We offer a wide range of scanners from a number of manufacturers. Below is a listing of the scanner types along with our most popular items. We have also listed some of the things that should be considered prior to purchasing a scanner.
Tethered Scanners - These scanners are the easiest to implement and are typically connected via a
Keyboard Wedge or USB cable. These scanners enter data directly into the application, just as if it were typed into the keyboard. They typically come with a 6 foot cable, but can be ordered with longer cables up to 15 foot (In some instances a separate power supply may be required). A FlexNeck
Stand can also be purchased to allow for hands-free
scanning. We pre-program our scanners to your specifications prior to sending them out, so that you are ready to go right out of the box.
We also Offer a unique 2D Scanner that comes with a USB Cable. What makes this device unique is that it can be disconnected from the cable and taken into the lab, where individual samples can then be scanned. Upon completion of scanning the scanner can be brought back to the PC/Terminal and plugged back in, where it will immediately dump the data into the open application in the order collected.
Short Range Portable Scanners are tied wirelessly to a base station via short range radio. This base station is then connected to the PC via a Keyboard Wedge Cable so that when data is scanned it is instantly transferred to the base station and entered into the application that is open. Some models have an LCD screen for viewing the scanned data, as well as a keypad for entering data should a bar code not scan. Here are PDFs on some of our most popular versions:
HHP® 3875 Scanner, HHP® 4620 Cordless Scanner, Intermec® 1802 Scanner, and Intermec® 1552 Industrialized Scanner.
Batch & Wireless (802.11b) Data Collection Terminals - come with various operating systems, including PALMOS, PocketPC, DOS, and CE. They can operate in batch mode or can connect real-time if ordered with an 802.11b radio. The latter option would require the implementation of access points to provide wireless coverage, as well as additional programming to connect to the database.
Things to consider:
 | Symbology - Linear Bar Codes such as Code39, Code128, UPC-EAN, etc. can be read by virtually any scanner. However, if you get into a Stacked Linear Bar Code such as PDF417 or MicroPDF417 (quasi 2D Codes) then you need a higher end scanner. And should you elect to go to any of the True 2D Codes (DataMatrix, MaxiCode, Etc.) you will need a 2D imager to read them. These Imagers take a picture like a camera and then orient it to determine what they are looking at. They can read any of the bar codes, but tend to be slightly slower in
processing the code, than the straight linear scanners. |
| Bar Code Mil Size, which equates to your narrowest bar or white space, also plays a critical role in scanner selection. Most scanners require at least a 5mil bar code. If a smaller bar code is required, then a high-density scan engine may be required. Also, some of the hands-free omni-directional laser scanners require at least a 6.7mil bar code. |
| Scan Distances also play a role. CCD Scanners though faster, do not have extended long-range capabilities |
| Portability Requirements |
