Testing Your Barcode Scanner
The barcode scanner test checks connectivity and then opens an interactive scan window where you can verify a barcode is read correctly.
How to Run the Test
- Open Program → Machine Configuration
- Go to the Payments & Accounts tab → Hardware Configuration section
- Make sure your scanner type is configured (USB HID or Serial)
- Click the Test Scanner button
Step 1: Connectivity Check
| Scanner Type | What Is Checked |
|---|---|
| USB HID (Keyboard Wedge) | Always passes — USB HID scanners send keystrokes like a keyboard and are always available as long as they are plugged in |
| Serial / COM | The configured COM port exists, can be opened, and data can be read at the configured baud rate |
Step 2: Interactive Scan Test
If connectivity passes, AccuArk opens the Scanner Test dialog:
- A window appears with a text input field and the message: "Scan a barcode now..."
- A 15-second countdown begins
- You have 15 seconds to scan any barcode with your scanner
- USB HID scanners: the scanned value appears in the text field as keystrokes, and pressing Enter (which most scanners send automatically) completes the test
- Serial scanners: the scanned data is read from the COM port and displayed in the text field
- If the scan is captured successfully, the dialog closes and the test reports the scanned barcode value
If you do not scan within 15 seconds, the test times out and reports that no barcode was captured. This is not an error — it just means the scan window expired. You can re-run the test.
Interpreting the Results
- Scan captured with correct barcode — the scanner is working perfectly
- Scan captured but value is garbled — the scanner may be configured for the wrong barcode symbology or the baud rate is incorrect (serial scanners)
- Timeout (no scan captured) — check that the scanner is powered on, plugged in, and aimed at a barcode. For serial scanners, verify the COM port and baud rate match the scanner's configuration.
- Connectivity fails (serial) — the COM port cannot be opened. Check the USB-to-serial adapter or cable.