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(This feature is available in BCSS Deluxe, Diamond and Virtual.)

Bar-Code Scanners: POS-X Scanners | Test Print | Test with BCSS | Troubleshoot | Unitech MS210 | Wireless

Free POS-X Barcode Scanner Support: 360-738-8433, or chat or complete a service request at http://www.pos-x.com/request.aspx.

BCSS is compatible with most scanners and has been tested with POS-X Scanners and the Unitech MS210 Bar Code Reader.

Generally scanners can be used 'out of the box' like keyboards - plug them into a USB (Uniform Serial Bus) port and Windows will recognize the new hardware.

Scanners are shipped with a manual which explains how to configure the scanners: POS-X Manual | Unitech MS210 Manual

If you haven't used a scanner before, or if the scanner is not working, please read the manual before calling support (360-738-8433).

Scanner Settings

Primarily BCSS reads 11-digit (UPC-A) bar codes (and can read 7-digit (UPC-E). When setting up the scanner, scan these bar codes for UPC-E or UPC-A:

     

Some bar codes may have 12 digits with the 12th digit being a 'check digit'. BCSS treats 12-digit codes as 'invalid' so when setting up the scanner, put the scanner in Program Mode and scan this code to 'turn the check digit off' or 'cut check digit':

 

Test Any Scanner Prior to Use with BCSS:

  1. Open NotePad. (Click on Start, Run, enter notepad, click OK.)
  2. Scan a bar code that was printed using BCSS.
  3. The bar code should appear in NotePad.
  4. The bar code should be 11 digits.
  5. The cursor should be on the next line.

If the bar code does not appear in Notepad, try another cable, another USB port and/or try another bar code. See the scanner manual for scanner setup and configuration. If there's still a problem, contact the provider of the scanner. It's possible that the scanner is defective.

Test the Scanner with BCSS:

  1. In BCSS, press F6 for New Sale.
  2. On the Sales Invoice, click in the Bar-Code Box (upper right).

  3. Scan a bar code.

The bar code should appear in the bar-code box and the item scanned should appear as a line entry.

If the scan did not work, open Notepad and scan the item again. If the bar code appears in Notepad, the scanner is working. (See Troubleshooting.)

POS-X Bar-Code Scanners

BCSS Deluxe, Diamond and Virtual read and write bar codes. Intro does not.

Price, item number and item description are printed on sheets of labels, hang tags (or on thermal labels using Diamond or Virtual). Bar codes, date in, the discount schedule and disposal codes are optional.

Please refer to the User's Guide included with the scanner for setup and configuration. When the scanner is plugged into a USB port, Windows should recognize that new hardware has been added and prompt you for action.

The scanner should 'work out of the box'. To test the scanner, open a new Notepad or WordPad blank document and scan any bar code. The bar code should appear in the blank document. If it does not, refer to the manual for proper setup and troubleshooting.

Scanners are used with BCSS at POS to auto enter items on the New-Sale Invoice. See 2 Ways to Enter a Bar Code in BCSS.

 

VLINE Barcode Scanner ($99)

The VLINE is an inexpensive tethered scanner which connects to the PC with a 6.5' USB cable. It has a 4-inch read range, 4.7" read width and can read 200 bar codes per second. It reads all popular bar-code symbologies. This scanner is included in BCSS Specials. 3-Yr Warranty (Brochure) (Configuration Utility) (Warranty) (Support/Repair Requests)
 

XI3200 Barcode Scanner ($149, Hand-Free Stand $20)

The XI3200 is a shock-resistant tethered scanner with a reading distance of up to 14 inches. The hands-free stand is almost a must at POS. Also included are the configuration software, a manual and USB cable. This scanner is available as an upgrade in BCSS Special Offers for $56. Ships with 5-Yr Warranty, User's Guide and Interface Cable. (Brochure) (Configuration Utility) (Manual) (Warranty) (Support/Repair Requests)
 

XI3200BT Bluetooth Wireless Scanner ($492)

The XI3200BT Bluetooth scanner is wireless with a range up to 328 feet and a reading distance up to 14 inches. It is shatter resistant. The scanner is rechargeable with a battery life up to 50,000 scans. This scanner is available as an upgrade in the BCSS Special Offers for $399. Please note that Bluetooth USB dongle (adapter) may be required. Ships with 3-Yr Warranty, User's Guide, Connection Guide, Bluetooth Charging Base, Interface Cable, AC Power Supply and Driver Disk (Brochure) (Configuration Utility) (Manual) (Warranty) (Support/Repair Requests)

These scanners are compatible with BCSS. They were chosen for their reliability (3-5 Year Warranties) and affordability. Each scanner is shipped with a users guide and (cable and power supply where applicable). Shipping is free in the lower 48 states and Canada. Additional shipping charges only apply outside the U.S. and to 'remote locations'.

FAQ - Troubleshooting Bar-Code Scanners

The primary reasons for scanner inoperability are:

  1. Incorrect Interface Connection: POS-X scanners connect via the USB port and are shipped with USB cables. No other connection should be attempted.
  2. Incorrect Configuration Setup: BCSS reads 11-digit bar codes (primarily). Count the number of digits in the bar code. If it is 12, configure the scanner to cut (drop, not read) the 12th digit by scanning the 'No Send' bar code above (or refer to page 46 of the POS-X manual).
  3. Poor Bar-Code Quality: Older printers and some inkjet or bubblejet printers may not produce enough clarity in the actual bar code to make them readable. LaserJet printers are better, as are Hewlett-Packard models. AllinOne printers might also produce inferior label quality.

Scanner enters lead character @c

Please see Scanner Settings (above) on how to configure scanners by scanning factory-provided bar codes.

Bar coding doesn't work.

In the newest version of BCSS, barcodes are assigned automatically, making it unnecessary to manually assign barcodes. Regardless, 'Assign Barcodes' remains on the Main Menu under Inventory.

For versions prior to 5.1.5544:

After inventory items are entered, bar codes must be assigned to those items. On the Main Menu, select Inventory then 'Assign Bar Codes' after entering new inventory items, or, in the Inventory Work Area, on the right, click on the Assign-Bar-Codes button:

Also, BCSS must know which printer will print labels. In BCSS, on the Main Menu, click on File then Program Setup. Under Printers, to the right of Print Documents (which includes sheets of labels), select your Document Printer (typically a standard laser/ink/bubblejet printer) and click Save/Exit. Test the printer with another program to make sure the printer is working, then attempt to print labels in BCSS on plain white paper first.

If the scanner reads an existing barcode (not printed by BCSS) but cannot read a BCSS-assigned code, the printer may be the issue.

Finally, sheet labels may be printed with or without bar codes. (In Program Setup, Printers, uncheck 'Check this box to include bar codes on appropriate price tag widths') to exclude bar codes from labels.

For version 5.1.5544 and newer, the program automatically assigns barcodes as items are entered.

Bar codes are duplicated | Scanning brings up wrong item | Codes not read by scanner

Procedure:

  1. On the Main Menu select Inventory.
  2. Click 'Remove Duplicate Bar Codes'. A window will open with a list of items with new bar codes.
  3. The Bar-Code Layout Window will open. Make settings for margins and/or row spacing if necessary.
  4. Labels for the newly-assigned codes will be auto-printed when the window is closed.
  5. If there are only a few bar codes, remove all of them, reassign codes and try scanning again.

Bar codes print in mirror image.

This is usually caused by having too many printer drivers installed. Go to Control Panel, Printers and remove any drivers for printers that are not being used. It is best to have only one document printer and one receipt printer.

Intuit's driver for QuickBooks has been known to cause problems.

Print another document to assure that the printer is working properly.

Can BCSS recognize existing bar codes from a previous business?

Yes. Enter the existing bar code number while entering inventory. BCSS accepts 7-digit and 11-digit bar codes. The scanner may need to be configured to 'cut' the 12th digit from a 12-digit bar code. (See Scanner Settings.)

I don't have an installation CD. Where can I find the drivers?

Scanners do not require drivers. The POS-X Scanner Configuration Manager can be download from http://www.pos-x.com/downloads/XI3200-SCM.exe.

It includes:

These settings can also be accessed in Control Panel > Devices and Printers (XP: Control Panel > Printers and Other Hardware > Scanners and Cameras). Right click on the scanner and select Properties. Click on tabs to access various screens.

Why won't my scanner read some barcodes?

The barcode symbologies might need to be enabled. By default Codabar, MSI, and Code11 are not enabled. Bar codes must also be clearly printed. They can't be faded, torn or crumpled.

Why do I see an “M”, “A”, or “K” in front of all my scans?

Those are Code IDs. For POS-X: In the manual see page 30, Group 14, Codabar. For the MS210: Scan the NO barcode of Code ID on page A.2.

How do I use a PS2 scanner with my USB computer?

Use a PS2-to-USB converter - Part #: PW201-3 PS/2 to USB Converter

What is the maximum length for a USB cable?

A single cable can be 5 meters. Cascading 5-meter cables between USB hubs can achieve a maximum distance of 30 meters.

Unitech's MS210 Hand-Held Scanner - Part number: 1550-600709

Prior to 2010 BCSS recommended the MS210 scanner. Primary reasons for switching to POS-X are fast delivery, all hardware from one source, 2-day free replacement and a direct line to POS-X hardware support (360-738-8433).

Email Support (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. (Instructions) For phone and remote PC help, contact: Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email, or Computer Mechanics, 800-448-1436 (MI), email.