Symbol VCD88000 Quick Reference

VCD8800

Vehicle Cradle

VCD8800

© 2003-2004 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. All rights reserved.
Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any product to improve reliability,

function, or design.
Symbol does not assume any product liability arising out of, or in connection with, the

application or use of any product, circuit, or application described herein.
No license is granted, either expressly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise under

any patent right or patent, covering or relating to any combination, system,
apparatus, machine, material, method, or process in which Symbol products might
be used. An implied license only exists for equipment, circuits, and subsystems
contained in Symbol products.

Symbol and the Symbol logo are registered trademarks of Symbol T echnologies, Inc.
Other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, N.Y. 11742-1300

http://www.symbol.com

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. and foreign Patents:
U.S. Patent No. 4,593,186; 4,603,262; 4,607,156; 4,652,750; 4,673,805; 4,736,095;
4,758,717; 4,760,248; 4,806,742; 4,816,660; 4,845,350; 4,896,026; 4,897,532; 4,923,281;
4,933,538; 4,992,717; 5,015,833; 5,017,765; 5,021,641; 5,029,183; 5,047,617; 5,103,461;
5,113,445; 5,130,520; 5,140,144; 5,142,550; 5,149,950; 5,157,687; 5,168,148; 5,168,149;
5,180,904; 5,216,232; 5,229,591; 5,230,088; 5,235,167; 5,243,655; 5,247,162; 5,250,791;
5,250,792; 5,260,553; 5,262,627; 5,262,628; 5,266,787; 5,278,398; 5,280,162; 5,280,163;
5,280,164; 5,280,498; 5,304,786; 5,304,788; 5,306,900; 5,324,924; 5,337,361; 5,367,151;
5,373,148; 5,378,882; 5,396,053; 5,396,055; 5,399,846; 5,408,081; 5,410,139; 5,410,140;
5,412,198; 5,418,812; 5,420,411; 5,436,440; 5,444,231; 5,449,891; 5,449,893; 5,468,949;
5,471,042; 5,478,998; 5,479,000; 5,479,002; 5,479,441; 5,504,322; 5,519,577; 5,528,621;
5,532,469; 5,543,610; 5,545,889; 5,552,592; 5,557,093; 5,578,810; 5,581,070; 5,589,679;
5,589,680; 5,608,202; 5,612,531; 5,619,028; 5,627,359; 5,637,852; 5,664,229; 5,668,803;
5,675,139; 5,693,929; 5,698,835; 5,705,800; 5,714,746; 5,723,851; 5,734,152; 5,734,153;
5,742,043; 5,745,794; 5,754,587; 5,762,516; 5,763,863; 5,767,500; 5,789,728; 5,789,731;
5,808,287; 5,811,785; 5,811,787; 5,815,81 1; 5,821,519; 5,821,520; 5,823,812; 5,828,050;
5,848,064; 5,850,078; 5,861,615; 5,874,720; 5,875,415; 5,900,617; 5,902,989; 5,907,146;
5,912,450; 5,914,478; 5,917,173; 5,920,059; 5,923,025; 5,929,420; 5,945,658; 5,945,659;
5,946,194; 5,959,285; 6,002,918; 6,021,947; 6,029,894; 6,031,830; 6,036,098; 6,047,892;
6,050,491; 6,053,413; 6,056,200; 6,065,678; 6,067,297; 6,082,621; 6,084,528; 6,088,482;
6,092,725; 6,101,483; 6,102,293; 6,104,620; 6,114,712; 6,1 15, 678; 6,119,944; 6,123,265;
6,131,814; 6,138,180; 6,142,379; 6,172,478; 6,176,428; 6,178,426; 6,186,400; 6,188,681;
6,209,788; 6,209,789; 6,216,951; 6,220,514; 6,243,447; 6,244,513; 6,247,647; 6,308,061;
6,250,551; 6,295,031; 6,308,061; 6,308,892; 6,321,990; 6,328,213; 6,330,244; 6,336,587;
6,340,114; 6,340,115; 6,340,119; 6,348,773; 6,380,949; 6,394,355; D305,885; D341,584;
D344,501; D359,483; D362,453; D363,700; D363,918; D370,478; D383,124; D391,250;
D405,077; D406,581; D414,171; D414,172; D418,500; D419,548; D423,468; D424,035;
D430,158; D430,159; D431,562; D436,104.
Invention No. 55,358; 62,539; 69,060; 69,187, NI-068564 (T aiwan); No. 1,601,796; 1,907,875;
1,955,269 (Japan); European Patent 367,299; 414,281; 367,300; 367,298; UK 2,072,832;
France 81/03938; Italy 1,138,713
rev. 06/02

Quick Reference

Introduction

This guide describes how to install and use a VCD 8800 vehicle
cradle with a Symbol PPT 8800 Series terminal.

The VCD 8800 should be installed into the cab of your vehicle.
Once installed, the cradle holds a terminal securely in place. It
also:

• provides power for operating the terminal.

• provides a serial port for data communication between a
terminal and an external device (e.g., a printer).

• re-charges the terminal’s battery

• re-charges a spare battery.

The cradle is powere d by the vehicle’s 12 or 24V electrical sys tem.
The operating volt age range is 9V to 32V and require s a maximum
current of 7A.

About This Guide

Specific topics in this guide include:

• Requirements on page 2

• Parts on page 3

• Mounting the Cradle on page 5

• Power Connection on page 6

• Serial Device Connection on page 9

• Terminal Insertion and Removal on page 10

• Terminal Battery Charging on page 12

• Spare Battery Insertion and Removal on page 12

• Spare Battery Charging on page 14

• LED Indicators on page 14

• Care and Cleaning on page 14

• Troubleshooting on page 15

• Regulatory Information on page 16

• Service Information on backcover.

1

VCD8800

For detailed informat ion on PPT 8800 Seri es terminals, refer to the

PPT 8800 with Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PCs
Quick Reference Guide (p/n 72-63153-xx), PPT 8800 with
Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PCs Product
Reference Guide (p/n 72-631 54-x x) , PPT 8800 Series with
Windows Embedded CE .NET Quick Reference Guide (p/n 72-
58093-xx), or PP T 8800 Series with Windows Embedde d CE .NET
Product Reference Guide (p/n 72-58094-xx).

Requirements

• for mounting

- four #8-32 self-locking nuts

- four #8 washers

- a drill with a #6 drill bit (.204”)

• for power connection

- power input cable (included)

- UL Listed in-line fuse rated 250V, 10A (included), must
be used if not connecting to vehicle’s fuse panel

- in-line fuse holder (included), must be used if not con­necting to vehicle’s fuse panel

• for serial connection

- DB9 female serial cable
(some devices may require null modem)

• for communication

- a PPT 8800 Series terminal

- setup of host computer and terminal (as determined by
the application you are using).

2

Parts

FRONT

Quick Reference

Spare

battery slot

Standard

capacity battery

insert

Terminal

slot

Terminal battery

charging LED

Battery
release lever

Terminal
release button

Spare battery
charging LED

BOTTOM

Serial

port

Power
port

3

VCD8800

There are two connection ports on the bottom of the cradle:

Ports Function

Serial Standard RS 232 port used for direct connection to your serial de-

Power Used for connecting to vehicle power using the power input cable.

vice using a serial cable.

Caution: ROAD SAFETY - Don't use the terminal while driving.

Park the vehicle first. Always ensu re the terminal is fully
inserted into the cradle. Do not place it on the seat or
where it can break loose in a collision or sudden stop.
Lack of proper inse rtion may result in property da mage
or personal injury. Symbol Technologies, Inc. is not re­sponsible for any loss resulting from the use of the
products while driving. Remem ber: Safety comes firs t.

4

Quick Reference

Mounting the Cradle

1. Select a mounting location for the cradle. It should be flat,
and must provide adequate support for the unit.

2. Prepare the mounting surface to accept f our #8-32 studs,
using the mounting template below. You need to drill four
holes with a #6 drill bit.

1.2”

1.5”

3. Position the cradle on the mounting surface.

4. Fasten it using four #8 washers and four #8-32 self-locking
nuts.

Caution: Do not instal l a VCD 880 0 V ehicle C radle on or near an

air bag cover plate or within an aerobic zone. Also, do
not install it in a location that affects vehicle safety or
driveability.

5

VCD8800

Power Connection

Please read all of these instructions before you begin.

WARNING

A properly trained technician must perform the power con­nection. Improper connection can damage your vehicle or
the cradle.

To connect the cradle to powe r:

Caution: When setting up co nnection for this cr adle, only use the

power input cable provided with this cradle.

1. Locate your vehicle power source.
Note: The ideal location for connecting the vehicle cradle

power input cable would be an accessory output in
your vehicle’ s fuse panel . The vehicle c radle should be
added to a circuit with a maximum load cap acity for the
cradle and the original circuit. Refer to the vehicle’s
Owner’s Manual for identification of the circuit.
If a fused output is not available, the vehicle cradle
must be installed with the prov id ed in-l ine fuse hol der
and UL Listed 10A fuse. Th e fus e pro tec t s th e ve hic le
from an electrical sh ort on the po wer line to th e cradle.
To use the cradle to charge the terminal and spare
battery, when the vehicle’s ignition is off, connect the
cradle to unswitched power.

2. Route the power input cable from the cradle’s power port to

the connection point for your vehicle’s power source.

Caution: The means of routing and secur ing the p ower in put ca-

ble from the cradle throug h to the vehicle p ower source
is extremely important. Hazards associated with im-

6

Quick Reference

proper wiring can be severe. To avoid unintentional
contact between the w ire and any sharp edges, provide
the cable with proper bushings and clamping where it
passes through openings. If the wire is subjected to
sharp surfaces and e xcess engi ne vibrati on, the w iring
harness insulation can wear away, causing a short be­tween the bare wire and chassis. This can start a fire.
T o avoi d any mishap s, all wiring shoul d be routed away
from moving parts, high temp erature areas and any
contaminants.

7

Shield Wire

Ground Wire

(black)

10A Fuse and

Fuse Holder

VCD8800

(bare wire)

V+ Power
(red)

3. When using the supplied in-line fuse holder (which must be

used if not connecting to vehicle’s fuse panel):
a. Make sure the fuse holder contains a 10A UL Listed

slow-blow fuse.

b. Splice the fuse holder to the end of the red V+ wire, as

shown above. Make the distance from the fuse to the
power connection point as short as poss ible.

4. Prepare the cable termination.

8

Quick Reference

a. Red wire: connect to a +12/24 V vehicle power source.
b. Black wire and Shield wire: connect to vehicle ground

wire or chassis ground.

Note: How the cable terminates depends on your vehicle. If

your vehicle has a power output connector, then you
must attach a ma ting connector to the en d of the power
cable. You may be able to connec t to a fuse pane l with
a simple blade terminal or commercially available
connector. Consult your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for
information on how to access your vehicles power
supply.

5. Connect the power input cable into the power port on the
cradle.

To see if the cradle has power, insert the terminal. The terminal
battery charging LED turns s olid red to indicate chargin g and turns
solid green when the battery is completely charged. See LED

Indicators on page 14 for other indications.

Serial Device Connection

The terminal has a se rial port on
the bottom. When you insert the
terminal into the cradle, it
connects to the cradle’s serial
port. The terminal can then use
the cradle’s serial port to
communicate with an external
device.

T o provide serial communications
between a terminal and a serial
device, connect o ne en d of th e 9­pin serial cable into the serial port

T o serial port of

serial device

9

VCD8800

al

on your cradle, and the oth er end into the serial port on your serial
device.

Note: Some devices may require a null modem serial cable.

To begin communication:

1. Insert the terminal into the cradle.

2. To initiate communication, make appropriate selections on
the terminal, as determined by the application you’re using.

Caution: Removing a terminal during data communication will

disrupt communication betwe en the termin al and the
attached device.

Terminal Insertion and Removal

Note: The vehicle cradle su pports the ins ertion and chargin g

of both a terminal with the standard capacity battery
and a terminal with the larger capacity battery in the
terminal slot.

To insert the terminal into the cradle:

10

Termin
release
button

Quick Reference

To ensure the terminal has been inserted correctly, listen for the
audible click that signifies that the locking mechanism has been
enabled and the terminal has been locked into place. It should
click into place, held by the terminal release button.

Caution: Ensure that the terminal is full y inserted into the cradle.

Lack of proper ins ertion may re sult in prope rty damage
or personal injury. Symbol Technologies, Inc. is not re­sponsible for any loss resulting from the use of the
products while driving.

To remove the terminal from the cradle, w hile hol ding the term inal
release button back, lift and remove the terminal from the cradle.

Terminal
release
button

11

VCD8800

Terminal Battery Charging

1. Ensure the cradle is connected to a power source. See

Power Connection on page 6.

2. Insert the terminal into the cradle. See T erminal Insertio n and

Removal on page 10.

The terminal starts to charge through the cradle as soon as you
insert it. This does not deplete the vehicle battery significantly.

The terminal battery charging LED turns solid red to indicate
charging and turns solid green when the battery is completely
charged. The standard capacity battery usually charges in 2 1/2
hours and the larger cap acity battery usually charges in five hours .
See LED Indicators on page 14 for other indications.

Spa re Ba t te ry In sertion and Removal

Note: The vehicle cradle su pports the ins ertion and chargin g

of both the standard capacity battery and the larger
capacity battery in the spare battery slot.

To insert a spare battery:

1. Only for the larger capacity battery: if present, remove the
standard capacity bat tery insert (see Parts on page 3 for the
location of this insert).

Standard

Capacity Battery

Insert

12

Quick Reference

2. Position the spare battery in the spare battery charging slot
in the cradle with the charging contacts facing down and to
the rear of the cradle.

Slide the battery into the spare batte ry slo t .

3.

Battery
release
lever

4. Push the battery in until the batt ery releas e lever mo ves into
place.

To ensure the battery has been inserted correctly, listen for the
audible click that signifies that the locking mechanism has been
enabled and the ba ttery has been locked into pla ce. It should click
into place, held by the battery release lever.

To remove a spare battery, while holding th e batte ry rele ase l ever
back, lift and remove the battery from the spare battery slot.

13

VCD8800

Spare Battery Charging

1. Ensure the cradle is connected to a power source. See

Power Connection on page 6.

2. Insert the spare battery into the cradle. See Spare Battery

Insertion and Removal on page 12.

The spare battery charging LED turns solid red to indicate
charging and turns solid green when the battery is completely
charged. The standard capacity battery usually charges in 2 1/2
hours and the larger cap acity battery usually charges in five hours .
See LED Indicators on page 14 for other indications.

LED Indicators

LED Indication

Terminal Battery Charging (LED is on cradle)

Off T erminal not in cradle; terminal not placed correctly;

Blinking Red Error in charging; check placement of terminal.
Solid Red Terminal is charging.
Solid Green Charging complete.

Spare Battery Charging (LED is on cradle)

Off No sp are batt ery in slot; sp are ba tter y not p laced cor-

Blinking Red Error in charging; check placement of spare battery.
Solid Red Spare battery is charging.
Solid Green Charging complete.

cradle is not powered.

rectly; cradle is not powered.

Care and Cleaning

Avoid getting oils , grea se o r gas oline on the c rad le, a nd do not let
debris gather in the bottom of the cradle slot. When necessary,
clean the cradle with a m ild cleane r . If you ar e not su re whether or
not to use a particular cleaner, contact Symbol for advice.

14

Quick Reference

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Action

Terminal battery
charging LED does
not light up.

Terminal’s batt e ry
is not recharging.

No data was trans­mitted, or transmit­ted data was
incomplete.

Cradle is not re­ceiving power.

Te rm i nal was re­moved from the
cradle too soon.

Battery is faulty. Replace the battery.
Te rm i nal has not

been placed cor­rectly in the cradle.

Te rm i nal rem ove d
from cradle during
communications.

No null modem ca­ble was used.

Incorrect cable
configuration.

Make sure the Power Input cable is se­curely connected to the cradle’s Power
Port.

Replace the terminal in the cradle; you
may have removed it before it was re­charged. If a terminal’s battery pack is
fully depleted, it can take 2 1/2 hours to
fully recharge a standard capacity bat­tery and five hours for a larger capacity
battery.

Remove the terminal from the cradle,
and re-insert correctly. If the battery still
does not charge, contact Customer
Support.
The terminal battery charging LED
turns solid red when the terminal has
been correctly inserted and is charging.

Replace te rm in al in c r adl e an d re tra ns ­mit.

Some external devices require a null
modem cable. Retransmit using a null
modem cable.

See your system administrator.

15

VCD8800

Regulatory Information

All Symbol devices are designed to be compliant with rules and regulations in
locations they are sold and will be labeled as required.

Any changes or modifications to Symbol Technologies equipment, n ot expressly
approved by Symbol Technologies, could void the user's authority to operate the
equipment.

Radio Frequency Interference Requirements

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with

Tested to comply
with FCC Standards

FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE

radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
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 harmful 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 t h e eq ui pm en t in t o an o u tle t o n a ci r cui t d ifferent from that to w h ic h t he

receiver is connected

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Radio Frequency Interference Requirements - FCC

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.

Radio Frequency Interference Requirements - Canada

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Marking and European Economic Area (EEA)

Statement of Compliance

Symbol Technologies, Inc., hereby declares that this device is in
compliance with all the applicable Directives, 89/336/EEC, 73/23/EEC,95/
54/EEC. A Declaration of Conformity may be obtained from
http://www2.symbol.com/doc/

the limits for a Class B 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

16

Quick Reference

Warranty

(A) Warranty Symbol Technologies (hereafte r “Seller”) hardware Products are warranted ag ainst defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of t hree (3) months from the date of shipment, unles s ot herwise
provided by Seller in writing, provided the Product remains unm odified and is operated under normal and
proper conditions. Warranty provisions and du rations on software, integrated installed syste m s , P r oduct
modified or designed to meet specific customer specifications (“Custom Products”), remanufactured
products, and recondit ioned or upgraded pr oducts, shall be as provid ed in the applicable Product
specification in effect at th e t im e of purchase or in the acco m panying software licen se .

(B) Spare Parts Spare parts (i.e. parts, components, or subassemblies sold by Seller for use in the service
and maintenance of Products) are warranted against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of
thirty (30) days from th e date of shipment. Spare parts may b e new or originate from ret urned units under
the conditions set fort h in subsection D below.

(C) Repair of Symbol-branded hardware For repairs on Symbol-branded hardw are Products under th is
Agreement, includ ing repairs covered by warranty, the repair services provide d are warranted against
defects in workmanship and materials on the repaired component of th e Product for a period of th irt y (30)
days from the shipment date of the repaired Product, or until the end o f the original warranty pe riod,
whichever is longer.

(D) Product Service Products may be serviced or manufactured with parts, components, or subassemblies
that originate from returned products and that have been tested as meeting applicable specifications for
equivalent new material and Products. The sole obligation of Seller for defective hardware Products is limited
to repair or replacement (at Seller’s option) on a “return to service depot” basis with prior Seller authorization.
Customer is responsible for shipment to the Seller and assumes all costs a nd risks associated with this
transportation; return shipment to the Cus t om er will be at Seller's exp ens e. Customer shall be responsible
for return shipment charges for product returned where Seller determines there is no defect (“No Defect
Found”), or for produc t ret urned that Seller dete rm ines is not eligible for wa rranty repair. No charge will be
made to Buyer for replacement parts for warranty repairs. Seller is not responsible for any damage to or loss
of any software progra m s, data or removable data st orage media, or the rest oration or reinstallation of any
software programs or data other than the software, if any, installed by Seller during manufacture of the
Product.

(E) Original Warranty Period Except for the warranty applying solely to the repaired component arising from
a repair service as provided in Section C abov e, th e aforementioned pr ov is ions do not extend the o riginal
warranty period of an y Pr oduct that had either been repaired or replaced by Seller.

(F) Warranty Provisions The above warran t y p rov is ions shall not apply to an y Product (i) which has been
repaired , t amper ed wi th, alt ered or modi fied , exce pt b y Sel ler’ s au thor ized ser vice per sonne l; (ii) in w hich the
defects or damage to the Product result from no rm al wear and tear, misuse, neglige nc e, im proper storage,
water or other liquids , b at te ry leakage, use of parts or ac c es s ories not approved or su pplied by Symbol, or
failure to perform ope rator handling and sch eduled maintenanc e ins t ructions supplied b y Seller; (iii) which
has been subjected to unusual physical or electrical stress, abuse, or accident, or forces or exposure beyond
normal use within the specified operational and environmental parameters set forth in the applicable Product
specification; nor shall the above warranty provisions apply to any expendable or consumable items, such
as batteries, supplied with the Product.

EXCEPT FOR THE WARR AN T Y OF TITLE AND THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES STATED ABOVE,
SELLER DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES ON PRODUCTS FURNISHED HEREUNDER INCLUDING ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTA BILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE. ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MA Y BE IMPOSED BY LAW ARE LIMITED IN DURA TION TO THE LIMITED
WARRANTY PERIOD. SOME ST ATES OR COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW A LIMITATION ON HOW LONG
AN IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS. IN SUCH STATES OR COUNTRIES, FOR
SUCH PRODUCTS, SOME EXCLUSIONS OR LIMITATIONS OF THIS LIMITED WARRANTY MAY NOT
APPLY.

The stated express wa rranties are in lieu of all obligations or liabilitie s on t he part of Seller for damages ,
including but not limited to, special, indirect or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with
the use or performan c e of th e Product or service. Seller’s liability for dam ages to Buyer or others res ulting
from the us e of any P roduc t or ser vice furn ishe d he reunde r sh all i n no way ex cee d the purc hase pric e of said
Product or the fair market value of said service, except in instances of injury to persons or property.

17

Service Information

Before you use the unit, it must be configured to operate in your facility’s network and
run your applications.

If you have a problem running your unit or using your equipment, contact your facility’s
Technical or Systems Support. If there is a problem with the equipment, they will
contact the Symbol Support Center:

United States 1-800-653-5350

United Kingdom 0800 328 2424 Asia/Pacific [phone]
Australia 1-800-672-906 Austria/Österreich 1-505-5794-0
Denmark/Danmark 7020-1718 Finland/Suomi 9 5407 580
France 01-40-96-52-21 Germany/Deutchland 6074-49020
Italy/Italia 2-484441 Mexico/México 5-520-1835
Netherlands/Nederland 315-271700 Norway/Norge [phone]
South Africa 11-8095311 Spain/España 91 324 40 00

Sweden/Sverige 84452900 [phone]

Latin America
Sales Support

Europe/Mid-East
Distributor Operations

1-631-738-2400

1-800-347-0178 Inside US
[phone] Outside US

Contact local distributor or call
[phone]

Canada 905-629-7226

Inside Spain

Outside Spain

For the latest version of this guide go to: http://www.symbol.com/manuals.

72-65241-02

Revision A — January 2004

Symbol Techno logies, Inc. One Symbol Plaza Holtsville, NY 11742-1300