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American Microsystems AML 5X00

The AML 5X00 will read I2of5 and 3of9 barcodes from ProfitSystem . The font used on the tag must be: I2of5 = BC I25 Medium , 12 points 3of9 = BC C39 3 to 1 HD Wide, 42 points

If you are unsure of the font used, attempt reading some samples printed from ProfitSystem. If the barcodes DO NOT scan, contact BBL support and we will help you modify the tags to the proper barcode font.

Programming

Locate the AML Barcode Power software (BCP) CD and install the M5000 Programmer Software.

This program is used to create/modify data collection programs for the M5000 series portable readers. Customers may obtain the ProfitSystem.PGx (x = first number of series model the program is designed for) or ProfitSystemTXT.PGx from BBL for modification/use. ProfitSystemTXT.PGx is used by the scanner to perform a physical for ProfitSystem.

This Programmer software is also utilized to transfer programs like ProfitSystemTXT.PGx from your PC to the portable scanner.

This can be accomplished by connecting the reader to an available serial port on your PC and then selecting Communications->Send File in the software. Then on the Portable reader select Communications->Receive.

The program can be ran via the INPUT menu selection on the portable reader once the program file has completed the transfer.

Getting Started

  1. The AML Mxx00 Portable reader acquires power from 3 AA batteries. The batteries are under a battery cover on the backside of the reader. Make sure you have a supply of new batteries for long scanning jobs.

  2. Connect the AML Portable Reader to the PC via the supplied 9 pin serial cable OR with the Keyboard interface adapter (no software required). ​

  3. Install the SoftCom32 PC keyboard emulation (serial to keyboard) software from the AML Barcode Power software CD when the 9 serial cable will be the only interface. SoftCom32 cannot be used on Terminal Service configurations. The keyboard wedge must be used in those environments. ​ SoftCom32 software is not needed when the keyboard interface adapter is used. ​
  4. Once SoftCom32 is installed, start it. It will appear as an icon in the PC's task tray. Right click the icon to access configuration menus. No configuration is required in most installations where the AML Reader is connected to COM1 except that the Communications->Comm. Setup->Protocol on the reader must be set to NONE. This software is not needed when the keyboard interface adapter is used. ​
  5. To test the serial keyboard interface to insure proper operation, right click the SoftCom32 icon and select TEST. The software will display a window on the PC that will allow the user to read barcodes via the AML Portable Reader. This software is not needed when the keyboard interface adapter is used. ​
  6. Place the Portable reader in Non-Portable mode by turning it on and using the arrow keyboard to select this option from it's menu. Scan barcodes and see if the data appears. If not, modify SoftCom32's configuration until the reader can successfully read barcodes (This software is not needed when the keyboard interface adapter is used).

ProfitSystem Physical Inventory

  1. The BBL ProfitSystem (use for ProfitSystem version 6 or greater) or ProfitSystemTXT (ProfitSystemTXT is used in ProfitSystem version 7 or greater) physical inventory program must be installed on the M5x00 portable reader to properly collect data for upload to ProfitSystem. These programs are normally installed for you by BBL prior to shipping the reader.

  2. Turn on the AML portable reader. Press the EXIT key until it's Main Menu is displayed. Select INPUT and choose the ProfitSystem or ProfitSystemTXT program.

  3. The user will have the option to Create a new Data file or to choose an existing one. Obviously the user would NOT want to choose an existing file from a past physical count. Past Physical files should be deleted upon completion of the Physical. Do this via the Reader. From it's Main Menu select ERASE. Choose DATA FILES, then Program ProfitSystem. Finally choose the DATA FILE to delete from the displayed list.

BBL suggests that a new file is created for a new physical. You have the option to append to this file for each scanning session for the current physical.

A name must be given to a newly created file. Try to give the file a meaningful name, example use the date of the physical, i.e. 01122005. Use the keys on the reader to name it. The BLUE Alpha key toggles the number pad to number or letters.

  1. Once the program starts the user will be prompted to scan the SCW barcode. The barcode will appear directly below the prompt when successfully scanned. The user may also manually type the barcode number by using the reader's keypad.

Remember: Use the blue ALPHA key on the reader to toggle between letter or number entry for it's keypad. When a SCW code is scanned the reader will automatically advance to the QTY prompt. When the SCW code is entered via the reader's keypad the user must press the RED Enter key to advance to the QTY field.

The barcode scanned/entered will remain on the reader's screen until the quantity is accepted. Once the quantity is entered the SCW code will disappear & await the next entry.

The QTY field auto defaults to a quantity of 0. The user must hit the RED Enter Key to accept the quantity. Otherwise the user may enter the appropriate quantity form the reader's numeric keypad OR by scanning a number.

When scanning is completed the user may upload the data to the ProfitSystem program. Press the readers EXIT key until the Main Menu is displayed.

Upload to ProfitSystem

  1. Ensure the SoftCom32 software is running OR the Keyboard adapter is installed. Check your PC's task bar for the SoftCom32 icon. Hover your mouse pointer over the icon. It should display SOFTCOM ENABLED. This software is NOT needed when the keyboard interface adapter is used. In a wedge setup the scanner must connect between your PC and keyboard by using the provided Y cable adapter. ​
  2. Ensure the communications setting is correct on the M5x00 portable reader. On the reader Main Menu->Setup->Comm. Setup. The Protocol should be set to NONE and the Char. Delay should be around 3 ms. Press the EXIT key until the Main Menu appears. This step may be omitted when the keyboard interface adapter is used. ​
  3. When ready, go to the ProfitSystem Retail Physical Inventory Entry form (in version 6 or lower) or to the Upload Physical Count form (version 7 or higher). Enter into the form. ProfitSystem is ready to accept data from the reader. ​

  4. From the Main Menu of the Portable Reader select Communications->Send->Data Files->Program ProfitSystem or ProfitSystemTXT. Then from the list select the data file to send.

  5. Finally select the communications method. Select RS232 Serial when the 9 pin serial cable is plugged into the PC com port and the SoftCom32 software is used. Select Keyboard wedge when the keyboard interface adapter is used.

The data should immediately begin appearing within the selected ProfitSystem Physical form.
​ 6. The portable reader will display 100% complete, press any key to continue when the upload is finished. Once a key is pressed the reader will ask for the data files to be deleted. Answer Yes or No to the question. Toggle between YES & NO by using the arrow keys on the reader's keypad. You should answer NO. You can delete/erase the data later once you are completed with this physical.

  1. Once the file upload is complete, the user should review the uploaded counts via the review window in Upload Physical Count when this upload method is chosen. The user should click IMPORT once satisfied with the uploaded data. The Upload function imports the count information into the Physical Inventory Entry form.