Zebra DS8178-HC
The Zebra DS8178-HC Cordless Handheld Scanner is a high-performance healthcare scanner designed to deliver fast, accurate barcode capture in demanding clinical environments. Powered by advanced imaging technology and a high-resolution sensor, it easily reads even damaged, faded, or low-quality barcodes, including those on mobile screens. Its disinfectant-ready housing, flexible feedback modes (including vibration and night mode), and cordless mobility make it ideal for hospitals, labs, and pharmacies helping improve workflow efficiency while maintaining patient safety.
Key Highlights
- High-performance scanning with advanced PRZM Intelligent Imaging
- Accurately captures damaged, dirty, or poorly printed barcodes
- Cordless Bluetooth mobility for flexible healthcare workflows
- Disinfectant-ready housing for safe and frequent cleaning
- Multiple feedback modes including vibration and night mode for quiet environments
Product Overview
The Zebra DS8178-HC Cordless Healthcare Scanner is a premium, high-performance barcode scanning solution purpose-built for modern clinical environments. Combining Zebra’s advanced PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology with a high-resolution megapixel sensor, it delivers exceptional speed and accuracy even when capturing damaged, poorly printed, or low-contrast barcodes, as well as those displayed on mobile devices. Designed with healthcare settings in mind, the DS8178-HC features a disinfectant-ready housing that withstands frequent cleaning with harsh chemicals, helping maintain hygiene standards in hospitals, laboratories, and pharmacies.
Key Features & Capabilities
Enterprise-grade technology designed for mission-critical operations
PRZM Intelligent Imaging technology
Delivers ultra-fast and accurate barcode capture, even on damaged or low-quality codes
High-resolution megapixel sensor
Ensures superior performance when scanning both 1D and 2D barcodes, including mobile screens
Cordless Bluetooth connectivity
Provides reliable wireless communication for greater mobility and workflow efficiency
Disinfectant-ready housing
Designed to withstand frequent cleaning with harsh healthcare-grade disinfectants
Flexible user feedback modes
Includes vibration, LED, and beeper options with night mode for quiet environments
Technical Specifications
Key technical details and performance specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Scanner: 6.6 in H x 2.6 in W x 4.2 in D (16.8 cm x 6.6 cm x 10.7 cm); Standard Cradle: 2.8 in H x 3.3 in W x 8.3 in D (7.1 cm x 8.4 cm x 21.1 cm); Presentation Cradle: 2.9 in H x 3.7 in W x 4.8 in D (7.4 cm x 9.4 cm x 12.2 cm) |
| Weight | DS8108-HC: 154 g; DS8178-HC: 235.3 g; Desk/Wall Cradle: 202 g; Presentation Cradle: 182 g |
| Input Voltage Range | DS8108-HC: 4.5 to 5.5VDC DS8178-HC Cradles: 5V: 4.7 to 5.5VDC; 12V: 10.8 to 13.2VDC |
| Current | DS8108-HC: 450 mA (typical); Cradle: 470 mA (USB), 743 mA (12V) |
| Color | Healthcare White |
| Supported Host Interfaces | USB Certified, RS232, Keyboard Wedge, TGCS (IBM) 46XX over RS485 |
| Keyboard Support | Supports over 90 international keyboards |
| Security Certification | FIPS 140-2 compliant |
| Apple MFi Certification | MFi certified for iPhone and iPad (DS8178-HC) |
| User Indicators | Good decode LEDs, rear view LEDs, beeper, vibration, power charge gauge |
| Light Source | True Green (528 nm) circular aiming pattern |
| Illumination | Two warm white LEDs |
| Field of View | 48° H x 37° V nominal |
| Image Sensor | 1280 x 960 pixels |
| Minimum Print Contrast | 16% minimum reflective difference |
| Image Formats | Bitmap, JPEG, TIFF |
| Image Quality | 109 PPI on A4 document |
| Minimum Element Resolution | Code 39: 3.0 mil; Code 128: 3.0 mil; Data Matrix: 5.0 mil; QR Code: 5.0 mil; PDF417: 4.0 mil |
| Operating Temperature | Scanner: 32° to 122° F / 0° to 50° C Presentation Mode: 32° to 104° F / 0° to 40° C |
| Charging Temperature | 32° to 104° F / 0° to 40° C |
| Storage Temperature | -40° to 158° F / -40° to 70° C |
| Humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Drop Specification | Withstands multiple drops from 1.8 m to concrete |
| Tumble Specification | Withstands 2000 tumbles at 0.5 m |
| Environmental Sealing | IP52 rated |
| Ambient Light Immunity | Up to 96,840 lux |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 with BLE; Class 1 (100 m) and Class 2 (10 m) |
| Adjustable Bluetooth Power | Class 1 up to 4 dBm, Class 2 up to 2 dBm (adjustable) |
| Battery | PowerPrecision+ Li-Ion 2500 mAh; up to 65,000 scans per charge |
| Battery Charge Time | 9 hours (full charge via USB); 3 hours to reach 20% |
| PowerCap Capacitor | 440 F; up to 2,000 scans per charge |
| PowerCap Charge Time | 30 minutes full charge; 90 sec to 20%; 35 sec to 15% |
| Certifications | UL, IEC, EN safety standards; RoHS compliant; LED safety IEC 62471; EMI/EMC standards compliant |
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