bloiq.

Guides to buying well and travelling well

Home / Tech · Product overviews / Office Electronics / Bar Code Scanners · More from Inateck

Inateck BCST-47 Wireless Barcode Scanner: features, specs and who it suits

A portable Inateck barcode scanner with a 1.4-inch display, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and wired connections, and a 2600mAh battery. What the specs mean for use.

This page contains an affiliate link, marked as such. If you buy through it, Bloiq may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Inateck BCST-47 is a handheld barcode scanner that reads both 1D barcodes and 2D codes such as QR codes. It connects wirelessly or by cable and has a small screen that shows what it has scanned. It's the kind of tool used for stock counts, small shops, warehouses, libraries and home inventory.

1D and 2D codes explained

A 1D barcode is the familiar pattern of lines found on retail packaging. A 2D code, such as a QR code or Data Matrix, stores data in a grid and can hold more information. Inateck says the scanner reads both, including codes printed on paper and codes shown on a screen.

The listed symbologies include Code 128, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, Code 93, Codabar, ISBN, ISSN, GS1 DataBar variants, QR Code, PDF417, Aztec Code, Maxi Code, Data Matrix and Han Xin Code, along with several 2 of 5 formats, MSI and Code 11.

The display

A 1.4-inch TFT screen shows scan feedback and scanner status in real time. That is useful in a noisy warehouse or when working through a long list, since you can see right away whether a scan went through. Scan confirmation can also be signalled by vibration or sound.

Three ways to connect

The scanner works over Bluetooth, over a 2.4GHz wireless link, or with a cable. Inateck lists compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS. Bluetooth is convenient for phones and tablets. A 2.4GHz receiver generally offers a simple plug-and-play link to a computer, and a wired connection avoids pairing altogether.

Scanning modes and battery

There are three scanning modes: manual scan, auto-sensing and continuous. Manual means pulling a trigger for each scan. Auto-sensing starts when it detects a code in front of it, and continuous scanning keeps reading, which suits fast counting.

The battery is 2600mAh, which Inateck says is double that of typical portable scanners, and gives up to a week of standby on a full charge. Actual scanning time will depend on how often you use it.

App and SDK

An app lets you set up the scanner: choose barcode types, manage Bluetooth connections, view battery status and set alert preferences. Inateck also offers an SDK for multiple programming languages, which matters if you want to build scanning into your own software.

Size

At about 5.3 x 1.8 x 1.1 inches (13.5 x 4.6 x 2.8 cm) and 0.2 lb (about 90 g), it's light enough to carry in a pocket or hold for long sessions.

Who it suits

It suits small businesses, market sellers, stock-takers, people cataloguing books or collections, and developers who need a scanner they can program against.

What to check before you buy

  • Your barcode types: confirm the formats you use appear on the supported list.
  • Your devices: check that your operating system and software accept a keyboard-style scanner.
  • Connection: decide whether Bluetooth, 2.4GHz or a cable fits your workflow.
  • Environment: check the manual for scanning distance and conditions such as glare or small codes.
  • Charging: note the charging cable and how you will keep the battery topped up.
  • Software: if you plan to use the SDK, check the languages and documentation.

The short version

  • A portable scanner for 1D and 2D barcodes and QR codes.
  • 1.4-inch display with vibration and sound feedback.
  • Bluetooth, 2.4GHz and wired connections on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
  • 2600mAh battery; Inateck quotes up to a week of standby.
  • App configuration and an SDK for developers.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.

Keep reading