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BarcodeFAQ.com provides basic barcode information
including answers to frequently asked questions, barcode tutorials and product
suggestions for printing and scanning barcodes.
Information on this website is provided courtesy
of IDAutomation.com, Inc.
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Products available for scanning barcodes
One of the most common methods of reading barcodes is with a
hand-held barcode scanner.
The barcode scanners
recommended and sold by IDAutomation all have built-in decoders and can
read several different bar code types. Most of the
bar code 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 in, the
data is sent to the PC as if it had been typed on the keyboard. For more
information about using scanners with an application, please read
how to scan data into
applications.
Most barcode scanners can read common linear symbologies, such as code
39, UPC, EAN, Code 128 and Codabar, if it is enabled in the scanner. Keep
in mind that most scanner manufacturers usually ship new scanners with most
symbologies disabled, so make sure the symbology is enabled before attempting
to scan. It is possible to scan barcodes that are printed at very small
x dimensions (the x dimension is the width of the narrow bar in the code).
Before attempting to read barcodes that are printed with small x dimensions,
check the barcode scanner manual to make sure the scanner can read it. Also,
make sure the printer can accurately reproduce barcodes at these sizes.
IDAutomation's Free
Barcode Scanner ASCII String Decoder is a software application that
decodes and reveals hidden, non-printable ASCII characters and commands
from keyboard emulation devices, such as
USB Barcode
Scanners.
IDAutomation’s
Code 39 font printed at 3 points, which is an x dimension of
4 mils, from a standard HP LaserJet at 600 DPI has been consistently scanned
with the
IDAutomation Plug 'n Play CCD scanner.
IDAutomation also sells
laser barcode scanners,
but they cannot always read the small x dimensions that the CCD models can.
However, laser scanners are able to read wider barcodes better.
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