[LM_NET] HIT: new barcode scanner/going wireless

[Lauren Straub <lbgoblue@GMAIL.COM>]

Below is a LONG hit for purchasing a new scanner and going wireless.  In
addition, for those of you who use Alexandria, I've included COMPanion's
response to my query about only being able to purchase directly from them -
it is a direct reply from their cust. service...hope this all helps!  I've
decided not to go the wireless route just yet.  I purchased a handheld
3800g, with the handsfree stand.  It's a linear imager, which is supposed to
last longer due to the lack of moving parts inside...yay!

HIT for new barcode scanner:
Recommendations

- I ordered mine from my circ system company, Book Systems.  It is made by
Hand Held Products.  This is a link to it:
http://www.handheld.com/Site.aspx/na/en/product_center/hardware/?product=242

You can buy it directly from Hand Held.  I've had it for a while and mostly
like it.  I've had a couple of problems, but their customer service is
great.  I'm not sure what caused the problems, but they've been resolved by
scanning the reset barcodes in the user guide.  It is cordless, so I can
take it away from my desk for inventory.  You can also leave it in the
charging base for scanning like you would with a stationary one.  I have a
PC, and I'm not really sure if it works with Mac or not.

- Be careful. Some companies that produce your circulation software only
recognize the scanners that you buy from them. We use Alexandria and can
only buy from them.

- I've started buying all my scanners from barcodes.com. I've found them to
be very helpful in selecting the right one and making sure it works after
I get it. And their prices have been good. I've bought cheap ones that are
only about $275 and they work better than the expensive ones I got with my
library software.

- We also run Mac. My scanner is a  Metrologic Voyager.  I have had it for 5
years and have not had any trouble with it.  It was recommened by our State
Library.

- We purchased Handheld IT3800G scanners.  We have the earlier model
IT3800 which has gone through a number of company owners.  They lasted
about 8 years, and some are still going strong.  They also sell a
wireless version.  If you do go the wireless route, look for one that
has the range you need.  Some will work as far away as 100 feet, others
no further than 20 feet.  However, the disadvantage for these is that
you can't see the computer screen when you are 20 feet away, so you
don't know if exceptions have registered on the screen.

- Hi, Mac.  I'm PC but had to buy a new scanner a couple of years ago.  I
got an inexpensive one from a local computer specialty store (just over $100
including stand) and it works just fine.  My tech man had to program it
using the booklet that came with it.  It took him a little time because I
have more than one symbology in my collection (the old Follett interleaved 2
of 5 and the Code 39) and the instructions weren't the best.

Haven't gone wireless, but would guess that you'd pay more for that.

- I can highly recommend the Metrologic Voyager Scanners .  We have a
wireless one that works great from across our media center.  It cost about
$300-400.  They also have others that range in the low $100's that aren't
wireless.  Works great with Macs (we're all Macs also).  I have it attached
to my laptop, so great for inventory!

- I recently had to replace my barcode scanners and purchased directly from
Follett (I'm using Spectrum). It is similar to the PSC Quickscan 6000 Plus
that is available from Demco. We had a little trouble with the scanner at
the elementary, and the device was sent back to the company twice, but it is
now working fine with no problem.
Demco also has wireless scanners available. Go to the Demco site and search
for barcode readers

Opinions on going wireless

First, check to see what the library system that you have may need as
requirements to run.  Generally, most library systems can work with most
programmable scanners.  Many scanners come ready to use with almost any
software.  But, there are non programmable scanners on the market, so be
careful, if you choose those.  Those scanners are usually the cheapest
ones.  If your library system has a set of codes that can be scanned to
set it up, use those codes.  If not, you will have to get a translation
of what your system requires.  Usually, the software company for your
system can give you the details of what is needed.  You will need to
know the symbology used (type of barcode, like code 3 of 9 or codabar,
etc.) communications setup, length of barcode to be read, etc.  If you
are shopping for more than one scanner, see if you can get one to test
out before purchasing the rest.  Make sure that you get the manual (some
are posted online now) for your scanner.  It will have all the codes if
you need to setup your scanner.  Check to see if the seller will be
available to help set up your scanner.  They usually can identify
problems and advise which codes need to be turned on or off.

- I bought one about a year ago... maybe 1.5 years now. Not certain.
I went wireless, and bluetooth. The curious thing is that wireless means
something different than you expect, in the end. Yes I can waltz around
the library with the scanner, and take it over to the cart to rescan books,
etc, etc.  But no, I can't waltz off with just the library laptop and the
scanner,
because the wireless scanner has a fairly large dock, which must be
plugged in to the circ computer. I am better off in some ways, if I
want to travel, plugging in my old scanner to the laptop... no dock.
If I waltz off somewhere with the scanner, it will still scan... but that is
not thoroughly useful unless I can see the screen to see what it's telling
me, and if I'm not near enough to type commands in on the circ computer.
Go figure.  Then again, wireless has been helpful in ways I did not expect.
The wire was getting in the way. It used to be a regular occurrence
that the scanner when thunking to the floor (when it was wired).
Now that's rare.
I ordered from Barcodes Inc, and I ordered a rugged one, because
I wanted it to survive all the drops I was seeing with our other scanner!


Reply from COMPanion (Alexandria vendor)
We do sell scanners at COMPanion corp for use with our software. They have
been tested extensively and special programing guides have been designed to
work with our software. This does not mean that other scanners are not
compatible with our software. Many scanners could be compatible with our
software and work fine. However we do not support them because we haven't
tested them ourselves. There are many hundreds of varying scanners out there
and we can't possible check all of them for full compatibility. If you are
having trouble getting a scanner working with our software that wasn't
purchased from us. It will be up to you, so to speak, to get it working. We
can give you information on what barcode symbology the program uses (code 3
of 9 or code 39) And the fact that we do not use non filing characters in
our barcodes (they would conflict with special commands). Other than that
you would be on your own to get the scanner up and running. You can always
contact our sales department for further advantages to purchasing a scanner
from us. I will include there contact information for you.


-- 
Lauren E. Straub

Media Specialist
Mill Creek Middle School
Dexter (MI) Community Schools
lbgoblue@gmail.com

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