Testing and optimizing barcode scanning

About this topic

This topics describes:

•	Using diagnostics to test the barcode scanning (Microscan sensor)

•	Adjusting the scan angle

•	Troubleshooting

Before you start

Make sure you have the following:

•	M2 hex wrench

•	Spare microplate that has a barcode label

Using diagnostics to test the barcode scanning (Microscan sensor)

Use the following procedure to test the barcode scanning.

 

Class II laser hazard. Looking directly at the laser beam can result in serious eye injury. Do not look directly at the laser beam.

 

 

Laser emission from the reader does not automatically turn off if the sensor head is disassembled. Do not disassemble the barcode reader sensor head.

 

To test the barcode scanning:

1	Place the spare microplate on the Barcode Reader platepad and make sure the barcode label faces the Barcode Reader mirror.

2	Open Barcode Reader Diagnostics.

3	In the Profiles tab, select the Barcode Reader profile from the Profile list, and click Initialize this profile.

Figure. Microscan Barcode Reader Diagnostics Profiles tab

 

4	Click the Controls tab.

Figure. Microscan Barcode Reader Diagnostics Controls tab

 

5	Click Scan. The barcode reader laser turns on briefly to scan the barcode label. One of the following messages appears next to Result:

 

Scan result message	Description	Next step
<barcode text>	The barcode was successfully scanned.	The setup is complete. No further adjustment is required.
No barcode found	Barcode scanning was not successful.	Proceed to step 6.

6	If the No barcode found message appears, click Scan again, and check that the barcode reader laser beam is projected onto the vertical center of the barcode label.

If the laser beam is not at the vertical center of the label, adjust the scan angle of the Barcode Reader mirror.

7	To optimize the scanner settings, click Calibrate.

Note: During the calibration process, the scanner attempts various settings to determine the optimum decode rate for the given conditions.

Adjusting the scan angle

To adjust the scan angle of the Barcode Reader:

1	Loosen the screws on both sides of the Barcode Reader mirror.

 

2	Tilt the Barcode Reader mirror slightly. If the angle is set up properly, you can see the laser beam at the vertical center of the barcode label each time you click Scan barcode.

 

3	Tighten the screws on both sides of the barcode reader sensor head.

4	Repeat the procedures to test the barcode scanning and adjust the scan angle until the reader is able to scan the barcode successfully (the barcode text appears next to Scan result).

Troubleshooting

If the reader is unable to scan the barcode after many adjustments, try one or more of the following:

•	Make sure the barcode label is applied properly onto the microplate.

•	Make sure the microplate is sitting level on the Barcode Reader platepad.

•	Make sure the barcode meets the requirements. See Barcode label specifications.

•	Repeat the adjustment process using a new spare microplate.

Related information

 

For information about...	See...
Barcode specifications	About setting up the Barcode Reader
Installing the Barcode Reader	Installing or removing the Barcode Reader
Creating a profile for the Barcode Reader	Creating a profile for the Barcode Reader
Specifying the Barcode Reader location in the device file	Specifying the Barcode Reader location
Setting up other accessories	• Accessories and platepads • Autofilling accessories