Honeywell IH45-BK-37S RFID Accessory with IR Detection
The Honeywell IH45-BK-37S (often searched as IH45 BK 37S) is a wired RFID accessory engineered for enterprise inventory and asset identification in warehouses, distribution centers, and field service environments. Built-in infrared detection with a 6-meter effective range enables reliable scanning and identification in variable lighting conditions—critical when working in loading docks, outdoor staging areas, or low-light warehouse aisles where ambient light is inconsistent.
Key Features
- 6-Meter Infrared Detection Range: Built-in IR illumination reaches 6 meters (19.7 feet), allowing you to scan and identify assets from a practical working distance without repositioning. This translates directly to faster picking and receiving cycles compared to contact-based or very-short-range systems, reducing handler fatigue and cycle time during peak throughput windows.
- Night Vision Capability: Infrared technology operates independently of ambient light, so you can conduct inventory audits, receive shipments, or track assets during third-shift operations or in completely unlit areas—no separate lighting rig required. This is especially valuable in climate-controlled warehouses where lighting may be minimal to reduce energy costs.
- IP54 Environmental Rating: Dust and splash resistance mean the IH45-BK-37S handles warehouse grime, moisture from wash-down, and rough handling without premature failure. IP54 is not full submersion-rated (that requires IP67 or higher), but it's robust enough for receiving docks and outdoor transfer yards where weather and debris are constant factors.
- Dual Connectivity (Bluetooth and USB): Wired USB connection supports stationary scanner stations; Bluetooth pairing enables tethered mobile device use (e.g., handheld terminals running Android). This flexibility lets you deploy the same accessory across both fixed and mobile workflows without purchasing two different units.
- Android Operating System Support: Integration with Android-based mobile computers and tablets ensures compatibility across most enterprise mobility platforms, reducing ecosystem fragmentation in mixed-device fleets. This is particularly useful if your warehouse runs Honeywell mobile terminals or third-party Android handhelds with standard RFID reader drivers.
- POE Class 1 Power Efficiency: When integrated into networked infrastructure, POE Class 1 operation minimizes power draw—typically under 5W—preventing unnecessary strain on PoE switches and reducing your overall network power budget. A practical advantage when scaling across multiple warehouse sites or distribution centers.
Integration & Compatibility
As a genuine Honeywell RFID accessory, the IH45-BK-37S maintains full compatibility with Honeywell mobile devices and RFID platforms. Wired connectivity via USB and Bluetooth ensures electrical and mechanical compatibility without adapter concerns. Pairing with warehouse automation systems simplifies integration, and standardizing on OEM accessories across your fleet eliminates the hidden costs of third-party failures, support delays, and warranty disputes.
Typical Deployments
- Warehouse Receiving: Use the IH45-BK-37S at dock doors to scan pallets and cartons at the 6-meter range, reducing handler repositioning and speeding throughput during peak receiving windows.
- Distribution Center Sorting: The 6-meter IR range and night vision support around-the-clock sort operations, whether in lit sort lines or overnight shift work in partially lit areas.
- Field Service Asset Tracking: Mobile technicians pair the accessory with Android terminals to quickly identify and chain-of-custody tag equipment at customer sites, even in vehicle cabins or outdoor job sites where ambient light is unreliable.
- Low-Light RFID Scanning: Outdoor staging yards, container yards, and climate-controlled warehouses with minimal lighting benefit from built-in IR without requiring auxiliary illumination equipment.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your environment requires full submersion or prolonged water exposure (e.g., washdown-intensive food or beverage operations), the IP54 rating will not be sufficient—evaluate IP67-rated variants in the Honeywell RFID accessory line. Additionally, if you need extended range beyond 6 meters or higher-power IR output for outdoor scanning in bright daylight, consult the Honeywell product family to confirm if a higher-spec variant better matches your distance and lighting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum effective range of the IH45-BK-37S infrared detection?
A: The built-in IR illumination has an effective detection range of 6 meters (19.7 feet). This is practical for warehouse receiving and field scanning workflows where handlers need to work at arm's length to a few paces away from the target asset.
Q: Can the IH45-BK-37S be used in outdoor environments?
A: Yes. The IP54 rating provides dust and splash resistance, making it suitable for outdoor staging yards, loading docks, and container yards. However, IP54 is not rated for full submersion or high-pressure wash-down—if you need washdown capability, consider higher IP-rated alternatives.
Q: Does the IH45-BK-37S work with both stationary and mobile workflows?
A: Yes. Dual connectivity via USB and Bluetooth allows deployment at fixed scanner stations (USB wired) or paired with Android mobile terminals (Bluetooth). This eliminates the need to purchase separate accessories for different deployment modes.
Q: What power input does the IH45-BK-37S require?
A: The accessory operates on POE Class 1, drawing minimal power when integrated into a networked infrastructure. This reduces strain on PoE switches and eliminates the need for separate power supplies at the scanning point.
Q: Is the IH45-BK-37S compatible with Honeywell mobile computers?
A: Yes. As a genuine Honeywell accessory with Android support, the IH45-BK-37S is fully compatible with Honeywell mobile devices and tablets, as well as third-party Android-based enterprise mobility platforms using standard RFID reader protocols.
Q: Can the IH45-BK-37S operate in complete darkness?
A: Yes. The infrared illumination operates independently of ambient light, enabling reliable RFID scanning in completely dark environments, during third-shift operations, or in unlit warehouse aisles without supplemental lighting equipment.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Honeywell IH45-BK-37S is a solid accessory for multi-shift warehouse operations where lighting is inconsistent or non-existent. The 6-meter IR range is the standout spec here—it's long enough to eliminate constant handler repositioning during receiving or pick-pack cycles, but short enough to be practical in cluttered dock environments without false reads on adjacent pallets. The dual connectivity (USB + Bluetooth) is valuable if you're bridging fixed scanner stations and mobile workflows without doubling your parts inventory.
Technical Highlights:
- 6-Meter IR Detection Range: Reduces handler repositioning during peak throughput, directly improving cycle time. Not a 10–15 meter industrial-grade IR range, but practical for dock-to-floor scanning without auxiliary lighting.
- IP54 Rating: Handles warehouse dust and splash, but is not submersion-rated. If your site does high-pressure wash-down or hose-down cycles, this accessory will fail prematurely—you'll need IP67 or higher.
- POE Class 1 Power Draw: Under 5W draw means negligible impact on your PoE switch budget. Scales well across 10+ docks without overloading infrastructure.
- Android-Native Compatibility: Works with any standard Android RFID driver stack. No OS-specific firmware lock-in—good for multi-vendor mobile fleets.
Deployment Considerations:
- 6 meters is the practical working distance; beyond that, IR intensity drops and false negatives climb. Don't expect long-range outdoor scanning on bright sunny days.
- IP54 dust/splash rating means moisture on the lens or optics can degrade performance—schedule periodic cleaning in high-dust environments (e.g., raw material receiving).
- Bluetooth pairing adds connectivity flexibility but introduces latency and potential interference if deployed near RF-heavy sites (e.g., industrial IoT mesh networks). Test range in your actual environment before full rollout.
Deploy the IH45-BK-37S in climate-controlled or covered receiving areas where night-shift or third-shift operations require reliable RFID scanning without separate lighting infrastructure. Pair it with Android Honeywell terminals or compatible mobile computers for around-the-clock asset chain-of-custody. Skip it if your site requires high-pressure wash-down or extended outdoor scanning in bright conditions.
