Metrologic FocusBT Review Review
Focus BT cordless barcode scanner review
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The FocusBT barcode scanner combines Metrologic's patented CodeGate™, RangeGate™, and FirstFlash™ technologies into a single Bluetooth hand held scanner to offer truly flexible, highly reliable reading of all 1D and 2D barcodes.
Typical uses and environments:
The Focus BT would be ideal for healthcare, retail, and light industrial applications where a cordless scanner is necessary and a 2D imager would be great to have on site. Its first flash technology and omni-directional aiming make it great for covering all types of retail. The Focus BT uses the First Flash technology to get the fastest read by scanning practically every barcode on the first LED flash.
For industrial purposes, the Bluetooth function is ideal when going on ladders to reach high barcodes or traveling across warehouses while scanning from the same device. The scanner does not have to remain in line of sight with the base station to read barcodes; it can even be in another room and the base would still receive data.
Unique
Features & Advantages:
The Focus BT includes Linear Illumination; a slightly darker strip of red light that shows up before scanning to help aim. The Linear Illumination is controlled by a sensor and initiates when anything comes in front of the scanner to ensure an accurate read of the correct barcode, which is necessary for barcodes located close to each other.
The Focus BT also features First Flash technology with a flashing red light that helps scan barcodes without having to be perfectly lined up to the barcode. In many cases it will scan the barcode on the first flash regardless of angle or distance.
Multiple code select allows the Focus BT to read up to seven barcodes in one trigger pull. The flashes emitted from the scanner help to read more than one barcode at a time. It can also be programmed to output the data in the order that works for you.
Seven different tones are available via the programming guide, or for no beep at all. You can also program the depth of field the scanner reads to optimize for even faster reads.If you take the scanner too far from the base station, Range Gate technology allows it to store scan data that is downloaded into the host after the signal reconnects.The Focus BT has multiple power save modes and a power switch on the scanner that saves battery life. It has 12 hrs of scan time per charge.
Standard Features:
A variety of standard features are included with the Metrologic Focus BT. It comes standard with a hands-free stand that uses a flexible goose neck to allow for a variety of angles and positioning. For ease of setup the stand, scanner, base station, and dual rechargeable Li-ion batteries are included in the same box.Rubberized areas on scanners are used to protect the scanner and the merchandise being scanned from dings and scratches. The Focus BT has rubber bumpers all around the front, side, and back of the head, and down through the handle.
Towards the back of the head is a strip of status lights that indicate different settings. The blue light indicates that the scanner has power. The white light flashes when a successful scan is completed, and the yellow light turns on when the scanner is in the stand. Next to the lights sits the Metrologic Focus logo. In addition, “Metrologic” is engraved on the top of the hood and the power button is at the back of the handle with a blue power light.The buzzer’s scan tone is moderately loud, which would be helpful in a noisy retail setting or outdoors. However, it is not too loud for a quiet retail or health care environment.
The Focus BT is plug-and-play with Windows PCs and comes pre-synchronized with the base. Once the base station is plugged into the PC, Windows will auto-identify the scanner after which you can start scanning right away. Finally, the Focus BT has a great wireless range of over 130’ sending instant results back to your computer, even with obstacles between the scanner and base station, such as shelving or walls. Should you take the Focus BT out of range you do not have to completely return to the base station to reconnect, once you are back in range the scanner will automatically reconnect itself.
Drawbacks:
There are very few drawbacks with the Focus BT and these are minor details that do not distract from the functionality of the product.By default the Data matrix barcode is not enabled. A configuration barcode will have to be scanned to enable this symbology. When attempting to scan a barcode, the Focus BT produces a strobe light effect with the LEDs that can become straining on sensitive eyes. This would only really be an issue if you’re using the scanner during extended periods of scanning in a dark location.
Performance Testing:
The testing was done in an indoor setting with fluorescent lighting. The brightness test is performed using a 120W spotlight. Our tests include reading barcode density and width, reading damaged barcodes, measuring the scan range, signal range, and light resistance. In ideal conditions, the range of the Focus BT is about 1 inch to 12 inches. It was inconsistent prior to 1 inch, but would sometimes read from contact. The Focus BT does well when scanning all 2D barcodes. It also read scratched, worn, and warped barcodes easily.
Under the 120W spotlight, the Metrologic Focus BT could read barcodes regardless of how far away the light was. The Focus BT is fully light immune and it should do well outside with help in making a shadow with its hood. Regarding multiple barcodes in close proximity, it would sometimes scan a barcode outside the aiming beam.
A breakdown of the Metrologic Focus BT capabilities is listed in table and graph form below.
1D Results
| Highest Density Barcode Scanned | 5mil | Great |
| Widest Barcode Scanned | 147.32mm | Great |
| Shortest Barcode Scanned | 38 mm | Great |
| Range Ideal Conditions (Standard 100% UPC-A) | 1 inches – 12 inches | Good |
| Scratched Barcode | 3 of 3 | Good |
| Worn Barcode | 2 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 | 8 Layers | Great |
| Multicolored Barcodes Successfully Scanned | Blue, Grey | Good |
| Multicolored Barcodes Not Scanned | Red, Yellow, Black on Dark Grey | Average |
| Simulated Sunlight Test | Correct scans until spotlight was at 0” | Excellent |
The Metrologic Focus BT has outstanding features that set it apart from other scanners in its class. The Focus BT would be a great fit for high volume retail, heath care, and light industrial settings. It is ideal for environments that would appreciate the convenience of a cordless scanner.
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To see our complete line of barcode scanners, visit our Barcode Scanners section
| Metrologic Scanners | Ideal Setting | Description |
 Metrologic Focus |
Medium to High Volume Retail & Health Care | A 2D Imager with omni directional scanning and has the second best pricing in its class |
 Metrologic Fusion |
High Volume Retail | An omni directional scanner with option of handheld and includes code gate technology |
 Metrologic Focus BT |
High Volume Retail, Health Care, & Light Industrial | The Focus BT adds Wireless Bluetooth to 130 ft and includes code gate and range gate technology |
 Metrologic Voyager |
Medium to High Volume Retail | A mid-level scanner with a lower price than the Focus that provides auto sense technology and comes with a stand. |
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Testing and evaluation results for the Metrologic FocusBT Review
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All content included in this report is property of POSGuys.com and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. Any use, including the reproduction, modification, transmission, republication, or display of the content without the express written consent of POSGuys.com is strictly prohibited.