The Qode® Key Chain Bar Code Reader

A big advantage to this type of bar code reader is that you can take the bar code reader to your bookshelves rather than drag your books to your computer. This can make a big difference when cataloging your library with Readerware.

This kind of bar code 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 bar code, update the book and I'm done. Because the Qode is not connected to your PC and you must upload a file of ISBNs, you cannot use the Qode for the occasional scan.

One major problem with the Qoder is that it does not include a complete scan of the UPC codes found on mass market paperbacks. Readerware needs the complete scan to convert the UPC code to an ISBN number. Without this information it is impossible to convert the UPC to an ISBN and search for the book. There is no problem scanning hardcover or trade paperbacks, just the mass market paperbacks.

Installation

The Qode comes with PS/2 connectors only, if your PC uses the older 5 pin connectors you may need to purchase additional adapters. You can find them at Radio Shack stores.

Once you have installed the hardware, you will need to install the Qode software that comes with it. I recommend that you change the default configuration and uncheck the automatic upload to web site option. You do not need to upload Qode scans to their web site when using it with Readerware.

Unfortunately you may not be able to easily use the Qode with another bar code reader. Wedge type bar code readers all connect to the keyboard port like Qode. They don't work with keyboard switch boxes. So switching between bar code readers is a real pain.

Scanning

You can scan books anywhere because the unit is not connected to your PC while scanning. Keep it on your key chain and it is always available. If a friend recommends a book to you, just scan the bar code and you can catalog it in Readerware when you get home. You can also scan books in a store. The manual even tells you what to say if you are challenged in a store when scanning a book. I can understand that some bookstore owners are not going to welcome this device in their store. Qode fully intends that you buy the book using one of their partners. See a book you like while browsing your local book store, scan it, upload it to their web site and buy it on the web. Not exactly bookstore friendly.

Uploading to your PC

After the upload Qode attempts to connect to their web site. When using the Qode with Readerware it is best to turn off this option You can always upload the scans to the Qode web site later if you want.

Once you have the file on your PC, start Readerware, select auto-catalog and open the file as a Readerware auto-catalog list file. Readerware then converts the bar code scans to ISBNs and displays them. Continue with Readerware auto-catalog as normal.

So where is the file that Qode uploads? As it is done automatically you don't get a chance to select the file location. On my Windows NT box, it stored the file in my home directory. On my Windows 98 system it stored it in the Qode installation directory. In both cases the file name started with qb and had a file type of TMP so it is easy to find.

Readerware automatically remembers the last accessed directory so once you have loaded the file in Readerware, it will go back to the same directory. Because Readerware expects the file to have an extension of RWB, it will not automatically appear in the open dialog, you must first pick the all files option in the open dialog and then pick the file.

Here is a tip to make it much easier. Qode keeps track of the file name in the Windows registry. It is easy to change the location and name. Start the Windows regedit program. Use the find function to search for qoder. In the 2.0 folder you will find a key called DestFileName. Double click on it and enter the new name and path for the file. Try creating the file in your Readerware directory with a file name of QODE.RWB then it will always be created in your Readerware directory and will show up right away in the Readerware open dialog. The full key name you want to change is:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Qode\Qoder\2.0\DestFileName

C:\Readerware\QODE.RWB

Qode and the Cat

Someone recently posted in the message forums that they were able to connect both the Qode® and a CueCat® to the same system. Following his instructions, I was able to get it to work also.

The Qode plugs into the computer keyboard port, the CueCat plugs into the Qode docking station and the keyboard plugs into the socket on the CueCat tail. Both scanners seem to work just fine like this.

Is it safe to connect 3 devices at once, all drawing power from the computer's keyboard port? Beats me, but it does seem to work and I have noticed no ill effects on my system. And it is a very useful configuration. The Qode is great for cataloging a bunch of books, you take it to your books rather than drag the books to your computer. The CueCat is great for single scans, like when you bring a new book home from the bookstore and want to catalog it.

Conclusion

Qode is for Windows users only, although I could find no mention of that on their web site. There isn't anything by way of support available on the web.

I wish it were possible to connect the Qode and my CCD reader to the same PC. The Qode is very useful but it should get along better with other bar code readers. It wouldn't be my only bar code reader.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Readerware is in no way affiliated with Qode.