Abstract: Disclosed is a cradle for a handheld device, e.g. a handheld scanner. The cradle can for instance be a charging station and includes a device connector for connecting a handheld device to the cradle. The cradle also includes a power inlet connected and/or connectable to a power outlet of a first corresponding cradle, such as a charging station, for a handheld device, e.g. a handheld scanner. Further, the cradle includes a power outlet connected and/or connectable to a power inlet of a second corresponding cradle, such as a charging station, for a handheld device, e.g. a handheld scanner. Furthermore, the cradle is provided with an electronic monitoring circuit. The circuit can be for monitoring whether the cradle is supplied with sufficient power by the first corresponding cradle connected to the inlet of the cradle.