Vehicle Scanner

VS6400 Series
Installation and Operating Manual

Scientific Technologies Inc.

Optical Sensor Division
Manufacturing and Sales Office
6550 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA 94555-3611

1/888/510-4357
Phone 510/608-3400
Fax 510/744-1442
www.stiscanners.com

P/N 99760-0010 Rev.E © Jan. 2006 STI

Call: 1/800/221-7060 U.S.A. and Canada
R Telephone: 510/471-9717, Fax 510/471-9752
 SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.
R
31069 Genstar Road, Hayward CA 94544 USA
Table of Content Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

Table of Contents

Section 1 – Introduction .................................................... 3

Section 2 – Installation and Connections ....................... 3

Section 3 – Setup Software ............................................... 5

Section 4 – General Setup Commands ........................... 6

Section 5 – Relay Outputs ................................................ 6

Section 6 – Serial Output .................................................. 8

Section 7 – Array Modifying Commands .................... 14

Section 8 – Specifications ................................................ 16

Section 9 – ASCII Terminal Emulators ........................ 18

Section 10 – Dimensional Drawings ............................. 19

1
 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.

WARRANTY PATENTS
STI warrants its products to be free from Elements of the electronics and optics
defects of material and workmanship and will, essential to meet the specifications and
without charge, replace or repair any performance standards of STI controls are
equipment found defective upon inspection at covered by one or more of the following U.S.
its factory, provided the equipment has been Patent Numbers: 3,774,039; 3,867,628; 3,967,111;
returned, transportation prepaid, within one 3,996,476; 4,007,387; 4,101,784; 5,015,840; Design
year from date of installation and not to exceed 255,031, and other patents pending.
18 months from date of factory shipment.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of and TRADEMARKS
excludes all other warranties not expressly set Vehicle Scanner TM is a trademark of
forth herein, whether expressed or implied by Scientific Technologies, Inc.; STI® is the
operation of law or otherwise including but not registered trademark of Scientific Technologies,
limited to any implied warranties of Inc.
merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. REPAIRS

No representation or warranty, express or STI offers product repair service at our

implied, made by any sales representative, factory. If you need repairs made to any STI
distributor, or other agent or representative of product contact our Customer Service
STI which is not specifically set forth herein Department.
shall be binding upon STI. STI shall not be liable
RETURNS
for any incidental or consequential damages,
Whenever you return a product to STI
losses or expenses directly or indirectly arising
(even if the product is in warranty) please
from the sale, handling, improper application or
contact our Customer Service Department and
use of the goods or from any other cause
request a Returned Goods Authorization
relating thereto and STI’s liability hereunder, in
number (RGA). This number allows us to track
any case, is expressly limited to the repair or
the goods upon receipt until it is returned to
replacement (at STI’s option) of goods.
you. This RGA number must appear on the
Warranty is specifically at the factory. Any
outside of your shipping carton and on related
on site service will be provided at the sole
papers. Goods that are returned for credit are
expense of the Purchaser at standard field
subject to final review by STI and are subject to
service rates.
restocking charges as determined by STI.
All associated equipment must be protected
by properly rated electronic/electrical
NOTE
protection devices. STI shall not be liable for
This publication has been carefully checked
any damage due to improper engineering or
for accuracy and is believed to be fully
installation by the purchaser or third parties.
consistent with the products it describes.
Proper installation, operation and maintenance
However, STI does not assume liability for the
of the product becomes the responsibility of the
contents of this publication; the examples used
user upon receipt of the product.
within or the use of any product described
herein. STI reserves the right to make changes
to products and/or documentation without
further notification.

2
 Section1 – Introduction Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

1 Introduction 2 Installation and Connections

! Warning! STI scanners are not designed for ! Warning! Installation and maintenance must
and must not be used for personnel protection (safety) be performed by qualified personnel.
applications. STI has a wide range of safety products for
these applications. Contact STI for information on our MOUNTING THE TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER
safety products. Mount the transmitter and receiver parallel
to each other, with no vertical nor horizontal
Thank you for purchasing an STI Vehicle offset, and with their connectors pointing in the
Scanner. same direction. See Section 10 for mounting
These items are included with the scanner. dimensions.
■ Transmitter
■ Receiver TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER CABLES
Connect the scanner as shown in the
These items are required but ordered diagram. RS-485 connections are optional.
separately. Conncect the shield on both the transmitter and
■ Transmitter cable receiver cables to protective earth (ground).
■ Receiver cable
ALIGNMENT
You will need an IBM compatible PC for Apply power to the scanner and align the
software setup of the scanner unless you use transmitter and receiver until the green LED on
the factory default settings. the receiver turns on.

Transmitter Receiver

Power
Brown +24 Brown
2 2

Blue 0V Blue
7 7
White White
1 Sync Signal 1

6 Pink Pink 6

Green
3 3
Red
1 2 8 8
7 8 3
5 Gray
Out 1 5
6 4
5
Yellow
Female Connector 4 Out 2 4
Front View
RS485

Figure 1 VS6400 Connection

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 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.

VS6400 Cable Identification

Pin No. Color Code Function Description
1 White – Sync – Synchronization Link
2 Brown +VDC +24VDC
3 Green – Com – RS485 Communication Link
4 Yellow Output #2 Alarm Output
5 Gray Output #1 Control Output
6 Pink +Sync +Synchronization Link
7 Blue 0 VDC Ground
8 Red + Com +RS485 Communication Link
Table 1. Cable Identification by Pin Assignment

VS6400 Cable Identification

Pin No. Color Code Function Description
Power
2 Brown +VDC +24VDC
7 Blue 0 VDC Ground
Scanner Transmitter/Receiver Synchronization
6 Pink +Sync +Synchronization Link
1 White – Sync – Synchronization Link
Control Outputs
5 Gray Output #1 Control Output
4 Yellow Output #2 Alarm Output
Serial Communication
8 Red + Com +RS485 Communication Link
3 Green – Com – RS485 Communication Link
Table 2. Cable Identification by Function

4
 Section 3 – Setup Software Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

3 Setup Software make changes in the terminal window. To access

the terminal window, click on “Terminal” in the
If the factory default settings are not
suitable for your application you will need to menu. Click on the box “Add Linefeed”. If the
change the operating parameters. This can be display prints with double line spacing, you can
done using an ASCII terminal emulator de-select “Add Linefeed”.
software package, such as Hyperterminal or
ENTERING SETUP COMMANDS
ProComm, or using the terminal window in
Type the setup commands needed. Refer to
STI’s Windows setup software. You will need a
the individual output sections for the commands
personal computer with an RS-485 port.
needed for the output you are using.
• Use upper or lower case characters.
OPERATING PARAMETERS
• Press ENTER after each command.
Upon startup, the scanner uses the factory
• Type spaces as shown.
default parameters. After you make changes to
• “ ” means the scanner recognized your
the parameters and save them, the scanner will
command. Continue with set-up.
use those parameters. To return to the factory
• “!” means the scanner did not recognize
default settings use the “Default” command
your command. Check your syntax and re-enter
below, and cycle power to the scanner. You
the command.
cannot return to your saved settings after
• If your screen does not display the
issuing the default command. You will have to
commands you type, the scanner is in the serial
re-enter the settings.
reporting mode. Press ESC twice and Enter.
INSTALLING STI’S WINDOWS SETUP SOFTWARE • Saving your settings.
Insert the diskette market “Diskette 1 of 2” After entering the commands and verifying
into your computer’s drive. Press the START proper scanner operation, type the command
button on your Windows task bar, and select SAVE to the scanner.
“Run”. Type “a:\setup.exe” in the box marked
“Open:”. Then select “OK”. Follow the IMPORTANT
You must save your software settings! They shall
instructions on your screen as the software
be erased unless you save them.
installs.

DEFAULT COMMAND
RUNNING THE WINDOWS SETUP SOFTWARE
Type DEFAULT then press enter.
Click on the ValuScan.Exe icon, or select
This command will set the scanner to use the
ValuScan from the Start/Programs button on
factory default settings. You cannot return to
the task bar. When prompted for controller type
your saved settings after issuing this command.
(A/B or C/D) you can select either. When the
You will have to make the parameter changes
software starts, select Scanner, then Serial
again, and save them if you do not want to
Output, and select the com port you are using
continue to use the default settings.
in the scroll box in the lower left corner of the
You must cycle power (turn power off, then
window. Be sure you have 19,200 baud rate
on) after entering the default command before
selected. Then click on OK.
the scanner will return to the default settings.

Note that none of the other selection boxes

function when used with the VS6400. You must

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 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section 4 – General Setup Commands

4 General Setup Commands 5 Relay Outputs

Relay Outputs
The following commands are useful during Note that the outputs are solid state DC relays,
setup. NPN (current sinking) rated 150 mA at 30 VDC
HELP? shows a short listing of most maximum.
commands.
WHAT? lists the current status of most SOFTWARE COMMANDS
parameters. Use the following commands for the relay
outputs then save your settings. No other
MEMORY COMMANDS commands are required but array modifying
Two commands work with the scanner’s commands (section 11) may be used. If the scanner
memory: SAVE and RESTORE. does not respond to your commands press ESC
twice and Enter.
Command Syntax: SAVE RELAYOUT1
Action: Saves the current software parameters Relay Configuration
to non-volatile random access memory This commands allow you to configure Relay
(NOVRAM). It also erases any parameters 1 and Relay 2 for normally open or normally
previously saved. closed operation. Four commands are used: one to
set relay 1 mode, one to set relay 2, one to query
Command Syntax: RESTORE relay 1, and one to query relay 2.
Action: Copies the saved settings into the
scanner’s buffer for use. Syntax: RELAYOUT1 n where n is the mode setting
for relay 1. Use NO for normally open (the default
Keep a written copy of the setup value), or NC for normally closed.
parameters you are using! Syntax: RELAYOUT2 n where n is the mode setting
for relay 2.
Syntax: RELAYOUT1? or RELAYOUT2? queries the
scanner for the current setting. The scanner
returns the current mode set, either NO or NC.
Example:
RELAYOUT1 NC sets relay 1 output to normally
closed.

Relay 1 Output: Detection - Hysteresis Mode

This mode allows separate settings for turn on
size and turn off size and is normally used for
detecting vehicles.

Syntax: RELAY HIST x y where x is the turn on size

and y is the turn off size.
Example: RELAY HIST 10 2
Relay 1 turns on when an object is blocks 10 or
more beams. It turns off when the object blocks

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 Section 5 – Relay Output Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

less than 2 beams. Changes must occur for 3 There are two versions of commands used
consecutive scans to be recognized. for this function, a simplified and a complex set.

Relay 1 Output: Detection - Block Mode SIMPLIFIED COMMAND

Relay 1 is on when any beam is blocked. Command Format: DIAGS x
Screen function (section 11) does not effect the where x is a number representing the length of
relay in this mode. time in seconds the beam(s) must be blocked
before the scanner will ignore it. Using this
Syntax: RELAY BLOCK command, a maximum of about 1/3 of the
beams can be ignored.
Null Mode
This mode disables the relay. COMPLEX COMMAND SET
The following commands are available. Each
Syntax: RELAY NULL command should be followed by the Enter key.

STI VEHICLE SCANNER DIAGNOSTIC SCAN FUNCTION Command Format: CMASK?

The diagnostic scan function is designed to Reports the current mask setting. Used to diagnose
reduce down time caused by beams that are the problem. Not used to setup the function.
permanently blocked, such as caused by a Command Format: CSCAN?
defective beam, or beams that are blocked for an
Reports the diagnostic scan parameter settings.
extended period of time, as when there is
Not used to setup the function, only to determine
excessive dirt .
what settings have been given to the scanner.
This function automatically ignores these
Command Format: CSENA?
beams after a predetermined length of time (set
by the user). The user can also set a maximum Reports if the diagnostic scan is enabled or not.
percentage of the scanner that can be ignored by Not used to setup function.
this function. When beams are ignored, Relay 2 Command Format: CSCAN n mmm.mmm eee.ee
will energize, to signal that the scanner needs Sets the diagnostic scan parameters.
attention. n – is a number indicating the number of scans
When the blocked beams are cleared, the required for beams to be blocked before they
scanner automatically returns to normal are ignored
operation and output 2 turns off. m – sets how often the scanner tests for bad
beams, in milliseconds
COMMAND SETS e – is the maximum percentage of the scanner
Note that all commands are given in the that can be ignored (e.g., 33 = 33%)
terminal window. Type the commands as shown,
Note that n times m will give the length of time
replacing variables with the values you want,
before permanently blocked beams will be
then press ENTER. After this and any other
ignored.
parameters have been established and set in the
Command Format: CSENA x
scanner, save the settings (type SAVE then press
Enter). This will cause the saved parameters to be where x determines if diagnostic scan is
used upon power up. enabled. Use N for x to disable the diagnostic
Note that lower case letters indicate variables scan, and use Y to enable diagnostic scan.
that the user needs to fill in. For example “DIAGS
x” would indicate to type DIAGS followed by a Note that using this command set, both CSCAN
space, followed by a number, say DIAGS 100. and CSENA must be used.

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 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section 6 – Serial Output

6 Serial Output ASCII NULL Mode

ASCII NULL Mode turns off serial data
The serial port is used for software setup reports
and for seial output reports. For serial reports
you must set a serial report, set a serial timing Syntax: ASCII NULL
mode, then save your settings. Data format: none
You are not required to use the serial Comment: BINARY NULL does the same thing.
output. In many cases where only detection is
needed, the default settings will work and no ASCII RAW Mode
serial setup is required. ASCII RAW Mode gives the status of each
beam.
SERIAL REPORT COMMUNANDS
Serial output report commands determine Syntax: ASCII RAW
what information is reported on the serial port. Data Format: Reports a string of ASCII
Only one command can be used at any time. characters for hexadecimal digits. The string
Issuing any command erases the previous ends with the ASCII character 1310 (carriage
setting. return). Each hexadecimal digit represents the
Serial reports give the status of the scanner status of four beams by direct conversion to
during one scan. Data is in binary or ASCII binary. Binary zero represents an unblocked
format. If the scanner does not respond to your beam and binary one represents a blocked beam.
commands press ESC twice and Enter. Example:
Array modifying commands may be used, Beam status 11110000101000012 (Leftmost
however, the SCREEN function does not affect digits are farthest from the
ASCII RAW and BINARY RAW modes. (See cable.)
section 7 – Array Modifying Commands.) Hex digits F0A116 (Every four binary digits
converts to one hexadecimal
ASCII Serial Data Modes digit.)
In this section values that are written out ASCII Codes 7010 (ASCII for F character)
are in base ten; values using numerals will be 4810 (ASCII for 0 character)
shown with their base as a subscript. Example: 6510 (ASCII for A character)
a decimal value of fifteen will be shown as 1510, 4910 (ASCII for 1 character)
or F16 in hexadecimal, or 11112 in binary. 1310 (ASCII for carriage return)
Reports in ASCII format give hexadecimal
values and are easily read by terminal ASCII LIST Mode
emulators. The data transmitted are the ASCII ASCII LIST reports the number of objects
codes for the hexadecimal characters. Each detected, the position and size of each object for
ASCII character requires one byte. All values a maximum of 16 objects. The report is a
are reported in hexadecimal. Example: An variable length string consisting of:
object blocks ten beams. In the ASCII SIZE mode, 1) two ASCII characters for the hexadecimal
the scanner sends the ASCII code for the number of objects detected; and
character “A”. The ASCII code number is 6510
or 4116.

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 Section 6 – Serial Output Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

2) for each object: Interpretation: two objects detected; the 9th

– ASCII 2016 (the space character); beam is the first beam blocked by the first
– four ASCII characters for the hexadecimal object, the first object blocks two beams, the
number of the beam closest to the cable that 19th beam is the first beam blocked by the
is blocked by the object (the beam closest to second object, the second object blocks 2 beams;
the cable is numbered zero); the carriage return and line feed delimit the
– ASCII 3A16 (the colon “:” character); report.
– four ASCII characters for the hexadecimal
number of beams blocked by the object ASCII SIZE Mode
3) ASCII 0D16 (carriage return); ASCII SIZE Mode gives the size of the
4) ASCII 0A16 (line feed) largest object detected.

Examples: Syntax: ASCII SIZE

No object present Data format: Five ASCII characters, the first
ASCII Hexadecimal Code: 30 30 0D 0A four are the size of the largest object, the fifth
character is ASCII 0D16 (carriage return).
ASCII Characters: 00 (hexadecimal) <Carriage
Return> <Line Feed> ASCII TOPBEAM Mode
ASCII TOPBEAM Mode reports the blocked
Interpretation: zero objects detected; carriage beam farthest from the cable.
return and line feed delimit the report.
Syntax: ASCII TOPBEAM
One object present Data Format: Five ASCII characters, the first
ASCII Hexadecimal Code: 30 31 20 30 30 30 38 four are the beam number of the blocked beam
3A 30 30 30 32 0D 0A that is farthest from the cable, the fifth is ASCII
0D16 (carriage return). The beam closest to the
ASCII Characters: 01 (hexadecimal) <space> cable is numbered one.
0008:0002 <carriage return> <line feed>
ASCII BOTBEAM Mode
ASCII BOTBEAM Mode reports the blocked
Interpretation: one object detected; the 9th beam
beam closest to the cable.
is the first one blocked (counting starts at zero);
the object blocks 2 beams; carriage return and
Syntax: ASCII BOTBEAM
line feed delimit the report.
Data Format: Five ASCII characters, the first
four are the beam number of the blocked beam
Two objects present
that is closest to the cable, the fifth is ASCII
ASCII Hexadecimal Code: 30 32 20 30 30 30 38
0D16(carriage return). The beam farthest from
3A 30 30 30 32 20 30 30 31 32 3A 30 30 30 32 0D 0A
the cable is numbered one and beam numbers
increase as they near the cable.
ASCII Characters: 02 (hexadecimal) <space>
0008:0002 <space> 0012:0002 <carriage return>
<line feed>

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 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section 6 – Serial Output

Binary Serial Data Reports BINARY PSIZE Mode

Binary formats issue true binary numbers to BINARY PSIZE Mode gives the position
the serial port and cannot report values larger and size of the largest object detected.
than 25510. These are universally interpreted as
ASCII codes by terminal emulation software. Syntax: BINARY PSIZE
Character translation available in some terminal Data Format: Report is two bytes giving the
emulation software may help in decoding the position and size of the largest object detected.
information. First byte is the position (the beam blocked
closest to cable).
BINARY NULL Mode
BINARY NULL Mode turns off serial data Position starts counting beams from zero.
reports. The second byte is the size (the number of
beams blocked). There are no delimters. Returns
Syntax: BINARY NULL 00000000 for each byte if no object is detected.
Data format: none. Beam position numbering starts at one for the
Comment: ASCII NULL does the same thing. beam closest to the cable.
Function: Binary size - gives the size of the
largest object detected. BINARY TOPBEAM Mode
BINARY TOPBEAM Mode reports the
Syntax: BINARY SIZE blocked beam farthest from the cable.
Data Format: Report is one byte which is the
binary number for the size of the largest object Syntax: BINARY TOPBEAM
detected. (Size is the number of beams blocked Data format: Report is one byte giving the beam
by the object.) There are no delimiters. number of the highest beam blocked (blocked
Maximum size that can be reported is 25510. The beam farthest from the cable). There are no
report value is 000000 if no object is detected. delimiters. Beam numbering starts with one at
the beam closest to the cable. The report value is
BINARY RAW Mode 000000 if no object is detected. Beam position
BINARY RAW Mode gives the status of numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
each beam. the cable.

Syntax: BINARY RAW BINARY BOTBEAM Mode

Data Format: Report is a fixed number of bytes. BINARY BOTBEAM Mode reports the
The number of bytes is determined by the blocked beam closest to the cable.
number of beams. The first byte is a
synchronizing byte with a hex value of 55. This Syntax: BINARY BOTBEAM
is followed by data bytes, one byte for every 8 Data format: Report is one byte giving the beam
beams in the scanner. Data bytes use 0 to show number of the lowest beam blocked (blocked
an unblocked beam, and 1 to show a blocked beam closest to the cable). There are no
beam. There are no delimiters. delimiters. Beam numbering starts with one at
the beam farthest from the cable. Beam position
numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
the cable.

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 Section 6 – Serial Output Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

Comment: This function gives the same results is detected, only one byte is given of value 0016.)
as BINARY TOPBEAM when the transmitters In each pair of bytes, the first byte is the
and receivers are reversed end-to-end. This is position (beam closest to the cable) blocked by
why the beam numbering starts at the cable end the object and the second byte is the number of
for TOPBEAM and away from the cable end for beams blocked by the object. Beam position
BOTBEAM. numbering starts at one for the beam closest to
the cable.
BINARY TOTAL Mode
BINARY TOTAL Mode reports the total BINARY FIRST BEAM BLOCKED MODE
number of beams blocked. Reports, in binary format, 1 byte representing
the first beam blocked, e.g., 0x17.
Syntax: BINARY TOTAL
Data Format: Report is one byte which is the Syntax: BINARY FBB
binary number for the total number of beams
blocked. There are no delimiters. Maximum size Note: This command is not available on the
that can be reported is 25510. The report value is Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
000000 if no object is detected. Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
BINARY CENTER Mode
BINARY CENTER Mode reports the BINARY LAST BEAM BLOCKED MODE
position of the center of the largest object Reports, in binary format, 1 byte representing
detected. the first beam blocked, e.g., 0x9E.

Syntax: BINARY CENTER Syntax: BINARY LBB

Data format: Report is one byte which is the
binary number for the position of the center of Note: This command is not available on the
the largest object detected. There are no Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
delimiters. Beam numbering starts with zero at Terminal Window to enter this command. See
the beam closest to the cable. Maximum value Section 4 Windows Software for details.
that can be reported is 25510. The report value is
000000 if no object is detected. Beam position BINARY FIRST & LAST BLOCKED MODE
numbering starts at one for the beam closest to Reports, in binary format, 2 bytes,
the cable. representing the first and last beams blocked,
e.g., 0x17 0x9E. No delimiters nor spaces are
BINARY QLIST included, just 2 consecutive data bytes.
BINARY QLIST gives a list of the size and
position of each object detected. Syntax: BINARY FBB+LBB

Syntax: BINARY QLIST Note: This command is not available on the

Data format: Report gives a variable number of Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
pairs of bytes, one byte for each object detected, Terminal Window to enter this command. See
followed by one byte of value 0016. (If no object Section 4 Windows Software for details.

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 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section 6 – Serial Output

BINARY LAST & FIRST BLOCKED MODE Syntax: BINARY LBB+FBB+NOBJ

Reports, in binary format, 2 bytes,
representing the last and first beams blocked, Note: This command is not available on the
e.g., 0x9E 0x17. No delimiters nor spaces are Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the
included, just 2 consecutive data bytes. Terminal Window to enter this command. See
Section 4 Windows Software for details.
Syntax: BINARY LBB+FBB
SERIAL TIMING COMMANDS
Note: This command is not available on the If you are using the serial reports, you must
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the set a timing command.
Terminal Window to enter this command. See The scanner has two serial timing modes:
Section 4 Windows Software for details. synchronous timing and software trigger. If the
scanner does not respond to your commands
BINARY FIRST & LAST BLOCKED & NUMBER OF press ESC twice and Enter.
OBJECT MODE
Reports, in binary format, 3 bytes, representing SYNCHRONOUS REPORTING MODE
the first beam blocked, last beams The synchronous reporting mode gives
blocked, and the number of objects in the serial reports continuously at set intervals.Two
system, e.g., 0x17 0x9E 0x01. No delimiters nor commands control this mode: one sets the timer
spaces are included, just 3 consecutive data interval between reports; the other sets the
bytes. scanner for synchronous serial reports.

Syntax: BINARY FBB+LBB+NOBJ Syntax: TSYNC n where n is the time in

milliseconds between serial data reports.
Note: This command is not available on the Syntax: SYN sets the scanner to use
Windows Software check-off boxes. Use the synchronous timing and puts the scanner in the
Terminal Window to enter this command. See reporting mode. Press ESC twice after this
Section 4 Windows Software for details. command to continue with setup.
Three auxiliary reporting functions can be used
BINARY LAST & FIRST BLOCKED & NUMBER OF in the synchronous timing mode. These are
OBJECT MODE functions which can help in processing data
Reports, in binary format, 3 bytes, from the scanner.
representing the last beam blocked, first beams
blocked, and the number of objects in the Delta Mode
system, e.g., 0x9E 0x17 0x01. No delimiters nor Delta Mode inhibits serial reports when the
spaces are included, just 3 consecutive data beam status has not changed from the previous
bytes. report.

Syntax: DELTA Y turns on this mode

DELTA N turns off this mode.

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 Section 6 – Serial Output Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

Quiet Mode
Quiet Mode inhibits duplicate serial reports
with a value of zero.

Syntax: QUIET Y turns on this mode.

QUIET N turns off this function.

Heartbeat Mode
Heartbeat Mode overrides delta and quiet
functions on an independent synchronous basis.
It uses two commands: one to enable and
disable the function and one to set the time
interval for these reports.

Syntax: HBENA Y turns on this mode.

HBENA N turns off this mode.
Syntax: HBTIME n where n is the time interval in
seconds between heartbeat reports.

SOFTWARE DEMAND MODE

This function provides serial reports on
demand using a software demand request. Ctl-E
is the request for a report.

Syntax: DMD sets the scanner to software trigger

mode and starts

Press ESC twice after entering this

command to continue with setup.

13
 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section 7 – Array Modifying Commands

7 Array Modifying Commands

scanner always uses masking. The default
These commands modify the scanner’s settings, however, result in the real beam status.
beam pattern to 1) improve the resolution, 2)
ignore small objects, and 3) alter how the SETMSK
scanner interprets the beam status. If these are SETMSK (set mask) is used to set the mask
not needed in your application skip to the next pattern.
section.
Syntax: SETMSK hh hh hh hh ... where hh
NORMAL SCAN AND DOUBLESCAN FUNCTIONS represents two hexadecimal characters (0
Description: ValuScan has two scanning through 9, A, B, C, D, E, and F). A space must
modes: normal scan and DoubleScan. immediately follow “SETMSK”. The
DoubleScan can provide improved resolution in hexadecimal characters must be given in pairs
some applications but it doubles the scan time. with a space between pairs. Each hexadecimal
character represents 4 beams (see chart). “0”
Syntax: NORMAL or DOUBLE represents an unblocked beam and “1”
Action: NORMAL turns off DoubleScan and represents a blocked beam.
turns on normal scan. DOUBLE turns off normal
scan and turns on DoubleScan. To set a beam pattern, write a binary code
using one bit for each beam. Use “1” for a
SCREEN FUNCTION blocked beam and “0” for an unblocked beam.
Description: The screen function sets a (The left most bit represents the beam farthest
minimum value the scanner will report. It can from the cable.) Group this pattern into sets of 4
be used to filter out small objects. bits. Convert each set into one hexadecimal
Exceptions: RELAY BLOCK and serial character using the chart at the right. Type
functions ASCII RAW and BINARY RAW are not SETMSK followed by a space, followed by the
affected by this function. hexadecimal character string. (Remember to
type a space between each pair of hexadecimal
Command Syntax: SCREEN x where values of x characters.)
or smaller are ignored.
Example: SCREEN 10 will ignore objects that Hex Beams
block 10 beams or fewer. 0 0000
1 0001
MASKING FUNCTION 2 0010
Mask allows you to manipulate the status of
3 0011
the beams before the scanner interprets and
4 0100
reports them. This is commonly used to invert
5 0101
the status of the beams to report holes in a
6 0110
material, or to ignore specific beams that are
7 0111
blocked by a stationary object. Two commands
8 1000
are used for masking: one sets a mask pattern,
9 1001
and the other defines masking logic. The

14
 Section 7 – Array Modifying Commands Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

MSK
MSK (mask logic) determines the masking
logic. Three logic functions are available. OR
logic, AND logic, and EXCLUSIVE-OR logic.

Syntax: MSK aaa

where aaa is ORL for OR logic, ANL for AND
logic, or XRL for Exclusive-OR logic.

Usage: OR logic causes the scanner to

report beams that are actually blocked or shown
as blocked in the mask pattern.
AND logic only reports blocked beams
when the same beams are blocked in the mask
pattern. This can be used to “turn-off” specific
beams blocked by a permanent obstruction.
EXCLUSIVE-OR logic inverts the status of
any beam shown as blocked in the mask pattern
and show the true status of beams shown as
unblocked in the mask pattern.

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 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section 8 – Specifications

8 Specifications
Operating Power 24 VDC ±20%, 14W maximum power consumption.
Detection response time: 40 mS max in normal scan, 80mS max in double scan; see table for
specific scan times for the different lengths
Serial communications RS-485 at 19.2 kbaud
Solid State Outputs NPN (current sinking), 150 mA at 30 VDC max.
Output 1: Detection (with programmable hysteresis)
Output 2: Alarm
Alarm Conditions: Weak signal (resets automatically when signal is
restored), system fault
Cables & Connections M12 DIN connectors, maximum cable length is 50 meters. (164 ft.).
Min. detectable object Normal Scan: 30mm; DoubleScan: 15mm in central 1/3 of range
(static) between transmitter and receiver.
Operating Range 20 m (66 ft.) with a gain margin of 2
Beam spacing 22 or 43 mm
Misalignment Allowed +/- 4 degrees
Scan Lengths & Scan Times Relay Hyteresisis
Scan Time Response Time
Scan Length No. of Beams (Normal) (Double) (Normal) (Double)
22mm (0.85 in.) Beam Spacing
524 mm/20.6 in. 24 1.4 2.8 4.2 8.4
698 mm/27.5 in. 32 1.9 3.8 5.7 11.4
872 mm/34.3 in. 40 2.4 4.8 7.2 14.4
1046 mm/41.2 in. 48 2.9 5.8 8.7 17.4
1220 mm/48.0 in. 56 3.4 6.8 10.2 20.4
1393 mm/54.8 in. 64 3.8 7.6 11.4 22.8
1570 mm/61.8 in. 72 4.3 8.6 12.9 25.8
1741 mm/68.5 in. 80 4.8 9.6 14.4 28.8
1915 mm/75.4 in. 88 5.3 10.6 15.9 31.8
2090 mm/82.3 in. 96 5.8 11.6 17.4 34.8

43 mm (1.7 in.) Beam Spacing

698 mm/27.5 in. 16 1.0 2.0 3.0 6.0
1046 mm/41.2 in. 24 1.4 2.8 4.2 8.4
1393 mm/54.8 in. 32 1.9 3.8 5.7 11.4
1741 mm/68.5 in. 40 2.4 4.8 7.2 14.4
2090 mm/82.3 in. 48 2.9 5.8 8.7 17.4

16
 Section 8 – Specifications Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

Transmitter Indicators Red, solid “on” indicates power, normal operation; “flash-
ing” indicates
transmitter fault
Receiver Indicators Green: beams aligned, no blocked beams
Yellow: alarm condition
Red: beams blocked or misaligned
Individual Beam Indicators: illuminate to indicate which
beams are blocked
Construction Painted aluminum housing, plastic window.

ENVIRONMENTAL RATINGS
Ambient Light Immunity Up to 40,000 lux outside of +/- 5 degree angle of incidence
upon the receiver
Operating
Temperature Range -40 to +70°C; -40 to 158°F
Sealing IP65
Vibration Per IEC 60068-2-6 (0 to 55 Hz at 1 octave/minute, 0.35mm
amplitude, 3 axes)
Bump/Shock Per IEC 60068-2-29 (10 g, 16 mS pulses)

17
 R SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. Section9 – ASCII Terminal Emulators

9 ASCII Terminal Emulators

You can use a terminal emulator to setup
the scanner. This is also useful for debugging if
you cannot establish communications using the
setup software.
When using a terminal emulator use the
following setup parameters in the emulator.

Terminal type: ANSI or ASCII

Inbound CR/LF: Translate CR to CR and LF
Function, Arrow, and Control Keys: Set for
terminal use (not used for Windows).
Line wrap: allowed
Baud Rate: as set on the scanner
Data format: 8 data bits, 1 start bit, no parity
bits (N-8-1)
Com Port: Set to the port the scanner is
connected to.
Hardware Flow Control: Off
Software Flow Control: Off
Xon/Xoff: Off

18
 Section 10 – Dimensional Drawings Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Rev.E

10 Dimensional Drawings
3.50 [88.9] 90°
ROTATION
2.79 [70.7] TOP VIEW
MTG BRACKETS MTG BRACKETS
INVERTED INVERTED
2.80 [71.1]
1.75 [44.5] 1.15 [29.2] 1.25 [31.8]
0.66 [16.6] A = DETECTION ZONE
(20.63"/524.0mm SHOWN)
2.72"
B =A+
69.1mm
0.13"
B1 = A +
3.3mm
1.38 [35.0] C = A + 3.82"
97.0mm
C1 = A + 2.23"
"B1" MTG "A" "C1" 56.6mm
BRKTS "B" MTG DETECTION "C" BRKTS
INVERTED DIMENSIONS: INCHES (+\-.01)

Vehicle Scanner VS6400

INVERTED

Vehicle Scanner VS6400

23.35 [593.1] ZONE 24.45 [621.0]
20.76 [527.3] SHOWN 20.63 [524.0] SHOWN 22.86 [580.5] mm (+\-.3)
SHOWN SHOWN SHOWN
INCHES or
mm
INCHES mm in brackets

1.59
40.4
1.57 [39.9] 2.12 [53.8]
SLOTS
0.55 [14.0] O.D. .58
0.86LGX 0.33DIA 14.2 1.80 [45.7]CL
21.7 8.4
BOTH ENDS DIA. .28 CL
7.0
FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW

Figure 2 Vehicle Scanner VS6400 Dimensional Drawing

524 mm 698mm 872mm 1046mm 1220mm

A mm/in. 524/20.6 698/27.5 872/34.3 1046/41.2 1220/48.0
B mm/in. 589/23.3 763/30.0 938/36.9 1111/43.7 1285/50.6
C mm/in. 609/24.0 783/30.8 957/37.7 1131/44.5 1305/51.4
System Shipping Weight
kg/lb. 5.6/12 6.2/14 6.9/15 8.2/18 8.9/20

1393mm 1570mm 1741mm 1915mm 2090mm

A mm/in. 1393/54.9 1570/61.8 1741/68.6 1915/75.4 2090/82.3
B mm/in. 1459/57.4 1635/64.4 1807/71.1 1981/78.0 2155/84.8
C mm/in. 1479/58.2 1655/65.2 1827/71.9 2001/78.8 2175/85.6
System Shipping Weight
kg/lb. 9.5/21 10.0/22 11.4/23 10.9/24 11.8/28

19
 Section
R 11 – Warranty
SCIENTIFIC TECHNOLOGIES INC.

20