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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 User’s 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.

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The scanner is dropping or doubling characters. How can I stop this?

  1. 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 user’s guide or programming menu. Scan the appropriate ID.
  2. Verify that the scanner is not in Turbo mode by disabling Turbo mode (OFF). Refer to your user’s guide for disabling Turbo mode. If disabling Turbo mode does not correct the problem, add an intercharacter delay of 20ms. Refer to your user’s guide or programming menu to add an intercharacter delay.
  3. 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).

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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.

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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 ].

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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What cable part number do I need?

Refer to the Hand Held ProductsIPWC Cable Matrix or consult the factory.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How do you pronounce "Skaneateles"?

Skinny Atlas

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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
.


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