User`s guide

36 | APPENDIX C: CLASS 1 VS. CLASS 2 SCANNERS
aimed away from the person using the scanner, and (b) the beam oscillates
39 times per second over a 53 degree arc, making it impossible to stare into
the beam. Additionally, using the lower powered Class 1 laser makes it even
less likely that eye damage will occur. There are certain organizations in
Europe, in fact, that require a Class 1 laser in bar code scanners to meet
more stringent safety standards. The Socket In-Hand Scan Card with Class
1 laser meets these European safety standards. Please refer to Appendix B
for more detailed safety information.
Conclusion
The Class 1 laser is suitable for most applications with expected scanning
distances of less than 20 inches and normal ambient light conditions. The
Class 1 laser may be required by certain European organizations to meet
more stringent safety standards.
When an application is likely to require more demanding scanning
capabilities, the Class 2 laser provides the assurance of maximum scanning
performance.
Note: People who use portable computers to gather and manage data at the
point of activity are typically very quick to learn how to use a laser bar code
scanner and realize the resulting gains in productivity. They are easily
discouraged, however, if time and effort are required to obtain a successful
scan – thus the decline in popularity of the much less expensive bar code
contact wands seen at most retail checkout counters during the 1980’s. The
higher cost of the Class 2 version of the In-Hand Scan Card is easily
justified if the application requires higher scanning performance.