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Bar code scanners and printers in Barcode Systems

There're all kinds of bar codes and a lot of combinations of barcode systems. The requirement of one barcode system is determined by the application. A simple barcode scanning system can be broken down into a bar code generator, a printer, a barcode scanner, a computer. Of course there're many other configurations, but this is the basic basic compositions for barcoding. The barcode scanner scan, read and inout barcode data into a computer system while the printer generates bar codes for labeling.

In general, there are two types of barcode decoders: hardware decoders, software decoders. Software decoders perform the complete decoding via running software on PC. General purpose barcode scanner have three interfaces: Keyboard Wedge, Serial or RS232, USB. Today we also have wireless bar code scanners which comunicate with computers by Bluetooth or Radio 433 MHz. With Bluetooth Connectivity, Bluetooth barcode scanners could also interactive with mobile smart phones, PDAs, take advantage of their WiFi and GPRS functions.

According to the depth of field, there are two different types of scanners: contact and non-contact. Contact scanners required physical contact to scan a bar code. On the other hand, a non-contact scanner which can be several inches to several feet away from the bar code.  Normally laser barcode scanners have the long range scan than CCD bar code readers.
You can now generate  bar code labels using common PC printers. It's more economic to use dot matrix or laser printers to generate paper labels while using pin-fed and sheet-fed labels. For the highest quality of printed lables, consider thermal transfer and direct thermal printers, those printers produce the highest quality of print on nearly am=ny sort of face stock.