Dataman Barcode "Bar-Key.exe" scanner utility.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For those users who may wish that their bar code scanner could be easily configured to do more than simply read and send the presented bar code we offer our latest release software utility.

Bar-Key is a multi-use program that resides in the background and intercepts all input from the bar code scanner "before" it reaches its intended destination. 

With Bar-Key the user can very easily add Prefix and Suffix data, perform selective Data Field editing and Data substitution to their bar code reader installation. A practical example of the use for Bar-Key's Data substitution feature can be the recognition and interception of superseded stock codes to be upgraded for current replacements, Bar-Key's dynamic nature enables this information to be updated easily. Data substitution can extend to sending control commands for manipulating other software simply by scanning prepared bar codes that for example are encoded "START", "STOP", "FORWARD", etc.  Bar-Key's substitution mode can also be used to post current Time and Date data to the recipient program, ideal for time keeping, manifests and dispatch applications.

Bar-Keys data editing feature can allow selective sections of the bar code data to be discarded or modified before it reaches the destined application.

Bar-Key can be downloaded here on a 45-day trial basis and requires registration after that period if continued use is desired. Subject to review the cost of registration is waived for those users who can demonstrate they have purchased their eligible bar code scanners from Dataman Barcode Systems or their agents, otherwise the charge for registration is modest.

Bar Code readers that are currently compatible with Bar-Key include most Cipher-Labs models, Metrologic Eclipse and equivalents. Other models will be added, as information for those models becomes available (Help with Datalogic appreciated). Bar-Key works with bar code readers interfaced to the computer with USB HID or Keyboard Wedge connections on systems utilising Microsoft Windows XP and above.

Bar-Key version 3.16 Beta released.

Bar-Key upgrade version 3.16 is now available for evaluation.

Additional features include support for more models of bar code readers including Metrologic Eclipse, Voyager, Scantech Sirius S-7030, Nexa CM-500M and the Microvision ROV MS2200.

NEW features include automatic data entry Time & Date recording and Stock Count Mode to allow basic portable bar code readers the ability to collect inventory code with stock quantities. (see example output below).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entering values for stock quantities is accomplished using the bar code key pad numeric entry chart supplied with the Bar-Key program as per example illustrated:-

 

Although mainly intended for use with portable bar code readers like the Cipher 1660-BT and the Nexa CM-500 series, Bar-Key can also be used with tethered scanners like the Cipher 1500 or the Metrologic Eclipse with a Laptop computer to conduct stock taking. 

Bar-Key's data entry Time & Date reporting feature can be used with the portable Nexa CM-500 series or a hands free bar code reader like the Cipher Labs 1500, Scantech Sirius S-7030 or Metrologic Fusion to implement a functional low cost custom Time and Attendance reporting system. Sample outputs using Notepad and Excel are shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bar-Key's allocation recording feature can be used with a variety of bar code readers like the Cipher Labs 1500, Cipher Labs 1660 BT, Microvision ROV MS2200, ProScan SD-500 etc to implement a functional asset allocation/tracking recording system.

Sample outputs using Notepad and Excel are shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bar-Key special support for 10 digit ISBN's.

The International Standard Book Number, or ISBN is a unique numeric commercial book identifier. Since January 1st 2007 all ISBN's have contained 13 digits, a format that is compatible with Bookland EAN-13.

Prior to this period the ISBN was represented by 10 digits consisting of a 9 digit SBN code and a unique modulo 11 checksum number. Partly because of a pending shortage in certain ISBN categories the International Organisation for Standards (ISO) began migrating to a 13 digit ISBN in 2005 that was concluded on the 1st Jan 2007.

Also prior to the 1st Jan 2007 bar code readers with the appropriate features were preset to internally convert the 13 digit Bookland EAN-13 bar code commonly printed on commercial books to the 10 digit ISBN. Since 1st Jan 2007 bar code readers are now frequently set to pass the 13 digit Bookland EAN-13 number to the computer without conversion because the 13 digit Bookland EAN-13 number and the 13 digit ISBN are identical.

Despite this change to 13 digit ISBN's many operators of bar code scanners are still using 10 digit ISBN's and are requesting facilities to easily change back and forth from 10 digit ISBN's to 13 digit ISBN's.

Bar-Key incorporates a feature that allows the user to easily swap from 10 digit ISBN's to 13 digit ISBN's at the click of the mouse button.  

 Bar-Key Version 3.16 Beta by Dataman. 

Bar-Key is Copyright Dataman Barcode Systems 2009 - 2010 All rights reserved. 

 

The Bookmark Project

Developed in South Australia by experienced teacher-librarians and educators for use by students and teachers, the Bookmark Library Automation System    is a library automation system for use in smaller schools and none-school libraries with small to medium size collections.

The ability for users to do remote loans and returns with a portable bar code reader (eg: Cipher 1166/1266 wireless bar code reader) is part of the WinCirc addon module. There are different ways that the WinCirc system allows for this:
 
1. There is a special program called Offline.exe which can be installed on a laptop, network, etc. This simply collects barcode labels into a file. It also helps users step through the correct process.
 
2. Users can scan labels into a text file, provided they do this in the correct sequence as detailed in the WinCirc manual. WinCirc can then import and process this file.
 
3. Users can download labels from a portable reader and have these processed.

For further details on this contact the Bookmark Help Desk directly.

 

ResourceMate® 3.0 Plus

The ResourceMate® 3.0 Plus library automation system is ideal for small - to medium - sized libraries such as churches and synagogues, schools and academies, as well as professional offices and corporations. ResourceMate® is targeted at value. It's functional and powerful enough for libraries with tens of thousands of items, yet affordable for smaller collections that seek outstanding features.

ResourceMate® 3.0 Plus incorporates full bar code control  and offers full cataloging, searching, and circulating features, with incredible time and money-saving tools!

For full details click here to contact ResourceMate® directly. 

 

Amlib Library Management System 

Amlib has been designed utilising state of the art n-Tier architecture technology, to meet the information management requirements of libraries both now and in the future. Amlib is available for a range of operating systems, and features robust and secure management of an organisation's information.

Amlib's unique parameter framework enables your library to easily tailor the appearance and operation of Amlib. Importantly, customisation parameters are easily configured by libraries using the Amlib Supervisor module.

Parameters across the entire system allow libraries to choose which functions to implement and customise to suit their operational requirements. Examples of Amlib parameters that are easily customised are: screen layouts, security roles, barcode check digits, marc tags, circulation sound events, and layout of notices.

The Amlib Web Client and OPAC offers the ability to extensively customise each screen with your own text, colours, logos, and help messages, as well as operating with different system language sets simultaneously.

For full details click here to contact Amlib directly.

 

Using the ROV MS2200 "TimeStamp" Feature

ROV-Time Wedge is a software utility program specifically designed for use with the Microvision ROV™ MS2200BT and ROV™ MS2200 portable bar code scanners. The program's principle function is to act as a software support and enhancement tool to aid other application programs that may be conducting asset collection, time and attendance or other similar functions. ROV-Time Wedge can also be used independently to collect, display and store time and date recordings.

Full advantage is taken of the ROV scanner's inbuilt "TimeStamp" feature to record and append time and date fields to preceding data fields. When the ROV-Time Wedge program detects selective bar code data it can automatically append user designated control commands to the data or modify the data to provide enhanced information for the user's recipient application. The diversity of recipient application programs can range from comprehensive Production Line Time and Motion studies to fundamental Time and Attendance modules.

The ROV-Time-Wedge.Help file contains examples on how the TimeStamp feature is used.

It is a requirement for the standard ROV scanner to be interfaced to the host computer using the Microvision direct RS232 or USB VCOM Wedge method, the ROV™ MS2200 is normally supplied with the Microvision direct RS232 cable as an all inclusive package.

ROV-Time Wedge by Dataman is CopyRight 2008 - 2009 All rights reserved.

 

Bar Code Reader Interface Options

Modern bar code readers are normally available with one of three "output options" - either "Keyboard Wedge" output, RS232 serial output or USB HID output. The question is "Which Bar Code Reader Interface is right for my application"?

Many users are experiencing difficulties interfacing their old keyboard wedge style bar code readers with their NEW computers??

In recent times many NEW computers are being supplied with USB or wireless keyboards, in some cases the supplied computers only have USB slots available. In these cases it may not be possible to make the old bar code reader work with the new computer.

While devices do exist that convert keyboard signals to USB these conversion devices may still not satisfactorily solve the problem, this is because in many cases the keyboard wedge style bar code reader still expects to have an old style keyboard connected to its spare socket. Without the keyboard attached the bar code reader simply does not send the data to the computer.

In cases where you may be having these types of difficulties please contact our technical staff for advice and assistance.

 

What is a CCD Bar Code Reader?

The term CCD is an acronym for Charge Coupled Device. Bar code readers that employ this methodology to read the bar code image are known as CCD scanners/readers. CCD based bar code readers are   ideal for use in offices and libraries,     they provide a lower cost solution than alternative scanning technologies.

 

What is a Laser Bar Code Reader?

The use of  a Laser Beam  mechanism within the bar code reader is an alternative methodology to read the bar code image. Bar code readers that use lasers  are  well suited to read high density bar codes and often perform better in high ambient light conditions than their CCD counterparts.

 

What is a Hands Free Bar Code Reader?

A "Hands Free" bar code reader is the term given when the bar code reader can be operated without the need to physically hold the bar code hand piece. Hands free bar code readers are normally supplied with a stand or holder that allows the unit to be self supporting, the bar code reader will incorporate a bar code auto detection feature that automatically triggers a read when a bar code is placed under or within proximity of the bar code reader. The term "Hands Free" must not be confused with cordless or wireless, hands free bar code readers are still most likely to be tethered to the computer with an interface cable.

 

What is an Omnidirectional Bar Code Reader?

An Omnidirectional Bar code reader uses a special version of oscillating Laser Beam mechanism that rapidly sweeps the beam in a rotational tumbling pattern, this creates a reading field that takes into account the various possible orientations of the bar code image. 

As a result of this action the operator is no longer required to align the bar code to the scanner because the beam will automatically cross the bar code at some point, thus allowing the operator to quickly pass the bar code beneath the scanner and achieve a faster throughput.

What is Adobe PDF?

Adobe Portable Document Format  (PDF) lets you capture and view robust information - from any application, on any computer system - and share it with anyone around the world.     

 

What is Long or Extended Distance Scanning??.

This terminology as applicable to CCD bar code readers should NOT be confused with wireless or bluetooth remote scanning.

Many users of bar code readers would be familiar with the use and behavior of low cost basic CCD scanners, depending upon the resolution of the bar code being scanned these units need to be held within 0 - 2 Cm from the bar code to enable the reader to decode the bar code. The reason this depth of field of 0 - 2 Cm is relatively small is because the optics employed in these basic bar code readers is simple and uncomplicated.

In the real world however it is not always possible to position the bar code reader so close to the bar code. For this reason CCD bar code reader manufacturers have employed more sophisticated optics to increase the reading depth of field and in doing so have enabled the bar code reader to be able to scan a bar code between a distance of 5 - 15 Cm, this is known as Long Range or Extended Distance Scanning. 

Users of long range or extended distance scanners sometimes misunderstand the operational requirements of these bar code readers and attempt to read bar codes by positioning the bar code reader much too close to the bar code and in doing so incorrectly assume the unit is malfunctioning because it appears to not read the bar code.

The correct manner of operating an extended distance bar code reader is to hold the unit at a distance about 15 Cm away from and at an angle of approx 15 - 20 degrees from the vertical of the bar code being scanned, press the trigger and smoothly bring the scanner in towards the bar code until a good read signal is achieved. Once this technique is understood it usually becomes second nature to the operator and satisfactory scanning can be undertaken very quickly.

 

What is ISBN ?

The ISBN (International Standard Book Number)   is a unique machine-readable identification number, which marks any book unmistakably. As of 1 January 2007 all book and book-related products must carry 13-digit ISBNs. What will be happening with ISBNs?

ISBN-13 Calculator & Bookland EAN-13 image generator    

Unfortunately despite requests from users it is not possible to set any bar code reader to automatically discern which ISBN mode (10 digit or 13 digit) is required, it is only possible to set the unit to operate in one mode or the other.

For those users of the Cipher Labs range of bar code readers (Model 1021 excluded) who need to constantly swap the setting of their bar code reader from ISBN-10 mode to ISBN-13 mode can use the downloadable program chart below to make this task as easy as possible.

Cipher Lab ISBN-10/ISBN-13 program chart

 

Installing Cipher 1166/1266-Lite with USB Dongle.

The Cipher 1166 and 1266 Bluetooth wireless scanners are available with a USB Dongle instead of the more costly model 3666 cradle with inbuilt radio combination. USB Dongle driver installation and USB serial to keyboard software configuration instructions can be downloaded here along with the required Cipher SerialToKeyboard.Exe software utility.

Cipher 1166/1266-Lite with USB Dongle Installation






Cipher SerialToKeyboard program

 

Cipher 1067M Portable Operating Instructions.

The Cipher Labs model 1067M was an extremely successful portable bar code reader model that unfortunately is now no longer made. The reason given by the manufacturer for ceasing production was due to the termination of supply of certain critical components used in the 1067M's construction.   

In the past many library managers purchased this unit and it is still widely used for stocktaking purposes, at the time of purchase Dataman Barcode Systems supplied their customers with purpose written operating instructions. 

Over time these instructions have often become misplaced and it is at the request of our many customers we have made these instructions available as a .PDF download, you will need a printer (preferably a laser) to produce the bar code control chart.

Dataman Operating Instructions Cipher 1067M portable.