Choosing Barcode Scanners

Choosing a barcode scanner can be a difficult task if you do not have much experience. This is a brief summary of what you need to know when selecting the barcode scanners.

1D or 2D?

The first question to ask is what kind of barcode you scan 1D or 2D. This is important because a scanner can not scan 1D barcodes, 2D and 2D scanners can scan 1D bar codes. A 1D barcode black vertical lines.

1D bar codes with a wide range of symbologies: Code39, Code 128 and UPC are typical. Most of the UPC (universal product code) bar code found on goods and products in stores, while other symbols are generally used for internal control, as serial numbers, manufacturer parts inventory, etc. scanner can be configured to filter and read only the symbols you specify. If you do not know the symbols you use, you should check to confirm that the scanner can read if you decide to use a 1D scanner.

2D barcodes to store more information than 1D bar codes, but they need a player 2D. Common examples include license 2D, FedEx and UPS package tracking. Benefits of 2D include the ability to read the bar code, even if part of the label is damaged or obscured, and store much more information than 1D bar codes.

Most people will use 1D barcodes because it is the most popular.

Imaging or laser bar code reader?

1D bar code readers read laser barcode. Most new phones PDA or mobile scanners and have converted using an imager. An imaging device allows you to read 1D and 2D, although when you buy the scanner, you must be careful to specify that you need to read 2D bar codes, even if it is includes an imager.

scanning laser emits a thin red line of light (laser), which reads the barcode. Many devices also emit a red line of light, but just to help the target user what they want to scan. An imager takes a snapshot of the barcode and decodes imager can manage then if misleading, damaged or dirty bar codes better than laser scanners.

Mobile, portable or stationary?

The Scanner form factor varies with the type of application. For data collection applications in hand, you should find a scanner integrated into mobile devices such as Motorola MC55 rugged CN3 CN50 or MC75 or devices. These scanners are integrated into laptops and mobile software application speaks directly to the reader with the scanner API. Examples of mobile applications to scan the computer are:

• Inventory account
• Proof of Delivery
• Asset tracking and audited
• Inspections
• The tour operators

Mobile scanners range in price from $ 1,250 to $ 3,000 +.

Barcode scanners are handheld specialized units that are normally connected to a PC or a terminal. With handheld scanners, it is for the computer to manage the application and processing of bar codes. These are normally seen in retail environments at point of sale (POS) or mounted on forklifts where an operator has a terminal on the forklift and use the scanner to confirm that the load.

Handheld scanners are normally connects via the serial port and can operate wirelessly (such as Bluetooth or proprietary) or cable connection. If wireless, they can scan 20 to 30 feet from the host computer.

Most handheld scanners have the opportunity to scan everything and put it in the keyboard buffer, which gives the impression that someone wrote the barcode value. When operating in this mode, it is easy to use with existing applications. You should check with each type of scanner to make sure it supports the keyboard buffer, or you need to make sure it has drivers to support your operating system. Most scanners support Windows, but this does not mean that they support Windows CE, which is usually the operating system on the forklift terminals, or BlackBerry or Linux or another OS.

If you choose to use a Bluetooth scanner, make sure it supports your device. For example, if you want to scan to a phone or PDA, you must ensure that the scanner drivers. Just because you have a BlackBerry with Bluetooth requires a Bluetooth scanner works.

Handheld scanners that Motorola LS 2208 is approximately $ 200. Scanners captive may be less than $ 100. Baracoda Bluetooth scanners or scanner Socket is $ 400 - $ 600.

A third possibility is a fixed mount scanner. These scanners are typically installed on the conveyor, self-service grocery fund and maintain the price search. With fixed mount scanners, make sure the barcode will read at a distance and at a suitable angle. is the supermarket checkout scanners have several remedy. In applications that are defined as conveyor assembly scanners can be connected to sensors activated by light, so that the scanner is activated when the beam is broken. This allows you to 1) know when to expect to read a bar code 2) controls the time to read a barcode.

of support for the use of industrial-type scanners can range in price from $ 500 - $ 1,500.