Barcode Scanners

Barcode Discount carries all types of Barcode Scanners: 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!

Talk to a Barcode Scanner expert:
1-800-485-3730 or customerservice@barcodediscount.com

	Laser Barcode Scanners Laser Barcode Scanners are the most common type of Barcode Scanners. A laser Barcode Scanners need not be in contact with a barcode to read it. A standard range laser Barcode Scanners can read a barcode from about 6 to 24 inches away, and a long range Barcode Scanners can read one from perhaps 2 to 8 feet away. Certain extra long-range laser Barcode Scanners are capable of reading a barcode from up to 30 feet away. A basic handheld laser Barcode Scanners can cost as little as $180, with specialty laser Barcode Scanners costing as much as $2000. Laser Barcode Scanners are often in handheld or "gun" form factors, but are also regularly built for counter-top or fixed-mount applications.
	CCD Barcode Scanners CCD (Charge Coupled Device) Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners have a very fast scan speed, but a low scan range (often less than 3 inches from the barcode). A CCD Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners well suited for point of sale applications, but their short read range makes them a poor choice for warehouse or industrial applications.
	2D Barcode Scanners 2D Barcode Scanners are any type of Barcode Scanners capable of reading 2D barcodes like PDF417, MaxiCode, or DataMatrix. Some laser Barcode Scanners are capable of reading 2D barcodes, but most are CCD Barcode Scanners or imagers.
	OmniDirectional Barcode Scanners Omni-Directional Barcode Scanners are Barcode Scanners that disperse the standard linear laser scan pattern into one that can read barcodes at any angle. Because of this ability to read barcodes at any angle Omni-Directional Barcode Scanners work well for point of sale applications.
	PDF417 Barcode Scanners A "PDF417 Barcode Scanners" 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 Scanners An imager is a Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners Connectivity Options

	USB Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners 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 Scanners 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 Scanners Cordless Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners are range and battery life. Cordless Barcode Scanners can dramatically improve shipping and receiving operations where a cable could get damaged or limit access to packages to be scanned.
	Batch / Memory Barcode Scanners
	Bluetooth Barcode Scanners A Bluetooth Barcode Scanner uses Bluetooth technology to transmit scanned data back to a computer.

Barcode Scanners Form Factors

	Handheld Barcode Scanners A handheld Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners, ones that are attached to a wall, counter, or assembly line and are not operated directly by the user. Most handheld Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners 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 Scanners Wand Barcode Scanners are the simplest and lease expensive type of Barcode Scanners . Because of their simple design (no moving parts), wand Barcode Scanners are the most durable type of barcode scanner, and can be tightly sealed against dust, dirt, and other environmental hazards. Wand Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners are ideally suited to portable (laptop) or very low volume scanning applications.
	Fixed Mount Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners "Projection" Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners Applications

	Library Barcode Scanners Below are some Barcode Scanners that are ideal for scanning ISBN barcodes in a Library environment.
	Inventory Barcode Scanners Any Barcode Scanners can be an inventory Barcode Scanners when integrated into an inventory system. That inventory system could consist of something as simple as an Excel spreadsheet or dedicated Inventory Management Software. Below is a list of some of our most popular Barcode Scanners.
	Industrial Barcode Scanners Industrial Barcode Scanners 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 Scanners 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 Scanners Most modern Barcode Scanners are capable of scanning ISBN barcodes (sometimes referred to as Bookland or EAN-13). Here are a few the most popular ISBN Barcode Scanners. We also carry UPC Barcode Scanners and PDF417 Barcode Scanners.
	UPC Barcode Scanners Most modern Barcode Scanners are capable of scanning UPC barcodes. Here are a few the most popular UPC Barcode Scanners.