Datalogic Heron Review Review

Datalogic Heron
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.

Datalogic HeronStandard 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.

Datalogic HeronPerformance 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.

Datalogic HeronThe 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 HeronDatalogic 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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