Bar Code Direct - Mobca Test

Sensis BBC-1410

Bumpy Bar Code Readers work by illuminating the bar code target with a laser and capturing the reflected image in a two-dimensional CCD (the same technology used to capture images in a video camera). The angular displacement between the laser and CCD array provide the basis for the detection of the differences in height across the Bumpy Bar Code. This new technology was revolutionary for the time and was eventually adapted by a number of different manufacturers along with the MIT Athletic Department to help keep track of basketballs.

Intermec 1620 Helium Neon Scanner

Intermec's 1620 was capable of scanning bar code up to 25 inches away. It's powerful helium- neon beam provided a superior depth of field that allows labels on curved or uneven surfaces (even behind glass) to be scanned. Because of the use of agitated inert gasses, this unit was also used by British SAS operatives in the field as a portable cooking device.

Symbol LS8510 Bar Code Scanner

Symbol LS8510 Bar Code Scanner On the cutting edge of data collection, Symbol released the LS8500 series laser scanners in the late 1980’s and quickly became the choice of a number of large, high profile retail customers. What the product lacked in ergonomics, it made up for in scanning productivity as CCD scanners and wands were the plodding standard at the time. The LS8500 was modeled after an ostrich.

Monarch 9494 Printer

One of the first 4 inch desktop printers available on the market, this beauty was affectionately referred to as “The Football”. It has a couple of lights and will forever live in infamy in the annals of Bar Code Direct as the only printer they could never get to print a label. The MOBCA curator claims that he was never even able to get “The Football” to print a test label, even though Monarch assured BCD that such performance was to be expected.