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Setting Up a Zebra TC21 and TC26 Ticket Scanner

Dave McNamara
Dave McNamara
  • 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 Ticket Scanner for use with Spektrix.

TC21-front.jpg

 

To order a Zebra Ticket Scanner, read the following articles for your region:

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

 

If you’re using a Zebra TC22 or TC27 Ticket Scanner, please refer to this article:

 

Getting Started

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

  1. If you are using a Zebra TC26, insert a SIM Card into the scanner. (This step is not required for the Zebra TC21).
  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.

If you purchased your scanner through SSE Technologies, your scanner will be locked down. Only Wi-Fi settings can be changed. If you purchased your scanner through another supplier, you'll have full access.

Click the relevant box below, depending on where you purchased your Ticket Scanner:

  • Read this section if you’re using a Zebra Scanner purchased through Spektrix or a retailer other than SSE Technologies.

    Once you’ve powered on your scanner, you’ll see a home screen like this:


    Screenshot_20230704-102819.png

    Your scanner will be pre-configured by the supplier, however you’ll need to complete the following sections before you can start scanning tickets.

     

    Network Connection

    First set up a network connection to the Scanning Interface:

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

     

    Add a Google Account to your device

    You may wish to add a Google Account to your device. This allows apps to automatically update.

    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 these steps:

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


      circled_setting_app.png

    • Scroll down until you see Accounts. Tap this:


      accounts.png

    • Tap Add account:


      add_account.png

    • Tap Google:


      tap_google.png

    • If you have a Google account, enter the email address associated with your Google account and Tap Next:


      existing_google.png

    • If you don’t have a Google account, tap Create account. Follow the on screen prompts:


      google_new.png

    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:

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


      circled_setting_app.png

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


      security.png

    3. Tap Screen Lock:


      tap_screen_lock.png

    4. Choose your screen lock type (None, Swipe, Pattern, Pin or Password) and follow the on screen prompts:


      choose_screen_lock.png

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

  • If you are using a Zebra Scanner purchased through SSE Technologies, your scanner will already be pre-configured by the supplier.

    Once you’ve powered on your scanner, you’ll see a home screen like this:


    Screenshot_20230704-102819.png

    Because your Scanner is pre-configured, no further set up is required. You can start scanning straight away. Read Using the Scanning Interface to begin scanning tickets.

 

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, click below for further instructions.

  • To link the Datawedge app to the Scanning Interface, 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: tick 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:


        inter_character_delay.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: tick this box
      • Send data: tick this box
      • Send ENTER key: tick this box:


        basic_data_formatting_2.png

    13. 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 The Scanning Interface.

 

The Scanning Interface

When using a Ticket Scanner, you’ll need the Spektrix Scanning Interface - a website accessed directly from your scanner.

The Scanning Interface shows the following information:

  • Event Instances
  • Area, Row and Seat Number
  • Customer Name
  • Any Customer Groups the customer is in (if enabled)
  • Name of the User who scanned the ticket
  • Time and date of the scan
  • Scanning history if the ticket has been scanned more than once

When you purchase a Zebra TC21 and Zebra TC26 Ticket Scanner through Spektrix, the Scanning Interface will be pre-configured.

If you can see a shortcut for the Scanning Interface on your device, continue to Using the Scanning Interface.

If you need to set up the Scanning Interface again, click the box below:

  • Read this section for full instructions on setting up the Scanning Interface.

    Before you start setting up the Scanning Interface, you’ll need:

    • Your Spektrix client name
    • The URL for the Scanning Interface - https://system.spektrix.com/XXX/client/scanning-app (where XXX is your client name).
    • Your Spektrix Username and Password
    • The Scanning User role enabled on your User Account

    Once you have this information, proceed to the next section.

    Adding a shortcut to the Scanning Interface

    Your Zebra scanners will normally be pre-configured with a shortcut to the Scanning Interface. This shortcut will take the user straight to the login screen.

    If you can’t find the shortcut, you can create one by following these instructions:

    1. On your scanner, open the Chrome app.
    2. In the address bar type https://system.spektrix.com/XXX/client/scanning-app (where XXX is your client name). You’ll then see a Login screen.
    3. Next, tap on the three dots to the right of the address bar:


      three_dots.png

    4. Scroll down until you see Add to Home Screen. Tap this:


      add_to_home_screen.png

    5. You’ll now see a screen showing the Scanning Interface shortcut. Tap to Add this shortcut to your Home screen:


      add_shortcut.png

    6. Depending on the version of Android the scanner is running, you may see an Add to Home screen pop up. If you see a screen like the one below, tap ADD AUTOMATICALLY:


      circled_add_automatically.png

    7. You’ll now see the Scanning Interface icon on your home screen:


      homescreen_shortcut.png

    Once you have completed these steps, continue to the next section, Using the Scanning Interface.

 

Using the Scanning Interface

The Scanning Interface consists of two screens:

  1. The Settings screen
  2. The Scanning screen

Once you’ve logged in to the Scanning Interface with your Spektrix Username and Password, you’ll see the Settings screen.

Before you can scan tickets, you’ll need to enable one or more Instances for scanning.

You can choose which Instance(s) you want to enable for scanning. The default selection is Today, though you can click on the left and right arrows to move to a different date:


left_right_arrows.png

To select an Instance, tap on the check box next to the date. A tick will appear to show that the Instance has been enabled for scanning. Alternatively tap the All check box to enable all of the Instances on the date you’re looking at:


alt_tick_box.png

 

Once you’ve selected your Instance(s) tap the green tick to save your changes:

alt_tick_box.png

TIP: You may find more than one Instance on the same day, such as a matinee and an evening performance, or Instances in different spaces.

You may prefer to tick only one instance to avoid admitting people to the wrong space or performance time.

 

Customer Groups

When scanning tickets, you can display customer information in the Scanning Interface.

This may include whether they’re a Member, a VIP or have additional access needs. You can use Customer Groups to do this.

Read our Customer Groups article for more information.

Once you’ve logged into the Scanning Interface and enabled Instances for scanning, continue to the next section, How to Scan Tickets.

 

How To Scan Tickets

Once you’ve set up the Scanning Interface you can begin scanning tickets.

TIP: The scanner will project a dot inside an illuminated rectangle. When pressing the scanning button you should ensure that you place this dot in the middle of the barcode/QR code.

Move the scanner towards or away from the ticket when scanning to find the optimal scanning distance. The barcode/QR code should be inside the illuminated rectangle.

 

To scan tickets, follow these steps:

  1. Log into the Scanning Interface from your scanner (if you aren’t already logged in).
  2. Enable Instances for scanning (shown in Using the Scanning Interface).
  3. Have a printed ticket ready, making sure the barcode/QR code is legible. If you’re scanning an e-ticket, make sure the screen you’re scanning from is clean and the brightness turned up to improve visibility.
  4. Point the scanner at the barcode/QR code and press the yellow button on the side of the scanner.
  5. If the scan is successful, the Scanning Interface will turn green. You will see Event, Customer and Seat details (if the Event has reserved seating):


    successful_scan.png

 

Scanning Errors

The Scanning Interface will change colour depending on the result of a ticket scan:

  • If a ticket has been scanned before, the scanning interface will turn orange and display a Warning notice:


    scanned_before.png

  • If a ticket has been returned the scanning interface will turn red. An Error will be displayed:


    ticket_returned.png

  • If the barcode/QR code isn’t recognised, the scanning interface will turn red. An Error will be displayed:


    barcode_not_found.png

If you see a Barcode not found error, read the next section, How To Scan Tickets Manually.

 

How To Scan Tickets Manually

You can print the characters from a barcode/QR code on your tickets, by including the Show Label option in your ticket design.

If a barcode is unclear, damaged or won’t scan, you can then manually enter the characters from the barcode/QR code into your scanner:

  1. Tap the keyboard icon at the bottom right of the Scan screen:


    small_manual_scanning1.png

  2. You’ll see a prompt to Type in barcode manually. Type the characters from the barcode/QR code and tap OK:

    manual_scanning2.png

If you can’t see any barcode/QR code characters on the ticket, you can find them in Spektrix by following these steps:

  1. Log into Spektrix.
  2. Go to the Sales Interface and click Orders.
  3. Enter the Order ID and click Search.
  4. Click into the Order that appears.
  5. Look for the ticket section and you’ll see the barcode/QR code characters to the right of the barcode image:


    BARCODE_BOXOFFICE1.jpg

  6. Enter these characters at the Type in barcode manually prompt in the Scanning Interface
  7. You can also mark a ticket as scanned from the Sales Interface. Click the drop down arrow to the right of the Print button and click Mark As Scanned:


    BARCODE_BOXOFFICE2.jpg

 

Optional Scanner Configuration

Once you’ve set up your scanner, you can customise optional settings, such as Sound, Screen Timeout and Battery Saver.

If you want to configure these, read the sections below.

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 message 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: this is the volume for the result of the scan. Move this slider as desired.
      • Alarm volume: This isn’t used.
      • Notification: this is 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:


      list_of_sounds.png

    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:


      screen_timeout_list.png

    6. You’ll then be taken back to the Display menu.
    7. 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:


      battery_overview.png

    4. Tap TURN ON NOW:


      battery_saver.png

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


      home.png

You now have the information you need to set up your Zebra Scanner and begin scanning tickets.