The DS3608-HP is the only DS3608 engine model that captures text (OCR), document areas, and even signatures as images in addition to barcodes. It reads a 13 mil UPC out to 91.0 cm and a 20 mil Code 39 out to 109 cm, reaching farther than the standard SR (61.0 cm and 71.0 cm).
Small codes are a different matter. A 5 mil PDF417 reads only between 20.3 and 29.2 cm, and a 7.5 mil Data Matrix only between 17.8 and 27.9 cm, so holding the scan window right up against them actually prevents reading.
DS3608-HP reading zones
| Barcode | Line width | Near | Far |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% UPC | 13 mil | 2.8 cm | 91.0 cm |
| Code 39 | 20 mil | 5.1 cm | 109 cm |
| Code 128 | 5 mil | 15.2 cm | 35.5 cm |
| PDF417 | 5 mil | 20.3 cm | 29.2 cm |
| Data Matrix | 7.5 mil | 17.8 cm | 27.9 cm |
| Data Matrix | 10 mil | 15.2 cm | 38.1 cm |
The common zone where all 4 small-code rows in the table (5 mil Code 128 and PDF417, 7.5 and 10 mil Data Matrix) read is 21-27 cm. Let operators know in advance that failing to read when held against the scan window is not a fault.
Aiming is a 655 nm red laser crosshair pattern. Fit the entire barcode inside the square formed by the crosshairs; orientation does not matter.
SR, HD, and HP engine comparison
| Item | SR | HD | HP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 mil UPC max distance | 61.0 cm | 55.8 cm | 91.0 cm |
| Code 39 minimum resolution | 4 mil | 3 mil | 3 mil |
| Data Matrix minimum resolution | 7.5 mil | 6 mil | 7.5 mil |
| Field of view | 42° x 28° | 48° x 36.7° | 31° x 23° |
| Aiming | 610 nm LED dot | 655 nm laser | 655 nm laser |
| Image resolution | 1,280 x 800 | 1,280 x 960 | 1,280 x 960 |
If the only job is reading 3 mil codes up close on parts held in hand, the HD, with its wider field of view, is easier. Choose the HP when the same scanner must read shelf box labels from nearly 90 cm away and also capture the text on documents.
OCR text reading
The HP reads OCR-A, OCR-B, MICR E-13B (the magnetic characters at the bottom of checks), and the U.S. dollar bill serial number font at sizes of 6-60 points. All OCR fonts are off by default.
Turning OCR on slows barcode reading, and turning on two or more fonts also lowers OCR speed and accuracy. Turn on only the one font you need, and set a template that fixes the number of characters, the character range, and the check digit along with it.
Document capture (IDC) and signature capture
IDC (Intelligent Document Capture) uses a barcode in the document as a reference point and crops a defined rectangular area around it to send as an image. For the reference barcode, turn on whichever of Code 128, Code 39, Interleaved 2 of 5, Discrete 2 of 5, Codabar, PDF417, Data Matrix, or EAN-128 is printed on the document.
Operating methods are divided into Anchored and Linked, which require a reference barcode, and Free-Form, which captures without a barcode. Signature capture crops and receives only the inside of the signature box on forms where the box is surrounded by a special pattern called CapCode.
GS1 Digital Link parsing is also available only on the SR and HP engines.
360 mA cable power and a 309 g body
Weight is about 309 g without the cable, and operating power is 5 V ±10% at 360 mA, the same as the SR. The operating temperature of -30 to 50°C, 3 m drops at room temperature, and IP65 and IP68 are also common to the DS3608 family.
Cable locking plate installation and cleaning methods are common to the DS3608, so they are on the DS3608 page. The model that runs the HP engine on a battery is the DS3678-HP.
