Your scanner has stopped working, what do you do? Panic? Well maybe later but for now we need your attention.

Has the scanner stopped beeping when you scan a barcode?

  If yes go to Step 1,

  If no go to Step 2

If it only scans certain barcodes go to Step 5.

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Firstly make sure it is still connected OK. For a keyboard wedge scanner this means that you must follow the keyboard cable from the keyboard and it should go to the scanner cable or keyboard wedge box. At this point you should be able to see another cable going back to the computer from where you would expect the keyboard to be plugged in. If there is it is probably connected OK. Push home the connectors to make sure. This step is the most common fix for this problem. Some scanners require a separate power supply, if yours has one make sure it is plugged in to the power point, turned on and connected to the scanner cable. A USB connected scanner usually just plugs directly into a USB port. [↑]

Secondly we will now open any word processor/typing package on the computer. All Windows computers have Notepad which is under Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Notepad. We find this to be the best area to test. When you scan the Barcode, its number, or letters and numbers, will be displayed on the screen if all is well. This method of testing allows you to check the scanner without worrying about changing the data in your application software eg POS or accounting system. Do not be afraid to scan as many barcodes as you want here as it should do no harm. If this did not work check whether your keyboard works. If your Keyboard does not work, then unplug it from the scanners wedge cable and plug it directly into the computer and test. If the keyboard still does not work now then try another keyboard or get your computer support people to check the keyboard port on your computer.

Is the Red Light (scanning beam) coming on? If so go to Step 3, if otherwise, go back to Step 1 and double check. [↑]



We are going to make doubly sure it is still connected OK. For a keyboard wedge scanner this means that you must follow the keyboard cable from the keyboard and it should go to the scanner cable or keyboard wedge box. At this point you should be able to see another cable going back to the computer from where you would expect the keyboard to be plugged in. If there is it is probably connected OK. Push home the connectors to make sure. If you have a USB scanner then it's cable with just go back to the USB connector on the computer.

If you have another scanner swap it over and see if the fault stays with the scanner or with the computer. If you think it is the scanner swap it back again just to make sure. [↑]

Try to find the Users Manual which should have come with the scanner. In this book try to find a barcode which says something like "Default Settings", "Reset", "Master Default" . You may also have to find a barcode which says "Start of Config", "Start" and also "End of Config", "End". The scanner should always beep when it reads a barcode so if it will not scan the default or start barcodes then it needs to be sent back for repair. If your scanner has the red light on all the time normally then you will need to use the trigger once you start the configuration. The sequence you will need to scan will be something like Start Config, Reset, End Config. Some scanners only require the Reset Barcode to be scanned.

Once this is completed we will now open any word processor/typing package on the computer. All Windows computers have Notepad which is under Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Notepad. We find this to be the best area to test.

When you scan the Barcode, it’s number, or letters and numbers, will be displayed on the screen if all is well. This method of testing allows you to check the scanner without worrying about changing the data in your application software. Do not be afraid to scan as many barcodes as you want here as it should do no harm. If this did not work, check whether your keyboard works. If your Keyboard does not work, then unplug it from the scanners wedge cable and plug it directly into the computer and test. If the keyboard still does not work now then try another keyboard or get your computer support people to check the keyboard port on your computer. [↑]

My Barcode doesn't scan. This could be the reader or it could be the barcode itself. You should check that the barcode is not printed too densely and that there is sufficient "Quiet Zones" (explained at the beginning of the tutorial). Remember a barcode reader is an optical device. If you cannot see it clearly yourself then chances are the barcode scanner cannot also. Make sure you test your barcode reader on a known good barcode first to make sure it is not the reader. Defaulting the reader may also fix this problem (Step 3) if it is reader related. [↑]



At this stage you may feel like throwing the scanner in the bin, but it may be worth saving.

If all else fails! You can always send it to us, we will have a look at it and give you a quote. If we believe it is not economical to repair we do not charge a quote fee. [↑]

If you would like to purchase a barcode reader, barcode fonts, printing software etc just call 1800 242 548 or email sales and we will discuss your needs with you. [↑]

If you need further help, would like to be advised of future tutorials, or have a tutorial suggestion just email us.

This tutorial is copyright Gripon Mobile Solutions Pty Ltd. You are free to distribute this or publish this to others provided it is distributed without changes and complete. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, no warranty whether implied or stated is given as to the information's accuracy or suitability. As we are not aware of your exact situation the content is used at your own risk entirely. [↑]

Ces Luscombe has worked in the Barcode and POS industry since 1995. Ces is the founder of The Barcode Approach (later to become Gripon Mobile Solutions) and is also the founder of Grabba International Pty Ltd. Grabba International was formed as a result of a spinoff from Gripon Mobile Solutions Pty Ltd after the successful worldwide launch of the Grabba PDA Data Capture attachments in San Jose, California in 2002. [↑]

Gripon Mobile Solutions is one of the leading suppliers of barcode and POS equipment in Australia. As a leading distributor/supplier for the major brands in the industry Gripon Mobile Solutions can help you with any hardware requirements. Gripon Mobile Solutions also has specialists in the Mobile Data Capture and Communications areas. For information on products or advice on suitability contact us on 1800 242548. [↑]