Hand Held Products FAQ's
Year
2000 compliance
Technology Basics
Why does
the battery go dead overnight in my Cordless Scanner?
What is the
difference between keyboard wedge and RS-232?
When selecting
a bar code wand, what aperture do I need?
What is depth
of field?
How do I know
what type of bar code I am scanning?
What information
can I read from a check?
What is MICR?
What is signature
capture?
What is data
formatting?
Programming
I cannot make my scanner
work with my notebook computer. I do not want to use an external
keyboard.
The scanner is dropping or doubling characters. How can I stop
this?
How do I disable
the leading and trailing character of a UPC code?
How do I program
my scanner/decoder to automatically ENTER the data?
How do I program
my scanner/decoder to add a postamble/suffix to the data?
The scanner
is dropping or doubling characters. How can I stop this?
How do I get
updates to the bar code scanner software?
Hand Held Products and Support
I can't find
my product. Has it been retired?
Can I combine scale and scanned data with a HHP product?
Can I customize
the output for my scale?
What information
is covered in Hand Held Product's programming menus and user's guides?
What is the
maximum length cable I can attach to my scanner?
What cable
part number do I need?
Do I need
a power supply?
I just got
my scanner. How do I make it work?
What symbologies
does the IMAGETEAM 4400 read?
How do you
pronounce "Skaneateles"?
I'm
replacing my dumb terminals with a PC. Will my scanner work
on the PC or do I have to replace it?
What terminals
does Hand Held Products support with its products?
What tracks
can be read with a Magnetic Stripe Reader?
How long is
the warranty on the products?
What information
do I need before calling Hand Held Products Technical Support?
What information
does the scanner part number provide?
Hand Held Products Year 2000 Compliance
This is to provide you
with notice that the following Web site Year 2000 information,
is a Year 2000 Readiness Disclosure as that term is defined
by the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act.
Hand Held Products certifies that the
SCANTEAM 1200 and 1300 series hardware are Year 2000 compliant
in the following manner:
Correct display and handling of mm/dd/yy and month/dd/yy for
the Year 2000
1. Correct year rollover from December
31, 1999 to January 1, 2000
2. Correct leap year rollover from February
28, 2000 to February 29, 2000
3. Correct date rollover from February
29, 2000 to March 1, 2000
The SCANTEAM 1100,1500, and all
other current Hand Held Products scanning devices, check readers,
mag stripe readers, decoders and software
do not use time/date stamping and/or display. Consequently,
Hand Held Products certifies that these products are also Year 2000 compliant.
No
certification is made regarding products that have been discontinued
and that are not currently in Hand Held Products line.
These products have not been and will not be tested by Hand Held Products for Y2K compliance. For information
on discontinued products, please refer to the Hand Held Products
Web site.
Disclaimer:
Hand Held Products assumes no responsibility over the year 2000 compliance
of computer hardware(BIOS and operating system) and/or computer
software(compilers and programming languages).
If either the hardware and/or the software used is not Year
2000 compliant, date display and computations by certified
Hand Held Products products will be adversely affected.
It is extremely important to check with your PC, Mini, Mainframe,
and Software manufacturers concerning their Year 2000 compliance.
Return to
FAQ
Why
does the battery on my scanner loose its power when left in
the scanner overnight?
The battery powers both decoder
and RF boards within the scanner. When the scanner is idle,
the decoder board is also idle, however the radio board is
still operating. It will verify the base to which the scanner
is associated is still within range or, search for the base
if the base is powered down.
A freshly charged battery will
provide power to a scanner for well in excess of 12 hours
even if the scanner isn't being used. The overnight period
should be used to re-charge the battery assuring a fresh battery
ready for use the next day.
Return to
FAQ
What
is the difference between keyboard wedge and RS-232?
These common interfaces vary
in the way they communicate data to the host terminal. A device
connected between a keyboard and a terminal is called a keyboard
wedge. In a keyboard wedge application, the data scanned from
a bar code symbol is treated by the PC or terminal as if it
originated from the keyboard, while the keyboard itself remains
fully functional. Alternately, an RS-232 device connects to
a serial port and transmits serial data to the host. Because
the host must be set up to expect serial data, RS-232 devices
can be programmed for a variety of baud rates, data bits,
and parity.
Return to
FAQ
When
selecting a bar code wand, what aperture do I need?
The aperture is essentially the
"eye" of the optical system. The aperture is the
opening in the optical system that establishes the field of
view. When selecting a wand, the aperture size should be 80%
of the smallest element width (X-dimension).
When selecting the correct wand
aperture, a good rule of thumb is to use the next smallest
aperture size as compared to the X-dimension. A 6 mil aperture
size is proportionately correct for a quality printed code
with a 7.5 mil X-dimension.
Return to
FAQ
What
is depth of field?
Depth of field is the distance
between the minimum and maximum area in which a scanner is
capable of reading a bar code. Consult the product sell
sheets for depth of field details.
Return to
FAQ
How
do I know what type of bar code I am scanning?
Using the Output Parameters section
of the programming menu or the Prefix selection of the user's
guide, enable the Code ID Transmit option. This option sets
the scanner to transmit a lower case letter prior to the data.
This character identifies the type of code scanned. Refer
to the Code ID column of the Symbology Chart in the programming
menu or user's guide to identify the code type.
Example: Code 39 = b
UPC = c
Return to
FAQ
What
information can I read from a check?
A United States check includes
four data fields: 1) Bank transit number, 2) Customer Account
number, 3) Check number, and 4) Amount. You may read the data
from these fields with any Hand Held Products check reader.
Return to
FAQ
What
is MICR?
MICR stands for Magnetic
Ink Character Recognition. Data on the bottom
edge of a check is printed with magnetic ink. This ink allows
the data on a check to be decoded with a magnetic read head
instead of using OCR (optical character recognition). For
additional information, see Introduction to MICR.
Return to
FAQ
What
is signature capture?
Signature capture is an electronic
way in which to store a signature. It is a series of X and
Y coordinates that, when combined, represent a signature.
Return to
FAQ
What
is data formatting?
The data formatter is used to
edit bar code, magnetic stripe, MICR, and AUX port data, prior
to transmitting the data to the host device. Characters can
be added, suppressed, moved, and replaced by utilizing format
commands. Formats are constructed by stringing together format
commands that manipulate the data in a desired manner. Tailoring
a format to an application is accomplished by identifying
the terminal type, code type, and code length for your specific
requirements. Refer to your programming menu or user's guide
for format instruction, command list, and formatting examples.
Return to
FAQ
I cannot make my scanner
work with my notebook computer. I do not want to use an
external keyboard.
You need to program the scanner
for "direct connect" or "keyboard emulation."
For the IT3800/IT4400/ST5400/ST5700 scan either the Direct
Connect or Keyboard Emulation bar codes in the Keyboard Selection
section of the Users Guide. Then reboot your system
(turn the system off, then on.) For the ST3400, scan a keyboard
style F. For the ST2380, scan the AT Direct Connect option
on the Terminal Selection page. Then reboot your system.
Return to
FAQ
The scanner is dropping
or doubling characters. How can I stop this?
- Verify that the scanner has
been programmed for the correct terminal ID. A scanner is
shipped programmed to work with a PC, terminal ID = 03.
If you are connected to a terminal other than a PC, find
the type of terminal you are using in the Terminal I.D.
chart in the Terminal Selection section of the users
guide or programming menu. Scan the appropriate ID.
- Verify that the scanner is
not in Turbo mode by disabling Turbo mode (OFF). Refer to
your users guide for disabling Turbo mode. If disabling
Turbo mode does not correct the problem, add an intercharacter
delay of 20ms. Refer to your users guide or programming
menu to add an intercharacter delay.
- If the problem persists, or
your terminal is not on the Terminal ID list, contact Hand Held Products Application Support (315 685-2476) or E-mail (LINK).
Return to
FAQ
How
do I disable the leading and trailing character of a UPC code?
In the UPC symbology, the leading
character is called a number system digit and the trailing
character is called a check character. A programming menu
or user's guide includes options which allow you to transmit
or not transmit either or both characters.
To disable the leading or trailing
characters, follow these steps:
1) In the programming menu
or user's guide, locate the Symbology section and the
pages for UPC/EAN configuration.
2) In the UPC section, locate
the configuration bar code labels for number system and
check digit transmission. You will either scan a single
bar code label or scan an ENTER label to begin configuration,
a Roman Numeral for the UPC selection, a letter, and YES/NO,
and an EXIT label to end configuration. Default settings
have an asterisk (*) next to the option.
For example, in the 5400/5700
User's Guide, UPC options are located in the Retail Symbology
Selections section with number system and check digit
transmit defaulted ON. To turn these options off, scan
the DON'T TRANSMIT label for each option.
Return to
FAQ
How
do I program my scanner/decoder to automatically ENTER the data?
Programming a scanner to automatically
enter data is done by adding a "postamble" or "suffix."
The actual ASCII character that performs the ENTER function
depends on the host device and keyboard being used. The most
common ASCII character used for ENTER is a Carriage Return
[CR ]. The Hexadecimal value used by Hand Held Products scanners
for a [CR ] is 0D. The second most common ASCII character
used for an ENTER is [SOH ]. The Hex value for [SOH ] is 01.
For detailed instructions, see the "How do I program
my scanner/decoder to add a postamble/suffix to the data"
FAQ. Some Hand Held Products products offer a "plug 'n play"
bar code in the user's guide to add a [CR ]. Scanning this
single programming symbol adds a [CR ].
Return to
FAQ
How
do I program my scanner/decoder to add a postamble/suffix to
the data?
There are four ways to do this,
depending on the HHP product you are programming.
ST2380,
ST6180, ST6480, ST6720, ST6780
ST2000,
ST3000, ST5500, ST8300, ST8400
ST3400
ST2010,
ST5400/5700
ST2380,
ST6180, ST6480, ST6720, ST6780
1) Turn to the Output Parameters
Programming page in the Programming Menu.
2) Scan the ENTER bar code.
3) Locate the Roman Numeral
next to the word Postamble.
4) Using the Bar Code Chart
on the back cover foldout, scan the Roman Numeral.
5) Return to the Output Parameters
Programming page and find the letter next to the type of
postamble you wish to add. Keyboard wedge wands only offer
the letter "A" for ASCII characters.
6) Use the Hex-ASCII chart
in the menu to determine the Hex value of the character
you wish to add.
7) Scan those numbers and/or
letters on the bar code chart on the back cover foldout.
8) Scan any EXIT bar code in
the menu to exit programming mode.
Return to
FAQ
ST2000,
ST3000, ST5500, ST8300, ST8400
Programming the postamble is
similar to the wands, but a little more flexibility is provided.
1) Turn to the Output Parameters
Programming page in the Programming Menu.
2) Scan the ENTER bar code.
3) Locate the Roman Numeral
next to the word Postamble (usually on the second page of
the chart).
4) Using the Bar Code Chart
on the back cover foldout, scan the Roman Numeral.
5) Refer to the Symbology chart
on the page facing the ENTER bar code and find the symbology
to which you wish to add the postamble. A two-character
code ID is located in the column labeled "primary"
next to the symbology.
6) Scan these two characters
on the bar code chart on the back cover foldout or scan
the digit 9 twice to add the postamble to all symbologies.
7) Look up your desired postamble
characters in the Hex-ASCII chart and scan in the Hex digits
for that character. Multiple characters may be added. For
example, scan O and D for a [CR ].
8) When finished, scan the
letter "F" twice to save the postamble.
9) Scan any EXIT bar code in
the menu to exit programming mode.
Return to
FAQ
ST3400
1) Go to the Bar Code Suffix
Selection section of the 3400 User's Guide and scan the
ENTER Program Mode bar code.
2) Scan the Assign ASCII Character
Suffix bar code.
3) Find your symbology in the
Symbology Chart.
4) Scan the bar codes that
match those characters from the Symbology Chart.
5) Look up the ASCII characters
you wish to add in the Hex-ASCII chart.
6) Scan the characters shown
in the Hex-ASCII chart on the ASCII Bar Codes page.
7) Scan the letter F twice
on the ASCII Bar Code Chart to save the suffix assignment.
8) Scan the EXIT Program Mode
bar code.
Return to
FAQ
ST2010,
ST5400/5700
1) Go to the Prefix/Suffix
Selections page and locate the Primary Interface Prefix
Selection section.
2) Scan the "Add Primary
Suffix" bar code.
3) Locate the desired symbology
on the Symbology Chart.
4) Scan the two digits listed
on the Symbology Chart on the Programming Chart inside the
back cover of the guide.
5) Look up ASCII function you
wish to add in the Hex to ASCII Conversion Chart. Scan the
Hex value from the Programming Chart inside the back cover
of the guide.
6) Return to the Prefix/Suffix
Selections page and scan the Save Current Prefix or Suffix
Changes bar code.
Return to
FAQ
The
scanner is dropping or doubling characters. How can I stop this?
Verify that the scanner is not
in Turbo mode by programming it OFF (disabled). Refer to your
user's guide for instructions on disabling Turbo mode. If
that doesn't correct the problem, add an Intercharacter Delay
of 20 ms. Refer to your programming menu or user's guide to
add an intercharacter delay. If the problem still persists,
call Hand Held Product's Application Support (315 685-2476).
Return to
FAQ
How
do I get updates to the bar code scanner software?
You can "flash" (download)
firmware into the scanner yourself! All the latest revisions
of firmware for all Hand Held Products data collection products can
be found right here on our web site! Quick*Load and Visual
Menu, the PC utilities required to flash a unit, can also
be found right here on our web site!
Return to
FAQ
I
can't find my product. Has it been retired?
If you have an older product,
it is possible that it has been retired. Please visit
our retired products page for information on replacement products
and service.
Return to
FAQ
Can
I combine scale and scanned data with a HHP product?
Yes. The SCANTEAM 2000 can accept
scale input through the RS-232 auxiliary port. You need to
match up the baud rate, data bits, and parity of both devices.
Return to
FAQ
Can
I customize the output for my scale?
Yes. The SCANTEAM 2000 has full
data formatting capabilities. Any part of the scale data can
be parsed to meet the requirements of your system.
Return to
FAQ
What
information is covered in Hand Held Product's programming menus and
user's guides?
The menus and user's guides are
used to customize a HHP product to your application
requirements. The menus and user's guides are divided into
sections for each product option. Individual options are configured
by scanning a set of bar code labels. Each product comes with
a default set of parameters defined by an asterisk(*) next
to the option parameter.
Configurable options include:
Keyboard Wedge Terminal
Type: A two-digit ID or plug 'n play bar code label
for the type of PC, terminal, or POS Register to which you
are connecting.
Prefixes and Suffixes:
Keyboard "control characters" you may require for
scanning your bar code data into an applications program.
These characters can be configured to appear before (prefix)
and/or after (suffix) the bar code data being scanned.
Data Formatting:
The data being scanned, swiped or taken in via an RS-232 port
may need changing for an application requirement. Data formatting
provides a set of commands for changing the data before it
is sent to an application program.
Return to
FAQ
What
is the maximum length cable I can attach to my scanner?
Cable length is dependent upon
the application:
RS-232 EIA standard is
50 feet, however WA typically offers 9 feet or 15 feet.
Wand Emulation 7 or 15
feet
HHLC 7, 15, or 22 feet
OCIA terminal dependent
- consult factory
Keyboard wedge 9 feet,
however some terminals can use 15 feet with an external power
supply - consult factory.
Return to
FAQ
What
cable part number do I need?
Refer to the Hand Held ProductsIPWC
Cable Matrix or consult the factory.
Return to
FAQ
Do
I need a power supply?
The need for a power supply is
dependent upon host device, SCANTEAM product, and the cable
length. Refer to the Hand Held ProductsIPWC Cable Matrix.
If "EP" follows the cable part number, a power supply
is required. Otherwise, consult the factory.
Return to
FAQ
I
just got my scanner. How do I make it work?
Making the scanner work is a
two-step process:
1) The scanner needs to be connected
to the host device and power supply. In many cases the host
device supplies the power. In other cases, an external power
supply is required. Connect the scanner to the host while
the host is turned off. When connected, turn on the host device.
2) Tell the scanner what it is
plugged into. The scanner has to be programmed to interface
with the host. Refer to the Terminal Interface Selection in
the programming menu or user's guide.
Return to
FAQ
What
symbologies does the IMAGETEAM 4400 read?
Linear: Code
128, Code 39, I2 of 5, Codabar, UPC, Code 93 and EAN
2D: Maxicode, Data Matrix (00, 50, 80, 100,
140, 200) Aztec, PDF417, Micro PDF417, Postnet, 4 State Code,
QR Code, Code 49 and other proprietary codes.
Return to FAQ
How
do you pronounce "Skaneateles"?
Skinny Atlas
Return to
FAQ
I'm
replacing my dumb terminals with a PC. Will my scanner work
on the PC or do I have to replace it?
Many of Hand Held Products scanners
have multiple interfaces and can be moved from a dumb terminal
to a PC with a cable change and programming. Contact your
distributor or call Hand Held Products Application Support
(315 685-2476).
Return to
FAQ
What
terminals does Hand Held Products support with its products?
Our products support a variety
of different terminals and PCs. The supported terminals and
PCs are largely determined by the product and the interface
that is included in the scanner. For instance, a 3400LR-12
supports terminals in commercial applications including PC-compatible,
HP, Wyse, Pseudo RS-232, and other interfaces. Please refer
to the Hand Held ProductsIPWC Cable Matrix for a full
listing of supported terminals.
Return to
FAQ
What
tracks can be read with a Magnetic Stripe Reader?
Magnetic Stripe Encoding found
on credit cards and other applications typically contains
three tracks of information. Credit cards usually encode account
number, customer name, expiration date and additional information
on track 1, where the name is omitted on track 2. MSR data
can also be used to store driver's license information including
name, address, date of birth, etc. Hand Held Products MSR's can be
purchased to read either 2 or 3 tracks of information.
Return to
FAQ
How
long is the warranty on the HHP products?
180 Days |
|
1 Year |
|
2 Years |
|
3 Years |
|
5 Years |
ST2380* |
|
ST1000
ST1200
ST1300
ST1500/1500+
ST3060/3080
34/5770/NICAD
34/5770/NIMH
4400OCR
ST5500
ST5800
ST6100
ST6180
ST6400
ST6480
Product Accessories |
|
ST2000
ST3000
ST3700
ST5400
ST5700
ST8300
ST8310
ST8400
ST8900
|
|
ST2070
ST3210
ST3215
ST3400
ST3470
IT4400
IT4700
ST5770 |
|
ST2380*
IT3800
ST6180* |
* 5 Year warranty for
6180 and 2380 except with cord/connector option "2F"
* 180 Day warranty for Scanteam 2380 with cord/connector option
2F(6 foot straight with pass thru connector)
Return to FAQ
What
information do I need before calling Hand Held Products Technical Support?
Before you call for technical
support, you need the following information (located on the
label on the underside of the product).
1. Product Item number
2. Rev. (format is 1.4=*=B)
3. Serial number
Also helpful information:
4. The part number of the cable
5. The name of the terminal or interface to which the product
is being connected.
Return to
FAQ
What
information does the scanner part number provide?
The identification characteristics
for each product are somewhat different. We will use the ST3400
as an example. In our example, the identification label contains
the item 3400LR-12
A) The first four numbers identify the product family of the
scanner. In this case, the 3400 Hand-Held CCD.
B) The next 2 characters, LR, Identify the reading distance.
In this example the LR stands for Long Range (0-7inches) The
only other option is HD for High Density (1.5 - 6inches)
C) The number after the hyphen represents the trigger option.
"0" indicates AutoTrigger and "1" indicates
manual trigger.
D) The last digit indicates the interface option contained
in the unit. "0" indicates an undecoded scanner.
"1" represents a decoded output with retail POS
interfaces. "2" represents decoded output with commercial
terminal interfaces (including PC keyboard wedge, wand emulation).
"3" represents decoded output with true RS-232 and
DEC VT interfaces.