Datalogic's STAR Cordless System™ for Narrow Band Radio Communications

Many processes (such as Inventory, Picking, Shipping/Receiving, etc.) in the Retail, Distribution and Manufacturing industries require data collection operations to supply/receive information to/from the ERP/WMS system. Data should be provided to the information system automatically and in real-time to assure the best accuracy, precision and efficiency, for a low cost investment.

Datalogic’s STAR Cordless System provides a narrow-band radio communication solution that features total mobility, real-time communications and affordability. Free from the constraints and entanglements associated with the use of cabled devices, many time-consuming activities can be executed quickly and effectively directly in the field.

STAR-System™ does not require any operating licenses, yet it provides one of the most flexible wireless connections between data and business. Offering scalable solutions for simple applications to large, complex projects, its seamless roaming capabilities allows for contiguous/non-contiguous coverage in large facilities or warehouses that need to overcome physical barriers like concrete walls, firewalls or metal shelving.

The PowerScan®, Gryphon™ and QuickScan® Series include products that feature the STAR System for cordless communications and are suitable for a wide range of applications in industrial and general use environments.

STAR Cordless System and Bluetooth® Wireless Communications

For transmission of 1D/linear codes the STAR System is the most effective choice.

For 2D codes (as 2D symbologies can contain thousands of characters), Bluetooth® Wireless Technology is preferred because of its higher transmission speed.

Key Factors	Datalogic STAR Cordless System™	Bluetooth® Wireless Technology	Notes
Ambient Propagation	X X X X X	X X X	Bluetooth is more sensitive to obstacles and in particular to some materials (like water).
Sensitivity to Noise	X X X X	X X	2.4 GHz is a "crowded" band; Bluetooth's bandwidth is higher. It is a connection oriented system (transmits even when not required by the user).
Transmission Speed	X X X	X X X X X	Bluetooth is nominally faster working at 1 MB/sec. This is useful for large amounts of data but negligible below some hundreds of characters.
Maximum Distance	X X X X	X X X X X	50 m vs 100 m but only with Bluetooth Class 1 Radio (high emitted power: up to 100 mW vs less than 10 mW for STAR). Class 2 Bluetooth guarantees just 10 m.
Network Capability	X X X X X	X X	Hundreds of devices can be used simultaneously vs 7, because Bluetooth was developed and designed purely for cable replacement purposes.
Power Consumption	X X X X X	X X	Bluetooth is a "connection oriented" system: this requires a permanently live connection.
Stability of Standard	X X X X X	X X X	Bluetooth is continuously evolving.
Control of Technology	X X X X X	X	Proprietary radio ensures full technological control.
Protection / Encription	X X X X X	X X X X X	Both protocols provide data protection.
Average Score	4.6	3.1

Datalogic's STAR Cordless System™
for Narrow Band Radio Communications

STAR Cordless System and Bluetooth® Wireless Communications

STARGATE™

STAR-Modem™