Charging priority between multiple devices connected to a charging cradle

A charging cradle for charging a barcode reader, the charging cradle comprising:

• a first interface for charging the barcode reader;
• a second interface for charging a spare battery of the barcode reader;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• detect that the barcode reader is coupled to the first interface;
• detect that the spare battery is coupled to the second interface;
• receive, via a connection between the charging cradle and a port of a host power source, an indication of a magnitude of an input current that the host power source is capable of delivering to the charging cradle over the connection;
• compare the magnitude of the input current to a threshold magnitude;
• determine, responsive to comparing the magnitude of the input current to the threshold magnitude, a charging order in which to charge the barcode reader and the spare battery using the input current from the host power source;
• and
• charge the barcode reader and the spare battery in accordance with the charging order.

A system, comprising:

• a barcode reader;
• a spare battery of the barcode reader;
• and
• a charging cradle, the charging cradle having:
• a first interface for charging the barcode reader;
• a second interface for charging the spare battery;
• and
• a controller configured to:
• detect that the barcode reader is coupled to the first interface;
• detect that the spare battery is coupled to the second interface;
• receive, via a connection between the charging cradle and a port of a host power source, an indication of a magnitude of an input current that the host power source is capable of delivering to the charging cradle over the connection;
• compare the magnitude of the input current to a threshold magnitude;
• determine, responsive to comparing the magnitude of the input current to the threshold magnitude, a charging order in which to charge the barcode reader and the spare battery using the input current from the host power source;
• and
• charge the barcode reader and the spare battery in accordance with the charging order.