Honeywell 1960GSR-2-N Xenon XP 1952g Area Imager Scanner

Honeywell 1960GSR-2-N Xenon XP 1952g Area Imager Scanner

Overview

The Honeywell 1960GSR-2-N is a portable area imager scanner built on the Xenon XP 1952g platform. It captures both 1D linear barcodes and 2D symbologies (QR codes, Data Matrix, PDF417) from a single scan engine across a 2.5 to 50.8 cm (1 to 20 inch) working range, eliminating the need for separate devices in mixed-barcode environments. Dual connectivity via Bluetooth 4.2 and USB HID emulation provides deployment flexibility: wireless scanning reduces checkout lane clutter and enables roaming inventory counts across warehouse floors, while USB fallback ensures continuous operation at fixed stations. The 1960GSR-2-N (often searched as 1960GSR 2 N) weighs just 0.32 lbs and survives 2.0 m (6.5 ft) drops plus IP65 dust and moisture ingress—realistic durability for distribution centers, receiving docks, and outdoor logistics operations without the cost premium of industrial-grade hardware.

Key Features

• 1D/2D Area Imager Engine: Reads linear barcodes and two-dimensional codes from a single capture—no need to inventory separate 1D and 2D scanners or retrain operators on device selection. Speeds mixed-format checkout and cycle-counting workflows common in retail and multi-channel warehouses.
• Bluetooth 4.2 Wireless Connectivity: Pairs with mobile computers, tablets, or fixed terminals without cable tethering. Reduces physical clutter at checkout stations and enables roaming inventory counts across warehouse floors without docking to a central reader. Bluetooth range constraints require proximity testing before deployment—typical range 10–30 meters in open space, less through concrete or metal storage racks.
• USB HID Wired Fallback: Simultaneous USB compatibility (via included or purchased USB cable) allows hardwired operation at fixed scanning stations or when Bluetooth battery drain or interference is a concern. Standard keyboard emulation—no driver installation required on Windows, Mac, or Linux terminals.
• IP65 Environmental Sealing: Dust-proof and spray-resistant—suitable for warehouse receiving docks, refrigerated sections, and outdoor staging areas where moisture is routine. IP65 does not provide submersion protection; avoid prolonged water immersion or high-pressure washdown spray directed at port seams. For wet-environment scanning, verify Bluetooth module longevity in your specific humidity/temperature conditions.
• 2.0 m (6.5 ft) Drop Rating: Survives accidental floor drops from waist height, a frequent occurrence in fast-paced fulfillment centers. Reduces replacement cycles compared to consumer-grade barcode readers and protects capital investment across high-velocity shifts. Impact tolerance varies by landing surface (concrete more forgiving than tile); the specification assumes typical warehouse flooring.
• Wide Working Range (2.5–50.8 cm / 1–20 inches): Enables both close-proximity scanning of small item labels and extended-range scanning of shelf barcodes or asset tags from across an aisle. Greater flexibility than fixed-range scanners for varied product sizes, label placement, and racking heights. Extended range requires adequate barcode contrast and print quality—damaged or low-contrast labels may not scan at maximum distance.
• Lightweight at 0.32 lbs: Reduces operator fatigue during 8+ hour warehouse shifts. Lower wrist strain during high-volume picking, packing, or checkout operations increases scanning speed and reduces repetitive stress injuries—a real productivity and safety factor in busy distribution environments.
• Operating Temperature 0°C to 50°C (32°F to 122°F): Operates in refrigerated storage (cold chain logistics) and unheated warehouse spaces. Avoid deployment in freezer environments (below 0°C) or unventilated, heated spaces exceeding 50°C without active cooling; battery performance and LCD contrast degrade in extreme cold or heat.

Integration and Connectivity

The 1960GSR-2-N integrates with any host system that accepts keyboard input via Bluetooth or USB HID emulation. No specialized driver or proprietary API is required—the scanner appears as a standard input device to point-of-sale terminals, warehouse management systems, and mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows). This simplicity reduces IT integration friction and lowers total cost of ownership in heterogeneous enterprise environments. The device pairs like any Bluetooth HID peripheral; most modern tablets and mobile computers require no configuration beyond initial pairing. USB operation requires a standard USB-A to device-side connector (cable not included in base unit); verify your terminal's USB port availability before purchase. Integration testing is recommended in your WMS or POS environment to confirm barcode format support and data formatting expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the 1960GSR-2-N require special drivers or software?

A: No. The scanner emulates a standard USB keyboard (HID) or Bluetooth HID input device. Windows, Mac, and Linux terminals recognize it without driver installation. Your point-of-sale or warehouse management system simply receives barcode data as keyboard input.

Q: What barcode symbologies does the 1960GSR-2-N scan?

A: As a 1D/2D area imager, it reads linear codes (UPC, EAN, Code 128, Code 39) and 2D codes (QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, and others). Verify your specific symbology in testing—performance depends on label print quality and barcode contrast.

Q: Can the 1960GSR-2-N be used in a wet environment?

A: IP65 rating means it resists rain, spray, and dust, but does not guarantee full submersion protection. Avoid prolonged water immersion or high-pressure jet washdown. For wet-environment scanning (cold storage, outdoor rain exposure), test Bluetooth module durability in your specific conditions before full deployment.

Q: What is the Bluetooth range of the 1960GSR-2-N?

A: Bluetooth 4.2 typically provides 10–30 meters of range in open space, depending on interference, antenna orientation, and environmental obstacles (metal racks, concrete walls). Test range in your actual warehouse or retail layout before committing to Bluetooth-only workflows; dense racking or outdoor distance may require USB tethering or a Bluetooth range extender.

Q: Is the 1960GSR-2-N suitable for outdoor use?

A: IP65 sealing and 0°C to 50°C operating temperature allow outdoor staging area use. However, Bluetooth range and battery drain increase in extreme cold or heat. For extended outdoor use, USB power or a dock-charging workflow is recommended to avoid frequent battery changes.

Q: What accessories do I need to purchase separately?

A: The base unit ships as a standalone scanner. Plan for USB cables, a charging dock, protective carrying case, or mounting bracket based on your deployment topology. Verify Bluetooth range in your environment before committing to wireless-only infrastructure.

Ted Perry

Perspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.

The Honeywell 1960GSR-2-N occupies a pragmatic sweet spot in warehouse and retail scanning: it handles mixed 1D/2D barcode environments without forcing operators to swap devices, and its IP65 rating plus 2.0 m drop tolerance mean you won't crater your capital budget replacing units after a water spill or warehouse floor drop. Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity removes cable clutter from checkout lanes and enables mobility across warehouse floors, while USB fallback ensures you have a hardwired option if Bluetooth interference or battery drain becomes an issue. At 0.32 lbs, it's light enough to reduce operator fatigue during 8+ hour shifts—a factor that compounds across high-volume environments.

Technical Highlights:

• 1D/2D Area Imager: Single scan engine captures linear and matrix barcodes, eliminating dual-device inventory and retraining costs. No performance penalty for format flexibility.
• 2.5–50.8 cm Working Range: Extended range (20 inches) enables scanning shelf barcodes from across an aisle or picking small item labels from arm's length. More versatile than fixed-range alternatives, especially in mixed item-size warehouses.
• IP65 Dust and Spray Resistance: Practical for receiving docks and outdoor staging, not submersion-rated. Bluetooth sealing is the weak point in wet environments—test module durability before committing to rain-exposed workflows.
• 2.0 m Drop Survival: Waist-height drop tolerance is realistic for busy fulfillment centers and reduces replacement cycles. Impact protection is composite construction, not military-grade—respect the rated height and surface type.
• 0.32 lbs Weight: Measurably reduces wrist strain during high-volume picking or checkout. Compounds to meaningful fatigue reduction across 8+ hour shifts in high-velocity environments.

Deployment Considerations:

• Bluetooth Range Testing Required: Advertised 10–30 meter range degrades through metal racking, concrete walls, and dense environments. Test in your actual warehouse layout before committing to wireless-only infrastructure. Dense racking or outdoor distances may force USB tethering or a range extender investment.
• No Charging Dock Included: Base unit ships without dock or USB cable. Budget for USB adapter cables, a charging cradle, and protective carrying case based on your deployment topology. Mobile scanning without a dock requires battery change discipline or external power management.
• Barcode Quality Dependency: Extended 50.8 cm range requires high-contrast, print-quality labels. Damaged, low-contrast, or poorly placed barcodes may fail to scan at distance—verify label standards in your warehouse before full rollout.
• Temperature Limits: 0°C to 50°C operating range excludes freezer environments (below 0°C) and unventilated heated spaces (above 50°C). Cold storage integration requires Bluetooth module durability testing; battery performance degrades in freezer conditions.

The 1960GSR-2-N is a solid fit for retail point-of-sale systems, warehouse receiving, and mobile inventory counting in moderate-durability environments. It's not industrial-grade (no rugged drop ratings beyond 2 m, no extreme temperature tolerance), but it balances mobility, mixed-format scanning, and realistic durability at a mid-market price point. Bluetooth range and accessory costs (dock, cables, case) are your main integration wildcards—test thoroughly before deployment. If your environment demands freezer scanning, fixed-range reliability, or extreme drop tolerance, evaluate purpose-built industrial scanners from the same Honeywell family.