LaserChamp II/ROV Barcode Readers

The new LaserChamp II/ROV scanner replaces the older LaserChamp/Flic scanner. It features a non-mechanical button, more memory (2,500 UPC scans), rubberized grip points, cleaner laser beam, and is more durable than its predecessor. Setup and configuration are the same however.

The LaserChamp II/ROV barcode reader is a very versatile device. The Bluetooth® model operates wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection. You can scan your books, music and videos right on their shelves. While in range (30-50 feet), those scans go directly into Readerware. If you wander out of range, the device stores up to 2,500 scans and transmits them once the connection is re-established.

The tethered scanner connects via a serial or USB connection and lets you scan right into Readerware. It will also store up to 2,500 scans while disconnected from your computer. You then connect the device to your computer and the scans can be sent to the Readerware auto-catalog wizard.

Using a LaserChamp II Barcode Reader with Readerware

This is an Acrobat® document.

SerialIO has an excellent configuration page showing you how to configure your LaserChamp II scanner and their SerialMagic software for use with Readerware products.

SerialIO also have two movies to help you set up their SerialMagic software for use with Readerware:

• Setup SerialMagic Pro to use with Readerware
• Setup SerialMagic Plus to use with Readerware

The LaserChamp II/ROV Cordless Barcode Reader

You first need to install the adapter and set up Bluetooth connectivity. This process differs from platform to platform so follow the instructions that came with your USB Bluetooth dongle. Some USB Bluetooth dongles enable full networking support. Bluetooth range is limited to 30-50 feet so security is not normally an issue. But you might want to review your Bluetooth configuration and disable any unnecessary services.

Next you must install the scanner software. Readerware does not talk to the LaserChamp II/ROV scanner directly. Rather you use the software that comes with the scanner. This software reads the input from the scanner and sends it to the active application. This means your scanner will work with Readerware or any other application. Again the software will vary from platform to platform so refer to the documentation that came with your LaserChamp II/ROV scanner software.

During the software installation, you will need your scanner available. The software needs to locate your scanner. You put the software into search mode, then push and release the button on the scanner to put it into discoverable mode. The software should then locate and install your scanner. You may be asked for a PIN code during this process. The default PIN for a LaserChamp II/ROV Bluetooth scanner is 0000.

Scan a couple of test barcodes to ensure everything is working. Select the keyboard emulation mode, then the software will send the scans to the active application.

Start Readerware auto-catalog and scan a book. Readerware will convert the barcode to an ISBN and add it to the auto-catalog list. Wander over to your shelves and scan away. If you are in range of your PC, the scans will go right into Readerware. If you wander out of range, the barcodes are stored in the device. As you move back in signal range, the scanner will send the barcodes to Readerware automatically.

It is important that Readerware is the active application and is ready to accept barcode scans before you scan or connect your scanner. The Bluetooth scanner will transmit any scans it has in memory as soon as you are in range. So Readerware must be ready. If you are cataloging books, this means that the Readerware auto-catalog wizard must be open at the item input page. The keyboard focus must be in the ISBN/UPC entry field.

The LaserChamp II Bluetooth scanner works great with all Readerware products. You can scan at your desk to search for books, music and videos in your collection. When cataloging you can wander around your home or office scanning as you go.

The LaserChamp II/ROV Tethered Barcode Reader

You must install the scanner software. Readerware does not talk to the LaserChamp II/ROV scanner directly. Rather you use the software that comes with the scanner. This software reads the input from the scanner and sends it to the active application. This means your scanner will work with Readerware or any other application. The software will vary from platform to platform so refer to the documentation that came with your LaserChamp II/ROV scanner software.

If the software has serial port settings, make sure you set the BAUD rate to 4800.

That is really all there is to it, your LaserChamp II/ROV tethered scanner can now be used with Readerware. It will operate in two modes, tethered and batch.

In tethered mode you plug the cable into the LaserChamp II/ROV and scan. You can use this to search for a book in the Readerware database. Select an ISBN search and scan the barcode, the book is displayed. You can also use it to catalog books. Start Readerware auto-catalog and when you get to the item input page, just keep scanning. Readerware will convert the barcode into an ISBN/UPC and add it to the list.

Anywhere you can enter an ISBN or UPC in Readerware products, you can scan the barcode instead.

In batch mode you can scan your books, music and videos while disconnected from your computer, the LaserChamp II/ROV can hold about 2,500 barcodes. So take the scanner to your shelves and scan there, no need to drag things to your computer. Once you are done, start Readerware auto-catalog and proceed to the item input page. It is important you do this first as the LaserChamp II/ROV will upload the scans as soon as you reconnect the scanner. So make sure Readerware is ready to receive the scans, then reconnect your scanner. Readerware will add all the items you scanned to the auto-catalog list and you are ready to catalog.

The LaserChamp II tethered scanner looks and works like the Bluetooth version except that you must connect the scanner to your computer to transfer the barcode scans. It is a very good low cost alternative to the LaserChamp II Bluetooth scanner.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Readerware is in no way affiliated with Microvision, Inc.

Microvision and Flic are registered trademarks of Microvision Inc. Flicware is a trademark of Microvision Inc.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.