Windows

Revision as of 07 May 2012 07:11 by cparker (Comments | Contribs) | (→USB-VCP)

Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. Opticon manufactures and sells a variety of cabled and Bluetooth capable barcode scanners that can be used with the windows. Windows is capable of interfacing with Opticon barcode scanners using the following interfaces; USB-HID (keyboard), USB-VCP, RS232, Bluetooth HID, and Bluetooth VCP. For Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, 6.1, and 6.5 see the Windows Mobile platform page.

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 barcode scanner with the computer. When properly paired, your Bluetooth device will pass barcodes to the computer as if it were a keyboard. What this means is that barcode data will appear on your screen wherever you position the cursor. Please note that not all Windows computers have Bluetooth hardware. In the event your computer does not have Bluetooth built in you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter from a local electronics retailer, or online.

USB-VCP

USB-VCP is a different method for using a cabled barcode scanner with a Windows Computer. The "VCP" stands for Virtual COM Port, which is how a VCP device presents itself to the Windows computer. To do something useful with a barcode scanner presenting itself as a COM, or serial, port, you must have something listening to the serial port. This enables software to manage the incoming barcode data and ensure that data flow is controlled. A system that uses USB-VCP can also be built to recieve scans from multiple devices at the same time, and still allow the system to remain available for a user. USB-VCP has another 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.

This article outlines how an Opticon Data Collector typically uses USB-VCP to transfer data to a Windows computer using the NetO protocol and more specifically using the NetO32 windows application.

OpticonRL for Windows

OpticonRL for Windows is a stand-alone executable, with no installation required.

  • Simply download the zipped file here
  • Extract the contents to a convenient location like your desktop.
  • Open the folder and double click on OpticonRL.exe.
  • Select settings.
  • Select the COM port of the device you want to use, and select "Toggle on/off".
  • Adjust the other settings if needed.
  • You have now finished setting up OpticonRL for Windows, so try it!

Are you using an OPL9724 to transmit data in real time to OpticonRL for Windows? Check out the article here.


Bluetooth VCP

Bluetooth VCP functions in a very similar way to USB-VCP, the major exception being that bluetooth pairing must be accomplished.

Using the OPL9712 in Bluetooth Real-time Scanning Mode with OpticonRL for Windows

Using the OPL-9712 In Bluetooth Batch Mode With NetO32

Using the OPL-9724 In Batch Mode With NetO32

Using the OPL9724 in Real-time Scanning Mode with OpticonRL for Windows