System for reading bar code symbols using portable bar code symbol readers having one-way RF signal transmission links with base stations

A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a light source. Light from the light source is projected into a scan field external to the housing and onto a code symbol on an object located within the scan field. The light reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected light intensity. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is synthesized and modulated onto a carrier signal that is transmitted to a base unit where the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet recovered. The received data packet is analyzed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is produced to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.