Barcodes can be used to speed up searches when looking for a tape and to easily track media. The Barcode Reader replaces the need to manually type long numbers by reading the code (the lines) and translating the barcode lines into numbers. This number will appear in the farmerswife field where the cursor has been placed e.g. the Number field in the Media Library.
Download and Install Barcode Font
First download and install one of the below listed Barcode Fonts - it must be a True Type Font (.ttf) and this works the same way on Windows and macOS - no affiliation:
3 of 9 Barcode Font from Fonts4Free.net
3 of 9 Barcode Font from DaFont.com
Install this Barcode Font on every computer with a farmerswife Client installation that has a Barcode Reader connected or that will be used as a Label printer machine.
On Windows: Unpack the zip folder onto your desktop then copy and paste the files into the Font folder which is usually accessible from the Start Menu > Settings > Control Panel > Fonts.
On macOS: Unpack the zip file onto your desktop. Then go to the Finder > Services > Font Book. In the Font Book, click on the plus sign at the bottom of the Font column. Select the fonts from the folder downloaded and unzipped to the desktop.
Select The Barcode Font
To select the installed barcode font click on the selector bar below Barcode Font and select the installed Barcode from the drop down list. Click OK to finish the operation.
Barcode Readers / Scanners
There are several types of barcode scanners that are compatible with farmerswife client application.
By default most barcode readers automatically enter a CR (Carriage Return) suffix after each correct read. Therefore when looking for a barcode scanner it is important that the reader can be set to NOT send the CR after each swipe, since farmerswife just expects number/characters. The input is confirmed by manually by pressing Intro or Return.
Bluetooth barcode scanners in use by clients:
- Inatek - BCST-70 Barcode scanner (https://www.inateck.com/bcst-70-bluetooth-wireless-barcode-scanner-with-35m-range.html)
- Datalogic PowerScan 9500 (http://www.datalogic.com/eng/products/manufacturing-healthcare-transportation-logistics/hand-held-scanners/powerscan-pd9530-pd-602.html)
- Datalogic Gryphon M4430
- Motorola LI4278
https://www.dustin.dk/product/5010780403/li4278-1d-bt-usb-kit-black-cradle-without-power-cord?ssel=false&LGWCODE=5010780403%3b90883%3b5443&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0pfzBRCOARIsANi0g0sd3k489VO19552DmpNwjbrGkZ8d-ZSfrxlcq6Gi_ZpHNV_51vhqCsaAk7JEALw_wcB
Other barcode scanners in use by clients:
- Albasca Barcode Scanner MK-1000 + Stand (https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00346EF8A/ref=oss_product | http://www.albasca.com/produkte/mk-1000cu.html)
Barcode Reader Check Up
First check that a barcode reader is correctly connected to the computer. Check also that the correct drivers (if any) are installed and that the barcode reader has lights on to indicate that is operational.
To perform the test please print this page first, then open a blank text file (Word Pad, MS word, notepad, and text editor) and test if the following barcodes can be read. Scan the codes and check if the numbers that appear in the text file match the numbers displayed next to the barcode:
135*135*
54321 *54321*
12345 *12345*
974324 *974324*
If these codes cannot be read, please check the configuration manual of the barcode reader, and check that it was properly set up and the use of the CR suffix is disabled. Check also with the manufacturer of the barcode reader if there is a known reason for non-operation of the hardware.
After disabling the use of the CR suffix of the barcode reader, please test that the barcode reader is setup correctly. Perform the test above again and after a few scans, a continuous string of characters should be seen, e.g. 1351234554321974324
If the test was successful, open a farmerswife Client and make sure that a code can be scanned as described above. Simply click in a field in farmerswife where the result of the barcode scan is to appear and then scan the barcode.
To create a correct output for the 3 of 9 Barcode font it is important to type an asterisk (*) before and after the number e.g. *153969*. The barcode reader will in return not include the asterisks in the output but just give the number 153969.
Note from the author: A ‘
Special note to MS Word users: There is a default setting in Word that changes text surrounded by *'s into bold text. This setting must be disabled for these fonts to work, otherwise the * characters that are necessary for the barcode to scan properly will be lost and the thickness of the bars will be altered. I have a copy of Word '97. The setting might be found in a different place in other versions but this is how I disabled it. From the Tools menu open the AutoCorrect dialog box. On the AutoFormat tab uncheck the box for '*Bold* and _underline_'’.
Barcode Sounds
Was this article helpful?
That’s Great!
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry! We couldn't be helpful
Thank you for your feedback
Feedback sent
We appreciate your effort and will try to fix the article