Inventory Manual, Library Staff Manuals, Boreham Library, UA Fort Smith

The software for the Percon and the software for the FTP server must be installed together on any PC used to input data from the barcode reader. A special serial cable is also required.

The Percon barcode reader required 3 type AA batteries. These should be checked often.

The Percon barcode reader strap may be pulled straight down at the bottom to release the clip, then put on a belt and the clip reattached. After that, the scanning device may be used to read in barcodes.

READING BARCODES

The barcode checking ("standard label checking") on the Percon B321 must be turned off; it does not work with Boreham barcodes. This setting may be lost when changing batteries.
Answer NO to "use standard labels". This setting should be retained until batteries are changed.

Press the I/O key to turn the barcode reader on.

Press the F4 key until the Menu 2 appears (beginning with "F1=SET DUE DATE").
Press F3=INVENTORY.
Put the light pen tip down on each barcode and move it back and forth across the entire barcode until the unit makes a beep noise. Then proceed to the next barcode.
When done, the unit may be turned off without losing the barcodes stored.

IMPORTING BARCODES TO INNOPAC

Barcodes from the Percon B321 barcode reader must be sent from the reader to a PC, and from there into INNOPAC, before any useful work can be done with them.

Connect the Percon reader to the cable on the back of libstf08 (behind Tina) using the cable that is already attached to COM1. The cable attaches to the base of the Percon reader and screws on.
Click on the green U for the Serv-U software to load. A green U will appear in the system tray. If one is already present, do not bother to load the software again.
Click on the icon for the Portable File Transfer.
Select the Connect menu. The window should show "Communications port opened".
Select File, then Receive.
Name the file to receive the data into. Switch as necessary so the file goes in the C:\B321 directory. This can usually be the date plus personal initials, such as "000301dv.txt". Note that the extension is ".txt" for text.
On the Percon reader select the F3=SEND FILE option.
The reader displays the number of records currently stored.
Press F1 to say Yes, and then F1=PC Download. The data should be downloaded to the PC and stored in the file named.

If the transfer fails, check with a Librarian.

Load and Process Barcodes

Resetting the Percon

When the reader gun stops scanning, or the screen locks up, or stays blank...

Open the battery compartment (on the back) and remove one battery just enough that the positive (bump) end is up out of the compartment.

Hold down the Enter and Alpha buttons while you push the battery back down in place.

The starting screen should appear. Use F4 to proceed and follow the onscreen instructions.

Do not use labels when asked.

Visor/Symbol barcode reader

Jump to Using the Visor

Configuration of the Visor/Symbol unit

The Handspring Visor is a handheld computer unit. The Symbol CSM 150 barcode reader 'Springboard' module snaps into the top of the back of the Visor, with the bulge outward. The hard plastic cover may be installed to protect the front of the Visor with the barcode reader in place, for storage.
A plastic-tipped stylus is on the right side in a special slot. Replace the stylus as soon as the use is completed; it is easily lost.

A replaceable screen protector is installed on the screen (a thin transparent sheet). This may be changed as necessary using the commercially available protectors for handhelds. Do NOT improvise a protector as the screen is extremely vulnerable; buy a proper one.
Always put the hard plastic cover back on the front of the Visor when not in use (but remove it to use the sync cradle).

Visor Software

The following software must be installed:

The B321 software from III must be installed on the PC.

The Serv-U software must be installed on the PC, along with a telnet program.

The Palm Desktop software must be installed on a PC before it can do inventory with the Visor/Symbol unit. Windows XP requires the Palm OS 4.01 software or higher.

The MegaEdit software (available from many sources as freeware, including FreewarePalm) must be installed on the PC.

The iWedgeIt scanWedge software (from Invision Software must be installed on the Visor and configured. Normally this is already contained in the setup for the Palm Desktop on selected staff workstations under the user phaberer. This software enables the barcode reader to put data into other applications on the Visor, such as the Memo application.
The iWedgeIt software is shareware and has been licensed for a fee (about $20.00) for use on the Visor. The software must be licensed and the code entered in order to scan more than a sample of barcodes.

The MegaMemo software (available from many sources as freeware, including FreewarePalm) must be installed on the Visor.
This allows larger files than Memo on the Visor (should handle about 3,000 barcodes or so per memo).

The Launcher III software (available from many sources as freeware, including FreewarePalm) can be installed and configured on the Visor to show the menus properly. (This is optional for actual use but a convenience.)

The StayAlive software (available from many sources as freeware, including FreewarePalm) can be installed and configured on the Visor to keep the Visor from shutting down for a longer period of time. (This is optional for use, and will use up the batteries a little sooner, but avoids having to "wake" the Visor up frequently.)

A Palm OS backup program, such as BackupBitster (shareware, about $15.00, from www.palmgear.com and elsewhere) will insure that all files are backed up. (This is optional but useful.)

The Symbol reader contains its own firmware and does not need to be loaded once the module is in place in the Visor. However, the device does not come with software for activating the reader and putting the results into a program. A program such as iWedgeIt (above) is required. [Note: the instructions on the Symbol site for writing a program may not be compatible with Palm OS 4.x).

Once this has been done, even if the Visor loses power and 'forgets' everything, a sync operation should restore the proper settings.

The Visor uses the Palm operating system, and can use Palm software, but is not made by the Palm company. It is made by Handspring. This is why it uses the Palm Desktop software but stores it in the c:\Program Files\Handspring directory.
The Windows XP operating system on staff computers requires Palm OS 4.0.1 or higher to work with a Visor.

The Palm/Visor Desktop software is as follows:
- The user for inventory is configured as phaberer.
- The Hot Sync configuration for Custom is as follows:
  - Memo and Install are set to synchronize.
  - System is set to Desktop Overwrites Handheld

Batteries: the Visor requires 2 AAA batteries. Rechargeable batteries (NiMH) are acceptable as they hold a charge longer when not in use. The battery compartment is low on the back. A small catch at the higher side of the compartment must be pulled down (towards the batteries) and then the cover may be pulled out.
If the batteries are replaced in less than one minute, the Visor should retain all the programs in memory. If without power longer than that, the Visor will need to be synced from the PC to reload programs such as the scanWedge software.
Due to the use of the laser in the barcode reader, the batteries should be replaced regularly. Remember that rechargeable batteries slowly drain even if not in actual use (this is why NiMH batteries are better but still limited). It is better to charge the batteries the night before rather than charge a lot of batteries and let them sit unused.
The Symbol CSM 150 barcode reader module fits into the Springboard slot at the top of the back of the Visor. It should fit firmly with no gaps. It can be removed by using the thumb lines and simply pulling it out of the slot. Power is from the Visor. The reader will send a laser line out from the clear port at the top of the unit, which must be pointed at the barcode directly when the button on the Visor is pressed.
Tap the screen with a fingernail or stylus - NEVER A PEN OR PENCIL - to do any work using the screen buttons.
The power switch for the Visor is on the front (screen) side. It is the black switch on the lower left. The Symbol barcode reader software "Symbol CSM Hello" usually appears first when installed and allows you to configure any or all of the silver round buttons as the trigger for the barcode reader. Once this is done, the Visor should retain the information until the next reset or loss of power.

Startup with the Visor

Tap the Symbol icon, tap Select Triggers, and tap all four icons so they turn dark in their backgrounds. Then tap OK.

Tap the Home icon (the permanent "house" icon lower right).

The software for the barcode reader is listed under the Prefs (Preferences) icon.
1. Tap the Prefs icon.
2. Tap the menu selector at the upper right (usually says 'General')
3. Tap Scan Wedge
4. Be sure that Code 39 is one of the boxes checked.
5. Be sure that Scan Wedge Enable is checked.
6. Be sure that it says Registered on the screen. If not, the code must be entered.
7. Be sure that CR/LF is checked.
8. Tap on the Home (house) icon to exit.

If the barcode scanner does not scan beyond a few barcodes and then won't scan, go back to the Prefs and Scan Wedge and use the REGISTER icon to enter the 5 digit code. The code is in one of the memo files and can be read directly from the title of the memo.

Using the Visor/Symbol barcode reader

Use a fingernail or the stylus to tap the screen. NEVER use a pen, pencil or other hard object; it might scratch the screen.

Be sure the Symbol barcode reader is firmly in place and that the battery compartment is properly closed over the batteries. Be sure the stylus is in the slot on the side of the back; this is the precise tool to use to tap the screen.

Turn on the black power switch at the lower left of the screen side.

If the Visor has lost power and 'forgotten' its programming, the Main menu will have too many icons (there should be only 4). Access the Main menu by tapping the menu name in the upper right corner of the screen and selecting it.
In such cases, perform a sync operation first following the instructions below.

Check the battery level (the black and white bar at the center of the top of the menu screen). It should be at least half way across before beginning a barcode reading session.

Tap the Symbol icon, tap Select Triggers, and tap all four icons so they turn dark in their backgrounds. Then tap OK.

The software for the barcode reader is listed under the Prefs (Preferences) icon, if you need to configure it. However, it should stay on and be ready to use if synced without losing power.
1. Tap the Prefs icon.
2. Tap the menu selector at the upper right (usually says 'General')
3. Tap Scan Wedge
4. Be sure that Code 39 is one of the boxes checked.
5. Be sure that Scan Wedge Enable is checked.
6. Be sure that CR/LF is checked.
7. If this is the first time since the unit has been synced, tap on the Registered and enter the unlocking code by first tapping on the line to get the cursor, then tapping on the right number side of the Graffiti box below to get a keypad, then entering the five digit code, tapping Done
8. Tap on the Home (house) icon to exit.
If the barcode scanner does not scan beyond a few barcodes and then won't scan, go back to the Prefs and Scan Wedge and use the REGISTER icon to enter the 5 digit code. The code is in one of the memo files and can be read directly from the title of the memo. This may be necessary even if the ScanWedge says it is registered already, especially after a sync.
Tap the Home (house icon) with your fingernail or the stylus.

Tap the MegaMemo icon.
A list of memos will appear, or there may be no memos.

Tap the New button in the lower left of the screen to start a new memo.

When prompted for the name of the file, just scan in the first barcode. Scan the barcode again for the author. The screen for the memo will appear.

Begin scanning using the silver buttons that were set in the Symbol icon (use whichever one is most convenient).
Point the top of the unit (the clear window) directly at the barcode and press one of the silver round buttons below the screen. You should see the laser beam read the barcode and you should hear a high-pitched beep upon a successful read.

Each barcode will go on a new line. The barcode read should appear in at the bottom of the list of barcodes read so far.

Continue reading barcodes, up to about three thousand in a session.
If the barcode is misread, or duplicated, the barcode may be deleted.
Put the cursor at the end of the barcode, and then use the stylus to stroke the lower part of the screen (the 'abc' area) right to left ('backwards') to act like a backspace key. When the last character is deleted, the cursor will jump up to the end of the barcode above, and the empty line will be deleted.

If there is too much time between actions, the screen will go blank. Just tap on the screen with a fingernail or stylus to "wake" the Visor up again, or turn on the power button. It should come up to the same place you left.

When done, tap the Done button on the screen.

The memo is saved so the first barcode scanned will be the name of the document.

When done, just turn off the Visor to save power.

Uploading the Visor to a PC and Preparing a File

Set the Visor in the cradle with the screen in an upright, readable position facing you, with the base firmly settled down in the cradle.

Load the Palm Desktop software on the PC.

Turn on the Visor and tap the Home menu (house icon) if necessary, then change to the Main menu. Tap the Sync icon (circle with two fan blades across it), then select Local sync.

The sync should run and the HotSync symbol should popup on the Palm Desktop to report progress.

When complete, the Local/Modem choice appears again. Tap on the Home icon to exit.

When the Sync is completed, the PC will have a copy of the memo with the barcodes from the Visor.

The Desktop may warn that there are messages from the Sync. This can normally be ignored.

The Visor may want to be reset by clicking on the Visor Reset button on its screen. Following this, the Symbol buttons will need to be reset before the next scanning session.

In the INNOPAC folder on the PC, click on MegaEdit and go to c:\Program Files\Handspring\phaberer\Backup to find the MegaMemo2-MGMO.pdb file to load memos (which contains all the memos to date until deleted).

The memo (usually the last one) is selected. It must be opened so the barcode numbers are visible.

The File menu, Export command can be used to export the memo to the c:\B321 directory.

Call up the memo in MegaMemo on the Visor and tap >b>Details and select Delete to delete the memo on the Visor.
Be sure to delete the old memo from the Visor if the same section is to be redone, or else rename it or the new memo to avoid overwriting. Delete the outdated memos as soon as they are safely in WordPad (see below) to free memory in the Visor for new memos.
Alternatively, the Edit menu in MegaEdit can be used to delete the memo afterwards. You are asked if you want to install the database to the Palm device (i.e., the Visor). Agree to this and follow the instructions. It will sync the database and delete the memo on the Visor during the next sync session IF the desktop overrides the handheld.

Load WordPad or another word processor.
Go to the c:\B321 directory and open the file just exported to there by MegaEdit.

Use the Replace function under the Edit menu to find 100 and replace it with n:100 (n colon one zero zero).
Go to the last barcode in the file and delete everything, including the space, at the end of it. Then press Enter once only to go to the next line.
Move back to the top of the list. As you scan up, look for any longer barcodes where a "100" might have occurred inside the barcode, and delete the extra "n:" from inside the barcode.
Switch to the C:\B321 directory and save the file. This can usually be named with the date plus personal initials, such as "020301dv.txt". Note that the extension is .txt for text. Change the File Type to match this.
In the Palm Desktop, the memo may be deleted from the Memo list. Remember that if the memo is not deleted, it will be copied back to the Visor and take up the limited memory of the Visor.

On the Visor, the memo may be deleted by listing the Memos, selecting Details, and selecting to delete the memo. Confirm it. Remember that if the memo is not deleted, it will take up the limited memory of the Visor.

Turn off the Visor.

Disconnect the Visor from the cable/cradle, replace the hard cover, and put it away securely.

Load and Process Barcodes

Click on the green U for the Serv-U software to load. A green U will appear in the system tray.

On the INNOPAC telnet (text-based) software, select
- C > CIRCULATION subsystem
- A > ADDITIONAL circulation functions
- P > PROCESS PC transactions (with login needed)
- F > FTS Transfer of B321 or PC-CIRC transactions from PC

A selection with one or more items appears. Select the one which is the IP address of the PC being used. This is the point where the FTP server software Serv-U operates.

Login for Serv-U.
The list of files in the usual directory on the PC appears (for most cases, it is the "B321" directory). If the file name just used does not appear anywhere in the list, type "A" to refresh the screen.
Type the line number of the file to transfer, and the word GET should appear beside it.
Type t to start the transfer. A popup with the transfer should show the name of the file and the percentage transferred. The percentage must be 100%, or you will need to exit the Telnet session, and go back in again to repeat the transfer. If the program locks up, you may need to reboot.
After a pause, a box with the transfer information should appear. Check to be sure the transfer was successful, and type c and then a space to continue.
A summary listing of the data is shown. Type a space to continue.
The menu appears. Select C > COMPARE inventory to shelf list.

From this point the INNOPAC manual may be consulted.

Synchronizing the Visor from the PC when all is forgotten

When the Visor and the software on the PC are synchronized ("synced" for short), the same information is duplicated. This allows the Visor to be brought quickly back to normal if the power runs out or the Visor must be reset.

If a user name must be given, use "phaberer" while using the blue Visor.

Follow the instructions on the Visor screen until it reaches the standard group of icons (tap the stylus, etc.).
Load the Palm Desktop on the PC.
On the Palm Desktop, click on HotSync at the top of the window.
Click on Custom.
Go to System.
Click on Change.
Click on Desktop overrides handheld.
Click on Done.
On the Visor, tap the HotSync icon with a fingernail or stylus.
Select Local and continue with a sync.
The Desktop should copy the software to the Visor.
Go back to the HotSync and reverse the procedure: Custom, System, Change, and choose Desktop overrides Handheld to copy the software over to the Visor again.
Now a normal sync can be done, with data from the Visor overriding the Palm Desktop.

Reset the Custom settings to have the handheld override the Desktop.

Even if the ScanWedge software says it is registered, enter the five digit code to unlock it.

OBSERVER SOFTWARE with Visor/Symbol barcode reader

THIS IS NO LONGER USED AT BOREHAM LIBRARY. It is provided for informational purposes for anyone using operating systems before Windows XP and Palm 4.0.1 or later.

This is for use with the Indiana State software "Observer" which only works (as of 10/30/2002) with Palm OS 3.x but NOT OS 4.x so cannot work with Windows XP which requires 4.0.1 or higher. Please check the web site to see if/when this changes.

The Handspring Visor is a handheld computer unit. The Symbol CSM 150 barcode reader module snaps into the top of the back of the Visor, with the bulge outward.

The Palm Desktop and the Observer software must be installed on a PC before it can do inventory with the Visor/Symbol unit. A special cable for Visor sync is also required.

Basics of the Visor/Symbol unit

The Visor uses the Palm operating system, and can use Palm software, but is not made by the Palm company. It is made by Handspring. This is why it uses the Palm Desktop software.
The Observer software (observer 77c with MDAC 2.7, available at Indiana State) was written for all handheld computers using the Palm operating system, which includes the Visor, and the Symbol barcode readers. The instructions are aimed at Palm computers using a slightly different Symbol barcode reader, but the software and functions are sufficiently similar that they work on both Palm and Visor computers. The Observer was intended for use with the Voyager library system, but by stopping the process when an ASCII file is created (step two), the same data can be used with an Innovative system, as we have.
We have a copy of this on the N: network drive as observer77c.zip which must be unzipped and installed in the default c:\observer directory it creates. Then all the files in the Palm Add-on directory must be set to install on the Visor during the next sync session. After that, once the Symbol module is plugged in, there should be a Symbol welcome icon (which allows you to set the buttons to use to activate the laser) and an Observer icon to run the actual reading program and record the barcodes.>/li>
Warning: the Indiana State site warns that the software for Voyager 2000 using MDAC 2.7 may not work with Palm OS version 4.0. For our Neo, use the existing software or download (free) the Palm 3.0.3 software to use with this or get the dt303.zip file containing it from the N: network drive. While the Neo comes with 4.x software, it can use the older Palm software.

Batteries: the Visor requires 2 AAA batteries. Rechargeable batteries (NiMH) are acceptable. The battery compartment is low on the back. A small catch at the higher side of the compartment must be pulled down (towards the batteries) and then the cover may be pulled out.
If the batteries are replaced in less than one minute, the Visor should retain all the programs in memory. If without power longer than that, the Visor will need to be synced from the PC to reload programs such as the Observer software.
Due to the use of the laser in the barcode reader, the batteries should be replaced regularly. Remember that rechargeable batteries slowly drain even if not in actual use; it is better to charge the batteries the night before rather than charge a lot of batteries and let them sit unused.
The Symbol CSM 150 barcode reader module fits into the Springboard slot at the top of the back of the Visor. It should fit firmly with no gaps. It can be removed by using the thumb lines and simply pulling it out of the slot. Power is from the Visor. The reader will send a laser line out from the clear port at the top of the unit, which must be pointed at the barcode directly when the button on the Visor is pressed.
The power switch for the Visor is on the front (screen) side. It is the black switch on the lower left. The Symbol barcode reader software "Symbol CSM Hello" allows you to configure one of the silver round buttons as the trigger for the barcode reader. Once this is done, the Visor should retain the information.
The software for the barcode reader is on the lower part of the menu (press the Home button with the little house icon) called Observer Sc.
Tap the "Start Scanning" icon with a fingernail or stylus - NEVER A PEN OR PENCIL - to begin barcode reading.

Using the Visor/Symbol barcode reader WITH OBSERVER SOFTWARE ONLY

Use a fingernail or the stylus to tap the screen. NEVER use a pen, pencil or other hard object; it might scratch the screen.

Be sure the Symbol barcode reader is firmly in place and that the battery compartment is properly closed over the batteries. Be sure the stylus is in the slot on the side of the back; this is the precise tool to use to tap the screen.
Turn on the black power switch at the lower left of the screen side.
If the Observer software is loaded, tap the Home (house icon) with your fingernail or the stylus.
Check the power level in the meter at the top of the screen, just right of the time. Power is measured in black, starting from left to right. The meter should be more than halfway black at the start of a session.
Use the lower half-circle button to move to the lower part of the Home menu. Tap the Observer icon with your fingernail or the stylus.
Tap the Start Scanning icon.
Point the top of the unit (the clear window) directly at the barcode and press the first silver round button on the left. You should see the laser beam read the barcode and you may hear a high-pitched sound upon a successful read. The barcode read should appear in at the bottom of the list of barcodes read so far.
Continue reading barcodes, up to a thousand in a session.
If there is too long a gap between actions, the screen will go blank. Just tap on the screen with a fingernail or stylus to "wake" the Visor up again. It should come up to the same place you left.
When done, just turn off the Visor to save power.

Uploading to a PC and Preparing a File

Connect the sync cable or cradle to the PC's USB port, and the wide end to the Visor at the bottom of the case. Squeeze the small side buttons in to connect or to remove the cable to the Visor. Set the Visor in the cradle with the screen in an upright, readable position facing you, with the base firmly settled down in the cradle.
Turn on the Visor and tap the Home menu (house icon) if necessary. Tap the Sync icon (circle with two fan blades across it).
Load the Palm Desktop software on the PC.
Load the Observer software on the PC.
In Observer, click on the Setup HotSync button.
Follow the steps in Observer, and at the correct step, tap the Local Sync icon on the Visor.
When the Sync is completed, the PC will have a copy of the file of barcodes from the Visor.
In Observer, click on Prepare Barcodes to convert the barcodes into an ASCII text file.
Load WordPad or another word processor.
Load the file browse.txt from c:\observer.
Use the Replace function under the Edit menu to find "1 and replace it with n:1 (n colon one).
Move back to the top of the list.
Use the Replace function to find the remaining " (quote) and replace it with a blank, or space.
Go to the last barcode in the file and delete everything, including the space, at the end of it. Then press Enter once only to go to the next line.
Switch to the C:\B321 directory and save the file. This can usually be named with the date plus personal initials, such as "020301dv.txt". Note that the extension is ".txt" for text.
Use the Observer Erase Palm Barcodes button to erase the barcodes on the PC and the Visor.
Close the Observer and turn off the Visor.
Disconnect the Visor from the cable/cradle and put it away securely.