Android

Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, led by Google, and other companies. Google releases the Android code as open-source, under the Apache License. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is tasked with the maintenance and further development of Android.

How do I use a barcode scanner with an android device?

• If your Android device supports Bluetooth HID this is the easiest method for connecting an Opticon barcode scanner to an android device.
• If your Android device USB-HID (here I am referring to the traditional cabled USB connection) like the Toshiba Thrive, you can use any of Opticon's cabled USB-HID capable products.
• If your Android device doesn't support Bluetooth HID you can use USB-VCP and an android application called OpticonRL. All bluetooth capable android devices should have support for Bluetooth SPP. OpticonRL is an application that converts barcode data coming over a serial port into key presses. In effect, the barcode data is wedged into whatever application is at the forefront and has text focus, as if it were typed.

Why don't all android devices have support for Bluetooth HID?

• Since Android is an open-source operating system device manufacturers are free to make customizations for their specific implementation, these customizations often include changing support and specifics of implementation of the HID Bluetooth profile. For this reason some android devices support Bluetooth HID and some android devices do not support Bluetooth HID.
• Most but not all android tablets, and many new android phones do have support for Bluetooth HID.
• Although some device manufacturers added it to their implimentation, support for Bluetooth HID was not added to the main Android OS pool until Android OS 3.1.

OpticonRL for Android

Compatibility

Compatibility Testing done with the OPN2002

The OPN2002 supports two bluetooth profiles, bluetooth HID, and bluetooth SPP.

Compatibility testing done for OpticonRl for Android

Other testing was done to verify the functionality of OpticonRL for Android using the following devices.

Motorolla Droid
Thunderbolt
HTC
Galaxy Tab
Archos 101
Toshiba Thrive

Download

• Download the newest version of OpticonRL for Android here. Download
• Android Bluetooth Guide for the OPN2002 and the OPL2724, this document details how to use the OPL2724 with your android device. Download

Instructions

• For your convenience we made a youtube video that walks you through using OpticonRl for the first time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc_Yh9Vacss
• Using the OPL9724 with the Galaxy Tab or another Android 2.2.1 device? Check out the article here.

Using an OPN2002 with an Android device via Bluetooth SPP and OpticonRL

Connecting an OPN-2002 with an Android device is a simple process. The unit must be configured into the proper mode, and in most cases a software wedge like OpticonRL must be present on the Android device to translate barcode data into keystrokes.

This video tutorial may also be helpful, as it illustrates the process below.

Note that if you are using a Galaxy S, Galaxy S 4G, or any other Android device that supports HID-mode Profile, you do not need to follow these instructions. Instead, follow the instructions for HID-mode from the second page of the Quick Start Guide.

Initial Setup

1. Install OpticonRL and the OpticonRL Soft Keyboard from the Android Marketplace or Google Play store. You can locate OpticonRL by searching for "OpticonRL" with no spaces.
2. Print the first page of the Generic Quick Start Guide. Scan the barcode in step 1 to set the OPN-2002 to Bluetooth-SPP mode, and then scan the barcode in step 2 to set the PIN code on the OPN-2002 to "0000."
3. Turn Bluetooth on on the Android tablet. In most cases this can be accomplished by dragging the status bar at the top of the screen down and then tapping once on the Bluetooth icon.
4. With the OPN-2002, hold down the small key until the device chirps and the LED starts flashing blue. This indicates that it in discoverable mode.
5. On the Android tablet, open OpticonRL. Choose “Scan for Devices.” Select your OPN-2002 from the resulting list, and follow the instructions to pair it. When the device prompts you for a PIN code, enter "0000." The OPN-2002 will beep once and stop flashing blue when the connection is successful.
6. Next, enable the OpticonRL Soft Keyboard, as Android disables any keyboard you’ve installed from the marketplace as a security feature. In most cases this can be found in the Settings app under Keyboards and Languages.
7. Finally open up any app with a text field or text editor in it. Tap and hold on the text field to change the input method to “OpticonRL Soft Keyboard.” From here, scan barcodes.

Usage Instructions

If the OPN-2002 disconnects from the Android device for any reason, you can re-establish the connection by once again putting the OPN-2002 into discoverable mode using the small key, then opening OpticonRL back up. OpticonRL automatically seeks out and reestablishes connections with any paired Opticon devices when it starts up.

If you would like to set the OPN-2002 to press ENTER after every barcode, print this Opticonfigure barcode sheet, then scan each barcode on it from top to bottom.