Q: Does ComicBase support any barcode scanners other than the ones you sell?
A: Any USB barcode scanner that can reliably read Code 3 of 9, EAN 13 (+2/+5) and UPC codes should work, providing it (a) transmits all the human-readable digits in the barcode (including the smaller "supplemental" digits to the right of the main barcode--and (b) adds no other characters to the scan. We can’t offer technical support for any scanners other than the Manhattan or ComicBase-branded scanners we sell, however, so you’d have to contact your scanner’s manufacturer if you need help setting it up to read those codes.
Q: How do I use the scanner within ComicBase?
A: To get straight to a comic from anywhere in the database, just use the Jump command (Ctrl + J), and bleep in the book’s barcode.
If you're using the Manhattan Contact CCD scanner, place the barcode scanner directly on the barcode and pull the trigger. Laser scanners scan best from about 7 inches away.
Once scanned, it’ll take you straight to that book. After that, you can just type a “1” to say that you’ve got one copy of that comic in stock (this is referring to our one-key-data-entry feature). So basically: Ctrl + J, <bleep!>, 1, repeat…
If you’re working with ComicBase Archive or Professional, you can also use the barcode scanner with the program’s Batch menu to Add Comics to Inventory or to Sell Comics. With those versiopns, simply choose the appropriate command under the Batch menu, then bleep in the barcode of the comics you want to add or sell and ComicBase will adjust your inventory appropriately. Check the small box at the bottom of the screen to view the issues afterward.
Q: My books aren’t coming up when I scan the code…
Possibility #1:
Make sure you are either using the Edit >Jump to Issue… command or using the Ctrl + J shortcut to activate the Jump command. It should say “Jump to Comic” and ask you “Jump to which comic?” (Or if you're using ComicBase Professional or ComicBase Archive Edition, use the Batch > Add Issues to Inventory (Ctrl + I) command).
Possibility #2:
If you are still having problems using your barcode scanner, here are a few other possibilities: