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Setting Up a Zebra TC21 and TC26 Ticket Scanner

Dave Carr
Dave Carr
  • Updated

Zebra ticket scanners (also referred to as mobile computers / touch computers) are devices that enable you to scan tickets containing barcodes/QR codes.

When a ticket is scanned, the Scanning Interface indicates whether the ticket is valid or not. This ensures that each customer entering has a valid ticket and allows you to track event attendance.

In this article you will learn how to set up a Zebra TC21 and TC26 ticket scanner for use with Spektrix.

TC21-front.jpg

If you’re using a Zebra TC22 or TC27 ticket scanner, read Setting Up a Zebra TC22 and TC27 Ticket Scanner.

Before you read this article make sure you’re familiar with:

TIP:  US and Canada only: If you purchased your scanner through SSE Technologies, your scanner will be locked down. Only Wi-Fi settings can be changed.

Because your Scanner is pre-configured by SSE Technologies, no further set up is required. You can start scanning straight away. Read The Spektrix Scanning Interface and How to Scan Tickets for more information.

 

Getting Started

After you’ve unboxed your Zebra scanner, follow these steps to get started:

  1. If you are using a Zebra TC26 with a 4G connection, insert a SIM Card into the scanner. (This step is not required for the Zebra TC21 or if you're using the scanner with Wi-Fi).

  2. Insert the battery into the battery compartment on the back of the scanner.

  3. Charge the battery fully.

  4. Turn on the scanner using the power button on the top right:

    top_of_zebra.jpg

For further help with these steps, read the Product Reference Guide.

 

Basic Scanner setup

If you purchased your scanner through Spektrix or a retailer other than SSE Techologies, you’ll have full access to your device. Some basic setup is required.

 

Setting up an internet connection

To access the Scanning Interface to scan tickets, you'll need to connect to the internet using the following methods:

  • Zebra TC21 (Wi-Fi only): Connect to a Wi-Fi network
  • Zebra TC26 (4G and Wi-Fi): Insert a SIM Card or connect to a Wi-Fi network

If you’re using a Zebra TC26 scanner, you can connect to 4G and Wi-Fi. If you lose 4G connectivity but you’re within range of your Wi-Fi network, the scanner will automatically switch from 4G to Wi-Fi and vice versa.

To connect to a Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen and tap Settings:

    circled_setting_app.png

  2. Tap Network and Internet:

    network_and_internet.png

  3. Tap Wi-Fi (if Wi-Fi is off, tap the switch to the right of Wi-Fi):

    tap_wifi.png

  4. Select your Wi-Fi network from the list that appears and follow any on screen prompts.

Once you've completed the basic device set up, proceed to the steps in Configuring the Datawedge App.

 

Screen Lock/Device Security

It's advisable to set up a Screen Lock to protect your scanners when not in use. Remember that everyone who will use scanners must be able to unlock them. Do not write any codes on the scanner.

To set up a Screen Lock, follow these steps in Set screen lock on an Android device using Google's support guide.

Once you've completed the basic device set up, proceed to the steps in Configuring the Datawedge App.

 

Configuring the DataWedge App

Once you’ve completed the basic scanner setup, an app called DataWedge will run in the background. The DataWedge app contains settings specific to the Spektrix Scanning Interface.

The DataWedge app profile will be pre-configured by the supplier. If it isn’t, or you need to link the app to the Spektrix Scanning Interface again, you’ll need to create and configure a new profile.

Follow these steps:

  1. Access the DataWedge app by swiping up from the bottom of your home screen and tapping Datawedge from the list of applications:

    all_apps.png

    If you can’t see the DataWedge app, you can find it on your home screen in a folder called zConfigure. Tap on this folder and you should see the DataWedge app:

    zconfigure.png

  2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the Datawedge screen, then select New Profile:

    new_profile.png

  3. Type Spektrix Wedge and tap OK to create a new profile:

    create_profile.png

  4. Select your new Spektrix Wedge profile.

  5. Scroll down to Applications and tap Associated Apps:

    associated_apps.png

  6. Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the screen:

    wedge_associations.png

  7. Tap New App/Activity:

    new_app_activity.png

  8. From the Select application list, tap com.android.chrome:

    select_application_list.png

  9. In the Select activity list, select the option with the Chrome logo and an * (asterisk) beside it:

    select_activity_list.png

  10. Tap the triangle in the bottom left of the screen to go back to the Profile: Spektrix Wedge screen. Your changes will now be saved:

    arrow_bottom.png

  11. Back in the Profile Spektrix Wedge screen, scroll down to the Keystroke output subheading. Check the following settings are correct:

    • Enabled: Check this:

      keystroke_output.png

    • Inter character delay: this should be set to 1ms. If it isn't, tap this option and press the + symbol. The number 1 should appear in the Configure the delay between keystrokes box. Tap OK:

      Screenshot_20231101-114126.png

  12. Next, in the Profile: Spektrix Wedge screen, scroll down to the bottom of the Keystroke output subheading. Select Basic data formatting:

    basic_data_formatting.png

    Check the following settings are correct:

    • Enable: Check this box
    • Send data: Check this box

    • Send ENTER key: Check this box:

      basic_data_formatting_2.png

  13. Tap the triangle in the bottom left of the screen to go back to the Profile: Spektrix Wedge screen. Your changes will now be saved:

    arrow_bottom.png

  14. In the Spektrix Wedge screen, scroll down and tap Configure scanner settings:

    zebra_configure_scanner_settings.png

  15. Tap Decoders:

    scanner_settings_decoder_menu.png

  16. Scroll down and tap Interleaved 2of5:

    decoders_menu_interleaved_2_of_5.png

  17. Check the Enable box:

    interleaved_2_of_5_enabled.png

  18. Tap the circle at the bottom centre of the screen. Any changes you’ve made will be saved automatically, and you’ll go back to the home screen:

    home.png

Once you’ve set up the DataWedge app, continue to

 

 

Optional Scanner Configuration

Once you’ve set up your scanner, you can customise optional settings, such as Sound, Screen Timeout, Battery Saver or adding a Google account to your device. If you want to configure these, read the sections below.

 

Add a Google Account to your device

You may wish to add a Google Account to your device if you want to download apps or use any Google features such as Gmail.

WARNING: Use (or set up) a Google Account for everyone in your organisation to share. You can use an existing work email address (non-Google) if you prefer. Avoid using a personal Google account or personal email address.

To add a Google Account, follow the steps in Add or remove an account on Android using Google's support guide.

 

Customising Scanner Sounds

Your Zebra scanner will produce one sound when scanning a barcode/QR code and then a separate sound to indicate the result (Successful, Warning or Error). You’ll also see a response in the Scanning Interface.

You can only adjust the volume or change which sound is played when you scan a ticket. You cannot modify the Success/Warning/Error sound.

  • To adjust the volume when scanning tickets, follow these steps:

    1. Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen and tap Settings:

      circled_setting_app.png

    2. Scroll until you see the Sound menu. Tap this:

      sound.png

    3. You’ll see a Sound screen with several sliders:

      volume_sliders.png

      • Media: The volume for the result of the scan. Move this slider as desired.
      • Alarm volume: Not used.
      • Notification: The volume when a ticket is scanned. Move this slider as desired.

    You’ll hear a sound indicating the result of a scan (Success/Warning/Error). It isn’t possible to change this sound.

    You can, however, change the sound produced at the moment of scanning:

    1. Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen and tap the Datawedge app from the list of applications:

      all_apps.png

    2. Tap the Spektrix Wedge Profile:

      select_profile.png

    3. Scroll through the list of options and tap on Configure Scanner Settings:

      configure_scanner_settings.png

    4. Tap on Scan params:

      scan_params.png

    5. Tap Decode Audio Feedback:

      decode_audio_feedback.png

    6. You’ll see a list of sounds you can choose from when scanning tickets. As long as the scanner volume is turned up, you’ll hear a sample of each sound when you select it. Press OK to save your selection and return to the previous screen.
       

    7. If you want the scanner to vibrate when scanning a barcode/QR code, tick Decode Haptic Feedback:

      haptic_feedback.png

    8. Tap the circle at the bottom centre of the screen. Any changes you’ve made will be saved automatically, and you’ll go back to the home screen:

      home.png

 

Screen Timeout

If a scanner is switched on but not in use, the display will turn off after fifteen seconds.

Press the power button on the top right of the device to wake it up:

TIP: If you’ve set up a Security PIN, Password or Lock to protect the device, you’ll need to enter this to gain access to the scanner. Make sure your Front of House team members know any security information needed to unlock scanners.

For help changing the Screen timeout settings, click the box below:

  • To change the period for the screen to timeout, follow these steps:

    1. Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen and tap Settings:

      circled_setting_app.png

    2. Scroll down until you see Display. Tap this:

      display.png

    3. Scroll down until you see Advanced. Tap this:

      advanced.png

    4. Tap Screen timeout:

      screen_timeout.png

    5. Select your preferred Screen timeout period.



    6. Go back to the home screen by tapping the circle icon in the bottom centre of the screen. Any changes you’ve made will be saved automatically:

      home.png

 

Battery Saver

If you’re using the scanner for a long period, Android has a feature called Battery Saver. This reduces the device performance to extend the battery until you next charge it.

Battery Saver changes the following:

  • Dark Mode is activated
  • Background activity, visual effects, Hey Google (used to activate Google Assistant) are turned off, or restricted

If you want to activate the Battery Saver feature, click the box below:

  • To turn on Battery Saver, follow these steps:

    1. Swipe up from the bottom of your home screen and tap Settings:

      circled_setting_app.png

    2. Scroll down until you see Battery. Tap this:

      battery.png

    3. You’ll now see an overview of the Battery. Tap Battery Saver:

      tc_21_battery_overview.png

    4. Tap TURN ON NOW:

      tc26_battery_saver_menu.png

    5. Go back to the home screen by tapping the circle icon in the bottom centre of the screen:

      home.png

 

Further Reading

Once you have set up your ticket scanner, take a look at the following articles: