These scanners
are either physically connected to a PC or computer terminal
with a cable, or they're communicating via a "cordless"
(RF) connection. Either way, the scanner output is almost always
directly interacting with whatever software is running on
the PC's screen by sending the bar code data to wherever the data
input cursor is located. This means that an on-line bar code
scanner can probably function with any off-the-shelf software, since the
scanner is simply emulating a keyboard!
A tethered on-line scanner is interfaced
with a compatible port on the computer: USB, keyboard, or serial RS-232
being the most common types. The length of the cable is typically limited
at around 6m (20'). Tethered scanners are available in many form factors and styles.
Most common are: wand (pen), gun-type, flashlight style, and
omnidirectional (most commonly used in point-of-sale applications).
A cordless on-line scanner transmits
the bar code data through an RF connection between the
battery-powered scanner and a "base station." Often, this wireless
connection is the ubiquitous Bluetooth. Transmission distances range
from 10m (33') up to 100m (330').
A memory scanner is not all that common –
but is perfect in many business situations where something
ultra-simplistic is perfect. Looking and acting much like a
cordless scanner, a memory scanner simply scans and stores bar codes in
its memory. When you've finished collecting bar codes, you just bring the scanner to a PC and transmit the contents of its memory into a
program that's running on it.
Aurora Bar Code
Technologies
8944 182 Street NW, Suite 316 Edmonton, AB T5T 2E3
Canada
Phone: 800.689.7696 Outside of NA: 780.483.6025 Fax: 780.484.8767
