Reading Barcode
One of the most common tools for reading barcodes is the hand-held barcode scanner. The barcode scannersrecommended and sold by IDAutomation all have built-in decoders that can read several different barcode symbologies. There are a few low-priced scanners on the market, but they require complicated decoders.
In the long run, after ordering and programming a decoder, more time will be spent using the decoder than if ordering a scanner with a built-in decoder. Most of the barcode scanners sold by IDAutomation receive their power from the PC keyboard or USB port so no external power supply is required. When a barcode is scanned, the data is sent to the PC as if typed on the keyboard. To learn more about scanning barcodes, review how to scan barcode data into applications.
Most barcode scanners can read common linear symbologies such as Code 39, UPC, EAN, Code 128 and Codabar by default. Some scanner manufacturer's ship new barcode scanners with most symbologies disabled, therefore, if a particular barcode cannot be read, make sure it is enabled in the scanner's firmware. Not all scanners read barcodes that are printed at small X dimensions (the x dimension is the width of the narrow bar in the code,) so it is advisable to check the barcode scanner manual to make sure the scanner can read the small X dimensions.
The low-priced IDAutomation Plug 'n Play USB Barcode Scanner performs similar to a laser scanner and reads very small barcodes. Barcodes of 4 to 32 mils in size and up to 4.2" in width are easily read from a distance of 4 to 8 inches with this scanner.