Z4 DataTraq Portable Barcode Reader The Z4 DataTraq is designed and built in Australia by: ASP Microcomputers 456 North Road, Ormond, Victoria, 3204 Australia Telephone: (03) 9578-7600 FAX: (03) 9578-7727 email: solutions@asp.com.au World Wide Web: http://www.asp.com.au (ASP Microcomputers is a division of Grayline Holdings Pty. Ltd,. A.C.N.
Contents Meet the Z4 DataTraq........................................................................... 1 Quick Start: PC Keyboard Connection................................................. 2 Quick Start: RS-232 Y Cable Connection ............................................ 3 The Keypad .......................................................................................... 6 Data Handling....................................................................................... 7 Configuration Functions .
1 Z4 DataTraq Meet the Z4 DataTraq The Z4 DataTraq Portable Barcode Reader is a simple to use Australian designed product backed up by ASP’s friendly support staff. Here are some of the features of the Z4 DataTraq: 2 products in 1 The Z4 DataTraq functions as both a battery powered Portable Barcode Reader and a fixed reader, giving you two products for the price of one. Multiple interfaces With both RS-232 and PC keyboard wedge interfaces built in, the Z4 DataTraq can connect to practically anything.
Z4 DataTraq 2 Quick Start: PC Keyboard Connection 1. Set your Z4 DataTraq to IBM AT using Function 02. 2. Connect the plug pack power supply to a power point, and plug it into the socket labelled DC.9V on the back of the Homebase. 3. Turn your PC off, then unplug your PC’s keyboard from the back of your computer, and plug it into the socket labelled KEYBOARD on the back of the Homebase. 4.
Z4 DataTraq 3 Quick Start: RS-232 Y Cable Connection 1. Set your Z4 DataTraq to RS-232 using Function 02, making sure to select the correct baud rate and parameters to suit your application. 2. Connect the plug pack power supply to a power point, and plug it into the socket labelled DC.9V on the back of the Homebase. 3. Unplug the RS-232 cable from the back of your terminal, and plug in the Y cable in its place. Plug the RS-232 cable into the Y cable. 4.
Z4 DataTraq 4 Using the Wand It only takes a few minutes practice for you to become a whiz with a wand. Hold the wand in your hand like an ordinary pen or pencil, with your finger over the “press to read” switch. For the best performance, you should hold the wand on a slight angle - about 10 to 20 degrees from straight up and down.
Z4 DataTraq 5 Wand Scanning Hints • Scanning should be uniform and rapid; fast scans work best. • Relax your hand - a stiff or jerky action won't produce good results. • Start scanning in the white space before the label, about a centimetre from the bars. • Take care not to wander off part way through the barcode, and follow through into the white space following the barcode. • The wand must remain in contact with the label, but there’s no need to press down hard.
Z4 DataTraq 6 The Keypad The keyboard of the Z4 DataTraq contains two shift keys; a BLUE key and a YELLOW key. These shift keys are used to access the blue and yellow characters shown on each key. The shift keys operate differently to those on a computer keyboard or typewriter – on the Z4 DataTraq, you press a shift key once and released it, then press the required key. The keyboard then returns to the normal unshifted state.
7 Z4 DataTraq Data Handling Barcode Scans When you successfully scan a barcode label, the barcode is both transmitted from the unit and stored into memory, a unique characteristic that allows the unit to function as a normal fixed barcode reader when connected to the Homebase. Transmitted data is terminated as instructed by Function 03. Stored data is terminated by an end-of-data marker in memory, then terminated as instructed by Function 03 when it is output.
Z4 DataTraq 8 Configuration Functions Listed on the facing page is a table of the Function codes that can be used to configure your Z4 DataTraq. These functions are selected by pressing the FUNC key, followed by the indicated 2 digit number. Configuration settings made using these functions are stored in the Z4 DataTraq's battery-backed memory, and remain in effect even if the power is turned off.
9 Z4 DataTraq Z4 DataTraq Configuration Functions Function 00 Displays firmware version and date, and memory size 01 Sets allowed barcode symbologies Options Code 128, Code 93, UPC/EAN, Code 39, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC/EAN + supplementary codes, Full ASCII Code 39, EAN-128, ITF-14 IBM AT, PS/2 A, PS/2 B, IBM XT, AT Type 2, RS-232, Scan Codes None, CR, CR+LF, Tab On or Off On or Off On or Off Loud or Normal On or Off On or Off Yes or No Same or different Upper or lower case 12 or 13 digits Expand
Z4 DataTraq 10 Care of your Z4 DataTraq Although the Z4 DataTraq is ruggedly built, damage is possible through misuse. These few simple rules will cover most problems: • Don’t connect or disconnect any of the plugs when the power is on. • Don’t drop the wand. It contains fragile components, and can easily be damaged even if dropped only a few inches. • Don’t leave the unit in a “hostile” environment where it could be exposed to direct sunlight, dust or dirt, moisture, or extremes of temperature.
Z4 DataTraq 11 What do I do if … My Z4DataTraq won’t turn on The most likely cause is that the Z4 DataTraq’s batteries are completely flat, perhaps because you left it turned on for an extended period. Turn the Z4 DataTraq off, and connect it to its Homebase for an hour or two, making sure that the green CHARGE indicator is on. Then, while the Z4 DataTraq is still plugged into the Homebase, turn it on. If it works now, the batteries are flat, and the unit needs to be recharged properly (i.e.
Z4 DataTraq 12 Batteries The Z4 DataTraq is powered by rechargeable Nicad batteries, and data stored in memory is maintained by a separate lithium power cell. When you first receive your Z4 DataTraq, the batteries may not be fully charged, so we suggest that you connect it to its Homebase and leave it to charge overnight before using it. Remember that for charging to be effective, the Homebase must be plugged in, the green CHARGE indicator must be lit, and the Z4 DataTraq must be turned off.
13 Z4 DataTraq Technical Information Wand Connector Signals The wand connector used on all ASP Barcode Readers is a 9 pin male sub-miniature D connector.
Z4 DataTraq 14 RS-232 Y Cable Assembly Some RS-232 and Scan Code applications require the Z4 Data Traq to be operated in “parallel” with a video terminal, so that input to the attached computer can come from either the video terminal or the Z4 Data Traq. This is sometimes called RS-232 Wedge operation. A special cable, called a ‘Y’ cable, is required for this method of operation, and a suitable cable can be ordered from Asp or your dealer, or can be made up as described below.
Z4 DataTraq 15 RS-232 Handshaking The video terminal or computer to which the Z4 DataTraq is connected may not be able to accept data at all times. The Z4 DataTraq always checks the CTS signal (Clear To Send, pin 4) before sending any data, and if the CTS signal is turned off, the BCR will not transmit the data. Since this may cause problems with some applications, the CTS signal is normally disabled with a jumper inside the Homebase.
Z4 DataTraq 16 Barcode Types Product Codes - UPC, EAN and APN UPC (Universal Product Code), EAN (European Article Number) and APN (Australian Product Number) codes are compatible article numbering systems used for consumer products sold in retail outlets. Product codes are numeric only, and are assigned to manufacturers by a national organisation. Code 39 Code 39 was the first alphanumeric symbology developed. Widely used, it is now the “de facto” non-retail symbology.
17 Z4 DataTraq ASCII Character Code Chart This chart can be used to determine the character numbers needed for use with the relevant functions described earlier in this manual.
Z4 DataTraq 18 Warranty To the extent permitted by law ASP's Warranty in respect of the Z4 DataTraq and its use is limited to correction of defects in the Z4 DataTraq due to faulty components or workmanship for a period of two years from the date of purchase.
