Scanning Pdf417 (2-D) Bar Codes - Symbol SPT 1700 Series Quick Reference Manual

Q u i c k

Scanning PDF417 (2-D) Bar Codes

To scan a PDF417 bar code (with a 2-D configured terminal):
1. Aim the scanner at the PDF bar code and press the trigger.
2. Hold the trigger down and keep the scan line parallel to the
rows of the symbol.
3. Manually raster the scan line by slowly moving the scanner up
and down so it scans the entire bar code at a rate of one inch
per second.
A clicking noise lets you know the 2-D bar code is being decoded.
If there is no clicking noise when you're scanning the bar code, it's
not being scanned properly.
When decoding a very long 2-D bar code, you may notice a slight
delay between the time when the terminal completes the decode and
the time when the data is displayed on the screen. The first beep you
hear indicates a successful decode. The second beep you hear
indicates the data has been received by the host. Do not attempt to
decode another bar code until you hear the second beep and see the
green LED indicating successful decode.
To improve PDF decoding:
• Check that PDF417 scanning is enabled.
• Make sure the scan line extends at least 1/2" past the left and
right edges of the bar code.
• Hold the scanner closer for denser symbols, farther away for
larger symbols.
• Make sure you scan the top and bottom rows of the symbol.
• Be patient - it may take a few swipes to decode the symbol.
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