Datalogic PowerScan 9100 troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: The PBT9100 quick reference guide explains it: the barcode has been read, but no connection with the host has been established. Check the PD9130 cable, the PM9100's link with its base, or the PBT9100's link with its base or the Bluetooth host.

Likely cause

The PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides call this signal “Limited Scanning”: six chirps at the highest frequency, with no light indication, emitted when the connection with the host has not been established. The PBT9100 guide specifies that the label has been read.

What to do

1. PD9130: check that the cable is correctly fitted in the handle (see PD9130 cable) and connected to the host.
2. PM9100: check that the scanner is linked to its base (three ascending beeps when linking) and that the base is powered (see link with the base).
3. PBT9100 connected directly to a PC: check the Bluetooth pairing (see Bluetooth link).
4. Check that the programmed interface matches the connection (see interfaces).

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications, Table 1 (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Datalogic, a solid light indicates an active scanner, ready to scan, and a continuously flashing light a scanner disabled by the host. If the chosen interface starts the scanner disabled, hold the trigger for 5 seconds so that you can configure it.

Likely cause

The PD9130 quick reference guide distinguishes active mode (solid light, scanner ready to scan) from a scanner disabled by the host (continuously flashing light). It specifies that some interfaces require the scanner to start disabled; pressing the trigger for 5 seconds puts it into a state that accepts programming labels.

What to do

1. If four low beeps preceded the flashing, the scanner is in programming mode (see programming mode).
2. PM9100 or PBT9100: slow then fast flashing indicates that linking with the base is in progress (see link with the base).
3. In other cases, it is the host that has disabled the scanner: check the application and the interface selected.
4. To configure the scanner in this state, press and hold the trigger for 5 seconds, then scan the interface that matches your connection (see interfaces).

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications; Operating Modes; Interface Selection (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) (official documentation).

Short answer: The PowerScan 9100 quick reference guides call this signal “ROM Failure”: an error in the scanner's software or programming. No user fix is offered: have the scanner checked.

Likely cause

In the tables of the PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides, the “ROM Failure” indication corresponds to an error in the scanner's software or programming, with a flashing light and an error beep at the highest volume.

Caution: According to the PBT9100 regulatory addendum, the scanner cannot be repaired by the user: opening the housing may cause internal damage and voids the warranty.

What to do

1. Do not confuse this single beep with the three low beeps of a rejected programming label (see programming mode).
2. Note the scanner's part number and the circumstances of the signal.
3. Contact Datalogic support or your maintenance provider.

When to call a technician: if the “ROM Failure” error beep recurs: the quick reference guides do not give any user procedure.

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · Regulatory Addendum: service (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Regulatory Addendum (Datalogic, 850044901 Rev B, September 2021) (official documentation).

Short answer: The scanner has just entered programming mode: a valid programming label, usually “ENTER/EXIT”, has been read. Scan your settings, then “ENTER/EXIT” again to save them and return to normal scanning.

Likely cause

The PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides devote a table to the signals that only appear in programming mode: entry (continuously flashing light, four low beeps); label rejected (three beeps at the lowest frequency); part of a multi-label setting accepted (one short high beep); programming accepted (one high beep, four low beeps, then the reset beeps); cancellation with the “Cancel” label (two low beeps).

What to do

1. If you are configuring the scanner, scan the setting labels in the reference guide.
2. Scan “ENTER/EXIT” a second time: the settings are saved and the scanner returns to normal operation.
3. If you entered this mode by mistake, also scan “ENTER/EXIT” to exit it.
4. Three very low beeps after a label: it has been rejected; repeat the sequence or scan “Cancel” to abandon it.
5. Some labels, such as the interface selection or “Reset Default Settings”, are read without “ENTER/EXIT”.

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications, Table 2 (Programming Mode) (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · Programming; LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Programming Mode indications; Interface Selection; Reset Default Settings (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) (official documentation).

Short answer: The PowerScan 9100 is a linear imager: its scan line must cross the whole barcode. Tilt the scanner slightly to avoid direct reflections and adjust the distance: closer for barcodes with fine elements, further away for barcodes with wide bars.

Likely cause

The PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides give the scanning rules: the scan line must cover the whole barcode; the scanner must be tilted relative to the barcode to avoid direct reflections; high-density barcodes are read closer, barcodes with wide bars further away. Pressing the trigger partway displays a flashing aiming line; pressing it fully makes the line continuous and starts scanning.

What to do

1. Press the trigger halfway: the aiming line flashes. Place it on the barcode.
2. Check that the line crosses the whole barcode, on both sides.
3. Press fully: the line becomes continuous and scanning starts; a good read gives a beep and the green spot.
4. Tilt the scanner slightly to avoid direct reflections.
5. Move the scanner closer for a barcode with fine elements, further away for a barcode with wide bars.
6. White barcode on a black background: see inverted barcodes. Settings changed: see resetting.

The aiming pointer is enabled or disabled with its own programming label. According to the PM9100 and PBT9100 regulatory addenda, the scanning system is classified in the exempt risk group of the IEC 62471 standard.

Sources: Using the Reader; Aiming Pointer (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · Using the Reader; Aiming Pointer (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Operating Modes: Aiming (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · Regulatory Addendum: optical safety (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Regulatory Addendum (Datalogic, 850045102 Rev C, August 2022) · Regulatory Addendum: laser and LED safety (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Regulatory Addendum (Datalogic, 850044901 Rev B, September 2021) (official documentation).

Short answer: By default, the PowerScan 9100 only reads normal barcodes, black on a white background. The Datalogic knowledge base provides the command that enables reading of normal and inverted barcodes; it gives no confirmation signal: test an inverted barcode directly.

Likely cause

The article “Reading Reverse Barcodes with PWS9100” states that the PowerScan 9100 family reads only normal barcodes (black on a white background) by default; reading of inverted barcodes must be enabled.

What to do

1. Apply the command from the article that enables reading of normal and inverted barcodes.
2. Do not rely on a beep: according to Datalogic, these commands give no sound or other signal to the user.
3. Test an inverted barcode, then a normal barcode.
4. To return to the original setting, apply the article's “Default” command (normal barcodes only).

Datalogic warns of a possible drop in scanning performance, depending on the barcodes concerned, once inverted barcodes are enabled.

Source: Reading Reverse Barcodes with PWS9100 (opens in a new window) – Datalogic knowledge base (KA-01258) (official documentation).

Short answer: The programmed keyboard country does not match the host computer's keyboard. Scan “ENTER/EXIT”, the “France” country label, then “ENTER/EXIT” again; with a keyboard wedge interface, also set the caps lock state.

Likely cause

The PD9130 quick reference guide offers a country mode (“Country Mode”) to be framed by “ENTER/EXIT”, including France, Belgium, Switzerland and French Canada. It also sets the caps lock state (off, on or automatic), reserved for keyboard wedge interfaces other than “Alternate” encoding and with no effect on USB keyboard, and the num lock, reserved for “Alternate” encoding.

What to do

1. Scan “ENTER/EXIT”, then the “France” country label, then “ENTER/EXIT”.
2. With a wedge interface (KBD-AT and variants), choose the caps lock state: “Caps Lock OFF”, “Caps Lock ON” or “AUTO Caps Lock Enable”.
3. With “Alternate” encoding, set the num lock (unchanged or toggled).
4. PBT9100 in Bluetooth HID: the quick reference guide provides the same country choice (framed by “Enter/Exit Programming Mode”), the caps lock state (“Caps Lock OFF” by default) and Alt mode (disabled by default).
5. Test in a text editor with a barcode that mixes numbers and letters.

Sources: Keyboard Country Mode; Caps Lock State; Numlock (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · HID Settings: Country Mode, Caps Lock State, Alt Mode (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) (official documentation).

Short answer: Press the trigger to wake the scanner, then place it on the base: three ascending beeps confirm the link. If it was linked to another base, first scan the “Unlink” label.

Likely cause

The PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides describe linking with a radio base: slow flashing during the link attempt, fast flashing while the parameters are aligned between scanner and base, then three beeps of ascending frequency once the scanner is linked. Three descending beeps indicate an unlinked scanner.

What to do

1. Press the trigger to wake the scanner.
2. If it was linked to another base, scan the “Unlink” label; the PBT9100 guide also asks you to hold the base button for more than 5 seconds before scanning “Unlink”.
3. Place the scanner on the base and wait for the flashing and then the three ascending beeps.
4. Check that the base matches the scanner: the Datalogic catalogue pairs the PM9100-433 with 433 MHz bases, the PM9100-910 with 910 MHz bases and the PBT9100 with Bluetooth (BT) bases.
5. If linking fails with equipment from an older installation, see PowerScan 8000 compatible mode.

According to the PBT9100 quick reference guide, a Bluetooth base accepts a maximum of 7 scanners, with a range of up to 100 m in open space.

Sources: Linking the Reader; LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Linking the Reader; Technical Specifications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · PowerScan 9100 (opens in a new window) – Datalogic online catalogue · PowerScan 9100 Series: models and accessories (opens in a new window) – Datalogic models and accessories list (PDF) (official documentation).

Short answer: Scan “Enable RF Link to Server” for a serial link (SPP) or “Link to PC in HID” for keyboard input, then select “Datalogic Scanner” in the computer's Bluetooth manager. If an error message appears, the guide states that it may be necessary to disable security on the device.

Likely cause

The PBT9100 quick reference guide describes the direct link with a Bluetooth adapter, in Serial Port Profile (slave) or HID mode. Some Bluetooth drivers on the host, such as WIDCOMM and BlueSoleil 8, display during connection a PIN code to be entered on the scanner.

Caution: According to the PBT9100 regulatory addendum, in a mobile configuration, a distance of at least 20 cm must be maintained between the device's antenna and people.

What to do

1. Install the drivers supplied with the Bluetooth adapter.
2. Serial mode: scan “Enable RF Link to Server”, which makes the scanner visible. Keyboard mode: scan “Link to PC in HID”.
3. In the Bluetooth manager, search for new devices and select “Datalogic Scanner”.
4. Serial mode: read the data with an RS-232 terminal on the port assigned by the Bluetooth manager. HID mode: open a text editor.
5. Variable PIN code requested by the host: scan “Variable PIN Code”, resume the HID link at step 2; at the beep, when the green light flashes, enter the displayed code using the hexadecimal keypad labels, then scan “Exit HID Variable PIN Code”. If you make an input error, scan “Cancel” and start again.
6. For a fixed PIN code or an installation with custom security, the quick reference guide refers you to the reference guide.

Sources: Linking the Reader: Serial Port Profile, HID, Variable PIN Code (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · Regulatory Addendum: RF exposure (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Regulatory Addendum (Datalogic, 850044901 Rev B, September 2021) (official documentation).

Short answer: The PM9100 can operate in a mode compatible with the PowerScan 8000 family. According to the Datalogic knowledge base, a device in this radio mode does not pair with a device in normal mode. The article describes how to return to the normal “High Speed” mode.

Likely cause

The PM9100 quick reference guide states that the scanner can be set to a PowerScan 8000 compatible mode, described in a dedicated reference guide (PM8300 Compatibility). The article “PowerScan M9100/9300/9500 Back to Radio Normal Mode” specifies that a base or scanner in compatible mode does not pair with a device in normal mode.

What to do

1. If the installation still includes PowerScan 8000 units, the PM9100 quick reference guide refers you to the PM8300 compatibility guide for setting this mode.
2. To return to normal mode, scan “Radio Normal Mode = High Speed”, then “Unlink” and “Restore Default”; the restore, which applies to both devices, can take around thirty seconds.
3. Read the configuration barcode in the article, place the scanner on the base and wait for the ascending beeps.
4. Finish with the label for the interface used.

Sources: PowerScan 8000 Compatibility (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · PowerScan M9100/9300/9500 Back to Radio Normal Mode (opens in a new window) – Datalogic knowledge base (KA-01509) (official documentation).

Short answer: The PD9130 is multi-interface: scan the label for the interface that matches the connection (RS-232, USB or keyboard wedge). For USB-COM, which emulates an RS-232 port, first install the USB Com driver downloaded from datalogic.com.

Likely cause

The PD9130 quick reference guide lists the interface labels: RS-232 (standard, Wincor-Nixdorf, OPOS), USB-COM (RS-232 emulation, USB Com driver required), USB-OEM (OPOS, UPOS, JavaPOS), USB-KBD and USB-KBD-ALT, and IBM AT or PS/2 keyboard wedge (KBD-AT, KBD-AT-NK without external keyboard, KBD-AT-ALT, KBD-AT-ALT-NK). The Datalogic knowledge base describes installing USB-COM on Windows 10 and 11 for PowerScan PD91xx scanners.

What to do

1. Scan a single interface label, without “ENTER/EXIT” before it.
2. USB-COM: install the Datalogic USB Com driver, restart if prompted, then find the “barcode scanner” entry and its COM port in Device Manager.
3. Keyboard wedge: choose KBD-AT-NK or KBD-AT-ALT-NK if no external keyboard is connected.
4. Test in your software, then set the keyboard country if necessary (see AZERTY keyboard).

Sources: Interface Selection (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · How to set up Quickscan, Gryphon, Powerscan, Heron and GFS in USB-COM under Windows 10 or 11? (opens in a new window) – Datalogic knowledge base (KA-01749) (official documentation).

Short answer: The cable is secured in the handle by a cable holder fitted with a seal, covered by a screwed cover. The “Front” mark on the cable holder must face outwards. The scanner is powered by the host, or by an external power supply connected to the socket on the interface cable.

Likely cause

The PD9130 quick reference guide describes fitting the cable in the handle and specifies that the scanner, connected directly to the host, can also be powered by an external power supply via the socket provided on the interface cable.

What to do

1. Slide the cable into the cover.
2. Place the rubber seal on the cable holder, then install the cable holder in the handle, with the “Front” mark facing outwards.
3. Insert the end of the cable into the cable holder socket.
4. Slide the cover along the cable and hook it onto the yellow “tooth” on the handle.
5. Pass the cable through the connector support, push it into the cover and tighten the screw.

Source: Connecting the Cable (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) (official documentation).

Short answer: A PowerScan PM9100 or PBT9100 switched off with the “PowerOff” label switches back on at the next press of the trigger; at start-up, it emits four loud, high beeps. If nothing happens, check the battery: place the scanner on its powered base; the red Reader light indicates that it is charging.

Likely cause

According to the PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides, the “PowerOff” label cuts power to the scanner until the next press of the trigger, and pressing the trigger wakes the scanner. Power-on is indicated by four beeps at the highest frequency and volume.

What to do

1. Press the trigger firmly: a scanner switched off with “PowerOff” switches back on.
2. Check that the battery is correctly in place in the handle.
3. Place the scanner on its powered base: the Reader light turns red during charging (see charging).
4. PD9130: check the cable and the power supply from the host or from the external power supply (see PD9130 cable).

Sources: Power Off; Linking the Reader; Charging the Batteries; LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Power Off; LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Datalogic, a full charge takes about 4 hours 30 minutes with the base's mains adapter, but about 10 hours when the base is powered only by the host. It is much shorter when the battery is not empty.

Likely cause

The PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides state that an empty battery fully recharges in about 4 hours 30 minutes with the mains adapter, and in about 10 hours on host power, without an adapter. The time is considerably shorter when the battery is in its usual everyday state of use.

Caution: Only charge between 0 and 40 °C, with the chargers and power supplies provided by your Datalogic reseller: according to the PBT9100 guide, other power supplies may damage the device and void the warranty.

What to do

1. Connect the base's mains adapter for fast charging.
2. Place the scanner on the base: the Reader light turns red during charging, then green when the battery is full.
3. Charge between 0 and 40 °C.
4. For a spare battery, use the slot provided on the BC91xx bases or the multi-battery charger available as an accessory.
5. If the light flashes orange or alternates red and green, see abnormal base light.

Sources: Charging the Batteries (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Charging the Batteries; Battery Safety (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) (official documentation).

Short answer: On BC9xx0 radio bases, Datalogic states that a flashing orange Reader light indicates a faulty battery that needs replacing, and alternating red and green flashing a charging error. When off, it means that the scanner is not on the base or is incorrectly placed.

Likely cause

The quick reference guide for the BC9xx0-STAR bases, published with the PowerScan PM9500, describes the lights on these radio bases, whose part numbers (BC9030, BC9130, BC9160, BC9180) are also those of the PM9100 bases in the Datalogic catalogue: Reader light flashing orange, faulty battery; alternating red and green, charging error; off, scanner absent or incorrectly inserted. The PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides only describe red (charging) and green (battery full).

What to do

1. Light off: put the scanner back flat in the base.
2. Flashing orange: replace the battery (see replacing the battery).
3. Alternating red and green: the base guide indicates a charging error and refers you to the reference guide; have the battery and the base checked.

When to call a technician: in the event of a charging error (alternating red and green): the base guide refers you to the reference guide, and the battery log analysis described in the Datalogic knowledge base is a technician's task.

The light table comes from the guide for the STAR radio bases (433 and 910 MHz); it does not cover the PBT9100 Bluetooth bases.

Sources: LED Indications (opens in a new window) – BC9XX0-STAR Base Station/Charger Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820064514 Rev A, July 2014) · PowerScan 9100 (opens in a new window) – Datalogic online catalogue · Charging the Batteries (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Powerscan 9100, 9300, 950x Battery Analysis (opens in a new window) – Datalogic knowledge base (KA-01065) (official documentation).

Short answer: Datalogic recommends replacing rechargeable batteries once a year: their loss of capacity becomes noticeable after one year. To remove the battery, switch off the scanner, press the button at the bottom of the handle and pull the battery downwards.

Likely cause

The PBT9100 quick reference guide states that the loss of battery capacity becomes noticeable after one year and that cell manufacturers rate them for 500 charge cycles. The Datalogic catalogue for the 9100 series offers a removable 3,350 mAh RBP-PM91 battery, a locking version RBP-PM91-LK and a fixed FBP-PM91 battery.

Caution: Lithium-ion battery: do not throw it into a fire, do not dismantle it, do not short-circuit its terminals, do not puncture it, do not solder anything onto it and do not expose it to liquids, high heat or direct sunlight. Only use it in the scanner. Stop using it if it smells, heats up, or changes colour or shape. If any gets into your eye, do not rub, rinse with water and seek medical attention immediately.

What to do

1. Switch off the scanner: never replace the battery with the device switched on.
2. Press the button at the bottom of the handle: the battery unlocks.
3. Pull the battery downwards, then fit the new one.
4. Recharge it fully on the base.
5. Recycle the used battery separately from the device.

When to call a technician: to diagnose a suspect battery: the Datalogic knowledge base describes reading its log (capacity, maximum current, start-up counters) with Aladdin, with the base in service mode, and gives the expected values: if they are not reached, the battery is probably faulty.

According to the Datalogic knowledge base, a PowerScan 9100 battery is generally replaced after one to three years, depending on use.

Sources: Changing the Batteries; Battery Safety (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) · Installing the Battery Pack; Changing the Batteries (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · PowerScan 9100 (opens in a new window) – Datalogic online catalogue · Powerscan 9100, 9300, 950x Battery Analysis (opens in a new window) – Datalogic knowledge base (KA-01065) (official documentation).

Short answer: Scan the “Reset Default Settings” label in the quick reference guide, without “ENTER/EXIT”. First configure the correct interface: the factory settings depend on the interface type.

Likely cause

The PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides state that “Reset Default Settings” restores the initial configuration, and that the factory settings depend on the interface type. The PM9100 guide asks you to check that the scanner is configured for the correct interface before scanning this label.

What to do

1. Check the programmed interface (see interfaces).
2. Scan “Reset Default Settings”, without an “ENTER/EXIT” label before it.
3. Reprogram the keyboard country and your settings (see AZERTY keyboard).
4. PM9100 set to PowerScan 8000 compatible mode: see compatible mode.

Sources: Reset Default Settings (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · Programming; Resetting the Product Configuration to Defaults (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Programming (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) (official documentation).

Short answer: The green spot projected onto the barcode after a good read has a programmable duration: disabled, short (300 ms), medium (500 ms) or long (800 ms). According to Datalogic, it does not light up in sleep mode.

Likely cause

The PD9130 quick reference guide offers four durations for the green good read spot: disabled, short (300 ms), medium (500 ms) and long (800 ms). A note in the PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 guides specifies that it does not work in sleep mode, nor when a good read LED duration other than 00 is selected. The behaviour of the good read light also depends on the “Good Read: When to Indicate” setting.

What to do

1. Check the green spot duration: if it is set to “disabled”, choose short, medium or long.
2. Check the good read light duration setting (“Good Read LED Duration”): the Datalogic note links the green spot to the value 00.
3. If the settings have been changed and you do not know which ones, reset the scanner (see resetting).

The product page presents this visual feedback under the name “3GL” (Three Green Lights): green spot on the barcode and dual good read light on the cover.

Sources: Good Read Green Spot Duration; LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · LED and Beeper Indications (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · PowerScan 9100 Series - Handheld Barcode Scanners - Datalogic (opens in a new window) – Datalogic product page (official documentation).

Short answer: Datalogic describes this as a known issue in the 9100 family, related to memory clearing. The fix is a firmware update, whose version depends on the model (corded, STAR radio or Bluetooth).

Likely cause

According to the article “PowerScan 9100, scanning labels and transmitting the previous scan” in the Datalogic knowledge base, the scanner sometimes transmits the previously read barcode when another barcode is read, because of a memory clearing issue known on the PD9100, PM9100 and PBT9100.

What to do

1. Identify the scanner type and its current firmware version.
2. Corded scanner: upgrade from firmware 610102820 to 610102824.
3. STAR radio scanner (PM9100): install firmware 610102924.
4. Bluetooth scanner (PBT9100) on firmware 610103020: upgrade to 610103023, to be obtained from a Datalogic technical support engineer.
5. For the PM9100 and the corded scanner, Aladdin 2.3.7 and Aladdin 3.0.9.5 provide the firmware.

When to call a technician: for the PBT9100, whose corrected firmware is not provided in Aladdin but by Datalogic technical support.

The article dates from March 2021: check the available firmware version with Datalogic support before updating.

Source: PowerScan 9100, scanning labels and transmitting the previous scan (opens in a new window) – Datalogic knowledge base (KA-01285) (official documentation).

Short answer: For routine maintenance, Datalogic advises a soft, dry cloth. If the scanner is very dirty, use a soft cloth lightly moistened with a diluted non-aggressive cleaner or diluted ethyl alcohol, never spraying or pouring liquid onto the device.

Likely cause

The PD9130, PM9100 and PBT9100 quick reference guides describe the same maintenance: soft, dry cloth, or a moistened cloth for heavy dirt, with no abrasive products on the scan windows and plastics.

Caution: Do not spray or pour liquid directly onto the scanner.

What to do

1. Wipe the scan window and the housing with a soft, dry cloth.
2. For heavy dirt, lightly moisten a soft cloth with a diluted non-aggressive cleaner or diluted ethyl alcohol.
3. Do not use abrasive or aggressive cleaners, or abrasive pads, on the window and plastics.

Sources: Cleaning (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PD9130 Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820084614 Rev A, March 2017) · Cleaning (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PM9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117400 Rev B, May 2020) · Cleaning (opens in a new window) – PowerScan PBT9100 Family Quick Reference Guide (Datalogic, 820117500 Rev B, May 2020) (official documentation).