Scanners
Many models of scanner will serve your purpose.
We recommend a trigger operated handheld laser scanner with keyboard
wedge connection.
It is simple to connect, needs no special software, is simple to
operate, and can read barcodes from a decent distance.
For information on scanners you could look on the
Symbol web site.
They make good quality, relatively inexpensive, well supported scanners.
We have been generally happy with them in every situation where we
have used or recommended them.
That is not to say that other makes of scanner with similar features
to those mentioned above would not do just as good a job, or
perhaps better.
The choice is entirely yours, but here are a few pointers:
- The scanner needs to interact with the program, so you need
a connection that will support this.
- Keyboard wedge works.
- USB should work in theory, depending ... but we haven't tried it
- Serial may be workable with the right interface, but we don't recommend or support it
- A batch mode scanner will not allow interaction with the program
- An omni-directional scanner will work very poorly if at all when trying to read a particular one of many barcodes on the tag.
Since the key barcode is on the leading and trailing edge of the tag, you may get away with it, but we recommend against using an omni-directional scanner.
- A mobile RF scanner should work if it's base unit is attached as a keyboard wedge.
However, our interface does not display prompts on the scanner, so you have to use it near the screen, which means you get no benefit from the extra expense of it being a mobile RF unit.
- A CCD near-contact scanner will work, but we prefer a laser scanner which can sense a barcode from a distance.
- A triggerless scanner will work well.
- A scanner with a trigger will work well, but not hands-free, unless you get a special stand with it.
- To use a laser scanner to read a barcode in the body of the tag (as opposed to the serial numbers on the leading and trailing ends, which are what you will normally need to read), you need to know the right technique.
