GM77 Barcode and QR Scanner Module – 15m/min Speed

We love to imagine our mascot hero, Octiman, scanning the area with a flash of light on one of his daring space adventures. Scanners are one of a few technologies that have been so effective that few question how they exactly work. We are so familiar with the rhythmic beeps coming from shop tillers, but like with all technology, Makers have a curiosity to satisfy. Barcode Scanners are in fact a classic technology that utilises intelligent image recognition to decode physical codes and output a sequence of special numbers and letters. Despite being so simple, barcodes have managed to maintain their position as the most convenient means of storing and rapidly disseminating information in tiny bite-sized stickers or prints. And with a simple component like the GM77 Barcode Scanner Module, you can create your own scanning device and traverse the utility of barcodes for your own creative plans.

The GM77 Barcode and QR Scanner Module contains multiple scanning methods or modes that you can integrate into your unique projects. 1D and 2D barcodes are easily recognised within 15m/min speeds, including the ever-popular QR codes. The GM77 also scans laser codes and other high-density code systems over and above a standard scanner module. Once assembled and encased in your own 3D-printed casing or integrated into your favourite robotic friend, you can modify the scanner’s settings on the fly or connect the module to your computer for complex programming.

Additionally, the GM77 Barcode and QR Scanner Module has an onboard white LED and a red LED for focusing which allows you to keep scanning even in low-light environments! The ability to recognise laser codes also leads to embedded applications such as access control and mobile payments. Regardless of what industry you’re in or the styles of barcodes that you use, these electronic sensors are a great choice for very reliable product categorisation, security access control, front gate scanners and other rapid identification applications.

Please Note: This Barcode Scanner Module uses 2D barcodes to help make setup and software adjustments as easy as possible. These are all contained within the user manual featured at the bottom of this description, and we recommend downloading and printing these out to ensure you always have them on hand when you need to modify or define any settings.

Typical Applications for GM77 Barcode Scanner Module:

Many rightly assume a Barcode Scanner Module was designed for a very specific application – to scan barcodes – but these scanners are surprisingly diverse in functionality. The GM77 Barcode Scanner can read QR codes as well as 1D and 2D barcodes. In everyday applications, you might imagine using this module to scan barcodes on clothing tags at the store or scan your parking ticket to open the gates. These typical applications highlight one of the only unique and unexpected functions a barcode scanner offers, that is the ability to act as an input device by scanning particular codes for numbers and letters. Despite this original function, the scope for creativity is not entirely lost. Makers have crafted their own interesting uses for this everyday technology by creating their own barcode scanners embedded inside other machinery and customising their project’s interaction interface. The GM77 also allows the reading of laser codes which further expands its use in access control or mobile payments.

Additional Resources:

• We highly recommend that you download and print out the GM77 Scanner Module User Manual, as it contains important 2D barcodes you will need to setup your new scanner and make software adjustments.
• If you are curious about how this GM77 Barcode Scanner scans QR codes and about learning more of its capabilities, this video from DFRobot is a fantastic visual introduction to the GM77 Barcode Scanner Module:

As self-proclaimed “Robo-holics”, DFRobot is a company comprised of over 100 staff members, of which 30% are engineers who love to build robots. It was started in 2008 with the goal of embracing and promoting open-source hardware, with a core focus on Arduino, Raspberry Pi and their very own LattePanda development boards. Since then, DFRobot have manufactured over 1300 unique modules, sensors and components that all work together and complement each other, allowing users like us to enjoy a full spectrum of cutting edge robotics and electronics without having to pay premium prices.

With the primary goal of developing and manufacturing great quality products, while making them accessible to as many people as possible, DFRobot are rapidly becoming one of the most common-place brands in the world of open-source robotics and electronics. With more than 1300 products developed in-house, and an impressive range of different categories and specialisations, there are few brands in the world who can compete in terms of quality, accessibility and genuine innovation.