Do I need a different decoder for each type of barcode I
want to read?
Most decoders in use today are
capable of reading more than one type of barcode. The units
are programmable by the user to select the types of barcode.
Most units also have an auto-discriminate mode where they can
be set to read all barcode types and the decoder will figure
out what type of code symbol it has read. Most decoders can
be programmed using a simple serial data terminal or a PC
configured to act like a data terminal. Besides the barcode
type many other decoder parameters can be specified by the
user. In normal practice, if you are just reading a single
barcode type, program the decoder to read that type rather
than auto-discriminate. It takes the decoder time to figure
out what code type it has read. This lengthens the time it
takes to decode the code and effects the number of codes a
scanner can read in a given period of time. Also there is
always the slim chance that the decoder will make a mistake
and decode the wrong code type.
