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	With ExpoTools Setup software, you can change the operation of the BC600 and TA600 readers to better suit your event. It allows you to create default configuration files for the readers, or you can use it to create a file specifically targeting an exhibitor.s requirements. These configurations can be downloaded to a reader immediately, or you can save them to disk and use them to program the readers later. This allows you to prepare everything ahead of time, even if you don't have the readers with you. In addition, when using 2D barcode readers, you can print out a sheet of configuration barcodes that can be used to set up the readers just by scanning them, making it possible to prepare custom configurations that can be loaded later without the need for a computer. Entering data into ExpoTools Setup is done exclusively through one main screen. This screen is divided into two sections, the first is located at the top of the window, and consists mainly of menus and associated toolbar buttons that allow you to initiate some action, such as saving a file, or setting the clock on a portable reader. The lower half of the screen is made up of a simple panel with four .tabs. or sections, that allow you to view and enter the information required by the portable reader. The things that you will want to program each reader with break down into four broad categories. There are therefore four tabs that break the information down into screens for: identifying the reader and the exhibitor entering the qualifiers and follow-up codes how to decode the data from the 2D barcode or mag-stripe what to display immediately after a scan The last two tabs will typically contain the same information for all readers at a given show, since they really define the interface between the readers and the badges. The first two tabs (reader ID and qualifiers) are likely to be different for each exhibitor. Although you can set these sections up in a similar manner for all the exhibitors, entering appropriate information will typically save you time later, as well as enhance the customer.s experience with your service. In addition to all this, a status bar located at the bottom of the main panel shows you what is happening when reading or writing data to a portable reader. What's needed to get started In order to configure the readers with a minimum of hassle, you will need certain information at hand. Below is a list of materials or information you should locate before attempting to set everything up: The format of the badges or cards, specifically how the fields are separated (i.e. what delimiter character is used) and in what order were they encoded on the badge Which technology will be used: 2D barcode, or mag-stripe Sample badges. Although you can, in theory, set everything up without such samples, experience has shown that the actual badges may differ from what had been planned and agreed upon from the outset Which communication port the reader is connected to, whether a real serial port, or a virtual one created by the USB drivers The list of 'standard' qualifiers (follow-up codes) that will be put into the portable reader In addition, if you plan to offer a higher level of customization for the exhibitors, you will probably also want: a list of the exhibitors names, which can be programmed into the units, and will make handling the data less ambiguous after the show the email address the exhibitor will want the leads emailed to after the show lists of custom qualifiers for each exhibitor, which better suit their follow-up process the show name and dates which fields should show up immediately after a scan (short display) The most important piece in all of this is clearly the badge format, since without that information, the information will not be displayed correctly, and the downloaded data may not get correctly parceled out. You may wish to use some simple for of checklist to organize all of this into a more manageable situation. As an example, two suitable checklists are shown below, with sample entries. You would want to have the first one of these filled out for the show, and you would want a copy of the second one for each reader you are configuring. Checklist #1 (one per show/event) Event Name Transworld 2004 Event Date April 6-9 Event Location Las Vegas Badge Format Barcode or Mag-stripe Barcode Field Separator (delimiter) Enter (character 13) Start Sentinel (mag-stripe only) N/A End Sentinel (mag-stripe only) N/A Field 1 Show ID number Field 2 First Name Field 3 Last Name ...   Field n Fax Number Checklist #2 (one per exhibitor) Name of Exhibitor DC Inc. Email data to sales@DC.com Follow-up Codes (max 64) #01 Samples pack1 #02 Samples pack2 #03 Send catalog #04 Call 30 days #05 Call 60 days ...   Fields preferred for short-display (maximum 6, in order) First Name Last Name City Phone Number Email
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