Frequently Asked Questions: PSC / Percon Products

Magellan SL

1. What is Programming Mode?
2. How can I program my scanner using bar codes?
3. Which interfaces are supported by Magellan SL™?
4. Which bar code symbologies will my scanner read, and how can I enable or disable a specific symbology?
5. What does a flashing indicator and a repeated series of tones mean?
6. Can I disable the first and/or last digits of a UPC/EAN barcode?
7. How do I turn the volume up on my Magellan SL™ scanner?
8. How do I make my Single Cable RS232 Magellan SL™ scanners work with my host application?
9. Can I connect a handheld bar code reader to the Magellan SL™ scanner?
10. How do I calibrate the scale?
11. Where is the scale certification number located?
12. Can I set a tare weight with the Magellan SL scale?
13. How do I change from English to Metric weight?
14. What are the dimensions of the Magellan SL scanner?
15. How often should I clean the Magellan SL scanner and what procedure do I follow?

1.  What is Programming Mode?

Programming Mode is a state in which the scanner must be placed in order to accept programming commands. To enter Programming Mode, scan any SWITCH label in the programming guide. While in Programming Mode the green LED will continually flash, and the scanner will only recognize the special programming bar codes contained in this programming guide. Programming changes made to the scanner are set in default memory and are saved even if the scanner is powered down.

To exit Programming Mode, scan the SWITCH label again. The scanner will reset upon exit.

Additional Tips:

Scanning regular bar code labels while in Programming Mode:

• The scanner will reject the label, sounding an error tone.

Scanning a valid programming label while in Programming Mode:

• If the feature is supported by the active interface, the scanner will sound three beeps.
• If incorrect programming has been entered, the error tone will be sounded. Additionally, when programming a feature requiring you to scan single digits to set a multi-digit number, such as Minimum Length ID or Label ID, scanning the SWITCH label before completing all input will result in an error tone and cause the scanner to exit Programming Mode. Under these circumstances, the current feature you were trying to set is thrown out; any previous labels scanned during the session will take effect.

If, during the programming session, you find that you are unsure of the scanner's settings or wish to reset the scanner's configuration, use the Return to Factory Settings label available in the Programming Overview section of the above programming guides. (Note: Use this label with caution, as it will disable ALL features that may have been programmed since the scanner's installation.)

2.  How can I program my scanner using bar codes?

For a scanner feature to be modified bar code data must be scanned in the sequence listed below. The simplest programming requires scanning at least three bar code labels:

1. SWITCH label (Enter Programming Mode; green LED flashes)
2. ITEM TAG/ITEM VALUE label (Scan label for features you want to enable or change such as Set Baud Rate to 1200)
3. SWITCH label (Exit Programming Mode)

Some programming changes require the scanning of additional labels to allow flexible programming with larger item value numeric ranges.

1. SWITCH label (Enter Programming Mode; green LED flashes)
2. ITEM TAG label (Scan labels for feature you want to enable or change such as I 2 of 5: Set First Fixed Length)
3. SELECT ITEM VALUE DIGIT ONE
4. SELECT ITEM VALUE DIGIT TWO
5. SWITCH label (Exit Programming Mode; the scanner will reset)
   Note: Not all features are available for all interfaces. The scanner will sound an error tone when scanning programming labels that are invalid to the current interface.

3.  Which interfaces are supported by Magellan SL™?

Magellan SL™ scanners support the following interfaces:

• Single and Dual Cable RS232
• Single and Dual Cable OCIA
• IBM
• 6-Bit
• Multidrop

4.  Which bar code symbologies will my scanner read, and how can I enable or disable a specific symbology?

Magellan SL™ scanners support the following symbologies:

• UPC/EAN
• Code 39
• Code 128
• Interleaved 2 of 5

Interface type and symbology (bar code type) selection determines which symbologies the scanner will decode. See the Changing Bar Code Types section in the programming guide for a complete listing of the symbologies supported by each interface and the corresponding bar codes required to enable or disable specific symbologies.

5.  What does a flashing indicator and a repeated series of tones mean?

The Magellan SL™ has a built in self-test that is initiated upon start up. If a scanner failure occurs during scanning or power-up, the scanner's indicator will flash repeatedly and a repeated series of tones will sound. The error tone alerts the operator of a possible system or component failure and only sounds when a problem is detected. Error tones require that your scanner be sent in for repair.

Error codes and diagnostic LEDs are explained in detail in Section 4: Problem Isolation in the installation and operation manual.

6.  Can I disable the first and/or last digits of a UPC/EAN barcode?

The Magellan SL™ scanner can be configured to enable or disable the sending of the last digit (Check Digit) but will always send the first digit (NSD or Number System Digit). Programming labels are available in the Changing Bar Code Types, UPC Check Digit Transmission section in the programming kit.

7.  How do I turn the volume up on my Magellan SL™ scanner?

You can increment the volume using the volume button (identified by a speaker icon) that is located on the left side of the Magellan SL™ scanner bonnet. Permanent changes to the volume can also be made using programming labels available under Programmable Speaker Features in the programming kit.

8.  How do I make my Single Cable RS232 Magellan SL™ scanners work with my host application?

If your host application does not already support this interface version, programming changes to your application will be required. This is a more complex RS232 Interface than the dual cable scanner/scale RS232 interface. Since the scanner and scale data are traveling down the same cable, both data types need to be distinguishable.

Contact your host application dealer for more information.

9.  Can I connect a handheld bar code reader to the Magellan SL™ scanner?

Yes. An undecoded handheld scanner can be attached to the Magellan SL™. The handheld scanner will decode the bar code label and transmit the data to the host terminal.

Available through Customer Administration. Call 1-800-695-5700 (domestic) and 541-683-5700 (international) for interface cable part numbers and ordering.

10.  How do I calibrate the scale?

Scale calibration procedures and illustrations are available in Section 5: Calibration Procedures in the installation and operation manual. Note: Calibration must be certified by Weights & Measures in your state.

11.  Where is the scale certification number located?

You will find the scale certification number label underneath the scale platter on the spider assembly. An illustration can be found in Section 1: Introduction, Laser and Product Safety, Labeling in the installation and operation manual

12.  Can I set a tare weight with the Magellan SL scale?

Yes, the scale may be re-zeroed up to .5lb or .3KG, which allows for setting a tare weight before weighing an item.

• Place the container on the scale. The weight of the container will display.
• Press the >0< button located on the left side of the Magellan SL scanner bonnet to reset the scale to zero.
• Add the items to be weighed.

The new weight displayed does not include the weight of the container.

13.  How do I change from English to Metric weight?

Changing from .lb to .KG will affect the scale's calibration. Contact a Technical Support Representative for the programming labels required to set the display to Metric and/or English mode.

14.  What are the dimensions of the Magellan SL scanner?

The dimensions of the Magellan SL scanner vary depending on the model (short scanner, short scanner/scale, long scanner, or long scanner/scale). Dimensions for your scanner model can be found in Section 2: Site Preparation & Installation, Counter Cutout in the installation and operation manual.

15.  How often should I clean the Magellan SL scanner and what procedure do I follow?

A daily cleaning of the L-Platter including both scan windows (horizontal and vertical) will help to maintain top scanning and weighing performance. Use any standard glass cleaner and a soft, lint free cloth. Complete cleaning instructions can be found in Routine Maintenance section of the user's guide.

Tech Support : 973-579-0103  or  973-579-1309
Fax : 973-579-7564
8:30 to 5:00 Eastern Time. Mon.- Fri.

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