2020/4820/4820i User’s Guide 3 - 13 Basic System OperationCordless BaseThe cordless base provides the link between the cordless imager and the hostsystem. The base contains an interface assembly and an RF communicationmodule. The RF communication module performs the data exchange betweenthe cordless imager and the interface assembly. The control assemblycoordinates the central interface activities including: transmitting/receivingcommands and data to/from the host system, performing software activities(parameter menuing, visual indicator support, power-on diagnostics), and datatranslation required for the host system.The base also is the imager’s battery charger. Refer to "Base Charge Mode" onpage 3-3 for additional information.RF (Radio Frequency) Module OperationThe cordless system uses a two-way Bluetooth radio to transmit and receivedata between the imager and the base. Designed for point-to-point andmultipoint-to-single point applications, the radio operates using a license freeISM band, which sends relatively small data packets at a fast data rate over aradio signal with randomly changing frequencies, makes the cordless systemhighly responsive to a wide variety of data collection applications and resistantto noisy RF environments. Bluetooth Class 2 power level provides acommunication range of 33 feet (10m) between the imager and base/Bluetoothadapter, depending on the environment.Cordless ImagerThe cordless imager enables fast and accurate bar code scanning using a non-contact area imager.The imager is comprised of an area image engine, a decode/control assembly,and an RF communication module. The image engine performs the bar codeimage illumination and sensing. The decode/control assembly coordinates thecentral communication activities including: capturing and decoding the bar codeimage data, performing software activities (parameter menuing, visual indicatorsupport, low battery indication), and data translation required for the host system.The RF communication module performs the data exchange between the imagerand the base.
