Metrologic Voyager Review Review


Metrologic Voyager
Product: Voyager
Manufacturer: Metrologic
Type: Linear Laser Hand Scanner
Support: 5-Year warranty from Metrologic,
lifetime support from POSGuys.com



The Metrologic Voyager is a laser-based retail scanner ideal for medium volume retail environments. It features an auto-sense mode as well as optional CodeGate technology to increase scanning accuracy.

Typical uses and environments:
The aggressive laser-based scan engine allows the Voyager to read fast enough to meet the demands of medium volume retail.

Unique Features & Advantages:
Metrologic’s CodeGate technology, optional on the Voyager, provides an excellent method to ensure that the correct barcode is scanned every time. With CodeGate, the laser for the scanner is displayed at all times, but doesn’t send captured data until a button on the top of the unit is pressed. This increased accuracy is ideal for locations where products have multiple barcodes near each other, such as cellular phone providers or computer component sales.

Metrologic VoyagerStandard Features:
The Metrologic Voyager ships with interface cable and autosense stand in the box. Some assembly is required for the stand, and the interface cable must be attached, but the unit requires no additional configuration to capture data properly. An LED on the top of the unit lights up when the scanner is receiving power, and flickers on successful scans. A tone also plays to indicate successful scans.

Drawbacks:
The only drawback we encountered with the Voyager occurs with the non-CodeGate models scanning barcodes that happen to be close together. Without CodeGate, the Voyager works as a fully autosense scanner, meaning that any barcode in its path will be scanned. This makes it incredibly difficult to scan a product code on a cellular phone box, for instance.

Metrologic VoyagerPerformance 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.
During the brightness test, the Voyager began to be inconsistent when the light was about 12 inches away, which is average for its class. When used outside in direct sunlight, the Voyager did moderately well, however would not recommend it for high frequency in outdoor settings.The Metrologic Voyager’s greatest achievement during testing was our range test. It could scan from contact to 12 inches away, giving a great range for any retail use.
The biggest shortcoming we noticed was partial barcode reading. This only occurred when scanning a barcode that was wider than 5.25 inches. The Voyager could partially read barcodes from 5.8 to 6.8 inches. Anything beyond that was unreadable.

A breakdown of the Metrologic Voyager capabilities is listed in table and graph form below.

Barcode Scanner Performance Testing Chart

1D Results

Highest Density Barcode Scanned 9mil Good
Widest Barcode Scanned 133.35mm Average
Shortest Barcode Scanned 38 mm Good
Range Ideal Conditions (Standard 100% UPC-A) 0 inches – 10 inches Good
Scratched Barcode 2 of 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 Excellent accuracy with CodeGate option; otherwise dependent on distribution of barcodes Excellent/Average
Scan through plastic layers 4 Layers Good
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 12” Average


Conclusion:
The Metrologic Voyager is a great choice for a retail location looking for a fast, accurate scanner. For instances where barcodes may be closely arranged, the optional CodeGate model provides the accuracy necessary to scan the right barcode the first time. We recommend the MS9540 Voyager with CodeGate, as the triggering mechanism increases accuracy for the same price as the non-triggered MS9520 Voyager

To Purchase this product, go to the Metrologic Voyager 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 Voyager
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.
Metrologic VoyagerBT
Metrologic Voyager BT
Medium to High Volume Retail, Health Care, and Light Industrial The Voyager BT is more economically priced than the Focus BT with code gate & range gate technology and scans at 72 lines per second.
Metrologic Fusion
Metrologic Fusion
High Volume Retail An omnidirectional scanner with option of handheld and includes code gate technology.
Metrologic FocusBT
Metrologic Focus BT
High Volume Retail, Health Care, and Light Industrial The Focus BT has Wireless Bluetooth to 130 feet and includes code gate and range gate technology.
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.


Testing and evaluation results for the Metrologic Voyager Review



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