Zebra FS10 troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: In the Zebra signal table, two low tones with the Device Status light solid red correspond to a job error (“Job Error”). Open the scanner in Zebra Aurora Focus to check the job, then check its temperature: if it overheats, the FS10 may stop its jobs and must then be switched off and on again.

Likely cause

The FS10/xS20 product reference guide associates this signal with the “Job Error” event without detailing its causes. Its chapter on thermal management states that the system may stop active jobs if a recommended temperature limit is exceeded. The Aurora Focus help also states that a scanner that becomes inactive during job configuration, after a firmware update, is fixed by a factory reset.

What to do

1. Open Zebra Aurora Focus, display the list of scanners (“View Devices”) and check the status of the FS10 and the loaded job.
2. Check the temperature on the Web HMI dashboard (“Temperature” section). According to Zebra, the FS10 operates between 0 and 45 °C, a range that depends on the duty cycle.
3. If it overheats, apply one of the measures in the guide (see overheating), then switch the power off and on again (see restart the scanner).
4. If the scanner stays inactive during job configuration after a firmware update, perform a factory reset.

When to call a technician: if the error comes back even though the job and the temperature are correct, have the serial number, part number and firmware version ready before contacting Zebra support, as the documentation requests.

The signal table is common to the FS10 and the xS20 (FS20 and VS20).

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Thermal Management (p. 38-39) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide · Web HMI Dashboard (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, at start-up the Power light indicates the power available: solid red for low power, slow-flashing green for limited power (USB), solid green for full power (24 V). On a USB port, connect the FS10 to a BC1.2 port, a charging port or a USB-C port capable of supplying up to 1.5 A.

Likely cause

The signal table in the FS10/xS20 guide distinguishes three start-ups: “Low Power” (Power solid red), “Limited Power” (USB or 15 W PoE, Power slow-flashing green) and “Full Power” (24 V or 30 W PoE, Power solid green). PoE only concerns the xS20: the FS10 is powered through its USB Type-C port (1 A maximum according to its data sheet) or, with the adapter cable, by an external power supply.

Caution: According to Zebra, changing the power source may cause the scanner to restart.

What to do

1. Connect the FS10 to a USB BC1.2 port, a USB charging port or a USB-C port. For optimal performance, Zebra calls for ports capable of supplying up to 1.5 A.
2. If the port does not supply enough power, change port or use a cable that draws its power from an external source.
3. For external power, use the adapter cable with a compatible 24 V DC power supply (see external power supply).
4. The guide also provides two barcodes, “Enable Unrestricted USB A-Power” and “Disable Unrestricted USB A-Power” (parameter no. 65079, “USB Power Configuration” chapter), without detailing their effect.

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Power Sources, USB Type C Operation, Adapter Cable (p. 18) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · USB Type C (p. 39) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · USB Power Configuration (p. 44) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · FS10 Specifications (p. 10-11) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Zebra table, continuous red flashing at 2 Hz, with no beep, signals the start of a firmware update. Flashing at 5 Hz with a low tone signals that the update has failed: restart the scanner, then run the update again from Zebra Aurora Focus.

Likely cause

The FS10/xS20 guide links the red flashing of the Device Status light to firmware operations: 2 Hz at the start of the update, 5 Hz if it fails. The Aurora Focus help states that an update can fail when the scanner's memory usage is high.

What to do

1. If the light flashes at 2 Hz with no beep, an update is in progress: wait for the operation to finish.
2. If the light flashes at 5 Hz with a low tone, restart the scanner (“Reboot” command in Aurora Focus or by cutting the power), as the Aurora Focus help recommends.
3. Run the update again with “Update Firmware” in the “View Devices” list or from the Web HMI (see update the firmware).
4. Then check the installed version in the “Overview” tab of the scanner settings.

When to call a technician: if the update still fails after a restart, note the serial number, part number and firmware version before contacting Zebra support, as the Aurora Focus help indicates.

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide · Viewing Devices (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra associates the low-then-high sequence with a parameter entry error (“Parameter Entry Error”). The high, low, high, low sequence, on the other hand, confirms that the parameter has been accepted, and the high-then-low sequence indicates that the scanner is waiting for more barcodes.

Likely cause

The table in the FS10/xS20 guide distinguishes three responses for programming barcodes: parameter accepted (high, low, high, low), entry waiting for more barcodes (high, low) and error (low, high). Accepted settings are kept in non-volatile memory, even after a power cut.

What to do

1. Scan the programming barcodes in the FS10/xS20 product reference guide (“Using Parameter Barcodes” chapter and following) in the order given.
2. If the scanner gives a high beep then a low beep, it is waiting for the rest of the sequence: scan the next barcode.
3. The guide provides the “Enter Parameter Barcode Configuration Mode” and “Exit Parameter Barcode Configuration Mode” barcodes (parameter no. 69035, “Barcode Configuration Mode” chapter).
4. If you scan the barcodes from a screen, enlarge the document so that the bars and spaces do not merge.

The configuration barcodes generated by Aurora Focus only work on FS scanners (see copy the configuration).

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Using Parameter Barcodes (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · Barcode Configuration Mode (p. 45) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, a decode failure produces no beep, whereas a good read produces a medium tone. Check the distance (the focus of the FS10 does not go below 3 inches, about 76 mm), the cleanliness of the scan window and the focus, then the triggering and the job configured in Aurora Focus.

Likely cause

The FS10/xS20 guide states that a dirty exit window can impair scanning accuracy, that the minimum distance depends on the barcode width and possibly on the illumination, and that the focus is adjusted with autofocus barcodes. It also lists the licences that unlock decoding functions (FS Fast 1D/2D, FS DPM Full Package, FS OCR).

What to do

1. Place the barcode within the range given in the “FS10 and xS20 Decode Ranges” table (see scanning distance).
2. Clean the scan window (see cleaning).
3. Redo the focus with an autofocus barcode (see focus).
4. In Aurora Focus, check that the trigger button is enabled and that the trigger source of the job matches your installation (see triggering).
5. In Aurora Focus, check the job and the licence installed on the scanner.
6. If the scanner has stopped its jobs because of heat, see overheating.

When to call a technician: if the scanner still decodes nothing after cleaning, focusing and resetting, contact Zebra support with the serial number, part number and firmware version, as the guide indicates.

In the Zebra table, the start of decoding is signalled by a solid amber light, with no beep.

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Decode Ranges (p. 27) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Maintenance: Known Harmful Ingredients, Approved Cleaning Agents, Cleaning the Device (p. 51-52) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Using Autofocus Barcodes (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · Configurations, License Types (p. 8-9) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · General Settings (Hardware Buttons, Beeper) (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) (official documentation).

Short answer: The FS10 adjusts its focus with the autofocus barcodes in the Zebra guide: scan a delay barcode (5, 8 or 13 seconds), present a test barcode during the delay and let the adjustment run for 5 to 15 seconds. A high tone signals success; a low tone with a solid red light signals failure.

Likely cause

According to Zebra, the autofocus barcodes only adjust the focus, not the exposure or the gain, and the calibration barcode must not be used as the test barcode. In Aurora Focus, the “Barcode Autotune” option in the acquisition settings adjusts the exposure, the gain and the focus all at once.

What to do

1. Scan one of the barcodes in the “Using Autofocus Barcodes” chapter (5, 8 or 13-second delay).
2. During the delay, the status light flashes every 500 ms: place in the field of view a test barcode of the type you scan most often, different from the calibration barcode.
3. Keep the test barcode still during the adjustment, which lasts 5 to 15 seconds after the end of the delay.
4. Wait for the confirmation beep sequence. If it fails (low tone, solid red light), repeat the procedure.
5. If the exposure or the gain also need adjusting, use the Aurora Focus AutoTune (“Barcode Autotune”).

The guide provides 5, 8 and 13-second barcodes but also mentions an 18-second delay in the text of the procedure.

Sources: Using Autofocus Barcodes (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Trigger Settings, Acquisition Settings (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Zebra table, the FS10 reads a 10 mil Code 128 between 51 and 656 mm and a 10 mil Data Matrix between 51 and 381 mm. The maximum distance increases with the size of the barcode, up to 1,219 mm for a 20 mil Code 128.

Likely cause

The “FS10 and xS20 Decode Ranges” table gives typical distances. The guide states that the minimum distance depends on the barcode width and possibly on the illumination power, and that the focus does not go below 3 inches (about 76 mm).

Typical distances (Zebra guide)

1. Code 128: 5 mil from 51 to 330 mm, 10 mil from 51 to 656 mm, 15 mil from 51 to 940 mm, 20 mil from 51 to 1,219 mm.
2. Data Matrix: 5 mil from 51 to 203 mm, 10 mil from 51 to 381 mm, 15 mil from 51 to 610 mm, 30 mil from 51 to 1,143 mm.
3. Place the barcode within the range, then redo the focus at that distance.
4. The field of view of the FS10 is 35° horizontally and 26° vertically, according to its data sheet.

The table gives 51 mm as the minimum distance for all barcodes, whereas a note in the same guide states that the focus does not go below 3 inches (about 76 mm).

Sources: Decode Ranges (p. 27) (opens in a new window) · FS10 Specifications (p. 10-11) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: In Aurora Focus, the scanner's trigger button can be disabled: check the “Trigger Button Enable” option in “General Settings”. Also check the trigger source chosen in the job (scanner button, GPIO, serial link, PLC, TCP/IP or automatic triggering).

Likely cause

According to the FS10/xS20 guide, the scanner's TRIG button acts as the trigger. The Aurora Focus guide states that the trigger settings depend on the job mode and lists the possible sources: “GPIO”, “Device Trigger”, “Serial”, “PLC”, “TCP/IP”, “Auto(Self)” and “Test Trigger”.

What to do

1. In Aurora Focus, open “Device Settings > General Settings” and check that “Trigger Button Enable” is ticked.
2. In the capture step of the job, check the trigger source (“Source”) and the mode (Single Shot, Continuous, Presentation…).
3. For triggering by a sensor, the FS10 has two optocoupled inputs, accessible only through an adapter cable (see inputs and outputs).
4. After making a change, test the triggering with the scanner's TRIG button.

Zebra lists continuous trigger mode among the causes of heating to avoid (see overheating).

Sources: User Interface Label (p. 24) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · General Settings (Hardware Buttons, Beeper) (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Trigger Settings, Acquisition Settings (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · GPIO Summary (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: In USB keyboard emulation (HID), the FS10 must use the same keyboard language as the host computer. Set the language to “French” with the barcode for parameter no. 65843 in the Zebra guide, or in Aurora Focus (USB settings, “USB HID Keyboard”, choice of country), then restart the scanner.

Likely cause

The FS10/xS20 guide provides an “HID Keyboard Language” parameter (no. 65843) with options including “US English” and “French”. The Aurora Focus guide lists the supported languages, including “French (France) Windows” and “French (France) Linux”.

What to do

1. Check that HID keyboard mode is active: “Enable HID Keyboard” barcode (parameter no. 65704), which disables CDC serial mode.
2. Scan the “French” barcode in the “HID Keyboard Language” chapter of the reference guide.
3. Or, in Aurora Focus: “Device Settings > Communication Settings > USB Settings”, “USB HID Keyboard” option, then choose the country, for example “French (France) Windows”.
4. Restart the scanner: according to Aurora Focus, a change to the USB settings requires a manual restart.
5. The guide also provides an inter-keystroke delay and a delay for special keys (0 or 5 ms, parameters no. 65705 and 65706).

Sources: HID Keyboard Configuration, HID CDC Serial (p. 41-43) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · USB Settings, HID Keyboard Localization, USB Operation Modes (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) (official documentation).

Short answer: Check the USB output mode: according to the Zebra guide, enabling the HID keyboard disables CDC serial mode, and vice versa. If you use the virtual serial port (CDC), also enable the sending of results (“Enable CDC Serial Results”), then restart the scanner.

Likely cause

The FS10 transmits its results over USB, as an HID keyboard or over a CDC serial port, and communicates with Aurora Focus via Ethernet over USB (RNDIS). According to the guide, HID and CDC are not active at the same time. The Web HMI dashboard also reports results that could not be sent (“Result Overflow”).

What to do

1. For input into the application as if typed on a keyboard, scan “Enable HID Keyboard” (parameter no. 65704).
2. For a virtual serial port, scan “Enable CDC Serial” (parameter no. 66934), then “Enable CDC Serial Results” (parameter no. 66933).
3. In Aurora Focus, the same options are found in “Device Settings > Communication Settings > USB Settings” (“USB CDC-Serial”, “USB HID Keyboard”). Then restart the scanner.
4. On the Web HMI dashboard, check the “Result Overflow” counter: a value greater than 0 means that some results have not been sent. Zebra then advises a faster interface, less output data or a lower inspection rate.
5. If the scanner is connected to a USB hub, see FS10 behind a USB hub.

Sources: HID Keyboard Configuration, HID CDC Serial (p. 41-43) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · USB Settings, HID Keyboard Localization, USB Operation Modes (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Web HMI Dashboard (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: The prefix, suffix and end delimiter are set in the job, with the custom formatting in Aurora Focus (“Custom Formatting”, “Data Formatting” tab). Choose the end delimiter (“End Delimiter”), then check the result with “Get Last”.

Likely cause

According to the Aurora Focus guide, custom formatting lets you define, for each symbology, find-and-replace rules, a prefix, the data, a suffix, a delimiter between data types and an end delimiter.

What to do

1. In Aurora Focus, open the “Build” tab, then “Data Formatting”.
2. Select “Custom Formatting” and choose the symbology from the “All Symbologies” list.
3. If necessary, add a replacement rule with “Add Rule” (“Find” and “Replace With”).
4. Fill in the “Prefix”, “Data” and “Suffix” fields.
5. Choose the “Data Type Delimiter” and the “End Delimiter” from the drop-down lists.
6. Click “Get Last” to display the last formatted result.

Source: Custom Formatting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra cites two causes: a USB cable that is not fully inserted or is unstable, and a USB port that does not supply enough current. Reconnect the cable, tightening its locking screws firmly, then use a BC1.2 port, a charging port or a USB-C port.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table in the FS10/xS20 guide links power or data dropouts on the USB port to a loosely secured or intermittent cable, and to a port that does not supply enough power. The FS10 uses only USB 2.0 high speed, on a sealed USB Type-C port with two locking screws.

Caution: Zebra asks you to always tighten the locking screws on IP67 USB Type-C cables, even if IP67 sealing is not needed: their seal needs sufficient pressure.

What to do

1. Reconnect the USB-C cable and tighten its locking screws firmly (torque given by Zebra: 1 in-lb).
2. Connect the scanner to a USB BC1.2 port, a USB charging port or a USB-C port capable of supplying up to 1.5 A.
3. Failing that, use a cable that draws its power from an external source.
4. Bear in mind that, according to Zebra, changing the power source can cause a restart.

Sources: Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · Power Sources, USB Type C Operation, Adapter Cable (p. 18) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · USB Type C (p. 39) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Mounting Instructions, Torque Specification (p. 22) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, the Windows Defender firewall can block the ports used by the application: allow Zebra Aurora on domain, public and private networks. Over USB, also check in Device Manager that an RNDIS driver appears under “Network Adapters”.

Likely cause

The troubleshooting table in the FS10/xS20 guide cites the Windows Defender firewall, a missing RNDIS driver over USB and a scanner that is not connected to the network. For Aurora Focus to find the scanner again, Zebra suggests two methods: cutting the power, then a factory reset.

What to do

1. Allow Zebra Aurora (Aurora Focus) through the Windows Defender firewall for “Domain”, “Public” and “Private” networks.
2. Open File Explorer, Network section: if the scanner appears neither under “Network” nor under “Other Devices”, it is not connected.
3. Over USB, open Device Manager and check that an RNDIS driver is present under “Network Adapters”.
4. Switch the power off and on again, wait about a minute, restart Aurora Focus and click “View Devices”.
5. If you know the scanner's IP address, test it with the ping command followed by the address at the command prompt, then add the scanner with “Add Via IP Address”.
6. As a last resort, perform a factory reset.

When to call a technician: if the scanner still cannot be found after cutting the power and a factory reset, have its serial number, part number and firmware version ready before contacting Zebra support.

Aurora Focus runs on Windows 10 or later, is installed with administrator rights and cannot connect to a scanner whose firmware is too old (see firmware update).

Sources: Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · Troubleshooting: Pinging the Device via IP, Power Cycling the Device (p. 53-54) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · System Requirements, Device Discovery, Add Via IP Address (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Aurora Focus help, the USB interfaces of the FS10 (RNDIS and HID keyboard) can freeze with some USB hubs when the HID keyboard re-enumerates. Unplug the USB cable, then plug it back in.

Likely cause

The Aurora Focus help describes this behaviour as specific to the FS10 with some USB hubs: the freeze occurs when the HID keyboard interface is re-enumerated by the computer.

What to do

1. Unplug the USB cable from the FS10, then plug it back in.
2. Check that the port used supplies enough current: Zebra recommends BC1.2 or charging ports capable of supplying up to 1.5 A.
3. Then check in Device Manager that the RNDIS driver is present under “Network Adapters”.

Sources: Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide · USB Type C (p. 39) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Aurora Focus guide, the serial Ethernet adapter of the FS10 requires USB host mode, and a factory reset puts the FS10 back into device mode. Reconfigure host mode with a standard USB-C to USB-A (or USB-C) cable, restart the scanner, then reconnect the adapter.

Likely cause

By default, the FS10 is in device mode (“PC USB Connection Mode (Device Mode)”): only one function is active at a time in this mode (HID, Automation Wedge, CDC Serial or Serial Ethernet). In host mode (“USB Accessory Connection (Host Mode)”), it supports the RS-232 and the GPIO of the adapter.

What to do

1. Connect the FS10 to the PC with a standard USB-C to USB-A (or USB-C) cable.
2. In Aurora Focus, “Device Settings > Communication Settings > USB Settings”, set “USB Connection Mode” to “USB Accessory Connection (Host Mode)”.
3. Restart the scanner.
4. Then connect the serial Ethernet adapter.
5. For serial output of the results, the reference guide also provides the “RS232 Result Output” (parameter no. 66931) and “RS232 Result Control” (parameter no. 66932) barcodes.

Sources: USB Settings, HID Keyboard Localization, USB Operation Modes (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Input/Output (IO) Interface Configuration (p. 44) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: The FS10 has only one USB Type-C port: its two optocoupled inputs and two optocoupled outputs go through an adapter cable (CBL-ADPTR-USC00 or CBL-MATE-USA00). Check this cable, the wiring of the Com_IN and Com_Out commons and, with the serial Ethernet adapter, USB host mode.

Likely cause

According to the FS10/xS20 guide, the GPIO of the FS10 require the appropriate cable. They are optically isolated: 10 mA inputs (pins 4 and 14 of the DB15), 100 mA outputs (pins 5 and 15), Com_IN (pin 9) and Com_Out (pin 10) commons.

What to do

1. Use the USB-C to DB15 adapter (CBL-ADPTR-USC00) or the DB15 to USB-A and flying leads cable (CBL-MATE-USA00).
2. Connect the Com_IN (pin 9) and Com_Out (pin 10) commons, then the inputs (Input 0 pin 4, Input 1 pin 14) and the outputs (Output 0 pin 5, Output 1 pin 15) according to the “FS10 GPIO Wiring Diagrams” in the guide.
3. Respect the currents given: 10 mA per input, 100 mA per output.
4. With the serial Ethernet adapter, switch the FS10 to USB host mode: according to Aurora Focus, this mode supports the RS-232 and the GPIO (see serial link).
5. The FS10 only powers on once the USB end of the cable is connected to a USB host (see external power supply).

Sources: GPIO Summary (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · General Purpose Input and Outputs (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · Power Sources, USB Type C Operation, Adapter Cable (p. 18) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · USB Settings, HID Keyboard Localization, USB Operation Modes (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, the FS10 does not power on until the USB end of the adapter cable is connected to a USB host. Connect this end to the host (a PC, for example) and check the wiring of the external power supply to the flying leads.

Likely cause

The adapter cable and its connecting cable provide the FS10 with optocoupled GPIO. The external power supply is connected to the flying leads and the adapter regulates it to 5 V. It is protected against reverse polarity, overvoltage and undervoltage.

Caution: According to Zebra, do not mount the scanner on a conductive object or structure that could be connected to mains voltage or to a potential other than protective earth.

What to do

1. Connect the USB end of the cable to a USB host.
2. Connect the external power supply to the flying leads of the cable.
3. Use a compatible 24 V DC power supply: PWR-24V03A-0000 (3 A) or PWR-24V05A-0000 (5 A), for DIN rail mounting. The PWR-POE30W-0000 PoE injector is only suitable for the xS20.
4. Check the Power light at start-up (see Power light).

Sources: Power Sources, USB Type C Operation, Adapter Cable (p. 18) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (PDF) › Power Supplies (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · Grounding for Electro-Magnetic Compliance and ESD Safe (p. 18-19) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Zebra guide, disconnect all power sources, hold down the TRIG button and reconnect a power source without releasing TRIG. After about 20 seconds, the Power light changes from yellow to green and the Ethernet light from orange to amber: release TRIG within 5 seconds of the Ethernet light turning amber. This light only exists on the xS20 (see the note), and Aurora Focus also offers the “Factory Reset” command.

Likely cause

Zebra presents the factory reset as one of the two methods for Aurora Focus to find the scanner again, along with cutting the power. The Aurora Focus help also recommends it when the scanner becomes inactive during job configuration after a firmware update.

Caution: The reset returns the scanner to its factory configuration. The guide does not detail which settings are erased: first back up the configuration with “Backup Device” in Aurora Focus.

What to do

1. Disconnect all power sources (USB-C cable and, where applicable, adapter cable).
2. Press and hold the TRIG button.
3. Reconnect a power source while keeping TRIG held down.
4. Keep holding TRIG: after about 20 seconds, the Power light changes from yellow to green and the Ethernet light from orange to amber.
5. Release TRIG within 5 seconds of the Ethernet light turning amber. The signal table associates the factory reset with two medium tones.
6. Alternative method: in Aurora Focus, select the scanner in “View Devices” and use the “Factory Reset” command.
7. After the reset, the FS10 returns to USB device mode: with the serial Ethernet adapter, reconfigure host mode (see serial link).

The procedure in the common FS10/xS20 guide uses the Ethernet light as the cue for releasing TRIG, whereas this light only exists on the xS20. The documentation consulted does not specify the equivalent cue on the FS10: follow the Zebra guide and, if in doubt, contact Zebra support or use the “Factory Reset” command in Aurora Focus.

Sources: Factory Reset the Device (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide · LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Viewing Devices (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide · USB Settings, HID Keyboard Localization, USB Operation Modes (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: Aurora Focus generates a configuration barcode from a snapshot of the scanner (“Configuration Barcodes” tab), which you then deploy to other scanners. According to Zebra, only FS fixed-mount scanners can generate and apply these barcodes, not VS vision sensors.

Likely cause

The Aurora Focus guide describes two tools: the configuration barcode, created from the configuration of the managed scanner or from a configuration saved on the PC, and backup (“Backup Device”) followed by restore (“Restore Device”).

Caution: According to Zebra, applying a backup from one model type to another can cause problems.

What to do

1. In Aurora Focus, open the “Configuration Barcodes” tab.
2. Choose the source configuration: the currently managed scanner (“Currently Managed Device”) or a saved configuration. To create a snapshot, click “Create Configuration Snapshot” in the scanner details.
3. Choose the barcode size: Small, Medium (default) or Large.
4. If necessary, tick “Replace Network Settings” and “Replace Hostname” to keep the network settings and the host name of the target scanner.
5. Click “Generate”, then present the barcode to the scanners to be configured.
6. Alternative method: “Backup Device” on the source scanner, then “Restore Device” on the target scanner, which then restarts completely.

Sources: Generating a Configuration Barcode (opens in a new window) · Viewing Devices (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: The Zebra guide provides two sets of barcodes: “Change Active Job Slot Number” (parameter no. 69053) to change the active job and “Change Startup Job Slot Number” (parameter no. 69054) to choose the slot loaded at start-up. Each covers slots 1 to 20.

Likely cause

The FS10/xS20 guide distinguishes the active job slot and the start-up job slot, each of which can be set by barcode from 1 to 20.

What to do

1. Identify the slot number (1 to 20) of the job you want.
2. To change the job immediately, scan the corresponding barcode in the “Change Active Job Slot Number” chapter.
3. To have this job loaded at every start-up, scan the corresponding barcode in the “Change Startup Job Slot Number” chapter.
4. Check the confirmation beep sequence (see programming beeps).

Sources: Change Active Job Slot Number, Change Startup Job Slot Number (p. 46-49) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Using Parameter Barcodes (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra suggests cutting the power completely, restoring it and waiting about a minute for the scanner to start up. Without unplugging anything, you can also scan the “Reboot the Device” barcode in the guide (parameter no. 69030) or use the “Reboot” command in Aurora Focus.

Likely cause

The FS10/xS20 guide presents cutting the power as a method for Aurora Focus to find the scanner again. It also provides a barcode to restart the scanner's core services (“Restart Core Services”, parameter no. 69031).

What to do

1. Unplug all the cables so that the scanner is no longer powered.
2. Reconnect a power source and wait about a minute.
3. Restart Aurora Focus and click “View Devices”, look for the scanner in Windows Network or open its Web HMI.
4. If the problem persists, repeat these steps for each type of connection used.
5. Without unplugging anything: scan “Reboot the Device” (no. 69030) or “Restart Core Services” (no. 69031), or use “Reboot” in Aurora Focus.

Sources: Troubleshooting: Pinging the Device via IP, Power Cycling the Device (p. 53-54) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Reboot Device, Restart Core Services (p. 50) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Viewing Devices (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: According to the Zebra table, only a good read produces a medium tone: a decode failure produces no beep. If no scan beeps, check the beeper settings in Aurora Focus (“Beeper Enable”, volume, tone, “Beep on Job Success”).

Likely cause

The Aurora Focus guide groups the beeper settings under “Device Settings > General Settings”: enabling, volume and tone (High, Medium, Low, Off), beep on job success, duration (Short, Medium, Long) and muting of the start-up beeps. The reference guide states that an FS10 with a loud beeper is available on request.

What to do

1. In Aurora Focus, open “Device Settings > General Settings”.
2. Check that “Beeper Enable” is ticked and that “Beeper Volume” is not set to Off.
3. Tick “Beep on Job Success” to get a beep for every successful job.
4. Adjust the tone (“Beeper Tone”) and the duration (“Beeper Duration”).
5. If the beeper is still too quiet for your workshop, the loud-beeper version of the FS10 is available on request from Zebra.

Sources: LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · General Settings (Hardware Buttons, Beeper) (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Configurations, License Types (p. 8-9) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: In Zebra Aurora Focus, select the scanner in “View Devices” and use “Update Firmware”. The same operation can be done from the scanner's Web HMI.

Likely cause

According to the Aurora Focus help, the software cannot connect to a scanner whose firmware is too old, and some functions may stop working if the scanner is not updated. An update can fail when the scanner's memory usage is high.

What to do

1. Note the current version in the “Overview” tab of the scanner settings.
2. In “View Devices”, select the connected scanner or scanners and start the update, from a file (default option) or from an FTP/FTPS server.
3. For several scanners, “Dual Update” updates the main partition, restarts, updates the secondary partition and restarts again. “Force Update” applies the same version to all the selected scanners.
4. During the update, the Device Status light flashes red at 2 Hz, with no beep (see update failed).
5. If the update fails, restart the scanner, then try again.

According to Zebra, the update only applies to connected scanners, and only one “Update Firmware” window can be open at a time.

Sources: Viewing Devices (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide · Updating Firmware on Multiple Devices (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus 10.2 User Guide (MN-004665-12EN Rev A, 2026) · Troubleshooting (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide · LED and Beeper Indications (p. 24-26) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Zebra, the FS10 monitors its temperature and may stop active jobs if a recommended limit is exceeded. After correcting the cause, switch the power off and on again to resume normal operation.

Likely cause

The “Thermal Management” chapter of the FS10/xS20 guide gives an operating ambient temperature of 0 to 45 °C, which depends on the duty cycle. Beyond a recommended limit, the system may stop active jobs.

What to do

1. Check the scanner's temperature on the Web HMI dashboard.
2. Avoid continuous trigger mode and reduce the trigger rate.
3. Use external illumination, install the scanner in a cooler place or ventilate it.
4. If the temperature exceeds the operating range, Zebra advises dissipating the heat: mounting on a metal structure (BRKT-LMNT-U000 universal bracket) or an external fan.
5. Switch the power off and on again to restart the jobs (see restart the scanner).

Sources: Thermal Management (p. 38-39) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) · Web HMI Dashboard (opens in a new window) – Zebra Aurora Focus User Guide (official documentation).

Short answer: Zebra approves pre-moistened wipes and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Never apply liquid directly to the scanner, and clean the scan window regularly: a dirty window can impair scanning accuracy.

Likely cause

The “Maintenance” chapter of the FS10/xS20 guide lists the approved products, the products that damage plastics and the method for cleaning the window and the connectors.

Caution: According to Zebra, acetone, ammonia, bleach, ketones, ethers, benzene, toluene, trichloroethylene and alkaline solutions damage the scanner's plastics. Do not let any abrasive material touch the window.

What to do

1. Moisten a soft cloth with an approved product, or use a pre-moistened wipe.
2. Wipe all surfaces without letting liquid pool around the window, the button or the connectors, and without spraying liquid into the window.
3. Clean the button area carefully so as not to peel off the label.
4. Wipe the window with lens tissue, then dry it immediately with a soft non-abrasive cloth to avoid streaks.
5. For the connectors, rub at least three times with a cotton bud soaked in isopropyl alcohol, then with a dry cotton bud, leaving no residue.
6. Leave to air-dry before use.

Source: Maintenance: Known Harmful Ingredients, Approved Cleaning Agents, Cleaning the Device (p. 51-52) (opens in a new window) – FS10/xS20 Smart Camera Product Reference Guide (MN-004336-02EN Rev A, 2025) (official documentation).