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CCD Barcode Scanners
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These devices use a series of Light Emitting Diodes to generate a "red glow" light source, a lens and a photo conductor to decode a barcode image into the data that is contained in the barcode. Since the red glow is not very intense and the technology relies on emitted ambient light, so the operator will need to place the scanner fairly close to the barcode (about 2-3cm).
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Laser Barcode Scanners
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These devices use a "pin-point" laser light source and a reciprocating mirror to scan the laser beam back and forth across the barcode. They use reflected light to decode a barcode image into the data that is contained in the barcode. Since the laser is a fairly intense light source, the operator does not need to place the scanner close to the barcode and can scan barcodes that are about 10-30cm away from the scanner. Some industrial laser scanners can read a barcode that is a very long distance away (2 metres).
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Cordless CCD Barcode Scanners
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These devices use a series of Light Emitting Diodes to generate a "red glow" light source, a lens and a photo conductor to decode a barcode image into the data that is contained in the barcode. Since the red glow is not very intense and the technology relies on emitted ambient light, so the operator will need to place the scanner fairly close to the barcode (about 2-3cm).
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Cordless Laser and Linear Imager Barcode Scanners
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Laser scanners use a "pin-point" laser light source and a reciprocating mirror to scan the laser beam back and forth across the barcode. They use reflected light to decode a barcode image into the data that is contained in the barcode. Since the laser is a fairly intense light source, the operator does not need to place the scanner close to the barcode and can scan barcodes that are about 10-30cm away from the scanner. Linear imager scanners use a digital camera to "take a picture" of the barcode and then decode the data that is in the image.
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Omni-directional Barcode Scanners
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These devices are usually placed on a desk, counter or bench top (or they can be mounted on top of the bench top). Instead of using a single scan line, they project multiple lines at multiple angles which means that the operator does not need to ensure that the barcode is orientated in any particular direction. Omni-directional scanners are often used at supermarket and retail check-outs. These scanners can read linear barcodes such as EAN, Code128, Code39, etc
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Batch Mobile Computers (Data Collectors)
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These devices capture data using an on-board program that may run in a proprietary, Palm, Linux, Windows CE, Pocket PC or Windows Mobile operating environment. The captured data is then downloaded using a communications cradle that may also serve to charge the unit's battery.
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Thermal Direct Desk-top Continuous-roll Label Printers
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Thermal Direct printers are capable of printing only on thermally treated (heat sensitive) label stationery. If you wish to print on plain paper or plastic label stationery you will need a Thermal Transfer printer. Thermal Direct labels are susceptible to the background going dark grey if the paper is exposed to heat or strong direct sunlight and will be easily marked if the paper surface is rubbed with, say, a fingernail. Thermal direct labels tend to be less susceptible to this effect than is thermal paper, because the label material is generally thicker than receipt paper. Like all thermal papers though, the print image will also fade over time.
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Thermal Transfer Desk-top Continuous-roll Label Printers
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Thermal Transfer printers print by transferring the print image from a resin or wax-resin coated plastic ribbon to plain label stationery. These printers are also capable of printing in Thermal Direct mode by omitting the ribbon and using thermal paper label stationery. Thermal Transfer printers are recommended if your labels need to be high quality or are required to be legible for a very long time, or if you will be printing on plastic label materials such as polyethylene or polyester, especially for use outdoors in direct sunlight or in wet environments. Use a resin ribbon if you are printing on plastic labels. Use a wax-resin ribbon if you are printing on paper labels.
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Thermal Receipt Point of Sale (POS) Printers
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Point of Sale (POS) printers - thermal receipt.
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