Barcoding For Beginners
Barcoding For Beginners
UPC PDF417
Interleaved 2 of 5 Maxicode
For fonts that require encoding such as Code 128, Data Matrix, UPC,
and Code 93, a font tool must be used.
A font tool is a product that is used to format data for a barcode font.
This may include calculating start/stop characters, a check character,
and in some cases prepare data so that it can be altered for the
specified barcode symbology.
For example, encoding TEST123 using a font tool for Code 128
produces ÌTEST123}Î. Only after encoding, should the font be
applied. The IDAutomation.com online Font Encoder is an example
of a font tool.
One of the most common tools for reading barcodes is the hand held
barcode scanner. All of the barcode scanners recommended and sold
by IDAutomation have built-in decoders that can read several different
bar code types.
Most of the 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 it was
typed using a keyboard.
Not all scanners can scan barcodes that are printed at very 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 dimension barcodes. Also,
make sure the printer can accurately reproduce small x dimension
barcodes.
The IDAutomation Plug ‘n Play Barcode Scanner will scan linear bar
codes consistently at 4 to 32 mils in size and up to 4.2" in width from a
distance of 4" to 8" at 200 scans per second and can be programmed
to scan function keys from barcodes.