OPN-2004

About

The configurable OPN2004 Companion Scanner makes bar code data collection simple. Scan a bar code and it is automatically stored. Leverage the free OPN2004 Software Development Kit to customize scanning behavior for targeted applications in inventory control, healthcare and retail. For easy data transfer, the device is equipped with a standard USB port, which is also used to charge the internal battery. The OPN2004 stores up to 10,000 barcodes plus timestamps.

  • One-touch barcode scanning makes data collection simple and easy
  • Fully-programmable with free OPN-2004 firmware development kit – optimize scanning behavior for target application
  • Small form-factor (2.44” x 1.26” x 0.69”) device fits easily into pocket or on a key chain
  • Ships pre-loaded with basic firmware scanning application for quick start up time
  • Conveniently holds up to 10,000 barcodes in 1 MB of memory

Factory Reset

To factory reset the OPN-2004 please follow the below instructions.

  • Ensure the OPN-2004 has sufficient charge (at the least the laser should come on with a trigger press when the unit is unplugged)
  • Disconnect the OPN-2004 from any USB connections
  • Press and hold both buttons (scan and clear) for 10 seconds
At the end of the time you will hear a single tone indicating successful reset. While holding the keys the LED will flash RED (If it flashes any other color you are not holding both buttons firmly enough).
Note: It is possible to disable the factory reset option of the OPN-2004 with the SDK (and subsequently our Standard PC Demo Application). If this is disabled this feature will not work until re-enabled.

Changing the Volume

To change volume options on your OPN2004, please print and scan your desired setting from pages U124-125 in the Universal menu book. To use these settings, scan the SET barcode followed by your desired setting and then the END barcode.

My OPN-2004 has suddenly stopped beeping when I scan barcodes. Is it broken?

It's possible that the beeper has been disabled using the beeper toggle feature. The beeper can be disabled or enabled without using a computer if you hold the large key for more than 10 seconds. To re-enable a disabled beeper, try holding this key for about 10 seconds. The OPN will sound a tone when the beeper is re-enabled.

OPN-2004 Quick Start

PC

Using the OPN-2004 with a Windows PC requires you to download and install Opticon's PC USB Drivers Installer, and an application to retrieve the data like the PC Companion Application. Both of these are located in the Downloads section of this page.

Initial Setup

You will only need to do this part once per computer.

  1. Download the "All-In-One PC Drivers" from the Driver Downloads section of this page. Run the installer you downloaded by double-clicking on it. Follow the prompts on your screen until the installation is completed.
  2. Download the OPN PC Companion Application which is also located in the Downloads section of this page.
  3. Run the installer in the zip file you downloaded.
  4. Plug the OPN-2004 into your computer. Windows will inform you that it has found new hardware, and that it is installing the drivers for that hardware. Then you will see the status indicator in the application window turn green. From the application window you can download barcodes, change settings, or view and set the date and time on the device.

Mac

In order to set up the OPN-2004 on the Mac, we will need to install the Mac Companion Application and configure the OPN-2004 to connect to the Mac.

  1. To install the Mac Companion Application, download the "Apple macOS Companion Application" under software downloads. Open the resulting folder, and run the installer "Opticon OPN Demo Application.pkg." Follow the prompts until the installation is complete.
  2. Plug the OPN-2004 into the Mac. At this point the OPN-2004 should be recognized as a network interface.
  3. Start up the Apple macOS Companion Application using the Finder. It will automatically detect the OPN-2004. The connection can be confirmed by the green "Connected" text in the top right corner of the application.

The OPN-2004 and the Mac are now connected and working together.

Scan Barcodes

Collecting data with the OPN-2004 is as simple as pointing and scanning. Scanning barcodes with the big button or "trigger" will store barcodes, while scanning with the small button or "function" will remove barcodes. Below are some tips about scanning and removing barcodes from the device.

  • When the OPN-2004 has a good scan, it will chime, the LED on the device will flash green, and the laser will turn off.
  • When the OPN-2004 deletes a barcode, it will give a different chime than above, and it will flash an Orange LED when it has a good scan.
  • Deleting the same barcode again when there are no more scans of it present will cause the OPN-2004 to chime for about a second. The LED will also flash red.

Download From the OPN-2004

If you haven't done so yet, refer to the Initial Setup instructions above to get all the proper software installed and ready. This part of the guide assumes that you have already successfully setup your computer to communicate with the OPN-2004.

  1. Plug the OPN-2004 into your computer.
  2. Open the OPN-2001 PC Companion Application by navigating to Opticon\OPN200x in your Start Menu.
  3. Double-check that the "Status" light is green.
  4. Check the box next to "Save to file" if you would like your barcodes to be saved to your computer each time you select "Get Barcodes." By default, the barcodes will be stored in the Documents folder on your computer. To change this, click on the ellipsis(...) button and choose where you would like your barcodes saved.
  5. Click "Get barcodes" to download the barcodes that you just scanned. Double-check that they got saved to your file before proceeding.
  6. Click "Delete barcodes" to erase the barcodes stored on the OPN-2004.

Firmware

While there are multiple components to the firmware on an OPN-2004 (Bootloader, OS and Application) the instructions to load them individually or all together are the same. In most cases, all you'll need to do is load the OS, and the proper Application file for your needs.

Preparation

  1. Download the Firmware: Bootloader, Firmware: OS, and Appload for this process Available in the Software Downloads. You may also need Opticon's USB Drivers, so please download those as well.
  2. Download the appropriate Firmware: Application file for your needs. This is most likely to be the OPN2001 Simulation Application, however there are other Applications available. A complete list can be found in the Downloads at the bottom of the page.
  3. Extract the OPN2004 Firmware - OS.zip file, the Appload.zip file, the USB Drivers Installer.zip file, and the OPN2004 Firmware - Application files into a convenient folder.
  4. Install Appload by double-clicking the 'Appload Setup.exe' file, which will start the install wizard. The default values are sufficient for most people, so keep clicking 'Next' until you are finished. Appload will launch at the end of the install process.
  5. Connect the OPN-2004 to your PC

Install the Firmware

  1. Launch Appload if it is not already running.
  2. We first need to choose the correct COM port. From the main Appload window, select 'Settings' > 'Port', then choose the port that says 'Opticon USB Code Reader'.
  3. Now we can start downloading the OS and Application. For each of the .hex files you downloaded and extracted above, please choose 'File', then 'Download', then navigate to and select the file. You should see a progress indicator and the words 'Initializing IRdA' if this is working.
  4. When complete the OPN-2004 will emit a series of beeps and reboot. When the LED is steady RED (indicating charging) or GREEN (indicating fully charged) the process is complete and you may disconnect your OPN-2004 from the PC. instruction manuals for the various applications are available for download in the Downloads section.

Youtube tutorial

We have a Youtube tutorial you can follow along with for the firmware loading steps. The scanner used in the video is different but the steps followed are the same.

Watch Our Videos.jpg



Application Development

The OPN2004 firmware is split into two levels, an Operating System and an Application. The Operating System Exposes the functions of the hardware to the Application level firmware, and the Application determines how the device behaves. The Operating System is developed and maintained solely by Opticon. However, anyone can make an application for the OPN2004 using the C-Library Kit. The C-Library Kit also contains code samples.

SDK for OPN200x Host Applications

There are currently APIs for developing applications to communicate with the OPN2004 on/with the following platforms/technologies:

  • Windows
  • ActiveX
  • .NET
  • Mac OS

The OPN PC SDK contains nearly everything you would need to develop your own host application to interface with the OPN-2001, OPN2003, or OPN2004. Sample code and documentation are included, however compilers are not included. Please use a compiler appropriate for the operating system you are developing for: Windows, or Macintosh OS X.

Alternative Modes

In addition to the CSP2 support built into the OPN2004, it is also capable of functioning as either a USB Keyboard or a USB flash drive. Both of these modes eliminate the need for PC software.

When in Keyboard mode, the OPN2004 can scan in real time or store data in memory which can later be transmitted at the push of a button. In flash disk(MSD) mode the OPN2004 stores barcode scans into a text file on the device. The text file can later be accessed simply by plugging in the device.

USB Keyboard Mode

This mode allows the OPN2004 to emulate a USB Keyboard. While the OPN2004 is plugged in, any barcodes that are scanned are input wherever the cursor is on screen. When a barcode is scanned while the OPN2004 is disconnected, the barcode is stored in memory. When you want to retrieve scanned barcodes, simply plug the OPN2004 into a computer, and press any key on the device to have it play back all of the barcodes that were scanned while it was disconnected.

To use the OPN2004 in USB Keyboard Mode, print and scan the barcode sheet linked here. You may also need to update firmware to the latest version of the Firmware: OPN2001 Simulation Application to enable the feature.

Advanced Send Mode

You can enable Advanced send mode when scanning the barcode sheet linked here. When the advanced send mode is enabled:

  • Press (and hold) the scan button for 3 seconds to send stored data.
  • Press (and hold) the function button for 3 seconds to delete stored data.

When the advanced send mode is disabled:

  • When connected to USB, data is sent and deleted after pressing the Scan button once.

To disable Advanced Send mode linked here

Alternate Firmware

Storage Application (MSD Mode)

This mode is also referred to as USB-MSD mode. The Firmware: Storage Application must be loaded on the OPN2004 in order to enable this mode of operation. To install the Storage Application, follow these firmware loading instructions. Once the storage application is loaded, print and scan this sheet of barcodes to configure the device to act as a flash disk.

Once that's finished, scanning barcodes is as simple as pressing a button. When you want to download your barcode scans, plug the OPN2004 into a computer, and copy the text file out of the flash drive. For more configuration options, see the User Manual: Storage Application. In particular, the last few pages have barcodes that can be scanned to configure the layout of the text file.

Switching Back to Companion Application

To use the OPN2004 with the OPN Companion Application again, print and scan this barcode sheet.

Downloads

Notice: The downloading and use of any Opticon software implies consent with Opticon's End User License Agreement.

Documents

Document Description Version Download
User Manual: Storage Application This is the user manual for the standard storage application, which is designed to demonstrate the OPN2004's storage (batch) capabilities. This application supports USB-VCP with OseComm , and USB-MSD (flash drive) modes. March 2022 Download
User Manual: OPN2001 Simulation Application This manual describes the usage of the OPN2001 Simulation Application, an embedded application published by Opticon for the OPN2004, that enables the OPN2004 to behave as an OPN2001 with regard to user behavior and PC interaction. Windows and Mac software specifically written for the OPN2001 is required to transfer or receive data from an OPN2004 running this application. Download
Datasheet Technical details at a glance. Download
Universal Menu Book The Universal Menu Book is a document containing instructions and configuration options for the majority of Opticon's products. Support of the commands in this manual is product specific. A must read for System Integrators. In effect this is the User Manual for all of Opticon's products that do not have a User Manual of their own and a supplement to all others. December 2009 Download
Quick Access Barcode Sheet This document contains the barcodes for switch between USB-VCP (Classic) and HID modes on the OPN2004 Alternate OS. Download

Software

Software Description Version Download
Appload Appload Is Opticon's multi-purpose firmware update utility. It is a Windows PC application that provides the capability to download firmware onto most Opticon products. It also contains a versatile terminal interface that allows serial communication to any serial port connected to the PC (be it RS232, USB-VCP or Bluetooth-SPP). Opticon products can be queried and configured in this manner. EAGV0186
1.86
Download
Firmware: Bootloader Low-level firmware necessary for proper use of the device. pre-installed during manufacturing. Appload (see above) required for loading. Unless instructed by Technical Support it is best to download and install an Application level firmware as these contain the latest Bootloader and OS as well as the Application in a single file for simpler installation. RAIV0016 Download
Firmware: OS One of two pieces of firmware required for the proper functioning of the OPN2004. Appload (see above) is required for loading the OS onto the OPN2004. Unless instructed by Technical Support it is best to download and install an Application level firmware as these contain the latest Bootloader and OS as well as the Application in a single file for simpler installation. RAIV0016
RBIV0038
Download
Firmware: OPN2001 Simulation Application This OPN2004 application enables the OPN2004 to behave as an OPN2001 with regard to user behavior and PC interaction. Windows and Mac software specifically written for the OPN2001 is required to transfer or receive data from an OPN2004 running this application. Note: OPN2004 requires Operating System (OS) firmware of at least RBIV0032. Appload (see above) is required for loading this application onto the OPN2004. NOTICE: Current and future versions of this Application now support USB-HID in addition to the standard CSP2 features. RBIV0060
RFI3727W
Download
Firmware: Storage Application (MSD-Mode) This application provides batch storage of scanned barcodes (MSD mode). Appload (see above) is required for loading this application onto the OPN2004. RFI3793F Download
OPN PC Companion Application (OPN200x) The OPN2001 (and any OPN running its version of the OPN2001 emulator firmware) requires the use of a PC side application to communicate and receive the scanned barcode data. This is Opticon's free standard application. A free SDK is also available to customize this application. EGF3800J
2.19
Download
OPN PC Companion Application Source Code The Visual Studio source files for Opticon's OPN PC Companion Application EGF3800E Download
Apple MacOS Version 10.15
Demo Application
This is the latest Mac OS version of the popular OPN 2001 Companion Application.
Download this for the most recent version.
EGFS0398
Catalina
Download
Apple MacOS Version 10.14
Demo Application
This is the previous Mac OS version of the popular OPN 2001 Companion Application.
Download this version if the latest version does not run on your Mac OS machine.
EGFS0397
Mojave
Download
C-Library Kit The C-Library Kit is Opticon's SDK for developing custom firmware for many of Opticon's product families (OPN, OPL97xx, OPL98xx, OPH, etc.). Included find sample code, full application samples, library files, documentation, compilers for certain products and more. This download is a zipped collection of the installer and associated files. The Toshiba C Compiler requires a separate download which is located here 2.38 Download
OPN SDK This SDK is used to develop Windows and Mac OS X side software that will communicate with an OPN2001 or any OPN running its OPN2001 emulation firmware. For the SDK necessary to develop firmware local to the OPN see the C-Library Kit. Version 14 (EGFS003D) Download

Drivers

Driver Description Version Download
All-In-One PC Drivers USB-to-serial drivers installer package for 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows XP (32-bit only), Vista 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. This package contains four drivers. The first and fourth drivers are for the Opticon cradles. The second driver is for the OPN200x scanners along with many other Opticon products. The third driver is an ATEN driver for a popular RS232 <-> USB-VCP adapter. You can choose any of the drivers to install on the first screen of the installer program. *Note: Opticon USB Drivers may not install or operate correctly if FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) is enabled on your host computer* 1.615 Download