Scanner Setup Problems
By: Ben - 5/19/2014

USB barcode scanner are usually plug and play out of the box, but sometimes they require additional configuration or troubleshooting.

The most common issue that people seem to run into is that the barcode they're scanning is a symbology, or language of barcode, that wasn't enabled by default of the scanner. This problem is easy enough to resolve once you find out what kind of barcode you are trying to scan. Most scanners are configured using a series of barcodes located in the user manual or programming guide. Scanning the correct sequence of those codes will allow you to program the scanner to read the type of barcode and. what data it will output when it does scan. An exception to this is that there are some models of scanners that will use a software utility rather than programming barcodes in order to set the configuration.

<i>Note: If you make any mistakes during configuration, you can scan the 'recall' or 'reset to' factory defaults barcode in order to start over.</i>

Another reason why a scanner might not work right off as a plug and play device is problems with either the interface or the device it self. Some of these problems can be diagnosed through a basic series of troubleshooting steps. 
<ul>
<li>Check the connections</li><ol><li>Make sure the USB is plugged directly into the POS terminal</li>
<li>Check to see if where the cable attaches to the scanner or cradle is loose.</li>
<li>You may want to disconnect and then reconnect the cable to make sure it makes proper contact.</li>
</ol><li>Does the scanner power on?</li><ol><li>Does a dialog saying a USB device was found appear on the terminal?</li>
<li>Try a different USB port.</li></ol><ul>
If the scanner is still having issues, you may want to try resetting the device. This can be done by either pressing a reset button or detaching and reattaching the battery after a short period, depending on if the device is wired or wireless.
If the device won't power on , has been tried on multiple different ports, and isn't detected as a device by the terminal; there is likely an issue with the either cable or the device it self. If there is another cable from the same model or brand of scanner available, try using that to see if it makes a difference. If there is no change after performing all of these steps, then there is probably something wrong with the device and you should either contact your reseller of the manufacturer of the device for further troubleshooting.

Something to be aware of with certain devices is the CDC interface. This interface is available in some quick start guides and if it is scanned, will change the functionality of the scanner. 
The CDC interface requires a driver to work properly, and without that driver installed the device wont scan, or even project a scan beam/light. I've ran into this issue with some Motorola wireless scanners; The symptoms and solution to the CDC issue are listed <b><a href="https://portal.motorolasolutions.com/Support/US-EN/Resolution?solutionId=92842&redirectForm=search&searchQuery=%3FsearchType%3Dsimple%26searchTerm%3Dusb%20cdc%20scanner%20driver">HERE</a></b> on the Motorola Solutions website.

Scanner Setup Problems By: Ben - 5/19/2014

Recent Posts By Ben

Scanner Setup Problems
By: Ben - 5/19/2014