What is a USB barcode scanner and how does it work? It is a type of wired or corded barcode scanner used in many industries such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and shipping or product tracking. USB is the most common interface because it works for most types of computers and systems.
Aside from being more affordable than their wireless counterparts, USB barcode scanners are easier to implement or set-up. They are plug and play devices that require no drive. You can almost use them for scanning right after taking it out of the box.
Here are the steps on how to install a USB barcode scanner:
Step 1: Take the barcode scanner out of the box along with the cable. The box should come with a quick start guide or user manual.
Step 2: Plug in the cable to the barcode scanner. When you hear a click that means that the retention clip locked in, keeping the connection to the barcode scanner secure.
Step 3: Plug the other end of the cable to your computer’s USB port. Once the computer detects your scanner, the installation is complete. You should see a red beam coming out from your USB barcode scanner. You can also use this scanner with a POS software in your computer.
Step 4: Follow quick start guide to change the settings. This manual has different barcodes that you only need to scan.
How barcode scanners work
Barcode scans different kinds of codes such as CODE39, UPC, and EAN. To read data, the scanner has to illuminate code with a light. With its sensor, the scanner detects, generates, and sends an analog signal to the decoder. Then, the decoder interprets the signal and converts it into text if code is in the database of a specific software system. This is how the barcode scanner finds out the information about the product such as its maker, cost, and product number.
Inateck Technology Inc. 