Barcode Scanner

Barcodes Inc carries all types of Barcode Scanner: Handheld, wand, counter-top, in-counter, industrial, USB, PS2 keyboard wedge, serial (RS232), cordless, wireless RF, WiFi 802.11b, laser, raster, CCD, imager... and more!

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	Laser Barcode Scanner Laser Barcode Scanner are the most common type of Barcode Scanner. A laser Barcode Scanner need not be in contact with a barcode to read it. A standard range laser Barcode Scanner can read a barcode from about 6 to 24 inches away, and a long range Barcode Scanner can read one from perhaps 2 to 8 feet away. Certain extra long-range laser Barcode Scanner are capable of reading a barcode from up to 30 feet away. A basic handheld laser Barcode Scanner can cost as little as $180, with specialty laser Barcode Scanner costing as much as $2000. Laser Barcode Scanner are often in handheld or "gun" form factors, but are also regularly built for counter-top or fixed-mount applications.
	CCD Barcode Scanner CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Barcode Scanner use an imaging CCD (similar to the ones found in digital cameras) to take a picture of barcodes, that are then decoded into a sequence of characters. CCD Barcode Scanner have a very fast scan speed, but a low scan range (often less than 3 inches from the barcode). A CCD Barcode Scanner can be very durable because they do not contain any moving parts, but are limited because they cannot read any barcodes wider than the imaging element. Their low cost and speed make CCD Barcode Scanner well suited for point of sale applications, but their short read range makes them a poor choice for warehouse or industrial applications.
	2D Barcode Scanner A 2D Barcode Scanner can interpret two-dimensional barcodes, which store data in two dimensions, rather than in just a series of black and white bars. 2D barcodes look like checkerboards or a series of traditional barcodes stacked atop one another. 2D Barcode Scanners use both CCD and Imaging technology to read barcodes.
	OmniDirectional Barcode Scanner An Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner (also known as a Projection Barcode Scanner) works just like a Laser Barcode Scanner with the addition of several mirrors and other reflective devices to transform one laser line into many, all at different angles. This allows fast reading of barcodes at any angle, making an Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner perfect for point of sale installations, such as at a grocery store.
	PDF417 Barcode Scanner A "PDF417 Barcode Scanner" is any type of scanner that can read the particular symbology known as PDF417. This is a two-dimensional barcode that is actually a bunch of one-dimensional barcodes stacked on top of one another, resembling a snowed-out television set. Clearly, this code can contain a lot of information in the same amount of space as a regular 1-D code, and is therefore often used as a kind of summary for important documents or labels (e.g. very common on tax forms and driver's licenses). The important distinction in the bar-coding industry stems from the fact that PDF417 is a 2-D code, but many manufacturers offer a 1-D type scanner that is capable of reading PDF417. Pretty much all two-dimensional scanners (or, imagers) can read PDF417 and one-dimensional barcodes.
	Imager Barcode Scanner An imager is a Barcode Scanner that really functions more like a digital camera than a laser scanner, and is capable of reading two-dimensional symbologies. Rather than bouncing one or several beams of intense light off of a barcode, the imager bounces a burst of light off of the barcode and back into a camera-like eye, essentially taking a picture. Unlike a laser scanner (or human eye), the imager does not need the barcode to be oriented in anyway (other than within the scan area) in order to be legible. In fact, it doesn't need it to be a "bar"-code at all. Two dimensional symbologies come in a variety of styles, some resembling a chessboard or the familiar UPS code (a target with snow around it). Of course, all imagers can still read the one-dimensional codes, but usually without the greater range capability of a laser scanner. Because of their camera-like "eyes", some imagers are designed to be capable of capturing photos, like a camera cell phone. This is a great idea for those who want a handgun scanner for barcodes with the ability to store images of, say, a signature or I.D.

Barcode Scanner Connectivity Options

	USB Barcode Scanner USB: (abbreviation for "Universal Serial Bus") The latest generation of serial bus technology that can transfer data at up to 12 Megabits/second, can be daisy chained (with up to 127 devices on a single port) and can provide power from the computer's power supply to peripherals (so that peripherals do not need their own AC power). USB "hubs," boxes that provide multiple USB ports and a power boost to the USB chain are usually needed if you have more than a few USB devices on your machine. USB also allows hot-plugging so that you can plug and unplug peripheral devices without having to shut down your computer.
	PS/2 Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner A PS2 Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner connects to the keyboard port on a computer. When a barcode is scanned, the data appears on the screen just as though it had been entered via the keyboard. Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanners come with a 'Y' connector which allows the keyboard and the scanner to be connected and used at the same time. This is a very simple and easy-to-install type of Barcode Scanner, but it does not allow any modification or re-ordering of the barcode's data before displaying it on the screen.
	Serial (RS-232) Barcode Scanner A RS232 Serial Barcode Scanner connects to the computer's serial port and sends its information to the screen or to any program. A Serial Barcode Scanner is more complex than a Keyboard Wedge Barcode Scanner, but much more versatile: barcode data can be edited, re-ordered or otherwise changed before it is displayed, allowing customization of applications collecting and using barcode data.
	RF / Cordless / Wireless Barcode Scanner Cordless Barcode Scanner use radio frequencies similar to cordless phones to send scanned information back to a computer-attached base station. Chief criteria for selection a cordless Barcode Scanner are range and battery life.Cordless Barcode Scanner can dramatically improve shipping and reciving operations where a cable could get damaged or limit access to packages to be scanned.
	Batch / Memory Barcode Scanner A Batch Barcode Scanner work much like a Wireless Barcode Scanner: A base station is connected to a computer, while the scanner can move freely without wires. The difference is in transmission: A Batch Barcode Scanner scans barcodes and stores the data until it is returned to its cradle. A Batch Barcode Scanner is excellent for store inventory processes.
	Bluetooth Barcode Scanner A Bluetooth Barcode Scanner uses Bluetooth technology to transmit scanned data back to a computer.

Barcode Scanner Form Factors

	Handheld Barcode Scanner A handheld Barcode Scanner is, of course, any scanner that is held in the hand of the user. The opposite of the handheld scanner would be a fixed mount Barcode Scanner, ones that are attached to a wall, counter, or assembly line and are not operated directly by the user. Most handheld Barcode Scanner are designed like a handgun, with a grip and a trigger to activate the scanning operation. Some scanners are more of a phaser, also with a grip, but with a button on top instead of a trigger below. However, the handheld Barcode Scanner also includes scanners that are better referred to as Portable Data Collectors (PDTs). These typically can have either their own inherent data collection software running that attaches important information (e.g. time, quantity stamps) to the barcodes scanned, or else can be fully mobile computers, with PocketPC or other operating systems.
	Pen / Wand Barcode Scanner Wand Barcode Scanner are the simplest and lease expensive type of Barcode Scanner . Because of their simple design (no moving parts), wand Barcode Scanner are the most durable type of barcode scanner, and can be tightly sealed against dust, dirt, and other environmental hazards. Wand Barcode Scanner are limited because they must come into direct contact with a barcode to read it. Because of their small size and low weight, wand Barcode Scanner are ideally suited to portable (laptop) or very low volume scanning applications.
	Fixed Mount Barcode Scanner These types of scanners, rather than being held in the user's hand and operated directly, are typically "fixed" to a wall, a counter, or next to an assembly/transporting line. Containing powerful scan engines, fixed-mount scanners can usually automatically detect when a barcode enters into their scan area, enabling them to scan codes that travel by them at speed. Some are available in either single-line laser formats or "raster", multi-line formats, which greatly increase the chance that a skewed barcode can be read.
	Projection Barcode Scanner "Projection" Barcode Scanner is really a misnomer for scanners more commonly referred to as "omni-directional" scanners. Omni-directional scanners produce not one laser beam, but many, and often in a crosshatch pattern that enables the barcode to be scanned at multiple angles of orientation, freeing the user from having to worry too much about proper orientation. Obviously, this is a great boon for point-of-sale retail applications, cashiers needn't take the extra time to line-up a barcode. These types of scanners are designed to be placed on a countertop and be hands-free, though pretty much all models can be easily picked up.

Barcode Scanner Applications

	Library Barcode Scanner Below are some Barcode Scanner that are ideal for scanning ISBN barcodes in a Library environment.
	Inventory Barcode Scanner An "inventory Barcode Scanner" is really not a valid category of scanner in the bar-coding industry because almost any scanner, from the simplest pen wand to the most powerful mobile computer, can be used to track inventory (essentially, this is the original impetus behind the idea of bar-coding). Of course, different types of scanners are better suited to different applications. A simple handheld scanner or cordless handgun scanner is often suitable for small retail, an inherent-software data collector for medium enterprises, or maybe a wireless mobile computer for large-scale operations. It is really a matter of desired capability that lies with each individual company or user.
	Industrial Barcode Scanner Industrial Barcode Scanner are those scanners that have been designed with an eye toward durability. Dusty, damp environments (or careless ones!) can often seriously inhibit a scanner's life-span, and therefore, the investment. If you can foresee wanting to use a scanner in any area that could be described as uncomfortable for your average electronic device, than an industrial Barcode Scanner may be in the best interest. Most industrial scanners are simply rubberized versions of normal scanner models, or else have enclosures designed to resist dust and moisture, and provide much greater impact resistance.
	ISBN Barcode Scanner Most modern Barcode Scanner are capable of scanning ISBN barcodes. Here are a few the most popular ISBN Barcode Scanner.
	UPC Barcode Scanner Most modern Barcode Scanner are capable of scanning UPC barcodes. Here are a few the most popular UPC Barcode Scanner.