HAVE A QUESTION? WE HAVE ANSWERS.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED SOMEONE’S HELP WITH THE CONFIGURATION OF MY NEW BARCODE HARDWARE?
If you have a large facility (or multiple facilities) with a significant number of devices located throughout, finding someone to help with the preparation, staging and configuration of the devices can save you time and the stress of doing it in-house. Nothing compares to opening a box, taking out the device and having it work immediately.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY PRINTER?
The best way to improve the performance of your printer is to dust the printer out and clean the printhead and platen roller. A good rule of thumb is to clean the printhead whenever you change the ribbon, or if you are using a direct thermal printer, after about three rolls of labels.
DO DIRECT THERMAL PRINTERS WEAR OUT THE PRINTHEAD FASTER THAN THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTERS?
Yes, direct thermal printers wear out the printhead faster than thermal transfer printers because the labels run directly across the printhead. This contact creates friction and as a result, the printhead wears out more quickly.
DO I REALLY NEED TO HAVE A WIRELESS SITE SURVEY CONDUCTED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION?
Site surveys expedite the installation process and guarantee the best wifi coverage, bandwidth and stability to support your users’ needs.
HOW DOES THE CONSTRUCTION OF MY FACILITY AFFECT WIFI COVERAGE?
The construction materials and layout of your facility can affect wifi coverage in a number of ways. For example, metallic construction materials tend to create multi-path interference as the RF signal bounces off the metal. A site survey can help avoid any interference by testing with and without diversity to see which solution will achieve the best results. Facilities with multiple buildings also have unique requirements due to the fact they require intermediate distribution frames (extensions of the main distribution frame).
Equipment that can cause RF interference includes:
- Microwave Ovens
- Motion Sensors
- Remote Controls
- Radar
- Mobile Phones
- Bluetooth
- Commercial Radios
- AM, FM, CB, or Television Transmitters
ARE RF DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS BETTER THAN ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS?
An RF system allows for real-time updating and information sharing, reduces human error and allows instant problem-solving (rather than finding out about “huge” problems later on). Information is readily available to users at all times, and with an RF system, you can be certain that the information will be up-to-date and accurate.
DO I NEED A NEMA ENCLOSURE?
NEMA enclosures are built to protect electronic equipment (such as access points) in moist, extreme or dusty environments. NEMA cases (National Electronics Manufacturers Association) protect your access points and help prevent the loss of wifi coverage.
HOW SOON CAN I GET MY SYSTEM/EQUIPMENT UP AND RUNNING?
DataGear has technicians available for on-site installations and repairs throughout the United States to ensure quick response. When you work with DataGear, you can be certain that your system is installed and your team is trained at the earliest achievable time.
HOW MUCH COVERAGE CAN I GET WITH JUST ONE ACCESS POINT?
Depending on the environment one access point can extend 5,000 sq. feet to up to 20,000 sq. feet. The number of devices (microwaves, mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, etc.) and the construction of the facility all affect wifi signal so there is no “standard” as far as what one access point can cover.
SHOULD I USE AN IMAGE-BASED MOBILE COMPUTER INSTEAD OF A LASER-BASED DEVICE?
To take advantage of current technologies, laser scanners are no longer adequate data collection devices. Although they cover long-distance applications and have the ability to scan basic barcodes, laser scanners in comparison to image scanners are somewhat limited. Image scanners are the “next generation” in scanning technology, allowing for image capture and scanning capabilities to deliver real-time updates, delivery confirmation, and much more. 2D barcodes (the barcodes that require image scanners) can hold significantly more information than 1D barcodes in a fraction of the space; as a result, the growing use of 2D barcodes has revolutionized many industries and the way information is managed.
If you want to find out more about the difference between laser and image barcode scanners, read our blog.
I DROPPED MY MOBILE COMPUTER BUT THERE IS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE AND IT SEEMS TO RUN FINE. DO I STILL NEED TO SEND IT IN FOR REPAIR?
If there isn’t damage to the unit that affects its performance and if the device still operates in the required modes, then there probably isn’t any reason to send it in for repair. However, if you want to make certain that the device is still in optimal working condition, you can always send it in to our facility.
MY BATTERY IS NOT HOLDING A CHARGE. HOW LONG SHOULD I HAVE CHARGED IT BEFORE USING IT THE FIRST TIME?
Prior to using a battery for the first time, you should charge it for 24 hours. If it begins to lose its ability to hold a charge, it may be in need of replacement. You can read our article on “Memory Effect” to find out if you need to replace your battery or how to condition it to operate at a higher capacity.
THERE IS A NEW VERSION OF THE SOFTWARE I USE ON MY MOBILE DEVICES. SHOULD I UPGRADE?
There are several factors to consider when thinking about doing an upgrade regardless of whether that upgrade involves software or hardware. One of the most important questions to ask before upgrading is about how well your current software or hardware is doing the tasks you need it to do. If your hardware or software is performing the way you need it to, then there is no reason to upgrade. However, if you are losing time and productivity is suffering due to downtime or your team working around an outdated system, then an upgrade is a considerable option.
Some software updates are not available for older models and a software upgrade may require a hardware upgrade. Please call us to discuss upgrade options to ensure that you get the greatest ROI on your hardware and software at 714-556-5055.
I’M HAVING CONNECTIVITY ISSUES WITH MY WIFI. WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE NETWORK PERFORMANCE?
The easy answer might appear to be using higher gain or larger antennas, but this often does not resolve connectivity issues. Improved signal and performance often comes from the addition of an AP unit. You can schedule a wifi site survey with DataGear to make sure you have the information you need to best diagnose and resolve the problem.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CONTRACT AND A WARRANTY?
A repair contract can be purchased for equipment you already own that requires regular maintenance (more than one unit can be included on a contract and the purchase of the unit does not have to originate with DataGear) whereas a warranty is attached to new or pre-owned equipment purchased from DataGear.
I SENT A UNIT IN FOR REPAIR. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE BEFORE I GET IT BACK?
Repairs are typically completed within 7 business days after they have physically been received in our repair facility. This time can change based on the availability of parts and the complexity of the repairs. Units that are a part of our Spares Pool program have faster turnaround times than those that may have parts that are difficult to find.
