If you want to use barcode scanners in mSupply, this is where you set up the preferences for communicating with your barcode scanner.

Note: Only a single barcode scanner can be connected to a computer running mSupply

We use barcode scanners: Check this if you will use barcode scanners with mSupply. When it is checked, mSupply will automatically try to connect to the scanner when it starts. You will get an error message if the port in the settings is closed (usually caused by the scanner not being connected or turned off).

Listen for barcode scanner on serial port drop down list: contains a list of all the serial ports available on the computer. Select the one the barcode scanner is connected to. Note, if the barcode scanner was previously connected to a port but it is now turned off or disconnected and the port is no longer available, the port will appear as “Disconnected port” in the list and will be selected by default.

Speed drop down list: the speed that data is communicated over the serial connection in Baud (900 to 230400).

Number of data bits drop down list: the number of data bits in a packet of information sent over the serial connection (5,6,7 or 8).

Number of stop bits drop down list: the number of stop bits in a packet of information sent over the serial connection (1, 1.5 or 2).

Parity drop down list: the type of parity used in the serial communication (Odd, Even or None).

Flow control drop down list: the type of flow control (None, RTS/CTS or Xon/Xoff).

Start listening button: When you have made your selections in the Scanner interface settings section, you can click this button to test whether the port settings are correct and mSupply can receive scanned output from the scanner. When you click it, mSupply attempts to open the selected port with the selected settings and listens to the scanner.

If you don't get an error message, that's good news (you will get one of the port cannot be opened) and you should scan a barcode with the scanner. If the port settings are correct and communication with the scanner is good, the contents of the scan will be displayed in the text box.

If the contents of the scan do not appear in the text box then something is wrong with the settings. Click the button again (which has changed to Stop listening), adjust the settings, click the button again and try another scan.

When you are happy the scans are being read by mSupply, your setup of the scanner is complete.