FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)

Does the Sun cause problems reading barcodes?

No. All Barcode Automation DualBeam readers incorporate advanced technology that has been developed and refined after years of research. DualBeam readers perform reliably regardless of the Sun.

Can the barcodes be copied?

All BAI readers will ignore photocopies, photographs, or computer printed duplicates of the decal.

How far away will the barcodes read and how fast can the vehicles move?

All BAI readers are guaranteed to read barcode decals out to 6 feet away on vehicles moving at up to 25 mph. You can expect reliable performance in all kinds of weather. As long as the barcode is visible, the equipment will read it.

How reliable is it?

Our products are designed from the ground up to give years of reliable service, operating twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Provided that the normal maintenance schedule is followed BAI readers will perform reliably for many years. All new readers are covered by a 5 year warranty. This includes coverage for damage to the main components due to lightning or power surge.

What about reading decals in the rain?

Rain or fog will not affect BAI DualBeam readers until it is impossible to physically see across the 6 foot reading distance. If it's raining hard enough that visibility is under 6 feet you probably shouldn't be driving.

What about reading in snow or cold temperatures?

The BAI DualBeam reader is an optical device much like the human eye. Just as a person cannot read a sign if it is covered by snow or ice the reader cannot read a decal that is obscured. This means if snow or ice has covered the barcode decals so that you cannot see it, the reader will not be able to either. Most drivers will scrape or clean vehicle windows before moving, so it is a simple matter to clean off the decal as well.

As an alternative you can use a decal on a card that can be held up to the reader. It is possible to get 2 barcode decals with the same ID number, so that one goes on the vehicle and the other is carried for times when heavy ice and/or snow has covered the vehicle.

Can the barcodes be stolen?

Our decals use  a waterproof adhesive that will normally last up to 5 years. Once applied to the prepared surface on the vehicle window, the decal is difficult to remove intact. Typically the decal must be scraped off in pieces to remove it.

What is the advantage to your vehicle reader? What does it do for me?

Once the BAI DualBeam is installed, the vehicle driver does not have to do anything but drive by the reader. There is no need to stop, roll down a window and punch in a security code or swipe a security card. No need to grab a transmitter and press the button, and no batteries to fail or replace.

Unlike other vehicle identification systems the decal becomes part of the vehicle. There is no security code that can be given to friends or relatives, no swipe card or transmitter to borrow or lose. The only way to lend the decal out is to lend the entire vehicle.

What regular maintenance does the BAI reader need?

Once installed, the only regular maintenance task is to clean the internal optics and window every 6 months, which does not require special tools. Performing the cleaning service regularly will lead to many years of reliable performance from the reader.

If a reader failure does occur the bad component can be easily identified and replaced. BAI uses an advance replacement plan to get repair parts out as quickly as possible and minimize downtime.

Which side of the road should the reader be located?

This does not matter. You can mount the reader on either side of the road depending on your needs. The main thing to remember is to place the decals on the same side of the vehicle that the reader is located on.

At gated communities, a number of DualBeam readers are used for resident only access, where a special lane is dedicated for residents to enter the community. Visitors must stop at a guard station or telephone entry point and be identified before entering. Since drivers sit on the left, telephone entry systems and guards are also located on the left side of the road. This means that the resident only lane with the barcode system and decals is located on the right side of the drive.