Metrologic QuantumT Review Review

Metrologic QuantumT

Product: QuantumT
Manufacturer: Metrologic
Type: Omnidirectional
Support: 2 Year Manufacturer Warranty through Metrologic;
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Metrologic’s QuantumT provides omnidirectional scanning with optional four or single-line scanning with Code Gate for easy aiming and selection operation. With one of the smallest footprints in its class, the QuantumT brings convenience to omnidirectional scanning.

Typical uses and environments:
Ideal for retail environments, the QuantumT allows for hands-free scanning with three stand options that permit use at a variety of locations. It brings functionality to limited counter spaces with its small footprint.

Unique Features & Advantages:
Designed to fit onto almost any counter space, the QuantumT brings a unique look into the omnidirectional family with a short, thin body frame and multiple stand options. The stands range from almost directly on the counter, (seen in the photo above), to a gooseneck scanner that sits 6 inches off the counter. In the middle, rests a 3 inch gooseneck stand that brings the height of the actual scanner to around 8 inches.
The QuantumT has the capability to switch from omnidirectional lines to a single-line code gate mode, which requires some handling of the scanner. The switch is done by pressing a small, round button on the side of the scanner. Once in single line mode, press the button again to scan any barcode in the imager’s path.If barcodes are going to be closer to the scanner, the depth of field can be adjusted by using the quick configuration guide, allowing for faster scans in the range that is closer to the scanner. The QuantumT can also be reconfigured so that the primary and secondary scanning patterns are your choice of omnidirectional, 4-line raster, or single line mode, creating great configurability for your needs.

Standard Features:
Out of the box, the cable must be attached to the scanner. This can prove difficult, as the base can get in the way. It took our review team a minute or two before we had the cable connected. The top can be removed, however to aid in this endeavor. Included with the scanner is a weighted base by default, and is ready to deploy into your point of sale location.
Indicator lights let you know when the scanner is powered up and when it successfully scans a barcode. The QuantumT’s status light is in the shape of the Metrologic logo on the top of the unit. The logo glows blue when it has power and a small white light flashes when a scan has been successfully scanned.
Along with the white flash of light, the scan tone emits a note with every accurate scan. The speaker plays a tone that is not too loud as to distract from a quiet location, and could be heard in most retail settings.

Drawbacks:
Very few drawbacks are found with the QuantumT, but one that we did notice was the serial number sticker placed on the back of the unit. It is understandable to place it on the scanner itself given that the base can be replaced with a stand if needed. However it detracts from the sleek angular style of the scanner and may be visible to customers.
The only other drawback we discovered was when holding the scanner or using the side code gate button. The QuantumT can be slightly oddly shaped because while it can be held, that is not the intended use of the scanner, thus it was not designed to be held for very long. Holding the scanner for too long or gripping it to push the button can become straining. Ideally, the QuantumT will be used on the counter and only picked up for large, bulky items or items that require 4 or single line scanning.

Performance Testing:
To determine the capabilities of the Metrologic QuantumT, we ran it through a battery of tests designed to determine the optimal focal range, ability to scan dense, wide, damaged, or multicolored barcodes, as well as resistance to light. Our tests show that the QuantumT performs on average compared to the rest of the class. The QuantumT performed well due to its fairly fast scan engine. It was able to scan damaged, and distorted barcodes easily and only failed to scan dense barcodes and some of the curved barcodes. It maintained average performance for omnidirectional scanners. The optimum scan range is from .5” to 12”, covering a good sized counter. With regard to brightness, the QuantumT read barcodes properly with a closest distance of the spot light at 19” away from the barcode.
During testing, we noticed that its greatest achievement was during the scanning of wide barcodes. The QuantumT could scan from 1.5 inches to 7 inches, which is around average for omnidirectional scanners. While using the scanner in most retail settings, it would not be likely to come across barcodes that were over 2 to 3 inches, thus 7 inches should be more than the QuantumT requires.
A drawback that we notice during testing was the results of the brightness test. 19 inches was the closest that the spotlight could get to the barcode before the scanner couldn’t read it anymore. That is just slightly lower than average for its class. The QuantumT should not be used in outdoor lighting.

A breakdown of the Metrologic QuantumT capabilities is listed in table and graph form below.
Barcode Scanner Performance Testing Chart

1D Results
Highest Density Barcode Scanned 5.8mil Good
Widest Barcode Scanned 187.96mm Good
Shortest Barcode Scanned 38 mm Good
Range Ideal Conditions (Standard 100% UPC-A) .5 inches – 12 inches Good
Scratched Barcode 1 of 3 Fair
Worn Barcode 3 of 3 Good
Warped Barcode 1 of 2 Average
Curved Barcode 1 of 2 Average
Multiple Barcodes in close proximity Relatively accurate, but dependent on distribution of barcodes relative to thickness of beam Average
Scan through plastic layers 4 Layers Good
Multicolored Barcodes Successfully Scanned Blue, Green Average
Multicolored Barcodes Not Scanned Red, Orange, Black on Brown, Grey, Yellow Average
Simulated Sunlight Test Correct scans until spotlight was at 19” Fair


Conclusion:
The Metrologic QuantumT is an ideal omnidirectional scanner for medium to high volume retail applications. The multiple stand options allow the scanner to be used in different ways that cater to your needs. Having a small footprint lends essential space to the counter that can be used for advertising or simply more space for the merchandise.

To Purchase this product, go to the Metrologic QuantumT page.

To see our complete line of barcode scanners, visit our Barcode Scanners section.

For Additional Reviews, visit our Product Reviews page.


Metrologic Scanners Ideal Setting Description
Metrologic Orbit
Metrologic Orbit
High Volume Retail and Grocery An Omnidirectional scanner with the option of white or black models, a tilting head, and has an aggressive scan engine.
Metrologic QuantumT
Metrologic QuantumT
Medium to High Volume Retail and Grocery An omnidirectional scanner with a small footprint that is slightly more economically priced than the Orbit. It also includes single-line scanning.
Metrologic Fusion
Metrologic Fusion
High Volume Retail An omnidirectional scanner with option of handheld and includes code gate technology. The head tilts more than the QuantumT and Orbit and it is a more durable scanner.
Metrologic Focus
Metrologic Focus
Medium to High Volume Retail and Health Care A 2D Imager with omnidirectional scanning with First Flash and Linear Illumination technologies that allow it to get a successful scan on the first LED flash.


Testing and evaluation results for the Metrologic QuantumT Review



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