Data Capture; Laser Scanning; Scanning Considerations - Motorola CA50 Developer & User Manual

Data Capture

The CA50 offers laser scanning for 1D bar codes.
Scan Window
Figure 4-9

Laser Scanning

The CA50 has an integrated laser scanner with the following features:
•
Reads a variety of bar code symbologies, including the most popular linear, postal, and 1D code types.
•
Intuitive aiming for easy point-and-shoot operation.

Scanning Considerations

Typically, scanning is a simple matter of aim, scan, and decode and a few quick trial efforts master it. However,
consider the following to optimize scanning performance:
•
Range
Any scanning device decodes well over a particular working range — minimum and maximum distances from
the bar code. This range varies according to bar code density and scanning device optics.
Scanning within range brings quick and constant decodes; scanning too close or too far away prevents
decodes. Move the scanner closer and further away to find the right working range for the bar codes being
scanned.
•
Angle
Scanning angle is important for promoting quick decodes. When laser beams reflect directly back into the
scanner from the bar code, this specular reflection can "blind" the scanner.
To avoid this, scan the bar code so that the beam does not bounce directly back. But don't scan at too sharp
an angle; the scanner needs to collect scattered reflections from the scan to make a successful decode.
Practice quickly shows what tolerances to work within.
•
Hold the CA50 farther away for larger symbols.
•
Move the CA50 closer for symbols with bars that are close together.
NOTE Scanning procedures depend on the application and CA50 configuration. An application may use
different scanning procedures from the one listed above.
Scan
Window
CA50 Modes of Operation 4 - 15