User's Manual

Bar CodesAppendix —C
363700 Series Color Mobile Computer User’s Manual
Code 11
Code 11 satisfies the requirements for a very high density, discrete numeric
bar code. The name Code 11 derives from 11 different data characters that
can be represented, in addition to a start or stop character.
The character set includes the 10 digits and the dash symbol. Each charac-
ter is represented by a stand-alone group of three bars and two intervening
spaces. Although Code 11 is discrete, it is not self-checking. A single print-
ing defect can transpose one character into another valid character. One or
two check digits obtain data security.
The specifications for Code 11 suggest that this code should have a narrow
element width of 7.5 mils. This results in an information density of 15
characters per inch.
Code 39
Code 39 (C39) is the most widely used symbology among the industrial
bar codes. Most major companies, trade associations, and the federal gov-
ernment find this code to fit their needs. The main feature of this symbol-
ogy is the ability to encode messages using the full alphanumeric character
set, seven special characters, and ASCII characters.
Programming for this symbology can be for any length that the application
requires. The application program for the 700 Series Computer handles
symbology at least one character but no more than 32 characters in length.
When programming the computer for Code 39, it is important to set the
symbology limit as close as possible (minimum and maximum bar code
lengths being scanned). Doing so keeps the computer bar code processing
time to a minimum and conserves battery power.
Bar code readers can respond to Uniform Symbology Specification symbols
in non-standard ways for particular applications. These methods are not
for general applications, because of the extra programming required. Code
39 Full ASCII is one example of non-standard code.
Note: See page 368 to scan several Code 39 bar code labels available to
change settings on your 700 Series Computer.
Encoded Code 39 (Concatenation)
If the first data character of a symbol is a space, the reader may be pro-
grammed to append the information contained in the remainder of the
symbol to a storage buffer. This operation continues for all successive sym-
bols that contain a leading space, with messages being added to the end of
previously stored ones. When a message is read which does not contain a
leading space, the contents are appended to the buffer, the entire buffer is
transmitted, and the buffer is cleared.
Encoded Code 39 (Full ASCII)
If the bar code reader is programmed for the task, the entire ASCII charac-
ter set (128 characters) could be coded using two character sequences: a
symbol (“$”,“.”,“%”,“/”) followed by a letter of the alphabet.