How to Set Up Your Zebra DS2200 Barcode Scanner: A Comprehensive Guide

The Zebra DS2200 series barcode scanners are essential tools for efficient inventory management and point-of-sale systems in various businesses, from retail to even automotive service centers needing to track parts. Known for their versatility and ease of use, the DS2200 series comes in both corded (DS2208) and cordless (DS2278) models, both capable of reading 1D and 2D barcodes. Getting your Zebra DS2200 scanner up and running is a straightforward process, requiring minimal setup. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure your barcode scanner is quickly configured and ready to boost your operational efficiency.

Setting Up the Corded Zebra DS2208 Barcode Scanner

The corded Zebra DS2208 model provides a reliable and direct connection for scanning. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Prepare the Components: Ensure you have your Zebra DS2208 barcode scanner, a USB cable, and an optional cradle if included in your package.

2. Connect the USB Cable to the Scanner: Locate the base of your DS2208 scanner and firmly plug in the USB cable.

3. Connect to Your Computer: Plug the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.

Note for Mac Users: If you are using a Mac and a “Keyboard Setup Assistant” window appears, simply close it by clicking the red “x” in the top left corner. This pop-up is not required for barcode scanner setup and can be safely dismissed.

4. Enable Automatic Carriage Return: For seamless scanning in most applications, it’s beneficial to enable an automatic carriage return after each scan. Scan the barcode below to activate this feature. This barcode can also be found in the Quick Start Guide that came with your Zebra DS2200 scanner.

5. Test Your Scanner: Open a program where you can input text, such as a document or a spreadsheet, or if you are using Retail POS, navigate to Inventory > Item Search. Scan a barcode on any item. If the scanned item code appears in your document or the search results, your Zebra DS2208 corded barcode scanner is successfully set up and ready for use.

Setting Up the Cordless Zebra DS2278 Barcode Scanner with Cradle

The cordless Zebra DS2278 scanner offers greater flexibility with its Bluetooth connection via a cradle. Here’s how to configure it with the cradle:

1. Cradle Connection: Connect the cable to the port located underneath the scanner cradle.

2. Connect Cradle to Computer: Plug the other end of the cradle’s cable into a USB port on your computer. The cradle serves as both a charging station and a communication link between the scanner and your computer.

Note for Mac Users: As with the corded model, if a “Keyboard Setup Assistant” appears on your Mac, dismiss it by clicking the red “x”.

3. Charging the Scanner: Before initial use, it’s recommended to charge your Zebra DS2278 scanner by placing it in the cradle. The cradle’s LED indicator will blink amber while charging and turn solid green when fully charged.

4. Enable Automatic Carriage Return: Scan the barcode provided in your Quick Start Guide to enable automatic carriage return for efficient data entry after each scan.

5. Test Scanning Functionality: In your Retail POS system, go to Inventory > Item Search, or open any text application on your computer. Scan an item barcode to verify that the scanner is correctly configured and transmitting data. The item details should appear in your system, confirming successful setup.

Setting Up the Cordless Zebra DS2278 Barcode Scanner Without Cradle

If you are using the cordless DS2278 without a cradle, you can directly connect it via USB for charging and Bluetooth pairing:

1. Connect for Charging: Use a micro USB cable to connect your Zebra DS2278 scanner directly to your computer or a USB wall adapter for charging. The LED light on the scanner will flash green to indicate charging is in progress. This connection is primarily for charging and initial Bluetooth setup, not for direct data communication in standard use.

2. Enable Bluetooth Pairing: Once charged, disconnect the USB cable. To pair via Bluetooth, scan the “general discoverable mode” barcode. This barcode is usually found in the scanner’s manual or quick start guide and enables your scanner to be discoverable by your computer via Bluetooth.

3. Pair with Your Computer: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your computer. Search for available Bluetooth devices and select your Zebra DS2278 model from the list. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process. Once paired, your scanner will communicate wirelessly with your computer.

Setting Up 2D Barcode Scanning

The Zebra DS2200 series is designed to scan both 1D and 2D barcodes. If you need to specifically configure your scanner for optimal 2D barcode reading, follow these steps to ensure the settings are correctly applied:

1. Reset to Factory Defaults: Begin by scanning the “Set factory default” barcode. This step is crucial to ensure a clean configuration starting point and to remove any prior custom settings that might interfere with 2D scanning.

2. Disable Keypad Emulation: Scan the “Disable keypad emulation” barcode. This setting is often necessary for proper 2D barcode interpretation in various systems.

3. Enable Automatic Carriage Return (Again if needed): Finally, ensure automatic carriage return is enabled by scanning the appropriate barcode again, especially if resetting to factory defaults has disabled it.

By following these steps, your Zebra DS2200 series barcode scanner will be fully set up and optimized for both 1D and 2D barcode scanning, ready to streamline your operations and improve efficiency. Whether for inventory management, sales processing, or tracking automotive parts, a correctly configured barcode scanner is a valuable asset.