Barcode Basics . Stacked codes contain formatting information so data is always decoded in the correct order. Capacities of up to 1k characters are possible.
Wands are the oldest and most cost-effective method of bar code scanning.
Advantages of using a wand are its rugged, lightweight design and the ability to read codes of almost any length. CCD's are less expensive and more rugged than lasers. The depth of field of a CCD is less than that of a laser, but some CCD's can read up to 1 foot away. Non-contact bar code readers. Lasers offer the largest depth of field, are easy to use and read a wide variety of code densities.