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Operations Manual and all accompanying hardware, software, and documentation are copyrighted. SCS does not warrant that the hardware will work properly in all environments and applications, and makes no warranty and representation, either implied or expressed, with respect to the quality, performance, or fitness for a particular purpose.
Chapter 1 Introduction he S556-EP InstaScan scanners and Dura-label Radio Frequency (RF) Identification Tags developed by SCS are state-of-the-art data gathering and inspection systems that combine sophisticated Interactive Identification technology in a compact form factor. This unique synergy allows our system to integrate seamlessly into — and significantly increase productivity for —...
The SCS Interactive Identification System overcomes these restrictions by using state-of-the-art technology. This technology allows the scanner and tag to conduct ongoing two-way communications that are not restricted by line-of-sight constraints.
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This unique capability allows: • Collective or selective data to be read from a single tag. • Collective or selective data to be read from multiple tags without requiring sorting or unpacking. • Classes of tags to be filtered according to user-defined criteria. This technology employs a superior interrogation feature that enables applications to uniquely identify all tags in the scan field, without misidentification or identifying the same tags multiple times.
S556-EP InstaScan Scanner The S556-EP scanner is designed for applications or configurations that require the scanner to be a considerable distance from tags, or where numerous tags are required to be read simultaneously. Conveyor belt applications are ideally suited to the scanner. The scanner provides six pairs of coaxial connectors for supporting up to six external antennas.
What Else You Need To complete your system, you need an IBM or compatible personal computer with the following minimum system requirements: • 486 processor or better • Compatible screen and keyboard • 9-pin RS-232 port • Windows 95 or 98 •...
Summary of Chapters Besides Chapter 1, this Operations Manual contains the following additional chapters: • Chapter 2, Installation – describes how to install the scanner and tag(s) • Chapter 3, RF Communication - provides information on radio frequency (RF) communications •...
Chapter 2 Installation his chapter provides instructions for installing the S556-EP scanner and tag(s). LEDs and Connectors The scanner provides the connectors and LEDs described in the follow- ing sections and shown in Figure 3. P ow er On LE D R ead L ED Activity / E rror LE D...
Scanner Front The front panel of the S556-EP scanner has three LEDs that indicate power, activity, and transmitter ON/OFF (see Figure 3). Table 1 describes the meanings of the LEDs. The front panel also has an On/Off switch located below the three LEDs (see Figure 3).
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Table 1. S556-EP Scanner LED Meanings Color Status Power ON ON = scanner is turned on and receiving power from external power supply Activity/Error Yellow Flicker = scanner detects tag information. Constant Flickering with no tag in the scanning field = (a) Noisy environment or possible interference, resulting in diminished tag...
Scanner Installation Steps The scanner installation consists of the following steps: 1. Position the scanner – locate near desired antenna locations. 2. Connect external antennas – see page 11. 3. Place the antenna for optimum read/write operation – see page 12. 4.
Connecting External Antennas The front panel provides six pairs of coaxial antenna Receive/Transmit connectors. Each pair of connectors accommodates a single external antenna. Figure 4 shows the external antenna connections to the scanner. I The S556-EP can be used with fewer than six antennas. Install antennas sequentially, starting with the left-most connector pairs.
Placing the Antenna Antenna placement is critical to ensuring that information is transmitted to and from tags accurately. Observe the following guidelines when plac- ing the antenna: Locate the antenna away from metal objects, microwave ovens, and other devices that may induce radio frequency interference. In addition, make sure there are no metallic surfaces between, or in relative proximity to, the scanner and tag.
Connecting to a PC Serial Port or RS-232 The scanner has a 9-pin female RS-232 connector that connects to a serial port or RS-232 connector on an IBM or compatible personal computer. The serial port can operate up to 57,600 bps. To make this connection, you need: An appropriately configured serial cable.
Connecting to an AC Outlet The following procedure describes how to connect the scanner to an AC Outlet. 1. Verify that the On/Off switch on the scanner front panel is in the OFF position (see Figure 3). 2. Connect the power cord to the AC receptacle in the scanner front panel (see Figure 3).
Configuring the Scanner The following procedure will verify that the RS-232 link between the scanner and the computer is working correctly. 1. Insert the supplied Series 5 Development and Demo Tools, Disk 1, into an available floppy disk drive. 2. Open the “My Computer” icon on the desktop. 3.
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10. Look for the text “Scanner type = XXXX” in the application dialog. If “XXXX” is not “S556-EP”, select “S556-EP” from the Scanner menu of the Series 5 Test Tool application. 11. Look for the text “Mode = ...” in the application dialog. If the mode is not “Basic Function Test”, select “Basic Function Test”...
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17. Each List Test is composed of three commands given to the scanner. If the test is successful, all these tests should say “OK” after the test name. The application will ask you to repeat the List Test with 1) A single tag, and 2) two tags in front of the antenna.
Aligning the Antenna After verifying that the scanner is operating properly, use the following procedure to align the antenna(s). Aligning the antenna(s) ensures optimal performance. 1. Connect the scanner to COM1 or COM2 and turn the power on. 2. Run the application “Series 5 Test Tool” in the “Series 5 Tools” folder in the start menu.
Installing Dura-labels Dura-label RF tags have a diminutive form factor that allows them to be installed in areas that cannot accommodate conventional RF tags. In addition, Dura-labels can communicate with the scanner without having to be in the line-of-sight. This unique combination provides tremendous flexibility when determining a location for placing tags.
Set “# of Antenna” to the appropriate value then click the “Connect” button. 3. After a few seconds, the main SCS Demo dialog will come up. The scanner is in List-ID mode. As a tag is moved into the field in front of the antenna, you will see the ID of that label displayed under Label ID.
Writing Information to Your Dura-label Read/write tags can be written to using the scanner. Each bit of memory is write once, read many (WORM). Meaning after you have written to a specific bit, it is permanent and cannot be overwritten or erased. To add more data to the tag you must write to a different bit.
7. To write to a block of memory locations, use the commands in the block section of the window. Enter the starting memory location in the “From” window. Enter number of memory locations in the “Length” window. The ending memory location will be automatically calculated in the “To:”...
Chapter 3 RF Communications n general, devices that communicate using radio frequency, such as your system , can be sensitive to signal interference and signal attenuation. This chapter provides tips for optimizing radio- frequency (RF) communications with your InstaScan and Dura-label. Topics in this chapter include: —...
Signal Interference Signal interference is RF signals that interfere with the information being exchanged between the tag and scanner. Signal interference can severely diminish the scanner’s ability to read information from the tags. The Activity LED on the scanner flickers constantly if it detects signal interference.
Signal Attenuation/Reflections Signal attenuation is the loss of signal strength that occurs naturally over distances, but which can also be caused by RF barriers in the signal path. Examples of such barriers include: • Enclosed locations that have concrete walls, floors, and ceilings. •...
Optimizing Performance While it is not possible to predict how the system will perform in any given environment, observing the following guidelines will help optimize performance in your environments and applications: Carefully plan the placement of the scanner antenna. The antennas can be extended extended approximately ten feet from the scanner depending on cable length purchased for the application.
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting his chapter provides troubleshooting information you can use in the unlikely event you have a problem with your system. Customer Service information and merchandise return instructions are included in this chapter. Solving Problems The following table identifies scanner and tag problems and provides suggestions for resolving the problem.
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(see "Configuring the Scanner" on page 15) The antenna cable may Contact SCS Customer be faulty. Service (see page 30). You receive an error The scanner may not be Verify that the Power ON message when turned on.
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3 milliseconds. No RF Power The supplied SCS Diagnostic tag may be used to verify that the scanner is transmitting RF power. When held within a few inches of the...
Location where system is installed 2. Computer Information: • Computer Brand and Model number • Processor speed and available RAM • COM Port used SCS Support (858) 485-9196 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST Email – techsupport@SCS-Corp.com 556-EP Manual.P65 2/27/2001, 3:21 PM...
Returning Your System If SCS Customer Service determines you need to return your system for service, the Service Representative will give you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Write this number on the outside of the box containing the returned system, and on a slip of paper inside the box, so your return can be processed quickly.
S556-EP Specifications LEDs: One Red Power ON LED, one Yellow Activity/Error LED and one Green Transmit ON LED Communication Method: RS-232 Serial transmission rate: Up to 57,600 bps Connector: One DB-9F for RS-232 communications One DB-25 for diagnostic use Pin assignments: (DB9F) Pin 1 – Not used Pin 2 - Transmit Data (Input) Pin 3 - Receive Data (Output) Pin 4 - Internally connected to Pin 6...
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Ambient operating temprature: 0° to 43° C (32° to 110° F) Approved Standards: FCC Part 90 Maximum serial cable length: 10 meters (30 Feet) Dimensions: 36.8 cm x 40.6 cm x 14 cm (14.5 in x 16 in x 5.5 in) Weight: 5.5 Kg (12 lbs.) 556-EP Manual.P65...
Chapter 6 DB-25 Connector Function Table 3. Pin assignments: (DB-25) Pin # Name Function Ground BUFCOMP Digital test signal: output of receiver comparator Ground PER_IN2 Peripheral input bit 2 PER_IN0 Peripheral input bit 0 PER_OUT6 Peripheral output bit 6 PER_OUT4 Peripheral output bit 4 TX_ASEL5 Transmit antenna select bit 5...
Pin # Name Function PER_IN3 Peripheral input bit 3 PER_IN1 Peripheral input bit 1 BLANK Digital test signal: blanking signal PER_OUT5 Peripheral output bit 5 PER_OUT3 Peripheral output bit 3 TX_ASEL4 Transmit antenna select bit 4 TX_ASEL2 Transmit antenna select bit 2 Ground RX_ASEL4 Receive antenna select bit 4...
Transmit Antenna Select Lines Pins 10, 22, 9, 21, and 8 are the high order bits of the hardware pins that select the transmit antenna. Bit 0 is kept internal to the interroga- tor. These lines are used to drive external multiplexers for multi- antenna systems.
Peripheral Outputs There are 8 peripheral outputs internal to the interrogator. 4 of these are available at the DB-25 connector: pins 20, 7, 19, and 6 can be controlled by setting or resetting bits, 3, 4, 5 and/or 6 of the command data byte of the Write Peripheral Outputs command.
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Buffered Comparator Input (BUFCOMPIN) This is the analog output of the RF receiver. The pin must remain unconnected, or deterioration of read capability will occur. Buffered Comparator (BUFCOMP) This is the digitized output of the RF receiver. Receiver blanking signal (BLANK) When low, the microcontroller is ignoring the output from the RF receiver.
SCS reserves the right to refuse to warranty repair any product that has been subjected to any abnormal electrical, mechanical, or environmental abuse. FCC Part 90 Compliance Your S556-EP scanner has been type certified and complies with the CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) Title 47 Chapter 90.35 for licensed operation.
Consult a physician or the manufacturer of the medical device if you have any questions. Other electronic equipment may also be subject to interference. SCS Support (858) 485-9196 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST Email – techsupport@SCS-Corp.com 556-EP Manual.P65...
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