For Palm Laser Scanners

If you've ever had to manage without your bar code scanner, you know how much you depend on it. Keeping your scanner in top condition will save you valuable time. Here are a few tips on how to tune up your Palm scanner.

If your Palm scanner is not hot syncing properly in its cradle, try restarting your desktop computer. This will reload your extensions, which should allow the unit to hot sync with your desktop. Make sure the cradle is properly connected to your desktop machine and the Palm scanner is sitting correctly in its cradle.

Keep good batteries in your Palm scanner to avoid the loss of your applications. Hot sync regularly with your desktop to back up applications in case your batteries go dead in your Palm device.

If you are having trouble reading barcodes, make sure all symbologies are checked in your SmartScan preferences. Also, holding the scanner too close or too far from the barcode may prevent your scanner from reading the barcode (6 inches of distance between the scanner and the barcode is a good rule of thumb). Old, worn out barcodes may need to be replaced if they won't scan.

Test the scanner before you start any large project. Scan 10 or 20 books and then download the information into Alexandria. You don't want to come across a problem after you have scanned hundreds of books.

Your portable scanner is a complex electronic device and is susceptible to abuse and damage. Be careful not to drop the scanner, sit on it, or expose it to extreme temperatures.

For CCD Wedge and Laser Scanners

Keep an eye on your cables. Don't let them get pinched by drawers, slammed in cabinets or stretched too far. This can result in a short in the cable or the port and a lot of aggravation.

Keep the lens of your CCD or Laser scanner free from dust and scratches. If you need to clean it, be sure to use a nonabrasive cloth.

If you are having trouble reading barcodes, make sure your scanner has been programmed to read all barcode symbologies in your collection. Also, holding the scanner too close or too far from the barcode may prevent your scanner from reading the barcode. The suggested distance varies depending on which scanner you own. Some scanner must touch the barcode to read it and others can be held as far as 6 inches away. Old, worn out barcodes may need to be replaced.

Keep it safe. Make sure your scanner is never dropped or banged on the counter. If you have a holder for your scanner, make sure you use it. If you don't have a holder, make sure you place your scanner in a safe spot when you're not using it.

If you do encounter any problems with your reader contact COMPanion Technical support at 1-800-347-4942.