Operation Manual
Configuration Methods
Product Reference Guide 13
Normal Operation
PowerScan™ M8500 normally functions by capturing and decoding codes.
Point the reader at the target and pull the trigger partially to enable the aiming system.
Then, pull it com
pletely to capture and decode the image. The reader will repeatedly flash
until the symbol is decoded or timeout is reached. In between the flashes of the reader, the
aiming system keeps on showing the field of view on the target (see Figure 7 on page 12
).
As you are reading code symbols, adjust the distance at which you are holding the reader.
Configuration Methods
Reading Configuration Codes
This manual can be used for complete setup and configuration. If you wish to change the
default settings, you can configure the PowerScan™ PM8500 reader by reading the
programming code symbols in this manual. Configuration commands and their relative
arguments are read individually using the symbols in this manual. See "Configuration Using
Code Symbols" starting on page 47.
Using Datalogic Aladdin™
Datalogic Aladdin™ is a multi-platform utility program providing a quick and user-friendly
configuration method via the RS-232/USB-COM interface. Aladdin, available on the CD-
ROM provided, allows you to program the reader by selecting configuration commands
through a user-friendly graphical interface running on a PC. These commands are sent to
the reader over the current communication interface, or they can be printed as barcodes to
be scanned.
It also provides the ability to perform a software upgrade for the connected device (see the
Datalogic Aladdin™ Help On-L
ine for more details).
Sending Configuration Strings from Host
An alternative configuration method is provided in Appendix B, Host Configuration Strings
using the RS-232 or USB COM interface. This
method is particularly useful when many
devices need to be configured with the same settings. Batch files containing the desired
parameter settings can be prepared to configure devices quickly and easily.
The PowerScan™ M8500 reader incorporates a multi-standard interface, which can be
connected to a Host by plugging the
correct interface cable into the connector and closing the
cable cover.
The PowerScan™ M8500 hand-held reader aiming system is designed for
general reading and decoding of 1D and 2D symbols. Some variation in
reading distance will occur due to narrow bar width and other factors.
If reading codes positioned on reflectiv
e
surfaces, it may be necessary to
tilt the reader with respect to the barcode and/or set the Camera Control
parameters (see
page 96
).