FAQ
FAQ
FAQ
General FAQs
Do your readers come with software?
Yes. All KODA scanners include our user-friendly KODA Capture software for data management, configuration, and export. The software displays a live image of the rack during scanning, clearly indicating which barcodes have been successfully read, which positions are empty, and which tubes couldn’t be read. Users can view this information in Camera, Grid, or Table view, making it easy to review scan results and identify issues at a glance.
Can your scanners be updated with new software features?
Yes. All KODA scanners support quick software updates without requiring firmware changes. This allows users to stay up to date with new features and improvements without interrupting hardware performance.
Do your scanners require software licences or activation keys?
No. All KODA scanners are licence-free and do not require activation keys. Our software can be installed on multiple computers without restriction, allowing you to move or replace equipment with ease. This eliminates the common licensing headaches users often face with other scanner brands.
How do I return a product or request a repair?
To request a return or repair, please complete our Return Materials Authorisation (RMA) form. Once your request is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an RMA number along with delivery instructions. Please note that customers are responsible for the cost of shipping warranty return items to Steribar Systems Ltd.
What types of labs typically use KODA scanners?
KODA scanners are used in a wide range of environments including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical R&D, quality control, genetic testing, biobanking, public health labs, academic institutions, and genomic workflows such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Do your readers come with software?
Yes. All KODA scanners include our user-friendly KODA Capture software for data management, configuration, and export. The software displays a live image of the rack during scanning, clearly indicating which barcodes have been successfully read, which positions are empty, and which tubes couldn’t be read. Users can view this information in Camera, Grid, or Table view, making it easy to review scan results and identify issues at a glance.
Can your scanners be updated with new software features?
Yes. All KODA scanners support quick software updates without requiring firmware changes. This allows users to stay up to date with new features and improvements without interrupting hardware performance.
Do your scanners require software licences or activation keys?
No. All KODA scanners are licence-free and do not require activation keys. Our software can be installed on multiple computers without restriction, allowing you to move or replace equipment with ease. This eliminates the common licensing headaches users often face with other scanner brands.
How do I return a product or request a repair?
To request a return or repair, please complete our Return Materials Authorisation (RMA) form. Once your request is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an RMA number along with delivery instructions. Please note that customers are responsible for the cost of shipping warranty return items to Steribar Systems Ltd.
What types of labs typically use KODA scanners?
KODA scanners are used in a wide range of environments including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical R&D, quality control, genetic testing, biobanking, public health labs, academic institutions, and genomic workflows such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Do your readers come with software?
Yes. All KODA scanners include our user-friendly KODA Capture software for data management, configuration, and export. The software displays a live image of the rack during scanning, clearly indicating which barcodes have been successfully read, which positions are empty, and which tubes couldn’t be read. Users can view this information in Camera, Grid, or Table view, making it easy to review scan results and identify issues at a glance.
Can your scanners be updated with new software features?
Yes. All KODA scanners support quick software updates without requiring firmware changes. This allows users to stay up to date with new features and improvements without interrupting hardware performance.
Do your scanners require software licences or activation keys?
No. All KODA scanners are licence-free and do not require activation keys. Our software can be installed on multiple computers without restriction, allowing you to move or replace equipment with ease. This eliminates the common licensing headaches users often face with other scanner brands.
How do I return a product or request a repair?
To request a return or repair, please complete our Return Materials Authorisation (RMA) form. Once your request is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an RMA number along with delivery instructions. Please note that customers are responsible for the cost of shipping warranty return items to Steribar Systems Ltd.
What types of labs typically use KODA scanners?
KODA scanners are used in a wide range of environments including clinical diagnostics, pharmaceutical R&D, quality control, genetic testing, biobanking, public health labs, academic institutions, and genomic workflows such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Compatibility
What types of barcode are supported?
All KODA scanners support 2D Data Matrix barcodes as standard. The KODA Sense includes a 1D accessory for reading linear barcodes printed on the side of racks. The KODA Solo can read both 1D barcodes and QR codes on individual tubes, making it suitable for a wide variety of sample tracking formats.
I have racks from multiple suppliers (e.g. Thermo, LVL, Micronic). Will they work with the KODA range?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo rack readers are universally compatible with SBS-format racks from a wide range of suppliers including Thermo, LVL, and Micronic, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.
Can your readers scan racks that aren’t in 96-well format?
Yes. The Sense, Slim, and Cryo models support 24, 48, 96, and 384-well SBS-format racks, as well as high-density (honeycomb-style) layouts, AcoustiX tubes, cryovials, and single sample tubes with 2D barcodes. The KODA Cryo also supports 81-place and 100-place Cryoboxes, which are not compatible with Sense or Slim.
If you require support for a specific type of rack or tube not listed here, please contact us.
Can your readers scan rack IDs on the base of racks?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo can all read 2D DataMatrix rack IDs on the base of racks, which provides important information about rack orientation.
My racks have a barcode on the side. Can your scanner read this?
The KODA Sense includes a magnetic 1D accessory that allows it to read barcodes on the side of racks. This adjustable accessory can be positioned on any side of the scanner, and the barcode data is exported by enabling the 1D option in the rack ID settings. The 1D accessory is also compatible with the KODA Slim and KODA Cryo due to their integrated steel side plates. It’s not included by default but can be requested when ordering if needed.
Do you have a scanner that can read both SBS racks and cryoboxes?
Yes. The KODA Cryo is designed to read Cryoboxes and SBS-format racks one after another without the need for reconfiguration. Its intelligent design automatically adjusts to different rack formats and manufacturers, saving time and ensuring uninterrupted scanning workflows.
Can your scanners distinguish between missing tubes and unreadable barcodes?
Yes. All KODA rack scanners feature missing tube detection, which clearly differentiates between empty positions and “no reads” (e.g., tubes with unreadable or damaged barcodes). This ensures accurate data reporting and prevents misinterpretation during scanning.
What types of barcode are supported?
All KODA scanners support 2D Data Matrix barcodes as standard. The KODA Sense includes a 1D accessory for reading linear barcodes printed on the side of racks. The KODA Solo can read both 1D barcodes and QR codes on individual tubes, making it suitable for a wide variety of sample tracking formats.
I have racks from multiple suppliers (e.g. Thermo, LVL, Micronic). Will they work with the KODA range?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo rack readers are universally compatible with SBS-format racks from a wide range of suppliers including Thermo, LVL, and Micronic, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.
Can your readers scan racks that aren’t in 96-well format?
Yes. The Sense, Slim, and Cryo models support 24, 48, 96, and 384-well SBS-format racks, as well as high-density (honeycomb-style) layouts, AcoustiX tubes, cryovials, and single sample tubes with 2D barcodes. The KODA Cryo also supports 81-place and 100-place Cryoboxes, which are not compatible with Sense or Slim.
If you require support for a specific type of rack or tube not listed here, please contact us.
Can your readers scan rack IDs on the base of racks?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo can all read 2D DataMatrix rack IDs on the base of racks, which provides important information about rack orientation.
My racks have a barcode on the side. Can your scanner read this?
The KODA Sense includes a magnetic 1D accessory that allows it to read barcodes on the side of racks. This adjustable accessory can be positioned on any side of the scanner, and the barcode data is exported by enabling the 1D option in the rack ID settings. The 1D accessory is also compatible with the KODA Slim and KODA Cryo due to their integrated steel side plates. It’s not included by default but can be requested when ordering if needed.
Do you have a scanner that can read both SBS racks and cryoboxes?
Yes. The KODA Cryo is designed to read Cryoboxes and SBS-format racks one after another without the need for reconfiguration. Its intelligent design automatically adjusts to different rack formats and manufacturers, saving time and ensuring uninterrupted scanning workflows.
Can your scanners distinguish between missing tubes and unreadable barcodes?
Yes. All KODA rack scanners feature missing tube detection, which clearly differentiates between empty positions and “no reads” (e.g., tubes with unreadable or damaged barcodes). This ensures accurate data reporting and prevents misinterpretation during scanning.
What types of barcode are supported?
All KODA scanners support 2D Data Matrix barcodes as standard. The KODA Sense includes a 1D accessory for reading linear barcodes printed on the side of racks. The KODA Solo can read both 1D barcodes and QR codes on individual tubes, making it suitable for a wide variety of sample tracking formats.
I have racks from multiple suppliers (e.g. Thermo, LVL, Micronic). Will they work with the KODA range?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo rack readers are universally compatible with SBS-format racks from a wide range of suppliers including Thermo, LVL, and Micronic, ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.
Can your readers scan racks that aren’t in 96-well format?
Yes. The Sense, Slim, and Cryo models support 24, 48, 96, and 384-well SBS-format racks, as well as high-density (honeycomb-style) layouts, AcoustiX tubes, cryovials, and single sample tubes with 2D barcodes. The KODA Cryo also supports 81-place and 100-place Cryoboxes, which are not compatible with Sense or Slim.
If you require support for a specific type of rack or tube not listed here, please contact us.
Can your readers scan rack IDs on the base of racks?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo can all read 2D DataMatrix rack IDs on the base of racks, which provides important information about rack orientation.
My racks have a barcode on the side. Can your scanner read this?
The KODA Sense includes a magnetic 1D accessory that allows it to read barcodes on the side of racks. This adjustable accessory can be positioned on any side of the scanner, and the barcode data is exported by enabling the 1D option in the rack ID settings. The 1D accessory is also compatible with the KODA Slim and KODA Cryo due to their integrated steel side plates. It’s not included by default but can be requested when ordering if needed.
Do you have a scanner that can read both SBS racks and cryoboxes?
Yes. The KODA Cryo is designed to read Cryoboxes and SBS-format racks one after another without the need for reconfiguration. Its intelligent design automatically adjusts to different rack formats and manufacturers, saving time and ensuring uninterrupted scanning workflows.
Can your scanners distinguish between missing tubes and unreadable barcodes?
Yes. All KODA rack scanners feature missing tube detection, which clearly differentiates between empty positions and “no reads” (e.g., tubes with unreadable or damaged barcodes). This ensures accurate data reporting and prevents misinterpretation during scanning.
Durability
Can your readers scan racks or tubes directly from a freezer?
Yes. The Slim and Cryo models feature a patent-pending windowless open design that is inherently resistant to frost, making them ideal for scanning frozen racks in cold storage environments. The KODA Sense and Solo models include CryoGuard technology, which protects the reading window against condensation and frost buildup commonly associated with frozen samples.
Do your scanners require maintenance?
Maintenance is minimal:
• The KODA Sense requires occasional cleaning of the glass and sensor holes.
• The KODA Solo has a sealed scan window that may need occasional wiping.
• The KODA Slim and Cryo models feature a small sapphire crystal window protecting the camera lens. While they have no exposed sensors, occasional cleaning of the lens may be required to maintain optimal performance.
Can your readers scan racks or tubes directly from a freezer?
Yes. The Slim and Cryo models feature a patent-pending windowless open design that is inherently resistant to frost, making them ideal for scanning frozen racks in cold storage environments. The KODA Sense and Solo models include CryoGuard technology, which protects the reading window against condensation and frost buildup commonly associated with frozen samples.
Do your scanners require maintenance?
Maintenance is minimal:
• The KODA Sense requires occasional cleaning of the glass and sensor holes.
• The KODA Solo has a sealed scan window that may need occasional wiping.
• The KODA Slim and Cryo models feature a small sapphire crystal window protecting the camera lens. While they have no exposed sensors, occasional cleaning of the lens may be required to maintain optimal performance.
Can your readers scan racks or tubes directly from a freezer?
Yes. The Slim and Cryo models feature a patent-pending windowless open design that is inherently resistant to frost, making them ideal for scanning frozen racks in cold storage environments. The KODA Sense and Solo models include CryoGuard technology, which protects the reading window against condensation and frost buildup commonly associated with frozen samples.
Do your scanners require maintenance?
Maintenance is minimal:
• The KODA Sense requires occasional cleaning of the glass and sensor holes.
• The KODA Solo has a sealed scan window that may need occasional wiping.
• The KODA Slim and Cryo models feature a small sapphire crystal window protecting the camera lens. While they have no exposed sensors, occasional cleaning of the lens may be required to maintain optimal performance.
Integration
Do your products support integration with LIMS platforms like LabWare or CliniSys?
Yes. The KODA range integrates with all known LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), including LabWare, CliniSys, LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, STARLIMS, and others. Whether you’re using a cloud-based or on-premises system, we offer flexible integration options via API, ODBC, or file-based export to suit your lab’s existing infrastructure.
Are your scanners compatible with USB 2.0?
The Sense, Slim, and Cryo rack readers require a USB 3.x connection for stable performance. The Solo is compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.x ports.
Can I use your scanners with robotic systems or automation equipment?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo are compatible with automated laboratory workflows, including robotic arms and conveyor systems. The KODA Slim, in particular, was designed with robotic platforms in mind: its minimalist housing and SBS-format footprint allow it to fit precisely into a single rack position within automated systems. It can even scan racks while they are held 1–2 inches above the scanner, eliminating the need for robotic arms to place and retrieve racks during scanning.
Do your products support integration with LIMS platforms like LabWare or CliniSys?
Yes. The KODA range integrates with all known LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), including LabWare, CliniSys, LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, STARLIMS, and others. Whether you’re using a cloud-based or on-premises system, we offer flexible integration options via API, ODBC, or file-based export to suit your lab’s existing infrastructure.
Are your scanners compatible with USB 2.0?
The Sense, Slim, and Cryo rack readers require a USB 3.x connection for stable performance. The Solo is compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.x ports.
Can I use your scanners with robotic systems or automation equipment?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo are compatible with automated laboratory workflows, including robotic arms and conveyor systems. The KODA Slim, in particular, was designed with robotic platforms in mind: its minimalist housing and SBS-format footprint allow it to fit precisely into a single rack position within automated systems. It can even scan racks while they are held 1–2 inches above the scanner, eliminating the need for robotic arms to place and retrieve racks during scanning.
Do your products support integration with LIMS platforms like LabWare or CliniSys?
Yes. The KODA range integrates with all known LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), including LabWare, CliniSys, LabVantage, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, STARLIMS, and others. Whether you’re using a cloud-based or on-premises system, we offer flexible integration options via API, ODBC, or file-based export to suit your lab’s existing infrastructure.
Are your scanners compatible with USB 2.0?
The Sense, Slim, and Cryo rack readers require a USB 3.x connection for stable performance. The Solo is compatible with both USB 2.0 and USB 3.x ports.
Can I use your scanners with robotic systems or automation equipment?
Yes. The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo are compatible with automated laboratory workflows, including robotic arms and conveyor systems. The KODA Slim, in particular, was designed with robotic platforms in mind: its minimalist housing and SBS-format footprint allow it to fit precisely into a single rack position within automated systems. It can even scan racks while they are held 1–2 inches above the scanner, eliminating the need for robotic arms to place and retrieve racks during scanning.
Data Handling
What export options are available?
The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo support a wide range of export formats, including CSV, JSON, XLS, PDF, ODBC, TCP/IP, XML, VP Server, and image files. Custom modules are also available upon request. The KODA Solo exports data via keyboard emulation, COM port, or API, making it suitable for a variety of flexible workflows.
What happens if a rack is placed the wrong way around?
Only the KODA Sense features dynamic A1 positioning, which automatically detects the correct rack orientation and adjusts the output accordingly. The KODA Slim and KODA Cryo rely on manual rack alignment: each reader has a marker on the A1 corner so the user can position the rack correctly before scanning. If the rack is loaded the wrong way, the scan will succeed but the tube order will be rotated, so results could be misassigned.
What export options are available?
The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo support a wide range of export formats, including CSV, JSON, XLS, PDF, ODBC, TCP/IP, XML, VP Server, and image files. Custom modules are also available upon request. The KODA Solo exports data via keyboard emulation, COM port, or API, making it suitable for a variety of flexible workflows.
What happens if a rack is placed the wrong way around?
Only the KODA Sense features dynamic A1 positioning, which automatically detects the correct rack orientation and adjusts the output accordingly. The KODA Slim and KODA Cryo rely on manual rack alignment: each reader has a marker on the A1 corner so the user can position the rack correctly before scanning. If the rack is loaded the wrong way, the scan will succeed but the tube order will be rotated, so results could be misassigned.
What export options are available?
The KODA Sense, Slim, and Cryo support a wide range of export formats, including CSV, JSON, XLS, PDF, ODBC, TCP/IP, XML, VP Server, and image files. Custom modules are also available upon request. The KODA Solo exports data via keyboard emulation, COM port, or API, making it suitable for a variety of flexible workflows.
What happens if a rack is placed the wrong way around?
Only the KODA Sense features dynamic A1 positioning, which automatically detects the correct rack orientation and adjusts the output accordingly. The KODA Slim and KODA Cryo rely on manual rack alignment: each reader has a marker on the A1 corner so the user can position the rack correctly before scanning. If the rack is loaded the wrong way, the scan will succeed but the tube order will be rotated, so results could be misassigned.