This Article Applies From:
CONNECT-D
2.7.5.5
CVIConfig 
2.5.4.4
cviMonitor
1.9.7.2
cvianalyzer
1.5.6.2


Introduction

This article outlines the procedure for setting up a Barcode Reader  for the CONNECT-D.

By the conclusion of the article, you will have a good understanding of the Barcode Reader  prerequisites and the steps necessary to configure both the device and the CONNECT-D.


Contents

Introduction

1 - Pre-Requisites

1.1 - Suggested Readings before diving-in

1.2 - Barcode Readers requirements

2 - Configuring the CONNECT-D for the Barcode Reader

2.1 - Overview

2.2 - CONNECT-D Configuration


1 - Pre- requisites  

1.1 - Suggested readings before diving-in  

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the following articles before proceeding further:

1.2 - Barcode Readers requirements  

The Barcode Reader you intend to utilize must:

  • Be a USB device.
  • Support the Virtual COM Mode.


What is Virtual COM Mode ? Virtual COM mode allows a USB barcode scanner to simulate an old-style serial (COM-port) device, enabling computers and legacy software to interact with it as they would with a traditional serial scanner. It employs a specific driver to generate a “virtual” COM port over USB, facilitating the scanner's compatibility with systems that only recognize serial communication.


Is Virtual COM Mode available for all Barcode readers ? No - it is contingent upon both the Manufacturer and Model . To verify that your barcode reader meets the requirements, consult the manufacturer’s documentation.


How can I set up Virtual COM Mode once I confirm my device supports the feature ? The precise process depends on the manufacturer. Nevertheless, in most instances, this involves:

  • A dedicated driver supplied by the manufacturer.
  • A specific Barcode that must be scanned by your device to enable its configuration for Virtual COM Mode functionality.
Once your device is set up to mimic a Serial Port, you can verify its connection status through the Device Manager window. 

Make sure your device is correctly setup before moving to the next section.


2 - Configuring the CONNECT-D for the Barcode Reader  

2.1 - Overview  

A specialized service manages the Barcode Reader: the Desoutter Barcode Service.

The service is automatically set up with CONNECT-D version 2.7.5.5.


Why is the service configured for Manual Startup Type ? 

The service is only activated when a Barcode Reader is set up. As a result, it is initiated solely upon request.


The service's purpose is to read the data captured by the Barcode Reader and transfer it to the CONNECT-D  via Open Protocol: at least one of the CONNECT-D  open ports is configured for Open Protocol  communication (please see the Quick Setup Guide - Network configuration article).


The MIDs handled by the Desoutter Barcode Service are listed in the table below:


MID NumberMID Description
0001Client sent MID to establish with Open ProtocolServer
0002Server sent MID to acknowledge connection request.
0150Client sent MID to upload a VIN
0004Negative acknowledge of a previous MID. 
0005Positive acknowledge of a previous MID.


Restriction: it is only possible to associate the barcode reader to a single tool on the CONNECT-D.

2.2 - CONNECT-D configuration  

This section assumes that the Barcode Reader is setup for Virtual COM Mode.


To setup a Barcode Reader with the CONNECT-D, first:

  • Start CONNECT-D Configurator.
  • Select the Barcode Service panel.
  • Specify the CONNECT-D Port to be associated with the Barcode Reader then click Apply.
    Make sure the specified port matches one of the port listed in the CONNECT-D Configurator configuration panel. It must also match the Open Protocol configuration for the tool you wish to associate the barcode reader to.
    Reminder: the barcode reader can only be associated to a single tightening tool.
  • Click OK when the confirmation window opens.
  • Click Yes when prompted to Restart the service.

The Desoutter Barcode Service starts.


Once the Configurator settings are complete, open CVIConfig then check the following:

  • At least one identifier has been configured for the CONNECT-D.
  • The configured identifier has been associated to the Tightening Unit and the corresponding Source has been set to Open Protocol.
    - PSet use case:

    - Assembly Process use case:


Deploy the updated configuration to the CONNECT-D.


You can now use the Barcode Reader to scan the target identifier.


Restriction: Open Protocol setting is restricted to the Unique port pert tightening unit use case.