QINEO Component Recording¶

Overview¶

For QINEO power sources, component recording is managed through barcode or RFID scanner integration. The scanner uniquely identifies workpieces throughout the welding process, automatically linking all welding data to that workpiece.

Requirements¶

• QINEO StarT Next or equivalent QINEO power source
• Software version 1.10.x or later
• Compatible scanner device (e.g., Datalogic Touch 90 Pro)
• USB connection to QINEO device
• C-Gate installed to collect and manage component data

Supported Scanners¶

The solution is not locked to a single scanner device. Any scanner that supports keyboard simulation mode can be used. Common options include:

• Datalogic Touch 90 Pro: Recommended for most applications
• Other industrial barcode/RFID scanners in keyboard simulation mode

Datalogic Touch 90 Pro Configuration¶

Connection and Setup¶

1. Physical Connection: Connect the Datalogic Touch 90 Pro to the QINEO device via USB cable
2. Driver Installation: No additional drivers required; automatic detection upon connection
3. Operating System: Compatible with QINEO StarT Next software 1.10.x or later

Scanner Settings¶

The Datalogic Touch 90 Pro supports multiple scanning configurations. Required settings are applied by scanning the corresponding configuration barcodes provided in the scanner's documentation.

Key configuration requirements:

• Keyboard simulation mode enabled
• Numeric output format for barcode scanning
• Proper suffix/terminator settings for command barcodes

Creating Scanner IDs and Workpiece Assignment¶

Workpiece ID Creation¶

Before production begins:

1. Generate Unique Scanner ID: Create a unique barcode for each workpiece
2. Register with Software: Assign the Scanner ID to the corresponding workpiece in the C-Gate software
3. Placement: Position the Scanner ID barcode near the welding power source for easy access by the welder

Component Template Settings¶

Ensure that the scanner IDs are properly associated with workpieces in your component templates. The image below shows where to configure this association:

Verification and Testing¶

Verifying Scanner Connection¶

You can verify the scanner connection and monitor scanned values using the C-Gate IoT Hub Dashboard:

1. Open the C-Gate IoT Hub Dashboard
2. Add a "Status Value" widget to your dashboard
3. Configure the widget to display these datapoints from your QINEO device:
4. "Scanned barcode" - Shows the most recent barcode value scanned
5. "Barcode scanner connected" - Shows the scanner connection status

This allows you to verify that: - The scanner is physically connected to the QINEO device - Barcodes are being read correctly - The system is receiving scan data

Test Barcodes¶

To test and verify your scanner setup before production, download and use the test barcode document:

C-Gate Barcode Test

This document contains:

• Start Barcode: Workpiece ID 5000077854 - Add this ID to a test workpiece in C-Gate before testing
• End Barcode: FinishComponent - Signals the end of the component recording

You can print this document or open it on a laptop, smartphone, or tablet to test and verify your scanner's reading capability.

Operating Procedure¶

Step 1: Scan the Workpiece ID¶

At the beginning of the welding process:

[Scan Workpiece Scanner ID]

• The system recognizes the scanned ID
• A new workpiece record is created
• All subsequent welding data is automatically assigned to this Scanner ID
• The welder can now proceed with welding

Step 2: Perform Welding Operations¶

Perform all welding operations as normal:

• The QINEO power source automatically records all process parameters
• Weld monitor (SD Module) captures quality data
• All data is correlated with the active Scanner ID
• Multiple seams can be welded with the same workpiece active

Step 3: Scan the End Command¶

After all welding operations are complete:

[Scan End Command Barcode: FinishComponent]

• The End Command barcode explicitly signals the end of the current workpiece
• The active workpiece record is closed
• Data collection for that workpiece is finalized
• The system is ready to accept a new workpiece ID

Step 4: Generate Quality Report¶

Once the End Command is scanned:

• The system automatically generates a quality report
• The report contains all recorded welding data and quality information
• The report is linked to the Scanner ID for complete traceability
• Data is available for analysis and documentation

Operating Workflow Example¶

Here's a typical workflow for manual welding with component recording:

1. Welder receives workpiece
   ↓
2. Welder scans Workpiece ID barcode
   → System creates new component record
   ↓
3. Welder performs first seam
   → QINEO records all parameters and SD monitoring data
   ↓
4. Welder performs second seam (same workpiece)
   → Data appended to same workpiece record
   ↓
5. All seams complete
   → Welder scans End Command barcode (FinishComponent)
   ↓
6. System generates quality report
   → Report includes all seams and quality assessments
   ↓
7. Workpiece ready for next station or shipment

Integration with C-Gate¶

The QINEO component recording data flows into C-Gate as follows:

• Data Collection: QINEO power source collects welding parameters and SD monitoring data
• Workpiece Association: Scanner input automatically associates data with specific Scanner IDs
• Quality Reporting: C-Gate generates comprehensive quality reports with full traceability
• OPC UA Export: Data is available through the OPC UA interface for external system integration

Troubleshooting¶

Scanner Not Detected¶

• Verify USB cable is properly connected
• Check that QINEO software version is 1.10.x or later
• Ensure scanner is in keyboard simulation mode
• Try disconnecting and reconnecting the scanner

Workpiece Record Not Created¶

• Verify the scanned barcode matches a registered Workpiece ID in the system
• Check that the scanner is outputting data in the expected format
• Confirm the End Command from previous workpiece was scanned
• Review C-Gate logs for Scanner integration errors

Missing Data or Seams Not Recorded¶

• Ensure all welding operations are performed with the workpiece active (between Workpiece ID and End Command scans)
• Verify QINEO device is properly connected to C-Gate
• Check that the SD Module is enabled on the QINEO device
• Confirm the workpiece record was not prematurely closed

Custom End Command Not Working¶

• Verify the APP_QINEO_SCANNER_RESET_CODE environment variable is set correctly on the C-Gate IoT Hub
• Ensure the custom end command barcode is registered in the scanner
• Restart C-Gate services after changing the environment variable

Best Practices¶

• Clear Barcode Placement: Position Workpiece ID barcodes where welders can easily and quickly scan them
• Training: Ensure all welders understand the scanning procedure (ID → Weld → End Command)
• Barcode Quality: Use high-quality barcode printing to prevent scanning errors
• Regular Audits: Periodically verify that all workpieces have proper End Command signals
• Maintenance: Regularly clean scanner lens and check USB connections