Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revision Previous revision Next revision | Previous revisionLast revisionBoth sides next revision | ||
barcode_scanning:introduction_and_setup [2022/04/27 12:12] – [The barcode scanner] Gary Willetts | barcode_scanning:introduction_and_setup [2023/01/19 13:07] – [The barcode scanner] Gary Willetts | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
==== The barcode scanner ==== | ==== The barcode scanner ==== | ||
A single barcode scanner can be attached to each computer running mSupply. The barcode scanner must: | A single barcode scanner can be attached to each computer running mSupply. The barcode scanner must: | ||
- | * be able to read both the 1D 128 bit barcodes and 2D datamatrix barcodes used by the GS1 standard | + | * be able to read both the 1D 128 bit barcodes and 2D datamatrix barcodes used by the GS1 standard. |
* communicate with the computer through a serial port. Note that this does not mean that it must connect to the computer via a serial port (these disappeared from computers many, many years ago!). The best way of achieving this is to buy a scanner that connects by USB and has serial port emulation software provided by the manufacturer. | * communicate with the computer through a serial port. Note that this does not mean that it must connect to the computer via a serial port (these disappeared from computers many, many years ago!). The best way of achieving this is to buy a scanner that connects by USB and has serial port emulation software provided by the manufacturer. | ||
- | * append a carriage return | + | * append a carriage return character to the end of all its scans. Other whitespace characters can also be appended but a carriage return character must be appended as mSupply will use this to detect that a scan has been completed. |
To set the barcode scanner up, the first thing to do is connect it to the computer (usually by a USB port) and make sure it can communicate with it. You may need to install a driver for the scanner, depending on the scanner make and model and the operating system of the computer. The best way to check the scanner is communicating correctly with the computer is to install a piece of dedicated serial port reading software, and make sure that scans from the scanner appear in the software. If you are using Windows, you could use this one [[http:// | To set the barcode scanner up, the first thing to do is connect it to the computer (usually by a USB port) and make sure it can communicate with it. You may need to install a driver for the scanner, depending on the scanner make and model and the operating system of the computer. The best way to check the scanner is communicating correctly with the computer is to install a piece of dedicated serial port reading software, and make sure that scans from the scanner appear in the software. If you are using Windows, you could use this one [[http:// |