Adjusting the Paper Roll Near-end Sensor Location on the Epson TM88 printer.
 
The remaining detectable amount of paper on the paper roll varies with the inside and outside diameters of the paper core. The minimum detectable amount of paper on the paper roll can be set using the following method:
 
1. The inside diameter of the paper spool should be 12mm (.47") and the outside diameter of the paper spool should be 18mm (.71"). Specified thermal paper should be used.
2. Loosen the adjusting screw that holds the paper near-end sensor and set the top of the positioning plate to the top of the positioning plate to the appropriate adjustment value and tighten the adjusting screw.
Adjust the positioning plate to the #1 if the outside diameter of a paper roll to be used is 18mm.
Adjust the positioning plate to the #2 if the outside diameter of a paper roll to be used is more than 18mm.
 
Adjustment Positions
Adjustment Position Number Specified Thermal Paper Dimension of A
#1 Approximately 23mm (0.97")
#2 Approximately 27mm (1.06")
 
Near-end Adjusting Position
Notes:
1. Since dimension A in the table is a calculated value, there may be some variations depending on the printer
2. Be sure that the adjustable slider operates smoothly after you finish the adjustment

Scanning Physics and Terminology

Yes, it's a science. Put simply, a scanning device simply emits a bright light and reads what is reflected back to it. The black lines of a barcode reflect less light, and more light is reflected by the white spaces. The "decoder" then figures out that it is a barcode, what symbology it is (more on "symbology" later), and what information is in that barcode.

Aggressive: the relative ability of the scanner to read a barcode on the first attempt.
 
Depth of Field: the distance from the front of the scanner to the barcode.
 
Mil: The width of the narrowest bar in a barcode, measured in 1/1000ths of an inch. The width of the narrowest bar of a 15 mil barcode is 15/1000ths of an inch. This is also sometimes referred to as the "X dimension." With respect to scanners, the overall height or width of a barcode is not necessarily important, but the "mil" is vitally important.
 
Scanning Methods
 
Wand: Perhaps the least expensive way to scan a barcode, the wand is a pen-like device that must be in contact with the barcode. It also must be held at a certain angle, and be passed over the barcode at a consistent speed (neither too fast nor too slow). Wands present a variety of challenges that make them most useful when price is the most important factor.
 
CCD: A CCD is a scanning "gun" that, floods the barcode with light, then reads what's reflected back to it. It's more expensive than the wand, but is also more efficient and easy to use. It can only read barcodes from a close distance (less than 6" in most cases) and can only read barcodes that are no wider than the scanner itself. However, CCD's have the reputation of being highly reliable. They're great for light-to-medium retail and out-of-doors applications where sunlight makes it difficult for the scanner to"see" what is being scanned.
 
Laser: Though laser scanners are more expensive than wands and CCDs, they are the laser scanners most versatile (see "Laser Scan Engines" below) and aggressive tools for scanning barcodes. A laser beam is emitted from the scanner that either reads left-to-right and right-to-left, or vice versa.
 
Imager: It is not possible for a wand, CCD, or laser scanner to read a matrix code (see "2D Symbologies" below). Enter the imager. These devices can not only read matrix codes, but also1D and other 2D Symbologies. And imagers can be used in the creation of ID cards that require a picture of the person.
 
Laser Scan Engines
 
It's not possible for one scanner to be all things to every customer. Because of this, there are scanners that are designed to be used in very specific applications. Before you ask for a scanner, you must first know the symbology of the barcode and the mil of that barcode (if applicable).
 
Standard: If there were a scanner that attempts to be all things to everybody, this would be it. It would likely read 1D barcodes that are between 5 and 20 mils.
 
High Density: High density scanners are used for reading small, dense barcodes, such as those typically found on jewelry tags. This type of scanner might, for example, read down to a 2-mil barcode and up to a 7-mil barcode.
 
High Visibility: Remember that a scanner reads what is reflected back to it. However, if the scanner were being used in a very bright environment, the light that would normally be reflected back would be "washed out" by the ambient light, such as sunlight. So a high visibility scanner has a brighter beam of light to overcome this problem.
 
Long Range: In a warehouse environment, it is sometimes necessary to read a barcode from a long way away - such as 40 feet! Long Range scanners will typically have an "aiming beam," which is a bright dot to assist the user in locating the specific barcode that the user wishes to scan. To be able to read a barcode from 40 feet away, the barcode should be very large and printed on material (called "retroreflective") that can reflect, rather than absorb, a lot of light.
 
Omni-directional: All of the above scanners require the barcode to be turned in a specific direction because they only emit a single line. An Omni-directional scanner emits a pattern of several lines. Think about a visit to the grocery store. Can you imagine how slow it would be if the cashier had to make sure that every barcode was turned in a specific direction? Where Omni-directional scanners are being used, the user can have a bottle standing up, or lying on its side, or at an angle as the bottle is presented to the scanner. It doesn't matter which way the barcode is positioned.
 
2D Scanners These are not to be confused with Imagers. 2D laser scanners "raster," which means they scan left to right, right to left, and up and down. Typically, they will only read PDF417 and 1D Symbologies. These scanners also are generally more expensive than conventional 1D scanners.
 
1D Barcode Symbologies 1D - one dimensional These are symbologies that only include vertical lines and spaces. There are more symbologies than are listed here, but these are some of the most common.
 
UPC
UPC is a 12-digit symbology that is used in retail applications.
 
UPC- A
UPC-A is what you normally would see, for example, on a box of cereal. This numeric-only barcode is basically broken up into 3 parts. The first character is what is referred to as the System Digit and is a way of identifying the industry to which the product might be associated. The next 5 digits identify the manufacturer. The manufacturer must acquire this number from the Uniform Code Council. The next 5 digits are the manufacturer's way of identifying the product. The last digit, known as the "check digit," is the result of a mathematical calculation using the previous 11 digits.
 
UPC-E
UPC-E, a compressed version of an UPC-A, would be typically seen on a can of soda or pack of gum, where there is not much available space. UPC-E will not have a system digit, and the zeros from the UPC-A will be "suppressed." Therefore, UPC-E can be expanded back into a valid UPC-A code.
 

Supplementals: Two or five-digit supplementals are commonly found on periodicals or publications. A supplemental is a small barcode that is to the right of the UPC-A or -E barcode.
 
EAN
The European Article Numbering system is a European version of UPC. Country codes are used to allow the use of one barcode both internationally and omestically. For example, 00, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, and 09 are assigned to USA and Canada, while 40 - 43 are all used for Germany.
 
EAN-13
EAN-13 is basically an UPC-A with a leading digit, which is usually representative of a country code. Two and five digit supplementals are supported.
 
EAN-8
This is a smaller version of the EAN-13. It also has a two-digit country code, followed by data and a check digit.
 
ISBN (International Standard Book Number):
Also called "Bookland," this symbology is used on books and other publications. Though it is part of the EAN family, there are no country codes used. The ISBN number is simply preceded by "978" or "979." The 5-digit supplemental is simply the price preceded by a "5."
 
Code 39
A Code 39 barcode will always begin and end with the pattern of "narrow-narrow-wide-wide-narrow" bars. Code 39 is probably the most popular symbology other than UPC. It can encode numbers, uppercase letters, and a dash. The "full ASCII" version of Code 39 will additionally encode $, ?, +, and %.
 
Code 128
Code 128 is a unique symbology, which includes "subsets" for encoding different characters. Subset "A" will encode uppercase alphanumeric characters, subset "B" will encode lowercase alphanumeric characters, and subset "C" will only encode numbers. A nice feature of this symbology is that it is possible to have all 3 subsets in a single barcode. By combining all 3 subsets, you could actually produce a barcode that is "Code128."
 
Code 93
Code 93 is an enhanced version of Code 39. Basically, Code 93 will encode every character on a keyboard, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and other symbols.
 
Interleaved 2 of 5
"I 2 of 5" is a numeric only symbology that must contain an even number of digits. It is actually possible to get a partial, but valid scan of an I 2 of 5 barcode because the barcode is in pairs. The odd position digits are encoded in the bars and the even position digits are encoded in the spaces. Be sure to program your scanner or decoder for the exact number of characters in your I 2 of 5 barcode.
 
Standard 2 of 5
The difference between Standard and Interleaved 2 of 5 is that with Standard, the data is only in the bars and not the spaces.
 
Codabar
Here, the barcode must begin and end with an A, B, C, D, E, N, T, or *, which cannot be used anywhere else within the barcode. Codabar, commonly used in libraries, blood banks, and by overnight delivery services, can only encode numbers and the following characters: $, :, /, ., and +.
 
2D Symbologies
2D - two dimensional. It is sometimes not possible to put all the required data into the limited amount of available space using a 1D barcode. For example, several states have begun putting 2D barcodes on the back of driver's licenses. Encoded into this barcode is all of the data that is printed on the license. 2D barcodes are also being used for tracking printed circuit boards in computer equipment.
 
Stacked codes
Stacked codes are made up of bars and spaces that are stacked on top of each other.
 
PDF417
PDF417, which was designed by Symbol Technologies, has a maximum capacity of 1,850 text characters, 2,710 digits, or a total of 1,108 bytes. PDF417 has several levels of "error checking" which allow a scanner to decode the barcode even when it has been damaged. The more error checking that is built into the barcode, the larger it becomes.
 
Code 16K
Developed by Laserlight Systems, Code 16K can encode a maximum of 77 text characters or 154 digits and can contain between 2 and 16 rows. The structure of the barcode is based on Code 128.
 
Code 49
Code 49, developed by Intermec Corporation, was the first stacked barcode symbology. A cross between UPC and Code 39, Code 49 has the ability to pack 170 alphanumeric characters within one square inch.
 
Matrix codes
Matrix codes almost look as if they have no form within a square. Matrix codes are able to encode even more information in a smaller space than a stacked code.
 
MaxiCode
United Parcel Service originally developed MaxiCode. Easily identified by its bull's eye in the middle of the barcode, MaxiCode is capable of containing about 100 characters in a one-inch square symbol. It also has error checking capabilities, as it is still possible to get a good read even though 25% of the barcode is destroyed or missing.
 
DataMatrix
DataMatrix is an extremely efficient symbology developed by CiMatrix. DataMatrix is most commonly used on printed circuit boards, as it can store up to 50 characters in a square symbol that is only 2mm or 3mm in size. It can also be as large as 14". Aztec The Aztec code, developed by Welch Allyn, Inc., has a maximum capacity of 3,067 letters or 3,832 numbers, or a total of 1,914 bytes of data. Like the MaxiCode, it also has a bull's eye, but its bull's eye is square.
 
Decoded vs. Undecoded
A scanning solution generally involves 4 components: the scanner, the barcode decoder, the host communications, and the host.
 
"Decoded" scanners have the decoder and host communications abilities built in to them, making it possible to connect the scanner directly to a PC, for example.
 
"Undecoded" scanners must be connected to a device which is capable of decoding the scanned barcode. Many times, an undecoded scanner will be connected to a "decoder" or "wedge," but they might also be connected to a Portable Data Terminal.
 
A "decoder" or "wedge" is basically a box that serves two functions: decode the barcode and transmit that data to the defined host. The barcode decoder inside this box is often capable manipulating the data as well as decoding the barcode. For example, a decoder can add a character before the barcode or after the barcode, or even delete data.
 
This leaves the other side of the equation: communications. For a scanner to provide the user with what he expects, the scanner or decoder box must be programmed to communicate with the device to which it is connected. Just because the physical connection is correct does not mean that the decoder will know how to communicate with that device.

AccuTouch Five-Wire Technology
The AccuTouch five-wire resistive touchscreen uses a glass panel with a uniform resistive coating. A thick polyester coversheet is tightly suspended over the top of a glass substrate, separated by small, transparent insulating dots. The coversheet has a hard, durable coating on the outer side and a conductive coating on the inner side. When the screen is touched, it pushes the conductive coating on the coversheet against the coating on the glass, making electrical contact. The voltages produced are the analog representation of the position touched.
 
iTouch Surface Wave Technology
The iTouch controller uses ultrasonic waves on the CRT faceplate to develop a digital map of the surface. Each X- or Y-axis has a transmitting and receiving piezoelectric transducer and a set of reflector stripes on the outside edge of the CRT. The touchscreen controller sends a five-megahertz burst to the transmitting transducers that convert the electrical signal into surface acoustic waves  mechanical waves that propagate in the surface of materials such as glass. A special pattern of reflector stripes diverts the burst to create a uniform density of acoustic wave energy across the surface of the CRT. A light touch with a finger, gloved hand, or soft stylus absorbs a portion of the wave. The resulting change in the received signal is analyzed by the controller and digitized into X and Y coordinates. In addition to sensing the location of a touch, surface wave (also known as surface acoustic wave, or SAW) is the only touch technology that can also sense the pressure of a touch  the Z-axis  by measuring how much signal was absorbed.
 
IntelliTouch Surface Wave Technology
IntelliTouch and SecureTouch touchscreens have a glass overlay with transmitting and receiving piezoelectric transducers for both the X and Y axes. The touchscreen controller sends a five-megahertz electrical signal to the transmitting transducer, which converts the signal into ultrasonic waves within the glass. These waves are directed across the front surface of the touchscreen by an array of reflectors. Reflectors on the opposite side gather and direct the waves to the receiving transducer, which reconverts them into an electrical signala digital map of the touchscreen surface. When you touch the screen, you absorb a portion of the wave traveling across it. The received signal is then compared to the stored digital map, the change recognized, and a coordinate calculated. This process happens independently for both the X and Y axes. By measuring the amount of the signal that is absorbed, a Z-axis is also determined. The digitized coordinates are transmitted to the computer for processing.
 
CarrollTouch Infrared Technology
Infrared (IR) technology relies on the interruption of an IR light grid in front of the display screen. The touch frame or opto-matrix frame contains a row of IR-light emitting diode (LEDs) and photo transistors, each mounted on two opposite sides to create a grid of invisible infrared light. The frame assembly is comprised of printed wiring boards on which the opto-electronics are mounted and is concealed behind an IR-transparent bezel. The bezel shields the opto-electronics from the operating environment while allowing the IR beams to pass through. The IR controller sequentially pulses the LEDs to create a grid of IR light beams. When a stylus, such as a finger, enters the grid, it obstructs the beams. One or more photo transistors from each axis detect the absence of light and transmit signals that identifies the x and y coordinates.
 
Surface Capacitive Technology
Elo's surface capacitive technology consists of a uniform conductive coating on a glass panel. During operation, electrodes around the panel's edge distribute low voltage uniformly across the conductive layer creating a uniform electric field. A finger touch draws current from each corner of the electric field. The controller calculates touch location coordinates by measuring the current and transmits it to the computer for processing.
 
Projected Capacitive Technology
Projected capacitive touchscreens have front and back protective glass providing optical and strength enhancement options. Its middle layer consists of a laminated sensor grid of micro-fine wires, and optical enhancement options. During a touch, capacitance forms between the finger and the sensor grid. The embedded serial controller in the touchscreen calculates touch location coordinates and transmits them to the computer for processing.

ASCII = ESC p 0 25 250
Decimal = 27 112 0 25 250
HEX = 1B 70 00 19 FA
 
There are 5 separate pieces of data that must be sent down. The data is broken down (in ASCII) as follows:
 
ESC p = the command to send a pulse to the drawer kick port
0 = open drawer #1. Change this to 1 if you want to open drawer #2
25 = the height of the pulse
250 = the duration of the pulse

To test a cash drawer connected to an Epson printer:
In W2K or XP, when using the Generic Printer driver, Rt. Click Generic Printer, select properties, printer commands. Enter the string, with brackets, <0D><0A><1B><70><30><40><F0> click OK, Apply. Click general tab, send print job. If using a splitter and you want to test 2nd drawer, enter string <0D><0A><1B><70><31><40><F0>.
 
In '98 , when using the Generic Printer driver, Rt. Click Generic Printer, select properties, device options. In box labeled "Begin print job", enter the following string. To enter the string, at set each of numbers, you must hold the Alt key, enter the numbers, release the "Alt" key. The string is: 13 10 27 112 48 40 112 for the 1st drawer, 13 10 27 112 49 40 112 for the 2nd drawer. Click OK, Apply. Click General, print test page.
 
In any OS, with an Epson driver, open Word pad, select Control font, type upper case A and send it to the printer to test the 1st drawer, for 2nd drawer, type lower case a, send it to printer.

Setting up an Epson printer with USB interface (using Windows drivers).
 
***NOTE: THIS PROCESS IS NOT NECESSARY IF YOU WILL BE USING OPOS***
 
If you have already connected the printer to the PC, then you'll need to disconnect the printer and remove any USB generic hubs and drivers that have been installed as a result.
 
You will need to download the Epson Advanced Printer drivers off of www.epsonexpert.com. BEFORE connecting a printer, execute the installer. Under Select Install Module, be sure to select USB driver AND your printer. This will install the printer drivers and USB drivers in folder C:\EPSON Advanced Printer Drivers.
 
Step 1: Verifying the computer's USB Port
Check that the computer can use a USB before installing the USB device driver.
 
For Windows 2000/XP:
Right click on the My Computer icon and open Properties.
Select the Hardware tab and click the Device Manager button to open Device Manager.
Check that Universal Serial Bus Controllers is displayed.
 
For Windows 98 SE:
Right click on the My Computer icon and open Properties.
Select the Device Driver tab and check that Universal Serial Bus Controllers is displayed. If Universal Serial Bus Controllers is not displayed, the USB device drivers cannot be used.
 
Step 2: Installing the Complete Installer
a. Execute the installer. Accept the Software License Agreement.
b. Select a folder to which the files necessary for installation are to be copied and click Next.
c. After all the necessary files are copied, the "Select OS" window will appear. Check the OS and Language, then click the Next button.
d. Select the Modules to be installed. You will need to check the USB Driver and the necessary printer driver. For the TM-T88III, select the TM-T88IIIR (or receipt); for the TM-U200, select the TM-U210.
e. Click the Finish Button, then click Yes to restart the computer when prompted after the installation is completed.
 
Step 3: Connection The printer must be connected following the sequential order described. If a different order is used, the printer many not function normally.
a. Boot up the computer.
b. Connect the printer's AC adapter to the printer
c. Connect the AC adapter to the power outlet.
d. Connect the USB cables "B" connector to the printers upstream port.
e. Switch on power to the printer.
f. Connect the USB cables "A" connector to the computers USB port
 
Step 4: Installing the USB drivers Once the printer is connected, Generic USB Hub will be detected and installed. After this, EPSON UB-U01/02 will be detected.
 
For Windows 2000:
a. The EPSON UB-U01/02 is detected and the New Hardware Found Wizard appears. Click Next.
b. Select "Search for a suitable driver for my device" and click Next.
c. On the Locate Driver Screen, check "Specify a location" and click Next.
d. Browse to the folder, C:\EPSON Advanced Printer Drivers\USB Driver. Click OK.
e. The Driver Files Search Results should list the drivers found for device EPSON UB-U01/02. The driver listed should be "c:\epson advanced printer drivers\usb\tmusb90.inf". Click Next to install the drivers.
f. Once the driver installation is complete, click Finish.
g. After the driver has been installed, check that the Generic USB Hub and Epson USB controller for TM/BA/EU printers are displayed under the Universal Serial Bus Controllers in Device Manager.
 
For XP:
a. The EPSON UB-U01/02 is detected and the New Hardware Found Wizard appears. Select "Install from a list or specified location (Advanced)" and click Next.
b. On the next screen, select "Search for the best driver in these locations:" and select Include this location in the search:". Browse to the location, C:\EPSON Advanced Printer Drivers\USB Driver. Click the Next button.
c. Click Continue Anyway on the compatibility alert.
d. Check that the EPSON UB-U01/02 is displayed then click Finish to complete the installation.
e. After the driver has been installed, check that the Generic USB Hub and Epson USB controller for TM/BA/EU printers are displayed under the Universal Serial Bus Controllers in Device Manager.
 
For Window 98SE:
a. The EPSON UB-U01/02 is detected and the New Hardware Found Wizard appears. Click Next.
b. Select "Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended)" and click Next.
c. Select "Specify a location" and browse to folder, C:\EPSON Advanced Printer Drivers\USB Driver. Click Next.
d. Once the driver is found, check that "EPSON USB Controller for TM/BA/EU Printers" is displayed and click next.
e. After the drivers have been installed, click Finish.
f. Check that the Generic USB Hub and Epson USB controller for TM/BA/EU printers are displayed under the Universal Serial Bus Controllers in Device Manager.
 
Step 5: Change the port setting
To use the printer, you will need to change the interface setting in the printer properties. For Window 98SE, select the "Detail" tab and for Windows 2000/XP, select the "Ports" tab. Change the port to "TMUSB000-Printer".

You can print several test labels without any communication to the printer. Press and hold the indicated button(s) on the front panel of the printer with printer power off. Turn the printer power on - continue holding the button for 3 to 4 seconds and release. The printer will go through its normal start-up and then print the indicated test labels.

Pause - Prints sets of labels of a full width pattern of horizontal and vertical lines and a black box.
Feed - Prints several labels both lighter and darker than current darkness settings.
Cancel - Prints the printer configuration label.

This is the way to test the drawer outside of the POS application.
1. Click on Start / Settings / Printers
2. Double-click on Add Printer
3. Click Next, select Local Printer, then the port to which the printer is connected
4. Under Manufacturers, select Generic and under Printers select Generic / Text Only
5. Go to the properties for this printer and click on the Printer Commands tab
6. In the End Print Job field, enter the following: <1B>p0<19FA1D>VB@
7. Click on OK
8. Go into Notepad, type any text, and print to the Generic text printer that was just created
9. Normal operation will be that the printer prints the text, feeds some paper, opens the cash drawer, then cuts the paper

Your computer must meet the below minimum requirements in order to use the ICVERIFY for Windows software:
* IBM© - compatible PC, Pentium 200 or faster CPU
* Windows© 98, NT, 2000, or XP
* 40 MB available hard disk space; 60 MB for Internet processing installations
* Minimum of 64 MB RAM
* CD-ROM drive required; 1.44 MB 3.5" floppy disk drive recommended
* For dial-up processor connections: Dedicated telephone line and communications port with Hayes-compatible modem; able to drop down to 1200 baud for card processing and 300 baud for check processing.
* For Internet processor connections: Internet connectivity via ISP dial-up, DSL, cable modem, or T-1 carrier; dial-up ISP connections not recommended
* Adequate system security (e.g., firewalls, encrypted files, etc.)- Contact your System Administrator
* You must also have a merchant bank account setup in order to accept point of sale transactions

This usually means that the media is not calibrated properly. This can be caused if the printer has not been calibrated for the label you are using in the printer. Place the printer into "PAUSE" and press the "CALIBRATE" button and allow labels to feed until the printer has completed calibration. If this doesn't help, perform the "MEDIA/RIBBON CALIBRATION" per the instructions in the User's Guide.

Not sure if you have your receipt printer hooked up right?
 
Below are some easy steps you can follow for setting up your POS printer.
 
Most POS software companies will only support parallel or serial interfaces. They also in most cases do not require drivers. If your POS software requires drivers, you can download them from our drivers page. Otherwise you can follow the steps below to install your printer.
 
1. Make sure you are connecting the printer with the proper cables to your computer.
(Parallel printer cables): DB25M/CENT36M
(Serial printer cables): Null Modem Serial Printer Cable (9 to 25 pin)
 
2. Make sure your receipt printer is turned on and paper is loaded. The green light should be on.
 
3. For Windows 2000 or XP, go to the start button in the bottom left hand corner of your screen. Click on start, then go to control panel. Open the printers folder. Double-click on add printer then click "next" on the add printer wizard. Make sure local printer is chosen. Remove check next to automatically detect and install my plug and play printer. Click next. Choose the port your printer is on. For ex: parallel choose lpt1. For Serial choose com1. Click next. Choose Generic under manufacturers and Generic/text only under printers. Click next. For printer name you can type in whatever you want to name your receipt printer. Click next. Choose do not share printer. Click next. Choose do not set up as default printer. Say yes to print test page.

27,112,0,50,250

There are 2 versions of the Magtek USB MSR devices: a USB keyboard wedge model and a USB HID model.
 
The keyboard wedge model can be tested in Windows Notepad.
 
The HID model can only be tested with an HID interface program. A testing program can be found at www.magtekexpress.com. Click on OCX drivers/demos.

In bar code reading, a scanner or decoder attempts to decode a bar code symbol. If successful, the data is sent to a database. No judgment on quality is made.

Verification measures a number of physical parameters of a bar code symbol to determine its quality. Good quality bar code symbols will read more easily and reliably than poor quality bar code symbols.

This is particularly true of symbols that are produced in one place and then shipped to another location to be read (e.g. product labels or shipping labels). Handling, transportation, storage, and normal use can reduce a symbol4s quality. Symbols that read just after they have been produced may be marginal in quality and may not be readable at the point of use.

A bar code quality program is more than just print quality. Many industries have specific formats that must be complied with. Data in the symbols must be correct and properly structured. There are a number of requirements that relate to the data and its representation in any customer or industry standard that cannot be checked by automatic verifiers.

A successful bar code program must be properly set up and offer adequate training to all operators.

Basic Wireless Principles:
The following information is designed to provide you with a basic overview of Wireless technology, including the components that make up a Wireless system and the information you need to properly configure a Wireless system. This information is solely focused on the 2.4GHz 802.11 Wireless Ethernet offerings.

The basic principles of Wireless are the same regardless of the vendor you choose. Wireless terminals (hand-held, truck mount, stationary, pen based, laptops) send out data through the radio. Some type of identification accompanies the data so the receiving computer knows which terminal sent the data. Remember a wireless system is simply an extension to your wired system. Placing an access point on your wired system allows wireless Ethernet connection to places where wired devices may not be able to access. In simple terms an access point receives wireless Ethernet data form wireless devices and places that information on a wired Ethernet cable.

Transport of data is accomplished in the same method as any other device attached to an Ethernet LAN using TCP/IP addressing. Since industry standards of Ethernet and TCP/IP are used, connectivity is simple when you follow standard networking principles.

For more basic information on how a wireless works please go to our Educational Services web site and download the Wireless 101: The Basics of Wireless (PPT) or our Wireless 101: The Basics of Wireless Technology: Self-Paced Training on CD.

Host System and Software
 
There are many different types of host computers in the industry. The most commonly used in "Wireless Ethernet" systems are:
 
Unix Host
There are many different types of UNIX systems running various versions of UNIX. It is important to determine whether the Unix host has Ethernet TCP\IP support and can accept a telnet session. This will usually be the case with Unix systems, but there are exceptions. Most of the time the remote Wireless device will run a VT emulation program, which allows the Wireless device to appear as a wired terminal on the wired Ethernet LAN. Therefore, the remote Wireless device can access existing programs on the Unix host. This is accomplished through a telnet session from the Wireless device and the Unix host. Sometimes the remote Wireless device will have a smaller display area than the host program was written for. You will need to reduce the software application screens to adapt to the smaller display of the Wireless device. The most common method for accomplishing this involves reformatting the host application to the screen size of the Wireless device.
 
AS400
You can connect to an AS400 by loading 5250 emulation software in the Wireless device. The AS400 must have Ethernet and TCP/IP support along with TN5250 support. Most AS400 with version V3.51 or better have this support, but it may need to be activated. The 5250 emulation software makes the Wireless device appear as a wired terminal on the wired Ethernet LAN. This is accomplished through a telnet session from the Wireless device and the AS400. Note that the remote Wireless device will probably have a smaller display area than the host program was written for. The software application screens will need to be reduced to adapt to the smaller display of the Wireless device. The most common method of accomplishing this involves reformatting the host application to the screen size of the Wireless device.
 
IBM Host
You can connect to an IBM host by loading 3270 emulation software in the Wireless device. The IBM host must have Ethernet and TCP/IP support along with TN3270 support. The 3270 emulation software makes the Wireless device appear as a wired terminal on the wired Ethernet LAN. This is accomplished through a telnet session from the Wireless device and the IBM host. Note that the remote Wireless device will probably have a smaller display area than the host program was written for. The software application screens will need to be reduced to adapt to the smaller display of the Wireless device. The most common method of accomplishing this involves reformatting the host application to the screen size of the Wireless device.

Windows based PCs
As the popularity and power of the PC market grows, more PC's are being used as host computers. Connectivity issues are the same as connecting to either a Unix or AS400 host, but the software issues can be more challenging. Client \ Server: In a client server software option, software will need to be written or provided for both the host computer and Wireless device. This can result in increased development time and resources. This usually requires an experienced programmer to develop the desired applications. Software Development Tools: Software tools are designed to allow users with little or no programming experience to generate software applications for their Wireless projects. Most generators are based on a GUI interface, which will be familiar to Windows users. Most generators are limited to the complexity of applications that can be generated. This should not be a problem since most Wireless applications are simple and are used to track product movements. Telnet Servers: Unlike the Unix, AS400, and IBM host, there is no PC emulation. There is a way that a Wireless device could simulate a VT terminal to allow users to access existing applications on the PC. Loading a "Telnet Server" on a Windows NT PC will allow a Wireless device, running a VT Emulation Client, to Telnet into the PC much like connecting to a Unix host. After satisfying the Login and Password fields from the Telnet Server, you can execute your software application. You'll need to purchase Telnet Servers from a third party. This is valid only with Windows NT.

Wireless Checklist:
The Wireless Checklist will help you gather the information you need to build your Wireless system using ScanSource's "Wireless On-Line Configurator." "Wireless On-Line Configurator" is an online configuration tool that builds valid systems - complete with pricing - in minutes. You will need a log-in and password to access "Wireless On-Line Configurator." This can be provided to you through your ScanSource Sales representative. By gathering the information on this form should help to complete a configuration using "Wireless On-Line Configurator."

802.11:
The IEEE 802.11 represents the first standard for WLAN products from an internationally recognized, independent organization. With this standard wireless communication can be interoperable between vendors. This means an Intermec, Symbol, PSC, HHT, and Cisco wireless device can communicate to any other vendor products that are 802.11 compliant.

There are several offerings from the 802.11 umbrella. The following are the current offerings.
802.11 refers to 1 and 2 MB offerings. This is a FH (frequency hopping) offering.
802.11b will start at 11MB and will decrease to 5.5MB, 2MB, and 1MB if needed. Coverage range will decrease as MB increases. Special considerations will need to be made to insure constant 11MB coverage. You will need to insure a site survey is performed with specific instructions that 11MB throughput is required.
802.11a operates on the 5GHz frequency range rather than the 2.4Ghz range 802.11b operates at. The maximum throughput is 54MB and will decrease to 6MB as needed.

Wireless Security: There is currently a lot of concerns over security as it relates to wireless networks. It is important to note that not all wireless systems are insecure. There are two concerns related to wireless networks. The first is access to the wired infrastructure through the wireless network and the second is the interception of data as it is transmitted. There are several options, under the 802.11 specification and outside the specification, that address security issues, including WEP, access control list, and ESSID. It is important to note that a large number of wireless systems are implemented without minimum-security features. The 802.11 committee is in the process of developing a security standard, which is expected by the end of 2003. In the mean time there are several additional security options available. Please visit the Wireless Security White Paper for more information