NCR 7870 manual Scan Zone, Scanner Power Requirements, Soft Power Down

2-8 Chapter 2: Features, Functions, and Kits

Scan Zone

The scan lines are dispersed in a forward and backward direction from both windows. This allows the scanner to read a) on four sides, b) from left-to-right or right-to-left, and c) inverted labels. If the scan zone is thought of as a cube resting on the horizontal scan window, the scanner is able to read the leading, trailing, bottom, and far surfaces. Another way of describing the scan zone is – if the checker can’t see the bar code label, then the scanner can. The scan zone extends to 20.3 cm (8 in.) high off the horizontal window. Bi-optical scanning makes the scan zone large enough to allow a label to be read off of a tall soup can even when upside-down

Scanner Power Requirements

The laser diode occupies little space, draws low current, and produces little heat. The light produced by the scanners in current models has been shifted toward the edge of the visual spectrum so it is not possible to see the scan pattern in normal lighting. When active, the laser uses 22 watts. A soft power down feature allows major portions of the 7870 to shut down when no motion is detected. While in sleep mode, the scanner’s power requirements drop to 10 watts, a 65% reduction. A more valuable advantage of the soft power down feature is the run time reduction of critical components which translates directly into extending the life of the scanner. The scanner automatically powers up after detecting motion in approximately two seconds.

Soft Power Down

During periods of inactivity, components of the scanner and scale shut down to conserve power, reduce wear, and extend product life. A motion sensor detects activity and signals the unit to power up from sleep mode. The power up takes less than two seconds.