2314.book Page i Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
DOS Portable Data Terminals
®
FALCON
User’s Guide
2314.book Page ii Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
PSC Inc
959 Terry Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: (541) 683-5700
Fax: (541) 345-7140
Copyright ©2002 PSC Inc. An Unpublished Work - All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this documentation or the procedures described therein may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of
PSC Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries ("PSC"). Owners of PSC products are hereby granted a non-exclusive, revocable
license to reproduce and transmit this documentation for the purchaser's own internal business purposes. Purchaser shall not
remove or alter any proprietary notices, including copyright notices, contained in this documentation and shall ensure that all
notices appear on any reproductions of the documentation.
Should future revisions of this manual be published, you can acquire printed versions by contacting PSC Customer Administration. Electronic versions will either be downloadable from the PSC web site (www.pscnet.com) or provided on appropriate
media. If you visit our web site and would like to make comments or suggestions about this or other PSC publications, please let
us know via the “Contact PSC” page.
Disclaimer
Reasonable measures have been taken to ensure that the information included in this manual is complete and accurate. However, PSC reserves the right to change any specification at any time without prior notice.
PSC is a registered trademark of PSC Inc. The PSC logo is a trademark of PSC. All other trademarks and trade names referred
to herein are property of their respective owners.
®
Falcon
is a registered trademark of PSC Inc. or one of its wholly owned subsidiaries.
PhoenixCARD Manager Plus © 1993, 1994 Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
This product may be covered by one or more of the following patents: 4603262 • 4639606 • 4652750 • 4672215 • 4699447 • 4709195 • 4709369
• 4749879 • 4792666 • 4794240 • 4798943 • 4799164 • 4820911 • 4845349 • 4861972 • 4861973 • 4866257 • 4868836 • 4879456 • 4939355 •
4939356 • 4943127 • 4963719 • 4971176 • 4971177 • 4991692 • 5001406 • 5015831 • 5019697 • 5019698 • 5086879 • 5115120 • 5144118 •
5146463 • 5179270 • 5198649 • 5200597 • 5202784 • 5208449 • 5210397 • 5212371 • 5212372 • 5214270 • 5229590 • 5231293 • 5232185 •
5233169 • 5235168 • 5237161 • 5237162 • 5239165 • 5247161 • 5256864 • 5258604 • 5258699 • 5260554 • 5274219 • 5296689 • 5298728 •
5311000 • 5327451 • 5329103 • 5330370 • 5347113 • 5347121 • 5371361 • 5382783 • 5386105 • 5389917 • 5410108 • 5420410 • 5422472 •
5426507 • 5438187 • 5440110 • 5440111 • 5446271 • 5446749 • 5448050 • 5463211 • 5475206 • 5475207 • 5479011 • 5481098 • 5491328 •
5493108 • 5504350 • 5508505 • 5512740 • 5541397 • 5552593 • 5557095 • 5563402 • 5565668 • 5576531 • 5581707 • 5594231 • 5594441 •
5598070 • 5602376 • 5608201 • 5608399 • 5612529 • 5629510 • 5635699 • 5641958 • 5646391 • 5661435 • 5664231 • 5666045 • 5671374 •
5675138 • 5682028 • 5686716 • 5696370 • 5703347 • 5705802 • 5714750 • 5717194 • 5723852 • 5750976 • 5767502 • 5770847 • 5786581 •
5786585 • 5787103 • 5789732 • 5796222 • 5804809 • 5814803 • 5814804 • 5821721 • 5822343 • 5825009 • 5834708 • 5834750 • 5837983 •
5837988 • 5852286 • 5864129 • 5869827 • 5874722 • 5883370 • 5905249 • 5907147 • 5923023 • 5925868 • 5929421 • 5945670 • 5959284 •
5962838 • 5979769 • 6000619 • 6006991 • 6012639 • 6016135 • 6024284 • 6041374 • 6042012 • 6045044 • 6047889 • 6047894 • 6056198 •
6065676 • 6069696 • 6073849 • 6073851 • 6094288 • 6112993 • 6129279 • 6129282 • 6134039 • 6142376 • 6152368 • 6152372 • 6155488 •
6166375 • 6169614 • 6173894 • 6176429 • 6188500 • 6189784 • 6213397 • 6223986 • 6230975 • 6230976 • 6237852 • 6244510 • 6259545 •
6260763 • 6266175 • 6273336 • 6276605 • 6279829 • 6290134 • 6290135 • 6293467 • 6303927 • 6311895 • 6318634 • 6328216 • 6332576 •
6332577 • 6343741 • AU703547 • D312631 • D313590 • D320011 • D320012 • D323492 • D330707 • D330708 • D349109 • D350127 •
D350735 • D351149 • D351150 • D352936 • D352937 • D352938 • D352939 • D358588 • D361565 • D372234 • D374630 • D374869 • D375493
• D376357 • D377345 • D377346 • D377347 • D377348 • D388075 • D446524 • EP0256296 • EP0260155 • EP0260156 • EP0295936 •
EP0325469 • EP0349770 • EP0368254 • EP0442215 • EP0498366 • EP0531645 • EP0663643 • EP0698251 • GB2252333 • GB2284086 •
GB2301691 • GB2304954 • GB2307093 • GB2308267 • GB2308678 • GB2319103 • GB2333163 • GB2343079 • GB2344486 • GB2345568 •
GB2354340 • ISR107546 • ISR118507 • ISR118508 • JP1962823 • JP1971216 • JP2513442 • JP2732459 • JP2829331 • JP2953593 •
JP2964278 • MEX185552 • MEX187245 • RE37166 • Other Patents Pending
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page i Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
C
ONTENTS
Preface ............................................................................................... v
Overview ......................................................................................................................vi
Falcon Model Numbers ................................................................................................vi
Style Conventions .......................................................................................................viii
Document Conventions .......................................................................................viii
Keys and Keystroke Conventions .........................................................................viii
Chapter 1: Introduction to Falcon Portables ....................................... 1
Overview .......................................................................................................................2
Product Labeling and Safety Information ......................................................................2
Falcon Model 31X and 32X ....................................................................................2
Falcon Model 33X ..................................................................................................3
Falcon Model 34X ..................................................................................................4
Advisory Statement .................................................................................................4
Radio Frequency Interference .................................................................................5
Optional Accessories ......................................................................................................6
Integrated Laser Scanners ........................................................................................6
Falcon Dock ...........................................................................................................6
Falcon 4-Slot Dock .................................................................................................6
Vehicle Mount Powered Dock ................................................................................7
Portable Battery Charger .........................................................................................7
2314.book Page ii Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Index
Chapter 2: Falcon Basics .....................................................................9
Turning the Falcon On and Off ..................................................................................10
First-Time Use ......................................................................................................10
“Please Wait” Messages .........................................................................................10
Power Supplies ............................................................................................................11
Batteries .......................................................................................................................11
Replacement Batteries ...........................................................................................11
Low-Battery Warning ...........................................................................................12
Auto-Shutoff .........................................................................................................12
Replacing the Batteries ..........................................................................................12
Removing the Pistol Grip ............................................................................................18
Replacing the Pistol Grip with the Hand-Strap .....................................................19
The Serial Port ............................................................................................................20
The Falcon Applications ..............................................................................................20
Chapter 3: Falcon Keypads ................................................................21
Overview .....................................................................................................................22
Falcon 31x 41-Key Keypad ..........................................................................................23
Comparing Falcon 31x 41-Key Keypad and PC Keyboard ....................................23
Input Modes ........................................................................................................24
International Characters ........................................................................................26
Falcon 32x 57-Key Keypad ..........................................................................................27
Comparing Falcon 32x 57-Key Keypad with PC Keyboard ..................................27
Input Modes ........................................................................................................29
International Characters ........................................................................................29
Repeating Keystrokes ............................................................................................30
Falcon 33x/34x 25-Key Keypad ...................................................................................30
Comparing Falcon 25-Key Keypads with PC Keyboards .......................................31
Icons and Input Modes .........................................................................................32
Double Action Key Mode .....................................................................................33
Falcon 33x/34x 38-Key Keypad ...................................................................................34
Comparing Falcon 38-Key Keypads with PC Keyboards .......................................35
Icons and Input Modes .........................................................................................36
Double Action Key Mode .....................................................................................37
Double Strike Mode .............................................................................................37
Press and Wait Mode ............................................................................................37
International Characters ........................................................................................38
ii
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
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Falcon 34x 48-Key Keypad .........................................................................................39
Comparing Falcon 48-Key Keypads with PC Keyboards ......................................39
Icons and Input Modes ........................................................................................40
Repeating Keystrokes ............................................................................................41
Chapter 4: Falcon Viewport ...............................................................43
Overview .................................................................................................................... 44
Moving the Viewport Display ..................................................................................... 44
Falcon 31X ...........................................................................................................44
Falcon 32X ...........................................................................................................45
Falcon 33X and 34X ............................................................................................46
Adjusting the Contrast ................................................................................................ 48
Using the Backlight ..................................................................................................... 49
Index
Chapter 5: Using a Laser with the Falcon ..........................................51
Overview .................................................................................................................... 52
Laser Triggers ............................................................................................................. 52
The Laser Module ....................................................................................................... 53
Using the Long-Range Laser ....................................................................................... 54
Spot Beam Timeout Mode ...................................................................................54
Release Scan Mode ...............................................................................................55
Attaching a Bar Code Reader ......................................................................................55
Chapter 6: The Falcon Dock ...............................................................57
Overview .................................................................................................................... 58
Attaching the Falcon Dock to the Computer .............................................................. 59
The Power Adapter ..................................................................................................... 59
Using the Falcon Dock ............................................................................................... 60
Chapter 7: The Falcon Four-Slot Dock ...............................................63
About the Falcon 4-Slot Dock .................................................................................... 64
Front Panel .......................................................................................................... 64
Back Panel ............................................................................................................ 66
Installation .................................................................................................................. 67
Power Adapter ...................................................................................................... 67
Cables .................................................................................................................. 67
Connecting the Dock to the Host ........................................................................67
Creating a Dock Network ........................................................................................... 68
User’s Guide
iii
2314.book Page iv Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Index
Using the 4-Slot Dock .................................................................................................69
Charging a Falcon’s Batteries ................................................................................69
Transferring Data .................................................................................................69
Chapter 8: The Falcon Vehicle Mount Powered Dock .........................71
Overview .....................................................................................................................72
Power Supply ..............................................................................................................72
Fuse Replacement .................................................................................................73
Vehicle 12VDC Connection .................................................................................73
Installation ..................................................................................................................74
Mounting Bracket .................................................................................................75
Bottom Mounting Bracket ....................................................................................75
Custom Mounting Brackets ..................................................................................77
Using the Vehicle Mount Powered Dock ....................................................................77
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting, Care and Technical Support ..................81
Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................................82
Bar Codes .............................................................................................................82
Batteries ................................................................................................................82
Dock .....................................................................................................................83
Serial Communications .........................................................................................83
Care and Cleaning .......................................................................................................84
Technical Support .......................................................................................................84
Index ................................................................................................85
iv
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page v Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Preface
Overview ................................................................... vi
Falcon Model Numbers ............................................. vi
Style Conventions ...................................................viii
Document Conventions ......................................viii
Keys and Keystroke Conventions .........................viii
2314.book Page vi Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Preface
Overview
This book provides information about Falcon DOS portable data terminals for first-time users. The focus of this manual is:
• Basic use of the Falcon
• Entering data from the Falcon keypad
• Viewport panning and contrast
• Use of a laser to scan bar codes
• The Falcon Dock
• The Falcon 4-Slot Dock
• The Falcon Vehicle Mount Powered Dock
For additional information about Falcon DOS portable data terminals,
including instructions on transferring files from a Falcon to a PC, refer to
the Falcon DOS Portable Data Terminals Advanced User’s Guide.
Falcon Model Numbers
Falcon DOS portable data terminals are handheld computers designed for
data collection. The product title,
portable models identified in
Where information in this manual applies only to specific models, those
models are clearly identified by the model icon as shown in the first column of
The Falcon DOS portable line includes 8-line and 16-line models. Both
the 8-line and the 16-line Falcon models are available in batch and wireless (radio frequency, or RF) configurations. Wireless models provide
instant communication of data between the unit and a host computer.
Tab le 1.
Falcon, refers to any or all of the DOS
Table 1 on page vii.
vi
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page vii Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Model Numbers
Table 1.
Falcon Portable Models
Model
Model
Number
310
315
320
325
330
335
340
345
8-Line
Display
16-Line
Display
Batch
Portable
RF
Portable
The 31X icon refers to both the Falcon 310 and the Falcon 315. As Tab le 1
notes, the Falcon
RF portable model. On the cover of this manual, the Falcon
sented by the Falcon
310 is a batch portable model and the Falcon 315 is an
31X is repre-
315, in the lower left corner, with an 8-line display
screen.
32X icon refers to both the Falcon 320 and the Falcon 325. As Tabl e 1
The
notes, the Falcon
RF portable model. The Falcon
the Falcon
33X. These models are often grouped together throughout this
manual. On the cover of this manual, the Falcon
Falcon
The
on page vii notes, the Falcon 330 is a batch portable model and the Falcon
325, second from the upper left, with a 16-line display screen.
33X icon refers to both the Falcon 330 and the Falcon 335. As Tab le 1
320 is a batch portable model and the Falcon 325 is an
32X has many features in common with
32X is represented by the
335 is an RF portable model. The Falcon 33X model has many features in
common with the Falcon
con
330 portable is the smaller, ergonomic model shown in the upper right
32X model. On the cover of this manual, the Fal-
corner of the grouping.
User’s Guide
vii
2314.book Page viii Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Preface
The 34X icon refers to both the Falcon 340 and the Falcon 345. As Ta bl e 1
on page vii notes, the Falcon 340 is a batch portable model and the Falcon
345 is an RF portable model. The Falcon 34X introduces the pistol grip.
This model operates in every other way identically to the Falcon
the cover of this manual, the Falcon
grip, shown in the lower right corner of the grouping.
Style Conventions
Document Conventions
Formatting conventions are used throughout this guide as a method of
providing consistency for notes, cautions, and warnings.
33X. On
340 portable is the one with the pistol
Notes appear throughout the manual to provide additional information on a
topic, including technical details, exceptions to instructions and other pertinent information. These notes are identified by the notepad symbol to the
left.
NOTE
Cautions appear when there is information that could potentially cause the
system to operate incorrectly.
CAUTION
Keys and Keystroke Conventions
Portable keys and keystroke conventions are used throughout this manual
to identify the difference between a key on the portable and keystrokes
input by the user. Brackets such as: “
Portable. Data or keystrokes entered by the user are printed in a mono-
spaced typeface.
<Scan>” indicate a key on the Falcon
viii
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 1 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
1
Introduction to
Falcon Portables
Overview .................................................................... 2
Product Labeling and Safety Information ................. 2
Falcon Model 31X and 32X ................................... 2
Falcon Model 33X .................................................. 3
Falcon Model 34X .................................................. 4
Advisory Statement ................................................4
Radio Frequency Interference ................................. 5
Optional Accessories .................................................. 6
Integrated Laser Scanners ....................................... 6
Falcon Dock ........................................................... 6
Falcon 4-Slot Dock ................................................. 6
Vehicle Mount Powered Dock ................................ 7
Portable Battery Charger ........................................ 7
2314.book Page 2 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Introduction to Falcon Portables
Overview
This chapter provides an introduction to Falcon DOS portable data terminals. It provides the following information:
• Product labels
• Product safety information
• Falcon accessories
Product Labeling and Safety Information
Falcon Model 31X and 32X
Figure 1. Back View of a Falcon Model 31x and Labels
2
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 3 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Model 33X
Figure 2. Back View of a Falcon Model 33x and Labels
AVOID EXPO SURE
LASER LIGHT IS EMM ITED
FRO M TH IS A PERTURE
LASER LIG HT - D O NO T STA RE INTO BEA M
CLA SS 2 LA SER PRODU CT.
1mw-680nm-100sec. IEC 825-1:1993/
EN 6 0 8 2 5 - 1 : 19 9 4
THIS EQUIPMENT CO M PLIES W ITH PART 15 O F THE FCC RULES.
OPERATIO N IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOW IN G TW O CO NDITIO N S:
(1) THIS DEVICE MA Y NO T CA USE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE,
AN D (2) THIS DEVICE MUST A CCEPT ANY IN TERFERENCE
RECEIVED IN CLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MA Y CAU SE
UNDESIRED OPERATION.
AVO ID EXPO SU RE
LASER LIGHT I S EMM ITED
FROM THIS APERTURE
LASER LIGHT - DO NO T STA RE IN TO BEAM
CLASS 2 LA SER PRODUC T.
1mw- 6 8 0 n m- 10 0 se c . I EC 8 2 5 - 1: 19 9 3 /
EN60825 - 1 : 1994
THIS EQ UI PM EN T CO M PLI ES W I TH PA RT 15 O F TH E FCC RU LES.
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOW ING TWO CON DITION S:
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE,
AND (2 ) T HIS DEV IC E MU ST A CC EPT A N Y I N TERFERENC E
RECEIVED INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CA USE
UNDESIRED OPERATION.
Product Labeling and Safety Information
User’s Guide
3
2314.book Page 4 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Introduction to Falcon Portables
Falcon Model 34X
Figure 3. Back View of a Falcon Model 33x/34x
Advisory Statement
Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous visible or invisible laser light exposure.
CAUTION
4
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 5 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Radio Frequency Interference
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A est confirme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.
Product Labeling and Safety Information
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with these instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
User’s Guide
5
Introduction to Falcon Portables
Optional Accessories
Integrated Laser Scanners
Some Falcon models contain integrated laser scanners, which provide
high-performance bar code reading capabilities. Models without integrated lasers accept input from most industry-standard bar code readers.
Falcon Dock
The Falcon Dock is the docking station for
models. The primary uses for the dock are:
• Recharging the Falcon’s NiCD or NiMH battery pack.
• Providing a connection for serial communications between the Fal-
con and the host computer.
Refer to
Docks.
The dock for Falcon models
to provide nearly transparent full duplex serial communications between
the Falcon and the host computer.
For more information on serial communications in the Falcon
34X
, refer to the Falcon DOS Portable Terminals Advanced User’s
Guide.
Falcon 4-Slot Dock
31X
and
32X
batch Falcon
The Falcon Dock, on page 57 for more information about Falcon
33X
and
34X
uses a dual IR/hardwire interface
33X
and
The Falcon 4-Slot Dock provides battery recharging and serial communications for up to four Falcon
Refer to
the Falcon 4-Slot Dock.
6
31X
and
32X
batch portables at a time.
The Falcon Four-Slot Dock, on page 63 for more information about
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
Vehicle Mount Powered Dock
The Vehicle Mount Powered Dock is designed for road vehicles such as
step vans or semi tractors and forklifts using the optional mounting
bracket. The mounting configuration is flexible to respond to the variety
of vehicle configurations and personal driver preferences. The Vehicle
Mount Powered Dock functions with Falcon models
an integrated laser. Falcon models
work on the Vehicle Mount Powered Dock.
Optional Accessories
32X
with or without
31X
without an integrated laser will also
Refer to
The Falcon Vehicle Mount Powered Dock, on page 71 for more
information about the Falcon Vehicle Mount Powered Dock.
Portable Battery Charger
When not using a Falcon Dock or a Falcon 4-Slot Dock, the optional portable battery charger can be used to recharge the Falcon’s batteries.
Rechargeable batteries that have lost all power can be fully recharged in
about 2 hours.
Talk to a PSC representative to order a portable battery charger for the
Falcon.
User’s Guide
7
2314.book Page 8 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Introduction to Falcon Portables
NOTES
8
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 9 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
2
Falcon Basics
Turning the Falcon On and Off ............................... 12
First-Time Use .....................................................12
“Please Wait” Messages ......................................... 12
Power Supplies ......................................................... 13
Batteries ................................................................... 13
Replacement Batteries ..........................................13
Low-Battery Warning ........................................... 14
Auto-Shutoff ........................................................ 14
Replacing the Batteries ......................................... 14
Removing the Pistol Grip ........................................ 20
Replacing the Pistol Grip with the Hand-Strap .... 21
The Serial Port ......................................................... 22
The Falcon Applications .......................................... 22
2314.book Page 10 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Basics
Turning the Falcon On and Off
Press the <Power> key to turn the unit on or off.
First-Time Use
The first time the Falcon is turned on, this message may appear:
The message appears with normal operation and does not indicate a problem. Press the
This message will also appear when new or recharged batteries are placed in
the unit after the backup battery has been drained.
•The
<Power> key ( ) for Falcon models 31X and 32X is located
at the top left of the keypad.
•The
<Power> key ( ) for Falcon models 33X and 34X is located
at the bottom left of the keypad.
Initial power-up or
critical data loss.
Drive D formatted.
Press any key...
<ENTER> key to continue booting up.
“Please Wait” Messages
The Falcon performs the operations specified by the type of PC card
installed.
• During these operations, the unit displays a message in reverse video
indicating that it is powering on or off.
• When turning the unit on, wait until the message disappears before
using the unit.
• When turning the unit off, to replace the batteries, wait until the
message disappears before removing the batteries.
10
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 11 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Power Supplies
Use only PSC power supplies approved for the Falcon DOS Portable Data
Ter m inal
Refer to page 59 for more information on the Falcon Power Adaptor.
Batteries
Electrical Rating
NiCD or NiMH batteries = 3.6 VDC /1600mAh or three AA alkaline.
Power Supplies
Battery Disposal
NiCD, NiMH, and Li batteries are recyclable so they can be disposed
through a recycling center.
Replacement Batteries
Falcon batteries are available in rechargeable, easy-to-replace nickel cadmium (NiCD) or nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery packs.
• Falcon models
battery packs, or NiMH battery packs.
• For Falcon models
mended.
• For Falcon models
are recommended. Individual alkaline batteries are not compatible
with these models.
The Falcon also has a built-in lithium backup battery that temporarily
saves data when the replaceable batteries lose their charge. The lithium
backup battery is not accessible by the user.
31X use three standard AA alkaline batteries, NiCD
32X, only NiMH battery packs are recom-
33X and 34X models, only NiMH battery packs
A battery icon, shown at the left, is displayed at the top right corner of the
viewport when the Falcon models
charged battery.
User’s Guide
32X, 33X, and 34X are running with a
11
2314.book Page 12 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Basics
Low-Battery Warning
When the batteries have lost most of their charge, an empty battery icon
appears at the top right corner of the Falcon screen. Refer to the icons on
the left for the specific icon for each model.
• The Falcon also can be programmed to emit a beep at intervals
when the battery is low.
• The backup battery will protect all data in memory while the other
batteries are out of the unit.
After recharging or replacing the batteries and turning the Falcon back on,
the unit will return to the application operating when it was turned off.
Auto-Shutoff
The Falcon has an automatic-shutoff feature that helps conserve battery
life while not in use.
• When a specified amount of time has passed since a key or a trigger
has been pressed, the Falcon turns itself off.
• All data in memory is maintained.
• Press the power button to turn the unit back on.
Replacing the Batteries
When the empty-battery icon appears or the warning beep is heard, turn
off the Falcon and recharge or replace the batteries as soon as possible.
Replaceable batteries are located in a compartment in the back of the Falcon. Refer to
17 for diagrams of the different Falcon models.
Figure 4 on page 13, Figure 5 on page 15, and Figure 6 on page
Turn the Falcon portable off before changing the batteries. Removing batteries while the unit is turned on can result in the loss of stored data.
CAUTION
12
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 13 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Models 31x and 32x
To replace the batteries for Falcon models 31X and 32X, complete the fol-
lowing steps:
1. Turn the Falcon off.
Figure 4. Back View of Falcon Models 31x and 32x
Battery-compartment cover
Ta b
Battery Pack
PSC
00-862-00
NiCD BATTERY
E9642W
Batteries
+
NiCD Battery
Pack Label
Strap-hook holders
Serial Port
2. Detach the elastic hand-strap on the back of the Falcon by pulling
its hook out of the holder near the base.
3. Firmly press the tab on the battery-compartment cover up until the
cover is released from the body of the unit.
• A symbol on the body indicates the direction in which to press
the tab.
4. Pull the end of the exposed plastic ribbon in the battery compartment until the batteries pop out.
5. Lay the plastic ribbon along the bottom of the battery compartment
User’s Guide
with the end sticking out.
13
2314.book Page 14 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Basics
6. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) symbols on the NiCD or
NiMH Battery Pack’s
label.
•For
Alkaline Batteries, insert in the positions indicated by the
diagram inside the compartment. Skip steps 7– 8.
7. With the label side out, tilt the
positive end of the pack into the
upper end of the battery compartment.
8. Firmly press the
negative end until it is fully inserted into the bat-
tery compartment.
9. Place the plastic ribbon underneath the battery-compartment cover.
10. Replace the battery-compartment cover by sliding it into place.
11. Replace the hand-strap hook in its holder.
The Falcon 32X will not function unless the battery-compartment cover is in
place and securely latched.
Falcon models 33x
To replace the batteries for Falcon models 33X, complete the following
steps:
1. Turn the Falcon off.
2. Detach the elastic hand strap on the back of the Falcon by releasing
its hook from the hand-strap connector at the base of the unit.
3. Turn the dial counter-clockwise to release the battery compartment
cover.
4. Pull the end of the exposed plastic ribbon in the battery compartment until the batteries pop out.
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Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 15 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Figure 5. Back View of Falcon Model 33x
Batteries
Dial
Upper Hand -Strap Holder
Hand Strap
NiMH Battery Pack
Battery
compartment
cover
Plastic Ribbon
IR Port
Lower Hand Strap connections
5. Lay the plastic ribbon along the bottom of the battery compartment
with the end sticking out.
6. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) symbols on the
Pack’s
label.
NiMH Battery
7. With the label side out, tilt the positive end of the pack into the
upper end of the battery compartment.
8. Firmly press the negative end until it is fully inserted into the bat-
tery compartment.
9. Place the plastic ribbon underneath the battery-compartment cover.
10. Replace the battery-compartment cover by inserting the bottom tab
into the slot and rotating the cover latch in a clockwise direction.
11. Replace the hand-strap hook on the connector at the base of the
unit.
User’s Guide
15
2314.book Page 16 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Basics
The Falcon 32X will not function unless the battery-compartment cover is in
place and securely latched.
The battery pack should not be replaced in a dirty or harsh environment.
When the battery compartment cover is off, dust or moisture can potentially
cause damage. Falcon models 33x and 34x will not function unless the battery-compartment cover is in place and securely latched.
Falcon Models 34x
To replace the batteries for Falcon model 34X, complete the following
steps:
1. Turn the Falcon off.
2. If using the hand-strap rather than the pistol grip, detach the elastic
hand-strap by releasing its hook from the hand-strap connector at
the base of the unit.
3. Turn the cover latch dials to release the battery compartment cover.
Refer to
Figure 7 on page 18 for the location of the dials.
• Using the lever, turn the left dial clockwise.
• Using the lever, turn the right dial counter-clockwise.
4. Pull the end of the exposed plastic ribbon in the battery compartment until the batteries pop out.
5. Lay the plastic ribbon along the bottom of the battery compartment
with the end sticking out.
6. Find the positive (+) and negative (-) symbols on the
Pack’s
label.
NiMH Battery
7. With the label side out, tilt the positive end of the pack into the
upper end of the battery compartment.
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Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 17 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Figure 6. Back View of Falcon model 34x
Batteries
Dials
Pistol Grip
Trigger
NiMH Battery Pack
Lower Hand Strap connections
Battery
compartment
cover
IR Port
8. Firmly press the negative end until it is fully inserted into the bat-
tery compartment.
9. Place the plastic ribbon underneath the battery-compartment cover.
10. Replace the battery-compartment cover by inserting the bottom tab
into the slot.
11. Rotate the latch dial levers on the battery compartment cover
towards the base of the unit. Refer to
Figure 7 on page 18.
• Using the lever, turn the left dial counter-clockwise.
• Using the lever, turn the right dial clockwise.
12. If using the hand-strap rather than the pistol grip, replace the hand-
strap hook on the connector at the base of the unit.
User’s Guide
17
2314.book Page 18 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Basics
The Falcon 34X will not function unless the battery-compartment cover is in
place and securely latched.
Removing the Pistol Grip
The pistol grip on the Falcon 34X is removable.
Figure 7. Removing the Pistol Grip on a Falcon Model 34x
Trigger
Pistol Grip
Screws
Washers
Battery
Cover Dials
Battery Cover
Protective
Diaphragm
18
Laser
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
2314.book Page 19 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
To remove the pistol grip on the Falcon 34X (refer to Figure 7 on page 18)
complete the following steps:
1. Turn the Falcon off.
2. Remove the screws located just above the battery cover’s latch dials.
3. Grasp the pistol grip and lift the grip out of its seat on the Falcon.
Replacing the Pistol Grip with the Hand-Strap
To replace the pistol grip on the Falcon 34X with its hand-strap (refer to
Figure 8 on page 19) complete the following steps:
1. Insert the top tab of the hand-strap cover into the slot at the top of
Removing the Pistol Grip
the pistol grip recess.
Figure 8. Replacing the Pistol Grip with a Hand-Strap
Screws
Washers
Pistol Grip Cover
Battery Cover
Hand Strap Clip
Hand Strap
Dials
User’s Guide
Laser
19
2314.book Page 20 Friday, July 12, 2002 1:42 PM
Falcon Basics
2. Replace the screws located just above the battery cover’s latch dials.
3. Connect the hand-strap hook onto its connector at the base of the
Falcon unit.
The Serial Port
The Falcon models 31X and 32X have a port for serial communications
with a PC. The port is located at the base of the Falcon unit (refer to
ure 9). Designated as COM1, it is a 10-pin telephone-style jack providing
a standard RS-232 connection.
When the Falcon is connected with a serial cable, the port allows communications with a host computer or any serial device, such as a printer or
modem. The serial port also provides a connection for communications
and battery recharging in the Falcon Dock and Falcon 4-Slot Dock.
Fig-
Figure 9. The Serial Port on the Falcon 31X and 32X
The Falcon Applications
When shipped from the factory, every Falcon unit is programmed with
several applications collectively known as PAL2. If the Falcon has been
customized, it may be programmed with other (or additional) applications.
For information on using PAL2, see the Falcon Portable Applications
Library User’s Guide. When using another application, contact the system administrator for instructions.
20
Falcon® DOS Portable Terminals
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