You want/need a lightweight wireless pistol grip barcode scanner for iPad and iPhone. The Opticon OPI-3301i is unique in it's abilities especially compared with pistol grip scanners that are heavy and cumbersome. It combines 1D and 2D barcode reading, a lightweight, comfortable grip, Apple MFi support, and Bluetooth connectivity with a range of up to 10 meters. Connect it to your iOS device and then to Stratus-io to scan barcode credentials for Time & Attendance other applications.
The dedicated trigger makes repeated scanning simple, and comfortable: hold the scanner, aim at the barcode, and pull the trigger. Your iPad or iPhone stays in a convenient viewing position while the badge is scanned.
Why choose the OPI-3301i for Stratus-io on iPad and iPhone?
The best scanner for an attendance station needs to fit both the operator’s hand and the software workflow. The OPI-3301i offers a familiar pistol grip for staff who repeatedly scan badges, while its wireless connection gives them room to work around an iPad or iPhone.
Lightweight and comfortable for repeated badge scanning
A comfortable handle matters when staff check in a group one person after another. The OPI-3301i’s lightweight body and trigger placement support a straightforward, one-handed scanning motion. Operators can keep the host device positioned where attendance information is easy to see.
Read 2D and 1D barcodes with one scanner
The OPI-3301i reads both traditional linear barcodes and 2D codes. That makes it a practical choice when an organization uses more than one barcode format across its credentials. Examples include Code 39 and Code 128 linear barcodes, along with QR Code, Data Matrix, and PDF417. Match the barcode content to the identifiers used in your Stratus-io configuration.
Bluetooth freedom within a 10-meter range
With a Bluetooth range of up to 10 meters, approximately 33 feet, the scanner gives operators flexibility around the attendance station. Actual range depends on walls, nearby equipment, interference, and placement. This is the scanner-to-iPad or scanner-to-iPhone communication range; the operator still brings the scan engine close enough to read the barcode.
Convenient charging between scanning sessions
Return the scanner to its compatible charging cradle between sessions. Opticon specifies approximately three hours for a full charge with a power supply. Confirm the charging cradle and power supply included in your supplier’s package when ordering.
OPI-3301i features at a glance
| Feature | What it means for your workflow |
|---|---|
| Scanner style | Wireless handheld pistol grip with a physical scan trigger |
| Barcode support | 1D and 2D barcodes, including QR Code |
| Apple connectivity | Apple MFi certified; use the MFi setup below for this Stratus-io workflow |
| Bluetooth range | Up to 10 meters, approximately 33 feet |
| Handling | Lightweight body with a comfortable pistol grip |
| Charging | Compatible charging cradle; approximately three hours with a power supply |
| Attendance app | Cloud-In-Hand Stratus-io on iPad and iPhone |
| Idle behavior in this setup | Times out after three minutes without a scan; contact your supplier to change the timeout |
For the broader attendance workflow, explore Stratus-io Time & Attendance. The scanner reads the barcode; the configured Stratus-io workflow handles the attendance activity associated with that credential.
How to connect the OPI-3301i to an iPad or iPhone
Use these steps the first time you connect the OPI-3301i to a new iOS device. The screenshots show an iPhone; use the same connection sequence on an iPad. Device names include a scanner-specific number, so the number on your screen may differ.
Before starting: Charge the scanner, turn on Bluetooth on the iPad or iPhone, and have the Cloud-In-Hand Stratus-io app is available on the Appstore.
A. Scan the MFi configuration barcode
Scan the MFi configuration code below with the OPI-3301i. Listen for the scanner’s multi-tone audio notification to confirm that it accepted the configuration.
B. Hold the trigger for about three seconds
Press and hold the scanner trigger for approximately three seconds, until the scanner starts to beep.
C. Press the trigger again within one second
Within one second after step B, briefly press the trigger again. This puts the scanner into discovery mode so the iPad or iPhone can find it. The timing of this second press matters.
D. Find the scanner under Other Devices
On the iPad or iPhone, open Settings → Bluetooth. Find the name beginning with OPI-3301i in the Other Devices list.
E. Tap the scanner name and approve pairing
Tap the OPI-3301i entry. When the Bluetooth Pairing Request appears, tap Pair.
F. Tap Not Now on the Apple Account prompt
The first time you connect the scanner to a new iOS device, an Apple Account Required prompt may appear. Tap Not Now to continue this setup.
G. Confirm that iOS shows Connected
The OPI-3301i should now appear under My Devices with the status Connected. Next, complete the connection inside Stratus-io.
H. Select the scanner in Stratus-io Serial Device Manager
Open the Cloud-In-Hand Stratus-io iOS app. Open SDM, the Serial Device Manager, shown as Device Manager in the screenshots. Find the OPI-3301i under Found Devices and tap its name.
I. Confirm the Stratus-io connection and scan
When the OPI-3301i appears under Connected Devices, it is connected to Stratus-io and ready to scan. Scan a known barcode credential and confirm that your configured attendance workflow processes it as expected before using the station with a group.
Two connection checks: iOS Bluetooth settings confirm the scanner’s connection to the iPad or iPhone. Stratus-io Serial Device Manager confirms the scanner’s connection to the app. Check both when setting up a new device.
How to wake the scanner and reconnect automatically
In this setup, the OPI-3301i times out after three minutes without a scan. If you need a different idle timeout, contact your supplier.
- Press and hold the trigger for approximately three seconds.
- When the scanner starts to beep, allow it to reconnect to the previously paired iPad or iPhone.
- Stratus-io then reconnects automatically. Confirm the connection and resume scanning.
The brief second trigger press used during first-time pairing puts the scanner into discovery mode. For ordinary wake-up with the same iOS device, use the three-second hold and allow the automatic reconnection to complete.
OPI-3301i iOS pairing and reconnection troubleshooting
The scanner does not appear under Other Devices
Check that Bluetooth is on and that the scanner is charged. Repeat the discovery sequence: hold the trigger for about three seconds until it beeps, then briefly press it again within one second. Keep the scanner close to the iPad or iPhone while pairing.
iOS shows Connected, but Stratus-io is not receiving scans
Open Stratus-io Serial Device Manager and check whether the OPI-3301i appears under Connected Devices. If it appears under Found Devices, tap it to connect. Also confirm that you scanned the MFi configuration code for this workflow.
The scanner stops responding after sitting idle
After three minutes without scanning, wake the scanner by holding the trigger for about three seconds until it beeps. Let the scanner reconnect to iOS and Stratus-io, then try another scan. Contact your supplier if the timeout needs to be adjusted.
The scanner was connected to another device
When moving the scanner back to the original iPad or iPhone, you may need to remove its saved pairing. In the original device’s Settings → Bluetooth, tap the information icon beside the OPI-3301i, then choose Forget This Device. Repeat the first-time connection steps and select the scanner in Stratus-io SDM again. Make sure the other host device is no longer holding the scanner connection.
The scanner connects, but a badge does not produce the expected attendance result
Confirm that the barcode can be read and that its value matches the person’s identifier in your Stratus-io setup. Reading a barcode and assigning that value to an attendance record are separate parts of the workflow. Test with a known credential to help identify which part needs attention.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wireless pistol grip barcode scanner for Stratus-io on iOS?
For the iPad and iPhone workflow described here, Serialio recommends the Opticon OPI-3301i. Its comfortable pistol grip, lightweight design, 1D/2D reading, and MFi connection make it a strong fit for repeated barcode attendance scanning.
Does the OPI-3301i read QR codes and 1D barcodes?
Yes. The OPI-3301i reads 2D codes, including QR Code, and 1D linear barcodes. Configure the barcode identifiers to match your attendance records in Stratus-io.
How far can the OPI-3301i be from the iPad or iPhone?
The specified Bluetooth communication range is up to 10 meters, approximately 33 feet. Obstructions and wireless interference can reduce the usable range.
Do I connect the scanner in iOS settings or in Stratus-io?
For initial setup, do both. Pair the OPI-3301i in iOS Bluetooth settings, then select it in the Stratus-io Serial Device Manager. The scanner is ready for the app when it appears under Connected Devices in SDM.
How long does the OPI-3301i take to charge?
Opticon lists approximately three hours with a power supply and a compatible charging cradle. Ask your supplier which charging accessories are included.
Can I change the three-minute inactivity timeout?
Yes. Contact your supplier to change the timeout for the setup described in this guide.
Build your iPad or iPhone barcode attendance station
Choose the OPI-3301i when you want a lightweight wireless pistol grip scanner that reads 1D and 2D barcodes and works with Stratus-io on iPad and iPhone. Pair it once, connect it in SDM, and use the trigger to capture barcode credentials in your configured attendance workflow.
Contact Serialio.com
For more information on wireless mobile barcode scanners and RFID-NFC readers, contact Serialio.com.
Tell us about your application and the devices you use. We can help you select the reader, accessories, and software setup for your workflow.
Contact Serialio.comRelated solutions
- Cloud-In-Hand Stratus-io Time & Attendance
- Stratus-io mobile workforce app and downloads
- Serialio barcode scanner support
Hardware references: Opticon OPI-3301i product information and OPI-3301i specifications. Pairing steps, Stratus-io connection behavior, and the three-minute timeout describe the Serialio workflow shown in this guide.