KEYENCE N-400 - Manual (Page 96)

Chapter 5 Multi-Head Mode Control Procedure
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5
5.1 Multi-head Mode
5.1.1 Controlling multi-head mode
If the bar code position on a product is unknown, or if bar codes are printed in
several positions, the bar code data cannot be read with a single bar code reader.
In such cases, several bar code readers need to be mounted in various positions or
at various angles.
When the N-400 is used in multi-head mode, the host computer can control several
BL series like it would be a single unit.
The procedures for controlling the N-400 using the host computer are classified
into the following three methods:
• Data communication: Used to send bar code data read by the BL series to the
host computer.
• Command communication to the BL series: Used to send a command to the BL
series.
• Command communication to the N-400: Used to control the N-400 directly or
change the settings of the N-400.
* All of the above communication methods use ASCII codes.
The procedures for sending a command to the BL series or the N-400 are the
same as for multi-drop link mode. For details, see the descriptions on multi-drop
link mode.
N-400
RS-232C
RS-485
Host PC
Sensor for
trigger input
*
N-48
or
BL-U1
The host
computer can
control several BL
series like it would
be a single unit.