The DS3608 is an ultra-rugged 1D/2D scanner that connects to a PC or POS terminal by cable. The base model, the DS3608-SR, operates from -30°C to 50°C, withstands repeated 3 m drops to concrete at room temperature, and is rated both IP65 and IP68.
It is in the same family as the wireless DS3678, but with no battery it weighs 305 g (SR), more than 100 g lighter, and its lower operating temperature limit is 10°C lower than the wireless model (-20°C). It suits production lines where it is fixed at one station and scans all day, and freezer warehouse entrances.
DS3608-SR standard engine working range
| Barcode | Line width | Near | Far |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% UPC | 13 mil | 0.8 cm | 61.0 cm |
| Code 39 | 20 mil | 7.1 cm | 71.0 cm |
| Code 39 | 5 mil | 1.2 cm | 30.4 cm |
| Code 128 | 5 mil | 3.3 cm | 17.0 cm |
| PDF417 | 5 mil | 4.8 cm | 17.5 cm |
| Data Matrix | 10 mil | 3.6 cm | 21.8 cm |
| Data Matrix | 7.5 mil | 4.8 cm | 15.2 cm |
The SR aims with an orange LED dot and, when needed, illuminates the barcode with a 660 nm red LED. The aiming dot gets smaller closer in and larger farther away; thin codes such as 5 mil read well up close, and thick box labels of 20 mil or more read well from a distance.
MDF (up to 20 codes), which reads several barcodes with one trigger pull and sends only the ones needed in a set order, and Label Parse+, which receives expiration dates and lot numbers separately from GS1 labels, are also available on the SR engine.
5 DS3608 engines other than SR
The HD, HP, ER, DP, and XR are models with the same DS3608 body and only the engine changed. The SR's minimum Code 39 resolution is 4 mil, and the other 5 are 3 mil. The HD, with the widest field of view at 48° x 36.7°, is for close high-density codes; the ER (100 mil Code 128 on reflective labels up to 21.3 m) and XR (100 mil Code 39 up to 32.6 m, shorter in dim ambient light) are for labels high on racks; and the DP is for codes marked into metal. For reading both high-density and long-range codes with one unit, see the separate DS3608-HP page, and for marked codes, the DS3608-DP page.
In the order code, the two letters right after the hyphen are the engine. Standard range carries SR, as in DS3608-SR00003VZWW, and the configuration for Korea and India ends in VZK, as in DS3608-SR00003VZK.
Cable locking plate and 5 V power requirements
For the DS3608 cable, insert the connector all the way until it sits flush with the body surface, then use a PH1 screwdriver to loosen the metal locking plate screw, slide the locking plate, and tighten it again to 5.8 kgf·cm (5.0 lbf·in). To remove the cable, loosen the same PH1 screw, slide the locking plate to the unlocked position, and pull the cable out.
Cables for the previous generation LS35X8 and DS35X8 do not fit. When using an RS-232 cable that receives power on pin 9, first check that the host outputs only 5 V, because some vehicle-mount computers have a setting that outputs 12 V.
Operating power is 5 V ±10%, 360 mA for SR, HD, HP, DP, and XR, and 800 mA for the ER engine only. For equipment that does not supply power through the host cable, plug an optional power adapter into the power jack on the cable.
USB, RS-232, and industrial Ethernet connections
When plugged in by USB, it detects the interface automatically and starts as keyboard (HID) input, and one setting barcode changes it to SNAPI, COM port emulation, IBM SurePOS, USB CDC, or SSI over USB CDC. For RS-232, choose Wincor-Nixdorf, ICL, Fujitsu, Olivetti, Omron, or CUTE in addition to standard.
To connect directly to factory equipment, it joins EtherNet/IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, and standard TCP/IP networks through Zebra Network Connect. No separate protocol conversion device is used.
Cleaning on lines exposed to oil and DOT4 brake fluid
The DS3608 has been tested for resistance to contact with engine oil, automatic transmission fluid (ATF), CVT oil, industrial degreasers, and brake fluid (DOT4). On lines where these fluids get on it often, wiping the exterior once a day is the baseline.
- Use a soft cloth moistened with 70% isopropyl alcohol, or pre-moistened wipes.
- Wipe the 5 sides (front, back, sides, top, and bottom) and the trigger gap (with a cotton swab), but do not spray liquid directly onto the scanner.
- Wipe the scan window with lens tissue for eyeglasses, then immediately remove moisture with a soft dry cloth to prevent streaks.
Solvents such as acetone, ammonia solutions, bleach, benzene, and toluene damage the plastic of the body. The approved cleaners are two: 70% isopropyl alcohol and pre-moistened wipes.
Freezer warehouses and wash-down sites
The corded DS3608 operates at -30 to 50°C and is designed to withstand repeated 2.4 m drops to concrete within this temperature range. For work that moves in and out of freezers, use it with a heated scanner holder (sold separately) that reduces condensation on the outside of the scan window.
IP65 and IP68 are ratings under which dust does not get in, and the unit withstands jets of water and full immersion in water. To read parts by simply presenting them without using your hands, place it in the optional Intellistand made for the DS3608.
If the cable gets in the way on a forklift or between racks, move to the DS3678, which offers the same engine configurations over Bluetooth. However, the wireless model goes down to -20°C only, so for -30°C freezers only the corded model applies.
