Decoding 2D barcodes

VE6CPU · Oct 27, 2010

Hello all;

I'm trying to get a Symbol DS6707 to decode a 2D barcode (like the one on the back of some drivers licenses) but have hit a snag. Some of the bar codes decode just fine. Others seems to send ALT key combos that make programs like note pad want to save the document. I'm not sure if its sending a ATL-S or ALT-A or ALT-F4 but its sending something strange. Has any one else seen this sort of thing and know how to fix it?

TechnicalSwordsman · Nov 15, 2010

Barcodes may have all sorts of data encoded in it; sometimes this data is not visible in the scan. You may want to use an ASCII Decoder (it's free), an application that displays hidden characters:

http://www.idautomation.com/scanner-decoder/

You will get a better idea as to what is exactly in the barcode.

DansDadUK · Nov 16, 2010

I suspect that the data in some of these barcodes is probably encrypted.

... so your scanner just returns some encrypted characters, each of which could potentially be ANY character, depending on the encryption.

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Decoding 2D barcodes

VE6CPU

Programmer

TechnicalSwordsman

Technical User

DansDadUK

Programmer

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