Windows

Revision as of 30 April 2012 17:42 by Jleiseth (Comments | Contribs)

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 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. Please note, not all windows computers have bluetooth hardware, in the event your computer does not have bluetooth built in you can purchase a bluetooth adapter.

USB-VCP

USB-VCP is a different method for using a cabled barcode scanner with a windows 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.

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.