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Table of Contents

Thank You!

We at WalkAbout Computers wish to thank you for purchasing the WalkAbout HAMMERHEAD RT computer. Great care has been taken to provide you with a unique product designed to provide years of reliable service. The HAMMERHEAD RT is the seventh generation of HAMMERHEAD rugged tablet computers. Each generation builds on the strengths of the previous generations to provide you with a state-ofthe-art product designed to meet the real world needs of mobile users.

This guide provides basic information that you will need to take full advantage of your HAMMERHEAD RT computer. The HAMMERHEAD RT is a tool that is often configured to meet the precise needs of a specific application. As a result, there are many configuration options available and often, custom features are provided for large-scale applications. If you do not find illustrations identical to the equipment you have purchased or do not find needed information after having reviewed the User’s Guide, please feel free to contact WalkAbout Customer Care toll-free at 888-872-1100. You may also wish to visit our web site at www.walkabout-comp.com for updated information.

This guide is intended to provide basic information on the features, operation, care, and maintenance of the HAMMERHEAD RT. It is not offered as a technical resource to deal with larger integration issues. WalkAbout and its many partners will be happy to work closely with you in resolving any challenges that you might face.

Elements of this guide are available electronically for those customers wishing to develop their own training or technical support materials. Requests for electronic copies can be made through the general information request link at the WalkAbout web site.

We at WalkAbout Computers thank you for purchasing the WalkAbout HAMMERHEAD RT. We look forward to getting to know you and assisting you in any way we can to make your use of the HAMMERHEAD RT as rewarding as possible.

WalkAbout Computers

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ......................... 5

Before you begin ..................................................................... 5

Standard features ...................................................................... 6

Accessories and options ............................................................ 7

Exterior features ..................................................................... 8

Tips for proper use and care of your computer .......................... 12

CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE OPERATION ......... 13

Turning on the unit ..................................................................... 13

Pen operations ......................................................................13

Touch operations ......................................................................15

Battery use and care..................................................................16

Getting started with your new batteries........................ 16

How to install new batteries......................................... 16

When to recharge batteries..........................................16

How to recharge your batteries.................................... 17

How to tell when batteries have finished charging....... 18

How to increase battery “run time”...............................18

When to replace your battery....................................... 18

Where to purchase replacement batteries ................... 19

How to store batteries when they’re not in use.............19

Safety & handling considerations for batteries............. 19

Disposing of your batteries...........................................20

Battery tips for the best performance........................... 20

Calibrating Batteries.....................................................20

When should I calibrate my batteries?.........................21

What are the Over Temperature and Over Voltage

boxes in the HH Control Panel? ...................21

Removable hard drive................................................................21

Connectivity ......................................................................22

Port replicators ............................................................ 22

Desktop docking station .............................................. 24

Vehicle docking ........................................................... 24

Heater option ......................................................................25

CardBus/PCMCIA cards ............................................................26

Internal “flex space” for OEM modules....................................... 26

CHAPTER 3: SOFTWARE OPERATION...........27

Calibration ......................................................................27

Pen Tablet calibration..................................................27

Touch Screen calibration.............................................27

Battery Performance and Maintenance...................................... 28

Monitoring your battery................................................28

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Table of Contents

Setting the battery alarm.............................................. 28

Turning off power-consuming peripherals.................... 28

Using power schemes..................................................29

Standby ......................................................................29

Hibernation ..................................................................29

Adjusting Screen Brightness and Backlight Settings ................. 30

Manual brightness adjustment.....................................30

Auto backlight settings................................................. 31

Power button function..................................................31

Advanced backlight...................................................... 32

XP Tablet PC Edition features ...................................................34

Screen rotation ............................................................34

Handwriting using the Input Panel ............................... 35

How to open the Input Panel......................... 35

Writing Pad .................................................... 37

Character Pad ............................................... 37

On-screen Keyboard......................................38

Customization................................................ 38

Speech recognition........................................ 39

Handwriting using Microsoft Windows Journal............. 39

How to access Windows Journal...................39

How to convert handwriting to text.................39

How to restore default settings in

Windows Journal........................................40

Journal Note Writer in printers....................... 40

How to reinstall the Journal Note

Writer printer...............................................41

How to improve handwriting recognition ...................... 41

How to set pen and screen for left-handed users.........41

How to create “sticky notes”.........................................42

InkBall ......................................................................43

How to write in Microsoft Word or Excel.......................44

Other questions about XP Tablet PC........................... 44

CHAPTER 4: FAQS ...........................................45

CHAPTER 5: WARRANTY INFORMATION ......51

What is covered by this warranty................................................51

Length of warranty......................................................................51

Terms and Conditions................................................................52

How to obtain warranty service..................................................52

What is not covered ................................................................... 53

Additional Information ................................................................ 54

Company Information and return address..................................55

Customer Service 55

NOTICES ................................................................56

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter

Your HAMMERHEAD RT tablet computer gives you the power of a desktop computer, yet it also provides the portability and durability needed to gather and work with information in the field. The HAMMERHEAD RT is designed for use on foot, in a vehicle, or in an office. It is ideal for highly mobile applications in the most demanding environments.

This chapter describes the basic features of your HAMMERHEAD RT computer system.

Before you begin

Your HAMMERHEAD RT tablet computer includes the following items. When the computer is unpacked, confirm that all items are present. Contact your HAMMERHEAD RT sales representative if any item is missing or damaged.

Most but not all systems will also include these optional items:

1Introduction

• HAMMERHEAD RT Computer

• Pen stylus

• HAMMERHEAD RT Quick Start Guide

• HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide (PDF file on computer

desktop)

• HAMMERHEAD RT800 Computers come with rubber bumpers and carry handle; HAMMERHEAD RT933 computers come with shock absorbing molded carry case

• AC adapter with power cord

• Port replicator or docking station

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is installed on HAMMERHEAD RT pen tablet computers at the factory and registered to you. If you have a touch unit, Microsoft Windows XP Pro is installed, along with Calligrapher handwriting recognizer, PenOffice control program and MyT-Pen onscreen keyboard program. WalkAbout Computers often preinstalls application software for its customers. In most cases user access to operating systems or other software is restricted.

Save the HAMMERHEAD RT packaging; it might be needed for possible return shipments. The serial number will be on the box and on the bar code label located on the back of the product. Keep handy; it will be required should the unit need repairs.

the serial number

Standard features

Your HAMMERHEAD RT includes the following features at a minimum:

• Fully sealed magnesium housing with lifetime warranty

• 800 MHz or 933 MHz Mobile Intel® Pentium® III processor-M

• 256 MB main memory

• 512 KB L2 cache

• 4 MB dedicated video memory

• 10.4” 800 x 600 or 1024 x 768 TFT active matrix color display

• Integrated 10/100 Ethernet via RJ-45 connector

• USB port

• Removable shock-mounted 20 GB or larger hard disk drive

(optional flash drives)

• Type III CardBus/PCMCIA expansion slot (two Type II devices)

• Long-lasting Li-Ion battery (dual battery option, hot swappable)

• Built-in light sensor for automatic backlight control

• Phoenix BIOS

• Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition (Windows 98, 2000,

XP Pro optional)

• Pen stylus for use with electromagnetic proximity sensing

digitizer (touch-screen option includes pointer stylus)

• Chemically strengthened glass

• One year warranty on all parts and labor

• Direct line technical support by WalkAbout Computers technical

support staff

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Accessories and options available for the Hammerhead RT

The following accessories and options are available for the HAMMERHEAD RT:

• Universal AC power adapter 110-250 volts, 50-60 Hz

• Port replicator, standard, flat or custom cable sets

• Vehicle cradles and mounting solutions

• Desktop docking station with communications options

• Additional batteries

• Battery charger, battery charger with automatic calibration,

cigarette lighter adaptor for battery charger

• Wireless LAN, Bluetooth

• GPS*, CDMA, GPRS (RT 933 only) (see note 1)

• Heater package

• External CD ROM (USB)

• External 1.44 MB 3.5”bootable floppy disk drive (USB)

• Keyboard(s)

• Extended warranty

• Custom integration of components upon request

Note 1: The only antennas supported for these options are those provided by WalkAbout. Attaching anything other than a WalkAbout supported antenna will constitute an invalid configuration and may void the FCC (CISPR), and/or CE certifications

*GPS option is sold for the sole purpose of providing an accurate and easily obtainable signal for location of equipment for time or signal synchronization.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Chapter 1 - Introduction

On/Off Switch

Backlight Control Sensor Battery Gauge

Charging Status LED Hard Disk Drive Indicator

Exterior features

Front view of the Hammerhead RT

On/Off switch:

Turn the computer on by quickly depressing the yellow on/off button on the upper right-hand side of the computer (approximately ½ to 1 second). After the computer boots up, by pressing the on/off switch again, the unit will automatically follow proper Windows shutdown procedures. To display the Ctrl-AltDel panel, depress the on/off button twice with approximately a ½ second delay between pressings.

Holding the on/off button down for a longer period of time (4-5 seconds) causes an emergency forced shut down of the computer.

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Chapter 1 - Introduction

Battery gauge:

The battery gauge consists of five LEDs, which indicate the approximate charge remaining on your computer. When all five lights are lit, the battery is fully charged. As you use the battery, the lights will turn off from top to bottom, indicating the amount of charge that remains. Each light represents approximately 20% of the full charge. See Chapter 2 “Batteries and Charging Procedures” for more detailed information on the battery gauge.

Charging status LED:

The charge status indicator is lit whenever external power is available. It blinks as the battery charges and remains a constant green when the batteries are fully charged. The indicator identifies a positive connection when the HAMMERHEAD RT is in the docking station with an external power source. The indicator will be green when external power is connected.

Hard disk drive indicator:

The indicator flashes as the internal hard disk drive is accessed.

Backlight control sensor:

The backlight control sensor automatically turns the backlight off when adequate external light is available. Make sure you keep

this sensor uncovered.

Right side view

USB connector:

The Universal Serial Bus is a hot swappable, daisy chainable serial port. It can be used for devices like keyboards, mice,

Speaker USB

Connector

can supply up to .5 amps of current through the USB port. External USB hubs are available that will supply power to external devices without using the HAMMERHEAD RT’s power supply.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

floppy drives, CD-ROM or DVD drives, cameras, modems, scanners, etc. Devices can be connected to the HAMMERHEAD RT with the computer turned on, without requiring a reboot. There is a limit of 128 concurrent devices per USB port. The HAMMERHEAD RT

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Speaker:

There is a monaural speaker in the right side of the housing. The speaker will play Windows sounds as well as PC audio information.

Left side view

CardBus/PCMCIA expansion slot:

The CardBus/PCMCIA expansion slot is sealed behind a door held in place by two Phillips head screws. The door must be removed to access the slot. Several doors are available that will accommodate various CardBus/PCMCIA devices with features that extend beyond the housing of the computer. These doors keep the unit as sealed as possible.

External power connector:

This connector allows the user to plug the AC power supply directly into the HAMMERHEAD RT to charge and operate the unit. The unit may also be charged through a port replicator or docking station. Do not connect to more than one power

source at a time when charging the unit or permanent damage may occur.

Ethernet RJ45 Connector:

Built-in Ethernet is standard on both HAMMERHEAD RT Tablet PCs. The RJ45 jack allows the user to connect their HAMMERHEAD RT computer to their network via a standard Ethernet cable.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Cardbus/PCMCIA Expansion Slot

Ethernet RJ45 connector

External Power Connector

Back view

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Hard drive compartment:

The hard drive compartment allows field upgrades or repairs without opening the HAMMERHEAD RT. Some customers may have IT Departments that will be trained to replace hard drives at the customer location. You should not open the hard drive

compartment without the proper training from WalkAbout Computers. Any tampering of the hard drive will result in a void warranty.

Bottom view

Coaxial connector:

Depending on the machine configuration, there may be a coaxial antenna connection near the center of the housing. The coaxial connector will allow you to connect an external antenna to an internal radio or GPS solution.

Docking connector:

The docking connector provides for all external communications with the unit. It connects to a port replicator or docking station.

Battery compartments:

There are two battery compartments designed for convenient, hot swappable battery replacement while in the field. See the Batteries and Charging Procedures section of Chapter 2: Hardware Operation for instructions on changing batteries.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Bottom guide pinholes:

The bottom guide pinholes are used to align the computer when placed in a vehicle, desktop, or wall-mount docking station. Simply insert the computer onto the gauge ball guide pins and tilt the computer back until the docking connectors engage. If power is applied to the docking station, a positive docking indication will result by the illumination of the charging status icon on the HAMMERHEAD RT.

Tips for proper use and care of your computer

The HAMMERHEAD RT is a rugged field computer, but it is an electronic device and reasonable precautions should be taken:

• Don’t subject the computer to extreme heat by placing it on the

dashboard of a vehicle with the display facing the sun.

• Don’t store the computer in temperatures below -40°C.

• Don’t pile tools or heavy objects on top of the computer.

• Avoid severe impacts, especially on the display glass.

• Don’t try to take the computer apart. Special tools are required to

disassemble the computer. Disassembly of the unit by unauthorized personnel may void the warranty.

• Don’t use excessive force when inserting PC Cards into the

CardBus slots, as they keyed to go in only one way.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Chapter 2 – Hardware Operation

Chapter

2Hardware Operation

Turning on the unit

Turn the computer on by quickly depressing the yellow on/off button on the upper right-hand side of the computer (press for ½ to 1 second).

Note: Holding the on/off button down for a longer period of time (4-5 seconds) causes an emergency forced shut down of the computer.

The HAMMERHEAD RT will perform self-checking routines during the start-up process. All units are configured at the factory to automatically boot to the Microsoft Windows Desktop unless a custom configuration has been requested.

Pen operations

The pen is the primary screen navigation and data entry tool for the HAMMERHEAD RT. Without a keyboard attached, the pen is the

only means of communicating with the computer. Do not lose or misplace the pen. The pen is usually tethered to the unit or its carrying

case. Attaching the tether to one of the zippers on the carrying case with a split ring allows the tether to be anchored on either side of the computer. By shifting the position of the zipper, the tethered pen is convenient for right or left-handed users. All users are encouraged to purchase a spare pen as a backup.

The pen functions like a two-button mouse. There are two switches in the pen, one in the pen tip and another on the barrel of the pen. The tip switch performs the same functions as the left button on a mouse and the barrel switch performs like the right mouse button. Very few

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

applications require the use of the pen’s barrel button. Do not depress

the barrel switch when writing on the display; it will adversely affect handwriting recognition. To activate the tip switch, simply press the tip of

the pen against the display. This is similar to clicking the left button of a mouse. Double clicking is accomplished by double tapping with the pen. Move an icon by pressing the pen directly overhead and dragging the icon to the desired destination, keeping the pen in constant contact with the display.

Tapping the pen requires only light to moderate pressure. It is possible to damage the pen by pounding the tip against the display with force. Most problems using the pen are related to tapping speed and the tapping area size. When using XP Tablet PC Edition, attributes related to use of the pen (e.g. tap speed) can be adjusted by clicking on Control Panel, Tablet and Pen Settings, and then the Pen Options tab. You can also improve handwriting recognition accuracy by indicating if you are right or left handed on the Settings tab. For Windows 98/2000/XP Pro operating systems, look in the PenOffice tools folder found in the Windows Program list.

The HAMMERHEAD RT utilizes a proximity-sensing electromagnetic digitizer. This component tells the computer the pen’s exact position. The computer senses the pen as it nears the display and the cursor appears when the pen is approximately an inch away. This allows visibility of the exact location of input before making actual contact with the display.

The location of the cursor on the display is the location of input regardless of the location of the pen tip. The cursor and the pen tip should be closely aligned when the pen is in contact with the display. If the pen and the cursor are out of alignment, click on Control Panel, Tablet and Pen Settings and go to the Settings tab where you can calibrate the screen for both landscape and portrait orientations. If you are using Windows 98/2000/XP Pro, follow the instructions provided in the PenOffice tools folder found in the Windows Program list. Confirm the display is on the appropriate setting before attempting to realign the pen.

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Chapter 2 – Hardware Operation

Touch Operations

Touch Screen Operation

The touch screen replaces a mouse in normal Windows operation. Wherever you touch the screen with your finger or stylus, the computer interprets it as a mouse click. Due to the nature of the touch screen, it is sometimes hard to drag objects across the screen and it is also hard to move the pointer around the screen without selecting the object below the cursor. This should be taken into account when applications are being developed for touch screen devices.

The touch screen unit comes standard with Windows XP Pro, Pen Office Calligrapher and My-T-Pen on screen keyboard software and therefore may not offer some of the Tablet PC functionality of a pen unit running XP Tablet PC Edition such as screen rotation. It is also very difficult to capture a signature on touch screen units.

Caring for the Touch Screen

With minimal maintenance, the touch screen will last many years. When operating the touch screen, you should not use an abrasive or metallic pointer. The touch screen is easily scratched if an abrasive stylus is used. We recommend using your finger or a plastic tipped stylus. Be careful not to let sand or grit sit on the screen. Cleaning of the touch screen can be done with a regular plastic cleaner such as Plexus.

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Battery use and care

The Lithium Ion batteries used in your Hammerhead computer offer the best technology available today. These 'Smart Batteries' provide Hammerhead users with the greatest power density and the most accurate gas-gauge possible. To achieve the best possible performance from your batteries, we recommend using and maintaining the batteries in accordance with the instructions provided below.

Getting started with your new batteries

Your unit comes with a Lithium Ion battery that is shipped (uninstalled) in the box with the unit. The unit may also have a non-working battery shell in the second battery slot that shows you how the battery is to be installed. Due to current regulations regarding shipment of Lithium Ion batteries, your battery(s) will arrive in a partially charged condition, typically with a maximum charge of 30% to 50%. You need to install your battery before turning on the unit. We also recommend that you fully charge your batteries before using them. If you do not plan to deploy your computer immediately, please be aware that the batteries self-discharge at a slow rate, typically less than 10% per month at normal temperatures.

How to install new batteries

The Hammerhead RT has the capability to run on one or two batteries in the field. The unit does not require both batteries to run. The two-battery design allows users to hot swap batteries without turning the computer off.

To install or replace a new battery, turn the round knob on the back of the unit. The knob holds the batteries in place and is designed so the batteries cannot be taken out at the same time. Simply turn the knob until the quarter piece exposes the corner of the battery that is to be replaced. A lip on the battery aids for easy removal. Install the new battery by placing it into the compartment and turning the knob to cover the edges of both batteries.

When to recharge batteries

The green LEDs on the upper right front of the unit indicate the power status of the battery. At full charge, all five LED indicators will light a solid green. Each LED represents approximately 20% of the total charge.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

Chapter 2 – Hardware Operation

As the battery power availability decreases, the LED’s will turn off from top to bottom. For example, when the top light begins to flash, the computer has approximately 90% charge remaining. If four LED’s are lit a solid green, an estimated 80% of the total battery charge remains. If three are lit a solid green and the fourth one begins flashing, the computer has approximately 70% charge remaining.

The last LED indicator will begin to flash when approximately 10% of battery power remains. When the remaining battery power becomes critical, all data should be saved. Failure to do so may result in lost data! Replace one of the batteries with a fresh battery or recharge the unit.

When the HAMMERHEAD RT is turned off, the battery status indicators will also turn off after a delay of a few seconds. When the unit is placed in standby mode, the battery status indicators will flash as a reminder the unit is on standby.

How to recharge your batteries

The Hammerhead’s batteries automatically fast charge any time the Hammerhead is connected to an external power source (AC or DC). This is accomplished using either the Hammerhead internal battery charger or an approved Walkabout power source/battery charger.

To recharge the battery using the AC adapter, plug the circular connector of the AC adapter into the AC connector in the Hammerhead or in the power supply port on the replicator. Charging begins automatically as the unit is docked when using a vehicle-docking mount, desktop docking station or a wall mount docking station. The Hammerhead is fully functional as it charges. Using the unit as it charges will only slightly lengthen the recharging process. Don’t be alarmed if batteries feel warm to the touch during this process. It is normal for a battery to become warm during charging and discharging.

Do not use any external power source other than the AC or DC adapters provided with the HAMMERHEAD RT. Also, do not connect to more

than one power source at a time, such as an AC power supply and docking station, when charging the unit or permanent damage to the battery or computer may occur.

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

How to tell when batteries have finished charging

When charging, the green charge indicator light will flash while the unit is recharging. When charging two batteries, the secondary battery (see diagram below) will charge to 80% of full charge, then the primary battery will charge to 80%. After both batteries reach 80%, the secondary battery will then charge the remaining 20%, after which the primary battery will complete its recharging process. This method provides the best ratio of charge time to run time for short battery charge cycles. When batteries are fully charged, the charge indicator light will stop flashing and remain lit.

Battery knob

Chapter 2 – Hardware Operation

How to increase battery "run time”

The total run-time of the battery is dependent on a variety of factors including temperature, backlight requirements and computer usage.

To ensure maximum performance of the battery, optimize your computer’s power management features. Settings for the display and the hard drive shutdown, as well as the use of suspend, stand-by and hibernate mode, result in lower overall drain on the battery, effectively increasing the computer’s operating time.

When to replace your battery

Battery life is dependent on battery usage. Every time a battery is fully

WalkAbout Computers HAMMERHEAD RT User’s Guide – V030105

charged and discharged, it decreases the amount of energy stored in the battery. To determine if the battery is past its prime, first check the date code on your battery.

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