Barcode scanner setup

This guide covers the universal setup steps for any HDWR scanner. Model-specific configuration codes (volume, prefix/suffix, interface mode) live on the per-model page in the sidebar.

What's in the box

• The scanner itself
• A cable (USB, RS232 or both depending on the SKU)
• A stand or holder (for stationary models)
• A printed quick-start guide
• A printed configuration-codes sheet (for advanced configuration)

Step 1 — Connect

USB models

1. Plug the USB cable into the scanner.
2. Plug the other end into a free USB port on the computer or POS terminal.
3. Wait for the device to be detected — most operating systems show a notification within 3–5 seconds.
4. The scanner beeps to confirm and its LED lights up.

RS232 models

1. Plug the RS232 cable into the scanner.
2. Plug the DB9 connector into the serial port on the computer or POS terminal.
3. Plug in the external power supply (RS232 scanners require external power).
4. Configure the serial port in your software (default: 9600 baud, 8-N-1).

Wireless models (2.4 GHz dongle or Bluetooth)

1. Plug the supplied 2.4 GHz dongle into a free USB port — OR pair the scanner with the host over Bluetooth (pairing instructions are on the model page).
2. Power the scanner on with the trigger or power button.
3. Wait for the connection LED to stay solid (typically blue or green).

Step 2 — Test

Open any text editor (Notepad, Word, the 'scan test' field in your POS) and scan any barcode. The code should appear as text, terminated by an Enter character (the default behaviour).

If nothing happens, see Troubleshooting.

Step 3 — Configuration (optional)

By default HDWR scanners run in USB-HID mode (keyboard emulation) with Enter after scan. This suffices in 95% of cases. To change behaviour, scan the appropriate configuration barcode from the bundled manual or from the model page on this site.

The most common configurations:

• Disable Enter after scan — for apps that handle their own line endings
• Add a prefix or suffix — to route scans into specific application fields
• Switch to USB-COM — for apps that read from a virtual serial port
• Change beep volume — for quiet offices

Setup and configuration

How do I start a wireless barcode scanner for the first time?

Right out of the box: 1. Plug the bundled USB receiver into the target device (computer, laptop, POS terminal) — this is where the scanned data will be sent. 2. Press the scan trigger to wake the scanner. You don't need to scan any pairing code: the scanner ships factory-paired with the receiver in the box.

Do I need to install the driver from the CD that came in the box?

For USB-HID mode (default): no. The scanner behaves like a keyboard and needs no driver. Install drivers only if you switch the scanner to USB-COM mode (virtual serial port).

What is auto-induction (auto-scan mode) and how do I enable it?

Auto-induction (also called auto-scan or presentation mode) lets the scanner read codes without pressing the trigger: as soon as a label enters the scan window the laser/imager fires automatically and the code is read. Enable it by scanning the corresponding configuration code from the printed manual that came in the box — it is usually labelled 'Auto-detection scan', 'Auto Continue mode' or 'Presentation mode'.

What are prefixes and suffixes?

A prefix is one or more characters added before the scanned code, a suffix is added after it. They are widely used to route scans into the right field of an application, or to add separators required by a downstream system. For example, you might prefix every scan with the letter 'P' to mark it as a product code, or suffix it with TAB to jump to the next form field automatically.

How do I set any prefix or suffix (for example a double Enter)?

Models that support advanced programming (HD2000, HD45, HD29A, HD-S80 and similar) let you program any character as prefix or suffix. The procedure is: 1) scan the 'Set prefix' or 'Set suffix' code from the manual, 2) scan the ASCII code(s) for the character(s) you want, 3) scan 'Save'. For two consecutive Enter characters as a suffix, scan the ENTER ASCII code twice in step 2.

Can I remove a prefix or suffix once it's set?

Yes — every scanner can be returned to factory defaults. Scan the 'Restore factory defaults' barcode from the manual for your model and the device drops every customisation, including prefixes and suffixes.

What is storage mode (memory mode)?

Some wireless scanners offer a storage (or memory) mode: scanned codes are kept in the device's internal memory and uploaded to a computer later, on demand. This is useful when the operator is out of wireless range or in an offline location. Enable it by scanning the relevant code from the manual — it is usually labelled 'Storage mode'. Upload the stored codes by scanning 'Upload data' once back in range.

What is Virtual COM and how do I enable it?

Virtual COM emulates an RS232 serial port over USB: the host sees the scanner as a COM port even though it is physically connected via USB. Some legacy POS and inventory applications require this. Enable it by scanning the configuration code from the manual (typically labelled 'USB Virtual COM') and installing the COM-port driver from the model page.

How do I configure the scanner to work with a specific program?

Most software only requires the scanner to work in keyboard-emulation mode, which is the HDWR default. Some applications also need a specific prefix or suffix (for example a TAB after each scan, or a CR+LF terminator) — check the application's documentation. Configure these with the codes from your scanner's manual; nothing else is usually required.

How do I set ENTER after the code, and how far can the wireless scanner work from the dongle?

ENTER after scan is enabled by default on every HDWR scanner, so there is nothing to configure unless you want to turn it off. For wireless range: 2.4 GHz HDWR models reach 30–50 m in open space and 10–20 m through office walls; Bluetooth models reach 10–30 m depending on the host's Bluetooth class. The exact range is listed on each model's specification page.