Frequently
Asked Questions on xCode (FAQ)
Frequently
Asked Questions on xCode (FAQ) |
Below you will find questions which we frequently receive on xCode and their answers; if you still can not find what you need, write to: szp@zanella-hifi.com.
Answers |
Q: When is it
advisable to use xCode and when is it more appropriate to choose a Windows software, like
BCF or BCG?
A: xCode is a suite that includes three distinct generators:
two for PCL-5 compatible laser printers and one for impact printers compatible with Epson
LX, LQ or IBM ProPrinter II printers. The programs in the suite are Ms-Dos console
applications; thus, it is advisable to use them in the following cases:
If your application does not meet one of these conditions, it is advisable to consider buying a software like BCF (that allows to include linear barcodes in the most widespread symbologies in your Windows prints by using TrueType fonts and a DLL) or BCG (that generates linear and circular barcodes and can also be driven by scripts).
Q: Does xCode
work under Windows?
A: xCode works correctly under all Windows operating
systems, including Windows NT, 2000 and XP.
Q: Can xCode be
used to print on network devices?
A: Yes, it is possible, when you remap a parallel port to
the network path of the printer (NET USE command), like in this example:
net use lpt2 "\\SERVER\HP LaserJet"
Q: Can BCG
create barcodes having the following features...?
A: A demo version is available upon request; it can be used
to verify if the software satisfy your needs. The demo version changes a few digits, but
the barcodes created are still readable and work well for testing purposes.
Q: I am not sure
about which settings I should change to create the barcodes I need; what can I do?
A: The easiest way to obtain what you need is using the
"SETUP" function to interactively change the settings for the generator. If,
despite your efforts, you still can not obtain the required barcode, contact us for
additional information. We usually require a hi-res capture (at least 300 dpi) of the
target barcode to determine correct settings for xCode; do not send big attachments by
e-mail if not specifically instructed to do so.
Q: Is it
possible to invoke xCode from other programs?
A: Sure, xCode can be driven by scripts and configurations
saved to files. Moreover, the options N and U in the generators allow to integrate
barcodes into prints which have been started by other applications.
Q: The target
barcode which I need is not exactly the same created by xCode; what can I do?
A: Even if the barcode created by xCode is not exactly
identical to your target barcode, the symbologies for which barcode readers are built are
market standards which have been around, in some cases, for more than fifty years; the
purpose of marking an object with a barcode is simply to automatically identify it among
others; thus, any aesthetical difference has no practical consequence if the scanner can
read the barcode.
Q: Which
symbologies are reccomended for the barcodes?
A: The most commonly used symbologies are: Code 128, Code
93, EAN family (Europe)/UPC family (United States), Code 39 and Interleaved 2/5. Except
for Code 39, all other symbologies should be used with a check digit.
Q: How do you
suggest to encode information?
A: A few symbologies, which only encode numbers, are very
compact: e.g. Interleaved 2/5, EAN 8-13, UPC A-E. Other symbologies are alphanumeric, but
are convenient (in terms of space taken up) mainly when representing numbers: e.g. Code
128. Code 93 is a good compromise if you need to encode alphanumeric strings and has the
advantage that the length of the resulting symbol only depends on the length of the
information being encoded, not its contents.
Q: Which
printers are reccomended for printing barcodes?
A: Laser printers are very easy to use: they feature high
resolutions, high speed and lot of memory. Dot matrix printers produce barcodes with
lesser contrast, especially when the ink ribbon wears out, and are a lot slower.
Q: Why I cannot
print a full page of barcodes?
A: If you cannot print a full page, the reason is
insufficient memory: you need to buy a memory expansion.
Q: I have
problems aligning prints on paper with my dot matrix printer; any suggestions?
A: Do not rely on friction to move paper, use continuous
paper with holes on the sides for traction.
Q: Can we buy
printing media (labels) together with the software?
A: SZP only deals in software, requests for printing media
are turned to label makers with which we usually work; anyway, it is preferable that the
customer directs his requests to a local label maker or typography. On the market there
are thousands of printers and hundreds of different barcode layouts; there is no standard
for label format and label layout: there are printers using paper in single sheets, other
in fanfold sheets; the material with which labels are made can be simple paper, PVC or
Primax; etc.
Q: What does it
mean that each copy of xCode is "serialized"?
A: Every customer buying a licence of xCode receives a
personalized copy of the generators, with a unique serial number, which is kept together
with the personal data of the customer in our databases: if one of these executables is
passed to other people without authorization, we can discover who owns the copy that
violated the licence.
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