Barcodes & Scanners
What is a barcode?
A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data. Originally
barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacings of
parallel lines, referred to as linear or one-dimensional (1D) barcodes.
Later they evolved into rectangles, dots, hexagons and other
geometric patterns in two dimensional (2D) barcodes. Barcodes
originally were scanned by special optical scanners called barcode
readers.
Now barcode scanning is available on devices including desktop
printers and smartphones.
Barcode FAQs
 Barcode Symbologies are specific barcode types that were made
to meet specific standards, and have their own rules for
formatting data.
 Printer model does not matter, a printer will print whatever is sent
to it, barcodes included. It is the software that creates the
barcode. Labelmark, Markware and Codesoft all have the ability
to create barcodes. Codesoft has the largest variety of barcode
symbologies. Labelmark 5 has only one 2D barcode - Data
Matrix. Labelmark 6 has two: Data Matrix and QR Code.
Markware does not have any 2D barcodes yet, it will only create
linear barcodes such as Code 39 and Code 128.
 Quiet Space / Dead Zone: barcodes need to have some blank
space all around them so the scanner can easily see where the
barcode starts and stops.
Barcode FAQs
 Check Digit: a single digit mathematically computed using all the
characters in the barcode data, then added to the end of the data.
It is used for error detection. If part of the barcode is damaged
and the data read by the scanner does not “equal” the check digit,
the scanner will let you know it is a bad code by the sound it
makes or with an error message on the screen. Some barcode
symbologies let you turn check digits on or off. Users sometimes
express concern when they see an extra character was added to
their data. But it is only used by the scanner to validate the data,
it will not be entered as part of the actual data.
 Some government agencies require certain products to contain
specific data in a specific format using specific barcode
symbologies. For example: UID = Datamatrix Barcodes for any
item purchased by the military and UDI = Code 128 or GS1
Datamatrix for medical devices per the FDA (Food & Drug
Administration).
Barcode FAQs
 Code 39 = Code 3 of 9
 Only accepts data consisting of A-Z & 09
 For lower case letters & /-#$%, use Code 39 Full ASCII
 Has * start & stop characters that appear before and after the
human readable data, which can be turned off in Codesoft.
 Code 128
 Usually slightly more narrow than Code 39
 2D Barcodes – much more data in smaller area
 Datamatrix, PDF 417 & Micro PDF 417 most common
 Used heavily in DoD & Laboratory applications
 Scanner must be 2D barcode capable, usually are now
 QR Codes – able to scan & autolaunch specifit websites
 In Bradysoft & Codesoft – change Model from 1 to 2
http://www.qualityserviceandsupport.com/brady/article/5958
Scanning as Data Input
Scanners act as input devices. They are equivalent to keyboard
entry. Scanned data uploads into the PC’s currently active
window – Notepad, Excel cells, emails, Form / When Printed
(prompt) variables in Codesoft software, fields in Labelmark, etc.
Modes available in the CR3500 model scanner
 Store / Batch: Scanned data, whether working while cabled or
wirelessly via Blue Tooth radio, is stored in the scanner’s
memory until uploaded to a PC.
 Send: Whether working while cabled or wirelessly, data is
automatically sent to the PC as the data is being scanned.
Brady Softwares’ Barcoding Capabilities
Labelmark 5:
-Code 39
-Code 93
-Code 128
-HIBC
-DataMatrix
-
Code 39 Full ASCII
Code 93 Full ASCII
UPC-A
UPC-E
Interleaved 2 of 5
Labelmark 6:
All that Labelmark 5 has above, plus QR Code
Markware:
Codabar, EAN, Code 39, HIBC, Interleaved 2 of 5, UPC-A, UPC-E
Codesoft:
Very extensive barcode library, including all the above and more
Programming Codes
The scanners’ manuals have an appendix (C) with a list of
Programming Codes. These codes are Data Matrix barcodes,
that when scanned, program the scanner itself, adding or
changing it’s functionality. Common programming codes are:
 Turning features On that by default are turned Off
 Code 39 Full ASCII, QR Codes
 Inverse Barcodes (“Reverse Print”)
 Adding Prefixes and Suffixes (Suffixes are much more common)
 Tab, Carriage Return, Comma
 Custom Programming done by Code Corp
 Code Corp can create custom barcodes to program the scanners
to do specific things, such as knowing how to process embedded
ASCII Codes: http://www.qualityserviceandsupport.com/brady/article/4989
Bluetooth Wireless Connections
The Bluetooth modems we sell have a QuickConnect barcode on
them that you scan one time to connect a specific scanner to a
specific modem. Whatever computer that modem is attached to
(USB or PS2), that is the PC to which the scanner will send data to
wirelessly.
See the CR3500 Wireless Quickstart guide
Scanners offered by Brady
 CR900FD: Starts at $199
 Reads linear barcodes and can be upgraded to read 2D barcodes
with purchase of a 2D License Key (several licenses available)
 Can read barcodes reliably off cell phone screens
 CR1400: Starts at $353
 Reads linear & 2D barcodes
 Easy to clean, disinfectant ready housing
 Can read barcodes reliably off cell phone screens
 CR2500: Starts at $643
 Reads linear barcodes and 2D barcodes
 BlueTooth wireless option available
 Disinfectant Ready Housing
Scanners offered by Brady
 CR3500: Faster, better scan rates. Starts at $1014
 Reads linear & 2D barcodes
 BlueTooth wireless option available
 LCD for instant read and verify
 Ability to get custom front end programming
 CR2600: Starts at $825
 Reads linear & 2D barcodes
 Can read barcodes reliably off cell phone screens
ACCESSORIES: Compatibility may depend on scanner model
 Battery Blanks
 Cables
 Battery Chargers
 Handles
 Blue Tooth Modem
 Stands
 LCD Monitor
 Batteries
Warranties & Support
Brady supports the products they sell – providing unrivaled service.
But if it is determined the scanner needs repair, the customer will need
to contact Code Corp directly.
Codecorp.com
801-495-2200
Warranty:
CR900FD, CR1200, CR1400: 5 years
CR2, CR2500, CR2600: 3 years
CR3, CR3500: 2 years
The warranty for accessories such as: CodeXML Modem, battery
chargers, stands, power supplies and the H2 cabled handles will be
covered for the same period as the scanner the accessory is used with.
Batteries have 2 year factory default warranty. Battery capacity is 90 days.