Zebra DS8178

Unprecedented Performance

Unparalleled performance on virtually every barcode in any condition

The processor, high-resolution sensor and PRZM algorithms capture dense, poorly printed, crinkled, faded, distorted, dirty and damaged barcodes. The same system reads mobile barcodes on dim displays, reducing rescans and checkout delays.

Superior scan range

A bright circular aiming spot and range of up to 24 inches on 100% UPC make the target easy to see and reach. Workers can scan items at the bottom of a cart without bringing them to the counter.

Innovation beyond the barcode

Swappable power options reduce your investment risk

The 2,500 mAh PowerPrecision+ battery and 440 F PowerCap capacitor are interchangeable in the same DS8178. Both report model and serial information, so fleet tools can identify which power source is installed in each scanner.

The battery provides up to 65,000 scans at one scan per second and charges fully in about nine hours over USB. Battery health metrics help teams replace aging packs before they cause checkout downtime.

The battery-free PowerCap provides up to 2,000 scans per full charge and is intended for workflows where the scanner returns to its cradle between uses. It can deliver 100 scans after roughly 35 seconds from a low-charge warning and charges fully in about 30 minutes over USB.

Innovation beyond the barcode

Dedicated Power Charge Gauge

The gauge shows whether the installed battery or PowerCap has enough charge before a shift begins. Supervisors can spot an undercharged scanner before it reaches a busy lane.

Prevent downtime with anti-loss tools

Virtual Tether alerts on both scanner and cradle when a DS8178 moves out of range or remains away from the cradle too long. A cradle paging button helps staff locate a misplaced scanner in a lane or backroom.

Connect+ Contact Technology designed to last

Zebra combines protected contact placement with Connect+ Contact Technology for dependable, corrosion-resistant charging. The design is intended to maintain reliable cradle charging over the scanner's operating life.

Innovation beyond the barcode

Eliminate Bluetooth interference with Wi-Fi Friendly Mode

Wi-Fi Friendly Mode restricts scanner operation to Bluetooth channels not shared with the wireless LAN. This reduces interference that could otherwise affect service levels for employees and customers.

Easily capture label data for better inventory management

Label Parse+ captures GS1 data such as expiration date, lot number and manufacturing location.

Capture multiple barcodes with one press of the scan trigger

Multi-Code Data Formatting reads several barcodes with one trigger pull and sends only the required codes in the order the application expects.

Innovation beyond the barcode

Capture drivers license data (DL version required)

Driver-license parsing is available only on DL configurations and can populate loyalty or credit applications or support age verification.

Support for the barcode of the future — Digimarc™

Digimarc digital-watermark support helps compatible configurations speed staffed and self-checkout scanning.

Direct Decode Indicator improves productivity

The illumination flashes on the barcode after a successful decode. Workers receive immediate visual confirmation without pausing to check a screen or listen for the beeper.

Unrivaled manageability

Switch workflows in an instant with AutoConfig

AutoConfig stores scanner settings in the cradle and applies them when a DS8178 pairs with that base. A scanner can move among self-checkout, staffed lanes, customer service, inventory and receiving without manual reconfiguration.

Identify and correct problem barcodes with ScanSpeed Analytics

ScanSpeed Analytics provides performance metrics for every captured barcode. Teams can isolate poorly performing labels that slow operations instead of assuming the scanner is at fault.

No-cost tools to meet advanced management needs

123Scan programs parameters, updates firmware and reports barcode, battery and asset data. Scanner Management Service updates host-connected devices across distributed sites without depot staging or local user action.

Unrivaled manageability

Up-to-the-minute insight into every aspect of your scanners

The logging agent records assets, health, statistics, configuration and barcode data. That evidence supports event verification, traceability, pilot ROI analysis, troubleshooting and predictive fleet trends.

Visionary visibility into battery performance metrics

Battery health metrics help teams replace aging PowerPrecision+ batteries before battery failures interrupt checkout.

Easy application development

Zebra SDKs provide drivers, test utilities, documentation and sample code for Windows, Android, iOS and Linux. Development teams can add scanning to business applications without building the device layer from scratch.

Specifications

Physical Characteristics

FIPS 140-2 compliant configurations are available for deployments with security requirements. DS8178 cradles support USB, RS232, Keyboard Wedge and TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485, along with more than 90 international keyboards.

Imaging Characteristics

The imager resolves Code 39 and Code 128 elements down to 3 mil, PDF417 to 5 mil, and Data Matrix and QR Code to 6 mil. It also exports Bitmap, JPEG or TIFF images and produces 109 PPI on an A4 document for document-capture workflows.

User Environment

IP52 sealing, multiple 6-foot drop resistance and 2,000-tumble durability protect a device that moves between work areas. It operates from 32° to 122° F and tolerates ambient light up to 96,840 lux.

Radio Specifications

Bluetooth 4.0 with BLE supports Serial Port and HID profiles, with Class 1 range up to 330 feet and Class 2 range up to 33 feet. Output power can be stepped down so deployments can match the radio footprint to the lane, department or backroom.