Most problems with the MW400 reader can be traced to improper configuration or compatibility problems. The following section presents possible problems followed by a troubleshooting procedure.
In some of the troubleshooting procedures, you will be asked to scan bar code labels. The LED should flash when labels are scanned.
PROBLEM:
the MW-400 reader has difficulty or does not read your bar code labels at all
1- Check that the power up self tests completed successfully Immediately after powering up, the Feedback LED should flash once.
2- Check that there is a tiny red light visible when looking directly at the wand tip.
3- Make sure the bar code reader connector is seated firmly in the communications port of the PDA.
4- Check the labels being scanned. The best labels have the following characteristics:
- a- High Contrast - very black bars, very white
spaces.
- b- Good margins (white space at left and right of
bar code), at least 0.26 inches or 10 times the
narrow element width, whichever is greater.
- c- A height that is at least 16% of the label
length.
- d- No defects - spots in the spaces, voids in the
bars.
- e- Good tolerance on the printing, the narrow
bars and spaces equal in width.
- 5- Try the following scanning technique:
- a- Scan with a smooth motion, constant speed, and
light pressure on the label.
- b- Start in the margin; scan through the label;
end in the margin. Scan from "white to white".
- c- Tilt the wand 15 to 30 degrees from the
vertical. (See page 5 for an illustration.)
PROBLEM: Self Iest Failure
The MW-400 reader performs a set of self tests upon power up. During the self tests, the LED is illuminated. When all of the tests pass, it is turned off. The resulting single flash indicates a successful reset.
If any self test fails, the wand enters the self test failure loop. In this mode, the wand will not respond to commands nor read labels. Instead, it flashes the Feedback LED a specific number of times, pauses for a short time, and repeats the same number of flashes again. It repeats the groups of flashes until power is removed. The number of LED flashes depends upon which particular self test failed.
In the event of a self test failure, you will have to contact the factory or your dealer for assistance. In many cases, the unit can be fixed without return to the dealer.
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