Handheld Scanners

Choosing Handheld Scanners components

Handheld scanner selection is about durability, code coverage, and how the scanner connects to the host system. A scanner that fails after the first concrete-floor drop is not industrial; a scanner that cannot read DPM is not appropriate for metal-parts traceability. Match the use case before optimizing for price.

Specs to confirm before ordering:

Scan engine: laser (1D only, fastest, longest range on retroreflective labels) vs. image-based (1D + 2D + DPM)
Wired or cordless — Bluetooth Class 1 (long range, 100 m), Class 2 (10 m), or 900 MHz proprietary
Charging cradle vs. inline charging via USB
Host interface: USB-HID (keyboard wedge), USB-COM (serial emulation), RS-232, Ethernet (with base station)
Drop rating (e.g., 1.8 m, 2.4 m to concrete) and IP rating (IP54, IP65, IP67) — important for cold storage, washdown, and outdoor
Operating temperature, especially for freezer and cold-storage use
Aiming pattern and depth of field at typical scan distance
DPM capability if reading codes on metal parts

Common gotchas: USB-HID (keyboard wedge) is the easiest to integrate but cannot pass arbitrary characters to a database — a USB-COM mode plus a serial driver is often the right choice for ERP and WMS systems. Cordless scanners need their base station within range, and battery life on long-range Class 1 radios is significantly shorter than Class 2. A handheld rated IP54 will survive shop dust but is not safe in washdown; verify the rating against the actual environment, not the assumed one.

Typical applications: receiving and putaway in distribution centers, work-order scanning on the shop floor, part traceability at assembly stations, asset tagging in IT and field service, and pharmacy and medical-supply verification. On replacement, matching the OEM model preserves the host configuration and any custom symbology rules (e.g., enabled symbologies, prefix/suffix characters).

For obsolete handheld scanners, send the OEM part number for a sourcing quote.

Do you stock obsolete Symbol and Honeywell handhelds?

Yes. Retired Symbol LS-series, Honeywell 1300/1900 codes, Datalogic Lynx, and end-of-life Cognex DataMan 8000 first generations are sourced regularly.

Wired or cordless — which lasts longer in heavy use?

Wired scanners have no battery to wear out and one fewer failure mode. Cordless gives mobility but the battery is the first thing to degrade — typically 1–2 years of heavy daily use before noticeable runtime drop.

Will the scanner work with my WMS or ERP system?

If the system accepts keyboard-emulation input, almost any scanner in USB-HID mode works without drivers. For dedicated COM-port input or special formatting, USB-COM or RS-232 mode plus a serial driver is the standard approach.

Can a standard handheld read direct part marks?

Only DPM-rated models read laser-etched or dot-peen codes reliably. Standard image-based handhelds can sometimes attempt DPM but with lower read rates.

Are replacement batteries available for cordless models?

Yes, for most current and recent generations. For older retired models, batteries are sometimes scarce — we will tell you availability before you commit to a cordless scanner that depends on it.

What is the warranty?

12 months functional. Physical damage from drops beyond the rated specification, water ingress beyond the IP rating, or battery exhaustion from age is not covered.

Handheld Scanners

Keyence BL-N70RE Light and Small Laser Handy Barcode Reader, RS-232C Type (English Version)

Keyence BL-N70RKE Light and Small Laser Handy Barcode Reader, RS-232C Type, for Connection with KEYENCE Equipment (English Version)

Keyence BL-N70UBE Light and Small Laser Handy Barcode Reader, USB Type (English Version)

Keyence BT-B5 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

Keyence HR-100 Handheld Code Reader

Keyence HR-101 Handheld Code Reader

Keyence HR-101B Handheld Code Reader

Keyence HR-1C3RB Communication cable

Keyence HR-1C3RC Communication Cable for HR-100 Series, RS-232C, Curl Type, 3 m

Keyence HR-1C3UC Communication Cable for HR-100 Series, USB, Curl Type, 3 m

Keyence HR-1C3UN Communication Cable for HR-100 Series, USB, Straight Type, 3 m

Keyence HR-1C5UC Communication Cable for HR-100 Series, USB, Curl Type, 5 m

Keyence HR-B1 Battery pack

Keyence HR-UC1 Communication unit

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