Mac OS X
Mac OS X, is the current version of the operating system used on Apple Macintosh computers. Opticon manufactures and sells a variety of cabled and Bluetooth capable barcode scanners that can be used with the Mac OS X operating system. Mac OS X is capable of interfacing with Opticon barcode scanners using the following interfaces; USB-HID (keyboard), USB-VCP, Bluetooth HID, and Bluetooth VCP. Additionally a serial to USB adapter can be used to turn connect a barcode scanner with an RS232 interface as a USB-VCP device.
USB-HID
USB-HID is the easiest and most common way to connect a cabled Opticon Barcode scanner to a computer. USB-HID is an acronym that stands for Universal Serial Bus Human Interface Device. Chances are you use other USB-HID devices such as a USB keyboard every day. Setting up your Opticon Barcode scanner as a USB-HID device is usually as easy as plugging it in and scanning your barcode.
Bluetooth HID
To use a Bluetooth HID capable barcode scanner such as the OPN2002, OPR3301, OPI3301 or PX35 with OS X, one must first pair the computer with the barcode scanner. Once properly paired as a Bluetooth HID device you can scan barcodes and have them show up on the screen as if the device was a USB-HID device.
USB-VCP
USB-VCP is a less common method for using a cabled barcode scanner with an Apple Macintosh Computer. USB-VCP stands for Universal Serial Bus Virtual Communications Port. To do something useful with a barcode scanner presenting itself as a serial port, you must have something listening to the serial port. USB-VCP has one very large advantage over USB-HID, with USB-VCP you have two way communication. This gives you the ability to control the barcode scanner without physically interacting with it. Software intended to be implemented in a manner that leaves the barcode scanner unattended usually places value two way communication.
OPN Mac Demo
Similar to the PC companion application this version is for the Macintosh OS X platform. download
OpticonRL for Mac
Opticon provides a free utility called OpticonRL, 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.
- Download and install OpticonRL for Mac from this link Download .
- Launch OpticonRL.
- In the menu bar select "Opticon RL for Mac OS X", then select "Preferences".
| - In the preferences window select the appropriate device name, and check the "Enable" box.
| - Now place your cursor in a text field and scan a barcode. I scanned my business card.
| - If you have any further questions or concerns contact Opticon Technical support using the link on the left.
Bluetooth VCP
Bluetooth VCP functions in a very similar way to USB-VCP, the major exception being that bluetooth pairing must be accomplished.