Symbol® Portable Barcode Readers
Symbol CS-1504 Ordering Information
Symbol CS-2000 Ordering Information
Readerware supports the Symbol® CS-1504 and CS-2000 barcode
readers. These are small portable barcode readers, you can even
hang the CS-1504 on a key chain. Yet they can hold several hundred
barcodes which can then be uploaded directly into Readerware.
A big advantage to this type of barcode reader is that you can take the
reader to your shelves rather than drag your books, music and videos to your computer.
This can make a big difference when cataloging your collections with Readerware.
A portable barcode reader can be very useful with Readerware auto-catalog but
has some limitations in other use. For example I keep track of books that I
read. So after I have read a book, I do an ISBN search in Readerware by
scanning the barcode, update the book and I'm done. Because these barcode readers are not
connected to your PC, you cannot use
them for the occasional scan.
Both these scanners are serial devices. The CS-1504 comes with either a serial cable
or USB cable. I recommend the serial version unless you really must have USB support.
Driver support for the USB version is very limited. See the platform links below for
more information.
So which is better? The capacity of the CS-2000 is twice
that of the CS-1504. The CS-2000 can store about 350
barcodes, the CS-1504 about 166. The CS-1504 is smaller and
will fit on a key chain. The CS-2000 will fit in a pocket.
I find the CS-2000 more comfortable to use, it fits in the
hand better. I also found that the scanner is a little more
reliable. Unfortunately Symbol have recently
discontinued
the
CS-2000 scanner. You can still find them, but hurry.
Important: Some users have asked if Readerware will support
the AirClicker. The answer is NO. It is unfortunate, the AirClicker is available at
a relatively low price. But it is a modified CS-1504. All data is encrypted so it is not
possible for Readerware to upload barcodes from an AirClicker.
Multi Platform Support
If you go to the Symbol web site you will notice that both these devices are only supported
on Windows. But with Readerware you can use either device on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. It
might not be easy, but it can be done.
You can use either device on any platform, but if using the CS-1504, you must use the
serial version with Mac OS X and Linux. There are no USB drivers for these platforms.
USB support is only available for Windows 98 and Windows 2000. There is not even any Windows XP
USB support yet.
Installation
Installation varies from platform to platform, so click on the appropriate link below.
Windows
Mac OS X
Linux
Configuration
CS-2000 barcode scanners are turning up with different versions of software
installed in the scanner itself. Some CS-2000 models will work with Readerware
right out of the box. Others need to be configured to work with Readerware
products.
Configuration is easy and you can do it on any version of the CS-2000.
Download and print the
Readerware Configuration Page. Then simply work your
way down the page and scan each barcode. That's it, the CS-2000 is now
configured for use with all Readerware products. This is an
Acrobat® document.
No special configuration is needed for the CS-1504.
Scanning
Scanning is simple, just press and hold the larger button and point the device
at the barcode. A red line will be visible over the barcode. The reader will beep when it
has read the code.
To use either device with Readerware, start Readerware auto-catalog. When you get to the
item input page, click on the Upload button. The Readerware Scanner Upload
dialog will be displayed. Select your scanner model and the port it is connected to. Click
on Upload. That is all there is to it. Readerware will connect to the scanner
and upload the barcodes to your PC.
When it finished click OK to close the dialog and load the barcodes
directly into the auto-catalog wizard.
As always, full information is provided in the
online help.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Readerware is in no way affiliated with Symbol.
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