Microscan Tips and Tricks

New DPM reader from Microscan

2009-10-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

The Microscan Mobile Hawk is the latest Direct Part Mark (DPM) reader on the market.

This device uses various lighting setups and lights from Nerlite as well as complex decoding algorithms to read tough low contrast codes.

This device comes standard with a USB cable and is easily configured using the multi-platform Easy Setup Program software.

Microscan's Handheld Imager decodes Quickly

2009-08-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

Microscan's HS-2 imager reads 1D and 2D codes. It comes with a USB cable but has an optional DB9 RS232 cable. On the top is a place to clip a lanyard or tool holder.

Compared to the older MSQ, the Microscan ESP software works much more seamlessly. You don't have to print out the manual to configure the HS-2

I've noticed that it decodes before the 2nd flash of the LED's which is faster than most imagers -usually the second blink is when most decode.

List price is $495 -Contact us for more information.

I-PAK HE - Camera based OCR/OCV solution

2009-06-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

Microscan now has an OCR, OCV, Label Validation solution using camera based technology.

The I-PAK HE is that solution. This solution will install on a network PC and allow the user to perform OCR/OCV/Presence Absence/21 CFR Part 11 without having to use an industrial PC with custom camera boards.

For a 1 camera system, the I-PAK HE is a much more cost effective solution with regard to hardware as well as integration.

IPAK- HE with 1600T smart camera and dark field lighting

2009-06-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Microscan now has an OCR, OCV, Label Validation solution using camera based technology. The I-PAK HE is that solution.

This solution uses the 1600T software with I-PAK enabled Visionscape software which includes the option for compliance to 21 CFR Part 11.

A special white LED darkfield light which mounts and plugs directly into the 1600T for trigger and power.

QX870 to MS860 drop in replacement cable

2009-03-20T08:32:00.001-07:00

We figured out all the Grounds, Inputs, and Output differences between Microscan's new QX 870 and the very popular but on the way out MS 860.

Our cable looks and acts like the DB25 male connector that's normally on the MS860 and allows the QX 870 to be a drop in replacement.

Interface Microscan Velocity to Blackware Inkjet Control Software

2009-02-26T17:17:00.000-08:00

Interface Microscan Velocity to Blackware Inkjet Control Software.
We recently finished integrating a Microscan Quadrus Mini Velocity with Blackware's Control Software for Industrial Inkjet Printers.

Their system uses an encoder to track the cam revolutions and documents on an envelop stuffer. It sends a 24 volt pulse to the Velocity and the Velocity reads the datamatrix code or IMB and sends the data to their Controller via RS422 and onto a PC that matches the data to an address in a database.

Blackware can communicate to complex high speed inkjet printers like Scitex. We built some custom cabling for the RS422 and to receive a 24volt trigger signal. A few key reader settings were also critical. For more info, please contact us

Hawkeye 1600T How to Connect a Photoeye

2009-01-14T13:27:00.000-08:00

Info we got from Microscan

To connect a Photoeye: The "Sensor Inputs" (pins 6&7) are bi-polar, meaning they can be either (+) or (-), the both go to a circuit that just checks for a difference between the two.

The Photo eye can get its power from pins 4 (+24V) and 8 (- GND)
Trigger pin 6

So, in order to trigger:

you should connect 6(inA) to 4(+24V) and switch 8(GND) and 7(inB) = (NPN - sinking)

OR
Connect 8(GND) and 7(inB) and switch 6 (inA) and 4(+24V) = (PNP - sourcing)

----

There is a better illustration on page A-2 of the manual and the note 2 is:
Bipolar isolated camera sensor trigger:
– Logic 0: 0 to 5V
– Logic 1: 15 to 30V
– Rin: 18k Ohms
And then at the top of page 2-12, it shows the wiring for PNP or NPN configuration scenarios. INA and INB are interchangable between pins 6 & 7 since it is a bi-polar connection

Hawkeye 1600T I/O Cable Example

2009-01-14T13:15:00.000-08:00

The Hawkeye line of products that was aquired last fall by Microscan has a smart camera model 1600T. We recently received our Microscan branded unit and have begun looking for applications and building a more meaningful demo kit.

The 1600T doesn't come with a breakout board to connect a trigger signal or output signals like some cameras but has all the I/O coming out of a cable.

Along with Microscan-Renton's help, we were able to translate the terminology and come up with a workable I/O scenario.
Using mating Turc style connectors we're able to make the Trigger and Power work in a more common fashion and add LED's for the discrete output signals.

How To Retrieve Individual Match Codes from MS 890

2008-12-23T08:48:00.000-08:00

Using the K231 command to retrieve individual match codes from the database is different than what is stated in the manual.

The manual has <k231,1?>to retrieve the match code in place 1. This works on the MS 880.

To retrieve the match code in place 1 on the MS 890, use < k231?,1>instead.

Microscan to Purchase Siemens Vision Business Unit

2008-09-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Microscan today announced it will purchase Siemens' Machine Vision business, formerly Acuity CiMatrix, headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. The company expects the acquisition to further enhance its technology leadership position in customer-focused traceability solutions by expanding further into machine vision imaging and inspection. The deal is expected to close on Sept. 19, 2008.

Click Here to view the entire press release

QX830 has Onboard Ethernet

2008-09-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

This brand new scanner from Microscan, the QX830 has onboard Ethernet. Supporting TCP/IP and Ethernet IP, or factory Ethernet, this device offers network ability without a converter box.

Increased depth of field, when compared to the 820, to handle many different box heights. Daisy chain 2 together in a X pattern and you have a strong Omnidirectional solution.

QX830 has Quick Connect Industrial Connectors

2008-09-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

The QX 830 from Microscan has quick connect/disconnect Industrial connectors.

Many factory cables are available from Ethernet to RS232 to the Power cable.

Microscan now has Stitching in the QX830

2008-09-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

The QX 830 offered by Microscan is their latest Industrial Laser Scanner. This scanner has stitching, otherwise known as bar code reconstruction, which can read many linear bar codes in many orientations.

When linked to a 2nd QX830, it offers true omnidirectional code reading in many conveyor applications.

I/O options for the Mini Family of USB Readers

2008-07-29T13:07:00.000-07:00

Want a USB device and still have I/O? The Microscan Quadrus Mini line of readers now have the option of coming with an extra pigtail cable that allows for I/O.

If you don't need a 24 volt setup, this is the way to go.

This allows for 5 volt signals for:

New Master
Trigger
3 output signals
Default pin

New Power Connector for the Mini USB models

2008-07-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

The 5 pin din to mini din adapter for the Quadrus Mini line of Readers is no more. The new power supply that comes with the product has an easy to connect and efficient 2 pin connector. This connector makes is so much easier to connect and eliminate loosing/looking for the adapter as well as breaking off the locating key on the Mini end.

Virtual Com Port Driver for the MSQ Handheld

2008-01-30T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Virtual com port driver for the Microscan MSQ hand held is not the same com port driver as the Quadrus Mini com port driver.

It's a totally different kind of driver - all together.

Q Mode is Slower than Standard Mode on a Clean Background

2008-01-08T17:00:00.000-08:00

Microscan has released a new feature for decoding bar codes called Q Mode. $100 option now available on the Mini, Mini 3, and Velocity.

It allows the enabled reader to decode images using fewer pixels per element than standard mode with a clean background around the code.

I've seen it actually take 3 times as long to read a 10mil datamatrix code as standard mode with a clean background around the code.

I'm sure it depends on the application.

When Q Mode is enabled, a few more features are turned off: which include multisymbol, large intercharacter gap, BC412, and I 2 of 5 border bar.

Postal codes work only in Q-Mode.

Call us with questions or for a demo.

Narrow Margin firmware for the MS 860

2008-01-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Narrow Margin firmware for the MS 860

Microscan has special firmware that you can flash into the MS 860 to improve it's performance when you have quiet zone issues.

We recently had this loaded onto some 860's in this situation and had great success.

As a rule, you want to avoid quiet zone problems but it's good to know that when the label format is inflexible you still have a solution.

Cannot use EZ Trax with the MS Connect 210 over Ethernet

2007-12-21T11:55:00.000-08:00

While you can connect to Quadrus Mini series via ethernet using Microscan ESP, you can't download images from a Mini Velocity,for example, thru the MS Connect. The same goes for Microscan's EZ Trax software.

This would be a truly fast way to retrieve/store images over a network.

Microscan Mini Velocity Reads Codes On The Fly

2007-12-05T11:49:00.000-08:00

Microscan Mini Velocity Reads Codes On The Fly

Microscan's latest product, the Mini Velocity is another addition to the Mini family.

The Velocity has a different shutter that allows for capture of products in fast motion. - 100 inches per second.

We've tested it at 100 fpm and 4.5 inches away very successfully capturing the entire field of view. I believe external lighting would be needed for faster speeds.

The Velocity is the first Mini to feature Q-Mode, a new Microscan decoding algorithm, which allows datamatrix decodes down to 1.5 pixels/element.

4 State Customer Bar Code Solution

2007-12-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Microscan's newest reader, the Mini Velocity, offers the ability to read most popular postal codes on the fly at speeds tested up to 100 fpm - can most likely go faster.

Including the 4 state customer bar code, also referred as onecode, the Velocity has the field of view to perform this task.

Contact us for help with this solution. We've written applications that validate the code, database lookups, diverter, etc.

Vial Bar Code Reading Solution

2007-11-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Using the Microscan Quadrus Mini 3 and a host software application, we've developed an inexpensive method to read up to 96 unique datamatrix codes on vials in an approximately 3x5 tray.

This 3 megapixel imager has plenty of resolution to be far enough away to get the field of view you want and still read small datmatrix codes.

Ethernet I/P info

2007-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a cool page on Rockwell Automation's site explaining the benefits of Ethernet I/P. http://www.ab.com/networks/ethernet.html

This site has a lot of information. It really helps explain the additional features and standards that Factory Ethernet or Ethernet I/P has over standard TCP/IP.

Of course, the MS Connect 210 comes with available Ethernet I/P.

Contact us for more information on Ethernet I/P.

What does IP54 mean?

2007-10-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a chart that has a simple explanation of the IP ratings.

It came from the site below for reference.

http://www.protectingpeople.co.uk/fire_tech/ip_explained.htm

MS Connect 210 - Connect via Ethernet Directly to the Scanner

2007-10-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

MS Connect 210 with the Ethernet option allows yout to connect directly to the scanner over your network using the Microscan ESP configuration software.

Thanks to James Ellis at Microscan for pointing this feature that I thought was lacking.