5000 TriCoder ™ Portable Data Collector A battery operated Portable Batch Reader with Voice Messages for PC, Mac, etc. www.worthdata.
Warning: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Table of Contents Chapter 1: How to Use this Manual ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 2: TriCoder Quickstart................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Program #0 Quickstart .........................................................................................
Other Settings .................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 System Tools.................................................................................................................................................................................... 47 Chapter 9: Using the Integrated Hardware Utilities ....................................................................
Chapter 16: Powering the TriCoder ....................................................................................................................................................... 93 Turning the TriCoder ON and OFF ................................................................................................................................................. 93 Battery Power and Wall Power .................................................................................................................
Chapter 1: How to Use this Manual The TriCoder is an extremely versatile bar code reader. It functions as both a portable data collection device as well as a fixed on-line bar code reader. Although the TriCoder can perform complex data collection functions, it's true value is in its simplicity. With very little instruction, a user can collect data using one of the built-in programs, upload it and process the data. This manual is provided with the intention of acting as a guide or reference.
Chapter 2: TriCoder Quickstart As powerful as the TriCoder is, its basic operation is quite simple. Many people can use Program #0 or Program #1 to satisfy their data collection needs. This Chapter helps you get started quickly using Program #0 or Program #1. It also will refer you to the correct place if you want to customize or expand on Program #1.
Program #0 Quickstart Step 1 The default data collection program, Program #0, is a simple program, repeatedly prompting the operator for data entry of the same type. This TriCoder program works well for a simple inventory where each item is scanned. This chapter is in the form of a tutorial. Even if you don‟t intend to use Program #0, working through the tutorial will prepare you for creating your own programs and learning the basics of data collection.
Collecting Data Step 2 The second step involves collecting data in the TriCoder. This is a good time to practice scanning. If you are not familiar with scanning bar codes, see Appendix B: How to scan a bar code for details and suggestions. If you don‟t intend on using bar codes later, you can just enter the same data from the keypad.
Uploading Data Step 3 Once you have collected your data in Program #0, uploading that data to the computer is the final step. For the tutorial, we assume that you have successfully established communication between the computer and the TriCoder. If you have not, go to Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode, and establish communication first. If you are ready to upload, go to Chapter 5; Uploading Data and proceed with your upload.
Program #1 Quickstart Sample Program #1 prompts the operator for "Item" and then "Quantity". What makes this program different from program #0 (other than the additional "Quantity" prompt) is that Sample Program #1 is editable. It can be customized to allow for additional prompts, voice messaging and file formatting.
Reviewing and Editing Data Step 3 During or after collecting data, it is possible to review and edit the data while it is still in the TriCoder. You can also delete data entirely. Data Review Mode is a handy tool – especially if you know you‟ve made a mistake and want to correct it before you upload your data. For the tutorial, lets say that we just wanted to take a break from collecting data, exited DATA COLLECTION (by pressing the END key), turned off the TriCoder and went to lunch.
You can use the STATUS key at any time during data collection to check the amount of memory you have left as well as the battery levels: mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss BATTERY: ------ xx% xxxK BYTES FREE If during data collection, the TriCoder displays the following message: WARNING 2K LEFT HIT STATUS KEY_ it means that the TriCoder has only 2K of memory left to collect data. This is a good time to go and upload your data.
Uploading Data Step 4 Once you have collected your data in Program #1, uploading that data to the computer is the final step. For the tutorial, we assume that you have successfully established communication between the computer and the TriCoder. If you have not, go to Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode, and establish communication first. If you are ready to upload, go to Chapter 5: Uploading Data and proceed with your upload.
Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode NON PORTABLE mode allows the user to transmit data directly from the TriCoder to the host computer immediately without saving the data in the TriCoder memory. Once data is entered via scanning a bar code or using the keypad, it is transmitted immediately by the TriCoder to the host. This mode is primarily used with the USB interface connecting as a USB HID keyboard on a PC running Windows® or Mac OS.
If you are using Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, or 98SE and you wish to upload your files directly into your application through the keyboard, you must choose 2 – PC OR MAC USB HIS KEYBOARD.
Chapter 4: Using Integrated Hardware Utilities Full Speed USB Data Upload and PC Serial Interface Testing communication between PC and a TriCoder with fast USB interface or serial interface needs special software. Windows users should use the Integrated Hardware Utilities program that is shipped with TriCoder on the Utilities CD-ROM, (also on our website, www.barcodehq.com under Downloads).
The TriCoder now displays: NONPORTABLE MODE PRESS TO EXIT and is ready and waiting for keypad input or scanner input. Scan the TEST LABEL above. You should see the word TEST LABEL (or data you entered on the keypad) on the TriCoder screen AND on your computer screen. If you are not using the TriCoder with a bar code scanner, type several numbers on the TriCoder keypad, then press the ENTER key.
Hardware Utilities Serial Settings Once the serial port configuration is finished, click on the "Test" button. Click on the test window so that a flashing cursor appears. Scan the test label or, if you have no scanner, type 123 on the TriCoder keypad, then press the TriCoder ENTER key. Hardware Utilities Serial Port Test Screen You should see the data displayed both on the TriCoder display and in the test window on the PC.
Chapter 5: Uploading Data If you are ready to upload data, we assume you have established correct communication between your TriCoder and host and have collected some sample data, preferably using the Default Program #0 or Sample Program #1 Tutorials. By default, the TriCoder uploads using a Carriage Return Separated format. For many users, the default file format works fine, but others may require more complex or even custom upload file formats.
Comma Separated Files Another common file format is a Comma Separated File. A TriCoder setup to upload in this format uploads data like this: “DATA”,”DATA”(CR) “DATA”,”DATA”(CR) “DATA”,”DATA”(CR) data looks like: “111111”,”22” “222222”,”33” “333333”,”44” Each data item is surrounded by double quotes, creating a field. Fields of data are separated by commas. The double quotes allow commas to be used as actual data as well as separaters (see the example below).
SUFFIX -- _ Scan the bar code for “double quote” then scan the bar code for the “comma”. SUFFIX -- “,_ Press the ENTER key to complete the change. Press the Right Arrow to go to PROMPT 02. At the prompt scan the “double quote” bar code.
The TriCoder is not limited to uploading using only the three file formats - Carriage Return delimited, Comma delimited and Flat File - described above. By using different characters in the Upload Prefix and Upload Suffix of each program statement, you can create a file in just about any format – the three described above are simply the most commonly used. For more information on using the Upload Prefix and Upload Suffix, see Chapter 10: Creating a custom program in this manual.
Serial Upload Windows Serial PC Users The Worth Data Hardware Utilities program has the ability to upload the TriCoder via the serial port in addition to USB support. Plug the serial cable into the TriCoder and turn it on. After installing the Hardware Utilities (see Chapter 3, Non Portable Mode for installation instructions) run the program by clicking on the Hardware Utilities icon in your Start Menu. Once the program is up, click on the Serial Tab.
Chapter 6: TriCoder Connection Interfacing with the computer is possibly the most critical operation. Without proper communication between the computer and TriCoder, all that data you collected for hours and hours really isn‟t doing you much good. Whether you are using the USB interface, or the Serial interface, before you even begin collecting data you need to establish communication in NON PORTABLE MODE, (See Chapter 3; Non-Portable Mode), and then move on to uploading stored data.
Serial Interface The TriCoder can operate as a serial interface reader on a PC. To use the serial interface, you must have software reading the serial port directly, or a keyboard emulation program like PortKey, (allows a serial interface TriCoder to look like it‟s working as a keyboard wedge). The Utilities CD-ROM that is included with each TriCoder has a Hardware Utilities program that is extremely useful.
Chapter 7: Configuring the TriCoder Once the hardware is connected, the next step is to configure the TriCoder and test your communication. If you are using the serial interface, you should have installed the serial communication software you want to use (see the previous section). The TriCoder setup allows the user to configure the TriCoder for different computer interfaces, and reading of different types of bar codes, as well as configuring some of the more advanced features of the TriCoder.
a problem. USB HID Keyboard Interface The TriCoder can operate as a USB HID keyboard on both a PC and a Macintosh. A USB cable and Setup configuration change is all that is needed. To install the TriCoder as a USB keyboard, use a cable C22. Use the following procedure and the diagram below to install the TriCoder between the keyboard and computer: Take the large flat end of the C22 cable and plug it into your TriCoder. Make sure it is fully engaged – you will hear a click.
TriCoder for USB HID Keyboard uploads. Pressing the 1 key repeatedly will cycle through the 3 HOST settings. More than one Setup Parameter can be changed before you exit the setup. Pressing while in a Setup Parameter will take you back one step in the Setup Mode; from there choose a new group of settings. Pressing again at the TriCoder Setup Screen will exit SETUP MODE.
Chapter 8: TriCoder Setup All of the Setup Parameters are changed via the TriCoder keypad using the Setup Mode. You can also send your setup from the Hardware Utilities via USB using the Full Speed USB setup or by a Clone file also sent from the Hardware Utilities. Using the keypad to setup the TriCoder You can change the Setup Parameters on the TriCoder by going into SETUP MODE from the Main Menu (opening screen option 5).
Using the Hardware Utilities to change Setup Parameters If you are using the FULL SPEED USB interface, you can use the Integrated Hardware Utilities program to change your setup parameters. To use the Hardware Utilities, you must make sure your TriCoder is turned on, plugged into the computer with a C22 USB cable, and it is set for Full Speed USB interface. In the Hardware Utilities program, choose TriCoder Manager from the left menu, and then click on the Setup button in the middle.
TriCoder Setup Parameters All parameters are set by the TriCoder keypad by going into SETUP (Option 5) from the Main Menu or opening screen. When you enter the Setup Mode you will see the TriCoder Setup screen with various options to change. Choose the option you would like to change by keying in the number that corresponds to the Setup parameters you would like to change, in that mode the Default settings are shown in bold print.
Bar Code Setup On the Bar Code Setup screen key in the number that corresponds to the setup parameters you would like to change.
UPC-A/EAN-13 UPC-A/EAN-13 OPTIONS UPC/EAN ALL -------------- ON/OFF UPC/EAN SUPPLEMENT ON/OFF UPC-A NSC ----------------- ON/OFF UPC-A CHECK ------------- ON/OFF EAN-13 1 ST 2 DIGITS - ON/OFF EAN-13 CHECK ------------ ON/OFF ISBN EAN-13 MODE ----- ON/OFF UPC-A AS EAN-13-------- ON/OFF DONE/EXIT ----------------------- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ o Use setting 2 to enable reading of the 2 and 5 digit UPC/EAN supplements commonly found on magazines and paperback books as well as the Extended Cou
2 of 5 Code 2 OF 5 CODE OPTIONS INTERLEAVED 2 OF 5 ------- ON/OFF CHECK DIGIT ------------------- ON/OFF TRANSMIT CHECK DIGIT ON/OFF STANDARD 2 OF 5 ------------ ON/OFF 2 OF 5 CHECK DIGIT LENGTH -- 06 2 DIGITS FROM 00-98 DEFAULT IS 06 TEST MODE ONLY 00 DONE/EXIT -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4 5 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ o o o o o Setting 2 requires that the last digit in your bar code conform to the specifications for the 2 of 5 check digit calculation.
Code 93 / Code 11 CODE 93/CODE 11 CODE 93 --------------------------- ON/OFF CODE 93 FULL ASCII ---------- ON/OFF CODE 11 --------------------------- ON/OFF CODE 11 CHECK TRAN -----0/1/2 DONE/EXIT -------------------------------- 1 2 3 4 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ Code 93 is similar in character set to Code 39. See Appendix L: Code 93 for more information. Code 93 is not a commonly used bar code symbology.
I/O SETTINGS HOST (Computer Interface) The TriCoder is shipped with the HOST Computer Interface set to USB FULL SPEED as the default.
FULL SPEED USB If you are using Windows and you wish to use the Hardware Utilities to upload data via USB in full speed, choose FULL SPEED USB for the HOST interface. You will also be able to do program uploads/downloads, firmware upgrades, voice uploads, and table downloads. The first time you plug in a C22 USB cable between the TriCoder and a host, you will be required to install the full speed TRICODERUSB driver that is supplied on your Utilities CD-ROM, (also available on our website, www.barcodehq.
Terminator Character I/O SETTINGS HOST ------------- HID KEYBOARD TERMINATOR CHARACTER CR SINGLE CYCLE UPLOAD OFF BAUD RATE ---------------------9600 PARITY --------------------------- NONE DATA BITS ----------------------- 8 BITS USB ENUMERATION DELAY: 0 USB HID SPEED ---------------FAST USB HID ALT OUTPUT -----OFF DONE/EXIT ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ o The Terminator Character is the character sent at the end of each data entry in NON PORTABLE mode and
Parity I/O SETTINGS HOST ----------------------------- SERIAL TERMINATOR CHARACTER CR SINGLE CYCLE UPLOAD OFF BAUD RATE ---------------------9600 PARITY --------------------------- NONE DATA BITS ----------------------- 8 BITS PROTOCOL ----------------------- NONE DONE/EXIT ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ o o The Parity should match the parity setting of your COM port setting on your Host Computer.
USB ENUMERATION DELAY I/O SETTINGS HOST ---------------- USB-FULL SPEED TERMINATOR CHARACTER CR SINGLE CYCLE UPLOAD OFF BAUD RATE ---------------------9600 PARITY ---------------------------- NONE DATA BITS ----------------------- 8 BITS USB ENUMERATION DELAY: 0 USB HID SPEED ---------------FAST USB HID ALT OUTPUT -----OFF DONE/EXIT ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ o o This setting is adjustable from 0-9 seconds to delay the data from uploading to the computer
USB ALT OUTPUT I/O SETTINGS HOST ---------------- USB-FULL SPEED TERMINATOR CHARACTER CR SINGLE CYCLE UPLOAD OFF BAUD RATE ---------------------9600 PARITY ---------------------------- NONE DATA BITS ----------------------- 8 BITS USB ENUMERATION DELAY: 0 USB HID SPEED ---------------FAST USB HID ALT OUTPUT -----OFF DONE/EXIT ------------------------------------ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ o o o The USB HID ALT OUTPUT setting by default is set to OFF and sends keys to the computer as scann
SPEAKER OPTIONS SPEAKER OPTIONS BEEP VOLUME ----------------------------- 0-9 1 BEEP TONE -----------------------1/2/3/4/5 2 VOICE VOLUME ----- HIGH/MED/LOW/OFF 3 KEYPAD TONE ---------------------- ON/OFF 4 DONE/EXIT --------------------------------------- 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ Beep Volume Press the #1 key on the TriCoder to cycle through the Beep Volume settings. Options are 0-9 with 0 being OFF and 9 Being High - 5 for Medium is the Default volume.
Date & Time Settings DATE & TIME SETTINGS TIME --------------------------- 0907 1 DATE -------------------------- 122309 2 DATE FORMAT -------- USA/EURO 3 YEAR OUTPUT --------- 2/4 - DIGIT 4 SHUT DOWN TIME ----- 05 5 DATE/TIME FORMAT – SHORT 6 DONE/EXIT ---------------------------- 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ Time Press the #1 key on the TriCoder keypad to change the Time. This will take the cursor to the time setting. You can then enter the time in 4 digits using the keypad.
LCD Options LCD OPTIONS MASTER BACKGD, COLOR --- 1 PROMPT BACKGD, COLOR --- 1 PROMPT TEXT COLOR --------- 2 DATA BACKGD, COLOR -------- 1 DATA TEXT COLOR -------------- E BRIGHTNESS --- LOW/MED/HIGH BRIGHTNESS TIMEOUT -------- 05 DONE/EXIT ----------------------------- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ Master Background Color Keying 1 allows you to change the Master Background Color of the TriCoder LCD – The default is 1 which is BLACK background.
Other Settings OTHER SETTINGS PREAMBLE ------------------------- 1 POSTAMBLE ------------------------ 2 CHARACTERS ----------------------- 3 EOF STRING ------------------------- 4 DONE/EXIT ----------------------------- 0 CHANGE SETTING #: _ Preamble and Postamble The Preamble and Postamble apply to data entered in NON-PORTABLE MODE only. Upload Prefixes are used in programs for portable data collection.
Using the Bar Code ID feature and the Preamble or Postamble, you can trim data selectively, trimming characters only on the bar code type specified. To use selective trimming, enter: ~bx where b is the Bar Code ID character (see the DataBar/RSS-14/Other Bar Codes Setup parameter) and x is the number of characters to trim from the front of the data. For example, ~b2~c1 says “trim 2 characters from Code 39 data and 1 character from UPC-A data”.
System Tools SYSTEM TOOLS CHARGING FROM USB - YES/NO 1 PLAY VOICE PROMPT -------- 00 2 LANGUAGE ------------- ENGLISH 3 RESET SETUPS TO DEFAULT 4 RESET PROGRAMS & DATA ----- 5 CLEAR DATA FILE (S) -------------- 6 DATA SECURITY -------- OFF/ON 7 FIXED PROGRAM --- OFF/0/1/2/3 8 TABLE ALLOWED -------- YES/NO 9 DONE/EXIT ----------------------------- 0 PLEASE SELECT OPTION: _ The System Tools Menu is a Password Protected Setup: The password is WDTRI Charging from USB The TriCoder by default will only charge t
Chapter 9: Using the Integrated Hardware Utilities The Hardware Utilities for Windows program is a versatile application that gives you the ability to: Test communication (Serial and USB Full Speed) Upload data from TriCoder to computer Download Programs, Voice, and Tables from the computer to the TriCoder Change TriCoder Setup parameters Edit and Download Tables Edit and Download programs - Virtual TriCoder for editing The Hardware Utilities for Windows comes on the Utilities CD-ROM with every
If you are connected via USB, you should see TriCoder HCVxxxx in the Far Left Pane as shown below.
If you do not have your TriCoder turned on and cabled up correctly, or the USB driver is installed incorrectly, you will see this error message: USB TriCoder Not Found You can turn your TriCoder on with the C22 USB Cable connected to your computer and after a short delay it will show up on the right panel after it enumerates and registers on your PC.
Uploading from TriCoder to your Computer You can upload programs, data, voice and cloned setup information to your computer from your TriCoder by either the serial port or the USB port. Serial Uploading If you are uploading your TriCoder from the Serial port, make sure your port settings are correct before you begin your upload. It is usually a good idea to check your port settings and test in Non-Portable mode before uploading information from your TriCoder.
Clone Files 1. 2. 3. 4. Turn the TriCoder On. In the Hardware Utilities, choose Clone TriCoder as the File type, then specify the name of the file (we recommend using the extension .cln for clone files) Click the START button in the Hardware Utilities. The Hardware Utilities will let you know when your transmission is finished.
Full Speed USB Uploading If you are uploading information from your TriCoder via Full Speed USB interface, you will be absolutely amazed at how easy it is! The Hardware Utilities takes care of it all; your TriCoder just has to be turned on. Data Files 1. 2. 3. Make sure you are connected with a C22 USB cable and your TriCoder is on. Start the Hardware Utilities program from your Windows Start Menu Click the TriCoder Manager Tab In the Right Panel, you will see what is currently in your TriCoder.
Type in the name of the file you want to save, or use the default name as shown and click save. That's it! You don't have to do anything on the TriCoder! Program Files 1. Again, make sure you are connected with a C22 USB cable and that your TriCoder is turned on and is on the opening screen. 2. Start Hardware Utilities if it isn't already running. 3. Click the TriCoder Manager tab on the Left Pane 4. Highlight the program name you want to upload in the right panel 5.
Downloading from the computer to your TriCoder You can download saved files on your computer back into your TriCoder using the TriCoder Manager in the Hardware Utilities in either serial or high-speed USB mode. The files must be valid TriCoder programs, tables or clone files. TriCoder programs can be created on your computer using the Virtual TriCoder or created on the TriCoder itself. Tables must conform to the table format required by the TriCoder (see Chapter 13: Tables).
The Hardware Utilities will let you know when your transmission is finished. Full Speed USB Downloads If you are downloading from your computer to your TriCoder via the Full Speed USB interface, the only thing you need to do on your TriCoder is make sure it is set for Full Speed USB and turn it on! The Hardware Utilities program will take care of the rest! Program File Downloads 1. Make sure you are connected to the C22 USB cable and that your TriCoder is on. 2.
Chapter 10: Creating a Custom Program You can create a program in the TriCoder to prompt the operator for anything. You can tell the operator what to do next, notify them of errors, date and time stamp the data or review and edit previous data.
Program Name Press the number of the program you wish to create or edit; 1, 2, or 3. For this example we will key in 1. The TriCoder then displays: PROGRAM #1 PROGRAM #1 NAME ---------------- 1 SAMPLE PROGRAM EDIT PROGRAM #1 ----------------- 2 DONE/EXIT ----------------------------- 0 PLEASE SELECT OPTION: _ By pressing key 1 on the TriCoder keypad you can change the program name, in this case it is named SAMPLE PROGRAM.
Programming To edit Program #1 press the 2 key. This will enter you into the editing section and show you programming prompts and allow you to edit each section of the prompt on one screen. The text below is an example of what you see on the TriCoder screen when creating a program. < PROGRAM #1 PROMPT 01 > ENTRY TYPE --------------------------- D PROMPT TEXT: ENTER ITEM NO.
Entry Type The first line on the program screen is the ENTRY TYPE prompt. This prompt determines what type of data is entered for this statement. This is the most important prompt as it determines exactly what happens at this step in the program.
Go to statement 34 if a 5 is keyed/scanned Go to statement 02 if anything else is keyed/scanned The STMT TO BRANCH field would look like this: ENTRY TYPE --------------------------- B PROMPT TEXT: TRANSACTION? STATEMENT TO BRANCH R18534*02_ Question A question statement creates a program prompt that the user answers YES or NO to.
The Time Stamp statement type records only the time information to memory in the HHMM format. Just as with the Date and Time Stamp statement, using DIS in the DATA ID field will display the time information on the TriCoder screen when the statement is executed. Use t instead of T to record seconds in addition to the hours and minutes: ENTRY TYPE --------------------------- t The Time Stamp statement uses the same program fields as the Date and Time Stamp statement.
None The None statement entry type is used as a “dummy” statement, recording no data and transmitting only the Upload prefix and suffix. It is typically used as a destination for a branch statement, allowing you to record what action the operator took without recording any data. The program goes on without any input from the operator. To illustrate it‟s use, lets say that a branch statement (statement #3) goes to statement #04 (None statement) if the operator enters the letter A.
!(space)UF(space)myfile.fmtCRLFdata1CRLFdata2CRLFdata3 CR and LF are scanned from the Full ASCII Menu and the filename must end with ".fmt". No CRLF is required after the last data item. The TriCoder will do it for you. Here is a program example using refer-backs Stmnt # Type Prompt Min. Len. Max Len. Yes/Next No/End 1 2 3 4 D D D P 1 1 1 10 10 10 02 03 04 01 09 99 99 99 Scan Item Number Scan price Scan location ! UF myfile.
Then the user would see the Prompt SCAN ITEM NO: and then the “Item Description”, “Price” and “Quantity On Hand” from the Table as shown below: SCAN ITEM NO: 69-1894ES-1 Honeywell VisionPRO TH8000 Thermostat $125.
for the prompt is 1234, then the next time the PROMPT text is displayed, it would display as follows: ENTER ITEM NO. 1234 _ To accept 1234 as the actual data (instead of entering new data), simply press the ENTER key on the TriCoder. Entering ! as the first character for the PROMPT text field will cause the TriCoder to increment the last data entered for the statement by 1. To accept this data, the user simply presses the ENTER key on the TriCoder.
DATA ID: _ The DATA ID field has 6 different functions, depending on what is entered at the prompt: Data Identifiers UPC/EAN Check Digit verification Table Access Display Date/Time Prevent Duplicate Entry Compare Data 1. Data Identifiers The first function of the DATA ID field is to specify Data Identifiers for the data entered for the current statement. Data Identifiers are commonly used by the Automotive and Retail industries and are used to make sure the correct type of data is entered.
Table Lookup: For table lookup functions the TriCoder can display additional fields associated with the „key‟ field displaying up to 3 additional fields from that record in the table. If you have a part number, or the key field, and 1-3 additional fields with data such as description, price, quantity on hand - or any other data, then you can display those fields on the TriCoder screen by using the DATA ID prompt: L1L 4.
DATA LENGTH MAX: 13_ To clear the DATE LENGTH MAX: and enter a new value, press CLEAR on the TriCoder keypad and enter the new value. The DATE LENGTH MAX is important when using the Xtra Statement. See the section on the XTRA STATEMENT for more information. Minimum Data Length The DATE LENGTH MIN: field tells the TriCoder the fewest number of characters to accept for a particular program statement.
you have a program that prompts for (1)BLDG., then (2)AISLE, then (3)ITEM, then (4)QUANTITY, with a loop that goes back to ITEM after QUANTITY. To break out of the loop at ITEM and go back to BLDG, use 01 in the NO/END STMT for ITEM. To break out of the loop at QUANTITY and go to AISLE, use 02 in the NO/END STMT for QUANTITY. If you want to exit data collection when the END key is pressed, specify 99 in the NO/END STMT field.
As an example, let‟s say you wanted to attach an aisle number as a prefix to every item number you entered. Assuming the aisle number is statement #02, entering }02 in the Upload Prefix of the item number statement would attach the aisle number to every item number. Only the data in statement #02 would be attached; any Upload Prefix or Upload Suffix characters for statement #02 will not be uploaded.
For example, if statement #01 has a Maximum Data Length of 10 and you scan the number 12345, the following Upload Prefix for statement #1 would produce data of 0000012345. PREFIX - - ^0 When programming an Upload Prefix, you must press the ENTER key on the TriCoder to terminate the entry, whether you have entered data from the keypad or scanned it from the Full ASCII Menu.
Finishing and checking your program When you have finished entering your program, press the key to have the TriCoder check your program for errors. If you have referenced a statement number that doesn‟t exist or hasn‟t been defined properly, you will see the message: INVALID STMT. # HIT ANY KEY_ Pressing a key will take you to the prompt statement number where the TriCoder found the problem. Make the appropriate corrections then press the key again.
Reviewing and Modifying programs You can review or modify a program at any time. If you have data collected for that program, the only portions you can review or modify are the Prefix and Suffix. This is a safeguard to make sure you do not damage data already collected before it is uploaded. If you need to modify a program field other than the Prefix and Suffix, upload your data then proceed.
Chapter 11: Creating TriCoder Programs on your Windows PC You can also create custom TriCoder programs on your PC and download them to the TriCoder using our Virtual TriCoder in the Integrated Hardware Utilities. The program is configured to download the files through a USB port or a Serial port. For simple programs, entering them directly on the TriCoder is faster and easier.
3. Select the TriCoder Tab on the left of the Screen 4. 5.
6. You will then see the following screen(s) for the Virtual TriCoder: From this screen you can start to create a new TriCoder Program. By default the View Table (Program Grid) is activated and will also appear with the Virtual TriCoder screen. For help getting started simply press the Help button and you can get detailed instructions on how to use the Virtual TriCoder.
Chapter 12: Voice Messages The TriCoder's exclusive use of voice prompts allows you to overcome problems such as literacy, language and lighting. With proper planning, voice prompting can make data collection significantly faster and simpler. Why Use Voice Messages and Prompts? o Voice messages can be in any language. o The operator does not have to be able to read to perform some jobs. o Audible instructions can be heard in poor lighting where it is difficult to read a LCD screen.
Recording and Playback of Voice Messages Voice Messages are recorded only in the Hardware Utilities Program. You can record, manage, and sort voice files using the Voice option in the TriCoder Manager. Below is a screen shot of this process. It is fairly easy to follow and the help files can guide you if you need more help. Voice Message Options To play back the voice messages you have recorded, they must be designated for use when creating a data collection program in the TriCoder.
Default Voice Messages The TriCoder comes from the factory with some voice prompts and error messages pre-recorded. You can change any of these messages but keep in mind that the error conditions that the voice error messages are linked to are fixed. For example, the “Change Batteries” message is located at message #20. Whenever the TriCoder detects very low batteries, it will play message #20, regardless of what is recorded there.
Chapter 13: Tables The TriCoder allows you to download a lookup table for verifying data and/or displaying data from a table to complement the data collection process. In addition, you can use tables to update things like prices descriptions and other data that you have stored in a file but may be different in the field. The TriCoder has a 1MB storage file exclusively reserved for a table.
08000000000EXAMPLE2 11111111 22xxxxxx 33333xxx 44444444 Ctrl Z (ASCII 26) (use if a DOS file) EXAMPLE2 above would accept a scan or entry of 22 when EXAMPLE1 would not. Preventing duplicate entry of data Sometimes you might want to make sure that an item in your table is not scanned or entered twice.
Chapter 14: Troubleshooting Display and Error Messages The following is an alphabetical list of all messages the TriCoder can display. Some describe an error state; others are simply instruction. Message Meaning Operator Action APPEND DATA FILE KEY [YES/NO]? Using Multiple Data files selected and Press YES or NO. already have data in a file it will ask this. Do you want to append data to it? ARE YOU SURE? KEY [YES/NO]? You have asked to delete a file or YES to confim change a setup option.
FATAL ENTRY TYPE CANNOT CONTINUE CYCLE POWER An invalid Entry Type has been UNIT MAY NEED TO BE detected in your program. Cycle power RESET TO CLEAR ERROR – & see if it clears the error. This can be RESET PROGRAMS & DATA caused by the TriCoder turning off IN SYSTEM SETUP & RESET during programming. SETUPS TO DEFAULT - Call for support if condition continues. FATAL PROMPT #. CYCLE POWER_ An invalid Prompt Number was detected. Cycle Power and see what happens.
TABLE FORMAT ERROR PRESS ANY KEY_ The table header is in an invalid format Check table file for format or EOF Ctrl Z (ASCII 26) is missing. errors. Try again. TABLE NOT FOUND HIT ANY KEY_ A table referenced in a data collection Download table or correct program does not exist. program to reference correct table. UPLOADING DATA PLEASE WAIT_ Collected data is being uploaded to Wait for upload to finish. host. USB Enumeration Please wait… At power on or when a cable is plugged Just wait a few seconds.
General Troubleshooting If you want to what the settings in the TriCoder are, you can enter Setup Mode, key in the number that corresponds to the Parameter(s) in which you are interested, and then read the display settings referring to the TriCoder Manual for an explanation of the options.
Poor read rates… o Try reading the bar code below as an example of a known “good” bar code. This bar code is a Code 39 bar code and is readable by the TriCoder set to its default settings. o Make sure your bar codes have clearly defined dark bars and clean white spaces. If the bars are so light that they are gray instead of black or are so dark that they “bleed” into the white spaces, the printing of the bar codes is the problem. Whoever is printing the bar codes needs to make the necessary corrections.
USB troubleshooting (for Windows Users) The bulk of USB problems are due to driver(s) installations not being completed and the data transfer(s) won't work. Whether you have selected USB Full Speed Data Upload or HID Keyboard Data Upload, you will be required to install a driver for Human Interface Device (HID) keyboard emulation as well as the Worth Data drivers for Full Speed data transfers.
Serial mode troubleshooting The following problems pertain mostly to TriCoder‟s setup in serial mode. Using the 5 volt power adapter, the TriCoder does not beep when turned on… Plug something else into the wall outlet to make sure the outlet is working or plug the TriCoder‟s power adapter into an outlet that is working with something else. If the outlet is good, either the power adapter or the TriCoder is not working correctly.
Program troubleshooting The following examples have to do with programming the TriCoder. When editing a program, all I can see are the upload prefixes and suffixes… If there is a data file currently in the TriCoder, you cannot edit any part of the programs except for the Upload Prefix or Upload Suffix. This is to protect the integrity of the data that is currently still in the TriCoder.
Planning for success… Before you set out on your first big inventory or other data collection event, there are a few things you can do to better your chances for success. Planning and testing before the big day can help you avoid headaches as well as numerous calls to tech support. The whole point of using the TriCoder is to reduce data entry errors and speed up the data collection process.
Chapter 15: Fail-safe Re-initialization Procedure Here is a fail-safe way to re-initialize the TriCoder and set it back to the factory defaults: (also useful for deleting a data file and programs no longer needed). o After turning on the TriCoder, answer 5 at the Main Menu (opening screen) o o o Press the 8 key for System Setup You will be prompted for a password: Key in WDTRI, then press ENTER Press the 5 key to RESET PROGRAMS & DATA.
Chapter 16: Powering the TriCoder The TriCoder can be powered by the internal Li-ion battery or by the Worth Data 5-volt power adapter included with the unit. The TriCoder also has a programmable automatic shutoff intended to conserve power. The following information explains how to turn the TriCoder ON and OFF, the differences between battery power and wall power, the two different batteries the TriCoder uses and how to change them.
Battery Power For portable use, there is a replaceable, built-in 1950mAh NP-120 Li-ion battery used by the TriCoder. This battery provides the main power for the scanner, display and all electrical circuitry. The internal battery should provide approximately 20 hours of continuous scanning, as well as retain the data in memory and provide for real-time clock operation for several months.
Chapter 17: Firmware Upgrades Occasionally it will be necessary for some users to update the TriCoder's firmware to fix a bug or take advantage of new capabilities added to the TriCoder. The TriCoder uses a Flash EPROM and can be updated by downloading a file using the Hardware Utilities. The latest firmware file can always be found on our website at: http://www.barcodehq.com/downloads.html or call us and we can send you the file by email.
Select TriCoder and then Press Next: Select the COM port you are using if you are connecting by Serial Cable or Select USB is you are connecting by USB.
Browse your computer to find the firmware file you want to use. The latest firmware can always be downloaded from our website (www.barcodehq.com/downloads.html). When you have selected the correct file press the Next button. Connect the TriCoder to the computer using a serial cable or USB cable and press the Next button.
Failsafe Firmware Update If your TriCoder firmware update is interrupted, you may end up with a TriCoder that will not function properly. If you have a 5000 version TriCoder, you can perform the failsafe update by either USB or serial port. If your firmware update fails, you must use the following failsafe firmware update procedure: 1. 2. 3. Take the battery door and/or handle off of the back of the TriCoder.
Appendix A: How to scan a bar code The TriCoder can be used with a variety of laser scanners. Which one you choose is dependent upon your application and the quality and density of your bar codes. This section will include information on different laser scanners as well as how to use each one. Practice Scanning To practice scanning, turn on the TriCoder and press 3 at the Main Menu (opening screen) to enter NON-PORTABLE MODE.
Appendix B: Laser Scanner Options The laser scanner is typically the easiest scanner to use, requiring less operator training. A particularly desirable feature of the laser scanner is that upon triggering the beam, the laser scans the bar code multiple times (36-100 scans per second) until it has a good read. This practically eliminates having to scan a bar code a second time because you didn‟t get a read the first time.
Appendix C: Cable Pin-outs Below are the pin-outs for our cables. All cables showing a Worth Data part number (Cxx) are available for purchase. Unless you have experience making your own cables, we recommend buying your cables from us. For all of the 5000 TriCoder cables, number pins based on the number sequence of the connector (marked on the connector).
I/O Connector Pin-outs I/O Connector pin-outs are: Pin Function 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Ground Ground Laser DLE USB D+ Laser EN USB DLaser Data USB Vbus Laser SOS 5VDC Input 5VDC Input 5VDC Out Laser Trigger Ground Ground Audio Out RS-232 RXD RS-232 TXD Ground RS-422 T+ RS-422 TRS-422 R+ RS-422 RRS-232 CTS RS-232 RTS 5VDC Input 5VDC Input Ground Ground Table I-5. I/O Connector Pin-outs Remember: If you make your own cables, you are on your own.
Appendix D: Optional Features The following are the features available for the TriCoder: Item # F10 F11 F14 F13 C22 C23 C24 C13 BD5 H5000 L03 H11 LZ160 LZ300 LZ400 LZ5102D ELRL C49 F75 F76 Description 5V/110V Power Supply 5V/220V Europe and South American Power Supply 5V/220V UK Power Supply 5V/240V Australian/New Zealand Power Supply USB I/O Cable I/O Power Supply Adapter Cable 9 Pin Serial I/O Cable Zebra QLxxx Serial Printer Cable Battery Door Replacement TriCoder LT Handle Assembly Li-ion Replacement
Appendix E: USB Driver Installation Recovery The USB TriCoder uses two separate USB “drivers”: The HID driver provided with Windows and the Full Speed transfer driver provided with the TriCoder. Which driver is active depends on the operating mode of the TriCoder. Driver installation is initiated when the TriCoder device (HID or Full Speed) attempts to attach to the host and the driver is not present (or incorrectly installed) on the host PC.
9. Select "Search for a suitable driver for my device (recommended)." and click "Next" 10. Select "Specify a location" and click "Next" 11. Browse to the Worth Data Utilities CD-ROM of the folder where you unpacked files downloaded from www.barcodehq.com/downloads.html and click "OK" 12. Choose "Install one of the other drivers" at the bottom of the dialog and click "Next" 13. In the next dialog, choose "TriCoderUSB", (NOT "TRICODERUSB" which is the old driver), and click "Next" 14.
Resolving incomplete, aborted or incorrect HID driver installation This driver is provided with Windows. Most recent versions of Windows include necessary files in the installed Windows folder so driver installation is easy if not automatic. It is possible for the user to cancel the HID driver installation before it is completed and this results in a problem. Restarting Windows and re-attaching the TriCoder does NOT initiate a re-installation.
Appendix F: Specifications for Code 39 Code 39 (or Code 3 of 9) is the de facto standard of non-retail American industry. It is widely used in the automotive industry (AIAG specifications) as well as in government and military applications (LOGMARS specifications). Code 39 is flexible, features a large character set, variable data length and density, and bi-directional readability. Code 39 is extremely accurate; substitution errors are almost nonexistent.
Code 39 Advanced Features and Functions Mod 43 Check Character Standard Code 39 can be printed with a "Mod 43 Check Character". This Mod 43 check character cannot be used with Full ASCII Code 39.
Full ASCII Extension to Code 39 "Full-ASCII Code 39" expands the Code 39 character set to include all 128 ASCII characters. Symbols 0-9, A-Z and punctuation characters . and - are identical to their Code 39 representations. Lower-case letters, additional punctuation characters and control characters are represented by sequences of two Code 39 characters.
Function/Control Key Support in HID Keyboard Mode The TriCoder, when in HID Keyboard Mode, can transmit Function, Control, Alt and Shift Keys for use with software programs that use these keys for menus or commands. For example, when the TriCoder reads a bar code containing the Code 39 characters for SOH (Control-A), it will transmit the corresponding function key, F1 to your computer. These "keys" are created by combining two Code 39 characters.
The SHIFT, CTRL, & ALT (Command and Option for MAC) keys must use ON (key pressed) and OFF (key released) bar codes to properly emulate keyboard functions. For example, to encode a bar code sequence for Ctrl-C, you would create a bar code of Ctrl ON, C, and Ctrl OFF. Ctrl C ASCII 250 You can also enter any value from ASCII 000 to 255. How you enter the actual ASCII value can vary by operating system.
Function/Control Key Support with PortKey The TriCoder in RS-232 ASCII mode using PortKey can emulate the special keys on the PC keyboard. PortKey expects the "extended key code" convention outlined in the BASIC manuals and most compiler manuals. For example, to transmit a F1 key from a serial TriCoder to the keyboard, a null (ASCII 0) followed by a semicolon (ASCII 59) would be required. You can use Full ASCII Code 39 or Code 128 to transmit the required sequences.
Accumulate Mode Accumulate Mode is an option allowing the TriCoder to accumulate multiple bar codes in its buffer, then transmit them to the computer as if they had been a single bar code. This is useful for entering quantities and other variable data. Accumulate Mode works with Code 39, Code 93 and Code 128 only and can't be used with a check digit. When the TriCoder reads a bar code with a space as the first character, it beeps and buffers the data without transmission.
Appendix G: Code 128 Specifications Code 128 is a very powerful bar code, combining an extensive character set and variable length with compactness and error checking. The character set contains all 128 ASCII characters with each character made up of three bars and three spaces. (No double characters are required to make up lower case ad special characters). Each element (bar or space) varies from one to four units in width, totaling 11 units of width per character.
Appendix H: Interleaved 2 of 5 Code Interleaved 2 of 5 Code is a numeric-only, even-number-of-digits bar code. It is widely used in warehouse and industrial applications. A combination of five elements, two wide and three narrow represent each character. Odd-number position digits are encoded in the bars, even-number positions in the spaces. Interleaved 2 of 5 Code is so susceptible to partial scans being interpreted as valid reads that we recommend only one length of I 2 of 5 to be read.
Appendix I: UPC Specifications UPC symbols are found on almost all grocery products and many other retail items. The UPC code most people are familiar with (UPC-A) is a fixed-length (12 digits) numeric only code, with the first digit controlled by UPC coding assignments and the last digit a checksum. UPC-E and UPC-E1 are variations of the standard UPC-A code. Each digit is constructed of two bars and two spaces. UPC has very precise standards of code size, structure, and numbers to be used.
option of transmitting in the ISBN format. ISBN 0-553-37062 ISBN specifications are available from: American National Standards Institute Customer Service nd 11 West 42 St. New York, NY 10036 http://web.ansi.org document ISO 2108:1992 The UPC/EAN checksum character The last character in a UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC-E1, EAN-13 or EAN-8 bar code is the checksum.
UPC-E Checksum Calculation Use the sample data of 123456 to demonstrate the UPC-E checksum calculation: The 6 digit UPC-E code is converted to a 10-digit code, using an expansion scheme based on the sixth digit: Because the sample UPC-E code ends in a 6, the insertion digits 0000 are inserted at the sixth digit (insertion position 6): 1234500006 Add the Number System Character of 0 to the sample data: 01234500006 Use the UPC-A check digit calculation described in the previous section to produce a check digi
Appendix J: Codabar Specifications Codabar is widely used in libraries, blood banks, the cotton industry and transportation industries. Its' character set consists of numbers 0 through 9, and punctuation characters + . - / : and $. Symbols a, b, c, d, t, n, * and e are used as start and stop characters. Characters are constructed of four bars and three spaces. Codabar is a numeric-only code, but different combinations of start and stop characters can be used to identify different types of labels.
Appendix K: MSI/Plessey Specifications Plessey is a variable length numeric only bar code. MSI Bar Code is a variable length, numeric-only code with an automatically appended Modulus 10 check digit. MSI is sometimes called Modified Plessey Code. If the user specifies an additional check digit, the MSI code can be 14 digits long, otherwise it has a maximum length of 13 characters.
Appendix L: Code 93 Specifications Code 93 is variable length, continuous, bi-directional, compact code. Code 93 is an alphanumeric bar code which consists of 43 data characters (0-9,A-Z,$/+%.- and Space), 4 control characters, and a unique start/stop character. The entire set of 128 ASCII characters is represented in Code 93 using combinations of control characters and data characters. The control characters are , , , and .
Appendix M: ASCII Code Equivalent Table The 128 ASCII codes and their 3 digit decimal equivalents are detailed in the below table. The RS232 Models use the ASCII; the keyboard wedge models have some of the unprintable ASCII characters reassigned to specific keys, (i.e. SOH is f1).
Appendix N: RS-422 Using the TriCoder with an RS-422 board instead of a standard RS-232 serial port allows multiple TriCoders to be multi-dropped off of a single RS-422 port at a distance up to 4000 feet. Multiple TriCoders can then be polled periodically while they are collecting data. To be used with a RS-422 board, the TriCoder must have the 422 option factory installed. This is available by special order only. RS-422 boards are available from a variety of sources.
Msg 1 Msg 2 Data ID Unique 3 Chars or table ID or Time Display Max Chs 01-99 Min Chs 00-99 (2-Chs) Input Device: K, W or Blank Prompt Text Voice Message Numbers Date: Data Type:D N A, or Blank Statement No. Entry Type D-Data Q-Quest T-Time Y-Date S-Both B-Brnch X-Xtra Voice Frequency A, E TriCoder Coding Form Program Name: Next End Stmt Branch Num.
LEGEND: Full ASCII Menu Char (function) *%U* BARCODE Decimal (Items in parentheses are transmitted in keyboard wedge mode.
