Q7.     I cannot find the manual for my scanner.

A.    Most manuals are available at some cost from the supplier, or can be accessed for free, directly from the manufacturer’s website – isn’t the internet wonderful?  The following links will get you to some of the more common suppliers, where you can search for the model of your scanner, click on the “programming manual” or “reference guide”, and download or print the pages you need.  We also have a number of these downloaded at Legacy, and can forward the appropriate files to you, at your request, or guide you through the manufacturer’s website to the appropriate files ...

        For Hand Held Products or Welch Allyn systems - www.handheld.com
        For Intermec scanners - www.intermec.com
        For Metrologic systems - http://www.metrologic.com/northamerica/
        For Symbol Technologies products - www.symbol.com

Q6.     My scanner used to work fine, but now it doesn’t ... read my bar codes, move to the next screen, scan automatically.

A.    Occasionally, a static shock or power surge can cause the scanner to go back to “default” mode, and will require re-programming to re-set all of the parameters back to the way you like them.  This is usually a simple fix, depending on the scanner you have, and whether you can find the appropriate manual for that scanner!  See the instructions above for the specific program setting you wish to enable in your scanner, or contact Legacy for guidance or copies of the appropriate programming bar codes.

Q5.     My scanner doesn’t read my bar codes.

A.    Most scanners come from the manufacturer able to read Code 39 and UPC (grocery/retail) bar codes, but perhaps not Codabar bar codes, which are commonly found in libraries.  Chances are, if your scanner is not reading the bar code label on your books, then it should be programmed to read the “Codabar” symbology.  This will require programming the scanner with the appropriate bar codes in your manual.  The symbologies will be listed in the manual, with appropriate bar codes to “enable codabar”, “enable NOTIS editing”, “don’t transmit start and stop characters”, “don’t calculate check digit”, etc.  Some manuals require that you scan a “start set up” bar code, then all of the above, then an “end set up” bar code.  If you need help to re-program your scanner, call Legacy for quick assistance.

Q1.       I must press the “enter” key on my keyboard so my program can move to the next field/screen.  Can I program my scanner to "enter" automatically?

A.    Yes, you can – quite easily!  Find the manual that came with your scanner, and follow the instructions in the section commonly titled “suffix” or “post amble” to enable your system to move automatically to the next window after each scan.  On some scanners, you simply scan a bar code marked “add carriage return/line feed” or “add CR/LF”.  Other scanners require a series of bar codes scanned in a specific order to add a carriage return, or “enter” command.  This re-programming can be completed while you are in any software without affecting what is on the screen.  We recommend that you open a “Word” document so that you can easily test the scanner when you’ve completed your programming.  If you need assistance, contact Legacy for detailed information on the appropriate programming requirements for your particular scanner.

Q2,   Is there a way to make my scanner work without pressing the trigger every time?

A.    Many, but not all, scanners will have this feature - check the manual for bar codes marked “hands-free scanning” or “automatic trigger”.  Or contact Legacy to find out more about the features of your particular scanner.

Q3.     I received my bar code labels, but they are not in order.

A.    Chances are, you have “Codabar” bar codes, which contain a “check digit” as the last character – if you cover the last digit on all of your numbers, you will find that they are, in fact, in sequential order.   

Q4.  How can I tell what kind of bar codes I am using?

A.    The most common symbologies used in libraries is Code 39 or Codabar bar codes.  Code 39 is an alpha-numeric bar code that can be any number of digits, usually 5 to 10 digits long.  The bar codes will always start with a thin bar, a fat white space, another thin bar, then a thin white space.  Most Codabar bar codes are easily recognizable as a 14-digit number, usually starting with “3” for the item number, then a space, a 4-digit library number, and another space, with the remaining 8 digits being the sequential numbers, and the last number is the check digit … 3 1234 00000 001X

Q9.    I need instructions for my portable data collection system.

A.       If you are using the Sunmax 2000, IBS 800 or NovaScan 5000 Portable Data Collection terminals, click on a blue button below to find the detailed, step-by-step instructions that will suit your needs.

             Set up your portable with appropriate parameters to make it work the way you want it to

             Collect inventory 

             Program your portable data collector

Q10.    Help!  I'm doing inventory!

A.      Don't panic!  C lick here to find the detailed, step-by-step instructions to help you through a few common inventory challenges.  Or call us for more information - we'll do our best to see you through!

Q11.    My Symbol LS4278 Wireless Scanner stopped sending information to my computer.

A.      If you hear 4 beeps when you scan a bar code, and no numbers come to the screen on your computer, this indicates that the scanner has lost communication with the base/charger.  Simply scan the bar code on the base (where the head of the scanner rests when charging) to restore the connection.  No other reprogramming should be necessary to continue working.

Q8.    My scanner doesn't properly read my old classic Follett bar codes, so I have to manually enter the numbers.

A.     The Follett classic bar codes were originally produced when Follett was a "proprietary" system (that is, the software, scanners and labels all had a "secret password" to prevent use of other scanners or bar codes with Follett Software) - very frustrating.  Follett has changed its practices in their newer software versions, but those libraries with old labels must still use Follett scanners (which are generally more expensive) or manually enter the numbers if they've purchased an "off the shelf" scanner.  BUT, we've broken the code!  Legacy can help you program your standard HHP IT3800, Symbol LS2208 or LS4278 Wireless and Metrologic MS9520/40 to read your Follett classic labels.  Other scanners may, or may not, be programmable for this application - call us with your details, and we'll see if we can help.