Does it read anything other than barcodes printed on packaging?
Yes: it decodes 1D, PDF417, 2D and DotCode symbologies, from codes printed on packaging to digital codes used in retail, including the Data Matrix and DotCode used in government and hospitality.
How far away should the barcode be held?
It depends on the size of the code: a 13 mil UPC-A product code reads from 35 to 430 mm, a 20 mil QR code from 20 to 355 mm, a 6.7 mil PDF417 from 50 to 210 mm and a fine 5 mil Code 39 from 40 to 225 mm. The field of view covers 48° horizontally and 30° vertically.
Does it read damaged, crumpled or poorly printed barcodes?
Yes, that is what it is designed for: it decodes damaged, partially obscured or poorly printed codes, with a minimum contrast of just 25%. It also tolerates codes presented at an angle, up to ±60° pitch and ±65° skew. Performance still depends on the quality of the code and the environment.
Does this scanner need a separate power supply?
It draws 5 V through its USB connection and consumes 2 W when scanning, 0.55 W in standby: a single cable connects the scanner to the till or the PC. The RS-232 interface is also supported, which is useful if you connect it to an older terminal.
Can it withstand drops at the checkout or in the warehouse?
It is designed to survive 2 drops from 1.2 m onto concrete and has passed a test of 250 tumbles from 50 cm. It also withstands electrostatic discharges of ±15 kV through the air. This level of ruggedness makes it suitable for demanding retail environments, at the checkout or in the stockroom.
Is it protected against dust and splashing water?
It is rated IP40: protected against solid objects larger than 1 mm — coarse dust, shavings, staples — but with no protection against water. Keep it for a counter, a stockroom or a dry workshop. It tolerates 0 to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing.
Does it work near a shop window in full sunlight?
Yes: it reads under illumination of 0 to 100,000 lux, which covers full daylight, and operates from 0 to 50 °C with relative humidity up to 95%, non-condensing. Storage is permitted from -40 to 60 °C.
Can you scan items one after another without waiting between reads?
Yes. Its 1-megapixel global shutter camera and 1 GHz processor decode continuously, with a motion tolerance of 75 cm/s on a 13 mil product code: you pass items through in one fluid movement instead of aiming at each label.
What is the smallest code size it can read?
Down to 3 mil in Code 39, 4 mil in PDF417, 5 mil in Data Matrix and 6 mil in QR code. The sensor works on an image of 1280 x 800 pixels.
Can it be integrated with point-of-sale software, and can I keep my HH400 accessories?
Yes to both. Configuration and integration are handled through EZ Config and the OPOS/JPOS, POSNET4 and SMU drivers, and the scanner is fully backward compatible with existing HH400 accessories: cables, stands and power supplies already in place remain usable.
Is the scanner new, and is the stand really included?
Yes to both: the scanner is new and sealed, and the
stand is included with this USB kit. The invoice serves as the warranty document for
1 year; details of read distances and scanning performance are in the
manufacturer's datasheet (PDF).