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Scanning Devices Label Counting Table
This document describes the functions performed by counting table components and
suggests procedures for setting up and operating the counting table.

Setup and Operating Instructions
Scanning Devices Label Counting Table............................................................................ 1
Setup and Operating Instructions........................................................................................ 1
Components .................................................................................................................... 2
Counting Station ......................................................................................................... 2
Counter........................................................................................................................ 3
Counter Reset.............................................................................................................. 3
RS232 Interface .......................................................................................................... 4
Barcode Inspection...................................................................................................... 4
Keypad and Display.................................................................................................... 5
Barcode Inspection...................................................................................................... 6
Splice Detector............................................................................................................ 7
Missing Label Detector............................................................................................... 7
Dispensing Counter..................................................................................................... 8
Lift Off Disks.............................................................................................................. 9
Control Panel .............................................................................................................. 9
Attention/Error Indicator (Red) ................................................................................ 10
Strobe Light .............................................................................................................. 11
Operating Procedures.................................................................................................... 11
Setup - Settings ......................................................................................................... 11
Photosensor ............................................................................................................... 11
Counting Station ....................................................................................................... 13
Motor Speed.............................................................................................................. 13
Select Constant Switch ............................................................................................. 13
Barcode/Splice/Missing Label Inspection Enable .................................................... 13
Barcode Scanner Position ......................................................................................... 14
Dispensing Counter................................................................................................... 15
Splice Detector.......................................................................................................... 16
Starting a Counting/Inspection Operation .................................................................... 17
Switch Positions........................................................................................................ 17
Mount Labels ............................................................................................................ 17
Counter Setup............................................................................................................ 17
Barcode Setup ........................................................................................................... 18
Select Constant Option ............................................................................................. 18
Start Motor ................................................................................................................ 18
Set Speed................................................................................................................... 18
End of Roll................................................................................................................ 18
Interpreting Results....................................................................................................... 19
Uploading to PC (optional RS232 Interface)................................................................ 19
Trouble Shooting .......................................................................................................... 20
Contacting Scanning Devices ....................................................................................... 21
Date: November 26, 2008

Document Revision: 2.0

Components
Counting Station
Consists of a photo-sensor emitter/detector pair that establish a light beam for sensing.
The label web passes through the light beam as it moves through the counting station.
The light intensity is adjustable and set so that the light beam is “made” when the label
backing (web or matrix) alone is present and “broken” when the backing and label are
present. This allows the sensor to distinguish between a label and a space between labels.
The effective light beam is small,
one-quarter inch in diameter, and the
two components are mounted close
together to focus on the label web.
Alignment is important and is correct
if the top and side surfaces of the
components are in the same plane.
The sensor’s vertical position is
adjustable. The emitter/detector
components should be positioned so
that the label moves through the light
beam and will be broken by the label
at one point for each label. A small
screwdriver is required to loosen the
components for movement and
retighten when positioned.
The counting station also provides a web guide mechanism, delivering labels consistently
and providing smooth movement to the take-up roll.

2

Counter
Responds to photo-sensor to register counts on the light-to-dark transition (beam break)
and display label counts. The counter shows the number of times the light beam has
been broken since the last counter reset.

A count is registered when point “A” in the diagram above passes through the light beam
in the counting station. If a barcode reader is installed and enabled, the counter triggers
the barcode scanner (issues a “read-me-now” command) to scan for label barcode at point
“A”. The scanner attempt to read a barcode and reports the result to the counter.
The counter ends the scanner’s trigger cycle when a code is read successfully or the light
beam is restored (“made”) at point “B”, the trailing end of the label. This cycle is
repeated for each label.
The counter uses the sensor to measures the web speed passing through the counting
station and (if the Constant Speed switch is on) adjusts the motor speed to keep web
speed constant.
The counter includes a “watchdog timer” to detect the end of roll and stops the motor. If
no labels are detected in 2 seconds, the counter declares that the end of the roll has
arrived and stops the motor.
Note: the Scanning Devices/H. B. Registration Counting Table is not a rewind table.
Without labels to count, the motor stops in 2 seconds. If you are rewinding a label roll,
run the web through the counter to keep the motor running. Contact Scanning Devices if
you have need for a rewind table.
The counter’s setup mode allows sensor adjustment for best optical contrast and sensing
between label on web and space between labels. For information on setup, see the
procedure section below.

Counter Reset
When in run mode, the reset switch is enabled when the motor is not running (motor
speed switch turned counter-clockwise to OFF). When the motor is running or the speed
switch is ON, the reset switch is disabled.

3

RS232 Interface
The counter has an optional RS232 interface to PC for uploading label count and
resetting the counter remotely. The RS232 link is enabled when the motor is not running.

Barcode Inspection
The Barcode Inspection system is designed to read barcodes on labels as they move
through the counting station to insure that barcodes are readable and correct. The
counting sensor triggers the barcode scanner on the leading edge of the label. The
barcode scanner attempts to read the label’s code, compare it to the Target Barcode (the
expected or “correct” code) and report the result. Three outcomes are possible for each
label:
1. Match – the code is readable and is the same as the Target Code
2. Mis-match – the code is readable but is not the same as the Target Code
3. No Read – no code could be read. This may occur because the code is printed poorly,
missing from the label or in some way obstructed.
The barcode reader is based on Microscan Corporation’s MS9 High Speed laser scanner.
It uses a rotating mirror to construct a red scan line. The line allows orientation of the
scanner in its three-dimensional adjustable mounting bracket. To read codes, the red scan
line must enter the printed bar code on the left side (not the top or bottom) and leave on
the right side (not the top or bottom) to insure that it sees all the barcode lines.
The barcode reader is capable of reading five different code types: UPC/EAN, Code 39,
Code 128, International 2 of 5 Code, and Codabar. For best results, only one code type
may be activated at a time.
Detection and inspection are done by loading a “Target Barcode” into scanner memory
on setup. When triggered by the counter, the barcode reader attempts to read a barcode
printed on the label and compares any barcode read with the Target Barcode. It reports
the result of the read operation as soon as it is known. For each trigger, it generates one
of three outputs: match (the code read was exactly the same as the Target Code), no-code
(the scanner did not read a code during the trigger period) or mis-match (a bar code was
read but it was not the same as the Target Code).
Setup options allow the code type and the target barcode to be entered automatically.
The system learns the code type by attempting to read the label’s barcode and reporting
its result. The target barcode is also learned automatically by reading a barcode. The
barcode is displayed and loaded into the scanner. It remains in scanner memory until a
different barcode is loaded.

4

Keypad and Display

The keypad and display mounted above the count controller provide an easy to use
interface for barcode reader and splice detector setup and results reporting. When a
barcode reader is installed and powered ON, the count/controller constructs and displays
a menu of actions used to setup the barcode reader. The display consists of two lines.
The keypad has sixteen keys as shown below.

5

The keypad and display are also used for entering quantities for dispensing, displaying
operator prompt messages and for display of error messages. When an error message or
other message requiring operator involvement is displayed, the Red Indicator above the
count/controller is illuminated until the message is handled.\
Barcode Setup Menu
The setup menu is displayed when the barcode read is active and provides six action
choices. When menu choices are displayed, two keys on the keypad are active. The Ent
key advances to the next menu item. The key performs the menu item action.
Menu Items
1. Count Up/Down – exits the menu with the current setup to start counting
2. Learn Code Type – attempts to read the barcode in view and determine its symbology
(UPC, Code 39, etc).
3. Learn Target – attempts to read the barcode in view and register it as the code to
match for inspection.
4. Barcode Setup – sends setup commands to the barcode reader, necessary on
installation of a new barcode reader.
5. Read Barcode – reads and displays the barcode in view. Used to confirm setup is
correct.
6. Jog – with the motor switch turned on, activate the take-up reel for 1 second to
advance the label web.

Barcode Inspection
When barcode inspection is enabled, the count/controller triggers the barcode reader on
the leading edge of each label. The count/controller expects a response from the barcode
reader for each label and takes action depending on the response.
Good Read – a barcode was read successfully and it matched the target. The label web
continues.
Mis-Match – a barcode was read but it did not match the target. The web is brought to a
stop, the “Mis-match” error message is displayed and the red indicator above the
count/controller is illuminated. An operator is expected to take some action to resolve
the problem and follow the display prompts to re-start the label web. Re-start requires
turning off the motor switch and re-setting the web speed.
No-Read – a barcode was not read before the end of the label was detected. This may be
caused by a poorly printed label, an obstructed view of the label or a label without a
barcode. The web is brought to a stop, the ‘No Read” error message is displayed and the
red indicator above the count/controller is illuminated. The restart procedure is the same
as for a mismatch result.

6

Splice Detector
Splices are detected by a registration mark scanner mounted to detect surface changes
and imperfections in the reverse side of the web matrix generally attributable to splices.
Label manufacturers have a practice of indicating splices with a contrasting mark or tape.
The mark scanner is set to detect this indication and generate a “splice detected” signal.
The splice detector is mounted and adjusted to be in the “Light” state, detecting reflection
from the reverse (bottom) side of the label web, with its output OFF. When a splice mark
is detected, it switches to the “Dark” state with its output ON.
When a splice is detected, the controller brings the web to a stop and issues a message on
the display. The Red indicator above the count/controller is illuminated to call attention
to the message.

Missing Label Detector
The missing label detector operates by measuring the time taken by labels passing
through the sensor. It uses the first five labels on a roll to establish a pattern. The
counter then times each label as it is sensed and counted and establishes an expected time
and tolerance for the next label to be sensed. If a label is not sensed within the expected
time and tolerance, the counter declares the expected label “missing”.
When a label is declared missing, the counter turns on the error light and records a
missing label count. For the first missing label detected on the roll, the counter also
records the position of the missing label.
The error light remains on until the counter is reset.
At the end of the roll, the count display will flash three results. The left two digits of the
display indicate the item being displayed. The display flashes three items in order in 1
second intervals until the counter is reset.
1. Label Count - Shows the number of labels on the roll. Missing labels do not generate a
count. Six digits of the display are used for the label count.
2. Missing Label Count – Shows the number of missing labels detected prefaced by a
“minus” sign.
3. Location of the first missing label – Shows the count at which the first missing label
was detected prefaced by “1-“ (Numeral 1 followed by the minus sign).

7

Dispensing Counter
The dispensing counter enables the user to enter a numeric quantity of labels, edit the
number, and begin the counting operation. The counter counts down from the quantity
entered, showing progress on its display. When the displayed total reaches 25, the
counter brings the motor to a stop and illuminates the attention/error light. The display
prompts the operator to start the motor slowly to allow labels to proceeds slowly to
complete the count at zero. When the final label passes through the counting station, the
label web is stopped briefly and then advanced one label to exit the counting station. The
display shows the number of labels dispensed.
If the end of the roll is encountered before the desired quantity is dispensed, the motor is
stopped and the display shows the number of labels actually dispensed.
The dispensing counter feature adds a two-line display and keypad mounted on the top of
the control box, and an up/down switch mounted on the table front panel. When the
up/down switch is set to count down, the prompt “Enter Quantity:” is displayed and the
keypad is enabled.

The Keypad is a 16-key type with telephone style layout. It includes ten numeric keys, 0
– 9 and 6 special function keys. The numeric keys are used to enter a predetermined
number of labels to be dispensed. Special function keys are:
+ Add one to the count total
- Subtract one from the count total.
C/CE - Backspace, delete the most recent keystroke
AC – All Clear, delete all keystrokes to empty the input
Enter – Accept the numeric entry and get ready to start counting
- Jog, when the motor switch is on, advances the web one label.

8

Lift Off Disks
18” lift-off disks are effective for counting heavy rolls or large rolls with thin labels.
Disks mount over the standard 13” disks. Pins drop into slots on the standard disks.
Label rolls can slide on and off disks rather than being lifted.
Lift-off disks are interchangeable with standard disks, but tools are required for
conversion from one configuration to the other. The supply disk tension control army
and counting station are elevated when using lift-off disks.
Conversion to lift-off disks requires the following:
1. Move the supply disk tension army to outside position, add a spacer to the pivot arm
and align the brake pad height to ride on the lift-off supply disk.
2. Mount spacers under the counting station to elevate the label guide.
Both supply and take-up disks must be configured the same, both with either standard or
lift-off disks

Control Panel
The control panel is equipped to support features included in the counting table
configuration. The photograph below is a representative control panel. The panel on any
specific table may differ depending on how the counting table is equipped.
The panel hangs below the surface of the table and provides six controls to power the
table as well as to initiate and terminate a label run. (Center switch in photo below
labeled “Missing Label” is labeled for specific table options and may differ on tables
without missing label detection.)

From Left to Right in the picture above:
(1)Motor speed control with integrated ON/OFF switch: starts and sets the motor speed.
At the end of the roll, the switch must be turned OFF before the next roll can begin.

9

Turning the switch OFF resets the error light (if so equipped) showing the results of
missing label inspection.
(2) Automatic Speed Control: When in the “Constant” position, the counter controls
motor speed, adjusting the motor to maintain constant web speed.
(3) Accessory Inspection Equipment: When in the On (up) position, the system powers
its accessory inspection equipment (missing labels, splices, barcode inspection) and
reports the results in the LCD display.
The missing label detector scans the web for missing labels as they pass through the
counting station and reports the number of missing labels detected and the position of the
first missing label in the roll.
The splice detector scans for unexpected contrast (splicing tape) in the label web, counts
the occurrences and reports the results on the LCD Display.
The barcode reader attempts to read barcodes on each label and reports the error results
on the LCD display.
If any errors are detected by the accessory inspector, an error light mounted above the
counter’s display is illuminated to call attention to the problem.
When the switch is off, the accessory inspection equipment is disabled.
(4) Forward/Off/Reverse switch for the motor. Selects inside/outside winding. Note:
reversing the motor does not reverse the direction of web movement through the web
guide and counting station, only the direction of rotation of the take-up spindle. The
supply spindle is not motorized.
When equipped for dispensing, the Up/Down switch selects the count operating mode.
(5) Lighted Power Switch: controls all power to the table.
(6) Circuit breaker (mounted on the side of the control panel, not shown in the picture)

Attention/Error Indicator (Red)
The attention/error light is mounted above the count/controller. When illuminated, this
light indicates that a message is displayed that requires operator attention. For example,
this indicator is illuminated when an error has been detected by either the barcode reader
or the splice detector. The operator can determine the specific error from the display.

10

Strobe Light
The strobe light is an independent accessory designed to aid visual inspection of labels as
they pass through the counting station. It mounts on a pedestal located in the right front
corner of the table top. It is powered by an independent 110 VAC supply (separate
grounded outlet required) and is triggered by a count-out signal wired from the counter to
a strobe light connector. The strobe light flashes once per label at a consistent point
within each label.
The strobe light may be switched on/off and may be removed from the table when not in
use.
To operate strobe while counting labels, adjust the strobe to the desired location, connect
the counter output cable and turn on the power switch. No adjustments are necessary.
Caution: The strobe light may interfere with the optical sensors giving false counts if
improperly placed. Make sure the strobe is positioned so that its light emission is not
directed at the counting station.
Caution: The strobe light may interfere with the operation of the barcode scanner. We
recommend that the strobe light and scanner not be used at the same time. If concurrent
usage is required, make sure the strobe is positioned so that its light emission is not
directed at the same field of view that the barcode scanner is viewing.

Operating Procedures
Setup - Settings
Photosensor
A. Alignment – the sensor consists of an emitter/detector pair aligned to project light
through the label web toward the counter. The sensor is the component closest to the
counter. The light beam is small and the two components are mounted close together to
focus on the label web. Alignment is important and is correct if the top and side surfaces
of the components are in the same plane.
B. Position - the sensor component should be positioned so that the label moves through
the light beam and will be broken by the label at one point for each label. The system
allows for vertical adjustment of the sensor light beam. A small screwdriver is required
to loosen the components for movement and retighten when positioned.
Once set, it is unlikely that the photosensor position will require re-setting.
11

C. Sensitivity – is adjusted with two dials, course/fine on the side of the count enclosure
and aided with an optical setup indicator. Put the counter’s front panel Run/Setup switch
in the SETUP position (down). This will illuminate a row of lights on the lower edge of
the counter. The setup objective is to move the lights from one side of center to the other
when the label plus backing moves into the sensor’s light beam.
First, move the web so that backing only, space between labels, is in the sensor’s light
beam.

1 - Setup Light when backing only is in the sensor.

For best counting, the lights to the right of center, as shown in the photograph above
should be on when the space between labels is positioned in the light beam (light projects
through the label backing). Adjust the sensitivity with the dials on the side of the
counter so that all five lights are on when the backing only is in the sensor.

2 Setup Light when label is in the sensor light beam.

Next, move the web so that label and backing are in the sensor’s light beam.
The lights to the left of center should be on when the label is positioned in the light beam,
(light beam is broken by the label material plus backing). Adjust the course and fine
dials so that at least three lights are illuminated when the label and backing are in the
sensor’s light beam.
When these adjustments have been made, return the Run/Setup switch to the RUN
position. Reset the count before turning on the motor speed switch.

12

Counting Station
Draw the label leader through the web guide and the counting station from the supply roll
to an empty core on the take-up spindle. Move the first label to the counting station and
adjust the sensors vertical height if necessary (small hand tools required). Adjust the
sensitivity for excursion of the light to both right and left of center.

Motor Speed
The motor speed adjustment must be turned fully counter-clockwise to the OFF position
before the motor will start. From the fully counter-clockwise position, turn the motor On
by rotating clockwise until the desired motor speed is reached.

Select Constant Switch
If on, the counter waits 5 seconds for the operator to set the web speed, then measures the
speed and adjusts the motor to maintain constant web speed. The counter also detects the
end of roll if no labels are detected for 10 seconds and shuts off the motor.
If off, the motor speed adjustment is the only control for the motor. Once set, the motor
runs at a constant speed; the label web speed increases as the diameter of the take up roll
increases. The counter also detects the end of roll if no labels are detected for 10 seconds
and shuts off the motor.
The Select Constant Switch may be left ON from one roll to the next. If it is on when the
motor starts, the counter will wait 5 seconds before measuring the speed to allow the user
to make initial adjustments.
If the motor is stopped during a roll, the motor speed switch must be turned fully counterclockwise to restart the motor. The Select Constant switch will be determine speed
control in the same manner as at the beginning of the roll.

Barcode/Splice/Missing Label Inspection Enable
This switch controls the power to these components.
Use this switch to turn off the barcode reader when a label web is not in place to prevent
laser transmission beyond the counting table. The barcode laser is a powerful optical
device and may cause eye irritation if a person looks directly into the laser.

13

Barcode Scanner Position
The barcode reader should view one and only one barcode at a time. Reading begins
when a label breaks the photo-sensor light beam. Watch the counter as a label is moved
into the counting station. When the counter registers a count and changes its display, it
immediately triggers the barcode reader. The barcode reader attempts to read a code until
it reads or until the label passes completely through the counting station and the light
beam is restored through the gap following the label. Setup the barcode reader so a
label’s barcode is readable at the trigger point. The code is readable when the scanner’s
red scan line enters the code on the left side (not top or bottom) and emerges on the right
side (not top or bottom) so that the scan line travels through all the code’s bars.
Depending on the position of the barcode within the label, the barcode may not be visible
while being counted. If this is the case, position the barcode reader to read the label
ahead (downstream) of the label currently being counted. The first label on the roll will
need special handling. When the first label is counted, the barcode reader will see only
the blank web backing and if allowed to proceed, will record a “No Code” result. To
overcome this situation, either use the master label as a first code or manually advance
the web to generate the first count while reading the barcode. The label count may be
adjusted using the + (Plus) and – (Minus) keys on the keypad.
The barcode reader generates one of three outputs each time it is triggered by the counter:
match (the code read was exactly the same as the Target Code), no-code (the scanner did
not read a code during the trigger period) or mismatch (a bar code was read but it was not
the same as the Target Code).

14

Dispensing Counter
Label Tables equipped with the dispensing counter option include an Up/Down switch on
the control panel. When in the Up position, the counter resets to zero, counts up from
zero and displays the number of labels that have passed through the counting station.
When in the down position, the counter resets to the previous dispensed quantity (or 1 if
no previous quantity has been entered) counts down, displays the number of labels
remaining to be dispensed and executes a slow down/stop sequence when the number
approaches and reaches zero.
Use the numeric keypad to initiate a
predetermined quantity to dispense. Power
up with the selection switch in the Down
position or put the switch in the Down
position to enable the keypad/display.
Use this procedure to setup and begin
counting:
1. Load labels from the supply reel,
through the counting station to the take-up
reel.
2. Check the setup by switching the
counter front panel switch to setup. Move labels within the counting station to insure that
sensitivity is set properly. This procedure is explained in detail in the photo sensor setup
section, page 11, and is the same for counting up or down.
3. Enter the number of labels to be dispensed using the numeric keys and editing keys.
4. If any labels are located on the take-up reel side of the counting station, reduce the
count for each label using the “-“ (minus) key.
5. Tap the Enter key. This disables the keypad and loads the number into the counter.
6. If the motor speed switch is on, turn it off. This prevents starting at high speed and
risking damage to the web.
7. Select the constant speed option using the table control panel switch. . This step is the
same for up or down counting.
8. Turn the motor speed switch on and advance to the desired speed. This step is the
same for up or down counting.

15

When the end of the roll is
detected or when the count
reaches 25, the
count/controller initiates a
slow down/stop procedure.
The label web stops and the
attention/error light is
illuminated above the
counter. The operator is
instructed to start the motor
slowly to allow labels to
proceeds slowly to
complete the count at zero.
When the final label passes
through the counting
station, the label web is
stopped briefly and then
advanced one label to exit
the counting station. The
display shows the number
of labels dispensed.
When the motor stops and the display shows the number of labels dispensed, the last
label is positioned just beyond the counting station as shown in the photo above.
The label remaining in the counting station has not been counted.

Splice Detector
The splice detector is a model CX6A dark-operated registration mark sensor.
Label manufacturers customarily mark splices with a contrasting mark or tape. The
splice detector should be setup so that its lens is approximately 3/8” from the back
surface of the web as the web comes off the web guide roll at the entry to the counting
station. At this range, the visible green detecting spot forms a small focused oval on the
web and detects its reflection. Adjust the sensitivity to compensate for variations in web
reflectivity from product to product so that the function light at the back of the scanner is
ON when the web is in position, OFF when a splice mark is introduced or the web is
removed.
If a contrasting splice mark passes through the detecting oval, the scanner will switch to
dark mode and turn its output off to signal the count/controller that a splice has been
detected. The error light is turned on with an error message on the LCD display.

16

Starting a Counting/Inspection Operation

Switch Positions
Start with switches in the following positions:
Motor Speed – Off, fully counter clockwise.
Select Constant – Off
Accessory Inspection – Off
Motor Direction – Forward
Power- On

Mount Labels
Mount a roll of labels to be counted/inspected on the supply spindle of the table.
Mount an empty core on the take-up spindle.
Draw the leader through the counting station using the web guides.

Counter Setup
When the first label reaches the sensor, put the counter in Setup mode with the front
panel switch and observe the setup lights. Adjust the sensitivity if necessary with the
course and fine adjustments at the side of the count enclosure so that the light/dark
indicators advance equally to the right and left of the center position. When satisfied,
back the label out of the counting station and put the counter in Run mode. Push the reset
button on the counter to return the display to “0”.
Note: to accumulate totals from consecutive rolls, by-pass the reset step. Counting will
start from the displayed total rather than zero.
If the up/down switch is in the down position, the keypad display will prompt for the
dispensing quantity. Enter the quantity using the keypad. Use numeric keys, the CE/C
key to backspace, the AC key to clear all data, + and – to increment. When the total is
correct, use the Enter key to accept the display and start counting. The entered quantity
will be displayed on the counter screen as the initial count.
When the display shows “Ready to Start”, the total may be adjusted with the + and –
keys.
17

Barcode Setup
Turn on the barcode reader/splice detector. Position the barcode reader so the scanner’s
red scan line enters the code on the left side (not top or bottom) and emerges on the right
side (not top or bottom) for horizontally oriented codes so that the scan line travels
through all the code’s bars. Place the target barcode in view. This may be a label on the
web being counted or a master control label, depending on facility procedures.
Learn Code Type – if the code type has changed since the last label roll or if the code
type is not known, use the Learn Code Menu action.
Learn Target Code – if the target code has changed since the last label roll or if the target
code is not known, use the Learn Target Menu action.
On the keypad display, advance the menu using the Enter key until Learn Code Type is
displayed. Initiate this action with the key and follow display directions.
Advance the menu using the Enter key until Learn Target is displayed. Initiate this
action with the key and follow display directions.

Select Constant Option
To select constant web speed, turn the Select Constant switch on. The counter will wait 5
seconds for speed to be adjusted and stabilized, then measure the target web speed.
The motor should run to the end of the roll and turn off. The motor may be turned off at
any time by rotating the motor speed switch fully counter-clockwise

Start Motor
Draw the leader to the take-up reel and wind it around in the counter clockwise direction
by turning the motor on to a very slow speed. Guide and manually assist following
layers to cover and secure leading layers until the leader will follow the rotation of the
take-up core.

Set Speed
Adjust the motor speed to the desired level by rotating the motor speed switch.

End of Roll
The counter declares end-of-roll if no labels have been detected by the sensors for 2
seconds or if the motor speed switch has been turned off.
18

Interpreting Results
The counter display shows the number of labels detected since the last reset.
If the motor is stopped before the end of the roll, the label in the counting station, if any,
has been counted if it has advanced far enough to break the light beam.
If the motor is stopped with a label in the counting station, the status of the barcode
inspection depends on the success or failure of the reading of the code that is within the
scanner’s scan line.

Uploading to PC (optional RS232 Interface)
The Counter is equipped with an RS232 interface to a PC or equivalent computer.
Scanning Devices provides a Windows PC program “LabelCounter” to upload count data
to PC, save data in a Microsoft Excel accessible file and reset the counter.
Start the program using a desktop shortcut or by navigating to the folder where it was
saved and double clicking on it.
The program time stamps activity with date and time from the PC’s clock. It allows the
user to enter three elements of identifying information: job or run information, product
information and operator identification. It has three buttons for communicating with the
counting table:
Test Link – sends a command to the counting table to test the communications link. If
the table motor is not running and the cable connection is operating, the program will
receive a response and report success. If no response is received, an error message will
be displayed.
Get Count – sends a command to the counting table to upload the current count as shown
in the display. The data will be displayed on the PC screen.
Reset Counter – sends a command to the counting table to reset the count to zero. The
user will be asked a confirming question before the count is reset.
The user may save data on the screen to a file in “Comma separated variable (.csv)”
format. Files in this format may be opened by Microsoft Excel for analysis or
distribution. Users can add the data as a line to the end of an existing file or make a new
file with the screen data. Pushing the Save button will open a “Save As” dialog box
familiar to Microsoft Windows users. The box references the user’s current directory,
letting the user choose an existing directory or file or make a new file for saving.
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Trouble Shooting
From time to time, the user may make unanticipated or unexpected combinations of
switch settings or button pushes that prevent the counting table from operating. Turning
power off resets the counting table to a known state and allows it to restart on power on.
The Course and Fine photo sensor sensitivity adjustments are important to success in
counting. Use the setup switch to display the light beam “break” and “make” levels for
the labels being counted and adjust if necessary to achieve four lights on either side of
center.
The barcode setup procedure requires that the barcode type is detected and saved in the
controller/scanner memory. The barcode scanner is set to read one and only one barcode
type at a time. The supported barcode types are: UPC, Code39, Code 128, International
2 of 5 Code or Codabar.
If a label’s code type is not the type saved in the controller/scanner memory, the barcode
will not be readable and an attempt to read the code will fail. Use the setup menu to learn
the barcode type. Then attempt to read the label’s barcode.
When the network interface is installed, PC access to the counting table counter is
enabled only when the motor is off. With motor on, the counter is focused on counting
and ignores the PC. If the PC is unable to communicate with the counter, make sure the
motor is off. Next check the cable. The program reports comport conflicts on the PC
screen.
Clicking the “SD” icon on the top left corner of the PC Application screen drops down a
menu that allows selection of the PC the comport to be used for communications to the
counting table. Check to make sure that the counting table cable is connected to the
selected comport.
Remember that data entered or uploaded is displayed on the PC screen but not saved until
the save button is pushed.

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Contacting Scanning Devices
Contact Scanning Devices for application help, trouble reporting, functional extensions or
other products related to pharmaceutical manufacturing or regulator compliance.
Scanning Devices Inc.
111 Terrace Hall Avenue
Burlington, MA 01803
Phone: 781-272-5135
FAX: 781-272-4856
Email: mail@scanningdevices.com
On the web: www.scanningdevices.com

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