Barcoding News
Data tracking news, product updates, tips, and more
Code Introduces the New CR6000 Industrial DPM Scanner
Code has announced the release of the Code Reader 6000 (CR6000), an industrial grade direct part mark (DPM) reader that enhances data collection with the latest advancements in barcode reading.
The CR6000 employs Code’s latest imaging technology to achieve consistent first pass read rates of dot peen and laser-etched barcodes, regardless of surface type. Combining advanced illumination control and patented anti-glare technology with a propriety decoding platform, the CR6000 excels in reading low-contrast, hard-to-read barcodes, even those that are damaged by every day wear and tear.
Motorola’s New MC18 Personal Shopper Mobile Computer
The MC18 personal shopper solution is a smartphone-style, state-of-the-art mobile computer that transforms the shopping experience. As the next generation self-scanning solution, the MC18 enables retail shoppers to easily and conveniently scan items as they shop, saving time and avoiding the need to wait in lines at checkout. Retail shoppers can also receive discount coupons, as well as suggestions for complementary items.
The MC18 also features the PowerPrecision+ battery, a new higher capacity battery only from Motorola that provides enough power for 45 minutes of shopping with just 15 minutes of charging. The intelligent PowerPrecision+ battery delivers advanced state of health and state of charge information—improving device management and ensuring that cradles are always filled with ready-to-use devices.
RedBeam Version 5.6.1 Now Available
The latest version of RedBeam Asset Tracking, Inventory Tracking, and Check In/Check Out applications includes a database upgrade to SQL Express 2008 R2. This enhancement provides the following benefits:
- Increased Memory – 10 GB of database memory versus 4 GB in the previous version.
- Support for Windows 8 / Windows Server 2012 – SQL Server 2008 R2 is fully supported on Windows 8/Windows Server 2012.
Backwards Compatibility – SQL Express 2008 was intentionally chosen over SQL Express 2012 because it allows us to continue to support customers running Windows XP.
For assistance choosing the right version of ReadBeam for your business needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
Sato’s CL4NX Series – Beyond Expectations
Sato’s newest addition to their printer line, the CL4NX, is one of the most advanced yet easy to use industrial printers on the market today. Engineered to be a truly universal printer it has the flexibility to meet the demands of any application from compliance labeling and logistics tracking to asset management and retail tagging.
TSC Adds New TDP-324W Wristband and TDP-324 Label Desktop Printers
TSC has added two new high-resolution printers, the TDP-324W wristband printer and the TDP-324 desktop printer, to its growing line of direct-thermal desktop products.
TDP-324W Wristband Printer
The two-inch-format TDP-324W is engineered to print high-definition wristbands used for patient identification, entertainment ticketing and various government applications, including restricted-area access and visitor identification.
Standard features include a 300-dpi printhead, a large 6.5-inch-diameter media cabinet, and an easy-to-read LCD that displays printer status. The TDP-324W can be operated either as a standalone desktop or wall-mounted printer and supports USB 2.0 and Ethernet communications. It also features a USB-host port for connecting keyboards or scanners.
Apple iOS 8 keyboard update allows for system-wide barcode scanning
Apple unveiled dozens of new features in its upcoming iOS 8 operating system for iPhone, iPods and iPads at their World Wide Developer Conference on Monday.
Of particular interest to those who use iOS devices for light inventory management or asset tracking is the support for custom 3rd party keyboards.
Android has supported 3rd party keyboards for years, but the feature is new to iOS. Third party keyboards are commonly used to offer different ways of entering text, by swiping, for example.
Custom keyboards can be used for more than just typing. They can also be developed with a new “scan” button that, when tapped, uses the camera to scan a barcode and enter the text or numbers from that barcode anywhere you can type: web pages, email, other apps, etc.
ID TECH’s Shuttle and UniMag II Approved for the Visa Ready Program
ID Tech has announced two of their secure mobile magstripe readers, the Shuttle and UniMag II, are now approved solutions of the Visa Ready Program.
The Visa Ready Program is designed to ensure that devices, software, and solutions used to initiate or accept Visa payments are compatible with Visa’s requirements.
The ID Tech Shuttle and UniMag II are two-track encrypted magnetic stripe readers that transform any mobile device into an mPOS solution. Both mobile readers encrypt card data before it enters the mobile device increasing the merchant’s business reputation by inhibiting fraudulent activity. The Shuttle and UniMag II support TDES and AES encryption using DUKPT key management and administer superior card reading performance with a single swipe in either direction. With the Visa Ready Program’s security requirements and ID Tech’s continuation to innovate secure payment solutions, merchants can rely on the safety of their mPOS system.
Wasp Launches MobileAsset v7, MobileAsset.EDU with iPhone, iPad, Android Connectivity
Wasp has announced the release of their MobileAsset v7 and MobileAsset.EDU. Wasp’s fixed asset tracking solutions include all the features a business or educational institution needs to account for its valuable assets.
Wasp’s MobileAsset v7, designed for IT departments, and MobileAsset.EDU, dedicated for K-12 and higher education institutions, are the most convenient and competitive tracking solutions available. The MobileAsset.EDU edition is the first of its kind, with two available options, Professional and Enterprise; while the MobileAsset v7 is available in three editions: Standard, Professional, and Enterprise.
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer
For those new to label printing, getting a handle on printing basics can be confusing especially with the new set of vocabulary you have to get familiar with. Â One of the biggest concerns when choosing the right kind of media and printer for your application is deciding between what type of printing, Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer, you’ll need.
Direct Thermal Media
Direct Thermal media uses a transparent heat-sensitive coating applied to its surface to image text and bar codes. When the heat from the printhead contacts the coating, it initiates a chemical reaction that turns the coating black. This method is ideal for temporary label uses like shipping labels, food packaging, or any other short term application. If your needs are are short term, Direct Thermal is the easiest and most cost effective solution.
Tips for Storing Thermal Receipt Paper
The switch over to thermal receipt paper has become commonplace across most  retailers due to the cost savings and faster printing it offers. While these thermal paper receipts get us out of the store faster, there is a downside. Thermal paper receipts can fade, are sensitive to heat,  and require proper storage to ensure you get the most of them.
To better understand the best way to handle thermal receipt paper it helps to know how exactly it works. Thermal paper has a special heat sensitive coating which purchase information is heat transferred onto as the paper runs through the receipt printer. The coatings can be affected by a variety of things; heat and exposure to direct sunlight being the primary problems.
