PROGRAMS

There are two custom programs within the Data Collection Mode:

Program 1 is the Item ID/Quantity–Item ID/Quantity option (used for physical inventory)
You would select Program 1 as your Data Collection Program if you have multiple pieces of each item to count. Program 1 allows you to scan a barcode, and then enter the quantity that you have on the Tricoder keypad.

Program 2 is the Item ID–Item ID–Item ID option (used for physical inventory)
Since Program 2 assumes a quantity of “1” for every barcode scanned, you would select it as your Data Collection Program if you have ‘one-sies’ of each item. It allows you to scan a barcode, and then immediately scan the next barcode.

NOTE: you cannot switch the Tricoder between these modes without uploading the data first.

USING THE PORTABLE BARCODE SCANNER UNIT

The Portable Barcode Scanner Unit connects to the computer through a cable on the Tricoder.

On the side of the Tricoder you will see two RJ11 ports, one marked ‘scanner’ and one marked ‘computer.’ Naturally, the scanner should be plugged into the appropriate port, and the cable that connects to the computer must be plugged into it’s appropriate port. In addition, the Power cord should always be plugged into the bottom of the Tricoder when the Tricoder is connected to the computer.

To start the actual scanning process, turn the Tricoder off and unplug it from both the Power cord and from the computer cable.

You will now have only the Scanner and the Tricoder in your hand.

Next, turn the Tricoder on. Follow the prompts on the screen, which are:

1. Hit Any Key…hit any key on the Tricoder keypad.
2. Data Collection…hit the green ‘Yes’ button on the Tricoder if you are ready to walk around and scan (collect) data.
3. Program…choose program 1 or 2 (see Programs section above) according to your needs.
   NOTE: if you get the spoken message ‘datafile exists’ after selecting your Program this means that the information from your previous scan was never cleared from the Tricoder. To start your new scan, you must delete the previous scan by uploading it and then deleting it [see the UPLOADING section below].

Begin scanning your data (barcodes).

NOTE: The Tricoder will speak it’s scanning prompts 4-5 times, then continue silently (but these prompts will continue to appear on the Tricoder’s screen).

UPLOADING THE SCANNED DATA

When you are ready to upload your scanned data, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the Tricoder (it will not lose your collected data).
2. Connect the Tricoder back to both it’s Power cord and the computer cable.
3. Turn on the Tricoder, and Hit Any Key.
4. The Tricoder will first offer the Data Collection option. Press the red ‘No’ key.
5. Next, the Tricoder will offer the Data Upload option. Before you say Yes, make sure that your cursor is blinking in the appropriate place on your screen—whether you are uploading into an Excel spreadsheet, a Word document, or directly into POSIM, you must click the mouse’s cursor into the correct spot. Once you are ready, hit the green ‘Yes’ key on the Tricoder’s keypad. Your data will all upload into the computer.
6. When the Tricoder is finished uploading the data, it will beep. Once it beeps, make sure that you have saved the uploaded data (either by saving your Excel spreadsheet or your Word document; if you uploaded directly into POSIM, it will automatically be saved for you).
7. Finally, clear the data out of the Tricoder by selecting the ‘Clear Data’ option that is now showing on the Tricoder’s screen. Following this hit the green ‘Yes’ button on the Tricoder as it asks you ‘are sure that you want to clear the data’.