Symbol VRC 89XX, VRC 89 Series Product Reference Manual

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal

Product Reference Guide

for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

2

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal

Product Reference Guide

for Embedded Windows

®

CE .NET

72-65924-01

Revision A

December 2003

© 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 89XX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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

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

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

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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

Developing Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Software Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Developing C# (C sharp) or Visual Basic.net Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Developing C++ Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Chapter 4. Operating the Terminal

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

Powering on the VRC 89XX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-11

Adjusting the Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 -14

Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-14

Connecting Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-15

Displaying Bar Code Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-15

Saving Files and Allocating Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18

Flash File System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18

DRAM File System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-18

Chapter 5. Spectrum24 Network Configuration

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

Configuring Your 11 Mbps Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-2

WLAN Profiles Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-3

Mode Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Encryption Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

IP ConfigTab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

PowerTab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-8

iv

Contents

Status Tabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Signal Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

Info Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

IP Status Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Ping Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

APs Tab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

Peers Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13

Options Tab. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

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 by Serial Bootcode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

Downloading the Operating System by RF Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Setting up the Host Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Setting up the Terminal and Upgrading the OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-10

Installing WLANUpdate with ActiveSync . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-13

Downloading Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-15

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
Feedback

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

vi

About This Guide

Introduction

The VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows®
CE .NET provides general instructions for setting up, initializing, operating, troubleshooting

and maintaining the VRC 89XX 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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX Radio Terminal Quick Reference Guide for Embedded Windows®
CE .NET, p/n 72-66347-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.

viii

About This Guide

Note:Symbol Technologies is not responsible for any damages incurred

during shipment if the approved shipping container is not used.
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 11742-1300

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 l ocal distributor or call:
Tel: [phone]

ix

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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
Waldstras se 66
D-63128 Dietzenbach, Ge rma ny

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

Latin America Sales Support

2730 University Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33065 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 France)

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]

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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 address:

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.

xi

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

xii

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Introduction

The VRC 89XX 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
CE .NET 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 89XX

®

The VRC 89XX terminals consist of the following models:

• VRC 8942: Performs wireless networking using Symbol’s Spectrum24® 2Mb radio.

• VRC 8946: Performs wireless networking using Symbol’s Spectrum24® 11Mb

radio.

1-1

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 (see page ix).

Parts of the Terminal

Antenna

Angle Adjusting

Knob

Mounting Bracket

Keyboard

Locking Knob

(optional)

Keyboard

(optional)

Display

Membrane
Switch Panel

Keyboard
Adjustment
Levers
(optional)

Figure 1-1. Front View

1-2

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 89XX 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 ke yboard with bracke t 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

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

• 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 89XX terminals include an internal radio card for use with Symbol Spectrum24
networks. Contact Symbol Technologies for more information on radio cards.

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 89XX.

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

WARNING

The VRC 89XX is intended for use on vehicles primarily
operating indoors, or for fixed indoor inst allation. The VRC
89XX should not be installed in f ixed out door loca tions, or
on a vehicle primarily operating out doors, unless additional
environmental protecti on is provided.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX.

• 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 fixi ng 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.

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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX Radio Terminal Quick Reference Guide for

Embedded Windows

®

CE .NET

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 89XX

VRC7900

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

2-5

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX

VRC7900

FUSE - 10A max

FUSE - 2A max

2-6

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

Installing the Terminal

N

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 89XX Series

Note:

OTE: -

See the rear label for

- See the rear label for

voltage input limitations.

voltage input limitations.

- Pins 1 & 3 are

Pins 1 & 3 are connected

connected internally

internally within the

within the supplied

supplied cable (Item 1).

cable (Item 1).

1

3

2

3-pin XLR plug
viewed
externally on

VRC 89XX

VRC7900

Refer to Table 2-3 for terminal
power connections.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 VRC89XX 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 Screws &

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

Bracket L/H

Figure 2-5. Attaching the Brackets

Washers

2-13

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX.

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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

2-16

Chapter 3

Softwa re Installation on the Deve lopm ent PC

Introduction

To develop applications for your terminal, you will require additional tools for your
development environment (see appropriate sections below). If you are developing multiple
types of applications then you may need to install all of the utilities that are compatible with
each other.

The minimum system configuration required to install is:

• IBM-compatible PC with Pentium 150 MHz processo r 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®

Also, be sure the hard drive you are installing to accepts long filenames (larger than the 8.3
filename convention). Before you install the utilities, install the following tools:

• Windows ActiveSync v3.7 or greater (recommended). This can be downloaded

from http://www.microsoft.com.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

• Adobe® Acrobat® v 4.0 or greater (recommended). This can be downloaded from

http://www.adobe.com/.

Developing Applications

Software Requirements

•Microsoft® Visual Studio®.NET 2003, for developing C# (C sharp) or Visual
Basic .NET applications

• Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++

Developing C# (C sharp) or Visual Basic.net Applications

1. Download and install Windows CE Utilities for Visual Studio .NET 2003, available
from http://www.microsoft.com/. For specific details about using this toolkit, refer to
the Readme.htm file available from the same website as the toolkit.

2. Download and install the Compact Frame work add on, available from

http://www.microlise.com/VRC8900. To install the add on:

a. Transfer it onto your VRC8900 using active sync, and place it in the

'\FLASHFX\CAB' folder.

b. Cold boot the terminal. The compact frame work add on is installed without

deleting the original cab file.

®

4.0, for developing C++ applications.

Developing C++ Applications

Download and install the Embedded Visual C SDK, available from

http://www.microlise.com/VRC8900. To install the SDK, double-click on the downloaded file

and follow the on screen installation instructions as required. In order to ensure proper
installation, do not change the default installation directory.

3-2

Chapter 4

Operating the Terminal

Introduction

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

Powering on the VRC 89XX

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

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 .NET 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 Releas e for
Warm Boot message appears (6 seconds).

4-2

Operating the Terminal

Performing a Co ld Boot

A cold boot restarts the terminal. In the Windows CE .NET 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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Figure 4-5. VRC 89XX 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 c ombination 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 funct ion keys . The appli cation de termines 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.
! or Backspace Deletes the character to the left of the cursor.
Spac e Enters a space between charac ters or words .

4-6

Operating the Terminal

Table 4-3. Keyboard Mappings

VRC 89XX 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`Y
u55¬U
i49£I
o4f“O

4-7

VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Table 4-3. Keyboard Mappings (Continued)

VRC 89XX 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 89XX 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 89XX 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 Usi ng the

Keyboard on page 4-11.

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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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

Figure 4-6. Control Panel Screen

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

Figure 4-7. Stylus Properties Screen

4-10

Operating the Terminal

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

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

Repeat as the target moves around the screen.

Figure 4-8. Calibration Screen

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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

3. Press Enter to display the Control Panel screen.

Figure 4-9. Control Panel Screen

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

Figure 4-10. Stylus Properties Screen

4-12

Operating the Terminal

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.

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 screen.

Figure 4-12. Calibration Screen

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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.

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

4-14

Operating the Terminal

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.

Connecting Accessories

Connect an optional scanner, ActiveSync serial cable, or USB device using the appropriate
port on the bottom of the VRC 89XX. 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 89XX 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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

4. Double-tap the Scanner icon. The Scanner-As-Keyboard Proper tie s screen
displays.

Figure 4-15. Scanner-As-Keyboard Properties Screen - Information Tab

5. Select the desired ComPort tab.
a. Select the Enable Scanner-As-Keyboard for this Com Port checkbox 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.

b. Deselect the Enable Scanner-As-Keyboard for this Com Port checkbox to

disable the built in keyboard wedge. This setting must be disabled if your

4-16

application handles the scanner serial port, or the COM1 port is used for a
device other than a bar code scanner.

6. Select the Common Settings tab.

Operating the Terminal

If the Play Control Keys checkbox is selected, character values lower than 20h will
be played as Ctrl+X combinations. Otherwise they will be converted. For example,
a carriage return will be played as a Ctrl+M with this checkbox selected, otherwise
is will be played as an Enter key press.

7. Tap the Start menu.

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

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

Word.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 has two memory options, either 32MB or 64MB, of non-volatile Flash memory.

• The 32MB version is divided as, 20MB reserved for Windows CE .NET operating
system; 11MB for storage of programs and program files (Flash file system); 1MB
for storing the boot code and registry.

• The 64MB version is divided as, 20MB reserved for Windows CE .NET operating
system; 43MB for storage of programs and program files (Flash file system); 1MB
for storing the boot code and 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.

• \CAB - CAB installation files are placed into this folder.

DRAM File System

The terminal contains 32MB or 64MB of DRAM backed up by the internal battery for 72
hours. The Windows CE .NET operating system, along with applications in the
\CopyT oRam 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.

4-18

Operating the Terminal

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.

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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

4-20

Chapter 5

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

Introduction

In order to use Symbol’s S pectrum24 wireless LAN on the VRC 89XX 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.

Note:There are currently no Windows CE .NET network drivers available

for a 2Mbps radio. Therefore, only configuration of 11Mbps is
described in this chapter.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Configuring Your 11 Mbps Terminal

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

1. Tap the NICTT icon located on the bottom of the screen.

2. Tap WLAN profiles. The Mobile Companion - WLAN Profiles window opens.

3. Select the desired access point and tap Edit.

4. Configure the settings in each of the tabs. Details for each tab are described in

WLAN Profiles Tabs on page 5-3.

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Spectrum24 Network Configuration

5. Once all settings have been configured, tap OK.

6. Tap the NICTT icon located on the bottom of the screen and select Status. T he
Mobile Companion window opens, consisting of five tabs - Signal, Info, IP Status,
Ping and APs. Details for each tab are described in Status Tabs on page 5-9.

WLAN Profiles Tabs

Mode Tab

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

Infrastructure Mode Ad Hoc Mode

Figure 5-1. Mode Tab

•Use the Profile Name: field to enter the name of the mobile computer profile used
to transmit with either an AP or another networked computer.

• Use the 802.11 ESSID: field to enter the (WLAN) identifier of the network
connection. The ESSID is the 802.11 Extended Service Set Identifier. The ESSID
is a 32-character (maximum) string identifying the WLAN. The ESSID assigned to
the mobile computer is required to match the AP ESSID for the mobile computer to
communicate with the AP.

• Use the Operating Mode: drop-down list to select the operating mode.

•Select Infrastructure to enable the mobile computer to transmit and receive data

with an AP. If you select this, enter a 32-character maximum ESSID 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. Infrastructure is the mobile computer default mode when Mobile

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Companion initially appears.

• Select Ad Hoc to enable the mobile computer to form its own local network
where mobile computers communicate peer-to-peer without APs using a
shared ESSID. If you select this, enter a 32-character maximum ESSID 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. The fir st adapter conf igu red 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.
Select the Long Preamble 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.

•Use the Country: drop-down list to select the country of operation for the mobile
computer. This ensures the mobile computer is using country code information
compatible with the country code data used by the associated AP. Select
International if using the mobile computer with a non-Symbol AP or a pre AP­4131 model.

Encryption Tab

The Encryption tab controls 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 5-2. Encryption Tab - Open System

5-4

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

• Use the Algorithm: drop-down list to select an encryption algorithm that matches
the security established in your network. The AP and the terminal’s adapter must
use the same encryption.

• 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 5-3. Encryption Tab - 40-bit Shared Key

• 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.

Figure 5-4. Encryption Tab - 128-bit Shared Key

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

•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 5-5. Encryption Tab - Kerberos

• Selecting LEAP from the drop-down box disables WEP automatically. All

necessary infrastructure devices (for example, access points, servers, etc.)
must be properly configured for LEAP authentication.

5-6

Figure 5-6. Encryption Tab - LEAP

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

IP ConfigTab

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

DHCP Static

Figure 5-7. IP Config Tab

• Select Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) from the IP Type drop-down
list to obtain a leased IP address and network configuration information from a
remote server. DHCP is the default setting for the terminal profile. When DHCP is
selected, the IP address fields are read-only.

•Select Static to manually assign the IP, subnet mask, default gateway, DNS and
WINS addresses used by the terminal profile .

• 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: 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.

• 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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

PowerTab

The IP Config tab allows you to set the Radio Transmission Power level and the Power
Saving Modes for the terminal profile.

Infrastructure Mode Ad Hoc Mode

Figure 5-8. Power Tab

Adjusting the Radio Transmission Power level enables you to expand or confine the
transmission area with respect to other wireless devices that could be operating nearby.
Reducing a coverage area in high traffic areas improves transmission quality by reducing
the number of noises in that coverage area.

• In Infrastructure mode there are two transmission power options:

•Select Automatic to use the AP power level. Automatic is the default mode for

terminals operating in Infrastructure mode.

•Select Power Plus to set the terminal transmission power one level higher than

the level set for the AP.

• In Ad Hoc mode there are five transmission power options:

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

level. Select Maximum power when operating in highly reflective environments
and areas where other devices could be operating nearby. Additionally, use the
maximum power level when attempting to communicate with devices at the
outer edge of a coverage area.

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

the maximum power level.

•Select Minimum power to set the terminal to the lowest transmission power

level. Use th e mini mum pow er leve l when co mmunic ating with ot her de vices i n

5-8

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

very close proximity. Additionally, select minimum Spectrum24 Network
Configuration power in instances where little or no radio interference from other
devices is anticipated.

The Automatic Power Saving Mode switches to Best Network Performance when an AC
power supply is detected. If a battery is used, an appropriate setting between Best Network
Performance and Acceptable Network Performance is automatically chosen based on a
real-time analysis of network usage. The Autom ati c Pow er Saving Mod e is the default
setting and extends the operating time before the battery is recharged.

The Manual Power Saving Mode allows you to select a performance level suited to
intended operation. There are six settings ranging from the Best Network Performance
(using the most battery power) to Acceptable Network Performance (using the l east ba ttery
power). A network performance description is displayed for each power range.

Status Tabs

Signal 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.

Figure 5-9. Signal Tab

Note:The Signal tab is only available in Infrastructure mode (selected on

the Mode tab).

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Info Tab

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

Figure 5-10. Info Tab

IP Status Tab

The IP Status tab in NICTT provides information about the terminal, such as IP type and IP
address, Subnet Mask and Gateway.

Figure 5-11. IP Status Tab

• 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.

5-10

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

• 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.

Ping Tab

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

Figure 5-12. Ping Tab

Note:The Ping tab is only available in Infrastructure mode (selected on the

Mode tab).

To send a ping:

1. Enter an IP address as a dotted string (e.g., 122.78.3.141) in the IP: text box. .

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

2. Select the size of packets sent from the Size drop-down list.

3. Tap Start Test to begin the continuous ping test. Tap 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.

APs Tab

Use the APs tab to view access points with the same ESSID as the adapter. View the AP
MAC address, signal level and channel of known access points.

Figure 5-13. APs Tab

Note:The APs tab is only available in Infrastructure mode (selected on the

Mode tab).

• 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.

5-12

Spectrum24 Network Configuration

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

Peers Tab

Use the Peers tab to to display the BSSID or MAC addresses of the other terminals in the
network, their operating mode (PSP or CAM), their transmit rate, their supported data rate
and the length of time an adapter has been out of the Ad Hoc network. Tap Refresh to
update the Peers tab to the latest Ad Hoc network performance and terminal membership
data.

Figure 5-14. Peers Tab

Note:The Peers tab is only available in Ad Hoc mode (selected on the

Mode tab).

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Options Tab

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

Figure 5-15. Options Tab

• Select the Access AP networks checkbox to enable and disable access to AP
networks

• Select the Access Ad-Hoc networ ks checkbox to enable and disable access to Ad­Hoc networks

• Select the Disable Profile Roaming checkbox to enable and disable profile roaming

• Select the Enable Sounds checkbox to enable and disable sounds

• Change Password allows the system administrator to set a password for the
WLAN profiles, this will stop unauthorised personnel from changing the WLAN
settings.

5-14

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 .NET terminals, the VRC
89XX 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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

The partition contains one volume with the folder CopyToRAM, which contains the following
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
\CAB CAB installation files are placed into this folder.

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 .NET: the complete Windows CE .NET 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 89XX.

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

Downloading the Operating System by Serial Bootcode

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

•PC

• ActiveSync ca ble

• The VRC8900 CE .NET update program available on the Windows CE .NET v4.1
Software User Upgrade Kit for Symbol VRC 79XX/VRC 89XX Terminals CD or
downloadable from Microlise’s website, http://www.microlise.com/VRC8900.

6-2

Configuring the Terminal

Note:The Microlise website is password protected. Use the Windows

CE .NET license key information, as it appears on the Microsoft
.NET license label on your terminal, to gain access to the website.

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

COM port on the PC.

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

Key

- Up

- Down
P1 - 
P2 - Select
P3 -

Figure 6-1. Menu

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

Menu.

Brightness “-” Button

Figure 6-2. Brightness Button

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Press the P2 button. The following menu appears.

VRC8900 BootLoader
Boot Ver X.X.XXX

Service Menu: ­1 - Download OS
2 - Download Bootcode
3 - Production Tests
4 - Final Build Tests
5 - Test External Keyboard
6 - Display Test Info
7 - Kill File System
8 - Quit

Key

- Up

- Down
P1 - Back
P2 - Select
P3 -

Figure 6- 3. Service Menu

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

VRC8900 BootLoader
Boot Ver X.X.XXX

6-4

Key

- Up

- Down
P1 - 
P2 - Select
P3 -

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. Select option 3 (1 15200) on the VRC8900 to initiate the download.Before pressing

P2 to initiate the download setup the PC from step 7.

VRC8900 BootLoader
Boot Ver X.X.XXX

Select Baud: ­1 - 38400
2 - 57600
3 - 115200

Key

- Up

- Down
P1 - 
P2 - Select
P3 -

Figure 6-5. Baud Rate

7. Set up the desktop PC as follows:

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

a. Start the program OSUPDA TE.EXE. The following screen appears:

Figure 6-6. OSUpdate Screen

b. Click Next.

Figure 6-7. Download Type

c. Select Serial Operating System Update from the Download Type drop-down

list.

6-6

Configuring the Terminal

d. Click Next.

Figure 6-8. Serial Port Configuration

e. Select the Comport that you want to use, this is the comport on you PC/Laptop

that you have your serial cable attached to.

f. Select the Baud rate that you want to use for the download. This must be the

same as the baud that you select from the terminal.

g. Click Next .

8. Press P2 on the terminal to start the download process.

Figure 6-9. Serial Download Progress

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

It takes approximately 30 minutes to download a 20Mb file.

9. When the download is complete a message appears on the VRC 89XX asking if
the upload 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 89XX 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
memory will only contain part of the operating system and you must download
again.

10. When complete, you are prompted to restart the terminal. Restart the VRC 89XX.
The new operating system takes effect.

Downloading the Operating System by RF Update

The WLAN update allows both the boot code and the operating system to be upgraded via
the WLAN card fitted to the unit.To download the operating system via a WLAN card, the
following equipment is required:

• A Networked PC Running Microsoft Windows 95 or later

• Unit with 2/11mbps WLAN card installed

• Compatible Access Point

• WLAN Update installed on the device.

Setting up the Host Computer

1. Verify that OSUpdate is installed on the host computer. If not, it is available on the

Windows CE .NET v4.1 Software User Upgrade Kit for Symbol VRC 79XX/VRC
89XX Terminals CD or downloadable from Microlise’s website,

http://www.microlise.com/VRC8900.

Note:The Microlise website is password protected. Use the Windows

CE .NET license key information, as it appears on the Microsoft
.NET license label on your terminal, to gain access to the website.

2. Launch OSUpdate on the host computer. The Welcome to OSUpdate screen
displays. Confirm that you are downloading the correct Boot Code and Operating

6-8

Configuring the Terminal

System for your terminal by ensuring that the Terminal Type displayed on the
screen matches your terminal.

Figure 6-10. OSUpdate Screen

3. If the screen displays the correct information, click Next.The following screen

displays.

Figure 6-11. Download Type

If the OSUpdate screen displays the incorrect information, click Options to load a
different Boot Code and Operating System.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

4. Select RF Update using Wireless LAN Adapter from the Download Type drop-down
list.

5. Click Next. OSUpdate will initialize itself and listen for requests from terminals.

Figure 6-12. RF Download Progress

6. Setup up your terminal.

Setting up the Terminal and Upgrading the OS

1. With OSUpdate waiting for an incoming connection, execute WLANUpdate on the
terminal. The Terminal Information screen displays.

Note:If installed, WLANUpdate can be found in

\Windows\WLANUpdate.exe.
If not installed, see installation instruction on page 6-13. .

6-10

Configuring the Terminal

Figure 6-13. Terminal Information Screen

2. Tap Next.

3. WLANUpdate searches for active OSUpdate Servers that have the right operating

system and Boot Code for the terminal and creates a list in the screen, as shown
below:

Figure 6-14. List of OSUpdate Servers

If the WLANUpdate fails to find an OSUpdate server, the following screen displays:

Figure 6-15. WLANUpdate Unable to Finf Server

This could happen for one of the following reasons:

• OSUpdate is running on a slow network and did not respond quickly enough.
Tap Back. This will make WLANUpdate perform a 'slow network' search. If no
server is found again, the above screen displays again. Otherwise the screen
shown in Figure 6-14 displays.

• OSUpdate is running on a different subnet to your terminal. WLANUpdate will
be unable to automatically locate your OSUpdate server. T o continue, manually

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

enter the IP address and port number of the host computer running OSUpdate.

• Ensure that the ESSID on your terminal is correct for the RF network and
ensure the WEP encryption is correct, if applicable.

4. From the list of OSUpdate Servers, select the server you want to download from.
You can download the Boot Code and the Operating System at the same time or
just one at a time.

5. Tap Next. The Download Settings screen displays.

Figure 6-16. Download Settings

6. Configure the download settings.
a. Select the first checkbox to update the boot code only.
b. Select the second checkbox to update the operating system only.
c. Select the third checkbox to re-program the flash. If this checkbox is unchecked,

WLANUpdate performs a test download and the current boot code and
operating system is not changed.

7. Tap Next. The Download Progress screen displays.

6-12

Figure 6-17. Download Progress

Configuring the Terminal

You can cancel a download at any time. However, if you cancel a download part
way through your current operating system and boot code may get damaged and
the terminal will not be able to restart until a full download is performed.

8. Once download is complete, a pop-up dialog box asks whether you want to restart

your terminal. If a new operating system was downloaded, you should restart your
terminals.

Figure 6-18. Restart Dialog Box

9. Tap Yes to restart the terminal.

Installing WLANUpdate with ActiveSync

1. Connect the ActiveSync cable to the appropriate port on the host computer.

2. Ensure that the latest ActiveSync software is installed on your host computer. If not,

it is available on the Windows CE .NET v4.1 Software User Upgrade Kit for Symbol
VRC 79XX/VRC 89XX Terminals CD or downloadable from Microsoft’s web site at

http://www.microsoft.com.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

3. Launch ActiveSync on the host computer. The Get Connected dialog box displays.

Figure 6-19. Get Connected

4. When prompted with the Get Connected dialog box, connect the ActiveSync cable
to the appropriate port on the terminal and click Next. The Set Up a Partnership
dialog box displays.

6-14

Figure 6-20. Set Up a Partnership

Configuring the Terminal

5. Select the No checkbox and click Next. The host computer and the terminal are

connected.

6. Locate WLANUpdate on your host computer. It is available on the Windows

CE .NET v4.1 Software User Upgrade Kit for Symbol VRC 79XX/VRC 89XX
Terminals CD or downloadable from Microlise’s website, http://www.microlise.com/

VRC8900.

Note:The Microlise website is password protected. Use the Windows

CE .NET license key information, as it appears on the Microsoft
.NET license label on your terminal, to gain access to the website.

7. Launch WIndows Explorer and copy the WLANUpdate.exe (downloaded in the

previous step) and paste it in the Mobile Device\My Computer\Temp folder.

8. WLANUpdate is now installed on your terminal.

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 89XX, or installation file for PC

• Microsoft ActiveSync installed and configured on the desktop PC.

To download an application compiled for the VRC 89XX:

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

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

between the terminal and the PC is established, the following screen displays on
the PC:

Figure 6-21. ActiveSync Connection Screen

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

Figure 6-22. Mobile Device Screen

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 89XX, the file must first be executed so that it unpacks itself
on the desktop PC:

6-16

Configuring the Terminal

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

Figure 6-23. Add/Remove Programs Screen

b. T o 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 checked, the application files are transferred 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 6-24. Select Destination Media Screen

Refer to DRAM File System on page 4-18 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.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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.

6-18

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 98se/ME/2000 or XP
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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX, select Settings, Control Panel.

3. Select the PC Connections icon.

4. Under PC Connection, select change and then select which VRC 89XX 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 PC Connections setting in the Control Panel on
the VRC 89XX. On the PC Connections Properties screen, sele ct t he Allow
connection with desktop computer when device is attached checkbox.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

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 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Troubleshooting

Table 8-1 on page 8-2 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 4-14.

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.

8-2

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 . Fau lty 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 not
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.
T erminal 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
ActiveSync.

Connect the ActiveSync cable.

Configure ActiveSync in the Control
Panel. See Performing an

ActiveSync on page 7-2.

Check the cable connections
between the keyboard and the
terminal.

Configure the application to use the
keyboard.

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

Support Center on page ix.

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

8-4

Appendix A

Specifications

Environment

The VRC 89XX is designed to operate in harsh environments. T able A-1 below summarizes
the terminal’s intended operating environment.

Table A-1. VRC 89XX Operating Environment

Operating Temperature Non-heated version:

0° C to 50° C (32° F to 122° F)

Heated version:

-30° C to 50° C (-22° F to 122° F)
Humidity 5% to 95% non-condensing
Shipping and Storage

Temperature
Electrostatic Disc ha rge ±15 kv
Sealing IP65 and Mil Standard 810E (windblown rain and dust)

-20° C to 60° C (-4° F to 140° F)

85% Relative Humidity

Altitude/Temperature 15,000 ft / 12° C (54° F) Cargo Storage

8,000 ft / 27° C (81° F) Operating
Vibration 0.04g2/Hz, Random (20Hz to 2kHz)
Cargo/Packaged 4 ft (1.2 m) drop to concrete @ 0° C (32° F),

23° C (73° F), 50° C (122° F)
Rain and Drip Sealed to IP65 MIL-STD 810E Proc. 506.3 (Dripping Rain)
Dust Sealed to IP65

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Table A-1. VRC 89XX Operating Environment (Continued)

Impact 130 gm (4.6 oz), 31.75 mm (1.25 in.) diameter chrome steel ball

dropped from 50 cm (19.6 in.) onto any surface including display
Thermal Shock -20° C to 70° C (-4° F to 158° F)
ESD 15 kV Air, 8 kV Contact, 2 kV Charged Body

(RH less than 50%) per IEC 801-2

A-2

Pin-Outs

Specifications

Table A-2. COM1 Serial Port Pin-Outs

Pin Description
1 CTS
2 +12V
3 Rx Data (RS-232)
4 +5V
5 RTS
6 Tx Data (RS-232)
7 Ground

Table A-3. COM2 Serial Port Pin-Outs

Pin Description
1 CTS
2 Connection Detect (1)

This input is used with Connection Detect
(2) to automatically detect whether the
terminal is connected to another device.

0=Not connected to another device
1=RS-232 detected

3 Rx Data (RS-232)
4 Connection Detect (2)
5 RTS
6 Tx Data (RS-232)
7 Ground

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VRC 89XX Radio Terminal Product Reference Guide for Embedded Windows® CE .NET

Table A-4. Keyboard Port Pin-Outs

Pin Description
1 +12V supply for backlight and heater
2 +5V supply to keyboard logic
3 Ground
4 PS2 clock signal (12.5kHz)
5 PS2 data

Table A-5. USB Port Pin-Outs

Pin Description
1 D- for host operation
2 Not connected
3 DataX for slave operation

A-4

4 +5 V supply output for host operation
5 +5V supply input for slave operation

(capable of supplying 1.1A)

6 D+ for host operation
7 DataY for slave operation
8 Ground