firmware, furnished to the user is on
a licensed basis. Zebra grants to the user a non-transferable and non-exclusive license to use each software
or firmware program delivered hereunder (licensed program) . Except as n oted below, such license may not be
assigned, sub-licensed, or otherwise transferred by the user without prior written consent of Zebra. No right to
copy a licensed program in whole or in part is granted, except as permitted under copyright law. The user shall
not modify , merge, or incorporate any for m or portion of a licensed program with other pro gram material, create
a derivative work from a licensed program , or us e a li censed program in a network without written permission
from Zebra. The user agrees to maintain Zebra’s copyright notice on the licensed programs delivered
hereunder , and to include the same on any au thorized copies it m akes, in whole or in part. The user agrees not
to decompile, disassemble, decode, or reverse engineer any licensed program delivered to the user or any
portion thereof.

Zebra reserves the right to make changes to any software or product to improve reliability, function, or design.
Zebra does not assume any product liability arising out of, or in connection with, the application or use of any

product, circuit, or application described herein.
No license is granted, either expressly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise under any Zebra Technologies

Corporation, intellectual property rights. An implied license only exists for equipment, circuits, and su bsystems
contained in Zebra products.

Warranty

For the complete Zebra hardware product warranty statement, go to:

http://www.zebra.com/warranty

Revision History

Changes to the original guide are listed below:

Change Date Description

Rev . A 01/2017 Initial Release
Rev . A 03/2017 Updated:

.

- Sample bar codes appendix

- OCR chapter

- Uncropped image sizes

- Maintenance/Tech Specs chapter name

- Matrix 2 of 5 default

- Parameter name change: GS1 DataBar-14 to GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
Added:

- DigiMarc chapter

- Unpairing note

- Baud Rate 4800 (removed note: The digital scann er d oes n ot supp or t b aud ra te s
below 9600)

- Troubleshooting bar codes

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warranty ............................................................................................................................................ ii

Revision History................................................................................................................................. ii

About This Guide

Introduction...................................................................................................................................... xix

Configurations.................................................................................................................................. xix

Digital Scanner........................................................................................................................... xix

Cradles....................................................................................................................................... xx

Related Product Line Configurations............................................................................................... xx

Cables........................................................................................................................................ xx

Chapter Descriptions .............................................................................................................................xxi

Notational Conventions................................................................................................................... xxii

Related Documents ....................................................................................................................... xxiii

Service Information........................................................................................................................ xxiii

Chapter 1: Getting Started

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Interfaces ....................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

DS8178 Features ........................................................................................................................... 1-2

Cradle Features ............................................................................................................................. 1-2

Standard Cradle ....................................................................................................................... 1-3

Presentation Cradle ................................................................................................................. 1-4

Connecting the Cradle ............................................................................................................. 1-4

Changing the Host Interface .................................................................................................... 1-4

Using a DC Power Supply ........................................................................................................ 1-5

Mounting the Cradle ................................................................................................................. 1-5

Using the Document Capture Stand .............................................................................................. 1-6

Charging the DS8178 Battery ........................................................................................................ 1-7

Recovering a Discharged Battery ............................................................................................ 1-7

Shutting Off the Digital Scanner Battery .................................................................................. 1-8

Inserting the Battery ................................................................................................................. 1-9

Removing the Battery ............................................................................................................. 1-11

Inserting the Scanner in the Cradles ............................................................................................ 1-12

iv DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Sending Data to the Host Computer ............................................................................................ 1-13

Pairing .................................................................................................................................... 1-13

Lost Connection to Host ......................................................................................................... 1-13

Configuring the Scanner .............................................................................................................. 1-13

Radio Communications ................................................................................................................ 1-13

Accessories .................................................................................................................................. 1-14

Chapter 2: Data Capture

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 2-1

Beeper and LED Indications .......................................................................................................... 2-1

Digital Scanner Indications ....................................................................................................... 2-1

Cradle LED Indications ............................................................................................................ 2-4

Scanning ........................................................................................................................................ 2-5

Hand-Held Scanning ................................................................................................................ 2-5

Hands-Free Scanning .............................................................................................................. 2-6

Aiming with Digital Scanner ..................................................................................................... 2-7

Decode Ranges ............................................................................................................................. 2-9

Chapter 3: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3-1

Maintenance .................................................................................................................................. 3-1

Known Harmful Ingredients ...................................................................................................... 3-1

Approved Cleaners for Standard DS8178 Digital Scanners

and CR8178 Cradles .......................................................................................................... 3-2

Approved Disinfectant Cleaners for Healthcare Configurations

of the DS8178 Digital Scanners and CR8178 Cradles ...................................................... 3-2

Cleaning the Digital Scanner .................................................................................................... 3-3

Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 3-4

Dump Scanner Parameters ...................................................................................................... 3-7

Send Versions .......................................................................................................................... 3-8

Report Software Version .................................................................................................... 3-8

Serial Number .................................................................................................................... 3-8

Manufacturing Information ................................................................................................. 3-8

Technical Specifications ................................................................................................................ 3-9

Cradle Signal Descriptions ........................................................................................................... 3-13

Chapter 4: Radio Communications

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Setting Parameters ....................................................................................................................... 4-1

Scanning Sequence Examples ................................................................................................ 4-2

Errors While Scanning ............................................................................................................. 4-2

Radio Communications Parameter Defaults .................................................................................. 4-2

Wireless Beeper Definitions ........................................................................................................... 4-4

Radio Communication Host Types ................................................................................................ 4-4

Bluetooth Classic vs. Low Energy Bluetooth ............................................................................ 4-4

Cradle ....................................................................................................................................... 4-4

Human Interface Device (HID) Keyboard Emulation ................................................................ 4-5

Simple Serial Interface (SSI) .................................................................................................... 4-6

Table of Contents v

Serial Port Profile (SPP) ........................................................................................................... 4-8

Bluetooth Technology Profile Support ...................................................................................... 4-9

Master/Slave Set Up ................................................................................................................ 4-9

Master ................................................................................................................................ 4-9

Slave .................................................................................................................................. 4-9

Bluetooth Friendly Name ............................................................................................................... 4-9

Discoverable Mode ................................................................................................................ 4-10

Wi-Fi Friendly Mode ..................................................................................................................... 4-11

Notes ...................................................................................................................................... 4-11

Wi-Fi Friendly Channel Exclusion .......................................................................................... 4-11

Wi-Fi Channel Exclusion .................................................................................................. 4-11

Radio Output Power ..................................................................................................................... 4-13

Link Supervision Timeout ....................................................................................................... 4-14

Bluetooth Radio State .................................................................................................................. 4-15

HID Host Parameters ................................................................................................................... 4-15

Bluetooth HID - Wait for Connection ...................................................................................... 4-15

HID Features for Apple iOS ................................................................................................... 4-16

HID Keyboard Keystroke Delay ............................................................................................. 4-17

HID CAPS Lock Override ....................................................................................................... 4-17

HID Ignore Unknown Characters ........................................................................................... 4-18

Emulate Keypad ..................................................................................................................... 4-18

Fast HID Keyboard ................................................................................................................. 4-19

Quick Keypad Emulation ........................................................................................................ 4-19

HID Keyboard FN1 Substitution ............................................................................................. 4-20

HID Function Key Mapping .................................................................................................... 4-20

Simulated Caps Lock ............................................................................................................. 4-21

Convert Case ......................................................................................................................... 4-21

Auto-Reconnect Feature .............................................................................................................. 4-22

Reconnect Attempt Beep Feedback ...................................................................................... 4-22

Reconnect Attempt Interval .................................................................................................... 4-23

Auto-Reconnect ..................................................................................................................... 4-24

Out of Range Indicator ................................................................................................................. 4-24

Beep on Insertion ......................................................................................................................... 4-25

Beep on <BEL> ............................................................................................................................ 4-25

Digital Scanner(s) To Cradle Support .......................................................................................... 4-26

Modes of Operation ................................................................................................................ 4-26

Point-to-Point Communication ......................................................................................... 4-26

Multipoint-to-Point Communication .................................................................................. 4-26

Parameter Broadcast (Cradle Host Only) .............................................................................. 4-27

Pairing .................................................................................................................................... 4-27

Pairing Modes .................................................................................................................. 4-27

Lock Override ................................................................................................................... 4-28

Pairing Methods ..................................................................................................................... 4-29

Unpairing .......................................................................................................................... 4-29

Toggle Pairing .................................................................................................................. 4-30

Pairing Bar Code Format ....................................................................................................... 4-30

Pairing Bar Code Example ............................................................................................... 4-30

Connection Maintenance Interval ........................................................................................... 4-31

Considerations ................................................................................................................. 4-31

Batch Mode .................................................................................................................................. 4-33

vi DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Modes of Operation .......................................................................................................... 4-33

Persistent Batch Storage ............................................................................................................. 4-35

Page Button ................................................................................................................................. 4-36

Page Options ............................................................................................................................... 4-37

Page Mode ............................................................................................................................. 4-37

Page State Timeout ............................................................................................................... 4-37

Bluetooth Classic and/or Low Energy (Cradle Host Only) ........................................................... 4-38

Bluetooth Security ........................................................................................................................ 4-38

PIN Code ................................................................................................................................ 4-38

Variable PIN Code ............................................................................................................ 4-39

Bluetooth Security Levels ....................................................................................................... 4-40

Bluetooth Radio, Linking, and Batch Operation ........................................................................... 4-41

Setting Up an iOS or Android Product To Work With The Digital Scanner ............................ 4-41

Chapter 5: User Preferences

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 5-1

Scanning Sequence Examples ...................................................................................................... 5-2

Errors While Scanning ................................................................................................................... 5-2

User Preferences Parameter Defaults ........................................................................................... 5-2

Parameters .................................................................................................................................... 5-5

Default Parameters .................................................................................................................. 5-5

Parameter Bar Code Scanning ................................................................................................ 5-6

Beep After Good Decode ......................................................................................................... 5-6

Direct Decode Indicator ............................................................................................................ 5-7

Beeper Volume ........................................................................................................................ 5-8

Beeper Tone ............................................................................................................................ 5-9

Beeper Duration ..................................................................................................................... 5-10

Suppress Power Up Beeps .................................................................................................... 5-10

Decode Pager Motor (DS8178-HC Only) ............................................................................... 5-11

Decode Pager Motor Duration (DS8178-HC Only) ................................................................ 5-11

Night Mode Trigger (DS8178-HC Only) ................................................................................. 5-13

Night Mode Toggle ........................................................................................................... 5-13

Lamp Mode ............................................................................................................................ 5-13

Lamp Mode Control ................................................................................................................ 5-14

Lamp Mode Timeout .............................................................................................................. 5-15

Low Power Mode ................................................................................................................... 5-16

Time Delay to Low Power Mode ............................................................................................ 5-17

Timeout to Low Power Mode from Auto Aim .......................................................................... 5-19

Hand-Held Trigger Mode ........................................................................................................ 5-20

Hands-Free Mode .................................................................................................................. 5-21

Hand-Held Decode Aiming Pattern ........................................................................................ 5-22

Hands-Free Decode Aiming Pattern ...................................................................................... 5-23

Picklist Mode .......................................................................................................................... 5-24

FIPS Mode ............................................................................................................................. 5-25

Continuous Bar Code Read ................................................................................................... 5-25

Unique Bar Code Reporting ................................................................................................... 5-26

Decode Session Timeout ....................................................................................................... 5-26

Hands-free Decode Session Timeout .................................................................................... 5-27

Timeout Between Decodes, Same Symbol ............................................................................ 5-28

Table of Contents vii

Timeout Between Decodes, Different Symbols ...................................................................... 5-28

Triggered Timeout, Same Symbol ......................................................................................... 5-29

Decode Mirror Images (Data Matrix Only) ............................................................................. 5-30

Mobile Phone/Display Mode .................................................................................................. 5-31

PDF Prioritization ................................................................................................................... 5-32

PDF Prioritization Timeout ..................................................................................................... 5-33

Presentation Mode Field of View ........................................................................................... 5-33

Decoding Illumination ............................................................................................................. 5-34

Motion Tolerance (Hand-Held Trigger Modes Only) .............................................................. 5-34

Battery Threshold ................................................................................................................... 5-35

Add an Enter Key ................................................................................................................... 5-36

Transmit Code ID Character .................................................................................................. 5-36

Prefix/Suffix Values ................................................................................................................ 5-38

Scan Data Transmission Format ............................................................................................ 5-39

FN1 Substitution Values ......................................................................................................... 5-40

Transmit “No Read” Message ................................................................................................ 5-41

Unsolicited Heartbeat Interval ................................................................................................ 5-42

Chapter 6: Imaging Preferences

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6-1

Scanning Sequence Examples ...................................................................................................... 6-2

Errors While Scanning ................................................................................................................... 6-2

Imaging Preferences Parameter Defaults ...................................................................................... 6-2

Imaging Preferences ...................................................................................................................... 6-4

Operational Modes ................................................................................................................... 6-4

Decode Mode ..................................................................................................................... 6-4

Snapshot Mode .................................................................................................................. 6-4

Image Capture Illumination ...................................................................................................... 6-5

Image Capture Autoexposure .................................................................................................. 6-5

Fixed Exposure ........................................................................................................................ 6-6

Fixed Gain ................................................................................................................................ 6-6

Gain/Exposure Priority for Snapshot Mode .............................................................................. 6-7

Snapshot Mode Timeout .......................................................................................................... 6-8

Snapshot Aiming Pattern ......................................................................................................... 6-9

Silence Operational Mode Changes ........................................................................................ 6-9

Image Cropping ...................................................................................................................... 6-10

Crop to Pixel Addresses ......................................................................................................... 6-11

Image Size (Number of Pixels) .............................................................................................. 6-12

Image Brightness (Target White) ........................................................................................... 6-13

JPEG Image Options ............................................................................................................. 6-13

JPEG Target File Size ............................................................................................................ 6-14

JPEG Quality and Size Value ................................................................................................ 6-14

Image Enhancement .............................................................................................................. 6-15

Image File Format Selector .................................................................................................... 6-16

Image Rotation ....................................................................................................................... 6-17

Bits Per Pixel .......................................................................................................................... 6-18

Signature Capture .................................................................................................................. 6-19

Output File Format ......................... ........... .......... ........... ........... ....................................... 6-19

Signature Capture File Format Selector ................................................................................. 6-20

viii DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Signature Capture Bits Per Pixel ............................................................................................ 6-21

Signature Capture Width ....................................................................................................... . 6-22

Signature Capture Height ....................................................................................................... 6-22

Signature Capture JPEG Quality ........................................................................................... 6-22

Chapter 7: USB Interface

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 7-1

Connecting a USB Interface .......................................................................................................... 7-1

USB Parameter Defaults ................................................................................................................ 7-3

USB Host Parameter ..................................................................................................................... 7-4

USB Device Type ..................................................................................................................... 7-4

Symbol Native API (SNAPI) Status Handshaking .................................................................... 7-6

USB Keystroke Delay ............................................................................................................... 7-6

USB CAPS Lock Override ........................................................................................................ 7-7

USB Ignore Unknown Characters ............................................................................................ 7-7

USB Convert Unknown to Code 39 .......................................................................................... 7-8

Emulate Keypad ....................................................................................................................... 7-8

Emulate Keypad with Leading Zero ......................................................................................... 7-8

Quick Keypad Emulation .......................................................................................................... 7-9

USB Keyboard FN 1 Substitution ............................................................................................. 7-9

Function Key Mapping ........................................................................................................... 7-10

Simulated Caps Lock ............................................................................................................. 7-10

Convert Case ......................................................................................................................... 7-11

USB Static CDC ..................................................................................................................... 7-11

Optional USB Parameters ............................................................................................................ 7-12

Ignore Beep ............................................................................................................................ 7-12

Ignore Bar Code Configuration .............................................................................................. 7-12

USB Polling Interval ............................................................................................................... 7-13

USB Fast HID ......................................................................................................................... 7-15

IBM Specification Version ...................................................................................................... 7-15

ASCII Character Sets for USB ..................................................................................................... 7-16

Chapter 8: SSI Interface

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 8-1

Communications ............................................................................................................................ 8-1

SSI Transactions ............................................................................................................................ 8-3

General Data Transactions ...................................................................................................... 8-3

ACK/NAK Handshaking ..................................................................................................... 8-3

Transfer of Decode Data .......................................................................................................... 8-4

ACK/NAK Enabled and Packeted Data .............................................................................. 8-4

ACK/NAK Enabled and Unpacketed ASCII Data ............................................................... 8-4

ACK/NAK Disabled and Packeted DECODE_DATA .......................................................... 8-5

ACK/NAK Disabled and Unpacketed ASCII Data .............................................................. 8-5

Communication Summary .............................................................................................................. 8-5

RTS/CTS Lines ........................................................................................................................ 8-5

ACK/NAK Option ...................................................................................................................... 8-5

Number of Data Bits ................................................................................................................. 8-5

Serial Response Time-out ........................................................................................................ 8-6

Retries ...................................................................................................................................... 8-6

Baud Rate, Stop Bits, Parity, Response Time-out, ACK/NAK Handshake .............................. 8-6

Table of Contents ix

Errors ....................................................................................................................................... 8-6

Things to Remember When Using SSI Communication ................................................................ 8-6

Using Time Delay to Low Power Mode with SSI ............................................................................ 8-7

Encapsulation of RSM Commands/Responses over SSI .............................................................. 8-8

Command Structure ................................................................................................................. 8-8

Response Structure ................................................................................................................. 8-8

Example Transaction ............................................................................................................... 8-9

Command from Host to Query Packet Size Supported by Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Response from Device with Packet Size Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Command from Host to Retrieve Diagnostic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Response from Device with Diagnostic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9

Simple Serial Interface Default Parameters ................................................................................. 8-10

SSI Host Parameters ................................................................................................................... 8-11

Select SSI Host ...................................................................................................................... 8-11

Baud Rate .............................................................................................................................. 8-12

Parity ...................................................................................................................................... 8-13

Check Parity ........................................................................................................................... 8-14

Stop Bits ................................................................................................................................. 8-14

Software Handshaking ........................................................................................................... 8-15

Host RTS Line State .............................................................................................................. 8-16

Decode Data Packet Format .................................................................................................. 8-16

Host Serial Response Time-out ............................................................................................. 8-17

Host Character Time-out ........................................................................................................ 8-18

Multipacket Option ................................................................................................................. 8-19

Interpacket Delay ................................................................................................................... 8-20

Event Reporting ........................................................................................................................... 8-21

Decode Event ......................................................................................................................... 8-21

Boot Up Event ........................................................................................................................ 8-22

Parameter Event .................................................................................................................... 8-22

Chapter 9: RS-232 Interface

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 9-1

Connecting an RS-232 Interface .................................................................................................... 9-2

RS-232 Parameter Defaults ........................................................................................................... 9-3

RS-232 Host Parameters ............................................................................................................... 9-4

RS-232 Host Types .................................................................................................................. 9-6

Baud Rate ................................................................................................................................ 9-8

Parity ........................................................................................................................................ 9-9

Stop Bit Select ........................................................................................................................ 9-10

Data Bits ................................................................................................................................. 9-10

Check Receive Errors ............................................................................................................ 9-11

Hardware Handshaking .......................................................................................................... 9-11

Software Handshaking ........................................................................................................... 9-13

Host Serial Response Time-out ............................................................................................. 9-15

RTS Line State ....................................................................................................................... 9-16

Beep on <BEL> ...................................................................................................................... 9-16

Intercharacter Delay ............................................................................................................... 9-17

Nixdorf Beep/LED Options ..................................................................................................... 9-18

Ignore Unknown Characters .................................................................................................. 9-18

ASCII Character Set for RS-232 .................................................................................................. 9-18

x DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Chapter 10: IBM 468X / 469X Interface

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 10-1

Connecting to an IBM 468X/469X Host ....................................................................................... 10-2

IBM Parameter Defaults ............................................................................................................... 10-3

IBM 468X/469X Host Parameters ................................................................................................ 10-4

Port Address .......................................................................................................................... 10-4

Convert Unknown to Code 39 ................................................................................................ 10-5

RS-485 Beep Directive ........................................................................................................... 10-5

RS-485 Bar Code Configuration Directive ............................................................................. 10-6

IBM-485 Specification Version ............................................................................................... 10-6

Chapter 11: Keyboard Wedge Interface

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 11-1

Connecting a Keyboard Wedge Interface .................................................................................... 11-2

Keyboard Wedge Parameter Defaults ......................................................................................... 11-3

Keyboard Wedge Host Parameters ................................ ........... ........... .......... ............................. 11-4

Keyboard Wedge Host Types ................................................................................................ 11-4

Ignore Unknown Characters .................................................................................................. 11-4

Keystroke Delay ..................................................................................................................... 11-5

Intra-Keystroke Delay ............................................................................................................. 11-5

Alternate Numeric Keypad Emulation .................................................................................... 11-6

Quick Keypad Emulation ........................................................................................................ 11-6

Simulated Caps Lock ............................................................................................................. 11-7

Caps Lock Override ............................................................................................................... 11-7

Convert Wedge Case ............................................................................................................. 11-8

Function Key Mapping ........................................................................................................... 11-8

FN1 Substitution ..................................................................................................................... 11-9

Send Make and Break ............................................................................................................ 11-9

Keyboard Maps ............................................................................... .......... ........... .......... ...... 11-10

ASCII Character Set for Keyboard Wedge ................................................................................ 11-10

Chapter 12: Symbologies

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 12-1

Scanning Sequence Examples .................................................................................................... 12-1

Errors While Scanning ................................................................................................................. 12-2

Symbology Parameter Defaults ................................................................................................... 12-2

Enable/Disable All Code Types ................................................................................................... 12-7

UPC/EAN ..................................................................................................................................... 12-8

Enable/Disable UPC-A ........................................................................................................... 12-8

Enable/Disable UPC-E ........................................................................................................... 12-8

Enable/Disable UPC-E1 ......................................................................................................... 12-9

Enable/Disable EAN-8/JAN-8 ................................................................................................ 12-9

Enable/Disable EAN-13/JAN-13 .......................................................................................... 12-10

Enable/Disable Bookland EAN ............................................................................................. 12-10

Decode UPC/EAN/JAN Supplementals ............................................................................... 12-11

User-Programmable Supplementals .................................................................................... 12-14

UPC/EAN/JAN Supplemental Redundancy ......................................................................... 12-14

UPC/EAN/JAN Supplemental AIM ID Format ...................................................................... 12-15

UPC Reduced Quiet Zone ................................................................................................... 12-16

Table of Contents xi

Transmit UPC-A Check Digit ................................................................................................ 12-16

Transmit UPC-E Check Digit ................................................................................................ 12-17

Transmit UPC-E1 Check Digit .............................................................................................. 12-17

UPC-A Preamble .................................................................................................................. 12-18

UPC-E Preamble .................................................................................................................. 12-19

UPC-E1 Preamble ................................................................................................................ 12-20

Convert UPC-E to UPC-A .................................................................................................... 12-21

Convert UPC-E1 to UPC-A .................................................................................................. 12-21

EAN-8/JAN-8 Extend ........................................................................................................... 12-22

Bookland ISBN Format ........................................................................................................ 12-22

UCC Coupon Extended Code .............................................................................................. 12-23

Coupon Report ..................................................................................................................... 12-23

ISSN EAN ............................................................................................................................ 12-24

Code 128 ................................................................................................................................... 12-24

Enable/Disable Code 128 .................................................................................................... 12-24

Set Lengths for Code 128 .................................................................................................... 12-25

Enable/Disable GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) ............................................................. 12-27

Enable/Disable ISBT 128 ..................................................................................................... 12-27

ISBT Concatenation ............................................................................................................. 12-28

Check ISBT Table ................................................................................................................ 12-29

ISBT Concatenation Redundancy ........................................................................................ 12-29

Code 128 Security Level ...................................................................................................... 12-30

Code 128 Reduced Quiet Zone ........................................................................................... 12-31

Ignore Code 128 <FNC4> .................................................................................................... 12-31

Code 39 ..................................................................................................................................... 12-32

Enable/Disable Code 39 ...................................................................................................... 12-32

Enable/Disable Trioptic Code 39 .......................................................................................... 12-32

Convert Code 39 to Code 32 ............................................................................................... 12-33

Code 32 Prefix ..................................................................................................................... 12-33

Set Lengths for Code 39 ...................................................................................................... 12-34

Code 39 Check Digit Verification ......................................................................................... 12-35

Transmit Code 39 Check Digit ............................................................................................. 12-35

Code 39 Full ASCII Conversion ........................................................................................... 12-36

Code 39 Security Level ........................................................................................................ 12-37

Code 39 Reduced Quiet Zone ............................................................................................. 12-38

Code 93 ..................................................................................................................................... 12-38

Enable/Disable Code 93 ...................................................................................................... 12-38

Set Lengths for Code 93 ...................................................................................................... 12-39

Code 11 ..................................................................................................................................... 12-40

Code 11 ................................................................................................................................ 12-40

Set Lengths for Code 11 ...................................................................................................... 12-40

Code 11 Check Digit Verification ......................................................................................... 12-42

Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) .............................................................................................................. 12-43

Enable/Disable Interleaved 2 of 5 ........................................................................................ 12-43

Set Lengths for Interleaved 2 of 5 ........................................................................................ 12-43

I 2 of 5 Check Digit Verification ............................................................................................ 12-45

Convert I 2 of 5 to EAN-13 ................................................................................................... 12-46

I 2 of 5 Security Level ........................................................................................................... 12-46

I 2 of 5 Reduced Quiet Zone ................................................................................................ 12-47

Discrete 2 of 5 (DTF) ................................................................................................................. 12-48

xii DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Enable/Disable Discrete 2 of 5 ............................................................................................. 12-48

Set Lengths for Discrete 2 of 5 ............................................................................................. 12-48

Codabar (NW - 7) ....................................................................................................................... 12-50

Enable/Disable Codabar ...................................................................................................... 12-50

Set Lengths for Codabar ...................................................................................................... 12-50

CLSI Editing ......................................................................................................................... 12-52

NOTIS Editing ...................................................................................................................... 12-52

Codabar Upper or Lower Case Start/Stop Characters Detection ........................................ 12-53

MSI ............................................................................................................................................. 12-53

Enable/Disable MSI .............................................................................................................. 12-53

Set Lengths for MSI ............................................................................................................. 12-54

MSI Check Digits .................................................................................................................. 12-55

Transmit MSI Check Digit(s) ................................................................................................ 12-55

MSI Check Digit Algorithm ................................................................................................... 12-56

MSI Reduced Quiet Zone ..................................................................................................... 12-56

Chinese 2 of 5 ............................................................................................................................ 12-57

Enable/Disable Chinese 2 of 5 ............................................................................................. 12-57

Matrix 2 of 5 ............................................................................................................................... 12-57

Enable/Disable Matrix 2 of 5 ................................................................................................ 12-57

Set Lengths for Matrix 2 of 5 ................................................................................................ 12-58

Matrix 2 of 5 Check Digit ...................................................................................................... 12-59

Transmit Matrix 2 of 5 Check Digit ....................................................................................... 12-59

Korean 3 of 5 ............................................................................................................................. 12-60

Enable/Disable Korean 3 of 5 .............................................................................................. 12-60

Inverse 1D .................................................................................................................................. 12-61

GS1 DataBar .............................................................................................................................. 12-62

GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional (formerly GS1 DataBar-14) .................................................. 12-62

GS1 DataBar Limited ........................................................................................................... 12-62

GS1 DataBar Expanded ....................................................................................................... 12-63

Convert GS1 DataBar to UPC/EAN ..................................................................................... 12-63

GS1 DataBar Limited Margin Check .................................................................................... 12-64

GS1 DataBar Security Level ................................................................................................ 12-65

Composite .................................................................................................................................. 12-66

Composite CC-C .................................................................................................................. 12-66

Composite CC-A/B ............................................................................................................... 12-66

Composite TLC-39 ............................................................................................................... 12-67

Composite Inverse ............................................................................................................... 12-67

UPC Composite Mode ......................................................................................................... 12-68

Composite Beep Mode ......................................................................................................... 12-68

GS1-128 Emulation Mode for UCC/EAN Composite Codes ................................................ 12-69

2D Symbologies ......................................................................................................................... 12-69

Enable/Disable PDF417 ....................................................................................................... 12-69

Enable/Disable MicroPDF417 .............................................................................................. 12-70

Code 128 Emulation ............................................................................................................. 12-70

Data Matrix ........................................................................................................................... 12-71

GS1 Data Matrix ................................................................................................................... 12-71

Data Matrix Inverse .............................................................................................. .......... ...... 12-72

Maxicode .............................................................................................................................. 12-72

QR Code .............................................................................................................................. 12-73

GS1 QR ................................................................................................................................ 12-73

Table of Contents xiii

MicroQR ............................................................................................................................... 12-74

Aztec .................................................................................................................................... 12-74

Aztec Inverse ....................................................................................................................... 12-75

Han Xin ................................................................................................................................ 12-75

Han Xin Inverse .................................................................................................................... 12-76

Postal Codes .............................................................................................................................. 12-76

US Postnet ........................................................................................................................... 12-76

US Planet ............................................................................................................................. 12-77

Transmit US Postal Check Digit ........................................................................................... 12-77

UK Postal ............................................................................................................................. 12-78

Transmit UK Postal Check Digit ........................................................................................... 12-78

Japan Postal ........................................................................................................................ 12-79

Australia Post ....................................................................................................................... 12-79

Australia Post Format ........................................................................................................... 12-80

Netherlands KIX Code ........................................................................................................ 12-81

USPS 4CB/One Code/Intelligent Mail .................................................................................. 12-81

UPU FICS Postal ................................................................................................................. 12-82

Mailmark ............................................................................................................................... 12-82

Symbology-Specific Security Levels .......................................................................................... 12-83

Redundancy Level ............................................................................................................... 12-83

Redundancy Level 1 ...................................................................................................... 12-83

Redundancy Level 2 ...................................................................................................... 12-83

Redundancy Level 3 ...................................................................................................... 12-83

Redundancy Level 4 ...................................................................................................... 12-84

Security Level ....................................................................................................................... 12-85

1D Quiet Zone Level ............................................................................................................ 12-86

Intercharacter Gap Size ....................................................................................................... 12-87

Report Version ........................................................................................................................... 12-87

Macro PDF Features .................................................................................................................. 12-88

Flush Macro Buffer ............................................................................................................... 12-88

Abort Macro PDF Entry ........................................................................................................ 12-88

Chapter 13: Intelligent Document Capture

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 13-1

The IDC Process .......................................................................................................................... 13-1

Bar Code Acceptance Test .................................................................................................... 13-2

Capture Region Determination ............................................................................................... 13-2

IDC Operating Mode = Anchored ..................................................................................... 13-2

IDC Operating Mode = Free-Form or Linked ................................................................... 13-3

Image Post Processing .......................................................................................................... 13-3

Data Transmission ................................................................................................................. 13-3

PC Application and Programming Support .................................................................................. 13-3

Parameters .................................................................................................................................. 13-4

IDC Operating Mode .............................................................................................................. 13-5

IDC Symbology ...................................................................................................................... 13-6

IDC X Coordinate ................................................................................................................... 13-7

IDC Y Coordinate ................................................................................................................... 13-7

IDC Width ............................................................................................................................... 13-8

IDC Height .............................................................................................................................. 13-8

xiv DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

IDC Aspect ............................................................................................................................. 13-9

IDC File Format Selector ........................................................................................................ 13-9

IDC Bits Per Pixel ................................................................................................................. 13-10

IDC JPEG Quality ................................................................................................................ 13-10

IDC Find Box Outline ........................................................................................................... 13-11

IDC Minimum Text Length ................................................................................................... 13-11

IDC Maximum Text Length .................................................................................................. 13-12

IDC Captured Image Brighten .............................................................................................. 13-12

IDC Captured Image Sharpen .............................................................................................. 13-13

IDC Border Type .................................................................................................................. 13-14

IDC Delay Time .................................................................................................................... 13-15

IDC Zoom Limit .................................................................................................................... 13-15

IDC Maximum Rotation ........................................................................................................ 13-16

Quick Start ................................................................................................................................. 13-16

Sample IDC Setup .................................................................................... ........... .......... ...... 13-16

IDC Demonstrations ............................................................................................................. 13-17

Anchored Mode Demo ................................................................................................... 13-17

Free-Form Mode Demo .................................................................................................. 13-18

Linked Mode Demo ........................................................................................................ 13-18

Other Suggestions ............................................................................................................... 13-18

Quick Start Form .................................................................................................................. 13-19

Chapter 14: DigiMarc Bar code

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 14-1

DigiMarc Symbology Selection .................................................................................................... 14-1

Picklist .................................................................................................................................... 14-1

DigiMarc Bar Codes ..................................................................................................................... 14-2

Chapter 15: OCR Programming

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 15-1

Setting Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 15-1

Scanning Sequence Examples .............................................................................................. 15-2

Errors While Scanning ........................................................................................................... 15-2

OCR Parameter Defaults ............................................................................................................. 15-2

OCR Programming Parameters ................................................................................................... 15-3

OCR-A .................................................................................................................................... 15-3

OCR-A Variant ....................................................................................................................... 15-4

OCR-B .................................................................................................................................... 15-5

OCR-B Variant ....................................................................................................................... 15-6

MICR E13B .......................................................................................................................... 15-10

US Currency Serial Number ................................................................................................. 15-11

OCR Orientation ................................................................................................................... 15-11

OCR Lines ............................................................................................................................ 15-13

OCR Minimum Characters ................................................................................................... 15-13

OCR Maximum Characters .................................................................................................. 15-14

OCR Subset ......................................................................................................................... 15-14

OCR Quiet Zone .................................................................................................................. 15-15

OCR Template ..................................................................................................................... 15-15

Required Digit (9) ........................................................................................................... 15-16

Table of Contents xv

Required Alpha (A) ......................................................................................................... 15-16

Require and Suppress (0) .............................................................................................. 15-16

Optional Alphanumeric (1) .............................................................................................. 15-16

Optional Alpha (2) .......................................................................................................... 15-17

Alpha or Digit (3) ............................................................................................................ 15-17

Any Including Space & Reject (4) .................................................................................. 15-17

Any except Space & Reject (5) ...................................................................................... 15-18

Optional Digit (7) ............................................................................................................ 15-18

Digit or Fill (8) ................................................................................................................. 15-18

Alpha or Fill (F) ............................................................................................................... 15-19

Optional Space ( ) .......................................................................................................... 15-19

Optional Small Special (.) ............................................................................................... 15-19

Other Template Operators .............................................................................................. 15-20

Repeat Previous (R) ....................................................................................................... 15-24

Multiple Templates .......................................................................................................... 15-25

Template Examples ........................................................................................................ 15-25

OCR Check Digit Modulus ................................................................................................... 15-25

OCR Check Digit Multiplier .................................................................................................. 15-26

OCR Check Digit Validation ................................................................................................. 15-27

None ............................................................................................................................... 15-27

Product Add Left to Right ............................................................................................... 15-27

Digit Add Left to Right .................................................................................................... 15-28

Digit Add Right to Left .................................................................................................... 15-29

Product Add Right to Left Simple Remainder ................................................................. 15-29

Digit Add Right To Left Simple Remainder ..................................................................... 15-30

Health Industry - HIBCC43 ............................................................................................. 15-31

Inverse OCR ........................................................................................................................ 15-32

Chapter 16: Driver’s License Set Up (DS8178-DL)

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 16-1

Driver’s License Parsing .............................................................................................................. 16-2

Parsing Driver’s License Data Fields

(Embedded Driver's License Parsing) ............................................................................................... 16-3

Embedded Driver's License Parsing Criteria - Code Type ..................................................... 16-3

Driver’s License Parse Field Bar Codes ................................................................................ 16-4

AAMVA Parse Field Bar Codes ............................................................................................. 16-7

User Preferences ....................................................................................................................... 16-17

Set Default Parameter .......................................................................................................... 16-17

Output Gender as M or F ..................................................................................................... 16-17

Date Format ......................................................................................................................... 16-18

No Separator .................................................................................................................. 16-19

Send Keystroke (Control Characters and Keyboard Characters) ........................................ 16-20

Control Characters ......................................................................................................... 16-20

Keyboard Characters ..................................................................................................... 16-26

Parsing Rule Example ............................................................................................................... 16-41

Embedded Driver's License Parsing ADF Example ............................................................. 16-45

xvi DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Chapter 17: 123Scan and Software Tools

Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 17-1

123Scan ....................................................................................................................................... 17-1

Communication with 123Scan ................................................................................................ 17-2

123Scan Requirements .......................................................................................................... 17-2

123Scan Information .............................................................................................................. 17-3

Scanner SDK, Other Software Tools, and Videos ................................................................. 17-3

Scanner Control App .................................................................................................................... 17-4

Advanced Data Formatting (ADF) ................................................................................................ 17-4

Multicode Data Formatting (MDF) ................................................................................................ 17-5

Programming Options ............................................................................................................ 17-5

MDF Terms and Definitions ................................................................................................... 17-5

Preferred Symbol ......................................................................................................................... 17-6

Programming Options ............................................................................................................ 17-6

Appendix A: Standard Parameter Defaults

Appendix B: Country Codes

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... B-1

USB, BT HID, and Keyboard Wedge Country Keyboard Types (Country Codes) ........................ B-2

Appendix C: Country Code Pages

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... C-1

Country Code Page Defaults ........................................................................................................ C-1

Country Code Page Bar Codes .................................................................................................... C-5

Appendix D: CKJ Decode Control

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... D-1

CJK Control Parameters ............................................................................................................... D-2

Unicode Output Control ........................................................................................................... D-2

CJK Output Method to Windows Host ..................................................................................... D-3

Non-CJK UTF Bar Code Output .............................................................................................. D-5

Country Keyboard Type Missing Characters ..................................................................... D-5

Unicode/CJK Decode Setup with Windows Host .......................................................................... D-7

Setting Up the Windows Registry Table for Unicode Universal Output .................................. D-7

Adding CJK IME on Windows ................................................................................................. D-7

Selecting the Simplified Chinese Input Method on the Host ................................................... D-8

Selecting the Traditional Chinese Input Method on the Host .................................................. D-8

Appendix E: Programming Reference

Symbol Code Identifiers ................................................................................................................ E-1

AIM Code Identifiers ..................................................................................................................... E-3

Table of Contents xvii

Appendix F: Sample Bar Codes

UPC/EAN ...................................................................................................................................... F-1

UPC-A, 100% ........................................................................................................................... F-1

UPC-A with 2-digit Add-on ....................................................................................................... F-1

UPC-A with 5-digit Add-on ....................................................................................................... F-2

UPC-E ...................................................................................................................................... F-2

UPC-E with 2-digit Add-on ....................................................................................................... F-2

UPC-E with 5-digit Add-on ....................................................................................................... F-3

EAN-8 ....................................................................................................................................... F-3

EAN-13, 100% ......................................................................................................................... F-3

EAN-13 with 2-digit Add-on ...................................................................................................... F-4

EAN-13 with 5-digit Add-on ...................................................................................................... F-4

Code 128 ....................................................................................................................................... F-4

GS1-128 ................................................................................................................................... F-5

Code 39 ......................................................................................................................................... F-5

Code 93 ......................................................................................................................................... F-5

Code 11 with 2 Check Digits .......................................................................................................... F-6

Interleaved 2 of 5 ........................................................................................................................... F-6

MSI with 2 Check Digits ................................................................................................................. F-6

Chinese 2 of 5 ................................................................................................................................ F-7

Matrix 2 of 5 ................................................................................................................................... F-7

Korean 3 of 5 ................................................................................................................................. F-7

GS1 DataBar .................................................................................................................................. F-8

GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional (formerly GS1 DataBar-14) ...................................................... F-8

GS1 DataBar Limited ............................................................................................................... F-8

GS1 DataBar Expanded ........................................................................................................... F-9

2D Symbologies ............................................................................................................................. F-9

PDF417 .................................................................................................................................... F-9

Data Matrix ............................................................................................................................... F-9

GS1 Data Matrix ..................................................................................................................... F-10

Maxicode ................................................................................................................................ F-10

QR Code ................................................................................................................................ F-10

GS1 QR .................................................................................................................................. F-11

MicroQR ................................................................................................................................. F-11

Aztec ...................................................................................................................................... F-11

Han Xin .................................................................................................................................. F-12

Postal Codes ................................................................................................................................ F-12

US Postnet ............................................................................................................................. F-12

UK Postal ............................................................................................................................... F-12

Japan Postal .......................................................................................................................... F-13

Australian Post ....................................................................................................................... F-13

OCR ............................................................................................................................................. F-14

OCR-A .................................................................................................................................... F-14

OCR-B .................................................................................................................................... F-14

MICR E13B ............................................................................................................................ F-14

US Currency ........................................................................................................................... F-14

Appendix G: Numeric Bar Codes

Numeric Bar Codes ....................................................................................................................... G-1

xviii DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Appendix H: Alphanumeric Bar Codes

Cancel ........................................................................................................................................... H-1

Alphanumeric Bar Codes .............................................................................................................. H-1

Appendix I: ASCII Character Sets

Appendix J: Communication Protocol Functionality

Functionality Supported via Communication (Cable) Interface ...................................................... J-1

Functionality Supported via Radio Communication ....................................................................... J-2

Appendix K: Signature Capture Code

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... K-1

Code Structure .............................................................................................................................. K-1

Signature Capture Area .................................................................. .......... ........... ................... K-1

CapCode Pattern Structure ..................................................................................................... K-2

Start / Stop Patterns ...................................................................................................................... K-2

Dimensions ................................................................................................................................... K-3

Data Format .................................................................................................................................. K-3

Additional Capabilities ................................................................................................................... K-4

Signature Boxes ............................................................................................................................ K-4

Appendix L: Non-Parameter Attributes

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... L-1

Attributes ........................................................................................................................................ L-1

Model Number .......................................................................................................................... L-1

Serial Number .......................................................................................................................... L-1

Date of Manufacture ........................................................................................................... ...... L-2

Date of First Programming ....................................................................................................... L-2

Configuration Filename ............................................................................................................ L-2

Beeper/LED .............................................................................................................................. L-3

Parameter Defaults .................................................................................................................. L-4

Beep on Next Bootup ............................................................................................................... L-4

Reboot ...................................................................................................................................... L-4

Host Trigger Session ................................................................................................................ L-4

Firmware Version ..................................................................................................................... L-5

Scankit Version ........................................................................................................................ L-5

Index

ABOUT THIS GUIDE

Introduction

The DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide provides general instructions for setting up, operating,
maintaining, and troubleshooting the DS8178 digital scanner.

Configurations

Digital Scanner

Table A

DS8178-SR0F007ZZWW Area Imager, Standard Range, Cordless, FIPS, Twilight Black
DS8178-SR0F007ZZWK Area Imager, Standard Range, Cordless, FIPS, Twilight Black, Korea and India

DS8178-SR0F006ZMWW Area Imager, Standard Range, Cordless, FIPS, MFI, Nova White
DS8178-DL0F007ZZWW Area Imager, Standard Range, DL Parsing, Cordless, FIPS, Twilight Black

DS8178-DL0F006ZMWW Area Imager, Standard Range, DL Parsing, Cordless, FIPS, MFI, Nova White
DS8178-HCMF00BVMWW Area Imager, Healthcare, Cordless, Magnetic Foot, FIPS, Vibration Motor, MFI,

Scanner Configurations

Configuration Description

Healthcare White

xx DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Cradles

Table B

CR8178-SC100F4WW Standard Cradle, Bluetooth, FIPS, Midnight Black
CR8178-SC100FBWW Standard Cradle, Bluetooth, FIPS, Healthcare White
CR8178-PC100F4WW Presentation Cradle, Bluetooth, FIPS, Midnight Black
CR8178-PCM00FBWW Presentation Cradle With Magnet, Bluetooth, FIPS, Healthcare White

Cradle Configurations

Configuration Description

Related Product Line Configurations

The product configurations related to the DS8178 digital scanner are as follows.

NOTES Check Solution Builder for additional information regarding all available accessories , and the latest

available configurations.

Table C

BTRY-DS81EAB0E-00 Replacement battery for the DS8178 digital scanner.
BTRY-DS81EAB0E-00K Replacement battery for the DS8178 digital scanner, Korea, and India.
FAST-PC0081W-Q1 Set of four adhesive backed hook fastener strips used to adhere one CR8178-SC or

FAST -PC00 81W-25 25 sets of four adhe sive backed hook fastener strips used to adhere 25 CR8178-SC or

STND-DC0081W-04 Document Capture Stand for use with the CR8178-PC.
Note: For compatible power supplies, contact your Zebra sales representative.

Accessories

Part Number Description

CR8178-PC charging communication cradle to a surface.

CR8178-PC charging communication cradles to surfaces.

Cables

For regional information about cables and cable compatibility, go to the Zebra Partner Portal at:

https://partnerportal.zebra.com/PartnerPortal/product_services/downloads_z/barcode_scanners/Universal-Cable­Guide-Bar-Code-Scanners.xlsx.

Chapter Descriptions

Topics covered in this guide are as follows:

•

Chapter 1, Getting Started provides a product overview, unpacking instructions, and cable connection

information.

•

Chapter 2, Data Capture provides beeper and LED definitions, techniques involved in scanning bar codes,

general instructions and tips about scanning, and decode ranges.

•

Chapter 3, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications provides su gg es te d sca nn e r

maintenance, troubleshooting, technical specifications, and signal descriptions (pinouts).

•

Chapter 4, Radio Communications provides information a bout the modes of opera tion and features a vailable

for wireless communication. This chapter also includes prog ramming bar codes to configure the digital
scanner.

•

Chapter 5, User Preferences describes each user preference feature and provides programming bar codes

for selecting these features.

•

Chapter 6, Imaging Preferences describes imaging preference features and provides programming bar

codes for selecting these features.

About This Guide xxi

•

Chapter 7, USB Interface describes how to set up the digital scanner with a USB host.

•

Chapter 8, SSI Interface describes the system requirements of the Simple Serial Interface (SSI), which

provides a communications link between Zebra decoders and a serial host.

•

Chapter 9, RS-232 Interface describes how to set up the digital scanner with an RS-232 host.

•

Chapter 10, IBM 468X / 469X Interface describes how to set up the digital scanner with an IBM 468X/469X

host.

•

Chapter 11, Keyboard Wedge Interface describes how to set up a keyboard wedge interface with the digital

scanner.

•

Chapter 12, Symbologies describes all symbology features and provides programming bar codes for

selecting these features for the digital scanner.

•

Chapter 13, Intelligent Document Capture describes IDC, an advanced image processing firmware, including

IDC functionality, parameter bar codes to control its features, and a quick start procedure.

•

Chapter 14, DigiMarc Bar code provides bar codes to either enable or disable DigiM a rc Bar co de , a

machine-readable code that is invisible to people.

•

Chapter 15, OCR Programming describes how to set up the digital scanner for OCR programming.

•

Chapter 16, Driver’s License Set Up (DS8178-DL) provides information about parsing out information from

standard US driver's licenses and certain other American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
(AAMV A) compliant ID cards.

•

Chapter 17, 123Scan and Software Tools provides information on the PC-based digital scanner configuration

tool 123Scan.

•

Appendix A, Standard Parameter Defaults provides a table of all host devices and miscellaneous scanner

defaults.

•

Appendix B, Country Codes provides bar codes for programming the country keyboard type for the USB

keyboard (HID) device and the keyboard wedge host.

xxii DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

*Baud Rate 9600

Feature/Option

* Indicates Default

•

Appendix C, Country Code Pages provides bar codes for selecting code pages for the country keyboard

type.

•

Appendix D, CKJ Decode Control describes control parameters for Unicode/CJK (Chinese, Japanese,

Korean) bar code decode through USB HID Keyboard Emulation mode.

•

Appendix E, Programming Reference provides a table of AIM code identifiers, ASCII character conversions,

and keyboard maps.

•

Appendix F, Sample Bar Codes includes sample bar codes of various code types.

•

Appendix G, Numeric Bar Codes includes the numeric bar codes to scan for parameters requiring specific

numeric values.

•

Appendix H, Alphanumeric Bar Code s includes the alph anumeric bar codes to scan for parameter s requiring

specific alphanumeric values.

•

Appendix I, ASCII Character Sets provides ASCII character value tables.

•

Appendix J, Communication Protocol Functionality lists supported scanner functionality by communication

protocol.

•

Appendix K, Signature Capture Code describes CapCode, a special pattern that encloses a signature area

on a document and allows the scanner to capture a signature.

•

Appendix L, Non-Parameter Attributes defines non-parameter attributes.

Notational Conventions

The following conventions are used in this document:

•

Italics are used to highlight the following:

• Chapters and sections in this and related documents

• Dialog box, window and screen names

• Drop-down list and list box names

• Check box and radio button names

•

Bold text is used to highlight the following:

• Key names on a keypad

• Button names on a screen.

•

bullets (•) indicate:

• Action items

• Lists of alternatives

• Lists of required steps that are not necessarily sequential

•

Sequential lists (e.g., those that describe step-by-step procedures) appear as numbered lists.

•

Throughout the programming bar code menus, asterisks (*) are used to denote default parameter settings.

Related Documents

•

DS8178 Quick Start Guide, p/n MN-002753-xx, provides general information for getting started with the
DS8178 digital scanner/cradles, and includes basic set up and operation instructions.

•

Advanced Data Formatting Programmer Guide , p/n 7 2E-696 80- xx, pro vides infor matio n on ADF, a mean s of
customizing data before transmission to a host.

•

Multicode Data Formatting and Preferred Symbol, p/n MN-002895-xx, provides information on Multicode
Data Formatting (MDF), which enables a 2D imaging scanner to scan all bar codes on a label, and then
modify and transmit the data to meet host application requirements.

•

Attribute Data Dictionary, p/n 72E-149786-xx defines attribute numbers (device configuration parameters,
monitored data, and born-on information) and describes management of various attribute domains for bar
code scanners and OEM engines.

About This Guide xxiii

For the latest version of this guide and all guides, go to: http://www.zebra.com/support

Service Information

If you have a problem using the equipment, contact your facility's technical or systems support. If there is a
problem with the equipment, they will contact the Zebra Support & Downloads website at:

http://www.zebra.com/support

When contacting support, please have the following information available:

•

Serial number of the unit

•

Model number or product name

•

Software type and version number
Zebra responds to calls by e-mail, telephone or fax within the time limits set forth in service agreements.
If your problem cannot be solved by support, you may need to return your equipment for servicing and will be given

specific directions. Zebra is not responsible for any damages incurred during shipment if the approved shipping
container is not used. Shipping the units improperly can possibly void the warranty.

If you purchased your business product from a Zebra business partner, please contact that business partner for
support.

.

.

xxiv DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

CHAPTER 1 GETTING STARTED

Introduction

The DS8178 combines superior 1D and 2D omnidirectional bar code scanning performance and advanced
ergonomics in a lightweight design. The digital scanner ensures comfort and ease of use for extended periods of
time.

Interfaces

The DS8178 digital scanner cradles (CR8178-SC and CR8178-PC) support the following interface s.

•

USB connection to a host. The digital scanner autodetects a USB host and defaults to the HID keyboard

interface type. Select other USB interface types by scanning programming bar code menus. See Appendix B,

Country Codes for the interface supported international keyboards (for Windows® environment).

NOTE ONLY use compatible Zebra USB cables with a shielded modular connector.

•

Standard RS-232 connection to a host. Scan bar code menus to set up communication of the digital scanner

with the host.

•

Connection to IBM 468X/469X hosts. Scan bar code menus to set up communication of the digital scanner

with the IBM terminal.

•

Keyboard Wedge connection to a host. The host interprets scanned data as keystrokes. Scan bar codes to

set up communication of the digital scanner with the host. See Appendix B, Country Codes for the interface

supported international keyboards (for Windows® environment).

•

Configuration via 123Scan.

Unpacking

Remove the digital scanner from its packing and inspect it for damage. If the scanner was damaged in transit,
contact support. See page xxiii for information. KEEP THE PACKING. It is the approved shipping container; use
this to return the equipment for servicing.

NOTE For a list of supported scanner functionality by communication protocol, see Appendix J, Communication

Protocol Functionality.

1 - 2 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Beeper
(Standard
Range only)

LEDs

Trigger

Scan Window

Battery

Compartment

Knob

Charging
Contacts

Charging
Contacts

Battery

Compartment

Cover

Cradle Latch Depression

DS8178 Features

IMPORTANT Only use DS8178-SC or DS8178-PC cradles with DS8178 scanners. No other cradles are

compatible with the DS8178.

Figure 1-1 Digital Scanner Features

Cradle Features

NOTE For detailed information about connecting, using, and mounting the CR8178-SC and CR8178-PC

radles refer to the documentation included with each cradle (CR8178-SC Standard Cradle

c

Quick Reference Guide, p/n MN-002784-xx and CR8178-SC Presentation Cradle Quick
Reference Guide, p/n MN-002854 -xx).

The cradles serve as a charger, radio communication interface, and host communication interface for the DS8178
cordless digital scanner. There are two versions of the cradle:

•

The CR8178-SC cordless cradle sits on a desktop or mounts on a wall, and charges the DS8178 cordless

digital scanner. This cradle also provides host communication by receiving scanner data via a Bluetooth

radio, and sending that data to the host through an attached cable. The cable provides power to the cradle

from the host or optional power supply if supported.

•

The CR8178-PC cordless presentation cradle sits on a desktop and charges the DS8178 cordless digital

scanner while allowing bar code scanning in presentation mode. This cradle also provides host

communication by receiving scanner data via a Bluetooth ra dio, and sending that data to the host thr ough an

attached cable. The cable provides power to the cradle from the host or optional power supply if supported.
DO NOT use any scanner other than the DS8178 with CR8178-SC and CR8178-PC cradles. No other scanners

are compatible with these cradles.

NOTE For more information about communication between the digital scanner, cradle, and host, see Chapter 4,

Radio Communications.

Standard Cradle

Charging/
Communications
Contacts

LED

Page
Button

Removable
Scanner Latch
(vertical/mobile
cart mount
position)

LED
Pairing Bar

Code

Scanner Lock
(when converter
knob is set to
vertical mount)

Removable Scanner
Latch (horizontal
mount position)

Keyhole Mounting
Hole

Rubber Feet

Interface

Cable Groove

Interface
Cable Groove

Interface

Cable Support

Hook

Keyhole Mounting
Hole

Interface Port

Desk/Wall Mount

Converter Knob

Rubber Foot Rubber Foot

Vertical Mount
Threaded Brass
Screw Holes

(2 - M4x5 mm)

Wall or Mobile Cart

Desk

Point Triangle
Indicator
Appropriately to
Select

Getting Started 1 - 3

Figure 1-2 CR8178-SC (Standard Cradle) - Top and Bottom Views

1 - 4 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Charging/Communications
Contacts

Page
Button/LED

Pairing Bar
Code (in
back)

Rubber Feet

Rubber Feet

Interface Port

Station Mount
Threaded Brass
Screw Holes
(2 - M4 x 5 mm)

Presentation Cradle

Figure 1-3 CR8178-PC (Presentation Cradle) -Top and Bottom Views

Connecting the Cradle

1. Connect the appropriate cable to the power supply and an AC power source, if necessary. This ensures

detection of the host and prevent inadvertently back powering the cradle from improper detection of the host.

2. Insert the interface cable into the host port.

3. Insert the interface cable into the cradle’s host port.

4. For the CR8178-SC only, thread the interface cable under the interface cable support hook and run the cable

along the interface cable groove (if applicable ).

5. Pair the digital scanner to the cradle either by inserting it in the cradle (if Pair on Contacts is enabled) or by

scanning the pairing bar code.

6. If necessary, scan the appropriate host bar code (for non-autodetected interfaces).

Changing the Host Interface

To connect to a different host, or to the same host through a different cable:

1. Unplug the interface cable from the host.

2. Unplug the power supply from the cradle, if a power supply is used.

3. Connect the interface cable to the new host, or the new interface cable to the existing host.

4. Reconnect the power supply, if required.

5. If necessary, scan the appropriate host bar code (for non-autodetected interfaces).

Getting Started 1 - 5

CR8178-PC (Presentation Cradle)

CR8178-SC (Standard Cradle)

45.5 mm
(1.8 in)

81 mm
(3.2 in)

45.5 mm
(1.8 in)

Using a DC Power Supply

The cradle can operate from host supplied power, if available. If host power is limited or not available, an external
DC power supply can be used with certain host interface cables that support a power jack. An external power
supply is recommended if fastest charging is required.

CAUTION Always disconnect the DC power supply BEFORE disconnecting the cable to the host end or the

cradle may not recognize the new host.

Mounting the Cradle

For detailed information on mounting the cradle, refer to the documentation included with the cradle .

NOTE The drawings in Figure 1-4 are not to scale.

Figure 1-4 Cradle Mounting Dimensions

1 - 6 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Insert paper behind tab.

Fully extend the Document Capture

Stand to scan the complete page.

Sufficient lighting is required.

Using the Document Capture Stand

The CR8178-PC Document Capture Stand (p/n Stnd-dc0081W-04) can be used with the digital scanner to capture
images on 279.4 mm (11 in.) x 215.9 mm (8.5 in.) and A4 sized paper. The paper should be inserted vertically into
the Document Capture Stand tab as shown in Figure 1-5.

Figure 1-5 Image Capture Using the Document Capture Stand

Charging the DS8178 Battery

When using a new battery in the DS8178, the battery requires a charge to be enabled. Insert the battery (see

Charging the DS8178 Battery on page 1-7) in the DS8178 and place the DS8178 in the CR8178-SC or

CR8178-PC cradle (see Inserting the Scanner in the Cradles on page 1-12).
The battery begins pre-charging when the cradle LED lights amber. The scanner boots and the cradle LED begins

flashing amber to indicate the start of normal charging.
See Beeper and LED Indications on page 2-1 for detailed LED indicator information.

NOTES 1. If the battery is significantly discharged it may take several minutes for the scanner to boot. During

this time the cradle LED remains solid amber, and the scanner may not show activity. This is normal
recovery behavior. (See Recovering a Discharged Battery below.)

Once the scanner is active, charge time depends on the host type and power source. See Table 3-2

on page 3-9 for typical charge times.

2. The advanced charging system in the CR8178-XX cradles operate the scanner and charge the
battery with as much power as allowed by the host or power supply. Charge times lengthen as
scanning activity increases when a DS8178 operates in presentation mode on a CR8178-PC cradle.
To optimize charge performance, ensure the scanner is oriented to minimize accidental scan
activation.

Getting Started 1 - 7

IMPORTANT While attached to very power limited hosts, such as a standard USB port, the scanner may slowly

discharge the battery during active scanning. In most cases, this is not a problem since the battery
charges during breaks in activity. If activation time cannot be reduced, and discharging becomes a
problem, it is recommended to attach to a BC1.2 compliant USB port if available, or use a Zebra USB
cable that supports an external power supply.

CAUTION The battery does not charge when the temperature is above 40°C (104°F). When scanning in

presentation mode at temperatures above 40°C (104°F), the battery drains until the temperature drops.
When the battery charge is consumed the scanner stops scanning until the temperature drops and the
battery has sufficient time to charge.

To avoid temperature related faults, charge the battery and operate the DS8178 in presentation mode
on a CR8178-PC only within the recommended 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) range, and ideally within
5°C to 35°C (41°F to 95°F).

Recovering a Discharged Battery

When a DS8178 battery becomes discharged to less than 3%, scanning and beeping functions are deactivated.
Battery status and communication to the cradle is maintained until the battery reaches 0%, at which point the
device shuts down. If left for long periods at 0% the battery can become deeply discharged to a point where the
device does not function immediately when placed in a cradle to charge.

If this happens, it is normal for the scanner to appear off for up to several minutes while the battery is gently
recovered. Once enough charge is replenished, the scanner lights the battery status LED (solid red for a healthy
battery) while the battery continues to charge. At this point the scanner is available to remote management tools,
however scanning and beeps are disabled. Depending on the power source available to the cradle, it may take up
to 20 minutes for the battery to reach 3% at which point full functionality resumes.

1 - 8 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Shutting Off the Digital Scanner Battery

Scan the Battery Off bar code below to shut off the battery for long term storage or shipping. Pull the scanner
trigger to turn on the battery.

Battery Off

NOTE Always scan the Battery Off bar code in hand-held mode.

Inserting the Battery

To insert the battery into the scanner:

1. Remove the battery compartment cover.
a. Use a coin to turn the battery compartment knob counterclockwise until it reaches the hard stop.

Figure 1-6 Unscrewing the Battery Compartment Cover

b. Lift the battery compartment cover off.

Getting Started 1 - 9

Figure 1-7 Removing the Battery Compartment Cover

1 - 10 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

c. Insert the battery into the battery compartment and push until it clicks into place.

Figure 1-8 Inserting the Battery

2. Replace the battery compartment cover.
a. Ensure the battery compartment knob is in the open position.
b. Slide the battery compartment cover into place.

Figure 1-9 Replacing the Battery Compartment Cover

c. Use a coin to turn the battery compartment knob counterclockwise until it reaches the hard stop.

Figure 1-10 Replacing the Battery Compartment Cover

Removing the Battery

IMPORTANT When replacing the battery, wait at least 5 seconds after removing the old battery before

inserting the new battery.

Getting Started 1 - 11

Figure 1-11 Removing the Battery from the Scanner

To remove the battery from the scanner:

1. Remove the battery compartment cover.
a. Use a coin to turn the battery compartment knob counterclockwise until it reaches the hard stop
b. Lift the battery compartment cover off.
c. Lift the battery out of the battery compartment.

2. To replace the battery, see Inserting the Battery on page 1-9.

1 - 12 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Scanner Latch

Inserting the Scanner in the Cradles

To insert the digital scanner in the CR8178-SC cradle:

1. Insert the scanner into the cradle top first ensuring that the cradle latch de p ressio n (see Figure 1-1 on page

1-2) connects with the scanner latch on the cradle.

2. Push the handle until it clicks into place, engaging the contacts in the cradle and digital scanner.

Figure 1-12 Inserting the Scanner in the CR8178-SC Cradle

To insert the digital scanner in the CR8178-PC cradle:

1. Insert the scanner straight down into the cradle top.

2. The digital scanner naturally rotates forward to engage the digital scanner contacts with the cradle contacts

Figure 1-13 Inserting the Scanner in the CR8178-PC Cradle

Sending Data to the Host Computer

The cradle receives data from the digital scanner via a wireless radio connection and transmits it to the host
computer via the host cable. The digi tal scann er and cradle must be paired for successful wireless communication.

Pairing

Pairing registers a scanner to the cradle such that the scanner and cradle can exchange information. The
CR8178-SC and CR8178-PC operate in two modes: Point-to-Point and Multipoi nt-to-Point. In Point-to-Poi nt mode,
pair the digital scanner to the cradle either by inserting it in the cradle (if pair on contacts is enabled), or by
scanning the pairing bar code. In Multipoint-to-Point m ode, you can pair u p to seven scanners to one cradle. To use
this feature, scan the multipoint bar code in Multipoint-to-Point Communication on page 4-26 when the digital
scanner is connected to the cradle.

To pair the digital scanner with the cradle, insert the scanner in the cradle or scan the pairing bar code. (Pairing on
insertion into the cradle is enabled by default. See Pairing Methods on page 4-29.)

NOTE The pairing bar code that connects the digital scanner to a cradle is unique to each cradle.

Do not scan data or parameters until pairing complet es.

Getting Started 1 - 13

Lost Connection to Host

If scanned data does not transmit to the cradle's host, ensure that all cables are firmly inserted and the power
supply is connected to an appropriate AC outlet, if applicable. If scanned data still does not transmit to the host,
reestablish a connection with the host:

1. Disconnect the power supply from the cradle.

2. Disconnect the host interface cable from the cradle.

3. Wait three seconds.

4. Reconnect the host interface cable to the cradle.

5. Reconnect the power supply to the cradle, if the host requires.

6. Reestablish pairing with the cradle by inserting the scanner in the cradle or sca n the pa irin g bar code. (Pair ing

on insertion into the cradle is enabled by default. See Pairing Methods on page 4-29.)

Configuring the Scanner

Use the bar codes in this manual or the 123Scan configuration program to configure the digital scanner. See

Chapter 5, User Preferences and each host chapter for information about programming the digi tal scanner using

bar code menus. See Chapter 17, 123Scan and Software Tools to configure the digital scanner using this
configuration program. 123Scan includ es a help file.

Radio Communications

The digital scanner can communicate with remote devices via Bluetooth, or by pairing with a cradle. For radio
communication parameters, detailed information about operational modes, Bluetooth and pairing, see Chapter 4,

Radio Communications.

1 - 14 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Accessories

The digital scanner ships with the battery and the DS8178 Quick Start Guide. The following required accessories
must be ordered separately:

•

Cradle, required for charging the battery (see Standard Cradle on page 1-3 and

Presentation Cradle on page 1-4).

•

Document Capture Stand for use with the CR8178-PC (p/n Stnd-dc0081W-04)
(see Using the Document Capture Stand on page 1-6).

•

Replacement battery for the DS8178 digital scanner.

•

Replacement battery for the DS8178 digital scanner for use in Korea and India.

•

Interface cable for the appropriate interface.

•

Universal power supply, if the interface requires one.

See Accessories on page xx for the full list of power supplies and part numbers. Also see Scanner Configurations

on page xix and Cradle Configurations on page xx for product configurations. For additional items, contact a local

Zebra representative or business partner.

CHAPTER 2 DATA CAPTURE

Introduction

This chapter provides beeper and LED definitions, techniqu es involved in scanning bar codes, general instructions
and tips about scanning, and decode ranges.

Beeper and LED Indications

The digital scanner issues different beep sequences/patterns and an LED display to indicate status. Table 2-1
defines beep sequences/patterns and LED displays which occur during both normal scanning and while
programming the digital scanner.

In addition to the System/Decode LEDs, the DS8178 cordless digital scanner has a battery LED gauge (see

DS8178 Features on page 1-2).

The battery LED gauge is always active when inserted in the cradle. After the scanner is removed from the cradle,
it is active for four seconds.

After the trigger is held for three seconds the battery LED gauge remain active for four seconds after trigger
release.

Digital Scanner Indications

Table 2-1 Digital Scanner Beeper and LED Indications

Beeper Sequence LED Indication

Standard Use

Low/medium/high beeps Green Power up.

Scanning

None Green solid Presentation Mode on.
None No LED; green LED is

turned off

Presentation Mode off.

2 - 2 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 2-1 Digital Scanner Beeper and LED Indications (Continued)

Beeper Sequence LED Indication

Medium beep
(or as configured)

Low/low/low/extra low
beeps

Four long low beeps Red A transmission error was detected in a scanned

Five long low beeps Red Conversion or format error.
None Red (fast blink)) on

High None A <BEL> character is received over RS-232.

Wireless Operation

Low, high, low, high Red Out of batch storage memory , unable to store new bar

Radio Indications

Low None Scanner inserted into a cradle (may be disabled).
Low, high Green Bluetooth connection established.

Green flash A bar code was successfully decoded. (See

Preferences Parameter Defaults on page 5-2

programming beeper sounds.)

Red Parity error.

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

Scanner is disabled by a host command to the

trigger pull

scanner.

code.

User

for

High, low Red Bluetooth disconnection event.
Long low, long high Red Bluetooth page timeout; remote device is out of

range/not powered.

Long low, long high, long
low, long high

None Green (fast blink) Bluetooth attempting reconnection.
Five high None Bluetooth attempting reconnection (default is

Six high Blue (fast/fast/slow) Paging state indication.

None Bluetooth connection attempt was rejected by remote

device.

disable).

Table 2-1 Digital Scanner Beeper and LED Indications (Continued)

Beeper Sequence LED Indication

Battery Indications

Four short high beeps Red (stays on) Low battery indication (on trigger release).

Data Capture 2 - 3

Green
Amber
Red

Green/Red alternating
Amber/Red alternating
Red blinking

Parameter Programming

Long low/long high beeps Red Input error, incorrect bar code or

High/low beeps Green Keyboard parameter selected. Enter value using bar

High/low/high/low beeps Green Successful program exit with change in the parameter

Battery charge level: 51-100%
Battery charge level: 21-50%
Battery charge level: 0-20%

Battery charge level indication (state of charge in %
of present full charge capacity).

Battery end of life, battery charge level: 51-100%
Battery end of life, battery charge level: 21-50%
Battery end of life, battery charge level: 0-20%

When the battery indicator displays any one of these
patterns it is time to replace your battery.

Cancel

wrong entry, incorrect bar code programming
sequence; remain in program mode.

code keypad.

setting.

scanned,

ADF Programming

Low/high/low beeps None ADF transmit error.
High/low beeps Green Number expected. Enter another digit. Add leading

zeros to the front if necessary.

Low/low beeps Green Alpha expected. Enter another alphabetic character

or scan the

High/high beeps Green blinking ADF criteria or action is expected. Enter another

criteria or action or scan the

High/low/low beeps Green All criteria or actions cleared for current rule, continue

entering rule.

High/low/high/low beeps Green

(turns off blinking)

Long low/long high beeps Red Rule error. Entry error, wrong bar code scanned, or

Low beep Green Deleted last saved rule. The current rule is left intact.

Rule saved. Rule entry mode exited.

criteria/action list is too long for a rule. Re-enter
criteria or action.

End of Message

bar code.

Save Rule

bar code.

2 - 4 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 2-1 Digital Scanner Beeper and LED Indications (Continued)

Beeper Sequence LED Indication

Low/high/high beeps Green All rules deleted.
Long low/long high/long

low/long high beeps
Long low/long high/long

low beeps

Host Specific
USB only

Four high beeps None

RS-232 only

High/high/high/low beeps Red RS-232 receive error.
High beep None A <BEL> charac ter is received when Beep on <BEL>

Cradle LED Indications

Table 2-2 Cradle LED Indications

LED Indication

Red Out of rule memory. Erase some existing rules, then

try to save rule again.

Green
(turns off blinking)

Cancel rule entry. Rule entry mode exited because of
an error or the user asked to exit rule entry.

Digital

scanner has not completed initialization. Wait

several seconds and scan again.

is enabled (Point-to-Point mode only).

Standard Use

Green (stays on) Power Up

Radio Indications

Green (off, then on) Bluetooth connection established
Blue Page button
Blue (fast/fast/slow)

Battery Indication s

Amber (stays on) Pre-charging
Amber blinking Charging
Green (stays on) Fully charged
Amber fast blinking Charging Error

Battery End of Life Indications

Red blinking Charging
Red (stays on) Fully charged

Page issued

Table 2-2 Cradle LED Indications (Continued)

LED Indication

Red fast blinking Charging error

Maintenance Indications

Red (stays on) Enter boot loader
Red blinking Firmware installation

Table 2-3 lists the conditions in which the specified host controls the System Indicator LED.

Table 2-3 Host Controlled Cradle LED Indications

LED Indication

123Scan

Slow Blinking Green Scanner connected to 123Scan.
Fast Blinking Red File being transferred to the scanner (parameters and

firmware).

Data Capture 2 - 5

Slow Blinking Red Firmware activated on the scanner, loaded into memory.
Solid Green Programming completed successfully (parameters and

Solid Red Error State.

SMS

Blinking Red
(Both scanner and cradle)

Scanning

NOTE The standard digital scanner emits a red illumination with a red aim dot (pictured in Figure 2-1 and Figure

Hand-Held Scanning

1. Aim the digital scanner at a bar code and pull the trigger to decode.

firmware).

Loading the SMS package to scanner.

2-2). The Healthcare configuration emits a white illumination with a green aim dot.

2 - 6 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

2. Press the trigger until the digital scanner beeps, indicating the bar code is successfully decoded. For more

information on beeper and LED definitions, see Beeper and LED Indications on page 2-1.

Figure 2-1 Scanning in Hand-Held Mode

Hands-Free Scanning

The scanner is in hands-free (presentation) mo de wh en it sits in the CR8178-PC cradle. During idle conditions the
scanner operates in object detection mode, where it automa tically wakes u p to decode a ba r code presented in th e
field of view. In object detection mode it is normal for the illumination LEDs to be dimly lit.

To scan:

1. Ensure all connections are secure (see appropriate host chapter).

2. Present the bar code in the scanner field of view.

Data Capture 2 - 7

1D bar code

2D bar code

3. Upon successful decode, the scanner beeps and the LED flashes green. (For more information about beeper

and LED definitions, Beeper and LED Indications on page 2-1).

Figure 2-2 Scanning in Hands-Free Mode

Aiming with Digital Scanner

When scanning, the digital scanner projects a red LED dot which allows positioning the bar code within its field of
view. See Decode Ranges on page 2-9 for the proper distance to achieve between the digital scanner and a bar
code.

Figure 2-3 Aiming Dot

If necessary, the digital scanner turns on its red illumination LEDs to illuminate the target bar code.
To scan a bar code, center the symbol and ensure the entire symbol is within the rectangular area formed by the

illumination LEDs.

Figure 2-4 Scanning Orientation with Aiming Dot

2 - 8 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

The digital scanner can also read a bar code presented within the aiming dot not centered. The top examples in

Figure show acceptable aiming options, while the bottom examples can not be decoded.I

Figure 2-5 Acceptable and Incorrect Aiming

The aiming dot is smaller when the digital scanner is closer to the symb ol and larger when it is farther from the
symbol. Scan symbols with smaller bars or elements (mil size) closer to the digital scanner, and those with larger
bars or elements (mil size) farther from the digital scanner.

The digital scanner beeps to indicate that it successfully decoded the bar code. For more information on beeper
and LED definitions, see Table 2-1.

Decode Ranges

Table 2-4 DS8178 Decode Ranges

Data Capture 2 - 9

Bar Code

Type

Code 39 3.0 mil

Code 128 3.0 mil

100% UPC 13.0 mil
PDF 417 5 mil

Data Matrix 5.0 mil

QR Code 10.0 mil

Symbol Density

20.0 mil

5.0 mil
15 mil

6.67 mil

7.5 mil

10.0 mil

20.0 mil

Typical Working Ranges

2.2 in/5.6 cm 5.0 in/12.7 cm 1.4 in/3.6 cm 5.1 in/13.0 cm

0.0 in/0.0 cm 36.8 in/93.5 cm 0.0 in/0.0 cm 22.4 in/56.9 cm

2.6 in/6.6 cm 4.5 in/11.4 cm 1.8 in/4.6 cm 4.1 in/10.4 cm

1.6 in/4.1 cm 8.4 in/21.3 cm 1.2 in/3.0 cm 8.1 in/20.6 cm

0.0 in/0.0 cm 27.1 in/68.8 cm 1.0 in/ 2.5 cm 16.9 in/42.9 cm

0.0 in/0.0 cm 24.0 in/61.0 cm 0.0 in/0.0 cm 15.9 in/40.4 cm

2.3 in/5.8 cm 6.4 in/16.3 cm 1.5 in/3.8 cm 6.1 in/15.5 cm

1.8 in/4.6 cm 8.5 in/21.6 cm 1.1 in/2.8 cm 8.1 in/20.6 cm
n/a n/a 1.9 in/4.8 cm 4.5 in/11.4 cm

2.1 in/5.3 cm 6.9 in/ 17.5 cm 1.3 in/ 3.3 cm 6.7 in/17.0 cm

1.1 in/2.8 cm 9.9 in/ 25.1 cm 0.6 in/1.5 cm 8.5 in/ 21.6 cm

1.0 in/2.5 cm 8.6 in/ 21.8 cm 0.6 in/1.5 cm 7.7 in/19.6 cm

0.1 in/0.3 cm 17.6 in/ 44.7 cm 0.0 in/0.0 cm 12.5 in/ 31.8 cm

DS8178-SR

Typical Working Ranges

Near Far Near Far

DS8178-HC

2 - 10 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

CHAPTER 3 MAINTENANCE,

TROUBLESHOOTING,
AND TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS

Introduction

This chapter provides suggested digital scanner maintenance, troubleshoo ting, technical specifications, and signa l
descriptions (pin-outs).

Maintenance

IMPORTANT Use pre-moistened wipes and do not allow liquid cleaner to pool.

1

When using sodium hypochlorite (bleach) based products always follow the manufacturer’s
recommended instructions: use gloves during application and remove the residue afterwards with
a damp cloth to avoid prolonged skin contact while handling the scanner.

Due to the powerful oxidizing nature of sodium hypochlorite the metal surfaces on the
scanner are prone to oxidation (corrosion) when exposed to this chemical in the liquid
form (including wipes) and should be avoided. In the event that these type of
disinfectants come in contact with metal on the scanner prompt removal with a
dampened cloth after the cleaning step is critical.

Known Harmful Ingredients

The following chemicals are known to damage the plastics on Zebra scanner s and shoul d not come in con tact with
the device:

•Acetone

• Ammonia solutions

• Aqueous or alcoholic alkaline solutions

• Aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons

• Benzene

• Carbolic acid

• Compounds of amines or ammonia

• Ethanolamine

•Ethers

• Ketones

•TB-lysoform

• Toluene

• Trichloroethylene.

3 - 2 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Approved Cleaners for Standard DS8178 Digital Scanners and CR8178 Cradles

•

Isopropyl alcohol 70% (including wipes)

•

Bleach/sodium hypochlorite

•

Hydrogen peroxide

•

Mild dish soap

•

Ammonium Chloride.

1 (see important note above)

Approved Disinfectant Cleaners for Healthcare Configurations of the DS8178 Digital Scanners and CR8178 Cradles

•

Veridien Viraguard

•

Sodium Hypochlorite 6%

•

Ammonium Chloride 10%

•

Spartan Super HDQL 10

•

Surgipath Cloro-Wipe Towelette

•

PDI Alcohol Prep Pads

•

10% Bleach Solution

•

Clorox® Non-Bleach Disinfecting Wipes

•

Oxivir® Tb Wipes

•

3% Hydrogen Peroxide Solution

•

Sani-Cloth® Bleach Wipes

•

Sani-Cloth® Plus Germicidal Wipes

•

91% Isopropyl Alcohol Solution

•

MetriCide® 28 Day Solution (2.5% Glutaraldehyde)

•

CaviWipes® Disinfecting Towlettes

•

Virex®II 256 Disinfectant Cleaner

•

Cidex® OPA

•

Sani-Cloth® HB Germicidal Wipes

•

Sani-Cloth® PDI AF3 Wipes

1

1 (see important note above)

1 (see important note above)

•

Super San-Cloth® Wipes

•

Windex® Original

•

Windex® Multi-Surface Anti Bacterial Spray

•

Furmula 409® Glass and Surface

•

Hepacide Quat® II

•

Dispatch® Wipes.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications 3 - 3

Cleaning the Digital Scanner

Routinely cleaning the exit window is required. A dirty window may affect scanning accuracy. Do not allow any
abrasive material to touch the window.

To clean the scanner:

1. Dampen a soft cloth with one of the approved cleaning agents listed above or use pre-moistened wipes.

2. Gently wipe all surfaces, including the front, back, sides, top and bottom. Never apply liquid directly to the

scanner. Be car eful not to let liquid po ol around the scanner wind ow, trigger, cable connector or any ot her area
on the device.

3. Be sure to clean the trigger and in between the trigger and th e housing (use a cotto n-tipped applicator to reach

tight or inaccessible areas).

4. Do not spray water or other cleaning liquids directly into the exit window.

5. Wipe the scanner exit window with a lens tissue or other material suitable for cleaning optical material such as

eyeglasses.

6. Immediately dry the scanner window after cleaning with a soft non-abrasive cloth to prevent streaking.

7. Allow the unit to air dry before use.

8. Scanner connectors:
a. Dip the cotton portion of a cotton-tipped applicator in isopropyl alcohol.
b. Rub the cotton portion of the c ott on -t ipp e d ap plic at or back-and-forth across the connector on the Zebra

scanner at least 3 times. Do not leave any cotton residue on the connector.

c. Use the cotton-tipped applicator dipped in alcohol to remove any grease and dirt near the connector area.
d. Use a dry cotton tipped applicator and rub the cotton portion of the cotton-tipped applicator back-and-forth

across the connectors at least 3 times. Do not leave any cotton residue on the connectors.

3 - 4 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

Table 3-1 Troubleshooting

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

The aiming pattern does not
appear when pressing the
trigger.

Digital scanner

pattern, but does not
decode the bar code.

emits aiming

No power to the digital scanner. If the configuration requires a power supply,

re-connect the power supply.

Incorrect host interface cable is
used.

Interface/power cables are loose. Re-connect cables.
Digital scanner is disabled. For IBM 468x and USB IBM hand-held, IBM

If using RS-232 Nixdorf B mode,
CTS is not asserted.

Aiming pattern is disabled. Enable the aiming pattern. See

Digital scanner

for the correct bar code type.
Bar code symbol is unreadable. Scan test symbols of the same bar code type

The symbol is not completely
inside aiming pattern.

is not programmed

Connect the correct host interface cable.

table-top, and OPOS modes, enable the digital
scanner via the host interface. Otherwise, see
the technical person in charge of scanning.

Assert CTS line.

Hand-Held

Decode Aiming Pattern on page 5-22

Program the digital scanner to read that type
of bar code. See

to determine if the bar code is defaced.
Move the symbol completely within the aiming

pattern.

Chapter 12, Symbologies

.

.

Distance between digital scanner
and bar code is incorrect.

Move the symbol completely within the field of
view (AIM pattern does NOT define FOV)

Move the scanner closer to or further from the
bar code. See

Decode Ranges on page 2-9

.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications 3 - 5

Table 3-1 Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

Digital scanner

decodes bar
code, but does not transmit
the data to the host.

Digital scanner

for the correct host type.

is not programmed

Scan the appropriate host type programming
bar code. See the chapter corresponding to

the host type.
Interface cable is loose. Re-connect the cable.
Cradle is not programmed for the

correct host type.

Digital scanner

is not paired to host

connected interface.
Cradle has lost connection to the

host.

Check digital scanner host parameters or edit

options.

Pair digital scanner to the cradle by scanning

the

PAIR

bar code on the cradle.

In this exact order: disconnect power supply;

disconnect host cable; wait three seconds;

reconnect host cable; reconnect power supply;

reestablish pairing.
If the digital scanner emits four

long low beeps, a transmission

Set the scanner's communication parameters

to match the host's setting.
error occurred.

This occurs if a unit is not properly
configured or connected to the
wrong host type.

If the digital scanner emits 5 low
beeps, a conversion or format error

Configure the digital scanner's conversion

parameters properly.
occurred.

Host displays scanned data
incorrectly.

Digital scanner

emits short
low/short medium/short high
beep sequence (power-up
beep sequence) more than
once.

Digital scanner

emits 4 short
high beeps during decode
attempt.

If the digital scanner emits
low/high/low beeps, it detected an
invalid ADF rule.

Digital scanner

is not programmed

to work with the host.

The USB bus may put the digital
scanner in a state where power to
the scanner is cycled on and off
more than once.

Digital scanner

has not completed

USB initialization.

Program the correct ADF rules. Refer to the

Advanced Data Formatting Programmer
Guide.

Scan the appropriate host type programming
bar code.

For RS-232, set the digital scanner's
communication parameters to match the host's
settings.

For a Keyboard Wedge configuration, program
the system for the correct keyboard type, and
turn off the CAPS LOCK key.

Program the proper editing options (e.g.,
UPC-E to UPC-A Conversion).

Normal during host reset.

Wait several seconds and scan again.

3 - 6 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 3-1 Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

Digital scanner

emits
Low/low/low/extra low
beeps when not in use.

Digital scanner

emits
low/high beeps during
programming.

Digital scanner

emits
low/high/low/high beeps
during programming.

Digital scanner

emits
low/high/low beeps.

Digital scanner

emits a
power-up beep after
changing USB host type.

RS-232 receive error. Normal during host reset. Otherwise, set the

digital scanner's RS-232 parity to match the
host setting.

Input error, incorrect bar code or

Cancel

bar code was scanned.

Out of host parameter storage

Scan the correct numeric bar codes within
range for the parameter programmed.

Scan

Default Parameters on page 5-5

.

space.
Out of memory for ADF rules. Reduce the number of ADF rules or the

number of steps in the ADF rules.

During programming, indicates out
of ADF parameter storage space.

Erase all rules and re-program with shorter
rules.

ADF transmit error. Refer to the Advanced Data Formatting Guide

for information.

Invalid ADF rule is detected. Refer to the Advanced Data Formatting Guide

for information.

The USB bus re-established power

Normal when changing USB host type.

to the digital scanner.

Digital scanner

emits one
high beep when not in use.

Digital scanner

emits
frequent beeps.

In RS-232 mode, a <BEL>
character was received and Beep

Normal when

Beep on <BEL>

is enabled and

the digital scanner is in RS-232 mode.

on <BEL> option is enabled.
No power to the scanner. Check the system power. If the configuration

requires a power supply, re-connect the power
supply.

Incorrect host interface cable is
used.

Verify that the correct host interface cable is
used. If not, connect the correct host interface
cable.

Interface/power cables are loose. Check for loose cable connections and

re-connect cables.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications 3 - 7

Table 3-1 Troubleshooting (Continued)

Problem Possible Causes Possible Solutions

Digital scanner

long low beeps after a bar
code is decoded.

emits five

Conversion or format error was
detected.

The scanner conversion
parameters are not properly
configured.

Conversion or format error was
detected.

An ADF rule was set up with
characters that can't be sent for the
host selected.

Conversion or format error was
detected.

A bar code was scanned with
characters that can't be sent for
that host.

NOTE If after performing these checks the digital scanner still experiences problems, contact the distributor or

call support.

Dump Scanner Parameters

Ensure the scanner conversion parameters
are properly configured.

Change the ADF rule, or ch ange to a host that
can support the ADF rule.

Change the bar code, or change to a host that
can support the bar code.

To debug a scanner issue, scan the following bar code with the scanner connected in USB HID keyboard mode to
Microsoft

®

Windows Notepad or Wordpad, or via RS-232 to Windows Hyperterminal. This outputs all the scanner's

asset tracking information and parameter settings to a text document.
Refer to the parameter numbers in Appendix A, Standard Parameter Defaults to interpret the parameter/attribute

numbers in the output.

NOTE Use 123Scan if available as an alternative to using this feature. 123Scan is the preferable method for

outputting scanner information.

NOTE For proper formatting, it may be necessary to first scan <DATA> <SUFFIX 1> (1) on page 5-39.

Dump Scanner Parameters

3 - 8 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Send Versions

Report Software Ve rsion

Scan the following bar code to send the version of software installed in the scanner.

Serial Number

Scan the following bar code to send the scanner serial number to the host.

Report Software Version

Serial Number

Manufacturing Information

Scan the following bar code to send the scanner manufacturing information to the host.

Manufacturing Information

Technical Specifications

NOTE Operating current specifications are subject to change.

Table 3-2 Technical Specifications

Item Description

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions

Presentation Cradle

Desk/Wall Cradle

Weight - DS8178-SR/DL

Presentation Cradle

Desk/Wall Cradle

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications 3 - 9

Scanner

Scanner

6.6 in H x 2.6 in W x 4.2 in D / 16.8 cm H x 6.7 cm W x 10.6 cm D

2.9 in H x 3.7 in W x 4.8 in D / 7.3 cm H x 9.4 cm W x 12.3 cm D

2.8 in H x 3.3 in W x 8.3 in D / 7.2 cm H x 8.4 cm W x 21.1 cm D

8.2 oz / 232 g

5.4 oz / 153 g

6.5 oz / 183 g

Weight - DS8178-HC

Presentation Cradle

Desk/Wall Cradle

Cradle Operating Currents

CR8178-SC Operating Current (mA)
T

=25C

A

CR8178-PC Operating Current (mA)
T

=25C

A

Scanner

8.3 oz / 237 g

6.5 oz / 183 g

7.1 oz / 202 g

Mode Typ Max

Idle @ VIN = 12V 43 50
Idle @ VIN = 5V 93 100
Charging, Standard USB 470 500
Charging, BC1.2 CDP 1350 1500
Charging, BC1.2 DCP 1100 1200
Charging, 5V non-USB 730 750
Charging, 12V non-USB 743 1000

Mode Typ Max

Idle @ VIN = 12V 37 45
Idle @ VIN = 5V 77 85
Charging, Standard USB 470 500
Charging, BC1.2 CDP 1350 1500
Charging, BC1.2 DCP 1100 1200
Charging, 5V non-USB 730 750
Charging, 12V non-USB 743 1000

Available Colors Twilight Black, Nova White, Healthcare White (DS8178-HC)

3 - 10 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 3-2 Technical Specifications (Continued)

Item Description

Supported Host Interfaces USB, RS-232, Keyboard Wedge, RS-485 (IBM 46xx)
Keyboard Support Supports 97 international keyboards
FIPS Security Certification Certified Compliant with FIPS 140-2

User Indicators

Scanner Multi-function LED (Decode, error, paging status);

Beeper (Decode, paging);
Dedicated battery status LED;
Direct Decode Indicator

Cradle Multi-function LED (Pow er, error, charge status)

Performance Characteristics

Light Source

DS8178-SR/DL

DS8178-HC

Aiming Pattern: Circular 617nm amber LED
Aiming Pattern: Circular 528nm true green LED

Illumination

DS8178-SR/DL

DS8178-HC

Imager Field of View 48.0° horizontal, 37.0° vertical
Image Sensor 1,280 x 960 pixels
Minimum Print Contrast 16% minimum reflective difference
Skew Tolerance +/- 60°
Pitch Tolerance +/- 60°
Roll Tolerance 360°

Image Capture

Graphics Format Support Images can be exported as Bitmap, JPEG, or TIFF
Resolution (A4 document) 109 PPI

User Environment

DS8178-SR/DL Temperatures Operating Temperature: 32° to 122°F / 0° to 50°C

Two 645n m red LEDs
Two warm white LEDs

Presentation Mode Operation: 32° to 104°F / 0° to 40°C
Charging Temperature: 32° to 104°F / 0° to 40°C

DS8178-HC Temperatures Operating Temperature (Scanner): 32° to 122°F / 0° to 50°C

Presentation Mode Operation: 32° to 104°F / 0° to 40°C

Charging Temperature: 32° to 104°F / 0° to 40°C
Storage Temperature -40° to 158°F / -40° to 70°C
Humidity 5% to 95% RH, non-condensing

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications 3 - 11

Table 3-2 Technical Specifications (Continued)

Item Description

Drop Specification (Scanner) Designed to withstand multiple drops at 6.0 ft./1.8 m to concrete
Tumble Specification (Scanner) Designed to withstand 2,000 tumbles in 1.5 ft./0.5 m tu mb le r

Note: 1 tumble = 0.5 cycle
Ambient Light Immunity 0 to 9000 Foot Candles/0 to 96,840 Lux
Environmental Sealing Scanner rated IP42
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) - Scanner,

Presentation Cradle, Desk/Wall Cradle

Wireless Connectivity

Bluetooth Radio Standard Bluetooth V ersion 4.0 wi th BLE: Class 1 330 ft. (100m)

Adjustable Bluetooth Power Class 1: Output power adjustable down from 4 dBm in 8 Steps

Battery (@ 25°C)

Battery Capacity / Battery Type 2500mAH Li-ion
Battery Management Type PowerPrecision+ Smart Battery
Scans Per Battery Charge (1 scan/sec) 65,000
Operating Time Per Charge

Note: 10 scans in 10 seconds with a 50
second rest.

Typical Charge Time From Empty To Full

Standard USB

BC1.2 USB

External 5V Source

External 12V Source

+/-15kV Air, +/-8kV Indirect, +/-8kV Direct

and Class 2 33 ft. (10m), Serial Port and HID Profiles

Class 2: Output power adjustable down from 2 dBm in 8 Steps

83 hours

CR8178-SC CR8178-PC

7 hrs 45 min 9 hrs 15 min

3 hrs 3 hrs 15 min

4 hrs 30 min 5 hrs

2 hrs 15 min 2 hrs 15 min

Accessories

Desk/Wall Cradle CR8178-SC
Presentation Cradle CR8178-PC
Document Capture Stand

p/n STND-DC0081W-04
Spare Battery BTRY-DS81EAB0E-00 (Worldwide)

For use with the DS8178-SR/DL in the presentation cradle

(CR8178-PC)

BTRY-DS81EAB0E-00K (India & S. Korea)

3 - 12 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 3-2 Technical Specifications (Continued)

Item Description

Symbol Decode Capability

1D UPC/EAN, UPC/EAN with supplements, Bookland EAN, ISSN,

UCC Coupon Extended, Code 39, Code 39 Full ASCII, Code

128, ISBT Code 128, Code 93, Codabar/NW7, Code 11, MSI

Plessey, UPC/EAN, I 2 of 5, Korean 3 of 5, GS1 DataBar, Base

32 (Italian Pharma), ISBT Concat
2D PDF417, MicroPDF417, Composite Code s, TLC-39, Aztec,

DataMatrix, MaxiCode, QR Code, Micro QR, Chinese Sensible

(Han Xin), China GM Code
Postal Australian Post, US PLANET, Royal Mail 4 State, US POSTNET,

KIX (Dutch), UK Postal, Japan Post, UPU 4 State FICS (Post

US4), USPS 4 State (Post US3), Canadian Post (Postbar)
DigiMarc Digital watermark technology

Minimum Element Resolution

Code 39 3.0 mil
Code 128 3.0 mil
DataMatrix 5.0 mil
QR 5.0 mil

Utilities and Management

123Scan Progr ams scanner parameters, upgrades firmware, provides

scanned bar code data and prints reports. See Chapter 17,

123Scan and Software Tools.

Symbol Scanner SDK Generates a fully-featured scanner application, including

documentation, drivers, test utilities and sample source code.

www.zebra.com/ScannerSDKforWindows

Scanner Management Service (SMS) Remotely manages your Zebra scanner and queries its asset

information.

www.zebra.com/sms

Decode Ranges (Typical)* See Decode Ranges on page 2-9.

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Technical Specifications 3 - 13

PIN 5

PIN 1

PIN 5

PIN 1

Cradle Signal Descriptions

Figure 3-1 Cradle Pin-outs

The signal descriptions in Table 3-3 apply to the contacts on the digital scanner and are for reference only.

Table 3-3 Signal Pin-outs

Pin Function

1
2
3
4
5

Table 3-4 10 Pin Host Interface Connectors

Pin USB RS-232 Keyboard Wedge RS-485*

1 CABLE_ID CABLE_ID CABLE_ID
2 5VDC 5VDC 5VDC 5VDC
3 GND GND GND GND

PACK+
THERM
COM1
COM2
GND

4 TXD KBD_CLK IBM_TXD

*Additional RS-485 transceiver hardware located within the
cable.

3 - 14 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 3-4 10 Pin Host Interface Connectors (Continued)

Pin USB RS-232 Keyboard Wedge RS-485*

5 D+ RXD TERM_DATA IBM_RXD

6 Short to Pin 1 RTS KBD_DATA IBM_DIR

7 D- CTS TERM_CLK

8 1Meg resistor to pin 1 2Meg resistor

9

to pin 1

10 12VDC

(optional)

SHELL Shield Shield Shield Shield

*Additional RS-485 transceiver hardware located within the
cable.

12VDC
(optional)

12VDC (optional) 12VDC

(optional)

CHAPTER 4 RADIO

*Enable Parameter

(1)

Feature/option

* Indicates default

Option value

COMMUNICATIONS

Introduction

This chapter provides information about the modes of op eration and fea tures available for wire less communication
between the DS8178 cordless digital scanners, cradles and hosts. The chapter also includes the parameters
necessary to configure the digital scanner.

The digital scanner ships with the settings shown in the Radio Comm unication Default Table on page 4-2 (also see

Appendix A, Standard Parameter Defaults for all defaults). If the default values suit requirements, programming is

not necessary.

Setting Parameters

To set feature values, scan a single bar code or a short bar code sequence. The settings are stored in non-volatile
memory and are preserved even when th e sca nn e r po wer s do wn .

NOTE Most computer monitors allow scanning bar codes directly on the screen. When scanning from the screen,

be sure to set the document magnification to a level where you can see the bar code clearly, and bars
and/or spaces do not merge.

If not using the default host, select the host type (see each host chapter for specific host information) after the
power-up beeps sound. This is only necessary upon the first power-up when connected to a new host.

To return all features to default values, scan a bar code in Default Parameters on page 5-5. Throughout the
programming bar code menus, asterisks (

*) indicate default values.

4 - 2 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Scanning Sequence Examples

In most cases, scanning one bar code sets the parameter value. For example, to enable Wi-Fi Friendly Mode, scan
the Enable Wi-Fi Friendly Mode bar code listed under Wi-Fi Friendly Mode on page 4-11. The scanner issues a
fast warble beep and the LED turns green, signifying a successful parameter entry.

Other parameters, such as Bluetooth Friendly Name, require scanning several bar codes. See the parameter
descriptions for this procedure.

Errors While Scanning

Unless otherwise specified, to correct an error during a scanning sequence, just re-scan the correct para meter.

Radio Communications Parameter Defaults

Table 4-1 lists the defaults for radio communication parameters. Change these values in one of two ways:

•

Scan the appropriate bar codes in this chapte r. The new value replaces the standard default value in
memory. To recall default parameter values, see Default Parameters on page 5-5.

•

Configure the scanner using the 123Scan configuration program. See Chapter 17, 123Scan and Software

Tools.

NOTE See Appendix A, Standard Parameter Defaults for all user preference, host, symbology, and

miscellaneous default parameters.

Table 4-1 Radio Communication Default Table

Parameter

Radio Communications Host Types N/A N/A Cradle Host
Bluetooth Friendly Name 607 F1h 5Fh n/a
Discoverable Mode 610 F1h 62h General
Wi-Fi Friendly Mode 1299 F8h 05h 77h Disable
Wi-Fi Friendly Channel Exclusion N/A N/A Use All Channels
Radio Output Power 1324 F8h 05h 2Ch High
Link Supervision Timeout 1698 F8h 06h A2h 5 sec
Bluetooth Radio State 1354 F8h 05h 4Ah On

Parameter

Number

SSI Number Default

Page

Number

4-4
4-9
4-10
4-11
4-12
4-13
4-14
4-15

Bluetooth HID - Wait for Connection 1714 F8h 06h B2h Disable
HID Features for Apple iOS 1114 F8h 04h 5Ah Disable
HID Keyboard Keystroke Delay N/A N/A No Delay (0 msec)
HID CAPS Lock Override N/A N/A Disable
HID Ignore Unknown Characters N/A N/A Enable

4-15
4-16
4-17
4-17
4-18

Table 4-1 Radio Communication Default Table (Continued)

Radio Communications 4 - 3

Parameter

Emulate Keypad N/A N/A Enable
Fast HID Keyboard 1361 F8h 05h 51h Enable
Quick Keypad Emulation 1362 F8h 05h 52h Enable
HID Keyboard FN1 Substitution N/A N/A Disable
HID Function Key Mapping N/A N/A Disable
Simulated Caps Lock N/A N/A Disable
Convert Case N/A N/A No Case Conversion
Reconnect Attempt Beep Feedback 559 F1h 2Fh Disable
Reconnect Attempt Interval 558 F1h 2Eh 30 sec
Auto-Reconnect 604 F1h 5Ch Auto-Reconnect

Beep on Insertion 288 20h Enable
Beep on <BEL> 150 96 Enable
Modes of Operation

(Point-to-Point/Multipoint-to-Point)

Parameter

Number

538 F1 1A Point-to-Point

SSI Number Default

Immediately

Page

Number

4-18
4-19
4-19
4-20
4-20
4-21
4-21
4-22
4-23
4-24

4-25
4-25
4-26

Parameter Broadcast (Cradle Host Only) 148 94h Enable
Pairing Modes 542 F1h 1Eh Unlocked
Pairing on Contacts 545 F1h 21h Enable
Toggle Pairing 1322 F8h 05h 2Ah Disable
Connection Maintenance Interval N/A N/A 15 Minutes
Batch Mode 544 F1h 20h Normal (Do Not Batch

Data)
Persistent Batch Storage 1399 F8h 05h 77h Disable
Page Button 746 F1h EAh Enable
Page Mode 1364 F8h 05h 54h Page Simple
Page Stage Timeout 1365 F8h 05h 55h 30 Seconds
Bluetooth Classic and/or Low Energy

(Cradle Host Only)
PIN Code (Set and Store) 552 F1h 28h 12345

1355 F8h 05h 4Bh Classic and Low Energy

4-27
4-28
4-29
4-30
4-31
4-34

4-35
4-36
4-37
4-37
4-38

4-39

4 - 4 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Table 4-1 Radio Communication Default Table (Continued)

Parameter

Variable Pin Code 608 F1h 60h Static

Bluetooth Security Levels 1393 F8h 05h 71h Low

Parameter

Number

Wireless Beeper Definitions

When the digital scanner scans the pairing bar code it issues various beep sequences indicating successful or
unsuccessful operations. See Beeper and LED Indications on page 2-1 for all beep sequences and LED displays
including those which occur during pairing operations.

Radio Communication Host Types

To set up the digital scanner for communication with a cradle, or to use standard Bluetooth profiles, scan the
appropriate host type bar code below.

Bluetooth Classic vs. Low Energy Bluetooth

Low Energy (LE) Bluetooth has a smaller RF footprint which significantly improves Wi-Fi co-existence. However,
LE Bluetooth is up to 7 times slower than Classic Bluetooth (0.27 Mbps versus 0.7-2.1 Mbps), so data intensive
activities such as firmware update can take significantly longer.

SSI Number Default

(Default PIN code is

12345)

Page

Number

4-39

4-40

Cradle

Select this host type when connecting a scanner to a communication cradle (DS8178-SC or DS8178-PC).

NOTE The scanner automatically tries to reconnect to a remote device when a disconnection occurs that is due

to the radio losing communication. See Auto-Reconnect Feature on page 4-22 for more information.

To esta blis h a co nn ection (for initial setup only):

1. Scan the Cradle-Bluetooth Classic or Cradle-Low Energy bar code.

2. Scan the pairing bar code on the cradle or place the scanner in the cradle.

Cradle Bluetooth Classic

Cradle Bluetooth Low Energy

Radio Communications 4 - 5

Human Interface Device (HID) Keyboard Emulation

Select this host type when connecting to a PC/tablet/phone emulating a Bluetooth keyboard.

•

HID Bluetooth Classic - Enabl es the host and scanner to communicate using the HID Keyboard Profile over

Bluetooth Classic radio. The scanner(s) is discoverable (Slave Mode) and also supports Master Mode.
To esta blis h a co nn ec tio n (in itial se tu p on ly) :

1. Scan the HID Bluetooth Classic bar code.

2. Connect to Master Mode or Slave Mode.

• Master Mode - Scan a pairing bar code with the host de vice's MAC address.

• Slave Mode - From the host, discover Bluetooth devices and select your scanner from the discovered
device list.

•

HID Bluetooth Low Energy (Discoverable) - Enables the host to establish a HID Keyboard Profile

connection with the scanner over Bluetooth Low Energy radio. The scanner(s) is discoverable (Slave Mode).
To esta blis h a co nn ec tio n (in itial se tu p on ly) :

1. Scan the HID Bluetooth Low Energy (Discoverable) bar code.

2. From the host discover Bluetooth devices and select your scanner from the discovered device list.

HID Bluetooth Classic

HID Bluetooth Low Energy (Discoverable)

4 - 6 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Simple Serial Interface (SSI)

Select this host type when connecting to a Zebra mobile device or PC/tablet/phone running a Zebra scanner SDK
app.

•

SSI BT Classic (Non-discoverable) - Enables communication with Zebra mobile computers. It enables the

scanner(s) to establish a connection with the host over Bluetooth Classic radio. The scanner is NOT in
discoverable (Master Mode).

To esta blis h a co nn ec tio n (in itial se tu p on ly) :

1. Scan the SSI BT Classic (Non-discoverable) bar code.

2. Scan a pairing bar code with the host device's MAC address.

NOTE Additional steps may be necessary depending on host's Bluetooth stack.

•

SSI BT Classic (Discoverable) - Enables communication with Scanner SDK for Android generated apps. It

enables the host to establish a connection with the scanner over Bluetooth Classic radio. The scanner is in
discoverable (Slave Mode).

To esta blis h a co nn ec tio n (in itial se tu p on ly) :

1. Scan the SSI BT Classic (Discoverable) bar code.

2. From the host, discover Bluetooth devices and select your scanner from your di scovered device list.

•

SSI BT LE - Enables communication with apps generated using the Zebra's Scanner SDKs for iOS and

Android. It enables the host to establish a connection with the scanner over a Bluetooth Low Energy radio.
The scanner is in discoverable (Slave Mode) and also supports Master Mode.

• Free Demonstration App - Download Scanner Control App for iOS from the App Store.

• Free Demonstration App - Download Scanner Control App for Android from the Google Play Store.

•

SSI BT with MFi (iOS Support) - Enables communication with Scanner SDK for iOS generated apps. This

enables an Apple device and scanner to communicate over Bluetooth Classic radio. The scanner is
discoverable (Slave Mode) and also supports Master Mode.

• Free Demonstration App - Download Scanner Control App for iOS from the App Store.

Simple Serial Interface (continued)

SSI BT Classic (Non-Discoverable)

Radio Communications 4 - 7

SSI BT Classic (Discoverable)

SSI BT LE

SSI BT with MFi (iOS Support)

4 - 8 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Serial Port Profile (SPP)

Select this host type when connecting to a PC/tablet/phone using a Bluetooth serial connection.

•

SPP BT Classic (Non-Discoverable) - Enables the scanner to establish a Serial Port Profile (SPP)

connection with the host over Bluetooth Classic radio. The scanner is NOT discoverable (Master Mode).
To esta blis h a co nn ec tio n (in itial se tu p on ly) :

1. Scan the SPP BT Classic (Non-discoverable) bar code.

2. Scan a pairing bar code with the MAC address of the host device.

•

SPP BT Classic (Discoverable) - Enables the host to establish a Serial Port Profile (SPP) connection with

the scanner over Bluetooth Classic radio. The scanner is discoverable (Slave Mode).
To esta blis h a co nn ec tio n (in itial se tu p on ly) :

1. Scan the SPP BT Classic (Discoverable) bar code.

2. From the host, discover Bluetooth devices and select your scanner from the discovered device list.

SPP BT Classic (Non-Discoverable)

SPP BT Classic (Discoverable)

Radio Communications 4 - 9

Bluetooth Technology Profile Support

With Bluetooth Technology Profile Support, the cradle is not required for wireless communication. The digital
scanner communicates directly to the host using Bluetooth technology. The digital scanner supports the standard
Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) and HID Profiles which enable the digital scanner to communicate with other
Bluetooth devices that support these profiles.

•

SPP - the digital scanner connects to the PC/host via Bluetooth and perform s like there is a serial connection.

•

HID - the digital scanner connects to the PC/host via Bluetooth and performs like a keyboard.

Master/Slave Set Up

The digital scanner can be set up as a Master or Slave. When the digital scanner is set up as a Slave, it is
discoverable and connectible to other devices. When the digital scanner is set up as a Master, the Bluetooth
address of the remote device to which a connection is requested is required. A pairing bar code with the remote
device address must be created and scanned to attempt a connection to the remote device. See the Pairing Bar

Code Format on page 4-30 for information about creating a pairing bar code.

Master

When the digital scanner is set up as a Master (SPP), it initiates the radio connection to a slave device. Initiating
the connection is done by scanning a pairing bar code for the remote device (see Pairing Bar Code Format on

page 4-30).

Slave

When the digital scanner is set up as a Slave device (SPP), the digital scanner accepts an incoming connection
request from a remote device.

NOTE The number of digital scanners is dependent on the host capability.

Bluetooth Friendly Name

Parameter # 607 (SSI # F1h 5Fh)

You can set a meaningful name for the digital scanner th at appe ars in the application duri ng device discovery. The
default name is the digital scanner name followed by its serial number, e.g., DS8178 123456789ABCDEF.
Scanning Set Defaults reverts the digital scanner to this name; use custom defaults to maintain the
user-programmed name through a Set Defaults operation.

To set a new Bluetooth Friendly Name, scan the following bar code, then scan up to 23 characters from Appendix

H, Alphanumeric Bar Codes. If the name contains less than 23 characters, Then scan End of Message in the

Advanced Data Formatting Guide.

NOTE If your application allows you to set a device name, this takes preceden ce over the Bluetooth Friendly

Name.

Bluetooth Friendly Name

4 - 10 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Discoverable Mode

Parameter # 610 (SSI # F1h 62h)

Select a discoverable mode based on the device initiating discovery:

•

Select General Discoverable Mode when initiating connection from a PC.

•

Select Limited Discoverable Mode when initiating connection from a mobile device (e.g., Q), and the device
does not appear in General Discoverable Mode. Note that it can take longer to discover the device in this
mode.

The device remains in Limited Discoverable Mode for 30 seconds, and green LEDs flash while in this mode.
It is then non-discoverable. To re-active Limited Discoverable Mode, press the trigger.

*General Discoverable Mode

(0)

Limited Discoverable Mode

(1)

Wi-Fi Friendly Mode

Scanners configured for Wi-Fi friendly mode behave as follows:

•

The scanner remains in sniff mode, and exits sniff mode only during firmware update.

•

If any Wi-Fi channel is excluded from the hopping sequence, AFH turns off.

•

Scanner (and cradle) avoid the selected Wi-Fi channels after establishing connection.

Notes

•

If using this feature, configure all scanners in the area for Wi-Fi friendly mode.

•

By default, no Wi-Fi channels are excluded.

•

Since Bluetooth requires a minimum of 20 channels when Wi-Fi channels 1, 6, and 11 are excluded,
a smaller number of channels are cut from the hopping sequence.

•

Updating Wi-Fi friendly settings before Bluetooth connection is recommended.

Scan a bar code below to enable or disable Wi-Fi Friendly Mode, then see Wi-Fi Friendly Channel Exclusion to
select any channels to exclude.

Radio Communications 4 - 11

*Disable Wi-Fi Friendly Mode

Wi-Fi Friendly Channel Exclusion

Wi-Fi Channel Exclusion

Select the channels to exclude:

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channel 1: Bluetooth channels 0-21 are excluded from hopping sequence

(2402-2423 MHz).

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channel 6: Bluetooth channels 25-46 are excluded from hopping sequence

(2427 - 2448 MHz).

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channel 11: Bluetooth channels 50-71 are excluded from hopping sequence

(2452 - 2473 MHz).

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channel 1, 6 and 11: Bluetooth channels 2-19 (2404-2421 MHz),

26-45 (2428 - 2447 MHz) and 51-69 (2453 - 2471 MHz) are excluded from hopping sequence.

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channels 1 and 6: Bluetooth channels 0-21 (2402-2423 MHz) and 25-46

(2427 - 2448 MHz) are excluded from hopping sequence.

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channels 1 and 11: Bluetooth channels 0-21 (2402-2423 MHz) an d 50 -7 1

(2452 - 2473 MHz) are excluded from hopping sequence.

•

Exclude Wi-Fi channel 6 and 11: Bluetooth channels 25-46 (2427 - 2448 MHz) and 50-71

(2452 - 2473 MHz) are excluded from hopping sequence.

Enable Wi-Fi Friendly Mode

4 - 12 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Wi-Fi Friendly Channel Exclusion (continued)

*Use All Channels (Standard AFH)

Exclude Wi-Fi Channel 6

Exclude Wi-Fi Channel 1

Exclude Wi-Fi Channels 1, 6, and 11

Exclude Wi-Fi Channels 1 and 11

Exclude Wi-Fi Channel 11

Exclude Wi-Fi Channels 1 and 6

Exclude Wi-Fi Channels 6 and 11

Radio Output Power

Parameter # 1324 (SSI # F8h 05h 2Ch)

The DS8178 uses a Class 1 Bluetooth radio. Optionally, reduce the radio output power to restrict the transmission
range and reduce the effect of the radio on neighboring wireless systems.

NOTE Bluetooth stack resets on power change and the device loses connection.

Scan a bar code to select the desired power mode.

* High Power Setting

(0)

Radio Communications 4 - 13

Low Power Setting

(2)

Medium Power Setting

(1)

4 - 14 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Link Supervision Timeout

Parameter # 1698 (SSI # F8h 06h A2h)

Link supervision timeout controls how quickly the scanner senses that the Bluetooth radio lost connection to the
remote device. A lower value helps prevent data loss at the edge of the operating range while a larger value helps
prevent disconnects due to the remot e de vice not re sponding in time. If you are experiencing occasional
disconnects and the scanner is able to reconnect, increase the link supervision timeout value.

NOTE The scanner only controls Link Supervision Timeout in Master Mode.

.5 Seconds

* 5 Seconds

20 Seconds

2 Seconds

10 Seconds

Bluetooth Radio State

Parameter # 1354 (SSI # F8h 05h 4Ah)

NOTE The only option to turn the radio on after it is turned off on the cradle, is through the host.

Bluetooth Radio Off

Radio Communications 4 - 15

HID Host Parameters

The digital scanner supports virtual keyboard emulation for the Apple iOS, and keyboard emulation over the
Bluetooth HID profile. In this mode the digital scanner ca n interact with Bluetooth en abled hosts supporting the HID
profile as a Bluetooth keyboard. Scanned data is transmitted to the host as keystrokes.

Bluetooth HID - Wait for Connection

Parameter # 1714

NOTE This setting applies to first time connection only, when scanner connects to remote device by scanning a

paring bar code.

When disabled, the scanner issues a connection after scanning a pairing bar code. This is the recommended
setting for Android devices.

When enabled, the scanner waits for a connection request from a remote devic e, after scan ning a p airing bar code
and initiating pairing. This is the recommended setting for Windows devices

*Bluetooth Radio On

4 - 16 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Bluetooth HID - Wait for Connection (continued)

* Disable

(0)

Enable

(1)

HID Features for Apple iOS

Parameter # 1114 (SSI # F8h 04h 5Ah)

This option works with Apple iOS devices to enable the opening and closing of the iOS virtual keyboard by
double-pressing the trigger.

NOTE When this feature is enabled, the digital scanner may be incompatible with non-Apple iOS devices.

*Disable

(0)

Enable

(1)

Radio Communications 4 - 17

HID Keyboard Keystroke Delay

This parameter sets the delay, in milliseconds, between emulated keystrokes. Scan a bar code below to increase
the delay when the HID host requires a slower trans mis sion of da ta .

*No Delay (0 msec)

Medium Delay (20 msec)

Long Delay (40 msec)

HID CAPS Lock Override

When enabled, the case of the data is preserved regardless of the state of the caps lock key. This setting is always
enabled for the “Japanese, Windows (ASCII)” keyboard type and can not be disabled.

*Do Not Override Caps Lock Key

(Disable)

Override Caps Lock Key

(Enable)

4 - 18 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

HID Ignore Unknown Characters

This option applies only to the HID Keyboard Emulation device and IBM device. Unknown characters are
characters the host does not recognize. When Send Bar Codes With Unknown Characters is selected, all bar
code data is sent except for unknown characters, an d no e rror beeps sound. Wh en Do Not Send Bar Codes W ith
Unknown Characters is selected, bar code data is sent up to the first unknown character, then the digital scanner
issues an error beep.

*Send Bar Codes With Unknown Characte rs

(Enable)

Do Not Send Bar Codes With Unknown Characters

(Disable)

Emulate Keypad

When enabled, all characters are sent as ASCII sequences over the numeric keypad. For example, ASCII A is sent
as "ALT make" 0 6 5 "ALT Break."

Disable Keypad Emulation

* Enable Keypad Emulation

Fast HID Keyboard

Parameter # 1361 (SSI # F8h 05h 51h)

This option transmits Bluetooth HID keyboard data at a faster rate.

Fast HID Disable

Radio Communications 4 - 19

*Fast HID Enable

Quick Keypad Emulation

Parameter # 1362 (SSI # F8h 05h 52h)

NOTE This option applies only to a HID Keyboard Emulation Device which has Emulate Keypad

enabled (see Emulate Keypad on page 4-18).

This parameter enables a quicker method of keypad emulation where ASCII sequences are only sent for ASCII
characters not found on the keyboard.

Quick Keypad Emulation Disable

*Quick Keypad Emulation Enable

4 - 20 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

HID Keyboard FN1 Substitution

When enabled, this parameter allows replacement of any FN1 character in an EAN128 bar code with a Key
Category and value chosen by the user. See FN1 Substitution Values on page 5-40 to set the Key Category and
Key Value.

*Disable Keyboard FN1 Substitution

Enable Keyboard FN1 Substitution

HID Function Key Mapping

ASCII values under 32 are normally sent as control-key sequences. When this parameter is enabled, the keys in
bold are sent in place of the standard key mapping (see Table I-1 on page I-1).

Table entries that do not have a bold entry remain the same whether or not this parameter is enabled.

*Disable Function Key Mapping

Enable Function Key Mapping

Radio Communications 4 - 21

Simulated Caps Lock

When enabled, the digital scanner inverts upper and lower case characters on the digita l scanner bar code as if the
Caps Lock state is enabled on the keyboard. This inversion is done regardless of the current state of the keyboard
Caps Lock state.

*Disable Simulated Caps Lock

Enable Simulated Caps Lock

Convert Case

When enabled, the digital scanner converts all bar code data to the selected case.

*No Case Conversion

Convert All to Upper Case

Convert All to LowerCase

4 - 22 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Auto-Reconnect Feature

When in SPP Master , Cradle Host Mode, and Bluetooth Keyboard Emul ation, the digital scanner automatically tries
to reconnect to a remote device when a disconnection occurs that is due to the radio losing communication. This
can happen if the digital scanner goes out of range with the remote device, or if the remote device powers down.
The digital scanner tries to reconnect for the period of time specified by the Reconnect Attempt Interval setting.
During that time the green LED continues to blink.

If the auto-reconnect process fails due to page time-outs, the digital scanner sounds a page timeout beep (long
low/long high) and enters low power mode. The auto-reconnect process can be re-started by pulling the digital
scanner trigger.

If the auto-reconnect process fails because the remote device rejects the connection attempt, the digital scanner
sounds a connection reject beep sequence (see Wireless Beeper Definitions on page 4-4) and deletes the remote
pairing address. If this happens, a pairing bar code must be scanned to attempt a new connection to the remote
device.

NOTE If a bar code is scanned while the auto-reconnect sequence is in process, a transmission error beep

sequence sounds and the data is not transmitted to the host. After a connection is reestablished, normal
scanning operation returns. For error beep sequence definitions, see After the trigger is held for three

seconds the battery LED gauge remain active for four seconds after trigger release. on page 2-1.

The digital scanner has memory available for storing a remote Bluetooth address for each Master Mode (SPP,
Cradle). When switching between these modes, the digital scanner automatically tries to reconnect to the last
device it was connected to in that mode.

NOTE Switching between Bluetooth host types by scanning a host type bar code ( page 4-4) causes the radio to

be reset. Scanning is disabled during this time. It takes several seconds for the digital scanner to
re-initialize the radio at which time scanning is enabled.

Reconnect Attempt Beep Feedback

Parameter # 559 (SSI # F1h 2Fh)

When a digital scanner disconnects as it goes out of range, it immediately attempts to reconnect. While the digital
scanner attempts to reconnect, the green LED continues to blink. If the auto-reconnect process fails, the digital
scanner emits a page timeout beep (long low/long high) and stops blinking the LED. The process can be restarted
by pulling the trigger.

The Beep on Reconnect Attempt feature is disabled by default. When enabled, the digital scanner emits 5 short
high beeps every 5 seconds while the re-connection attempt is in progress. Scan a bar code below to enable or
disable Beep on Reconnect Attempt.

*Disable Beep on Reconnect At tempt

(0)

Enable Beep on Reconnect Attempt

(1)

Radio Communications 4 - 23

Reconnect Attempt Interval

Parameter # 558 (SSI # F1h 2Eh)

When a digital scanner disconnects as it goes out of range, it immediately attempts to reconnect for the default
time interval of 30 seconds. This time interval can be changed to one of the options below.

To set the Reconnect Attempt Interval, scan one of the bar codes below.

*Attempt to Reconnect for 30 Seconds

(6)

Attempt to Reconnect for 1 Minute

(12)

Attempt to Reconnect for 5 Minutes

(60)

Attempt to Reconnect for 1 Hour

(720)

Attempt to Reconnect for 30 Minutes

(360)

Attempt to Reconnect Indefinitely

(0)

4 - 24 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Auto-Reconnect

Parameter # 604 (SSI # F1h 5Ch)

In Bluetooth Keyboard Emulation (HID) mode, SPP Master, and Cradle Host Mode, select a re-connect option for
when the digital scanner loses its connection with a remote device:

•

Auto-Reconnect on Bar Code Data: The digital scanner auto-reconnects when you scan a bar code. With

this option, a delay can occur when transmitting the first characters. The digital scanner sounds a decode
beep upon bar code scan, followed by a conn ection, a page time out, a rejection bee p, or a transmission error
beep. Select this option to optimize battery life on the digital scanner and mobile device. Note that
auto-reconnect does not occur on rejection and cable unplug commands.

•

Auto-Reconnect Immediately: When the digital scanner loses connection, it attempts to reconnect. If a

page timeout occurs, the digital scanner attempts reconnect on a trigger pull. Select this option if the digital
scanner battery life is not an issue and you do not want a delay to occur when the first bar code is
transmitted. Note that auto-reconnect does not occur on rejection and cable unplug commands.

•

Disable Auto-Reconnect: When the digital scanner loses connection, you must re-establish it manually.

Auto-Reconnect on Bar Code Data

(1)

Disable Auto-Reconnect

(0)

Out of Range Indicator

An out of range indicator can be set by scanning Enable Beep on Reconnect Attempt (1) on page 4-22 and
extending the time using the Reconnect Attempt Interval on page 4-23.

*Auto-Reconnect Immediately

(2)

For example, with Beep on Reconnect Attemp t disabl ed while the digital scanne r loses radi o connectio n when it is
taken out of range, the digital scanner attempts to reconnect silently during the time interval set by scanning a
Reconnect Attempt Interval.

When Beep on Reconnect Attempt is enabled, the digital scanner emits 5 high beeps every 5 seconds while the
re-connection attempt is in progress. If the Reconnect Attempt Interval is adjusted to a longer period of time, such
as 30 minutes, the digital scanner emits 5 high beeps every 5 seconds for 30 minutes providing an out of range
indicator.

Beep on Insertion

Parameter # 288 (SSI # 20h)

When a digital scanner is inserted into a cradle and detects pow er, it emits a short low beep. This feature is
enabled by default.

To enable or disable beeping on insertion, scan the appropriate bar code below.

*Enable Beep on Insertion

(1)

Radio Communications 4 - 25

Beep on <BEL>

Parameter # 150 (SSI # 96h)

When this parameter is enabled, the scanner issues a b eep whe n a <BEL> character is detected on the serial lin e.
<BEL> is issued to gain a user's attention to an illegal entry or other important events.

NOTE This parameter only applies to SPP (Serial Port Profile). The RS-232 interface on the cradle has this

feature when Beep on <BEL> is enabled.

*Beep on <BEL> Enable

Disable Beep on Insertion

(0)

Beep on <BEL> Disable

4 - 26 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Digital Scanner(s) To Cradle Support

Modes of Operation

Parameter # 538 (SSI # F1h 1Ah)

The charging cradle with radio supports two radio communication modes of oper ation, al lowing the digital sca nner
to communicate wirelessly:

•

Point-to-Point

•

Multipoint-to-Point.

Point-to-Point Communication

In Point-to-Point communication mode, the cradle allows one d igital scanner to connect to it at a time. In this mode,
the digital scanner is paired to the cradle either by insertion into the cradle (if pairing on contacts is enabled, page

4-29), or by scanning the PAIR bar code. Communication can be locked, unlocked (default), or in a lock override

state (see Pairing Modes on page 4-27). In locked mode, locking intervals must be set by scanning a connection
maintenance interval bar code beginning on page 4-31.

To activate this mode of operation, scan Point-to-Point.

Multipoint-to-Point Communication

Multipoint-to-Point communication mode allows up to seven digital scanner s to pair to one cradle.
To activate this mode, the first digital scanner connected to the cradle must scan the Multipoint-to-Point bar code.

This mode allows a parameter broadcast ( page 4-27) feature that forwards parameter bar code settings to all
connected digital scanners. In this mode, programming one digital scanner applies the settings to all connected
digital scanners.

To select Point-to-Point or Multipoint-to-Point mode, scan the appropriate bar code.

Multipoint-to-Point Mode

(1)

*Point-to-Point Mode

(0)

Radio Communications 4 - 27

Parameter Broadcast (Cradle Host Only)

Parameter # 148 (SSI # 94h)

NOTE When Parameter Broadcast is disabled on one scanner in the piconet, Parameter Broadcast is disabled

on all scanners in the piconet.

When in multipoint-to-point mode, enable Parameter Broadcast to broadcast all parameter bar codes scanned to
all other digital scanners in the piconet. If disabled , pa ra m et er bar cod es ar e pr oc es se d by th e ind ivid ua l di git al
scanner only, and the digital scanner ignores parameters broadcast from other digital scanners or from the cradle.

*Enable Parameter Broadcast

(1)

Disable Parameter Broadcast

(0)

Pairing

Pairing is the process by which a digital scanner initiates communication with a cradle. Scanning
Multipoint-to-Point activates multi digital scanner-to-cradle operation and allows up to seven digital scanners to
pair to one cradle.

To pair the digital scanner with the cradle, scan the pairing bar code. A high/low/high/low beep sequence indicates
that the pairing bar code was decoded. When a connection between the cradle and digital scanner is established,
a low/high beep sounds.

NOTE 1. The pairing bar code that connects the digital scanner to a cradle is unique to each cradle.

2. Do not scan data or parameters until pairing completes.

3. Only when the digital scanner is paired to the cradle, it automatically tries to reconnect to a remote

device when a disconnection occurs that is due to the radio losing communication. For more information
see Auto-Reconnect Feature on page 4-22.

Pairing Modes
Parameter # 542 (SSI # F1h 1Eh)

When operating with the cradle, two modes of pairing are supported:

•

Locked Pairing Mode - When a cradle is paired (connected) to the digital scanner (or up to seven digital

scanners in Multipoint-to-Point mode), any attempt to connect a different digital scanner, by either scanning
the PAIR bar code on the cradle or by inserting it into the cradle with the pairing on contacts feature ena bled
( page 4-29), is rejected. The currently connected digital scanner(s) maintain connection. In this mode, you
must set a Connection Maintenance Interval on page 4-31.

4 - 28 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

•

Unlocked Pairing Mode - Unlocking works in Point-to-Point mode only. Pair (connect) a new digital scanner

to a cradle at any time by either scanning the PAIR bar code on the cradle or by inserting it into the cradle
with the pairing on contacts feature enabled. This unpairs the previous digital scanner from the cradle.

To set the cradle pairing mode, scan the appropriate bar code below.

*Unlocked Pairing Mode

(0)

Locked Pairing Mode

(1)

Lock Override

NOTE Lock Override is applicable in Point-to-Point mode only (does not apply to Multipoint-to-Point mode). In

Multipoint-to-Point mode, if seven scanners are connected, the scanners must be disconnected for a new
scanner to connect.

Lock Override overrides a locked digital scanner base pairing and connects a new digita l scanner. To use Lock
Override, scan the bar code below, followed by the pairing bar code on the cradle.

Lock Override

Radio Communications 4 - 29

Pairing Methods

Parameter # 545 (SSI # F1h 21h)

There are two pairing methods. The default metho d allows the digital scanner and crad le to pair (connect) when the
pairing bar code on the cradle is scanned. A second method pairs the digital scanner and cradle when the digital
scanner is inserted in the cradle. To enable this feature, scan Enable Pair On Contacts below. With this feature
enabled it is not necessary to scan the pairing bar code on the cra d le. If the pa irin g is succe ssfu l, a low/ hig h
connection beep sequence sounds a few seconds after the digital scanner is placed in the cradle. See Wireless

Beeper Definitions on page 4-4 for other beep sequences.

To enable or disable pairing on contacts, scan the appropriate bar code below.

*Enable Pair On Contacts

(1)

Disable Pair on Contacts

(0)

Unpairing

NOTE When unpairing the digital scanner the host may issue a connection back to the scanner after scanner

disconnects.

Unpair the digital scanner from the cradle or PC/host to make the cradle available for pairing with another digital
scanner. Scan the bar code below to disconnect the digital scanner from its cradle/PC host.

Unpairing

4 - 30 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Paring Bar Code Content:

‘B’ + Bluetooth Address

B112233445566

Toggle Pairing
Parameter # 1322 (SSI # F8h 05h 2Ah)

If the scanner is configured for Toggle Pairing, scanning the Toggle Pairing bar code a second time will unpair the
scanner.

*Toggle Pairing Disable

Toggle Pairing Enable

Pairing Bar Code Format

When the digital scanner is configured as an SPP Master, you must create a pairing bar code for the rem ote
Bluetooth device to which the digital scanner can connect. The Bluetooth address of the remote device must be
known. Pairing bar codes are Code 128 bar codes and are formatted as follows:

<Fnc 3>Bxxxxxxxxxxxx

where:

•

B (or LNKB) is the prefix

•

xxxxxxxxxxxx represents the 12-character Bluetooth address.

Pairing Bar Code Example

If the remote device to which the digital scanner can connect has a Bluetooth address of 11:22:33:44:55:66, then
the pairing bar code is:

Radio Communications 4 - 31

Connection Maintenance Interval

NOTE The Connection Maintenance Interval only applies in locked pairing mode (see page 4-27).

When a digital scanner disconnects from a cradle due to a Link Supervision Timeout, the digital scanner
immediately attempts to reconnect to the cradle for 30 seconds. If the auto-reconnect process fails, it can be
restarted by pulling the digital scanner trigger.

To guarantee that a disconnected digital scanner can reconnect when it comes back in range, the cradle reserves
the connection for that digital scanner for a period of time defined by the Connection Maintenance Interval. If the
cradle is supporting the maximum three digital scanners and one digital scanner disconnects, a fourth digital
scanner cannot pair to the cradle during this interval. To connect another digital scanner: either wait until the
connection maintenance interval expir es the n sca n th e PAIR bar code on the cradle with the new digital scanner;
or, scan Lock Override ( page 4-28) with the new digital scanner then scan the PAIR bar code on th e cra dle .

NOTE The cradle stores the remote pairing address of each digital scanner in memory regardless of the digital

scanner condition (e.g., discharged battery). When you want to change the digital scanners paired to the
cradle, unpair each digital scanner currently connected to the cradle by scanning the Unpairing bar code
prior and reconnect each appropriate digital scanner by scanning the PAIR bar code on the cradle.

Considerations

The system administrator determines the Connection Maintenance Interval. A shorter interval allows new users to
gain access to abandoned connections more quickly, but causes problems if users leave the work area for
extended periods. A longer interval allows existing users to leave the work area for longer periods of time, but ties
up the system for new users.

To avoid this conflict, users who are going off-shift can scan the unpa ir ba r code on page 4-29 to ignore the
Connection Maintenance Interval and make the connection immediately available.

To set the Connection Maintenance Interval, scan one of the bar codes below

.

*Set Interval to 15 Minutes

(0)

Set Interval to 30 Minutes

(1)

Set Interval to 60 Minutes

(2)

4 - 32 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Connection Maintenance Interval (continued)

Set Interval to 4 Hours

(4)

Set Interval to 2 Hours

(3)

Set Interval to 24 Hours

(6)

Set Interval to 8 Hours

(5)

Set Interval to Forever

(7)

Batch Mode

Parameter # 544 (SSI # F1h 20h)

IMPORTANT Batch mode does not apply to SPP Slave Mode.

The digital scanner supports five versions of batch mode. When the digital scanner is configured for any of the
batch modes, it attempts to store bar code dat a (n ot parameter bar codes) until transmission is initialized, or the
maximum number of bar codes are stored. When a bar code is saved successfully, a good decode beep sounds
and the LED flashes green. If the digital scanner is unable to store a new bar code, a low/high/low/high out of
memory beep sounds. (See page 2-1 for all beeper and LED definitions.)

In all modes, calculate the amount of data (number of bar codes) the digital scanner can store as follows:

Number of storable bar codes = 30,720 bytes of memory / (number of characters in the bar code + 3).

NOTE If the batch mode selection is changed while there is batched data, the new batch mode takes

effect only after all the previously batched data is sent

Modes of Operation

Radio Communications 4 - 33

.

•

Normal (default) - Do not batch data. The digital scanner attempts to transmit every scanned bar code.

•

Out of Range Batch Mode - The digital scanner starts storing bar code data when it loses its connection to

a remote device (for example, when a user holding the digital scanne r walks out of range). Data transmission
is triggered by reestablishing the connection with the remote device (for example, when a user holding the
digital scanner walks back into range).

•

Standard Batch Mode - The digital scanner starts storing bar code data afte r Enter Batch Mode is scanned.
Data transmission is triggered by scanning Send Batch Data.

NOTE Transmission is halted if the connection to the remote device is lost.

•

Cradle Contact Batch Mode - The digital scanner starts storing bar code data when Enter Batch Mode is

scanned. Data transmission is triggered by insertion of the digital scanner into the cradle.

NOTE If the digital scanner is removed from the cradle during batch data transfer, transmission halts until the

digital scanner is re-inserted in the cradle.

•

Batch Only Mode - The scanner radio is turned off and the scanner stores all bar code data. Data

transmission is triggered by insertion of the scanner into the cradle.

NOTE If the digital scanner is removed from the cradle during batch data transfer, transmission halts until the

digital scanner is re-inserted in the cradle.
The radio may be turned off as batch da ta is tra n s mi tte d ove r the cr ad l e contacts.
This mode can only be exited by scanning Normal (default) mode.

•

Parameter Batch Mode - When Parameter Batch Mode is enabled, the scanner stores parameter bar code

data intended for the cradle. When the scanner is inserted into a cradle, the batched parameter data is sent
over the cradle contacts, and the mode is disabled. This may be needed when the cradle and/or scanner is
configured with its radio turned off.

In all modes, transmissions are halted if the digital scanner is moved out of range. The digital scanner resumes
when it is back in range. If a bar code is scanned while batch data is transmitted it is appended to the end of the
batched data; parameter bar codes ar e not sto re d .

4 - 34 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Batch Mode (continued)

*Normal

(00h)

Out of Range Batch Mode

(01h)

Standard Batch Mode

(02h)

Enter Batch Mode

Cradle Contact Batch Mode

(03h)

Send Batch Data

Batch Mode (continued)

Batch Only Mode

Exit Parameter Batch Mode

Radio Communications 4 - 35

Enter Parameter Batch Mode

Persistent Batch Storage

Parameter #1399 (F8h 05h 77h)

When the scanner is configured for Persistent Batch Storage, batch data is stored in non-volatile memory and
preserved even when the digital scanner is powered down. This parameter is Disabled by default.

NOTE Frequently storing batch data with this setting Enabled will shorten the life of the non-volatile

memory.

* Persistent Batch Disable

(0)

Persistent Batch Enable

(1)

4 - 36 DS8178 Digital Scanner Product Reference Guide

Page Button

Parameter # 746 (SSI # F1h EAh)

The cradle offers a page button . The page bu tton is a se nsor that when to uched, causes paired scanners to emit a
beeping sequence. The default is Enable Page Button.

1. Place your finger over the button sensor .

2. Press down for approximately 1 second.

3. The cradle LED will turn blue when the scanner is out of the cradle. The paired scanner will beep, blink, and

vibrate. If multiple scanners are paired to the cradle, all the scanners will beep, blink, and vibrate.

4. Repeat as necessary.

NOTE Scanners out of radio range will not beep when paged. Refer to Technical Specifications on page 3-9 for

detailed radio range information.

Scan one of the following bar codes to enable or disable this feature.

Disable Page Button

(0)

*Enable Page Button

(1)