Desktop Computer Review: Socket Communications IS5300-464 57mA Bar Code Digital Scan Card for PC Review

This product socks, because I wanted an easy way to scan barcodes, but this "work of art" is a headache, you have to be a master at scanning barcodes with a "Photo Camera", because that is what really is. Take a look to the tips to scan provided by the manufacturer, and you will see stuff like:

1.- Minimize movement during scanning -->(YOU REALLY CAN'T MOVE A BIT)
2.- Provide adequate ambient lighting -->(YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE PERFECT LITH TO TAKE A PICTURE OF THE BARCODE)
3.- Determine the optimum focal length -->(YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE PICTURE AT A EXACT DISTANCE EVERY TIME DEPENDING ON BARCODE THAT YOU WANT TO SCAN)
4.- Position the scanner at an angle -->(FINDING RIGHT ANGLE IS A REALLY DIFFICULT TASK)
5.- Experiment with different techniques and conditions -->(YOU HAVE TO HAVE A LOT OF PATIENCE AT MOMENT OF USING THIS PRODUCT).
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Appendix E Tips for Better Scanning

Socket's SD Scan Card 3E is based on miniature CMOS linear imaging technology. This device is basically a camera that captures rectangular digital images measuring about 1 degree high and 40 degrees wide. The imaging rate varies between about 20 and 40 images per second and automatically compensates for ambient lighting conditions -- the more ambient light, the more images per second. It is inappropriate, however, to compare this imaging rate to the rate of the sweeping beam of a laser scanner because the CMOS image is affected by blurring, while the laser technology is not. For this reason, it's important to hold this scanner still while scanning.

Adequate lighting of the target bar code is critical to scanning with imaging technology. Unfortunately, providing auxiliary lighting increases the size, energy consumption, control complexity and cost of the scanning device. For these reasons, the red light from the SDSC scanner is simply an aiming beam -- it does not add any auxiliary lighting to the target bar code. For this reason, it's important to provide adequate ambient lighting to the target bar code while scanning with this scanner.

Like all cameras, the SD Scan Card 3E has a "focal length" (minimum and maximum distance from the target) where the image can be clearly captured. The focal length of the SDSC scanner is rather small compared to that of laser scanners. For best results while scanning "normal" sized bar codes such as the UPC codes used on retail items, the SDSC scanner should be held from about 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) from the target.

Tips for Maximizing SDSC Scanner Performance:

1. Minimize movement during scanning -- The SD Scan Card 3E must be held reasonably steady on the target for a short period of time while the camera focuses and captures a clear image. The scanner typically requires only several milliseconds to capture a clear image, no more than a quarter to a half of a second.

2. Provide adequate ambient lighting --The SDSC scanner, like any camera, works much better when the target bar code is well-lit.

3. Determine the optimum focal length -- The SDSC scanner has a fairly small focal length, so it is helpful to experiment until you find the best scanning distance. Hint: When encountering scanning difficulties, most people have a tendency to move the scanner too close to the target bar code! Try moving it farther away for better results.

4. Position the scanner at an angle -- No bar code scanner works well when positioned exactly perpendicular to the target bar code label, because the reflected light tends to "blind" the sensing mechanism. For best results, position the scanner at least 15 degrees away from the perpendicular to the surface of the bar code.

5. Experiment with different techniques and conditions -- The more you experiment with different techniques, lighting conditions, scanning distances and positions, the more proficient you will become.

Conclusion
Socket's SD Scan Card 3E is a convenient and affordable bar code scanning accessory for your mobile device, and with a little experimentation and practice, the performance will approach that of the larger and more expensive laser-based CompactFlash In-Hand Scan Card.

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Product Description:
The Secure Digital Scan Card (SDSC) 3E is a Series 3 Entry Level scanner that adds affordable bar code scanning to your Pocket PC or Palm device. Based on miniature Linear CMOS Imaging technology from Symbol Technologies, the SDSC 3E scans all popular linear bar code symbologies and uses only 57mA of power during scanning to maximize battery life. SocketScan keyboard emulation software sends decoded data to any Windows or Palm application as virtual keystrokes.