FAQ: Cuecat barcode scanner

How do I install and use the Cuecat barcode scanner?

Installing the Cuecat
The Cuecat will be installed automatically on both Windows as well as Mac computers.

You will not require to install drivers: plug in the USB connector, and allow the computer to install the scanner automatically.

Some Mac OSX versions may ask you to use the "keyboard setup assistant". You can simply close that screen and proceed. If you already own a Cuecat, it should work just like the one we sell.

Using the Cuecat
Start up your Collectorz.com program and open the add screen : use the menu
Edit | Add Book(s) Automatically (for example).

Click inside the barcode field and scan the barcode by swiping it.

Some scanning tips
Some tips will help you when first starting with the Cuecat.

Hold the CueCat reader between your thumb and forefinger like a pen or pencil.
Place the nose of the CueCat on the left side of the code, but not within the code itself. Align the cat's "paws" slightly above the bottom of the code.
Tip the CueCat forward so that the nose is also in contact with the surface of the item.
Move the CueCat reader smoothly from left to right across the code in one fluent motion. Try not to scan too slowly, the Cuecat works better if scanning is done in a rather quick fluent motion.

Remember to keep the reader in contact with the code throughout the swipe for an accurate reading.

Also make sure to have only one Collectorz.com program running on your computer when using the scanner.

Notes on using the Cuecat

The USB CueCat reader includes a standby or "sleep" feature. After a period of inactivity, the light on your CueCat reader will start blinking. When you hold your finger directly over the mouth for about one second, it should stop blinking and produce a steady red light again indicating it is ready to scan.
The Cuecat requires not initialization or activation from within the Collectorz.com software

My Cuecat scanner is not working properly, can you help?

The Cuecat is a Plug & Play device.
Known problems:

An Acer computer with eRecovery software, using the scanner will start this software. The Cuecat sends ALT-F10 before each barcode, and because eRecovery starts using ALT-F10 by default, this causes a problem. Please close eRecovery or change the keystroke that starts eRecovery
If you are using an AZERTY type keyboard, you will have to use the Windows control panel to add a regular VS QWERTY keyboard. Before starting to scan with the Cuecat, make sure to switch to the newly added Qwerty keyboard.
Other software or device on your system is using the same command as our CueCat and is interfering. When sending the code to our software, we use the keyboard combination 'Alt-F11'. For example a webcam does so as well. Make sure to un-select this option for the interfering device or software, then the CueCat will work.
If you scan a barcode and you get "C3nZC3n2Cnf7CNDYDxnY.CGen.ENr7C3z2ChTYDxbxDa" (we call it catpoop) instead of a barcode, you know a device is interfering.
You can download and install this third party decoding software which will convert the catpoop into a bar code of find the interfering device and turn it off.
The CueCat only speaks English. Please check the language setting of your system and set it to English.
ISBNs start with 978 or 979. Not all barcodes you see on a book are necessarily the ISBN. On paperbacks, scan the barcode on the inside front cover and not the one on the back cover.

It may be the cat itself.
To test if you have a live one:

Open a text editor program (Notepad for example) and make sure your cursor in blinking in the screen.
Connect the CueCat to a free USB port.
Now scan a barcode.
If the result comes up in the text screen, your scanner is working.

Error message: "scan barcode has UA5 and is not recognized as UPC."

When scanning an ISBN you can run into this error message:
"scan barcode (the number) has UA5 and is not recognized as UPC."

ISBNs start with 978 or 979. Not all barcodes you see on a book are necessarily the ISBN.
On paperbacks, scan the barcode on the inside front cover and not the one on the back cover.

Error message: "Hotkey is already registered"

This error message indicates that the key combination "ALT+F10" is already in use.
ALT+F10 is the combination that the CueCat uses to scan a barcode, see this page.

When you receive this Hotkey error message do one of the following to resolve it:
1. ALT+F10 is in use by a program or device on your PC. For example a webcam uses this combintaion too.
2. You are running more than one Collectorz.com program at the same time.

I have a PS/2 version of the Cuecat, can I use that type?

Yes, both PS/2 as well as USB versions will work with our software.

Not all PS/2 to USB adapters though seem to be working, so you will have to check that first.