The DS4308-HD is the high-density (HD) configuration of the DS4308 family. Where the standard range (SR) configuration stops at 4 mil Code 39 and 7.5 mil Data Matrix, the HD is a model for small codes that reads down to 3 mil Code 39, 4 mil PDF417, and 5 mil Data Matrix.
The whole family ended sales on February 29, 2020, and Zebra support ended on May 31, 2025. The end-of-life schedule, shielded USB cable requirement, and common check steps are collected on the DS4308 page.
HD engine reading ranges by code density
| Barcode | Density | Near | Far |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code 128 | 3 mil | 2.5 cm | 7.6 cm |
| Code 39 | 3 mil | 1.3 cm | 14.6 cm |
| Code 39 | 5 mil | 0 cm | 25.4 cm |
| MicroPDF | 4 mil | 2.5 cm | 11.9 cm |
| Data Matrix | 5 mil | 3.0 cm | 8.9 cm |
| Data Matrix | 7.5 mil | 2.5 cm | 16.5 cm |
| Data Matrix | 10 mil | 1.9 cm | 20.8 cm |
| PDF417 | 6.6 mil | 0.5 cm | 19.7 cm |
| QR | 20 mil | 1.3 cm | 27.9 cm |
| UPC (100%) | 13 mil | 0 cm | 41.9 cm |
The 4 rows for 3 mil Code 128, 4 mil MicroPDF, and 5 mil and 7.5 mil Data Matrix have figures only in the HD/HC column of Zebra's reading range table. In exchange, product UPCs read to 41.9 cm and 20 mil Code 39 to 76.2 cm, shorter than the SR (71.1 cm and 134.6 cm).
Distance and aiming technique for reading 5 mil Data Matrix
Reading ranges are narrow, within a hand's span: 3.0-8.9 cm for 5 mil Data Matrix and 2.5-7.6 cm for 3 mil Code 128. Where the two ranges overlap, 3.0-7.6 cm (for example, about 5 cm from the label), both codes fall within range.
The aiming dot gets smaller closer to the code and larger farther away, so the thinner the code, such as 3 mil, the closer you move until the aiming dot looks small. The code reads even if the aiming dot is not at its exact center, as long as it lies on the code.
Distinguishing HD and HC configurations
In the reading range table, HD and the healthcare HC are grouped in the same column (DS4308-HD/HC), so the 10 rows of figures above also apply to the HC. The HC configuration allows 4 cleaners: isopropyl alcohol, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), hydrogen peroxide, and mild dish soap and water; cleaners containing ingredients outside this list are not used.
The HD follows general care standards. Wipe off dust with a damp cloth and clean the scan window with a tissue moistened with an approved cleaner, without spraying water or cleaning fluid directly onto the window.
Choosing a high-density configuration for replacement
The Zebra-designated replacement, the DS4608, also has a high-density configuration (DS4608-HD00007ZZWW). The DS4608-HD reads down to 2 mil Code 39 and 4 mil Data Matrix, and reads 13 mil UPC out to 45.7 cm. Its minimum resolutions are each 1 mil smaller, and its maximum UPC distance is 3.8 cm longer.
If Checkpoint EAS tag deactivation is also needed at the checkout, there is a separate DS4608-HD00007ZCWW configuration with an EAS antenna.
