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Decode Zones
Introduction
The scan ranges listed in the following tables are based on the following factors:
Decode zone is a function of various symbol characteristics including density, print contrast, wide-to-narrow ratio and edge
acuity. Symbols test labels are examples of optimum quality bar codes.
As distance decreases the visible scan line also decreases (visible scan length = 1.8 x distance to label x TAN (scan angle / 2).
The usable scan length is approximately 90% of visible scan line and must fully encompass the bar code label to be
successfully decoded. On larger symbol densities of 20 mil, 40 mil and 55 mil, this affects minimum decode distance.
+ / - 5° pitch is used to reduce the inhibiting effects of spectral reflection (glare) near 0° of the scan head aspect to the bar code.
Optimal operation is obtained at 2° to 15° pitch offset.
Scan rate of 25 + / - scans second with bi-directional redundancy.
The long range and advanced long range scanners support the aim-mode feature which allows generation of the laser for
aiming prior to actual bar code decoding with a duration from 1 sec to 8 sec.
The following “good scan and decode” ranges (decode zones) are related to a specific scan engine either integrated or
connected to your mobile device. If you do not see your type of scan engine listed, you may be using a tethered Bluetooth bar
code scanner or a serial port connected bar code scanner (these types of external scanners are not included in this list).
Ring Laser
Factory Default Scan Angle -- Wide (47°)
* Near ranges are largely dependent upon the width of the bar code and the scan angle.
Symbol Density
Typical Working Ranges Guaranteed Working Ranges
Near Far Near Far
4 mil 1.0 in / 2.50 cm 5.50 in / 13.97 cm 2.20 in / 5.60 cm 3.20 in / 8.13 cm
5 mil 1.25 in / 3.18 cm 8.00 in / 20.32 cm 2.20 in / 5.60 cm 5.50 in / 13.97 cm
7.5 mil 1.50 in / 3.81 cm 13.00 in / 33.02 cm 2.00 in / 5.08 cm 9.50 in / 24.13 cm
10 mil 1.50 in / 3.81 cm 18.00 in / 45.72 cm 1.75 in / 4.45 cm 14.00 in / 35.56 cm
13 mil 1.50 in / 3.81 cm 24.00 in / 60.96 cm 1.75 in / 4.45 cm 18.00 in / 45.72 cm
15 mil 1.50 in / 3.81 cm 28.00 in / 71.12 cm 1.75 in 4.45 cm 21.00 in / 53.34 cm
20 mil 1.75 in / 4.45 cm 33.00 in / 83.82 cm * 27.00 in / 68.58 cm
40 mil * 36.00 / 91.44 cm * 28.00 in / 71.12 cm
55 mil * 45.00 in / 114.30 cm * 34.00 in / 86.36 cm