Cleaning M310 / M260 / M280 Barcode Scanner

Background

This document describes how to clean the barcode scanner on the m310, m260 and m280 that becomes slow or does not read at all.

The 2D Bar Code scanner slot naturally collects the accumulated material  (dirt) on the surface on drivers’ licenses.  Sometimes small bits of the license actually break off and remain in the slot.  In states that use paper stickers, parts of the paper sticker will rip off and remain in the slot.   All these materials may block part of the optical scanner and/or the mechanical switches that detect insertion/removal of the license.  By following the procedure outlined in this document, it is possible to clean the scanner and return it to normal operating status.

First determine if the scanner is SLOW (meaning it takes 5+ seconds for the beep after the card is withdrawn) or NON-FUNCTIONAL (scanner does not beep at all)

Diagnosing the problem.

First make sure you have an M310 reader and the GREEN power light on.  Insert a drivers license and withdraw quickly.

If the RED LED turns on and stays SOLID (i.e. does not flicker), Please contact support to arrange for an RMA

If the RED LED turns on and FLICKERS when the card is inserted and removed but the scanner does not beep OR it takes 10 seconds or more to beep, proceed to the Cleaning Procedure

Cleaning Procedure

Cleaning Procedures –  this is for readers whose RED LED flickers when the card is inserted and removed – try in the following order.

1. Take a flashlight or other strong light source and using a plastic coffee stirrer or other plastic object, open up the dust protector and  look down into the bar code reader slot.  Look for any foreign material and if present, try clearing it by first flipping the unit over and shaking the scanner.  If shaking does not remove the material, try using a plastic knife or credit card to dislodge the material.  Don’t use metal objects that could short out the electrical circuits and/or scratch the optics.
2. After removing the material (if applicable), try Scanning a license.
3. For units which are slow to read, repeat step 1 and try a can of compressed air available at office supply stores and direct a blast of air into the bar code reader slot with the reader held upside down.   Make sure that only air comes out, as these cans can spray liquid propellant if tipped to far to the side. This procedure is intended to blow dust off the optics inside the scanner and normally works for scanners that have become intermittent.

If none of the above works, then its time to call support at 800 574 5034 x2 and request an RMA form which includes return directions and payment information for repairs not covered under warranty.

Note: if some licenses from some states read fine while others take much longer or don’t read at all, chances are there is something partially blocking the optics.  Those states which work have have barcodes which are not affected by the blockage while those that are slow to read have barcodes positioned in areas blocked by the foreign material.  Sometimes the material is hard to see from the top card slot as it is very thin protective card overlays which get wedged in the reader mechanism.    Only have dis-assembly can we find and remove these items which is why the scanner may need to come in for service.

Again, If none of the above works, then its time to call support at 800 574 5034 x2 and request an RMA form which includes return directions and payment information for repairs not covered under warranty.