See also Driver Software, Bar Code Creation Service and Bar Code Creation Software.

Introduction

Bar code readers can be used for many applications. For example, all major retail outlets use readers as a quick and reliable means of product identification - the product's bar code number can then be used at the point of sale and for stock taking, allowing the store to keep track of it. Many libraries also use bar code readers as a means of checking out their books and courier companies use codes to route their parcels more efficiently.

Basically, all a bar code contains is a short alphanumeric reference and usually nothing else. Readers are used to scan this reference into a computer which then does the clever things, such as converting it into a form of proper identification, for example 'tin of beans' or 'The Works of John Smith'. The choice of reader is not so much limited by the types of codes to be read, but more by the environment in which they are used. Portable wands are suitable for outdoor use for example, whereas hand-held CCD scanners are more suited to desktop work such as point of sale or ID card identification and laser scanners for warehouse work.

The two main types of reader we supply are the CCD and laser ones. We can supply pens and wands but do not recommend them for two reasons - they require actual contact with the codes which can rub them off and require a bit of practise to work consistently. Also, they require a separate decoder unit, which makes the overall price much more than a decent CCD scanner costs.

The next few pages give prices and brief details on the readers and software we can supply. Generally, the more expensive a reader is, the more accurate (and more intelligent at discriminating the codes) and robust it is. These readers plug directly into any serial port of the computer (including any additional serial ports from the likes of Atomwide or Intelligent Interfaces). The two items you need for a basic system are the reader itself (which we supply with all necesary cables) and a power supply (which may come included but is usually extra). You can also get stands and other items for many readers.

Most of these readers are also available as a 'keyboard wedge' which can be used with PS/2 type keyboards such as the A7000 and Risc PC. However, there is no software control available for processing codes from these and some do not actually work (and no-one can work out why yet).

All of the serial port readers are supplied with our !BarReader driver software. This processes the scanned codes and allows combinations of text and/or control sequences to be placed before and after the bar code when it is read. For example, when a code is read, the software can insert, say, the time, followed by the code and a Return to go to the next field in a database and so on. See later for more information.

If you also want to create your own codes, our !BarCoder application produces Draw file output of various bar code formats. See later for further details of this software.

Bar Code Readers

This section is currently being updated. Please email for pricing in the meantime.