Fixed bar code readers will allow you to scan a bar code, translate the bar code into data, and transmit the data directly into your PC or terminal. The bar code reader is attached to either the keyboard port or the serial port of the PC or terminal. The first (best) choice is to connect to the keyboard port. This decreases the chance of "line noise" interfering with the data signal, which is more likely to occur when using the serial port. Also, using the keyboard port is easier because there are no software issues. If you connect through the keyboard port, the data goes into whatever field the cursor is currently on, just as if you typed the data on the keyboard. If you connect through the serial port, then you will need some software to receive the data and do something with it.
The way the bar code reader connects to the keyboard port is through a "Y" cable. You disconnect the keyboard from the PC or terminal, and attach the "bottom" of the "Y" cable into the keyboard port, where you just detached the keyboard. Next you attach the keyboard to one end of the "top" of the "Y" cable, and the bar code reader to the other end. Now, when you type on the keyboard, the keystrokes still go into the keyboard port as before, only it passes through the "Y" cable. But now, you can also scan a bar code and the translated data will also enter the keyboard port, as if you typed it on the keyboard. Your software doesn't know the difference whether you typed it or scanned a bar code.
The bar code reader needs some hardware to interface between the actual scanner and the data transmitter that inputs the data into the PC or terminal. This hardware is called a wedge. Its called a wedge because it wedges between the bar code reader and the PC or terminal. Some bar code readers have a wedge built into the scanner itself, so all you need is the "Y" cable, but others require a separate wedge box. Another reason you may want a separate wedge box is for connecting other things to your PC or terminal besides a bar code reader, such as a magnetic swipe reader, weight scale, or hand held computer. The wedge hardware is usually programmable. Its programmable for things like transmission speed, data prefixes, data suffixes, etc. Wedges are programmed by scanning special command bar codes.
There are generally three (3) types of bar code readers. The wand, CCD, and laser. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. These three technologies are described below.
Wands are the least expensive technology, but also the hardest to use. The wand is held in the hand like a pen. You lightly touch the wand tip to one side of the bar code, and sweep it across the bar code to the other side, as if you were drawing a line across the bar code with a pen. Because the wand makes contact with the bar code, the surface of the bar code may become an issue. And, the wand tip will eventually wear out. Wands may or may not have a trigger.
Reading a bar code with a wand requires a little skill. Once you get the "groove" though, you can usually get a good read with the first attempt. In general, you should follow these guidelines:
The CCD is the mid-priced alternative among the wand, CCD, and laser bar code readers. It is placed over the bar code. It must be close to it, but not necessarily touching it, like the wand. Typically no more than an inch or two. No motion is required to read a bar code with a CCD, unlike the wand. Because you hold the opening of the CCD over the bar code, without moving it, the size of the opening must cover the entire bar code. That's why CCD's come in different sizes, to accommodate different bar code widths. Usually, the wider the CCD opening, the more the cost.
The CCD is generally more rugged than a laser because it has no moving parts, whereas the laser does. Because the CCD is not rubbing against the bar code like the wand, there are no parts to wear out from contact. A CCD may or may not have a trigger. There are some CCD's that can read a bar code from several inches away.
The laser scanner is the easiest, most flexible to use, and is usually more expensive than the wand and CCD. The laser reads a bar code by emitting a low power laser beam, which bounces off the bar code and back into the laser. The reflected light is more or less intense, depending on whether it is bouncing off a bar or a space in the bar code. All hand held lasers have a trigger, and read a bar code at a distance. Typical scanning distances range from a couple inches to approximately 18 inches. Good lasers can read bar codes through clear material, such as plastic wrap.
There are specialty lasers that are more rugged, can read at a longer distance, read through glass windshields, etc. If a budget and use environment permit, the laser is the recommended bar code reader technology of choice, because of it's ease of use and flexibility, which give rise to better productivity.
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