Inateck BCST-70 Bluetooth Barcode Scanner: specs and who it suits

The Inateck BCST-70 is a handheld barcode scanner that connects to a computer, phone or tablet over Bluetooth, with no cable or adapter. It reads standard one-dimensional (1D) barcodes and is meant for retail counters, stockrooms and inventory work. It acts like a keyboard: each scan is typed into whatever app has focus.

Connecting to your device

Inateck says there is no extra adapter to install and that pairing takes about three seconds. You pair by scanning two setup barcodes from the manual. The scanner lists support for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX and Raspberry Pi, plus point-of-sale systems. It supports HID mode, and keyboard layouts for English, German, French, Italian and Spanish, which matters because scanners "type" characters and the wrong layout can garble symbols.

What it can read

The BCST-70 reads many 1D formats by default, including Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN, ISSN, Codabar, Interleaved 2 of 5, FedEx and USPS. Others, such as Code 11, MSI and EAN-2/EAN-5, can be switched on by scanning function barcodes in the manual. It also lists VIN barcodes and codes printed on plastic and steel plate. It is a 1D scanner, so it does not read QR codes or other 2D symbols; the listing describes 1D only.

Inateck gives a 650 nm light source, 200 decodes per second, a 3 mil resolution and a print contrast of 20%. In general, a lower mil figure means finer printing can be read, and the rate means a scan completes almost instantly.

Scanning modes

• Manual mode: one press, one read, the most common way to work.
• Auto-sensing mode: scans when a barcode is held in front of the window.
• Continuous mode: scans at a set frequency, which Inateck suggests for production lines.
• Inventory mode: stores scans on the scanner and counts them.

Editing the output

You can add a prefix or suffix of up to 32 digits, which can add a line break after each scan or other text. Up to 99 characters at the start or end of a code can be hidden, and a code ID can show which type was read. Inateck also says it can customise the product on request.

Battery, range and build

The 2600mAh battery is rated at 180 days of standby on a charge. Range is listed as over 35 metres, though walls and interference usually reduce it. The TPU case is described as twice as thick as similar products, and Inateck says it survives repeated 6 ft (1.8 m) drops onto concrete. It measures about 3.6 x 2.7 x 6.4 inches and weighs 0.4 lb, and has a hook for carrying.

What to check before you buy

• Barcode types: make sure everything you scan is 1D, and check if any need enabling.
• Software: test how your app handles keyboard-style input.
• Range: plan for less than the maximum in a busy building.
• Charging: standby figures drop with heavy scanning.
• Setup: keep the manual handy for the setup barcodes.

The short version

• A Bluetooth 1D barcode scanner for POS, phones, tablets and computers.
• Reads the common retail and shipping formats; others can be enabled.
• Four scanning modes and editable prefix, suffix and hidden characters.
• 2600mAh battery, 180 days standby, over 35 m range.
• Drop-resistant case, about 0.4 lb.

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