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How to Set Up Your Barcode Scanning Device: https://help.pm.leapevent.tech/a/1151495
Alright, you've read through our All About Barcode Scanning article and have decided to start scanning tickets at the door, and have purchased your Android device (and maybe even a scanner!).
There is still a bit of necessary setup needed before you start scanning your patrons in, so let's hop to it.
This article will show you how to setup your Android Mobile and Socket Mobile devices for barcode scanning:
If you don't yet have your Android device running version 6.0.1 (Marshmallow) or higher, plus the (optional) scanners, you'll need to purchase those first. To select the best device for your organization, we recommend checking out our Barcode Scanning Devices Buyer's Guide.
Set up your Android Device for Barcode scanning
In order to complete this configuration, the Android phone must be connected to a WiFi or cellular network.
The PatronTicket Barcode Scanner App is available from the Google Play store! Open the Google Play Store and search for "patronticket". Install the only result you see. You can also get there by following this link.
If you plan to use the camera on your Android device to scan, make sure to give the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner App access to the device's camera.
If you plan to use a SocketMobile scanner, make sure to give the app access to your Android's Bluetooth and Files.
You'll be prompted to grant this access during the set up process, so make sure to allow these settings during installation!
Be sure to enable auto-updates
Make sure you're always on the latest version of the Barcode Scanner and enable auto-updates. Once you've downloaded the app, click the menu button in the top right corner of the Play Store listing, and check the box next to the "Enable auto update" option.
2.1. On a computer, log in to PatronManager and search for Devices in the App Launcher
2.2. Click "New"
2.3. Give the device a name to help identify it. This can be something like "August's Phone" or "Ticket Scanner #1", and click Save
2.4. You'll end up on a page that looks like this - keep it open, and move to the next step
On your Android Mobile device, launch the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app, if it's not already running.
3.1. Tap the menu button and choose "Settings"
3.2. Tap "Auto-configure"
3.3. Use the camera on your phone to scan the QR code on your computer screen
Back on the Settings page, we've got two more settings to configure:
4.1. Tap Inventory Validation
4.2. Choose an option:
- If your venue has a strong internet connection, we recommend choosing "Prompt if the ticket is not in the local database". This will:
- Notify your ushers every time a ticket is not in the database on their Android mobile device
- Validate each ticket in real-time.
- If your internet connection is slow or spotty, choose "Accept the ticket without prompting"
Both options reject tickets that are for the wrong Event Instance or that have been refunded (assuming the device was able to download the updated ticket info after it was refunded).
4.3. Back on Settings, tap Wrong Instance
4.4. Choose an option:
If you have assigned seating, we recommend "Reject the ticket". This:
- Will not allow ushers to accept tickets from different shows
- Is best if you know there are no circumstances under which you'd want to allow someone into the hall with a ticket for the wrong Event Instance.
If you have timed entry or general admission seating, you may consider "Prompt if the ticket is for the wrong performance". This:
- Allows ushers to optionally accept the ticket even if it's for the wrong Event Instance.
Now you're ready to start scanning! Tap the "Back" button on the phone to return to the event list.
If you're using a scanner, be sure to set up and connect your Socket Mobile scanner.
- For the S840, S850, and 8Qi models, click here
- For the 7Xi model, click here
Set up your Socket Mobile S840 / S850 / 8Qi scanner
The S800 series are small, thin, and easy to use scanners. The S840 also comes with a universal clip that you can attach to the back of your Android mobile device for optimal one-handed operation!
Before you begin, make sure your Socket Mobile scanner is powered off.
1. Launch the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app
2. Press the Menu button on your device to go to "Settings"
3. Tap "Device"
4. Select the Socket Mobile CHS option
5. Now tap "Setup Socket Mobile CHS"
6. Install the Socket Mobile Companion app, as prompted
You can also get to the Socket Mobile Companion app with this link.
7. Once the app is installed, open the Socket Mobile Companion and click "Add A Reader"
If asked to enable your location, select "While using the app."
8. Follow the prompts from the app to pair your device until you get to "Set Up Complete", then click "Done"
9. Head back to the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app to click a show to scan or click "Ad Hoc Scan"
10. You'll see that the device is ready to scan
Alright, you're ready to start scanning!
Set up your Socket Mobile 7Xi scanner
If you're purchasing scanners for the first time, go with the Socket Mobile S800 models above. The Socket Mobile 7Xi has been discontinued, but if you already have one it is still a good small, lightweight, and comfortable to hold device.
Before you begin, make sure your Socket Mobile scanner is powered off.
1. Launch the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app
2. Press the three dots Menu button on your device
3. Select "Settings" from the menu that appears
4. Tap "Device"
5. Select the Socket Mobile CHS option
6. Now tap "Setup Socket Mobile CHS"
7. Install the Socket Mobile Companion app, as prompted
You can also get to the Socket Mobile Companion app with this link.
8. Go to your device's settings and copy the Bluetooth Address by tapping and holding the address
9. Go back into the Socket Mobile Companion app and click "More"
10. Click "Android Bluetooth address" and paste the Bluetooth Address you copied into the dialogue box
Doing this allows the device and scanner can talk to each other.
11. Click "My Reader" to get to the main page
12. Click "Add A Reader"
If asked to enable your location, select "While using the app."
13. Follow the prompts from the app, and at Activate Pairing Mode, click the "Don't Hear Three Tones?" link
14. Click "Pair in Legacy Mode"
15. Follow the prompts to the Activate Legacy Pairing Mode page and scan the barcode that appears
Make sure to scan the code on your phone screen, not the one above!
16. After scanning the barcode on your phone screen, scan this SPP QR code
Scan the QR code above! Click the image to enlarge it if needed.
17. Once you've scanned the SPP barcode, click "Next Step"
18. Select your device
19. Click "Pair" and allow the pairing to happen
20. You'll get a "Set Up Complete" page and can click "Done"
21. Head back to the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app to click a show to scan or click "Ad Hoc Scan"
22. You'll see that the device is ready to scan
Alright! You're ready to start scanning!
I've had my Barcode Scanner set up for a while. What's this new Socket Mobile Companion app?
If your Barcode Scanning device is already set up, as of February 1, 2022, when you update to the latest version of the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app you will be prompted to install the Socket Mobile Companion app.
Follow the prompt on your device screen to install the Socket Mobile Companion app from the Google Play Store. You can also get to the app with this link.
Once you install the app, close out of the Google Play Store and go back to the PatronTicket Barcode Scanner app.
Because your previously paired Socket Mobile device is already connected, you don't have to open the Socket Mobile Companion app. If you do go into the Socket Mobile Companion app, you will be prompted to connect new devices.
Now, with the Socket Mobile Companion app installed, the Socket Mobile scanner will recognize the existing pairing. This allows the scanner to reconnect faster when the Android device wakes up after going to sleep!