Some models of code readers offer the possibility of working in Virtual COM mode. This is a feature that significantly increases the scanners' ability to work with programs and makes the device easier to use.

Suppose you need a code reader to work with a program that requires an input device that works with the serial port standard. Unfortunately, the computer on which the program is installed does not have a physical serial port (serial port) or you simply would like not to give up the universality of the reader for the purchase of a scanner with an RS232 cable. In this case, the Virtual COM mode, also known as VCOM, comes to the rescue.

Virtual COM mode allows you to emulate the computer's serial port while the reader is physically connected to the USB port. Usually, this mode works immediately after switching the reader with the control codes from the user manual, but sometimes it will be required to download and install the driver.

What does Virtual COM mode do? Makes the scanned data go only to the active program window, which requires data input via input devices using serial port emulation. In this mode, data will not be transferred to programs where data is traditionally entered from the HID device, such as notebook, Excel, etc.

How to check if the reader has been correctly set to Virtual COM mode? It is best to check in the computer's device manager whether a new device has appeared in the Ports (COM and LPT) section after switching the reader to VCOM mode. The reader will be marked as USB Serial Device, and in parentheses there will be the word COM and the port number, changing depending on the selected USB port in the computer (in the below case it is COM3).