1. Scope
This document describes Host Mode operation for Totinfo barcode readers, including the configuration barcode, host-side start/stop decode commands, response packets, low-power wake-up procedure, and engineering recommendations for integration.
2. Host Mode Overview
Host Mode is a passive trigger mode. In this mode, the host system controls the scanner decoding state by sending fixed protocol commands. The host can start and stop scanning through software instead of relying on a physical trigger button or automatic sensing.
| Control Function | Command | Description |
| Start Decode | 04 E4 04 00 FF 14 | Starts one decoding attempt. The scanner enters the scanning state after receiving the command. |
| Stop Decode | 04 E5 04 00 FF 13 | Immediately stops the current decoding attempt if the scanner is scanning. |
3. Operating Principle
| Condition | Scanner Behavior |
| Start Decode received | The scanner enters the scanning state and attempts to read a barcode within the scan area. |
| Successful decode | The scanner automatically ends the current scanning attempt after a barcode is successfully decoded. |
| Single-scan timeout reached | If no barcode is decoded within the configured scan timeout, the scanner automatically exits the scanning state. |
| Stop Decode received | If the scanner is currently scanning, it immediately exits the scanning state. |
4. Host Mode Configuration
Scan the following configuration barcode or send the equivalent parameter command to switch the scanner into Host Mode.
| Configuration Item | Barcode Data | Parameter Value | Configuration Barcode |
| Host Mode | 2050208 | 0x08 |
| Configuration Method | Command / Data |
| Parameter Command | 07 C6 04 08 00 8A 08 FE 95 |
| Configuration Barcode Data | 2050208 |
| Parameter Value | 0x08 |
5. Decode Control Commands and Responses
| Item | Packet | Meaning |
| Start Decode | 04 E4 04 00 FF 14 | Command sent by the host to start scanning. |
| Stop Decode | 04 E5 04 00 FF 13 | Command sent by the host to stop scanning. |
| ACK | 04 D0 00 00 FF 2C | Returned when the scanner is currently configured in Host Mode and accepts the Start/Stop Decode command. |
| NACK | 05 D1 00 00 06 FF 24 | Returned when the scanner is not currently configured in Host Mode. |
Note: When the scanner is actively decoding, the response to a Start Decode or Stop Decode command may be delayed until the device finishes the current internal decoding operation.
6. Sleep and Wake-Up in Low-Power Mode
When Low Power mode is enabled, the scanner automatically enters sleep after approximately 800 ms of idle time. To send a valid command while the scanner is sleeping, wake the device first and then send the required command.
| Step | Host Action | Timing Requirement |
| 1 | Send 0x00 | Wake-up byte |
| 2 | Wait 50 ms | Allow the scanner to wake up and become ready for command reception |
| 3 | Send the valid command | For example, Start Decode, Stop Decode, or another supported protocol command |
7. Engineering Recommendations
- The default single-scan duration is 3 seconds. If no barcode is decoded after the host sends Start Decode, the scanner automatically stops decoding after the timeout. A Stop Decode command is only required when the host needs to terminate the scan earlier.
- Some products do not include a physical trigger button. Before switching such products to Host Mode, confirm that the host can communicate normally with the scanner; otherwise, the scanner may be difficult to trigger during testing.
- For structured host integration, Host Mode is recommended together with Packet Data Output so the decoded data is returned in protocol packets rather than as raw keyboard-style output.