Datalogic Gryphon Review Review
| Product: | Gryphon |
| Manufacturer: | Datalogic |
| Type: | Cordless CCD Imager |
| Support: | 2 Year warranty through Datalogic; Lifetime support from POSGuys |
The Gryphon is Datalogic’s entry into the cordless retail barcode
scanner market. It features their green dot aiming technology as well
as RF or Bluetooth-based radios.
Typical
uses and environments:
The Gryphon’s design and capabilities lend it to best work in low
to medium volume retail environments, or locations with products too large
or awkward to easily scan with corded or hands-free barcode scanners.
Unique Features & Advantages:
Much like the rest of Datalogic’s lineup, the Gryphon has the option
to flash a green dot after a successful scan, illuminating the barcode
it read. This increases accuracy when scanning and can help with closely
populated barcodes. The cradle also features a battery conditioning button,
which can aid in increasing the longevity of the rechargeable batteries
shipped with the barcode scanner.
Standard
Features:
The Datalogic Gryphon ships in three separate boxes and one bag, for the
barcode scanner, communications/charging cradle, power cable, and interface
cable. Fortunately, Datalogic provides kits that include the appropriate
parts, taking out the guesswork during purchase.
The Gryphon comes in a white body with gray rubber molding along the handle
and head of the unit. An LED on the head of the barcode scanner indicates
when the scanner pairs to a cradle and when scans are being sent to the
cradle.
Drawbacks:
The main drawback we encountered with the Gryphon deals with the rechargeable
batteries. NiCd batteries are used in the device, which have a reputation
for losing charge capacity faster than Lithium Ion or other rechargeable
batteries. Datalogic has provided a battery conditioning button on the
cradle which should increase battery life span, but the use of NiCd is
something to consider when making a purchase.
Performance Testing:
To determine the capabilities of the Datalogic Gryphon, we ran it through
a series of tests design to show the optimal scan range, resistance to
damaged or dirty barcodes, smallest and largest density scannable, as
well as radio range. Our tests showed the Gryphon to be an excellent barcode
scanner for its class. We tested model 90671010, which features an RF
radio, green dot technology, and USB interface cable.
The optimal scan range for the Gryphon scanning 100% UPC-A barcodes was
from .75” to 18”, excellent for retail barcode scanning and,
when complemented with the cordless capabilities, eliminates the hassle
of moving hard to reach product when scanning. For dense barcodes, the
barcode scanner could read as dense as 3.9 mil barcodes, putting standard
retail barcodes well within optimal scanning densities.
Light resistance can cause problems for any barcode scanner, laser-based
or imager. Fortunately, the Datalogic Gryphon is fully light immune, making
it an excellent choice for locations with outdoor storage such as greenhouses
or nurseries. It was also able to successfully scan our damaged barcodes,
further enhancing its abilities in outdoor retail environments.
We were only able to get the Gryphon to properly transfer data from 70’
away before radio interference caused problems. Fortunately, once we were
back within range, the barcode 
scanner
automatically reconnected to the cradle, something many cordless barcode
scanners don’t always do. While the 70’ range seems short
compared to class, it should be more than enough for retail environments
looking to add a cordless barcode scanner to their point of sale or inventory
stations. Our model was the RF unit, which also prevents it from communicating
to devices via BlueTooth. If you are looking to pair your barcode scanner
to a laptop or mobile computer, the Gryphon is not for you.
A breakdown of the Datalogic Gryphon capabilities is
listed in table and graph form below.
1D Results
| Highest Density Barcode Scanned | 3.9mil | Great |
| Widest Barcode Scanned | 187.96mm | Great |
| Shortest Barcode Scanned | 38 mm | Good |
| Range Ideal Conditions (Standard 100% UPC-A) | .75 inches – 18 inches | Great |
| Scratched Barcode | 3 of 3 | Good |
| Worn Barcode | 3 of 3 | Good |
| Warped Barcode | 2 of 2 | Good |
| Curved Barcode | 2 of 2 | Good |
| Multiple Barcodes in close proximity | Relatively accurate, but dependent on distribution of barcodes relative to thickness of beam | Average |
| Scan through plastic layers | 10 Layers | Good |
| Multicolored Barcodes Successfully Scanned | Blue, Gray | Good |
| Multicolored Barcodes Not Scanned | Red, Yellow, Black on Dark Gray | Average |
| Simulated Sunlight Test | Full Light Immunity | Excellent |
Conclusion:
The Datalogic Gryphon cordless barcode scanner provides excellent features for retail environments looking to go cordless. While the range is not as great as other scanners in its class, it can cover more than enough space for most retail environments.
To Purchase this product, go to the Datalogic Gryphon page.
To see our complete line of barcode scanners, visit our Barcode Scanners section.
For Additional Reviews, visit our Product Reviews page.
| Similar Products | Ideal Setting | Description |
 Gryphon
D110 |
Medium Volume Retail | The Gryphon D110 features the same scanning capability and green dot technology as the M100, but comes in a cabled design. |
 Gryphon
M100 |
Medium Volume Retail, Inventory Control | Featuring an 18” scan range, 70 foot radio range, and green dot aiming technology, the Gryphon M100 is a good choice for retail locations looking to go cordless. |
 Powerscan
M8300 |
Rough Retail, Light to Medium Industrial | A laser scan engine, ruggedized body, and optional LCD display make the Powerscan M8300 a good cordless barcode scanner for industrial and rough retail environments. |
Testing and evaluation results for the Datalogic Gryphon Review
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