The key to unlocking the information hidden within bar codes, whether 1D or 2D, is the scanner. Each technology type (laser and CCD imager) has its advantages and disadvantages and must be matched to the application. The same holds true for the type of hand held.
For technology type, in general, laser scanners can read bar codes at farther distances than CCDs; however, that is changing with the development of long-range CCDs. Be sure you know what kind of symbology you are trying to read too, while most scanners will read all popular 1D symbologies, 2D matrix codes can only be read by CCDs. Stacked 2D codes, however, can be read by either an imager or a rastering laser scanner.
For hand-held type, the gamut is officially run by everything from simple inexpensive wand scanners to integrated, cordless units. Again, ask yourself what you need-simple, occasional data entry? Then a wand tethered to mobile terminal or PC could be enough. If you need one-handed, on-the-move scanning in a warehouse, then an integrated, wireless, ruggedized unit may have to be budgeted in.
The variety of products offered are illustrated by these examples:
The Code Corporation's Code Reader 1.0 scanner features a new Data Matrix upgrade. The imaging-based scanner is capable of reading 2D symbologies. The scanner and upgrade will retail for less than $350.
Hand Held Products' SCANTEAM 3000PDF CCD scanner provides scanning for contact PDF417 applications. The ST3000PDF offers integrated decoding, serial output communication and autodiscrimination of multiple symbologies.
Intermec Technologies' Sabre 1400 corded laser scanner is targeted at industrial and heavy-duty applications like warehouse and distribution. It has a scanning range of up to 19 inches on damaged or poorly printed bar codes and an intuitive, bright, sharp scan line.
PSC's PowerScan RF wireless industrial scanner has a range of up to 150 feet, allowing users to scan pallets at the other end of the loading dock or boxes at the end of a warehouse aisle. It meets all sorts of tough standards such as an IP54 rating for dust and wind-blown rain, and a drop specification of 30 6-foot drops to concrete.
The KS 3000 Series of heated scanners from Symbol Technologies are optimized for extremely low temperature environments and designed to eliminate exit window condensation when moving from the freezer to normal room temperatures. Available in four models, the KS 3000 Series brings scan decode read ranges of up to 35 feet (10m) into freezer and cold storage applications. The scanners come with a universal power supply for connection to all standard fork trucks.
Videx's LaserLite Pro combines laser bar code reading and Touch Memory button reading with an alphanumeric keypad. With a lightweight aluminum casing, the collector offers left- or right-handed users one-handed operation.
Whatever your application, there's a hand-held scanner out there waiting to be turned on.
