How do Laser Barcode Scanners Work?
Laser Barcode Scanners read encoded data (the barcode), decode it, and output the information, usually in text format, to the computers. The most popular method to send the data is via USB or PS/2 connections, acting as a secondary keyboard connected to your PC. There are two types of barcodes in use today:
1D Barcodes and
2D Barcodes. The first step in choosing the right Barcode Scanner is knowing which types of barcodes you will need to read.
1D Barcodes: These barcodes appear as a series of black lines with varying widths. The combination of black bar and white gap widths determine what data is in the Barcode. Most of consumer goods have a UPC-format Barcode on them, making it easier to quickly lookup data in Retail settings. A good quality 1D Laser Barcode Scanner will read virtually any 1D barcode you encounter.
2D Barcodes: Rather than use vertical bars, a 2D barcode uses a series of small squares to encode the data. The Barcodes can store significantly more data than their 1D counterpart, and so they are often in use for shipping tracking info or manufacturing data. A popular 2D format QR is often used by advertiser to direct Smartphone users to additional online content. You can scan both 1D and 2D barcodes.
What Kind of Barcode Scanner should You Buy?
1> Are you reading 1D or 2D barcodes?
2> How many barcodes do you expect to scan in a day?
3> In what kind of environment (retail, industrial, warm, cold, etc.) will the scanner be used?
1D Barcode Scanner Types:
1) Handheld/Handfree Barcode Scanner:
The most common, and most popular, type of scanners, Handheld Barcode Scanner is a staple of retail data capture. With a trigger grip and ergonomic design, handheld barcode scanners are built to meet the specific needs of a variety of uses. We've separated handheld scanners into three different sub-categories, segmenting it into common uses.
A. Entry Level Scanners - Least expensive, close range scanning, limited capabilities
Recommended Use: Low volume scanning across multiple industries
Models to Try: Economical Handfree Barcode Scanner
RT-S330
B. Middle-level Scanners - Mid-range pricing, can read poorly printed barcodes, greater programming options
Recommended Use: Medium to high volume scanning across multiple industries
Models to Try: Handheld Barcode Scanner
RT-S720
C. Professional-Level Scanners - Most expensive, many are shock and contamination resistant, usually highly programmable
Recommended Use: High volume scanning for industrial environments
Models to Try: High Precision Handfree Barcode Scanner
RT-S320
2) Wireless Laser Barcode Scanner
If you need added mobility when scanning, a Wireless Barcode Scanner may be right for you. These Barcode Scanners use Bluetooth or RF radios to send data to a communications cradle connected to your computer, allowing you to travel up to three hundred feet from your computer to scan barcodes. Bluetooth models have added bonus of compatibility with Bluetooth-compatible mobile computers, laptops, or smartphones, giving you greater mobility.
Recommended Use: Mobile barcode scanning and handy solution on the go environments
Models to Try: Compact Bluetooth Barcode Scanner
RT-S100 or Wireless Laser Barcode Scanner
RT-S500
3) Omni-Directional Barcode Scanner
Also known as presentation scanners, an omni-directional barcode scanner sits on your counter and you have to present the barcode to it for scanning. Available with 1D laser scanning or even 2D imaging, a good presentation scanner will surely speed up the checkout process dramatically. These are great for fast-paced retail, where customers may purchase more than a few items at a time.
Recommended Use: Retail, Liquor, Specialty Stores, Department Stores, Shopping Mall and Grocery Stores etc.
Models to Try: 20 Lines Omni-directional Barcode Scanner
RT-S600 or 2D Desktop Barcode Scanner
RT-S800
2D Barcode Scanner Types:
1) Handheld 2D Barcode Scanner
Handheld 2D Barcode Scanners offer advanced barcode scanning in a similar form-factor to their 1D counterparts. These fast Scanners offer additional functionality including the advanced data parsing, optical character recognition, and image capture. With the increase in 2D barcode scanner use, a handheld 2D barcode scanner is a great addition at any retail business.
Recommended Use: Retail, Liquor, Specialty Stores, Department Stores, Shopping Mall and Grocery Stores etc.
Models to Try: POS Handheld 2D Barcode Scanner
RT-S210
We hope you have been able to find the product you were looking for. Please contact us if you didn't. There are often lots of products that aren't listed on the website. We also provide custom applications for many of the products we sell.
Buyer's Guides for your reference.
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