1. Barcodes & Scanners

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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

6. 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, s, 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.

7. Brady Softwares’ Barcoding Capabilities
Labelmark 5:
Code 39
Code 93
Code 128
HIBC
DataMatrix
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
Code 39 Full ASCII
Code 93 Full ASCII
UPC-A
UPC-E
Interleaved 2 of 5

8. 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:

9. 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

10. 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
CR2500: Starts at $643
Reads linear barcodes and 2D barcodes
BlueTooth wireless option available
Disinfectant Ready Housing

11. 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
Can read barcodes reliably off cell phone screens
ACCESSORIES: Compatibility may depend on scanner model
Cables
Handles
Stands
Batteries
Battery Blanks
Battery Chargers
Blue Tooth Modem
LCD Monitor

12. 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
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.