POSGuys UltraScan Barcode Scanner Review
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The
POSGuys.com UltraScan barcode scanner is our lower-cost alternative for
businesses wanting laser barcode scanner accuracy but are on a budget.
Typical uses and environments:
The aggressive scan engine and ergonomic design make the UltraScan an
ideal fit for low to medium volume retail locations
Unique Features & Advantages:
Rather than use a spinning mirror to spread the laser across a barcode,
the UltraScan uses a prism which diffuses the beam linearly, eliminating
moving parts and increasing the durability of the barcode scanner.
Standard Features:
The UltraScan comes with USB interface only, and ships with cable and
configuration manual. A blue LED above the POSGuys.com illuminates both
when the scanner is connected and when it successfully scans a barcode.
Drawbacks:
The only drawback we have found with the UltraScan is the lack of stand
and autosense mode. This makes the scanner only useful as a handheld,
single use scanner. For high volume locations, we recommend the UltraScan
as a supplement to a faster presentation scanner.
Performance Testing:
To determine the scanning capabilities of the UltraScan, we ran it through
a battery of tests designed to show the optimum scan range, light resistance,
ability to scan dense, wide, damaged, or multi-colored barcodes, as well
as damage resistance. Our tests showed the UltraScan to be a solid and
dependable barcode scanner for a wide variety of retail environments.
The
optimal scan range for the UltraScan is from 1 to 12 inches for 100% UPC
barcodes, great for most retail environments. We were also able to accurately
read a 100 mil reflective barcode from about 7 feet away, which, while
not as useful for retail, really shows the scan engine’s capability.
Our test unit was able to scan barcodes as dense as 4.9 mil, and barcodes
as wide as 4 inches, giving it a wide range of capabilities for retail
environments, including salons or electronics shops, where barcodes aren’t
always standard size.
The combination of light components and non-moving parts gives the UltraScan added durability, and our testing revealed the extent of its strength. Our test unit survived all the way through 4 drops of 13 feet to concrete, as well as being stepped on by one our employees, with only minor superficial damage to the body. As such, we feel confident that the UltraScan would be a good fit even in rougher retail environments, such as nurseries or hardware stores.
A breakdown of the POSGuys Ultrascan capabilities is
listed in table and graph form below.
1D Results
| Highest Density Barcode Scanned | 4.9mil | Good |
| Widest Barcode Scanned | 107.95 mm | Average |
| Shortest Barcode Scanned | 38 mm | Good |
| Range Ideal Conditions (Standard 100% UPC-A) | 1 inches – 12 inches | Good |
| Scratched Barcode | 2of 3 | Good |
| Worn Barcode | 2 of 3 | Good |
| Warped Barcode | 2 of 2 | Good |
| Curved Barcode | 1 of 2 | Good |
| Multiple Barcodes in close proximity | Dependent on distribution of barcodes and proficiency with aiming | Average |
| Scan through plastic layers | 4 Layers | Good |
| Multicolored Barcodes Successfully Scanned | Blue, Grey, Black on Brown, Orange | Average |
| Multicolored Barcodes Not Scanned | Red, Yellow, Black on Dark G | Average |
| Simulated Sunlight Test | Correct scans until spotlight was at 5", difficulty under direct sunlight | Average |
Conclusion:
The POSGuys.com UltraScan is a good low cost barcode scanner for a variety of retail environments. Though not as fully featured as the competition, it does more than enough for day-to-day general barcode scanning.
To Purchase this product, go to the POSGuys UltraScan page.
To see our complete line of barcode scanners, visit our Barcode Scanners section.
For Additional Reviews, visit our Product Reviews page.
Testing and evaluation results for the POSGuys UltraScan Barcode Scanner
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