Comparison
Newland FM3281 Grouper vs FM3080 Hind: which to choose?
Same compact housing, different jobs: the FM3281 adds NFC, IP67 and longer reading distance, the FM3080 suits indoor kiosks with colour feedback.
Best for most users
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In this guide
Both are compact Newland fixed-mount 2D scanners in a housing of the same size, both read printed and on-screen codes, and both are set up the same way. The FM3281 Grouper reads further, at steeper angles, is sealed to IP67 and adds NFC card reading. The FM3080 Hind is built for indoor kiosks and tills, with a scan window that lights up in colour as feedback. Choose the FM3281 for gates, access control, outdoor or semi-outdoor posts and anywhere NFC cards are used. Choose the FM3080 for an indoor counter or kiosk that mainly reads tickets and phone screens.
| FM3281 Grouper | FM3080 Hind | |
|---|---|---|
| Our kit | NLS-FM3281-NFC-20: NFC version with 2 m USB extension cable | NLS-FM3080V2-20: USB cable |
| Image sensor | 1280 × 1088 pixels | 800 × 800 pixels |
| Reading distance, QR 20 mil | 0–270 mm | 0–130 mm |
| Reading distance, EAN-13 13 mil | 0–290 mm | 0–190 mm |
| Reading distance, Code 128 10 mil | 0–280 mm | 0–185 mm |
| Field of view | 58.2° horizontal, 66° vertical | 74° horizontal and vertical |
| Tilt tolerance (pitch / skew) | ±60° / ±60° | ±40° / ±40° |
| NFC | Yes: 0–30 mm, MIFARE, NTAG, ICODE, FeliCa and more | No |
| Feedback | Beep, multi-colour status light, separate NFC light | Beep, scan window lit in up to four colours |
| Interfaces | USB and RS-232; RS-485 and Wiegand on the NLS-FM3281-NFC-50 version | USB and RS-232 |
| Input voltage | 5–24 V DC | 5 V DC |
| Sealing | IP67 | IP65 |
| Window | Glare reduction for outdoor use | Anti-reflection, anti-glare coating |
| Weight | Not published | 132 g |
| Size (W × D × H, max.) | 78.7 × 47.7 × 67.7 mm | Same |
| Scan modes | Sense and continuous | Same |
| Operating temperature | −20 to 60 °C | Same |
| Configuration | Programming bar codes or EasySet | Same |
| Newland warranty | 5 years | Same |
Figures from Newland's product pages and datasheets; sizes from the two user guides. Newland measured the FM3281 distances with illumination brightness at Level 2 (factory setting: Level 1).
Choose the FM3281 if
- People also present NFC cards, tags or phones, for example at an access gate
- The scanner is outdoors or semi-outdoors, such as at a parking or truck gate
- Codes are held further away or at a steep angle
- Your system needs RS-485 or Wiegand (NLS-FM3281-NFC-50 version)
Choose the FM3080 if
- The scanner is built into an indoor kiosk or till
- It mainly reads tickets, vouchers and codes on phone screens close to the window
- You want visible colour feedback in the scan window
- You do not need NFC
Video: Newland
What both scanners share
Both user guides use the same programming system. You scan Enter Setup, then the setting, then Exit Setup, and the keyboard country list is identical. It has no Estonian, Latvian or Lithuanian entry, so both use Emulate ALT+Keypad ON on those PCs. Our FM3281 programming guide explains the settings. For an FM3080, scan the bar codes from the FM3080 User Guide.
Both start in Sense Mode and are configured with Newland's EasySet software for Windows.
Note
Newland's FM3080 user guide lists USB CDC (virtual COM port) as its factory default interface, while the FM3281 starts as a USB keyboard. If an FM3080 does not type into Notepad, scan USB HID Keyboard from its user guide.
Setting up either model
Connection, placement and NFC for the FM3281 are in our FM3281 setup guide, and the light colours in our FM3281 troubleshooting guide. Compare both kits in our shop: FM3281 Grouper and FM3080 Hind.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Newland FM3080 read NFC cards?
No. NFC is only available on the FM3281 NFC versions, such as NLS-FM3281-NFC-20.
Can both scanners read QR codes on phone screens?
Yes. Newland designed both for printed and on-screen codes. The FM3080 is optimised for phones and paper; the FM3281 reads codes from further away.
Which one can be used outdoors?
The FM3281, rated IP67. Newland still recommends shielding its window from rain and dirt. The FM3080 is rated IP65 and aimed at kiosks.
Do the two scanners use the same programming bar codes?
Both use Enter Setup and Exit Setup and the same keyboard country list, but always scan the bar codes from your own model's user guide.
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