Microplate Barcode Labeler User Guide - Agilent Technologies

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Chapter 7: Using the VCode’s bar code reader
VCode User Guide
About changing the reader’s label formats
Introduction
The bar code reader can store the necessary information to allow it to
decode up to four bar code formats (symbologies).
If you want to read one or more formats that are different from the
currently configured formats, you will need to reconfigure the settings in
the bar code reader’s firmware.
You can also use the process described in this topic to determine the
formats that your bar code reader currently uses.
About firmware
Firmware is the name given to the software stored in the
microprocessors of an instrument’s printed circuit boards. Firmware is
responsible for the most basic operations of the hardware and is not
normally accessible to users.
As is the case with the VCode bar code reader, some firmware can be
updated.
Bar code reader kit
To view or change the bar code reader’s stored formats you connect
directly to the reader. To do this, you will need to purchase the bar code
reader programming kit from Velocity11 (Programming Kit, Bar Code
Reader Keyence, part number 14912.001).
The kit contains:
❑ A wiring harness.
The wiring harness provides power to the bar code reader while also
making a serial connection to the computer.
❑ A power supply adapter.
❑ A software CD-ROM, containing bar code reader connection
software called BLSet32E.exe.
Serial cable
In addition to the kit, you will need a serial cable, even if you normally
connect to the VCode with an Ethernet cable.
Workflow overview
The overall workflow for changing the reader’s bar code formats is to:
Step Procedure See...
1 Connect the wiring harness. “Procedure” on page 151
2 Open the bar code reader
software and change the COM
port settings to open a
communication connection to
the bar code reader.
3 Change the bar code reader
formats.
“Communicating with the bar
code reader” on page 152
“Changing the bar code reader’s
formats” on page 153