 I've
connected my WDR to my PC but when I scan, I don't see
any data come up on the PC screen.
The
serial interface readers, unlike the keyboard interface
readers, require that you have software loaded that
looks to your serial port for data. Our PortKey software does this, and other third-party vendors will
sometimes include software that works in a similar fashion.
If your reader is scanning but you aren't seeing any
data, first confirm that you have the appropriate software
loaded and running. Make sure that the software is configured
to look at the COM port you have the WDR attached to
(COM1, COM2 etc.). Also insure that the baud rate, parity, data bits and stop bits setting
match in the software and on the reader. If you don't
have appropriate software, contact us or your VAR to
either get the correct software or, perhaps look at
other interface options.
If you have the appropriate software and you think the
reader configuration is correct, check and make sure
you are using the correct cable for your PC connection.
We supply cables for both 9 and 25 pin COM port connections.
If you use an adaptor for your cable (not recommended)
make sure it is a null-modem adaptor.
Another
very common failure for this system happens if you have
other software already looking to the COM port you've
connected to for information (i.e. modem software or
mouse drivers). This software conflict can usually be
resolved by connecting to another free COM port, or
by simply unloading the conflicting software.
I'm
using my WDR with a dumb terminal but, when it is connected,
the terminal keyboard doesn't seem to work.
If
this is a new installation, you likely have the cables
connected incorrectly. Our cables are 'straight through'
so make sure you are not using any adaptors or null-modem
connections. If your reader had been installed and working
for some time, and this problem has occurred suddenly
(especially after an electrical storm or other power
problem) the serial driver chip on the reader may have
been damaged. Contact us immediately to confirm the
problem, and you can order a replacement chip if needed.
I've
used my WDR reader with a terminal, but I'd like to
use it with my PC now. Can I do this?
If
you have a free serial port on your system, you can
order a PC serial cable, and a copy of our PortKey
software. We carry cables for both 9 and 25 pin serial
COM ports and the PortKey software will take the
data from the reader and convert it into keyboard
equivalent data. This conversion will allows your
serial reader to work like a standard keyboard wedge
type reader without having to purchase a new decoder.
I've
daisy-chained a number of WDRs and am polling them each
in turn, but I can't seem to get consistent data back.
The
process of polling and response from a reader takes
a very small but finite amount of time. When you
poll a reader, you need to give it enough time to
respond fully before polling the next reader in your
chain. If you are using our PortKey program to poll
the readers, increase the polling cycle and interpoll
delay settings slightly. If you are using your own
software, put a slight delay routine between the
poll and the point where you listened for data, and
another small delay before polling the next reader.
I'm
polling a reader, but I don't get any data back from
it.
Polling
requires that each reader be configured with an individual
ID and appropriate terminator. Using the WDR Setup
Menu, make sure you've set the Protocol to Polled,
that you have matched the baud rate, parity, data
bits and stop bits settings in your reader with your
current PC settings, that you have set a unique ID
character, and that you have your terminator character
setting set to CR/LF.
When
I read a bar code, the LED on the front of the decoder
box goes red, and I can't seem to scan any more bar
codes.
More
than likely, your reader is configured for polling. Polling protocol allows the reader to scan once,
then holds that scan in memory until the reader is
polled by the host. If the reader never receives a
poll, the data stays in memory and you are locked out
from further scanning. If you are polling, make sure
your host software and the reader are configured properly
per your original installation instructions. If you
are not polling, cycle the power on the reader and
then use the WDR Setup
Menu to change the Protocol setting to None,
and try your scans again.
How
far away from the PC can I place my WDR?
Maximum
connection distance for RS-232 connections is about
100'.
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