Troubleshooting Barcode Scanner Problems
This guide covers common barcode scanner issues and how to resolve them.
Scanner Does Not Scan Anything
Step 1: Run the Test Scanner diagnostic (Program → Machine Configuration → Hardware Configuration → Test Scanner).
If connectivity fails (serial scanners):
| Check | How |
|---|---|
| Cable connected | Verify the USB or serial cable is firmly plugged in at both ends |
| Correct COM port | Open Device Manager → Ports (COM & LPT) and confirm the COM port number matches AccuArk's configuration |
| COM port in use | Close any other software that might be using the same COM port |
| Baud rate | Ensure AccuArk's baud rate setting matches the scanner's configuration (check the scanner manual for the default baud rate) |
If connectivity passes but the interactive scan test times out:
| Check | How |
|---|---|
| Scanner is powered on | Most scanners have an LED that lights up or blinks when active. If there is no light, check the power source. |
| Scanner is aimed correctly | Point the scanner beam directly at a barcode. Adjust the distance — some scanners work best at 4-8 inches. |
| Barcode is readable | Try scanning a different, clean barcode. Damaged, smudged, or very small barcodes may not scan. |
| Scanner trigger | For trigger-type scanners, press and hold the trigger button while pointing at the barcode. |
USB HID (Keyboard Wedge) Scanners
USB HID scanners send keystrokes like a keyboard. They have unique considerations:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Scanner scans but nothing appears in AccuArk | The scanner is sending keystrokes to a different window | Make sure the AccuArk POS screen has focus (is the active window) when scanning |
| Scanner adds items but also types in random fields | The scan data is being captured by the wrong input field | Click on the search/barcode field in the POS screen before scanning |
| Characters are wrong or garbled | The scanner's keyboard layout does not match Windows | Configure the scanner to use the same keyboard layout as Windows (usually US English). Check the scanner manual for keyboard layout programming barcodes. |
| Scan works but Enter is not sent | The scanner is not configured to append Enter | Most scanners need to be programmed to send a carriage return (Enter key) after each scan. Check the scanner manual for suffix configuration barcodes. |
Serial Scanners
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Garbled characters | Baud rate mismatch | The baud rate in AccuArk must match the scanner's baud rate exactly. Common values: 9600, 19200, 38400, 115200. |
| Partial data captured | Buffer overflow or timeout | Increase the read timeout or check for electrical interference on the serial cable |
Scanner Auto-Add Mode
If scanning a barcode puts the value in the search field but does not add the item to the sale:
- Open Machine Configuration → General tab → POS Settings
- Check the Scanner Auto-Add Mode checkbox
- When enabled, scanning a barcode immediately adds the matching item (quantity 1) to the sale
- When disabled, the scanned value fills the search field and waits for the cashier to confirm