Radio Scanners
Wireless Scanners at a Glance: Technology and Applications
Wireless scanners – also referred to as wireless barcode scanners or cordless handheld scanners – read barcodes and transmit data wirelessly to a point-of-sale system, a PC, or POS software. This category features two fundamental transmission types: Bluetooth models that communicate directly with a host device via BT, and 433 MHz wireless scanners that use a dedicated base station with charging and transmission functionality. The devices also differ in their reading capabilities: 1D models capture traditional linear barcodes, while 2D imagers additionally read QR codes, DataMatrix, and other area codes. Many models come as a kit with a USB cable and charging station – this speeds up the initial setup.
Which Wireless Scanner Is Right for Which Application?
For retail checkout use, Bluetooth wireless scanners with a 2D imager are a great choice. They read both product barcodes and digital coupons from smartphone screens. Models supplied as a USB kit can be quickly connected to existing point-of-sale systems. Anyone who processes exclusively EAN barcodes – for example in a small retail store – will be well served by a 1D linear imager and will pay less. In warehouses or logistics environments, devices with a higher protection rating are in demand: models with IP65 or IP67 are resistant to dust and water jets, something that simpler retail variants with IP42 or IP52 cannot offer. For industrial use, 433 MHz wireless scanners with a removable battery and a rugged housing are a good fit – manufacturers such as Datalogic and Zebra offer devices of this type. Bluetooth scanners of class 5.2 (BLE) are well suited to modern IT environments because they connect flexibly with tablets, smartphones, and PCs. Models with a multi-interface connector (RS232, KBW, USB) can be adapted to various host systems without needing to replace the device.
When Is a Different Scanner the Better Choice?
Anyone who uses their scanner at the same workstation all the time does not need a wireless scanner – a corded handheld scanner or a presentation scanner is sufficient in that case and involves no charging effort. For demanding industrial environments with very long reading distances or special formats such as OCR, a ring scanner – such as the Zebra RS type – is a more suitable solution than a conventional pistol-grip wireless scanner. Models from the retail segment are not designed for such requirements. Honeywell and Newland are also represented in this category and offer devices with different form factors – from compact Bluetooth scanners for retail use to more powerful imager variants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wireless Scanners
Are wireless scanners permitted?
Barcode wireless scanners for commercial use – such as the devices shown here for point-of-sale and warehouse applications – are permitted without restriction in Germany. They transmit on approved frequencies (Bluetooth or 433 MHz) and may be operated without a special licence. This does not apply to radio receivers used for monitoring official or private radio communications, which are subject to their own legal assessment.
What can you listen to with a wireless scanner?
Barcode wireless scanners for reading barcodes are used exclusively for data capture – they do not receive voice radio and cannot be used for monitoring any transmissions. Devices for receiving voice radio (police, fire service, aviation) are an entirely different product category and are not the subject here. Anyone specifically looking for digital public safety radio will find these under the terms "digital radio scanner" or "wideband receiver".
Can you listen to aviation radio?
This is not possible with the barcode scanners in this category – they are not receivers for voice radio frequencies. Aviation radio can only be received with specialised wideband receivers or airband scanners, which are offered separately. These devices are subject to different usage regulations in Germany and have nothing in common with POS wireless scanners.