





The Zebra LI4278 is a cordless linear imager for fast capture of virtually any 1D barcode, including paper labels, mobile-phone, tablet and computer displays, and high-density codes used in electronics manufacturing. It is strictly a 1D scanner and does not decode QR Code, Data Matrix or other 2D symbols.
Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR lets workers scan inside and outside the cash wrap, while a wide working range and strong motion and angular tolerance reduce careful positioning. An optional presentation cradle adds hands-free use without giving up handheld mobility.
Watch the POSGuys review and durability look at the Zebra LI4278.
Contents depend on the selected option:
Configuration note: The standard USB kit does not require a separate power supply. The presentation kit requires a country-specific line cord.
Bluetooth improves mobility, encryption, wireless performance, energy management and host pairing compared with a tethered scanner.
The scanner operates from 32° to 122° F and stores from -40° to 158° F at 5% to 85% non-condensing humidity. Black and white housings are available for different counter and workstation environments.
The LI4278 works with existing LS4278 cradles and shares accessories with LS4278 and DS6878 deployments. Organizations can preserve compatible infrastructure while moving to LI4278 linear imaging.
The scanner captures at 547 scans per second.
The LI4278 reads retail labels, loyalty cards and coupons displayed on screens, plus high-density 1D codes used on small electronic components. Screen capture lets retailers process mobile credentials without printing them.
Standard 13 mil UPC-A reads from 1 to 31 inches, 20 mil Code 39 reaches 42 inches, and 200% UPC-A reaches 55 inches. Very large 100 mil paper codes can be captured beyond 20 feet, although range varies with code size, print and environment.
Motion tolerance reaches 25 inches per second. Pitch and skew tolerance of plus or minus 65 degrees and roll tolerance of plus or minus 45 degrees reduce pauses and careful alignment.
A single circuit board eliminates internal interconnections that can become failure points. The simpler construction improves reliability and reduces avoidable downtime in retail and light-industrial use.
The single Class 1 LED aiming line stays visible in dim interiors and bright work areas. Ambient-light immunity to 108,000 lux helps the scanner remain usable near windows, doors and outdoor receiving points.
A 3 mil minimum resolution supports compact codes, while 15% minimum reflective difference helps with low-contrast printing. These specifications complement the wide range rather than turning the LI4278 into a 2D imager.
The battery supports up to 57,000 scans or 72 hours at Zebra's stated usage profiles. Because the battery is replaceable, an aging power pack does not require replacement of the full scanner.
Industrial charging contacts are rated for more than 250,000 insertions. That rating supports repeated cradle returns across long service life.
123Scan handles initial programming, while Remote Scanner Management and Scanner Management Services reduce hands-on work for ongoing configuration and fleet administration. These tools help keep parameters consistent across multiple scanners and sites.
The Scanner SDK supports custom application development and device integration. Developers can control scanning behavior without relying only on keyboard-wedge output.
The LI4278 is rated for more than 100 consecutive 5-foot drops and survives 6-foot drops to concrete. IP53 gasket sealing protects against dust and allows the housing to be sprayed clean, but it is not an immersion rating.
One desktop cradle can communicate with as many as three scanners, while a presentation cradle supports as many as seven. Sharing a base can reduce host connections, capital expense and maintenance for suitable workflows.
When a user moves out of communications range, Batch Mode holds more than 500 UPC barcodes in scanner memory. The stored data uploads automatically when the LI4278 returns to a live connection.
The optional presentation cradle supports hands-free scanning while keeping the scanner available for handheld use. The desktop cradle can be mounted vertically or horizontally to fit the counter, wall or workstation.
RS232, RS485 (IBM), USB and Keyboard Wedge interfaces support common retail and industrial hosts. The selected cable and cradle configuration determine how the scanner communicates and charges.
Zebra specifies a 3.0 Mbit/s radio data rate, with 2.1 Mbit/s effective throughput. The published 330-foot line-of-sight range applies when using the presentation-cradle configuration; actual coverage depends on the cradle, obstacles, radio conditions and deployment layout.
Backward compatibility does not add 2D decoding, and each existing cable, cradle and host interface should still be matched to the intended configuration. The LI4278 remains a Bluetooth 2.1 1D platform.
LI4278 Barcode Scanner Kit, Twilight Black Scanner, Standard Cradle and Interface Cable Included, USB Interface
Color:
Black
Accessories:
Cradle
Interface:
USB
LI4278 Barcode Scanner, Twilight Black, Scanner Only (Cradle and Cable NOT INCLUDED)
Color:
Black
Warning:
Cables and Cradle Not Included
LI4278 Presentation Charging/Communication Cradle, (Requires PWR-WUA5V4W0US and Communication Cable), Twilight Black
LI4278 Charging ONLY Cradle, Twilight Black
LI4278 Charging ONLY Cradle, Cash Register White
LI4278 Charging/Communications Cradle, Cash Register White
LI4278 Charging/Communications Cradle, Requires Communications Cable, Twilight Black
USB Interface Cable (Original Part)
7.5ft. AC Line Cord, For Use with PWRS-14000-148R and PWR-BGA12V50W0WW
Replacement Battery for LI4278, LS4278, and DS6878 Barcode Scanners (Batteries must be shipped via ground shipping)
3 Year Zebra One Care Select Advanced Exchange Comprehensive Coverage for LI4278
3 Year Zebra One Care Essential 3-Day Exchange Comprehensive Coverage for LI4278
Power Supply, Requires DC Line Cord CBL-DC-388A1-01 & AC Line Cord 23844-00-00R, Replaces PWRS-14000-148R (Presentation Cradle). EM45 use CBL-DC-388A2-01 for DC Line Cord.
7.5ft. DC Cable For Use with Power Supply Brick PWR-BGA12V50W0WW
Cable - Shielded Usb: Series A Connector, 7Ft. (2.1M), Straight (Updated)
Standard Cradle Power Supply, Level VI AC/DC Power Supply Wall Adapter, w/Captive DC cable and US Adapter Clip AC Input: 100-240V, 0.2A DC Output: 5.2V, 1.1A, 5.7W (Standard Cradle Only)
Presentation Cradle, charge and communications, Bluetooth/FIPS; HC WHITE/BLUE- Refurbished - (Requires PWR-BGA12V50W0WW, CBL-DC375A1-01, 23844-00-00R and Communication Cable)
Presentation Cradle for LI4278 - and Communications Cable, Twilight Black (REFURB) (Requires PWR-WUA5V4W0US and Communication Cable)
Power Supply Kit For Zebra Presentation Cradle and Mobile Computers (Three Piece). Includes Power Supply (PWR-BGA12V50W0WW), Line Cord (23844-00-00R), and DC Line Cord (CBL-DC-388A1-01). For Presentation Cradle or Zebra Mobile Computers Only.