How to connect a barcode scanner to Mandalay CS
Some functionality of the Mandalay CS system requires the use of a barcode scanner. This can include voucher processing or any other form of Electronic identification that is support by Mandalay CS.
The following article explains how to attach a barcode scanner to Mandalay CS. It assumes that the bar code scanner has already been configured correctly to run in serial mode (if a USB scanner) or connected directly to a serial port.
Barcode Scanner Configuration
Before a scanner can be used on Mandalay CS is must be configured correctly, you will need to refer to your devices guides on how to do this:
- A carriage return must be appended to the end of any text stream that the scanner transmits.
- Is the scanner is a USB type you must ensure that it can be configured to provide a virtual COM (serial)
Device Manager
The bar code scanner needs to added to the Mandalay Device Manager. This can be found in the menu Start > Programs > Mandalay Technologies > Hardware.
Once this has started click on the Add Device button to begin the process of adding a device.
Add Device Wizard
Click on the Next button to continue
Detect Hardware
Generally barcode scanners can not be auto detected to you will need to select the manual option.
Select the Device Type
- Select the Barcode Scanner type to see the list of barcode scanner options.
- In most cases you will just need to the select the Generic Barcode Scanner (8N1 CR terminator). However if your specific barcode scanner model is listed then select it.
- Click Next to install.
Select the Serial Port
Select the serial port that has been assigned to the bar code scanner. For scanners that use virtual com ports you may need to look at the Windows Device Manager to identify the correct COM port. Click Next once it has been identified.
Confirm the Name
Provide a name for the device or leave as the default name. Click Finish to complete the wizard.
Save the changes
Click on the Update Config button and answer yes to the two questions that are prompted.
Test the Scanner
Once installed it should be possible to test the scanner by double clicking the device in the devices list. Then clicking on the Device tab.
Connect to the device
- Click on the Connect button.
- Click on the Reading Disabled text to enable the reading of the device. (The text will change to Reading Enabled and will be green)
- Scan a bar code and the number will appear in the ID history.
If the number does not appear then check the serial settings for the port or refer to the manufacturers guides.
Configure Ticketing to Use the Scanner
Run Mandalay CS Configuration Manager and ensure that the localhost is added in the Hardware servers list.
Add desktop EID
From the DCS tab:
- Check the Use Desktop EID Reader
- Select the device from the drop down box.
- Click ok to complete ticketing.
Restarting Ticketing and the system will now be ready to accepts barcodes scanned by the device.