Datalogic Heron Review Review
| Product: | Heron |
| Manufacturer: | Datalogic |
| Type: | CCD Linear Imager |
| Support: | 5 Year warranty through Datalogic; Lifetime support through POSGuys.com |
The Datalogic Heron barcode scanner is a CCD barcode scanner designed
for retail environments. It features an auto-sense stand and green aiming
dot.
Typical uses and environments:
The Heron’s design and optional auto-sense stand make it an ideal
fit for low to medium-volume retail environments.
Unique Features & Advantages:
To aid in scanning, the Datalogic Heron features a green dot aiming system
that lets you know what you’ve scanned. Datalogic provides an extra
feature with the Heron by enabling the green dot while the scanner is
in the cradle, creating an optimal scan target. This allows employees
to see the best location to place the barcode, speeding the scanning process.
Standard
Features:
Like other Datalogic non-industrial products, the Heron comes in a box
with descriptive outer sleeve to help both you and your order fulfillment
team know what’s shipping. Everything you need to get started ships
in the box, including barcode scanner, interface cable, quick start guide,
and optional auto-sense stand.
An LED on the top of the barcode scanner shines green when powering up,
as well as after successful scans. Successful scans also result in a green
dot shining on the barcode you just scanned, a hallmark of Datalogic’s
barcode scanner line.
Drawbacks:
Unfortunately, it is rather difficult to remove the interface cable from
the Heron’s base. This can prove troublesome if a cable breaks,
or you need to move the barcode scanner to a PC with a different interface.
Performance
Testing:
In order to determine the performance capabilities of the Datalogic Heron,
we ran it through a series of tests designed to show the optimal scan
range, resistance to light, ability to scan wide or dense barcodes, and
robustness to damaged, dirty, or curved barcodes. We tested the model
that includes the cradle, USB cable, and green dot aiming system, part
# 901801013. Our testing determined the barcode scanner to perform well
for its class.
The optimal scan range for the Datalogic Heron was from 1” to 10”,
ideal for retail environments as both a handheld and hands-free scanner.
For density, the barcode scanner could read as small as 4.9 mil, well
beyond standard retail densities, and as large as 84 mil. UPC barcodes
generally are around 13 mil in density, and as such are easy for the Heron
to read.
Light resistance can prove troublesome for most retail barcode scanners.
Fortunately, the Datalogic Heron was able to scan barcodes with ease regardless
of light levels. This provides tremendous versatility for checkout placement
and allows for sidewalk sales or other bright locations to not be a problem.
The
only stumbling point when testing the Datalogic Heron occurred while scanning
various colored barcodes. Our test unit could successfully scan barcodes
if there was a strong contrast between the barcode itself and the background.
Though most barcodes are traditionally black print on a white background,
low contrast barcodes do exist and would be trouble for the Heron.
A breakdown of the Datalogic Heron capabilities is
listed in table and graph form below.
1D Results
| Highest Density Barcode Scanned | 4.9mil | Good |
| Widest Barcode Scanned | 133.35 mm | Great |
| Shortest Barcode Scanned | 38 mm | Good |
| Range Ideal Conditions (Standard 100% UPC-A) | 1 inches – 10 inches | Average |
| Scratched Barcode | 3 of 3 | Good |
| Worn Barcode | 3 of 3 | Good |
| Warped Barcode | 2 of 2 | Good |
| Curved Barcode | 1 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 | Green, Black on brown | Average |
| Multicolored Barcodes Not Scanned | Orange, Red, Yellow, Blue, Grey | Average |
| Simulated Sunlight Test | Correct scans regardless of light position | Excellent |
Conclusion:
The Datalogic Heron barcode scanner has great features to make it an ideal choice for any retail location. If you need a barcode scanner with the option of being both hands-free and handheld, you can’t go wrong with the Heron.
To Purchase this product, go to the Datalogic Heron 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 |
 Datalogic
Heron |
Low to Medium-Volume Retail Environments | Fast linear imager with optional auto-sense stand and green dot aiming technology for accurate barcode reading. |
 Datalogic
Gryphon |
Medium-Volume Retail Environments, locations requiring cordless scanning | Similar to the Heron, the Gryphon features green dot aiming technology along with an RF-based wireless radio for extended range scanning. |
 Datalogic
Powerscan M8300 |
Industrial Environments, locations requiring mobility and minimal cables | An aggressive scanner, 50 meter RF range, and rugged design make the Powerscan M8300 ideal for industrial applications. |
Testing and evaluation results for the Datalogic Heron Review
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