IIoT
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IIoT
Browse IIoT
The short answer
What you see
Find the symptom closest to yours. The setting names are the ones in the makers' own guides.
| What you see | Likely cause | Quick test | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beeps, but nothing appears | The cursor is not in a text field, or the scanner is in COM (serial) mode while your software expects keyboard input | Click into Notepad and scan | Put the scanner in USB keyboard mode (Zebra: "USB Keyboard HID"; Honeywell: "USB PC Keyboard"; Newland: "USB HID Keyboard") |
| Wrong characters (for example @ or quotation marks swapped) | Scanner keyboard country does not match the computer's keyboard layout; Zebra, Honeywell and Newland scanners start with US English | Scan a code that contains symbols into Notepad | Scan the country code for your keyboard: "USB Country Keyboard Types" (Zebra, Newland) or "Keyboard Country" (Honeywell) |
| No Enter after a scan, or an extra Enter | The suffix setting does not match what your software expects | Scan into Notepad: does the cursor move to a new line? | Zebra: "Add Enter Key" or "Tab Key"; Honeywell: "Add CR Suffix", "Add Tab Suffix" or "Remove Suffix". Newland adds Enter by default |
| Software needs a COM port | Older software reads scans from a COM port, not as keyboard input | Check Device Manager for a COM port after plugging in | Switch the scanner to USB COM (CDC or USB serial) mode and install the maker's driver (Zebra CDC, Honeywell USB serial, Newland UFCOM) |
| Will not read QR codes or phone screens | A 1D (linear) scanner cannot read 2D codes; some 2D models have a phone-screen mode | Try a printed QR code | A 2D imager reads QR codes and phone screens. Zebra's DS2208 needs no special mode; some Zebra models have a "Mobile Phone/Display Mode" |
| Will not read small, faint or damaged codes | The scanner's range or resolution does not suit the label, or the code is printed too light | Try a well-printed sample of the same code | Send us sample labels: small codes need a high-density model, and direct part marks need a DPM scanner |
| GS1 or pharma codes lose separators | In keyboard mode, the GS separator in GS1 DataMatrix codes may not reach the software | Scan into a field that shows special characters | Use the maker's FN1 substitution setting (Zebra) or the equivalent in your scanner's guide, and confirm what your software expects |
| Cordless scanner drops scans or disconnects | Out of range (walls and shelving reduce range), a flat battery, or the base not connected | Scan next to the base | Charge it, check the base cable, stay within range; turn on batch mode where the model has it, so scans are stored out of range |
| Settings are mixed up after changes | Programming barcodes scanned by mistake | Scan the factory default code | Zebra: "Set Factory Defaults"; Honeywell: "Standard Product Defaults"; Newland: "Restore All Factory Defaults". Then set the country and suffix again |
Newland guides such as the HR2000's frame every setting barcode between "Enter Setup" and "Exit Setup". The barcodes themselves are in each scanner's guide, linked from our drivers and manuals page.
The two-minute test
Open Notepad, click inside it and scan three different barcodes. If they appear correctly, the scanner works: the problem is in your software's field, its settings or the suffix it expects.
Ask your billing or ERP provider whether it reads scans as keyboard input or from a COM port, and whether it needs Enter, Tab or nothing after each code.
If the scanner behaves oddly, scan its factory default code, then set the keyboard country and the suffix again from the maker's guide.
No beep, no light, or a scanner that will not reset: check another cable or USB port. If it still fails, log a service call with the model and serial number.
Several counters or a warehouse
Save one set of settings with the maker's tool (Zebra 123Scan, Honeywell EZConfig for Scanning, Newland EasySet or NSet) and load it on every unit, so each counter scans the same way.
Pilot the scanner in the real browser and the real screen before rolling out. On Zebra mobile computers, DataWedge has an inter-character delay setting for apps that miss characters on fast scans.
On Zebra mobile computers, scans reach an app through DataWedge; an app usually needs its own DataWedge profile before it gets scans.
Hospitals and labs
Zebra publishes the disinfectants approved for each healthcare scanner; the DS4600-HC and DS8100-HC lists differ. A cleaner that is not approved may void the warranty.
Apply the cleaner to a cloth or use approved wipes, and keep cradles away from bleach.
The decision
A counter that cannot scan costs more than a few minutes of setup. Choose the fix that gets it scanning reliably again.
If the Notepad test works, the scanner is fine. Set the country, the suffix or the interface, and save the settings for every unit.
A cracked window, a damaged cable or cradle, or a scanner that will not power on or reset needs a service call. We service the brands we sell, whoever sold you the scanner.
A cordless scanner that no longer lasts a shift may need a new battery rather than a new scanner. Send us the model.
If customers now show QR codes on phones, or your labels moved to 2D codes, a 1D scanner cannot read them however it is set. A 2D imager is the lasting fix.
What next
Pick the case closest to yours. The button tells us what you need.
Tell us the scanner model and the software you scan into. We set the right mode, country and suffix, and can prepare one setup for every unit.
Consider: Scanner setup steps
We suggest a 2D imager for your counter or warehouse, based on what you scan and how far.
Consider: Zebra DS2208, Honeywell Xenon Ultra 1960, Newland HR2000
Send the scanner model. We confirm the right part from the maker's part numbers.
Consider: Scanner accessories
Questions buyers ask
The cursor is not in a text field, or the scanner is in COM mode while your software expects keyboard input. Test in Notepad, then set USB keyboard mode from the maker's guide.
Its keyboard country does not match your computer. Zebra, Honeywell and Newland scanners start with US English; scan the country code for your keyboard layout from the scanner's guide.
Scan the suffix code in the scanner's guide: Zebra "Add Enter Key", Honeywell "Add CR Suffix" or "Remove Suffix". Newland adds Enter by default.
Not in USB keyboard mode, which many scanners start in. Software that reads a COM port needs the scanner in USB COM mode and the maker's driver.
1D scanners cannot read 2D codes. A 2D imager reads QR codes and phone screens; some models have a phone-screen mode to switch on.
Yes. We service the brands we sell, Zebra, Honeywell and Newland among them, whoever sold you the scanner. We tell you the cost before any paid work.
Send us the model, what happens and the software you scan into. We fix the setup, repair it, or suggest the scanner that suits the job.
If a barcode stops scanning or printing, call or WhatsApp us: we check the printer, label, ribbon and scanner settings with you remotely, and visit or take the unit in when that does not fix it.
Sources