Barcode scanner
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Is anyone using a barcode scanner for inventory work?
I’m looking for options that will ‘act as a keyboard’ in iOS or Android device. But also work to a PC, either wired or BT.
I have bee searching Amazon and a few other location, but want to hear other options.
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Why do you need it to work with mobile devices? I thought that functionality was "built-in" to them. Or are you trying to use it with an app that doesn't offer barcode scanning functionality?
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WASP Bluetooth unit.
https://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode-scanners/wws550i-freedom-barcode-scanner
Works like a charm. We've had it for close to ten years now.
It's set up to space after each scan and CAPS so that all serials are identical across the board.
I suggest setting up a single sheet print-out of 0-1 and A-Z (if needed) along with the bar codes for setup. Then, when it comes time to pair you're not frustrated by the default ENTER (we remove this) during pairing. We enable SPACE post pairing.
For complex builds nothing beats it.
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@Danp said in Barcode scanner:
Why do you need it to work with mobile devices? I thought that functionality was "built-in" to them. Or are you trying to use it with an app that doesn't offer barcode scanning functionality?
Good point.
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@scottalanmiller said in Barcode scanner:
@Danp said in Barcode scanner:
Why do you need it to work with mobile devices? I thought that functionality was "built-in" to them. Or are you trying to use it with an app that doesn't offer barcode scanning functionality?
Good point.
It's a good point in theory but reading a barcode with a phone is a pretty horrible and slow experience compared to a real barcode scanner. I'd say for inventory you could probably read 3 to 5 times as many items in the same time with a real scanner compared to a phone.
There are couple of manufacturers that are big, for instance Datalogic, Honeywell, Zebra (Motorola).
Look at companies that sell barcode scanners for professional use and you'll see there is a barcode scanner for every imaginable application. For instance: https://www.barcodefactory.com/barcode-scanners
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Also, phones that support USB OTG can hook up a standard barcode scanner directly to USB. It will automatically work like a keyboard, just as you can plug in a standard PC keyboard into the phone as well.
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@Danp said in Barcode scanner:
Why do you need it to work with mobile devices? I thought that functionality was "built-in" to them. Or are you trying to use it with an app that doesn't offer barcode scanning functionality?
The fact that I could scan 40 or so devices in one go. Scanning to the phone works,.. but the current limitation that I haven't gotten past is the 'history' or copy paste function. Yes,.. the Scanner App does a good job, of bot 1d and 2d codes. But when you still have to type it into a sheet because it doesn't copy/paste,.. you might as well just read it off the monitor or box.
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@PhlipElder said in Barcode scanner:
WASP Bluetooth unit.
https://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode-scanners/wws550i-freedom-barcode-scanner
Works like a charm. We've had it for close to ten years now.
It's set up to space after each scan and CAPS so that all serials are identical across the board.
I suggest setting up a single sheet print-out of 0-1 and A-Z (if needed) along with the bar codes for setup. Then, when it comes time to pair you're not frustrated by the default ENTER (we remove this) during pairing. We enable SPACE post pairing.
For complex builds nothing beats it.
Wasp units are nice.. but since I'm paying for this out of MY pocket,.. that is about 3x more then I want to spend.
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@Pete-S said in Barcode scanner:
Also, phones that support USB OTG can hook up a standard barcode scanner directly to USB. It will automatically work like a keyboard, just as you can plug in a standard PC keyboard into the phone as well.
That would be good to have. One I found on Amazon is a '3 n 1' type Bluetooth, wireless (with small receiver) or wired. and doesn't just active scan, but scan and stores.
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@gjacobse said in Barcode scanner:
@PhlipElder said in Barcode scanner:
WASP Bluetooth unit.
https://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode-scanners/wws550i-freedom-barcode-scanner
Works like a charm. We've had it for close to ten years now.
It's set up to space after each scan and CAPS so that all serials are identical across the board.
I suggest setting up a single sheet print-out of 0-1 and A-Z (if needed) along with the bar codes for setup. Then, when it comes time to pair you're not frustrated by the default ENTER (we remove this) during pairing. We enable SPACE post pairing.
For complex builds nothing beats it.
Wasp units are nice.. but since I'm paying for this out of MY pocket,.. that is about 3x more then I want to spend.
We bought ours through distribution here in Canada. The discount was good.
If this is a long term project then it is worth it.
As I said, we've had ours for ten years or so now and it's paid for itself over and over with time saved.
EDIT: FleaBay: $18 https://www.ebay.ca/itm/WASP-WWS-800-Wireless-Bluetooth-Barcode-Scanner-4so/372633345409
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I would just get a standard USB scanner from one of the big manufacturers like Datalogic TD1100.
Youtube VideoAnd a small USB OTG adapter to the phone.
For instance: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078NKPGW9Since the USB gives power to the scanner you will power the scanner with the phone, computer or whatever you hook it up to. That's what makes the scanner cheaper than a wireless solution where you need rechargable batteries inside the scanner. It's also lighter. This way you can get a quality solution for around $70 or so.
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Co-worker suggest Orca Scan which looks decent.
It’s cloud based, free or paid,.. and cross platform.
Will take a looks at it and see
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@gjacobse said in Barcode scanner:
@PhlipElder said in Barcode scanner:
WASP Bluetooth unit.
https://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode-scanners/wws550i-freedom-barcode-scanner
Works like a charm. We've had it for close to ten years now.
It's set up to space after each scan and CAPS so that all serials are identical across the board.
I suggest setting up a single sheet print-out of 0-1 and A-Z (if needed) along with the bar codes for setup. Then, when it comes time to pair you're not frustrated by the default ENTER (we remove this) during pairing. We enable SPACE post pairing.
For complex builds nothing beats it.
Wasp units are nice.. but since I'm paying for this out of MY pocket,.. that is about 3x more then I want to spend.
Just curious as to why you're paying for this out of your pocket?
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@dafyre said in Barcode scanner:
@gjacobse said in Barcode scanner:
@PhlipElder said in Barcode scanner:
WASP Bluetooth unit.
https://www.waspbarcode.com/barcode-scanners/wws550i-freedom-barcode-scanner
Works like a charm. We've had it for close to ten years now.
It's set up to space after each scan and CAPS so that all serials are identical across the board.
I suggest setting up a single sheet print-out of 0-1 and A-Z (if needed) along with the bar codes for setup. Then, when it comes time to pair you're not frustrated by the default ENTER (we remove this) during pairing. We enable SPACE post pairing.
For complex builds nothing beats it.
Wasp units are nice.. but since I'm paying for this out of MY pocket,.. that is about 3x more then I want to spend.
Just curious as to why you're paying for this out of your pocket?
Any time I can improve my personal tool box I’m happy to. As long as it isn’t some mega expensive item.
A small scanner that is multi function, inexpensive and such - all the better
