Symbol VRC 8900 Product Reference Manual

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal

Product Reference Guide

2

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal

Product Reference Guide

72-55775-04

Revision A

August 2003

© 2002-2003 by Symbol Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form, or by any electrical or

mechanical means, without permission in writing from Symbol. This includes electronic or
mechanical means, such as photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems. The material in this manual is subject to change without notice.

The software is provided strictly on an “as is” basis. All software, including firmware,
furnished to the user is on a licensed basis. Symbol grants to the user a non-transferable
and non-exclusive license to use each software or firmware program delivered hereunder
(licensed program). Except as noted below, such license may not be assigned,
sublicensed, or otherwise transferred by the user without prior written consent of Symbol.
No right to copy a licensed program in whole or in part is granted, except as permitted under
copyright law. The user shall not modify, merge, or incorporate any form or portion of a
licensed program with other program material, create a derivative work from a licensed
program, or use a licensed program in a network without written permission from Symbol.
The user agrees to maintain Symbol’s copyright notice on the licensed programs delivered
hereunder, and to include the same on any authorized copies it makes, in whole or in part.
The user agrees not to decompile, disassemble, decode, or reverse engineer any licensed
program delivered to the user or any portion thereof.

Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any software or 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
Symbol Technologies, Inc., intellectual property rights. An implied license only exists for
equipment, circuits, and subsystems contained in Symbol products.

Symbol, Spectrum One, and Spectrum24 are registered trademarks of Symbol
Technologies, 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 Pl aza
Holtsville, New York 11742-1300

http://www.symbol.com

ii

Contents

About This Guide

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Chapter Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Notational Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Related Documents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .viii

Symbol Support Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ix

Chapter 1. Getting Started

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

The VRC 8900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Unpacking the Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Parts of the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Accessories and Peripherals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Radio Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

SDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Chapter 2. Installing the Terminal

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Installing Your Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Positioning the Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Routing Electrical Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3

Installation Kit Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

Installing the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Providing Power to the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Connecting AC Power to Your Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-9

Connecting the Filtered DC Power Cable for Electric Trucks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

Connecting the Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Installation and the Internal Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

The Optional Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13

Attaching the Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-13

Adjusting the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Chapter 3. Software Installation on the Development PC

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-1

Symbol Windows CE SDK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Installing the SDK on the Development PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Chapter 4. Operating the Terminal

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Powering on the VRC 8900. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-1

Booting the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Performing a Warm Boot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Performing a Cold Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Methods of Suspension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Programmable (“P”) Keys. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-4

Using the Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Adjusting the Keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-5

Locking the Desktop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9

Calibrating the Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9

Calibrating Using the Display. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-9

Calibrating Using the Keyboard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-12

Adjusting the Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 -16

Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-16

Connecting Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-17

Displaying Bar Code Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-17

Saving Files and Allocating Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19

Flash File System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19

DRAM File System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-19

Chapter 5. Spectrum24 Network Configuration

Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Configuring Your 2 Mbps Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-1

Configuring Your 11 Mbps Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

NICTT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16

Mode Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-16

Info Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-17

IP Config Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-18

Power Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 -19

iv

Contents

Options Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

Encryption Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Ping Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Signal Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-24

APs Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

Chapter 6. Configuring the Terminal

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Flash Partitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

FFS Partitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Non-FFS Partitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Downloading the Operating System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Downloading Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Chapter 7. ActiveSync

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Performing an ActiveSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Chapter 8. Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Maintaining the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Cleaning the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-2

Appendix A. Specifications

Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1

Pin-Outs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Index
Tell Us What You Think...

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

vi

About This Guide

Introduction

The VRC 8900 Radio T erminal Product Reference Guide provides general instructions for
setting up, initializing, operating, troubleshooting and maintaining the VRC 8900 Radio
Terminal.

Chapter Descriptions

• Chapter 1, Getting Started, describes how to set up the terminal.

• Chapter 2, Installing the Terminal, provides instructions on installing the terminal in
a vehicle.

• Chapter 3, Software Installation on the Development PC, provides information on
the Software Developer’s Kit.

• Chapter 4, Operating the Terminal, provides detailed instructions on how to use the
terminal.

• Chapter 5, Spectrum24 Network Configuration, describes the utilities that monitor
and configure the Spectrum24 wireless connection.

• Chapter 6, Configuring the Terminal, describes options for configuring the terminal
to assist in planning your application development.

• Chapter 7, ActiveSync, explains how to use ActiveSync
between the terminal and host PC.

• Chapter 8, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, provides information about possible
problems with the terminal and suggested solutions to these problems.

• Appendix A, Specifications, details the technical specifications of the product.

®

for communications

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Notational Conventions

The following conventions are used in this document:

• Italics are used to highlight specific items in the general text, and to identify
chapters and sections in this and related documents. It also identifies names of
screens, menus, menu items, and fields within screens.

•

Courier text identifies buttons to be tapped or clicked on screens.

• Bullets (•) indicate:

• action items

• lists of alternatives

• lists of required steps that are not necessarily sequential

• Sequential lists (e.g., those that describe step-by-step procedures) appear as
numbered lists.

Related Documents

• VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Quick Reference Guide, p/n 72-50137-xx

• VRC 7900/8900 DC Power Cable Quick Reference Guide, p/n 72-57649-xx

Service Information

If you have a problem with your equipment, contact the Symbol Support Center for your
region. See page ix for contact information. Before calling, have the model number, serial
number, and several of your bar code symbols at hand.

Call the Support Center from a phone near the scanning equipment so that the service
person can try to talk you through your problem. If the equipment is found to be working
properly and the problem is symbol readability , the Support Center will request samples of
your bar codes for analysis at our plant.

If your problem cannot be solved over the phone, you may need to return your equipment
for servicing. If that is necessary, you will be given specific directions.

Note:Symbol Technologies is not responsible for any damages incurred

during shipment if the approved shipping container is not used.

viii

About This Guide

Shipping the units improperly can possibly void the warranty. If the
original shipping container was not kept, contact Symbol to have
another sent to you.

Symbol Support Center

For service information, warranty information or technical assistance contact or call the
Symbol Support Center in:

United States

Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, New York 11742-13 00

Tel: [phone]

United Kingdom

Symbol Technologies
Symbol Place
Winnersh Triangle, Berkshire RG41 5TP
United Kingdom

Tel: [phone] (Inside UK)
Tel: [phone] (Outside UK)

Australia

Symbol Technologies Pty. Ltd.
432 St. Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Tel: [phone] (Inside Australia)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Australia)

Denmark/Danmark

Symbol Technologies AS
Dr. Neergaardsvej 3
2970 Hørsholm

Tel: [phone] (Inside Denmark)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Denmark)

Canada

Symbol Technologies Canada, Inc.
2540 Matheson Boulevard East
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4Z2

Tel: [phone]

Asia/Pacific

Symbol Technologies Asia, Inc (Singapore
Branch)
230 Victoria Street #05-07/09
Bugis Junction Office Tower
Singapore 188024

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Austria/Österreich

Symbol Technologies Austria GmbH
Prinz-Eugen Strasse 70 / 2.Haus
1040 Vienna, Austria

Tel: [phone] (Inside Austria)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Austria)

Europe/Mid-East Distributor Operations

Contact your local distributor or call:
Tel: [phone]

ix

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Finland/Suomi

Oy Symbol Technologies
Kaupintie 8 A 6
FIN-00440 Helsinki, Finland

Tel: [phone] (Inside Finland)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Finland)

Germany/Deutchland

Symbol Technologies GmbH
Waldstrasse 66
D-63128 Dietzenbach, Germany

Tel: [phone] (Inside Germany)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Germany)

Latin America Sales Support

2730 University Dr.
Coral Sp ring s, FL 3306 5 USA

Tel: [phone] (Inside United States)
Tel: [phone] (Outside United States)
Fax: [phone]

Netherlands/Nederland

Symbol Technologies
Kerkplein 2, 7051 CX
Postbus 24 7050 AA
Varsseveld, Netherlands

Tel: [phone] (Inside Netherlands)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Netherlands)

France

Symbol Technologies France
Centre d’Affaire d’Antony
3 Rue de la Renaissance
92184 Antony Cedex, France

Tel: [phone] (Inside France)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Fra nce)

Italy/Italia

Symbol Technologies Italia S.R.L.
Via Cristoforo Columbo, 49
20090 Trezzano S/N Navigilo
Milano, Italy

Tel: [phone] (Inside Italy)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Italy)

Mexico/México

Symbol Technologies Mexico Ltd.
Torre Picasso
Boulevard Manuel Avila Camacho No 88
Lomas de Chapultepec CP 11000
Mexico City, DF, Mexico

Tel: [phone] (Inside Mexico)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Mexico)

Norway/Norge

Symbol’s registered and mailing address:

Symbol Technologies Norway
Hoybratenveien 35 C
N-1055 OSLO, Norway

Symbol’s repair depot and shipping address:

Symbol Technologies Norway
Enebakkveien 123
N-0680 OSLO, Norway

Tel: [phone]

x

About This Guide

South Africa

Symbol Technologies Africa Inc.
Block B2
Rutherford Estate
1 Scott Street
Waverly 2090 Johannesburg
Republic of South Africa

Tel: [phone] (Inside South Africa)
Tel: [phone] (Outside South Africa)

Sweden/Sverige

“Letter” address:

Symbol Technologies AB
Box 1354
S-171 26 SOLNA
Sweden

Visit/shipping add res s:

Symbol Technologies AB
Solna Strandväg 78
S-171 54 SOLNA
Sweden

Tel: Switchboard: 08 445 29 00 (domestic)
Tel: Call Center: [phone] (international)

Support E-Mail:
[e-mail]

Spain/España

Symbol Technologies S.L.
Avenida de Bruselas, 22
Edificio Sauce
Alcobendas, Madrid 28108
Spain

Tel: [phone] (Inside Spain)
Tel: [phone] (Outside Spain)
Fax: [phone]

If you purchased your Symbol product from a Symbol Business Partner, contact that
Business Partner for service.

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

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

xii

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Introduction

The VRC 8900 Radio Terminal is a rugged, vehicle-mounted terminal designed to run
logistics and warehousing management systems. The terminal is configured as either an
RF terminal, providing real-time Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) communications, or
as a batch terminal, downloading gathered information as required. The Windows
operating system enables you to develop custom applications easily, and load additional
software as necessary.

The terminal incorporates wireless LAN technology (2Mbps or 11Mbps) and is powered by
a 32-bit processor. A touchscreen and optional 62-key keyboard allow easy data input,
displayed on a 12.1” SVGA, high contrast backlit LCD.

You can connect a scanner or ActiveSync cable using the two RS-232 serial ports on the
connector panel on the bottom of the terminal, and connect a USB device via the USB port.

The VRC 8900

®

CE

The VRC 8900 terminals consist of the following models:

VRC 8942
VRC 8946

Performs wireless networking using Symbol’s Spectrum24® 2Mb radio.
Performs wireless networking using Symbol’s Spectrum24® 11Mb radio.

1-1

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Unpacking the Terminal

Carefully remove all protective material from around the terminal and save the shipping
container for later storage and shipping.

Verify that you received all equipment listed on the packing slip and inspect the equipment
for damage. If there are any items missing or damaged, contact the Symbol Support Center
immediately (refer to page ix).

Parts of the Terminal

Antenna

Angle Adjusting

Knob

Display

Mounting Bracket

Keyboard

Locking Knob

(optional)

Keyboard

(optional)

1-2

Membrane
Switch Panel

Keyboard
Adjustment
Levers
(optional)

Figure 1-1. Front View

Power Switch

Getting Started

Speaker

Keyboard Port

USB Port

Power Port

COM1 Port

(scanner)

Protective
Caps

COM2 Port
(ActiveSync)

Figure 1-2. Bottom View

Accessories and Peripherals

The VRC 8900 comes with an installation kit which includes all necessary connectors and
cables. See Installation Kit Contents on page 2-4 for a list of items.

Optional Accessories

You can order these optional accessories from Symbol:

• External keyboard with bracket assembly:

Non-heated: KYBD8900-00
Heated: KYBD8900-01

• Scanners:

LS-3203ER-I200EI: 25-52923-01
P302FZY-I001: 25-52741-01
P304PRO-I000: 25-55774-01
P370ALR-I000: KT-???

• Scanner cable (scanner specific)

• RS-232 ActiveSync cable: 25-51869-01

1-3

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

• USB cable:

ActiveSync: 25-56101-01
Host: 25-56102-01

• AC universal power supply:

Power supply: 50-14001-004
Output cable: 50-16002-024
Line cord: 23844-00-00

• Filter box (used on gasoline-powered trucks to shut off the terminal when the forklift
ignition is turned off, and to filter noise on power cables): FB7900

• Installation Kit (see Installation Kit Contents on page 2-4 for a list of contents)

Note:Use only a Symbol-approved power supply, output rated 12V dc and

minimum 9A (p/n 50-14001-004). The power supply is certified to
EN60950 with SELV outputs.

Benutzen Sie nur eine Symbol Technologies genehmigt
Stromversorgung in den Ausgabe: 12V dc und minimum 9A
(p/n 50-14001-004). Die Stromversorgung ist bescheinigt nach
EN60950 mit SELV Ausgaben.

Radio Cards

VRC 8900 terminals include an internal radio card for use with Symbol Spectrum24
networks. Contact Symbol Technologies for more information on radio cards.

SDK

The Windows® CE SDK for VRC 8900 Terminals contains all necessary software and
documentation to assist you in developing applications to run on the VRC 8900.

You will need one or more application development environments (ADEs) from other
vendors to develop applications for the VRC 8900, for example Microsoft Visual C++.

1-4

Chapter 2

Installing the Terminal

Introduction

This chapter describes how to install your terminal in a vehicle. There are different
installation options depending on the type of vehicle you operate. Read all of the following
instructions before you begin.

Caution

A competent engineer must perform the installation in a vehicle. Improper
installation can damage your vehicle and/or the VRC 8900.

Do not install the terminal in a location that will affect vehicle safety, drive­ability, or visibility.

WARNING

The VRC 8900 is intended for use on vehicles primaril y op­erating indoors, or for fixed indoor installation. The VRC
8900 should not be installed in fi xed outdoor locations, or
on a vehicle primarily operating out doors, unless additional
environmental protecti on is provided.

2-1

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Note:The terminal and bracket must be firmly secured to a surface that

can support the terminal’s weight.

Table 2-1 on page 2-4 lists the parts in the installation kit included with your terminal.

Installing Your Terminal

Follow the instructions below to properly install your terminal in a vehicle.

Positioning the Terminal

• Determine the best position for the terminal and all the associated components. If
a similar terminal was previously installed, check to see if the position it used is
suitable for the VRC 8900.

• Test the installation for at least 30 minutes before installing on another vehicle.
Record all details:

• Check that the positions of the terminal and filter box do not obstruct vehicle

controls.

• Check that the terminal does not obstruct the driver's view.

• Check the position of the terminal for user comfort over long periods.

• Ensure the filter box is not fitted in a confined space where it may overheat.

Important Fixing Information

Any modification to supplied mountings could cause early failure of the unit/mountings.

• A minimum of four fixing positions must be used.

• All nuts/bolts/end clamps to be checked periodically and tightened if required.

• When installing the unit, care must be taken to ensure that the mounting bracket
footprint is fully supported.

• Additional plates may be required to achieve this.

Note:See label on quick release plate for further fixing information.

2-2

Installing the Terminal

Routing Electrical Cables

• Establish a neat route for the cable, staying clear of moving parts or hot surfaces

wherever possible.

• Fix the c able to exi sting ca ble runs in side the v ehicle usi ng cable t ies (ite m 4, Table

2-1), but make sure they are away from any moving or hot surfaces.

• When the cabling must go through a panel, use a suitable gland (item 3, T able 2-1).

• When fixing the conduit or cable on the outside of a vehicle, use P-Clips (item 12,

Table 2-1). Either drill and tap the hole or use a nut and bolt to secure the clip.

• Make sure the cable does not have tight bends. The minimum recommended

radius is 2.5".

• Solder all fuse holders. DO NOT crimp.

• After soldering the fuse holder, file the solder flat where it comes in contact with the

fuse.

• On electric vehicles, take the power from as close to the battery as possible, but

not directly from the battery terminals, and not before any main fuse.

• On gasoline, diesel or propane vehicles, take the power from as close to the battery

terminals as possible, and avoid using existing wiring.

• All fuses must be as close as possible to the power source.

• If you are unsure of the correct power source, contact the vehicle manufacturer for

more information.

2-3

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Installation Kit Contents

Table 2-1 lists the parts included with your terminal.

T able 2-1. Installation Kit of Parts

Item Description Quantity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

11
12
13
14

VRC 7900/8900 installation power cable
VRC 8900 Quick Reference Guide
20 mm cable glands

300 mm cable tie
100x2.5 mm cable tie

6.3 mm blue push-on crimps
10 mm blue ring crimps
Scotchlok standard tap
Fastmm blue piggyback crimps (installation)

1.24 in Bulgin fuseholder; UL rating
10 A F/A ceramic 1.25" fuse
10 mm PVC covered aluminium ’P’ clip
VRC 894X power cable label
VRC 894X installation kit label

1
1
1
12
1
2
2
2
2
2

2
6
1
1

2-4

Installing the Terminal

Installing the Terminal

Follow the instructions below for the correct terminal installation in your vehicle.

Figure 2-1 shows the terminal installation on a 12-24V gasoline, diesel, or propane
Figure 2-2 shows the installation on an electric vehicle operating up to 60V.

12-24V Gasoline, Diesel, or Propane Vehicles

Refer to Table 2-1 for item descriptions. Refer to Figure 2-1 for installation.

• Use of the filter box is recommended.

• All power wiring must use the cable specified in item 1.

• Fuse in positive rail = 10A max (item 11).

• Fuse in negative rail = 10A max (item 11).

• Fuse in switched positive = 2A max (when using the Filter Box).

• Keep the path between the battery and the terminal as short as possible, and away

from any part of the ignition high tension system.

Installation of 12-24V gasoline, diesel or propane
vehicles

FUSE - 10A max

FUSE - 5A max

vehicle.

+

FUSE - 10A max

FUSE - 5A max

IGNITION SWITCH

EARTH POINT (AS

CLOSE AS POSSIBLE

TO THE IGNITION

SWITCH)

FUSE - 2A max

12-24V FILTER BOX

VRC 8900

VRC7900

Figure 2-1. Installation of 12-24V Gasoline, Diesel, or Propane Vehicles

2-5

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Electric Vehicles Up to 60V

Refer to Table 2-1 for item descriptions. Refer to Figure 2-2 for installation.

• All power wiring must use the cable specified in item 1.

• Fuse in positive rail = 10A max (item 11).

• Fuse in negative rail = 10A max (item 11).

• Use a filtered supply if available on the FLT. Consult the FLT manufacturer for
details.

Installation of electric vehicles over 48V and up to 60V

FUSE - 10A max

FUSE - 2A max

+

VRC 8900

VRC7900

FUSE - 10A max

FUSE - 2A max

2-6

Figure 2-2. Installation of Electric Vehicles Up To 60V

Installing the Terminal

NOTE:

Providing Power to the Terminal

WARNING

A Lead Acid battery can leak Hydrogen gas. A spark any­where near the battery can cause it to explode. Always
make your final connection to power as far away from the
battery as possible. For example, connect the power cable
to the battery first, then connect it to the terminal.

Follow the instructions below to connect power to the terminal using the filter box.

Filter Box VRC7900 Series

1

2

3

4

1

2

Refer to Table 2-2 for filter box
connections.

Figure 2-3. Connecting Power to Your Terminal

2 and 4-pin
amphenol
connectors
viewed
externally on
filter box.

VRC 8900 Series

Note:

See the rear label for

- See the rear label for

voltage input limitations.

- Pins 1 & 3 are

Pins 1 & 3 are connected
internally within the
supplied cable (Item 1).

3

-

voltage input limitations.
connected internally

within the supplied
cable (Item 1).

1

2

3-pin XLR plug
viewed
externally on

VRC 8900

VRC7900

Refer to Table 2-3 for terminal
power connections.

2-7

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Table 2-2. Filter Bo x Connections

Filter Box Connections

Wire 4-pin Amphenol connector as follows:

Pin 1 or 4 Positive (red and green joined together)
Pin 2 or 3 Negative (black and white joined together)

Wire 2-pin Amphenol connector as follows:

Pin 1 Positive (red and green joined together)
Pin 2 (may be marked as

pin 3)

Negative (black and white joined together)

Table 2-3. Terminal Power Connections

Terminal Power Connections

Wire 3-pin XLR socket connector as follows:

Pin 1 Positive (red and green joined together)
Pin 2 Negative (black and white joined together)
Pin 3 Not connected

2-8

Installing the Terminal

Connecting AC Power to Your Terminal

You can power your terminal away from a vehicle using an AC universal power supply, an
AC line cable, and a DC power cable available from Symbol Technologies.

To provide power from an AC source:

1. Insert the AC power cable into the AC connector on the universal power supply.

Universal Power Supply

AC Power Cable

(23844-00-00)

DC Power Cable

(50-16002-024)

(50-14001-004)

DC Power Cable
(50-16002-024)

Terminal Power Port

Figure 2-4. Connecting AC power

2. Plug the other end of the AC power cable into a wall outlet.

3. Insert the DC power cable into the DC connector on the universal power supply.

4. Plug the other end of the cable into the terminal’s power port.

2-9

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Connecting the Filtered DC Power Cable for Electric Trucks

This section describes how to connect and use the filtered DC power cable to provide
power to the terminal when mounted on an electric truck.

The cable consists of two ends connected to a central mounting block.

Mounting Block

To DC power

connector

on terminal

Cable End

Connecting the Cable

1. Disconnect the electric truck battery. Never perform installations on a live electric
truck.

2. Secure the mounting block to the desired location in the truck, using #8 screws.
Ensure the DC power connector reaches the terminal and the cable end reaches
the DC power source when routed through the truck. Secure the power cable with
cable ties.

3. Cut off excess cable at the cable end, and strip 12” off the outer jacket to reveal the
screen. Cut the screen back to about 2” and twist the screen strands together.

4. Connect the screen to the truck's chassis. If you cannot find a close connection
point, solder an extra length of cable to the screen to extend the connection to the
chassis. Use a heat shrink to cover the solder joint.

5. Crimp a ring terminal onto the screen/cable extension and screw the ring terminal
into the truck metal work. Or, if a bolt connection exists, attach the ring terminal to
this connection (check the connection with a multi-meter to the truck chassis if
you’re not sure).

2-10

Installing the Terminal

6. Place a fuse holder in-line of the brown and blue wire approximately 4 inches from

the cable end, as shown below.

Fuse Terminal Ends

Fuse Holder Fuse HolderSpring Fuse

Solder the fuse terminal ends to the wire to ensure a proper electrical connection.

7. Connect the brown wire to the vehicle’s positive power source. Connect the blue

wire to the vehicle’s negative power source. To terminate the cable:

• If the vehicle has a power output connector, use a mating connector. You may
be able to connect to a fuse panel with a commercially available connector.

• If the vehicle has no power output connector, use a ring terminal (for a battery
post) or blade terminal (for a fuse panel).

See your vehicle Owner's Manual for more information.
Ensure the wiring connections created are sufficiently insulated from each other.

8. Re-connect the electric truck battery.

9. Insert the cable's DC power connector into the terminal's DC power port. Align the
keyway on the power connector with the notch on the terminal’s power port.

WARNING

A lead acid battery can leak hydrogen gas. A spark any­where near the battery can cause it to explode. Always
make your final connection to power as far away from the
battery as possible, i.e., conne ct the power cable to the
battery first, then the terminal.

2-11

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Caution

Use extreme care when routing and securing this cable from the terminal
to the vehicle power source. Hazards associated with improper wiring can
be severe. T o avoid unintentional contact between the wire and any sharp
edges, use proper bushings and clamping where the cable passes through
openings. If the wire is subjected to sharp surfaces and excess engine vi­bration, the wiring harness insulation can wear away, causing a short be­tween the bare wire and chassis. This can start a fire.

Installation and the Internal Battery

The VRC8900 has an internal battery that preserves RAM if there is a temporary
interruption, disconnection or fluctuation in the main DC or AC power.

The internal battery may be depleted when you first install it. It charges itself from the
terminal’s main power supply (DC or AC) when the terminal is running. It also charges when
the terminal is in suspend mode (by pressing the Suspend button), but will not charge if
power is removed from the terminal.

We recommend that you power on the terminal and allow the internal battery to charge for
a minimum of 24 hours before using the terminal. It takes 15 hours to fully charge the
internal battery. A fully charged internal battery can maintain data for up to 72 hours if the
unit is disconnected from its main power source.

2-12

Installing the Terminal

M4 S

The Optional Keyboard

The keyboard bracket assembly contains the following items:

• Optional keyboard

• Keyboard bracket

• 4 M4 screws and washers

• Knobs

• Adjustment mechanism

• Side plates

• Bracket knobs

• 5 button-head screws

• 2 flathead screws.

Attaching the Keyboard

1. Attach the keyboard brackets to the bottom of the keyboard, using the M4 screws
and washers, as shown below:

Bracket R/H

crews

& Washers

Bracket L/H

Figure 2-5. Attaching the Brackets

2-13

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

2. Secure the adjustment mechanism to the bottom of the display using the 5 button­head screws. Ensure the adjustment levers face forward.

Levers

Side Plate

Adjustment
Mechanism

Bar

Figure 2-6. Attaching Adjustment Mechanism

3. Secure a side plate to each side of the display by inserting a flathead screw through
the top hole of the side plate. Ensure the bar from the adjustment mechanism runs
through the bottom hole of each side plate.

4. Squeeze the levers on the adjustment mechanism and align the keyboard brackets
on either side of the display. Release the levers to insert the bar on the mechanism
through an adjustment hole on each of the brackets.

Levers

Locking

Knob

Figure 2-7. Attaching Keyboard

5. Insert the keyboard locking knobs through the bracket’s top hole, and through the
side plate’s middle hole, into the terminal display.

2-14

Installing the Terminal

6. Plug the keyboard cable into the Keyboard port on the VRC 8900.

Keyboard Port

Adjusting the Keyboard

To adjust the keyboard, loosen the locking knobs, squeeze the adjustment levers, then
move the keyboard to the desired position. Tighten the locking knobs.

2-15

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

2-16

Chapter 3

Softwa re Installation on th e Deve lopm ent PC

Introduction

To develop applications to run on the terminal, the Symbol Technologies, Inc. Windows®
CE Software Developer’s Kit for VRC 8900 Terminals (SDK) is available. This SDK contains

specific software not available in the standard Microsoft Windows
The minimum system configuration required to install the SDK is:

• IBM-compatible PC with Pentium 150 MHz processor or higher

•Windows

(Windows

• 24MB RAM for Windows

NT4 or Windows

• 360MB available hard disk space for minimum installation, 720MB available hard

disk space for full installation

• CD-ROM drive

• VGA monitor (SVGA recommended)

•Mouse.

®

98, Windows® NT4 with Service Pack 5 or later, or Windows® 2000

®

NT4 or Windows® 2000 required for emulation)

®

®

2000 (48MB recommended)

98 (48MB recommended), 32MB RAM for Windows®

®

CE SDK.

Also, be sure the hard drive you are installing to accepts long filenames (larger than the 8.3
filename convention).

Before you install the Symbol Windows CE SDK, install the following tools:

• Microsoft Embedded Visual Tools 3.0. This can be downloaded from

www.microsoft.com.

3-1

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

• Windows ActiveSync v3.5 or greater. This can be downloaded from
www.microsoft.com.

• Adobe

®

Acrobat® Reader v 3.0 or greater. Acrobat Reader v 4.0 or greater is

recommended.

Symbol Windows CE SDK

The SDK installation program loads the required Windows CE components on the
development PC used to create the image files for download to the terminal.

The Symbol Windows CE SDK CD includes:

• Symbol-Platform SDK

• Default CE images

• Device drivers

• Sample code

• HTML Help files.

Installing the SDK on the Development PC

The Windows CE SDK installs through Windows in the directory:

C:\Windows CE Tools\wce300\VRC8900.

Insert the CD in the CD drive on the development PC (drive D: on most computers). The
installation program automatically runs. If it does not run:

1. From the Start menu, choose Run.

2. In the open box, type: <drive>:SETUP and press ENTER, where <drive> is the
CD- ROM drive.

Note:To ensure the best operation of the SDK, do not change the base

path set up in the installation.

Follow the installation prompts.

3-2

Chapter 4

Operating the Terminal

Introduction

This chapter describes how to power, initialize, and operate the terminal.

Powering on the VRC 8900

While the terminal’s processor and display are off, programs or data in the system's
memory are retained. Power-up restores the display, and processing continues from where
it was before power-down.

Note:Charge the internal battery when powering on the terminal for the

first time (refer to Installation and the Internal Battery on page 2-12).

To power on the terminal:

1. Turn on the Power Switch on the back of the terminal.

2. Press the Suspend Button on the membrane panel to power on the terminal.

To suspend the terminal’s operation, press and hold the Suspend Button until the Release
for Suspend message appears.

Figure 4-1. Suspend Button

Suspend Button

4-1

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

The network configuration screen displays. If desired, configure the terminal for wireless
communication (refer to Chapter 5, Spectrum24 Network Configuration).

Note:The network configuration screen appears the first time you start the

terminal after power is removed, but not on subsequent warm or cold
boots.

To suspend the terminal’s operation, press the Suspend button. All DRAM and Flash data
is preserved, so the applications running continue after suspension. Press the Suspend
button again to power up the terminal. This power-up process takes about 12 seconds.

The power is on at all times if the terminal is hard wired to the vehicle battery.

Booting the Terminal

Table 4-1. Suspend Button Operation

Mode Press Suspend button

Release to Suspend 1 - 6 seconds
Release to Warm Boot 6 - 15 seconds
Release to Cold Boot 15 seconds or more

Performing a Warm Boot

A warm boot restarts the operating system, closes all running applications, and preserves
the saved data in RAM. In the Windows CE environment, the working registry is replaced
by the latest saved copy of the registry.

To perform a warm boot, press and hold down the Suspend Button until the Release for
Warm Boot message appears (6 seconds).

4-2

Operating the Terminal

Performing a Cold Boot

A cold boot restarts the terminal. In the Windows CE environment, the working registry is
replaced by the latest saved copy of the registry. All information in DRAM is discarded (data
in Flash is maintained).

There are two ways to perform a cold boot:

• Press and hold the Suspend Button until the Release for Cold Boot message

appears (15 seconds).

• Turn off the Power Switch on the back of the terminal, then turn it on again, and

then press the Suspend button.

Methods of Suspension

Terminal operation can be suspended in four ways:

• Manual suspension: the operator presses the Suspend button when the terminal

is on, or taps Start, then presses the Suspend button.

• Program-dependent suspension: the application requests a suspend via an API

call.

• Critical suspension: the power supply is removed.

4-3

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Programmable (“P”) Keys

The programmable keys on the membrane panel (P1, P2, P3) can be set to perform certain
functions, such as printing, toggling the virtual keyboard, or running a frequently used key
sequence.

“P” Keys

Figure 4-2. “P” Keys

To set a programmable key:

1. From the Start menu, select Settings, Control Panel.

2. Select the Program mab le Keys icon.

3. Select the P key you’d like to program from the Key: drop-down menu.

4-4

Figure 4-3. Programmable Keys Screen, Key Drop-Down Menu

Operating the Terminal

4. Select the function you’d like the P key to perform from the Action drop-down

menu.

Figure 4-4. Programmable Keys Screen, Action Drop-Down Menu

5. Tap OK.

Using the Keyboard

The terminal has an optional QWERTY keyboard. Refer to Figure 4-5 and Table 4-2 for a
description of the keys.

Adjusting the Keyboard

To adjust the keyboard, loosen the locking knobs, squeeze the adjustment levers, then
move the keyboard to the desired position. Tighten the locking knobs.

4-5

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Figure 4-5. VRC 8900 Keyboard

The following table describes the general functions of the keys. Table 4-3 contains the
specific keyboard mappings.

T a ble 4-2. Key Descriptions

Key Description

Shift, Ctrl, Alt Use in conjunction with other keys. Select alternate characters or

functions using the information at the top of the keys.
Use Ctrl - Esc key combination to access the Start menu.

A through Z Enters alpha and text characters.
0 through 9 Enters numeric characters.

Moves the cursor around the screen or highlights the lines in a
menu.

F1 through F24 Programmable function ke ys . The app lic ati on determines the use;

see the software or application documentation.

Enter Moves the cursor to the next data field or screen.
Func Activates the function shown above the next key pressed.
Del Deletes the character to the right of the cursor.
Í or Backspace Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
Space Enters a space between characters or words.

4-6

Operating the Terminal

Table 4-3. Keyboard Mappings

VRC 8900 Key Scan Code Virtual Key Func + (Unicode) Shift + (Unicode)

z5a~Z
x58;X
c43@C
v56$V
b42%B
n4e]N
m4d^M
a41>A
s 53 Shell lock S
d44<D
f46,F
g47|G
h48\H
j4a{J
k4b}K
l4c[L
q51F21Q
w57F22W
e45F23E
r52F24R
t54=T
y59
u55¤ U
i49£I
o4f“O

C Y

4-7

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Table 4-3. Keyboard Mappings (Continued)

VRC 8900 Key Scan Code Virtual Key Func + (Unicode) Shift + (Unicode)

p50’’
131*
232#
333?
434(

535)
636:
737+&
838-_

939.!
030/
Esc 1B VK_ESCAPE VK_HOME VK_HOME
UP 26 VK_UP VK_PRIOR VK_PRIOR
DOWN 28 VK_DOWN VK_NEXT VK_NEXT
Delete 2e VK_DELETE VK_INSERT VK_INSERT
F1-F10 VK_F1-VK_F10 VK_F11-VK_F20
Field+ VK_OEM_FLDMI

NUS
Reset VK_ATTN Attn Attn
BkSp VK_BACK VK_OEM_CLEAR VK_OEM_CLEAR

Field- Field-

4-8

Operating the Terminal

Locking the Desktop

You can lock the desktop of the VRC 8900 to hide icons that contain configuration
information such as terminal and network settings. When you lock the desktop, only the
working applications display.

If you don’t have the optional keyboard, use the virtual keyboard on the VRC 8900 to
perform the following key sequences.

• Press the Func + “S” keys to display the password screen. Enter a password and
tap OK. The terminal displays only the working applications.

• Press the Func + “S” keys again to display the password screen. Enter your
password again and all icons display on the screen.

Calibrating the Screen

Calibrating Using the Display

This section describes how to calibrate your terminal so the cursor on the touch screen
aligns with the tip of your stylus. If the current calibration does not allow for easy touch
screen input or you want to recalibrate the screen at any time, refer to Calibrating Usin g the

Keyboard on page 4-12.

To calibrate your terminal:

1. If you are using the default registry, go to step 5. Otherwise, proceed with step 2.

2. Tap the Start menu.

4-9

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

3. Tap Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel screen displays.

4-10

Figure 4-6. Control Panel Screen

Operating the Terminal

4. Double tap the Stylus icon. The Stylus Properties screen displays.

Figure 4-7. Stylus Properties Screen

5. Select the Calibration tab and tap the Recalibrate button. The
calibration screen displays.

Carefully press and briefly hold styl us on the ce nter of t he t arge t.

Repeat as the target moves around the screen.

Figure 4-8. Calibration Screen

4-11

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

6. As the screen instructs, carefully press and briefly hold the stylus on the center of
each target that appears on the screen. Repeat as the target moves around the
screen.

7. Tap the screen to accept the new calibration.

Note:If the digitizer fails to respond, call the Symbol Support Center for

assistance.

Calibrating Using the Keyboard

If the present calibration does not allow you to use the touch screen, use the keyboard to
calibrate:

1. Press Ctrl + Esc keys to access the Start menu.

2. Using the arrow keys, select Settings, then Control Panel.

4-12

3. Press Enter to display the Control Panel screen.

Operating the Terminal

Figure 4-9. Control Panel Screen

4-13

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

4. Using the arrow keys, move to t he Stylus icon and press Enter. The
Stylus Properties screen appears.

Figure 4-10. Stylus Properties Screen

5. Using the Tab key (key with double arrows), select the Calibration tab.

Figure 4-11. Calibration Tab

6. Using the Tab key again, select the Recalibrate button.

4-14

Operating the Terminal

7. Press Space to start the calibration process. The calibration screen appears.

Carefully press and briefly hold stylus on the center of the target.

Repeat as the target moves around the s cre en.

Figure 4-12. Calibration Screen

8. As the screen instructs, carefully press and briefly hold the stylus on the center of

each target that appears. Repeat as the target moves around the screen.

9. Tap the screen to accept the new calibration.

Note:If the digitizer fails to respond, call the Symbol Support Center for

assistance.

4-15

VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Adjusting the Brightness

Press + on the Brightness Control button on the membrane panel to brighten the screen,
or - to darken it.

Brightness Control

Adjusting the Volume

1. Tap the Start menu.

2. Tap Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel screen appears.

3. Double-tap the Volume & Sounds icon. The Volume & Sounds Properties
screen appears.

Figure 4-13. Volume and Sounds Properties Screen

4. Adjust the volume slider as necessary using the pointer or the up and down arrow
keys. Check the Enable sounds for check boxes as desired.

4-16

Operating the Terminal

Connecting Accessories

Connect an optional scanner, ActiveSync serial cable, or USB device using the appropriate
port on the bottom of the VRC 8900. All cables are available from Symbol.

You may also use the USB port for ActiveSync connection, if the COM2 port is used for
another purpose. This cable is also available from Symbol.

COM1 Port

(scanner)

COM2 Port

(ActiveSync)

Figure 4-14. Connection Ports

Keyboard
Port

USB Port

Displaying Bar Code Information

The VRC 8900 contains an internal keyboard wedge that allows you to display scanned bar
code information on a keyboard input application such as Microsoft Pocket Word. This
feature can be used to test and evaluate scanners.

To display the bar code information on the screen:

1. Connect a scanner to the terminal.

2. Tap the Start menu.

3. Tap Settings, then Control Panel. The Control Panel screen appears.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

4. Double-tap the Scanner icon. The Scanner Control screen displays .

Figure 4-15. Scanner Control Screen

5. Select the As App button and tap OK to disable the built-in keyboard wedge. This
setting must be selected if your application handles the scanner serial port, or the
COM1 port is used for a device other than a bar code scanner.

Select the As Keyboard button and tap OK to enable the built-in keyboard wedge.
With this setting selected, data received from the bar code scanner is treated as
though it were typed on the keyboard.

6. Tap the Start menu.

7. Tap Programs, then Microsoft Pocket Word to start the application.

8. Begin scanning bar codes. The bar code information displays in Microsoft Pocket
Word.

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Operating the Terminal

Saving Files and Allocating Memory

The terminal uses a Flash file system and a DRAM file system to save files, run
applications, and allocate memory as necessary.

Flash File System

The terminal contains 32MB of non-volatile Flash memory; 16MB reserved for Windows CE
operating system; 15MB for storage of programs and program files (Flash file system);
256KB for storing the boot code. The remaining space is used to store the registry.

Permanently save your files and programs to Flash by moving them to the following folders
in ‘\FlashFx Disk\’:

• \ActiveX - ActiveX controls placed in this folder are registered on start up.

• \CopyToRam - the following folders are available:

• \Root - applications or files placed in this folder are copied to the root directory.

• \Startup - applications placed in this folder are permanently stored in Flash but
copied to DRAM and executed on start up.

• \System - applications or data placed in this folder are permanently stored in
Flash but copied to the \Windows folder in DRAM on start up.

• \User - user application files.

DRAM File System

The terminal contains 32MB of DRAM backed up by the internal battery. The Windows CE
operating system, along with applications in the \CopyToRam directory, is copied from
Flash to DRAM and runs from DRAM when you boot the terminal.

The DRAM contains the desktop, user settings, and registry. If this information is lost due
to a cold boot or complete discharge of the internal battery, default data is loaded from
Flash on the next start up.

To boot up using the default registry in RAM:

1. With the terminal in suspend mode, hold down the P1 + P3 + Suspend buttons.

2. Release only the Suspend button when the terminal powers up.

3. Release P1 + P3 when the Boot Loader menu displays.

4. Select Use Default Registry from the menu.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

You can change the allocation of remaining memory for programs and storage using the
Control Panel. Open the System menu and tap the Memory tab. The recommended setting
is 50% of memory available for programs and 50% of memory available for storage. If your
applications require more program space, more storage space, or you receive a memory
warning, adjust the percentages as necessary.

4-20

Chapter 5

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

Introduction

In order to use Symbol’s Spectrum24 wireless LAN on the VRC 8900 terminals, the terminal
must be properly configured with the correct ESS ID and other network entries. This
chapter describes how to configure your terminal on the Spectrum24 wireless network.

Configuring Your 2 Mbps Terminal

To configure a 2 Mbps terminal for use on the Spectrum24 wireless network:

1. Select Settings from the Start menu, and tap Control Panel. Double tap the
Network icon. The following screen displays.

Figure 5-1. Network Configuration Screen - Adapters Tab

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

2. Under Adapters, select SLACE1: Spectrum24 WLAN Driver, and tap

Properties.

3. Use the IP Address tab in the Spectrum24 WLAN Driver Settings screen to view
and adjust the IP address, subnet, and gateway.

Figure 5-2. Spectrum24 WLAN Driver Settings Screen - IP Address Tab

If you select Obtain an IP address via DHCP, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) obtains a leased IP address and network configuration information from
a remote server. An access point sends out a DHCP request searching for a DHCP
server to acquire the network configuration and firmware filenames.

5-2

If you select Specify an IP address, enter the following fields:

• IP Address: A 32-bit (max) number (expressed in dotted-decimal notation

157.235.90.24) that the Domain server uses to transmit and receive data. The
IP address of the adapter is required to be in the same subnet as that of the
access point for the devices to interoperate in Infrastructure mode.

• Subnet Mask: Required in order for the subnet to exist. Its purpose is to mask

out IP addresses that are not part of the subnet. The network administrator
usually has the required subnet mask.

• Default Gateway: Used to connect to the corporate network. The network

administrator usually has the IP address required for the default gateway.

Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

4. Use the Name Servers tab to view and adjust the DNS and WINS.

Figure 5-3. Spectrum24 WLAN Driver Settings Screen - Name Servers Tab

• DNS (Domain Name System): The IP address of a server containing a

database of host names and their associated IP addresses so that when a host
name is used, it can be resolved into its IP address.

• WINS (Windows Internet Name Service): A NetBIOS Name Server that

registers your NetBIOS names and resolves into IP addresses, similar to DNS.

5. Tap OK to return to the Control Panel.

6. In the Control Panel, double-tap the Spectrum24 FH Settings icon.
The Spectrum24 Easy Setup screen displays.

Figure 5-4. Spectrum24 Easy Setu p Screen

7. Enter your ESSID. See your Network Administrator if you do not know your ESSID.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

8. To configure Advanced Properties, tap the Advanced button.

Figure 5-5. Advanced Properties, Mobile Unit Tab

9. Tap the MicroAP tab to display Micro AP settings.

5-4

Figure 5-6. Advanced Properties, Micro AP Tab

Check Enable Micro AP (MAP) to configure the adapter to function as an access
point (AP). In MAP mode, the adapter establishes a single-cell wireless network
coverage area for devices operating in MU mode. The adapter functioning as an
MAP creates a single wireless cell of coverage. The MAP supports 16 terminals,
which can only operate within the cell established by the adapter operating in MAP
mode.

If you selected Enable Micro AP, also select the appropriate data rates to
communicate and Frequency Hop Settings.

Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

10. Tap the Encryption tab to display Encryption settings.

Figure 5-7. Advanced Properties, Encryption Tab

The Encryption tab allows you to encrypt WLAN data packets to protect your data
from inspection by systems that may intercept wireless data over the network.

If you select Open System (no encryption) from the drop-down menu, data packets
that travel over the WLAN (transmitted by terminals or APs) are not encrypted. The
terminal can associate with APs that have Open System enabled.

If you select Shared Key Algor ithm from the drop-down menu, the terminal uses a
40-bit encryption key known by both the terminal and the AP to encrypt the data
over the network. The MAP grants access to terminals that have Shared Key
enabled and provide the correct shared key to the MAP. Terminals that use the
Open System Algorithm or present an incorrect key cannot associate with the MAP .

Figure 5-8. Advanced Properties, Encryption Tab, Shared Key Algorithm

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Shared Encryption Keys are the 40-bit values used by the terminal and the AP to

encrypt the wireless data packets. To change the default values, enter 10
hexadecimal digits for each of the four keys. Click on the key to use, or press the
Reset Keys button to reset the keys back to the default values.

The Shared Encryption Key must match that of the access point in order for the
terminal to associate.

1 1. Select the WLAN Adapter tab to configure hardware and radio settings and set an

optional password for user access to the Advanced Properties screens.

Figure 5-9. Advanced Properties, WLAN Adapter Tab

Check Diversity Antenna if you have a dual antenna on your WLAN adapter
card. Diversity can improve communication in highly reflective environments. Do
not check this if you do not have a dual antenna WLAN adapter card or a secondary
antenna, as this can cause poor wireless network performance.

In the Radio Link Rate section, select 1MB Support to communicate only at 1MB
per second. Select 2MB Support to communicate at only 2MB per second. Select
Both 1MB and 2MB Support to communicate at the best available data rate.
If you select 2MB and have only a 1MB WLAN adapter, the adapter only
communicates at 1MB. On Spring adapter cards, this option is disabled, and
defaults to 1MB.

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Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

To create a password, tap Password.

Figure 5-10. Password Screen

Enter a case-sensitive password (10 characters maximum) in the New Password
field and th e Confirm New Password field, and select OK. This enables a password
screen to appear when Advanced is selected from the Spectrum24 Easy Setup
screen.

T o disable the password, enter the current password in the Current Password field,
and leave the New Password and Confirm New fields blank.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Configuring Your 11 Mbps Terminal

To configure the terminal for use on the Spectrum24 wireless network:

1. Select Settings from the Start menu, and tap Control Panel. Double tap the
Network icon. The following screen displays.

Figure 5-11. Network Configuration Screen - Adapters Tab

2. Under Adapters, select NETWLAN1: 802.11b Wireless LAN, and tap
Properties.

3. Use the IP Address tab in the 802.11b Wireless LAN Settings screen to view and
adjust the IP address, subnet, and gateway.

Figure 5-12. 802.11b Wireless LAN Settings Screen - IP Address Tab

If you select Obtain an IP address via DHCP, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol) obtains a leased IP address and network configuration information from

5-8

Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

a remote server. An access point sends out a DHCP request searching for a DHCP
server to acquire the network configuration and firmware filenames.

If you select Specify an IP address, enter the following fields:

• IP Address: A 32-bit (max) number (expressed in dotted-decimal notation

157.235.90.24) that the Domain server uses to transmit and receive data. The
IP address of the adapter is required to be in the same subnet as that of the
access point for the devices to interoperate in Infrastructure mode.

• Subnet Mask: Required in order for the subnet to exist. Its purpose is to mask
out IP addresses that are not part of the subnet. The network administrator
usually has the required subnet mask.

• Default Gateway: Used to connect to the corporate network. The network
administrator usually has the IP address required for the default gateway.

4. Use the Name Servers tab to view and adjust the DNS and WINS.

Figure 5-13. 802.11b Wireless LAN Settings Screen - Name Servers Tab

• DNS (Domain Name System): The IP address of a server containing a
database of host names and their associated IP addresses so that when a host
name is used, it can be resolved into its IP address.

• WINS (Windows Internet Name Service): A NetBIOS Name Server that
registers your NetBIOS names and resolves into IP addresses, similar to DNS.

5. Tap OK to return to the Control Panel.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

6. In the Control Panel, double-tap the Spectrum24 Settings icon. The
Spectrum24 Setup screen displays.

Figure 5-14. Spectrum24 Setup Screen

7. Enter your ESSID and tap OK. See your Network Administrator if you do not know
your ESSID.

8. Tap Advanced in the Spectrum24 Setup screen to set up additional Spectrum24
features.

Figure 5-15. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advan ce d Prop erties - Mobile Unit Tab

The Mobile Unit tab in Advanced Properties configures the adapter’s ESSID and
Mandatory AP address.

• Use the Operating Mode drop-down menu to select one of the following

operating modes for the terminal:

• ESS (802.11 Station) allows the terminal to transmit and receive data with
an access point. The data rate is based on the number of transmit retries.
This is the default.

5-10

Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

• Pseudo IBSS (Proprie tary Ad Hoc) allows the highest throughput in an IBSS
network for terminal testing. Pseudo IBSS does not support PSP terminals
and does not use beacons or authentication. Each terminal must be on the
same channel. If you select this option, the Signal and Peers tabs are no
longer available. Pseudo IBSS is not recommended as a normal operational
mode or for terminals operating on battery power.

• IBSS (802.11 Ad Hoc) enables terminals to form their own local network
where they can communicate peer-to-peer without access points. Use IBSS
to create networks within established cells. Terminals take turns generating
beacons and handling probe responses. The terminal starting the IBSS
network (i.e., the first terminal transmitting a beacon) determines the
channel number and data rate used within the network.

• Enter a 32-character (maximum) case-sensitive ESS ID (802.11 Extended
Service Set Identifier) in the 802.11 ESSID field to identify the wireless local
area network. This identifier must matc h the ES SID in the 802. 11 access
point(s) on your network in order for your WLAN adapter to communicate with
the access point(s). If you don't know your ESSID, ask your IS department
personnel for assistance.

• The Mandatory AP address is the IEEE MAC address of the access point (AP)
where the adapter must associate. The adapter only associates to this access
point when communicating on the network.

9. Tap the Power tab to set the slider to a performance index (1 to 5). Each mode is
described underneath the sliding scale

Figure 5-16. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advanced Properties - Power Tab

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

10. Select the Transmission Power tab to set the power level for data transmitted to
either an access point (ESS) or other adapters in an Ad Hoc cell (PIBSS or IBSS).

Figure 5-17. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advanced Properties -

Transmission Power Tab

Adjusting the adapter transmit power level enables users to expand or confine a
transmission area in respect to interference or other wireless devices that could be
operating nearby. Reducing a coverage area in high traffic areas improves
transmission quality by reducing the number of missed beacons and noise in that
coverage area.

• Use the 802.11 Tx Power Options field to set the transmission power level for

adapters operating in Infrastructure mode. There are two transmission power
options available in Infrastructure mode: Automatic and Power Plus.

•Select Auto to use the current access point transmit power level for the
adapter. Automatic mode is the default mode for adapters operating in
Infrastructure mode.

•Select Power Plus to set the adapter transmission power one level higher
than the level set for the access point. If the access point is set to the highest
power level, that is the level used by the adapter.

• Use the IBSS Tx Power Options drop-down menu to select the transmission
power level for the adapters operating in Ad Hoc or Enhanced Ad Hoc mode.
There are five transmission power options available in Ad Hoc and Enhanced
Ad Hoc mode.

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Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

•Select Maximum power to set the adapter to the highest transmission power
level. Select Maximum power when operating in highly reflective
environments and areas where other devices could be operating nearby, or
when attempting to communicate with devices at the outer edge of a
coverage area.

• Choose 50% power to set the adapter to a transmit power level that is half
of the maximum power level.

•Specify 25% power to set the adapter to a transmit power level that is half of
the 50% power level.

•Select 10% power to set the adapter to a transmit power level that is a little
less than half of the 25% power level.

• Choose Minimum power to set the adapter to the lowest transmission power
level. Use the minimum power level when communicating with other devices
in very close proximity, or in instances where little or no radio interference
from other devices is anticipated.

1 1. Use the Encryption tab in Advanced Properties to control encryption options. This

allows you to encrypt WLAN data packets to protect your data from inspection by
systems that may intercept wireless data over the network.

Figure 5-18. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advanced Properties - Encryption Tab

Select an Encryption Algorithm matching the security es ta blis hed in y our net wor k.
The AP and the terminal’s adapter must use the same encryption algorithm:

• The Open Syste m does not encrypt any of the data packets that travel over the
WLAN, meaning the data packets transmitted by terminals or APs are not
encrypted. Select this if no security is needed on the network.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

• The 40-bit Shared Key Algorithm uses a 40-bit encryption key known by both
the terminal and the AP to encrypt the data over the network.

Figure 5-19. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advanced Properties -

Encryption Tab, 40-bit Shared Key Selected

• The 128-bit Shared Key Algorithm uses a 128-bit encryption key known by both
the terminal and the AP to encrypt the data over the network. This option
provides a higher level of security than the 40-bit encryption while maintaining
an 11 Mbps data rate.

•Select Kerberos if your network employs the Kerberos system. Enter the KDC
and Realm values. The KDC is located on a server and maintains information
about the access points and users it supports, and also permits the
transmission and receipt of data once the credentials of the user are verified.
Enter the name of the server that hosts the Kerberos KDC in the Realm field.

5-14

Figure 5-20. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advanced Properties -

Encryption Tab, Kerberos Selected

Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

12. Select the WLAN Adapter tab to configure hardware and radio settings and set an

optional password for user access to Advanced Properties.

Figure 5-21. Symbol Spectrum24 WLAN Advanced Properties - WLAN Adapter Tab

Select Diversity on from the Diversity drop-down menu if you have a dual antenna
on your WLAN adapter card. Diversity can improve communication in highly
reflective environments.

Select Primary Only if you do not have a dual antenna WLAN adapter card or a
secondary antenna, as selecting Diversity in this case can cause poor wireless
network performance.

To create a password, tap Password. Enter a case-sensitive password (10
characters maximum) in the New Password field and the Confirm New field, and
select OK. This enables a password screen to appear when Advanced is selected
from the Spectrum24 Setup screen.

T o disable the password, enter the current password in the Current Password field,
and leave the New Password and Confirm New fields blank.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

NICTT

Tap the NICTT icon located on the bottom of the screen to make changes to the network
configuration, or view the status of your network connection.

Mode Tab

Figure 5-22. NICTT Properties - Mode Tab

The Mode tab in NICTT configures the adapter’s ESSID and operating mode.

•Use the Operating Mode drop-down menu to select one of the following operating
modes for the terminal:

• If you select Infrastructure, enter a 32-character maximum ESSID (802.11

Extended Service Set Identifier) in the 802.11 ESSID field to identify the
wireless local area network. This ESSID must match the access point ESSID
for the adapter to communicate with the access point.

• If you sele ct Enhanced Ad Hoc, enter the channel number in the Channel field.

The first adapter configured in the Ad Hoc network defines the channel number
used in the Ad Hoc network. Each adapter is required to use the same channel
to transmit and receive data to its peers.

Check the Send long preamble headers checkbox if the other devices in
your network are using a long preamble. Devices using Ad Hoc mode must use
the same preamble setting to interoperate. The adapter uses a long preamble
heading by default.

Note that this is a Symbol Technologies operating mode and only works with
other Symbol adapters enabled in the same mode.

5-16

• If you sele ct Ad Hoc, e nte r a 32 - c ha ra ct e r ma x im um ES SI D ( 802 . 11 Extended

Info Tab

Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

Service Set Identifier) in the 802.11 ESSID field to identify the wireless local
area network. This ESSID must match the ESSID of other devices using the Ad
Hoc mode.

Enter the channel number in the Channel field. Th e first adap ter conf igu re d in
the Ad Hoc network defines the channel number used in the Ad Hoc network.
Each adapter is required to use the same channel to transmit and receive data
to its peers.

Check the Send long preamble headers checkbox if the other devices in
your network are using a long preamble. Devices using Ad Hoc mode must use
the same preamble setting to interoperate. The adapter uses a long preamble
heading by default.

Figure 5-23. NICTT Properties - Info Tab

The Info tab in NICTT provides information about the terminal, such as firmware and
hardware versions, adapter type, and operating mode.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

IP Config Tab

Figure 5-24. NICTT Properties - IP Config Tab

The IP Config tab allows you to adjust IP configuration settings.

•Select DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to obtain a leased IP address
and network configuration information from a remote server. DHCP is the default
setting, and when selected, IP address fields are read only.

•Select Static to manually enter the following fields:

• IP Address: Enter an IP (Internet Protocol) address in dotted-decimal notation

(e.g., 192.168.7.27) that the server uses to transmit and receive data.

• Subnet Mask: Most TCP/IP networks use subnets to manage routed IP

addresses. This allows the network to connect to the Internet with a single
shared network address, e.g., 255.255.255.0.

• Default Gateway: Used to forward IP packets to and from a remote destination.

See your network administrator for the IP address required for the default
gateway.

• DNS (Domain Name System): The IP address of a server containing a

database of host names and their associated IP addresses so that when a host
name is used, it can be resolved into its IP address.

• WINS (Windows Internet Name Service): A NetBIOS Name Server that

registers your NetBIOS names and resolves into IP addresses, similar to DNS.

• MAC Address: An IEEE 48-bit address the adapter is given at the factory which

uniquely identifies the adapter at the physical layer level.

• Host Name: User-assigned host name.

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Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

Power Tab

Figure 5-25. NICTT Properties - Power Ta b

Select the Power tab to set Radio Transmission Power and a Power Saving Mode.
Adjusting the Radio Transmission Power level enables you to expand or confine the

transmission area with respect to other wireless devices that may be operating nearby.
Reducing a coverage area in high traffic areas improves transmission quality by reducing
the noise in that coverage area.

• In Infrastructure mode, there are two transmission power options in the

Infrastructure drop-do wn menu :

•Select Automatic to use the access point’s transmitting power level. Automatic
mode is the default mode for adapters operating in Infrastructure mode.

•Select Power Plus to set the adapter transmission power one level higher than
the level set for the access point.

• In Enhanced Ad Hoc or Ad Hoc mode, there are five transmission power options
available in the drop-down menu:

•Select Maximum power to set the adapter to the highest transmission power

level. This is best suited for operation in highly reflective environments and
areas where other devices could be operating nearby. Also use maximum
power when attempting to communicate with devices at the outer edge of a
coverage area.

• Choose 50%, 25% or 10% to set the transmit power level to that percentage of

the maximum power level.

• Choose Minimum power to set the adapter to the lowest transmission power

level. Use this level when communicating with other devices in very close
proximity, or when little or no radio interference from other devices is expected.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

•Check Automatic Power Saving Mode to switch to the Best Network
Performance when the AC power supply is used.

When using the battery, select an appropriate setting between Best Network
Performance and Acceptable Network Performance based on real-time analysis of
the network usage. Automatic Power Saving Mode is the default setting and
extends the operating time before the battery must be recharged.

• Uncheck Automatic Power Saving Mode to select Ma nual Power Saving
Mode, which allows you to set the slider to a performance level suited to the
intended operation. There are 6 settings ranging from the best network
performance, which uses the most battery power, to acceptable network
performance, which uses the least battery powe r.

Note:Power savings modes are not available in Enhanced Ad Hoc

operating mode.

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Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

Options Tab

Figure 5-26. NICTT Properties - Options Tab

Use the Options tab to enable or disable the suspend wireless network option and system
sounds, and set temporary settings.

• Check the Allow Handheld PC to suspend when wireless network is

used to allow the terminal to automatically turn off (suspend) operation based on
user inactivity. This prevents battery drain. The terminal does not suspend when
idle if you disable this option.

•Check Enable Sounds to issue a sound when performing a ping test and

associating with an access point. This notifies you when a ping is completed and
when a roam to an access point occurs.

•Check International Roaming to enable this setting, used in countries outside

of the United States.

• Changes to settings you make using the Symbol Status are usually saved to the

registry and used to initialize the adapter when it is inserted. Check These
settings are only temporary to prevent your changes from being saved to
the registry. If not checked, any value entered is saved in the registry and will be
used by the adapter when it is inserted.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Encryption Tab

Figure 5-27. NICTT Properties - Encryption Tab, Open System Selected

Use the Encryption tab in NICTT to control encryption options. This allows you to encrypt
WLAN data packets to protect your data from inspection by systems that may intercept
wireless data over the network.

• Select an Encryption Algorithm matching the secur ity est abl is hed in you r ne twor k.
The AP and the terminal’s adapter must use the same encryption algorithm:

• The Open Syste m does not encrypt any of the data packets that travel over the

WLAN, meaning the data packets transmitted by terminals or APs are not
encrypted. Select this if no security is needed on the network.

• The 40-bit Shared Key Algorithm uses a 40-bit encryption key known by both

the terminal and the AP to encrypt the data over the network.

Figure 5-28. NICTT Properties - Encryption Tab, 40-bit Shared Key Selected

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Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

• The 128-bit Shared Key Algorithm uses a 128-bit encryption key known by both
the terminal and the AP to encrypt the data over the network. This option
provides a higher level of security than the 40-bit encryption while maintaining
an 11 Mbps data rate.

•Select Kerberos if your network employs the Kerberos system. Enter the KDC
and Realm values. The KDC is located on a server and maintains information
about the access points and users it supports, and also permits the
transmission and receipt of data once the credentials of the user are verified.
Enter the name of the server that hosts the Kerberos KDC in the Realm field.

Figure 5-29. NICTT Properties - Encryption Tab, Kerberos Selected

Ping Tab

Figure 5-30. NICTT Properties - Ping Tab

Use the Ping tab to send and receive ICMP ping packets across the network to the specified
IP address.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

• Enter an IP address as a dotted string (e.g., 122.78.3.141).

• Select the size of packets sent from the Size drop-down menu.

•Select Start Test to begin the continuous ping test. Select Stop Test to
terminate the ping test.

• The average mega-bits per second, signal strength, data rate currently in use, test
statistics and round trip times are displayed for each test.

• The associated access point’s MAC address is also displayed.

• The signal strength level and the data transmission rate are displayed in real-time
bar graphs.

Signal Tab

Figure 5-31. NICTT Properties - Signal Tab

The Signal tab is only available in Infrastructure mode (selected on the Mode tab).
Use the Signal tab to display a real-time graph of the signal quality of the adapter to the

associated access point, including the number of times the adapter has roamed to and from
APs, the current data rate, and the network status. Signal quality indicates how clearly the
adapter can “hear” the associated access point.

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Spectrum24 Network Configuratio n

APs Tab

Figure 5-32. NICTT Properties - APs Tab

The APs tab is only available in Infrastructure mode (selected on the Mode tab).
Use the APs tab with the Infrastructure operating mode to view access points with the same

ESSID as the adapter. View the AP MAC address, signal level and channel of known
access points.

• The currently associated access point’s icon includes a radio wave radiating from

the antennae to indicate the associate status. Tap on an icon to display a menu:

•Select Set Mandato ry to prohibit the adapter from associating with a different
access point. The letter “m” displays on top of the access point’s icon when this
option is selected.

•Select Set Roam in g to allow the adapter to roam to any access point with a
better signal quality.

These settings are temporary and are not saved to the registry.

• Tap the Refresh button to update the list of the known APs.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

5-26

Chapter 6

Configuring the Terminal

Introduction

This chapter describes the terminal’s Flash partitions and how they are used to specify and
load files into the Flash memory of the terminal using ActiveSync.

Flash Partitions

In addition to the RAM-based storage standard on Windows CE terminals, the VRC 8900
is equipped with a non-volatile Flash-based storage area which can store data (partitions)
that cannot be corrupted by a cold boot. This Flash area is divided into two categories:
Flash File System (FFS) Partitions and Non-FFS Partitions.

FFS Partitions

The terminal includes one FFS partition. This partition appears to the terminal as a hard
drive that the OS file system can write files to and read files from. Data is retained even if
power is removed.

The FFS Partition is used to store application programs needed to operate the terminal.
This partition is also available for user data files generated by your custom programs.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

The partition contains one volume with the folder CopyToRAM, which contains four
subfolders:

CopyToRAM User application files which need to be loaded into RAM prior to execution

\Root applications or files placed in this folder are copied to the root directory

while maintaining their directory structure

\Startup applications placed in this folder are permanently stored in Flash but

copied to DRAM and executed on start up

\System applications or data placed in this folder are permanently stored in Flash

but copied to the \Windows folder in DRAM upon cold/warm boot

\User User application files

Non-FFS Partitions

Non-FFS Partitions include software and data pre-loaded on your terminal. Unlike the FFS
Partition, these partitions are not visible when the operating system is running. They also
contain system information. Non-FFS Partitions include the following:

• Windows CE: the complete Windows CE operating system is stored on Flash
devices. If necessary, the entire OS image may be downloaded to the terminal
using files provided by Symbol. Any upgrades must be obtained from Symbol. This
partition is mandatory for the VRC 8900.

• Boot Loader: initializes the CE operating system prior to starting CE and provides
a simple method of updating the Flash contents via a serial port.

Downloading the Operating System

To download the operating system via the serial port, the following equipment is required:

•PC

• ActiveSync ca ble

• Compressed Windows CE image (*.BIN file)

• OSUPDATE.EXE

1. Connect the ActiveSync cable to the COM1 port on the terminal and an available
COM port on the PC.

6-2

Configuring the Terminal

2. Power on the unit while holding down the P1 and P3 keys. The following menu

appears:

VRC8900 BootLoader

Boot Ver X.X.XXX

Boot Menu:

1 - Hard Boot
2 - Use Default Registry

3 - Service Menu

4 - Power Down

Figure 6-1. Boot Menu

3. Press the Brightness “-” (minus) button on the switch panel to highlight 3 - Service

Menu.

Brightness “-” Button

Figure 6-2. Brightness Button

Press the P2 button. The following menu appears.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

VRC8900 BootLoader

Boot Ver X.X.XXX

Service Menu:

1 - Download OS

2 - Production Tests
3 - Final Build Tests
4 - Display Test Info
5 - Kill File System

Figure 6- 3. Service Me nu

4. Press the P2 button to select 1 - Download OS. The following screen appears.

6-4

VRC8900 BootLoader

Boot Ver X.X.XXX

Download from:

1 - PCMCIA

2 - Serial

Figure 6-4. Download Menu

Configuring the Terminal

5. Press the Brightness “-” (minus) button on the switch panel to highlight 2 - Serial.

Press the P2 button to select this.

6. Before selecting an option, set up the desktop PC as follows:

a. Start the program OSUPDATE.EXE. The following screen appears:

Figure 6-5. OSUpdate Screen

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

b. Leave the Baud Rate set to 115200.
c. Leave the Data Bits, Parity, Stop Bits, and Flow Control set as 8, None, 1, and

None, respectively.

d. To specify the operating system for upgrade, either type in the full location of the

Windows CE image in the text box or search for it by clicking the “...” button.

e. Click the Update OS button. The following screen app ears:

Figure 6-6. Device Connection Screen

f. Select option 3 (115200) on the VRC 8900 to initiate the download. A screen

similar to the following appears on the PC:

Figure 6-7. File Copy Screen

It takes approximately 20 minutes to download a 15MB file.

7. When the download is complete a message appears on the VRC 8900 asking if the
uploaded version should replace the existing version. Use the Brightness “+” and
Brightness “-” buttons on the panel to toggle between Yes and No.

If you select Brightness “+” (Yes), the VRC 8900 checks the CRC of the
downloaded operating system before transferring it from SDRAM to Flash memory.
DO NOT switch off the terminal before this transfer is complete or the Flash

6-6

Configuring the Terminal

memory will only contain part of the operating system and you must download
again.

8. When complete, you are prompted to restart the terminal. Restart the VRC 8900.

The new operating system takes effect.

After downloading a new operating system, it is recommended that you use the default
registry. See DRAM File System on page 4-19 for instructions on using the default registry.

Downloading Applications

To download an application via the serial port, the following equipment is required:

• Desktop PC

• ActiveSync ca ble

• Application compiled for the VRC 8900, or installation file for PC

• Microsoft ActiveSync installed and configured on the desktop PC.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

To download an application compiled for the VRC 8900:

1. Connect the ActiveSync cable to the COM2 port of the terminal and an available
COM port on the desktop PC.

The terminal automatically connects to the desktop PC. After synchronization
between the terminal and the PC is established, the following screen displays on
the PC:

Figure 6-8. ActiveSync Connection Screen

2. Click the Explore button to display the desktop of the terminal in another screen
as follows:

Figure 6-9. Mobile Device Screen

6-8

Configuring the Terminal

Double-click My Computer to view RAM and Flash memory on the terminal.
Transfer files by ’dragging and dropping’ or ’copying and pasting’ from the PC to the
specified location on the termi nal.

To download an installation file for the desktop PC, which, when unpacked has
been compiled for VRC 8900, the file must first be executed so that it unpacks itself
on the desktop PC:

a. Select Tools, then Add/Remove Programs. The following screen appears:

Figure 6-10. Add/Remove Programs Screen

b. To install the application on the terminal, check the box next to the application(s)

to be installed. If the Install program into the default
installation folder is check ed, the applicat ion files are tran sferred to the
Windows directory on the terminal. If this is unchecked, you may select the
destination of the application in the screen that appears:

Figure 6-11. Select Destination Media Screen

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Refer to DRAM File System on page 4-19 to increase memory if the program
memory availability is lower than required.

3. Continue with the on-screen prompts on the PC and the terminal to complete the
application installation.

Note:If the application, or part of it, is installed in DRAM, it will be lost if the

back-up battery is allowed to discharge or a cold boot is performed.

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Chapter 7

ActiveSync

Introduction

This chapter describes communication between the terminal and a desktop PC using
ActiveSync. The minimum desktop PC requirements for ActiveSync are:

• Windows 2000, Windows NT4 with Service Pack 3 or later, Windows Me, or

Windows 95/98

• Desktop computer with a Pentium processor for Windows NT (166 MHz required

for Windows 2000), Windows Me (150 MHz required for Windows Me), or a 486/66
DX or higher processor (Pentium P90 recommended) for Windows 95/98

• 16MB of memory for Windows 95/98 (more memory will improve performance) or

Windows NT Workstation 4.0 (32MB recommended for Windows NT, 64MB
recommended for Windows 2000), 32MB of memory for Windows Me

• Hard disk drive with 10 to 50MB of available space (actual requirements vary

based on selection of features and user's current system configuration)

• Available 9 or 25-pin communications port (adapter required for 25-pin

communications port), or USB port (available for Windows 95/98 or Windows 2000
only)

• CD-ROM drive

• VGA graphics card or compatible video graphics adapter with 256 color or higher

• Keyboard

• Mouse or compatible pointing device.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Performing an ActiveSync

1. After installing the Windows ActiveS ync software, re start yo ur desktop co mpu t er.

2. From the Start menu on your VRC 8900, select Settings, Control Panel.

3. Select the Communications icon.

4. Under PC Connection, select which VRC 8900 port you are using for ActiveSync
(COM2 or USB port).

5. Start ActiveSync on your desktop computer and open Connection Settings.

6. Check the Allow Serial Cable or Infrared Connection to this COM
Port option.

7-2

Figure 7-1. ActiveSync Screen

ActiveSync

7. Connect the ActiveSync cable between the serial communications port on your

desktop computer, and either the COM2 port or the USB port on the bottom of the
terminal.

COM2 Port
(ActiveSync)

USB Port

Figure 7-2. ActiveSync Cable Connection

8. ActiveSync automatically starts on your desktop computer, and connects to the

terminal.
If no connection occurs, check the communications setting in the Control Panel on

the VRC 8900. On the Communication Properties screen, tap the PC Connection
tab, and check Allow connection with desktop computer when device
is attached.

Also ensure the connection settings are set to Connect Using: Com2 @ 57600.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

7-4

Chapter 8

Maintenance an d Troubleshooting

Maintaining the Terminal

The terminal is factory-sealed and contains no user-serviceable parts. Only qualified
Symbol Service Centers should service the terminal. Refer to Symbol Support Center on
page ix.

Protective caps are attached to the ports on the back of the terminal. Place them over
unused ports for protection.

Cleaning the Terminal

The terminal requires a minimal amount of maintenance. To prolong its life and avoid
problems, keep the terminal clean. Use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a mild cleanser
such as soap and water to clean the terminal. Do NOT use cleaners containing a high
percentage of alcohol, such as Isopropyl Alcohol. Do NOT use abrasive paper/cloth or
abrasive/corrosive cleaners.

Storage

Store the terminal in a cool, dry place away from dust. The terminal’s internal battery
completely discharges in 72 hours. All non-volatile data is lost when the internal battery is
fully discharged.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

Table 8-1 covers some common terminal problems and corrective actions to take.

T able 8-1. Terminal Problems

Symptom Possible Cause Action

Terminal does not power on
or shuts off suddenly.

Power switch on back of
terminal is in the Off position.

Turn the power switch on.

Power cable not c onn ec ted or
unplugged.

If the terminal is powered by a
vehicle battery, the vehicle
battery is depleted.

Cannot see characters on
display.

Touchscreen not working. Display not properly

Optional scanner does not
operate.

Terminal not powered on
(Power LED is off).

Screen is too bright/dark. Adjust the brightness; see Adjusting

Display not adjusted properly. Select Display in the Control Panel

The terminal is in Suspend
mode (indi c ated by a yellow
Power LED).

calibrated.

Scanner is not properly
connected to the terminal.

Connect power cable to po wer cable
portion underside of terminal. Turn
the power switch on, then press the
Suspend Button to boot up the
terminal.

Replace or charge the vehicle
battery.

Turn the power switch on.
Press the Suspend Button.

the Brightness on page 4-16.

settings and adjust the display.
Press the Suspend Button to turn on

the terminal.

Recalibrate the screen through the
Control Panel Calibration utility. If
problem continues, contact Symbol
Support Center. See Symbol

Support Center on page ix.

Connect the scanner to the COM1
port and power up the terminal. If th e
problem continues, refer to the
scanner Quick Reference Guide.

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Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Table 8-1. Terminal Problems (Continued)

Symptom Possible Cause Action

No sound is heard wh en you
tap the touchscre en or press
a key.

Missing pixels on the display . Faulty LCD. Contact Symbol Support Center.

Volume is turned down. Adjust the volume in the Control

Panel.

Application currently running
disabled the sound.

Faulty speaker. Contact Symbol Support Center.

Configure the application to enable
the sound.

See Symbol Support Center on
page ix.

See Symbol Support Center on
page ix.

COM1 or COM2 port is not
working.

No response when
ActiveSync is initiated.

No keys are working on the
optional keyboard.

Application does not
respond.

Another application is using
the port.

ActiveSync cable no t connect­ed properly.

ActiveSync is not configured
properly in the Control Panel.

The keyboard is not properly
connected to the terminal.

The application does not re­quire keyboard input.

Terminal is not responding. Cold boot the terminal.
Terminal is not communicat-

ing with the AP (Communica­tion LED is solid red).

Stop the application using the port
and retry. Use COM1 port for scan­ning and COM2 port for ActiveSy nc.

Connect the ActiveSync cable.

Configure ActiveSync in the Control
Panel. See Performing an Active-

Sync on page 7-2.

Check the cable connections
between the keyboard and the
terminal.

Configure the appli catio n to u se the
keyboard.

Bring the terminal closer to the AP. If
problem continues, contact Symbol
Support Center. See Symbol Sup-

port Center on page ix.

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VRC 8900 Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide

8-4