Based on a wide range of customer inquiries and the endeavor to always bring customer and future-oriented devices and technologies onto the market, i.safe MOBILE has, together with IS-TH1, developed the first handheld barcode scanner for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and non-Ex industrial environment areas. The German company’s trigger handle uses the scanning technology of the market leader Zebra and is available for two ranges: A mid-range version for scans up to 6 meters and an extended range version for scans over 15 meters. What is unique is that the trigger handle is firmly attached to the Ex smartphone (or detachable using a screw) and works completely passively. The IS-TH1 does not have a Bluetooth connection or a battery. Power and data are generated and processed by the smartphone, and the trigger handle does not have to be refreshed or charged. This new development represents real added value, especially for companies and organizations in the oil, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food industries as well as mining, utilities, municipalities and energy suppliers – with this multifunctional all-in-one device, companies save enormous costs for several devices (cell phone, tablet and scanner) and work processes can be carried out faster and more flexibly.

The IS-TH1 is a very versatile device, users insert their i.safe MOBILE IS530.x multifunctional smartphone, connect the ISM interface and start the scanning process. Thanks to the HID factory setting, the captured 1D/2D barcode is recognized immediately and processed as a keyboard entry. In addition to the wide range of scanning and data processing options, the functional 13-pin ISM interface makes it possible to connect, among other things, passive remote speaker microphones (RSM) or PTT headsets to the smartphone.

The IS-TH1 is the first approved long-range HazLoc scan solution for Zone 1/21 & Class I, II, III Div 1 with Zebra imager scan engines. Depending on customer requirements, the IS-TH1 is available in two different versions: The IS-TH1MR with Zebra SE4750 MR for ranges up to 6 m and the IS-TH1ER with Zebra SE4850 ER for ranges over 15 m. Both types are also available in a robust version for non-Ex industrial zones.

Although the trigger handle is currently only available in combination with the i.safe MOBILE IS530.x smartphone, it could also be adapted for other devices (including RFID) in the future.