Opticon NFT 2100 manual Measuring Scanner Performance, Tips for Insuring Highest Data Integrity

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Manual No. 25-ULNFT2100-01; Mar, 2005

NFT 2100 CCD Fixed Mount Barcode

Scanner

 

Measuring Scanner Performance

A method for properly positioning the unit is to program the scanner for Trigger Disable (S7) and Continuous Read (S2) modes. The scanner will now be always on and will continuously read the same bar code. Since the buzzer sounds each time the bar code is read, the sound of the buzzer can be used like a “Geiger counter”. As the position of the scanner changes the sound of the buzzer will change. The buzzer sound will be loudest and most continuous at the best reading position.

Application Notes

Tips for Achieving High Throughput

In some applications your primary objective may be to achieve the highest possible throughput rate. The following list identifies the parameters and scanner settings that can maximize scanning and decode throughput speed. Note, by emphasizing maximum throughput, other areas of performance may be affected. For example, the number of non-reads could increase.

If high throughput is critical, consider some or all of these settings:

Operate in the Trigger Disabled mode. Operation of the trigger creates delay before decoding begins, slowing down throughput rate.

Only enable those symbologies that you will be decoding.

Eliminate all suffixes and prefixes to reduce transmission time.

Minimize the number of redundant reads required before transmitting data.

Transmit the decoded data at the highest baud rate.

Disable buzzer functions.

Tips for Insuring Highest Data Integrity

There are several parameters that can enhance your confidence that the correct bar code data is transmitted. Note that by emphasizing the accuracy and security of the data other areas of the scanner operation may be affected, for example, you may not achieve the highest throughput.

If accuracy and data integrity are critical, consider some or all of these settings:

Program the scanner to require a high number of redundant decodes prior to transmitting. For example, program the scanner to decode a bar code exactly the same way three consecutive times before transmitting the data. Then decoding the bar code the same way 2 out of 3 times or any 3 out of 4 times is not sufficient. It must obtain three consecutive, identical decodes.

Utilize a predetermined, fixed-length of bar code. Program the scanner to only decode a bar code of that length. Bar codes of any other length will be ignored.

The quality of the printed bar code must be excellent.

Use a bar code symbology that contains an internal check digit and program the scanner to calculate that check digit for validity prior to transmitting.

Do not use a symbology with poor internal verification, or subject to partial decodes, such as 2 of 5 or MSI/Plessey.

Only enable those symbologies that you will be decoding.

Transmit data at low baud rates to minimize communication errors.

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Contents User’s Guide NFTContents Organization of this Manual Product Overview Quick Start-Up ProcedurePage Symbologies Supported Physical SpecificationsOptical Specifications Pitch SkewSpecified operation β at + 6º or less. Recommended at 0º Tilt Rotation 35.4RS232 Communications Specifications Electrical Specifications Operating Voltage +5VDC + 5%Environmental Specifications Connector Pin-outsOrdering Information RegulatoryDistance to the Bar Code and Depth of field Achieving Optimum PerformanceReading width or Field of View of the scanner Readable Width or Field of View for the NFT Field-of-View Specification Based Upon 69º Degree SweepAvoiding Specular Reflection Quality Bar Code LabelsApplication Notes Tips for Achieving High Throughput Measuring Scanner PerformanceTips for Insuring Highest Data Integrity Tips for Verifying the Presence of a Bar Code Default Settings Programming Menus & CommandsParameter Factory Default Setting Common Causes of Poor Performance Technical Assistance and SupportModified and/or Customized Scanners IEC 825-1 Class 1 LED Devices OpticonPage Appendix a ESC Computer Command CRWhat if you make a mistake? Reset All Defaults U2 CommandAppendix B Options for Code Direct Input Miscellaneous Characters Prefix SuffixDirect Input Alpha/Numeric Characters Direct Input Ascii Control CharactersSetting the Trigger Functions Communication DelaysSelecting the Read Mode Scanner Timeout Trigger ModeRedundant Decoding Xmit Error Trigger Enabled Mode onlyGood Read LED Operation Delete/Deactivate Bar Code Symbologies Global Default & Scanner ConfigurationsScanner Timeout Trigger Enabled Mode only Appendix CDescription Command Symbologies Symbology SelectionComputer Function Bar Code Only MSI/PlesseyOnly EAN 13/8 +2 Symbology SelectionAdd/Activate Specific Bar Code Symbologies Add/Activate Specific Bar Code Symbologies Delete/Deactivate Bar Code SymbologiesComputer Function Command Description Disable all symbologiesDigits Add leading zero Options for UPCOptions for EAN-8 & EAN-13 7J JC JB IO IPOptions for Code 39 and IT Pharmaceutical Options for Codabar NW-7 Disable IT PharmaceuticalPossible Enable normal, ABC & CX Codabar Disable ABC & Cx Codabar Page GG Enable transmit SCode as Interleaved 2 Command DescriptionF2 HF HG HJ HH HI Options for Interleaved & Industrial 2String format Meaning of Acronym Number of digits 15 total Options for IataOptions for Code-93 Options for Code-128 / EAN-128Scan Enable length setting H1 for all symbologies Disable length setting on allI2 IL IM Creating a Prefix and/or Suffix Page UPC-E +2 or +5 Setting Prefixes Identifying the SymbologyMSI/Plessey O1 NC M9 NSetting Suffixes Identifying the Symbology O6 PC M Setting Suffixes Identifying the SymbologyDirect Input of Numeric Characters Direct Input of Alpha Characters Direct Input of Alpha Characters Lower Case Direct Input of Control Characters ETBDEL Computer Function Bar Code Command DescriptionDirect Input Characters Misc Direct Input Characters Misc Communication Parameters Terminal Communication HandshakingQ5 LB LC LD LE Communication DelaysBuzzer Operation Disable buzzerSet buzzer at 3kHz Selecting the Read Mode Setting the Trigger FunctionsUse as Com Port Command Multiple Read Mode. will readMode Trigger Function Enabled S8 Trigger Function Disabled S7Read Scanner’s time out Scanner may not read the same bar YB YC YD YE Add-on Wait Mode Applies to UPC/EAN onlyZM Z1 Scanner Timeout Trigger Enabled Mode onlyBI BJ BK BL BM BN BO BH Multiple Read Reset TimeQuiet Zone Options ZO ZP ZQ ZR ZS ZT ZU ZVXE XD Transmitting Error IndicationsRedundant Decoding Programming No read Error Messages No read error messagesUI UJ Good Read LED OperationAppendix D Appendix E NFT 2100 Depth of Field ChartAppendix F Appendix G