Install an MC2180 inventory scanner

Written By Ascend knowledge base (Administrator)

Updated at September 14th, 2023

The Motorola/Zebra MC2180 inventory scanner increases both the speed and accuracy of inventory counts.

Note: The scanner must be charged for 24 hours before the first use.

Connect Hardware

  1. Connect the USB sync cable to the back of the cradle.
    Photo of the USB port
  2. Plug the other end of the USB cable into the back of the computer.
    Note: Other USB ports (e.g. on the computer monitor, the front of the computer, a USB hub) may not receive sufficient power for the device.
  3. Plug the power cord into the back of the cradle.
    Photo of the power port
  4. Plug the power cord into the wall.

Install SD Card

Note: Do not use greater than a 32 GB microSD card.

  1. Pull up on the latches on either side of the laser to release the battery compartment panel.
    Photo of the latches with arrows pointing in
  2. Slide the card cage down until it releases.
    Photo of the back of the scanner
  3. Insert the SD card with the label side facing up.
    Photo close up of the SD card holder
  4. Slide the card cage up until it locks. A "click" sound indicates when the cage is properly secured.

Install Battery

The battery is integrated into the battery compartment panel - simply insert the battery in the compartment.

Photo of the battery compartment on the back of the scanner

Install AscendScan

Note: The installation process can take up to 30 minutes to complete. Do not remove the scanner from the cradle until the installation is complete.

  1. Download the AscendScan software (log into www.ascendrms.com).
  2. Click the Start menu and search for Turn Windows features on or off.
    Screenshot Turn Windows features on or off
  3. From the Turn Windows features on or off dialog box, check .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0).
  4. Click OK.
    Screenshot showing directions from steps 3 and 4
  5. From the Windows needs files from Windows Update to finish installing some features dialog box, click Download files from Windows Update.
  6. From the Windows completed the requested changes dialog box, clock Close.
  7. Right click the AscendScan installer.
  8. From the displayed menu, select Run as Administrator. The AscendScan Installation Wizard displays.
  9. Welcome to the AscendScan Installation Wizard: Click Next.
    Screenshot highlighting the Next button
  10. Check Overwrite Any Existing AscendScan Files And Previous AscendScan Configurations and click Next.
    Screenshot highlighting the check box and next button
  11. If required, turn on the scanner by pressing the power button once. Do not hold the power button.
  12. Place the scanner in the cradle.
  13. If the Windows Mobile Device Center dialog box displays, close it.
    Screenshot of the Windows Mobile Device Center
  14. Windows Mobile Device Center Setup: Click Next.
    Screenshot highlighting the Next button
  15. If the Calibration screen displays on the scanner, press Esc on the keypad.
  16. When the Windows Mobile Device Center dialog box displays, close it.
    Screenshot of the Windows Mobile Device Center
  17. AscendScan Installation Complete: Click Finish.
    Screenshot highlighting the Finish button

Additional Resources

KB22-083