Symbol Technologies VRC 6940 User Manual

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VRC 6940

Product Reference Guide

VRC 6940

Product Reference Guide

72-37641-02

Revision B

June 2001

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 Plaza Holtsville, New York 11742-1300 http://www.symbol.com

Contents

About This Manual

Notational Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Contact and Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Chapter 1. Getting Started

Purpose of This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

Parts of a VRC 6940 Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

Options and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

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

Radio Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Scanners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3

Printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Before You Use the Terminal.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4

Chapter 2. Installing Hardware

Equipment Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

Hardware Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

Providing Power: Vehicle Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5

Providing Power: Wall or Workbench Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-7

Installation and the Internal Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8

Chapter 3. Configuring Spectrum24

Equipment Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

Configuring a Spectrum24 Radio Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

iii

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Chapter 4. Installing Software

Equipment Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

Transferring and Installing Application Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

1. Prepare the PC for Communications and File Downloading. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

2. Provide a Reliable Power Source. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

3. Prepare the Terminal for Transferring Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4

4. Start the File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7

5. Complete the Installation of Transferred Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-8

Chapter 5. Operating a VRC 6940

Powering a Terminal On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Powering On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Suspending or Turning Off the Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

Powering On or Off Automatically. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Resetting a Terminal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

Modifier Keys: SHIFT, FUNC and CTRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

Adjusting Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Entering Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Bar Code Scanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Attaching an External Bar Code Scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

Using a Bar Code Scanner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-7

Moving a Terminal to a Different Power Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Command Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

Chapter 6. Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a VRC 6940 Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3

Scanning Problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

Terminal Stops Responding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

1. Make Sure You are Within Range of an Access Point. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

2. Force the Terminal into Suspend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

3. Restart After Forcing a Suspend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Booting a VRC 6940 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Warm Boot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-5

Cold Boot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-6

Command Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

If Rebooting Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7

Memory Transfer Analyzer (MTA) Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8

Technical Support Contacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-12

Contents

Chapter 7. Maintenance

Maintaining the Internal Battery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

Storing the Terminal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

Appendix A. Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

VRC 6940 Self Tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Keyboard Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

DIAG24 Diagnostics Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

DIAG24 Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Ping Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Field Diagnostic Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-10

CFG24 Configurator Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Starting the Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

Initializing the Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-12

The Configurator Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

View Config Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-13

ESS ID or Net ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Subnet Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-14

Default Router . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-15

Terminal IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-16

MU Sleep Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

Boot Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-17

Power Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-18

Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

Re-Transmit Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-19

Rate Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

Scanner/RF Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-20

Flash Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

Deleting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

Copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

Renaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-21

Appendix B. Software Environment

Boot Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-2

LAN WorkPlace (LWP) Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

Software Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Appendix C. Keyboard Layouts

Keyboard Character & Character Combination Illustrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-4

Appendix D. Environmental and Technical Specifications

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-1

Scanner Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-2

COM1 Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-3

Null Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D-4

Appendix E. Communications Status Codes

Communications Status Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E-1

Glossary

Index

About This Manual

This Product Reference Guide describes the VRC 6940 terminal. Topics include: hardware

installation, software configuration, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

Notational Conventions

This document uses the following conventions:

“Operator” or “User” refers to anyone using a VRC 6940 terminal.

“Te rm i nal ” refers to a VRC 6940 terminal.

“You” refers to the System Administrator or Technical Support person using this

manual to install, configure, operate, maintain or troubleshoot a VRC 6940. Bold upper case type indicates a key on the terminal. For example: “Press ENTER”,

“Press J, then K”.

Courier

Italics are used:

" to identify menu items on a terminal screen " for variable names in usage and syntax descriptions " to highlight specific items in the general text " to identify chapters and sections in this and related documents

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.

type is used for command line text and file names.

vii

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Related Publications

VRC 6900 Series Quick Reference Guide

p/n 72-37640-XX

Series 3000 Application Programmer's Guide

p/n 70-16308-XX Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Reference Manual

p/n 70-16309-XX

Series 3000 System Software Manual

p/n 70-16310-XX Spectrum 24 Network Terminal Technical Reference Guide — Radio Firmware and

Driver Guide Version 3 p/n 70-20193-XX

Spectrum 24 Ethernet Access Point User Guide

p/n 70-12057-XX Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide

p/n 70-20505-XX

Contact and Service Information

If you have a problem with your equipment, contact the Symbol Support Center for your region. See

page vii for contact information. Before calling, have the model number, serial number, and several of

your bar code symbols at hand.

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

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

Note: Symbol Technologies is not responsible for any damages incurred during

shipment if the approved shipping container is not used. 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.

viii

About This Manual

Symbol Support Center

For service information, warranty information or technical assistance contact or call the Symbol

Support Center in:

Symbol Technologies, Inc.

United States

One Symbol Plaza Holtsville, New York 11742-1300 1-800-653-5350

United Kingdom

Symbol Technologies Symbol Place Winnersh Triangle, Berkshire RG41 5TP United Kingdom 0800 328 2424 (Inside UK) +44 208 945 7529 (Outside UK)

Australia

Symbol Technologies Pty. Ltd. 432 St. Kilda Road Melbourne, Victoria 3004 1-800-672-906 (Inside Australia) +61-3-9866-6044 (Outside Australia)

Denmark/Danmark

Symbol Technologies AS Gydevang 2, DK-3450 Allerod, Denmark 7020-1718 (Inside Denmark) +45-7020-1718 (Outside Denmark)

Finland/Suomi

Oy Symbol Technologies Kaupintie 8 A 6 FIN-00440 Helsinki, Finland 9 5407 580 (Inside Finland) +358 9 5407 580 (Outside Finland)

Symbol Technologies Canada, Inc.

Canada

2540 Matheson Boulevard East Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4W 4Z2 905-629-7226

Asia/Pacific

Symbol Technologies Asia, Inc. 230 Victoria Street #04-05 Bugis Junction Office Tower Singapore 188024 337-6588 (Inside Singapore) +65-337-6588 (Outside Singapore)

Austria/Österreich

Symbol Technologies Austria GmbH Prinz-Eugen Strasse 70 Suite 3

2.Haus, 5.Stock 1040 Vienna, Austria 1-505-5794 (Inside Austria) +43-1-505-5794 (Outside Austria)

Europe/Mid-East Distributor Operations

Contact your local distributor or call +44 208 945 7360

France

Symbol Technologies France Centre d'Affaire d'Antony 3 Rue de la Renaissance 92184 Antony Cedex, France 01-40-96-52-21 (Inside France) +33-1-40-96-52-50 (Outside France)

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Symbol Technologies GmbH Waldstrasse 68 D-63128 Dietzenbach, Germany 6074-49020 (Inside Germany) +49-6074-49020 (Outside Germany)

7900 Glades Road Suite 340 Boca Raton, Florida 33434 USA 1-800-347-0178 (Inside United States) +1-561-483-1275 (Outside United States)

Symbol Technologies Kerkplein 2, 7051 CX Postbus 24 7050 AA Varsseveld, Netherlands 315-271700 (Inside Netherlands) +31-315-271700 (Outside Netherlands)

Symbol Technologies Africa Inc. Block B2 Rutherford Estate 1 Scott Street Waverly 2090 Johannesburg Republic of South Africa 11-4405668 (Inside South Africa) +27-11-4405668 (Outside South Africa)

Symbol Technologies AB Albygatan 109D Solna Sweden 84452900 (Inside Sweden) +46 84452900 (Outside Sweden)

Customer support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Germany/Deutchland

Latin America Sales Support

Netherlands/Nederland

South Africa

Sweden/Sverige

Symbol Technologies Italia S.R.L.

Italy/Italia

Via Cristoforo Columbo, 49 20090 Trezzano S/N Navigilo Milano, Italy 2-484441 (Inside Italy) +39-02-484441 (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 5-520-1835 (Inside Mexico) +52-5-520-1835 (Outside Mexico)

Norway/Norge

Symbol Technologies Trollasveien 36 Postboks 72 1414 Trollasen, Norway 66810600 (Inside Norway) +47-66810600 (Outside Norway)

Spain/España

Symbol Technologies S.A. Edificioi la Piovera Azul C. Peonias, No. 2 - Sexta Planta 28042 Madrid, Spain 9-1-320-39-09 (Inside Spain) +34-9-1-320-39-09 (Outside Spain)

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.

Chapter 1 Getting Started

VRC 6940 terminals are rugged mobile computer terminals that communicate by radio with

a host computer on Spectrum24

networks. End-users view network applications and data on the terminal’s 8-line screen, and use its keyboard or an attached scanner to enter and transmit data.

The terminal uses the DR-DOS standard IBM PC-DOS

™

V3.41 operating system, compatible with the industry-

. DR-DOS provides access to a number of commercially available programming tools. Symbol can provide additional programming tools for easier system programming and access to special features.

VRC 6940 features include:

8 line x 40 column screen display

54-key keyboard

DOS operating system and 16-bit processing

compatibility with laser scanners and pen-based bar code readers

support for industrial software applications

support for spread-spectrum radio frequency technology

Purpose of This Manual

This manual is for Information Systems and Technical Support personnel who are responsible for installing and supporting VRC 6940 terminals. It describes how to install, configure and maintain a terminal. For information on day-to-day operation for end-users, see the VRC 6940 Terminal Quick Reference Guide (p/n 72-37640-XX).

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Parts of a VRC 6940 Terminal

Standard Parts

A standard VRC 6940 terminal includes these standard parts:

Terminal with attached vehicle-mount bracket

Bracket knobs (2)

External DC power cable

Internal PCMCIA radio card for use with a Symbol Spectrum24 network

VRC 6940 Terminal Quick Reference Guide (p/n 72-37640-XX)

Front

Antenna (accessory option)

Display Screen

Keyb oa rd

Ve h i c le - mo u n t B r ac k e t

Scanner Connector (Remove plug cover before using)

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 ABCDEFG 78 HIJKLMN 45 OPQRSTU 12 VWXYZ

BACK ON/OFF CTRL

SHIFT FUNC

CLEAR

ENTER

Back

RS-232 Connector (Remove plug cover before using)

Figure 1-1. Parts of a VRC 6940

Bracket Knob

Power Connector

1-2

Options and Accessories

Options

You can also order the VRC 6940 with these options:

Keyboard backlight

Internal heating device

Accessories

You can order these VRC 6940 accessories separately from Symbol:

Scanner cable

RS-232 cable

Primary antenna

Vehicle-mounted antenna

Spectrum24® PCMCIA radio card

AC Universal Power Supply

AC cable

DC cable

Getting Started

Note: Contact your Symbol Sales representative to order the cable

appropriate for your country.

Radio Cards

VRC 6940 models include an internal PCMCIA radio card for use with a Symbol Spectrum24 network. For other information on radio cards, contact Symbol Technologies.

Scanners

The VRC 6940 terminal can use these Symbol laser scanner models:

LS 2000

LS 3000

LS 5000

LS 9100

LT 1700

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Printers

The VRC 6940 terminal can use these Symbol printer models:

PS 1000

PS 200

Before You Use the Terminal...

Table 1-1. VRC 6940 Installation and Configuration Tasks

Task Where to Find the Instructions

Install the hardware in a vehicle or forklift, or on a wall or workbench.

Provide a primary AC or DC power source.

Charge the internal battery. See Installation and the Internal Battery on page

Configure the radio card. See Configuring a Spectrum24 Radio Card on

Transfer, install and configure software. See Transferring and Installing Application

See Hardware Installation page 2-2.

See Providing Power: Vehicle Installations on page 2-5.

2-8.

page 3-2.

Programs on page 4-2.

1-4

Chapter 2 Installing Hardware

This chapter describes how to install a VRC 6940 terminal into a vehicle or onto a wall or workbench. Please read all of these instructions before you begin.

Caution

A properly trained technician must perform the installation. Improper installation can damage your vehicle.

Equipment Required

Vehicle Mounted VRC 6940

an External DC power cable (supplied with terminal).

minimum of two 3/8” bolts with self-locking nylon nuts.

a drill with a 7/16” drill bit.

7/16” hex wrench.

a connector for terminating the External DC power cable. Select one that mates with

your vehicle’s power supply. primary or external antenna (optional).

Wall or Workbench Mounted VRC 6940

AC universal power supply (Symbol p/n 50-14001-006)

AC line cable (Symbol p/n 23844-00-00)

DC power cable (Symbol p/n 25-39385-01)

minimum of two 3/8” bolts with self-locking nylon nuts

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

a drill with a 7/16” drill bit

7/16” hex wrench

primary or external antenna (optional)

Hardware Installation

The physical requirements of the work area affect where you place the terminal. There are different installation options, depending on where you plan to locate it. Figure 2-1 shows a terminal mounted on a vehicle. Figure 2-2 shows a terminal mounted on a wall, and Figure

2-3 shows a terminal mounted on a workbench.

Caution

Do not install a VRC 6940 terminal in a location that will affect vehicle safety or driveability.

To install VRC 6940 hardware:

1. Prepare a mounting location:

a. Select a location to mount the

terminal. The terminal’s attached bracket has holes cut for bolts. Use these holes to mark bolt hole locations.

b. Prepare the mounting surface to

Installation Note: Mounting Locations

The bracket and terminal must be:

• firmly secured to a surface that can support the terminal’s weight — on a vehicle, wall or workbench

• secured with a minimum of two 3/8” diameter bolts and nylon self-locking nuts

• easy to for end-users to see and reach

accept two 3/8” bolts. Drill two holes with a 7/16” drill bit.

2. Install the terminal onto the mounting surface: a. Position the terminal on the mounting surface. b. Fasten it securely using a minimum of two 3/8” self-locking nuts.

3. Attach the Bracket Knobs. When you first unpack it, the terminal has hex bolts in place of the Bracket Knobs shown in Figures 2-1, 2-2, and 2-3. These knobs allow users to adjust the angle of the terminal.

a. Use a 7/16” hex wrench to remove the bolts. b. Replace them with the Bracket Knobs. c. To adjust the angle of the display, partially unscrew the Bracket Knobs. Then

adjust the angle of the terminal and re-tighten the knobs.

2-2

Figure 2-1. Terminal Mounted on a Vehicle

Installing Hardware

Figure 2-2. Terminal Mounted on a Wall

BACK ON/OFF CTRL

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 ABCDEFG 78 HIJKLMN 45 OPQRSTU 12 VWXYZ

SHIFT FUNC

CLEAR

ENTER

Figure 2-3. Terminal Mounted on a Workbench

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

4. Optional: attach a primary antenna to the connector at the top of the terminal, as shown in Figure 2-4. To attach the antenna:

a. Place the metal end of the antenna onto the connector. b. Line up the posts with the connector openings and press down gently. c. Twist the bottom ring clockwise to lock it into position.

Back of Terminal

Antenna Connector

Figure 2-4. Attaching a Primary Antenna

5. Optional: install a vehicle-mounted antenna. Sometimes you can improve wireless communication by mounting an external antenna onto the vehicle, as shown in

Figure 2-5. Symbol has several different external antennas available. Contact your

Support Representative for more information. To connect an external vehicle-mounted antenna:

a. Secure the external antenna to an appropriate location on the vehicle. b. Connect one end of a coaxial cable to the terminal’s Antenna Connector. Connect

the other end to the vehicle-mounted antenna. Make the coaxial cable as short as possible to minimize signal loss.

Antenna

Coaxial Cable

2-4

Figure 2-5. Vehicle-Mounted Antenna

Installing Hardware

Providing Power: Vehicle Installations

VRC 6940 terminals can be powered by:

12V or 24V gas-powered vehicles

battery-powered vehicles, up to 60 volts

To provide power to a vehicle-installed VRC 6940:

1. Locate your vehicle’s power source. Always connect a VRC 6940 terminal to a

continuous or unswitched power source.

2. Prepare the External DC power cable. One end of the power cable fits into the

terminal’s DC Power connector. The other end has no connector (see Figure 2-6).

Plug in to the DC Power connector on the terminal

Cable End to be prepared

Figure 2-6. Preparing the External DC Power Cable

To prepare the External DC power cable end:

a. In-line fuse holder: if no fused output is

available, add a fuse-holder and 5 Amp fuse to the External DC power cable. Follow these steps and refer to Figure 2-7:

i. Strip back six inches of the cable jacket. ii. Cut about 5” from the red power wire

and strip 3/8” insulation from the wire.

iii. Strip 3/8” insulation from the fuse-

holder wire.

iv. Twist the stripped wire ends together

and splice them using a twist-on nylon

Installation Note: Power Sources

The ideal location for connecting a VRC 6940 External DC power cable would be a fused power source on the vehicle’s power distribution panel. If no fused power source is available, connect the terminal directly to a vehicle battery. In this case, Symbol recommends you use an in-line fuse holder and 5A slow-blow fuse. The fuse protects your vehicle from an electrical short on the power cable.

wire connector.

v. Make sure the fuse holder contains a 5 Amp slow-blow fuse. Wrap the wires

neatly, as necessary.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Red power wire

In-line fuse holder with 5A slow-blow fuse

Twist-on nylon wire connector

Wrapped wires and fuse holder

ii.

iii.

iv.

Figure 2-7. Adding an In-line Fuse Holder

b. Route the External DC power cable from the terminal location to the connection

point for your vehicle’s power source.

See the Installation Note below.

! !

Installation Note: Cable Routing Caution

The means of routing and securing the External DC power cable from the terminal to the vehicle power source is extremely important. Hazards associated with improper wiring can be severe.

To avoid unintentional contact between the wire and any sharp edges, provide the cable with proper bushings and clamping where it passes through openings. If the wire is subjected to sharp surfaces and excess engine vibration, wiring harness insulation can wear away, causing a short between the bare wire and chassis. This can start a fire.

2-6

Installing Hardware

3. Prepare the cable termination: Strip 3/8”

of insulation from the two wire ends and terminate them with a connector that matches your vehicle’s requirements. See the Installation Note, right, for more information.

a. Connect the red wire to the vehicle

power source. Connect the black wire to a vehicle ground wire or chassis ground.

b. Connect the External DC power cable

to your vehicle power source.

4. Insert the terminal end of the External

Installation Note: Cable Termination

How the cable terminates depends on your vehicle. If your vehicle has a power output connector, then attach a mating connector to the end of the power cable. You may be able to connect to a fuse panel with a commercially available connector. If your vehicle has no power output connector, attach a ring terminal (for a battery post) or blade terminal connector (for a fuse panel).

Consult your vehicle Owner’s Manual for information on how to access your vehicle’s power supply.

DC power cable into the terminal’s Power Connector. Align the red dot on the end of the power cable with the red dot on the Power Connector.

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., connect the power cable to the battery first, then connect it to the terminal.

Providing Power: Wall or Workbench Installations

For wall or workbench-mounted terminals, or for operating a terminal while away from a vehicle, you can power an VRC 6940 from an AC universal power supply. You need the AC universal power supply, an AC line cable, and a DC power cable as listed on page 2-1.

To provide power from an AC source:

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

2. Plug the other end of the AC line cable into an AC wall outlet.

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

4. Plug the other end of the cable into the terminal’s Power Connector.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Installation and the Internal Battery

A VRC 6940 terminal has an internal battery that powers the terminal if there is a temporary interruption, disconnection, or fluctuation in the main DC or AC power. We recommend that you save all data and close all applications before removing a terminal’s main power supply.

You cannot use the internal battery to operate the terminal.

A terminal’s internal battery may be depleted when you first install it. It charges itself from the terminal’s main power supply (DC or AC). If the main power supply is stable, you can plug in the terminal and use it immediately.

If the main power supply is not stable, there may be power interruptions that cause the terminal to reset itself during its first few hours of operation. If the terminal resets itself, you may lose unsaved data. To avoid this, we recommend that you plug in the terminal and allow it to charge for two hours before using it.

It takes 48 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. This time is reduced if the radio mode maintains continuous communication with a host.

Note: Reliable terminal operation during power interruptions cannot be

guaranteed without a fully charged internal battery. If the internal battery is not fully charged, a power interruption may cause the terminal to reset itself and erase valuable data.

2-8

Chapter 3 Configuring Spectrum24

Each VRC 6940 terminal has a Spectrum24 radio card that must be configured before the terminal can communicate with a Spectrum24 network. This chapter describes how to do this. For more information on Spectrum24 radio communications, see Spectrum24 Network Terminal Technical Reference Guide — Radio Firmware and Driver Guide Version 3 (p/n 7020193-XX).

Before you begin, read the procedures in this chapter all of the way through and provide a power source as described in Chapter 2.

Equipment Required

To configure the terminal and transfer applications, you need these items:

a VRC 6940 terminal

a reliable power source

3-1

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Configuring a Spectrum24 Radio Card

To configure a Spectrum24 radio card.

1. Provide a reliable power source. If you have not already done so, install the terminal hardware and provide a reliable

power source as described in Chapter 2. If the terminal is mounted in a vehicle, it can remain mounted as long as the internal battery is fully charged (see page 2-8) and you can position it close enough to the host PC for the cables to reach. Otherwise, remove it from the vehicle, position it on a workbench and provide operating power with a Symbol AC universal power supply.

Note: If there is a power interruption during configuration, simply restore

the power and start again at step two (Start the Terminal).

2. Start the terminal. The first time you power up a VRC 6940 terminal, press the ON/OFF key to start

the terminal, and let it run through a series of messages. The terminal loads essential utilities and system drivers and displays the CFG24 Configurator utility as shown in

Figure 3-1.

You can also start the CFG24 Configurator utility by typing command line and pressing ENTER.

CONFI GUR ATOR X.XX View config ESS Id Subnet Mask Default Router MU IP Address Diversity

CLR, Enter

Figure 3-1. The CFG24 Configurator Utility

3-2

CFG24

at a DOS

Configuring Spectrum24

3. Set Spectrum24 configuration

parameters. The CFG24 Configurator utility lets

you set Spectrum24 parameters in a text file on the RAM disk (D:\net.cfg). It also saves the parameters in a buffer in flash memory on the radio card. The radio driver and TCP/IP stack get their configuration parameters from net.cfg.

Table 3-1 summarizes Spectrum24

parameters. For more information on setting parameters, see CFG24

Configuration Note: Navigating the Menus

To navigate through the menus:

• Press UP or DOWN arrow keys to scroll

through menu options.

• To select, highlight the menu option you want, then press ENTER. A highlighted option shows up in reverse video .

• To erase an entire entry, press CTRL, and then D.

• To erase part of an entry, press BACK.

• To return to a previous menu, press

CLEAR.

• To exit to the DOS prompt, return to the Configurator menu and press CLEAR.

reverse video

Configurator Utility on page A-12.

Table 3-1. Spectrum24 Configuration Options

Option Description

View Config Displays the current Spectrum24 configuration.

ESS Id or Net Id A radio network ID that lets you differentiate between different radio

networks. All equipment on one network must use the same ESS Id or Net Id. Set this parameter to the same value specified for the Spectrum24 Access

Points (APs). An ESS Id requires a 32-character alphanumeric value. A Net

Id requires a three-character hexadecimal value (101 to 1FE).

Subnet Mask The network uses a Subnet Mask to determine whether or not one device can

communicate directly with another (e.g., a terminal trying to communicate with a host computer). The Subnet Mask depends on your facility’s IP address allocations. Set this option as advised by your Network Administrator. The default value is 255.0.0.0

Note: If you change the boot mode, the value set by a server overrides this

value. See Boot Mode.

Default Router The Default Router is the node address that receives all packets destined for

remote networks. Set this as advised by your Network Administrator. The default value is 0.0.0.0

MU IP Address If a terminal is using a fixed IP address, enter it in this field. Networks use IP

addresses to determine where to send data that is being transmitted over the network.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table 3-1. Spectrum24 Configuration Options

Option Description

Diversity Determines how many antenna ports the radio will attempt to use for

communications. Match this setting to the number of antennas you’re using.

MU Sleep Mode If you set MU Sleep Mode to On, the radio stays on even if an application

powers down the terminal because of inactivity. The default setting is On.

Boot Mode Indicates the source of the terminal’s IP address. Options are Boot, DHCP or

Manual Entry. If you select Manual Entry, the terminal uses the IP address specified in MU IP Address. See page A-17 for more information.

Pwr Management If you set Pwr Management to PSP, the radio only powers up when there is

traffic on the network. If you set it to CAM, the radio is always ready to receive. The default setting is PSP.

Buffers Sets the number of data buffers used by the radio driver (4, 8 or 12).

ReXmit Delay If a terminal tries to transmit a packet and fails, it tries to re-transmit the

packet later. ReXmit Delay sets the length of time between re-transmissions. The options are short and long. The short option improves response time but uses more power. If there is high network traffic, or a high amount of electrical “noise” nearby, select short to improve response time.

Rate Control Determines which Spectrum24 Access Points a terminal can communicate

with. The options are 1Mb only, 2Mb only, 1Mb and 2 Mb. Select a parameter that matches the Rate Setting for the AP, if one has been specified. For more information see Spectrum24 Wireless LAN Adapter Product Reference Guide (p/n 70-20505-XX).

Scan/RF Op Determines whether or not the scanner and radio can operate at the same

time. Concurrent Op allows both to operate at the same time. Scan Stops RF causes the scanner to lock out the radio during an active scan.

Exit Closes the utility and displays a DOS prompt.

Note: If you are using a Spectrum24 card with the 802.11 protocol, the ESS

Id option appears on the menu. If you are using a Spectrum24 card with the Spring protocol, the Net Id option appears on the menu.

3-4

Configuring Spectrum24

4. When you finish setting Spectrum24 parameters, warm boot the terminal:

a. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal. b. Press and hold the SHIFT and L keys. c. Press and release the ON/OFF button. d. Release the SHIFT and L keys. " The terminal reloads the system drivers and attempts to associate with a

Spectrum24 AP.

" If the radio card is configured correctly, it tries to locate a bootp server, fails, and

boots to a DOS prompt. This means the radio card is working correctly. Proceed to step 5.

" If the radio card is not configured correctly, the CFG24 Configurator utility

reappears. Recheck your configuration parameters and perform another warm boot.

5. Turn the VRC 6940 off. You have successfully configured the Spectrum24 radio card. You may now

download and install application programs. See Transferring and Installing

Application Programs on page 4-2.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

3-6

Chapter 4 Installing Software

This chapter describes how to install application programs onto a terminal. VRC 6940 terminals have a number of drives available for storing user applications and data. For more information on available drive space, the software environment and a list of standard VRC 6940 software, see Appendix B, Software Environment.

Before you begin, read the procedures in this chapter all of the way through.

Equipment Required

To transfer applications, you need:

a VRC 6940 terminal

a Host PC

an RS-232 serial null modem cable with a 16-pin male connector at one end, and a

25-pin female connector at the other end a reliable power supply

software for transferring files from a Host PC to the terminal

See Tab le 4-1 for information on recommended software. Also see the Series 3000 Application Programmer's Reference Manual (p/n 70-16309-XX).

Table 4-1. Software Required for Transferring Files

Type of File to be Transferred Host PC Software VRC 6940 Software

HEX Image SENDHEX or WINHEX Program Loader

Other file types TFT3000 TDREM

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Transferring and Installing Application Programs

This section describes how to transfer a HEX image from a Host PC onto a VRC 6940 terminal over a standard RS-232 null modem cable. The procedure uses the SENDHEX or WINHEX program on the Host PC and the Program Loader utility on the VRC 6940.

The Program Loader installs the HEX image by converting the ASCII data stream into files that are stored in non-volatile memory (NVM) on the terminal (the application EEPROM). Any further installation procedures depend on the contents of the HEX file.

To transfer non-HEX images or files, use the TFT3000 program on the Host PC, and the TDREM utility on the terminal. For details on all of these programs, refer to the Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Reference Manual (p/n 70-16309-XX).

Laptop Computer

VRC 6940 RS-232 serial port

Null modem cable

To the serial port

Figure 4-1. Cabling for Downloading on Benchtop

1. Prepare the PC for Communications and File Downloading

To prepare the PC for communications:

1. Begin with the VRC 6940 terminal in suspend mode.

2. Remove the plug cover from the RS-232 serial port on the terminal, and attach the male connector end of the null modem cable.

3. Attach the female end of the null modem cable to the Host PC serial port, as shown in Figure 4-1. Use an adapter, if necessary.

4. On the PC, start the communications program. For example, to use SENDHEX, first open a DOS window. Then type the SENDHEX command with appropriate

4-2

Installing Software

parameters, and press ENTER. The example in Figure 4-2 shows a baud rate of 38400, and the COM2 option. For pgmname, type the name of the HEX file you are transferring, without the .hex extension. The default parameter values are:

" 9600 bps " COM1 " 7 data bits " Odd parity " Xon/Xoff flow control

C:\>cd\ sendhex pgmname 38400 com2

SENDHEX Command

HEX File Name (no .hex extension)

Baud Rate

COM Port

Figure 4-2. Setting up Communications with SENDHEX

Versions of SENDHEX earlier than version 3.0 do not support flow

Note:

control. If you are using an earlier version, and errors appear, use a lower baud rate.

5. A prompt appears as shown in Figure 4-3. Do not press ENTER yet. You must set

up the VRC 6940 terminal next, as described in the next section.

C:\>cd\ sendhex pgmname 38400 com2 Version: 3.01-01 Press <Enter> when remote is ready. ESC to abort...

Figure 4-3. The SENDHEX Prompt

4-3

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

2. Provide a Reliable Power Source

If you have not already done so, install the terminal hardware and provide a reliable power source, as described in Chapter 2. If the terminal is mounted on a vehicle, it can remain mounted as long as the internal battery is fully charged (see page 2-8) and you can position it close enough to the Host PC for the cables to reach. Otherwise, remove it from the vehicle, position it on a workbench and provide operating power with a Symbol AC Universal Power Supply.

If there is a power interruption during the file transfer process, restore

Note:

the power and start again at step three (Prepare the Terminal for Transferring Files).

3. Prepare the Terminal for Transferring Files

This section describes how to run the Program Loader utility on a VRC 6940 terminal, so the terminal can receive files transferred from a Host PC. To set up the terminal:

1. Boot the VRC 6940 into Command Mode: a. With the terminal in suspend, press and hold

the A and D keys. b. Press and release the ON/OFF key. c. Release the A and D keys.

2. The terminal boots to the Command Mode screen, shown in Figure 4-4.

COMMA ND MODE

Select Function Self Test

Figure 4-4. Command Mode screen

4-4

Installation Note: Using Menus

To navigate the menus:

• Press UP or DOWN arrow

keys to scroll through options.

• To return to the previous

menu, press CLEAR.

Installing Software

3. Press UP or DOWN arrows to scroll through Command Mode options until you see

the Program Loader option. Then press ENTER to display the message shown in

Figure 4-5.

Program Loader WARNING: EEPROM WILL BE ERASED CONTINUE? <ENT>

Figure 4-5. Erasing NVM (EEPROM)

4. When you are ready to erase

EEPROM, press ENTER. This

message appears:

Progra m L oader Erasin g E EPROM

Please wait ....

The program erases the EEPROM and prompts you for communications

parameters.

Installation Note: Before you Erase EEPROM

If you have not configured the Spectrum24 radio card for the terminal, press CLEAR to cancel the operation, and configure the radio card now (see page 3-2). When you run the Program Loader and press ENTER, it erases the EEPROM (non-volatile memory). You must erase the EEPROM before you can transfer the HEX file onto the terminal.

5. Set the communications parameters to 38400 bps, 7 data bits, odd parity and

Xon/Xoff flow control. a. Baud Rate: Select 38400. The screen will look like this:

Comm Pa ra me ters Baud 6 38400

Figure 4-6. Setting Baud Rate on the VRC 6940

4-5

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

b. Data Bits: Select 7. The screen will look like this:

Comm Pa ra me ters Data Bi ts 7

Figure 4-7. Setting Data Bits on the VRC 6940

c. Parity: Select Odd. The screen will look like this:

Comm Pa ra me ters Parity Odd

Figure 4-8. Setting Parity on the VRC 6940

d. Flow Control: Select Xon/xoff. The screen will look like this:

Comm Pa ra me ters Flow Co nt ro l Xon/xoff

Figure 4-9. Setting Flow Control on the VRC 6940

6. When all parameters are set, the screen displays this message:

Progra m L oade r Start? <ENT >

7. Press ENTER to start the Program Loader.

4-6

Installing Software

4. Start the File Transfer

1. On the Host PC, press ENTER to start the transfer. The Host PC displays this

message:

C:>\ Bytes sent = x xx x xx%

If the Host PC is not ready or the cable is disconnected between the PC and the terminal, the PC displays this message:

Awaiti ng DS R

In this case, check the cable connection and then press ENTER again on the Host PC to start the download.

2. During the transfer, the VRC 6940 terminal displays these messages:

Program Loader Receiving :xxxx

Check the status on both the terminal and the Host PC during data transmission. They should both show program segment addresses being transferred (XXXX). If this does not happen, then the data is not transferring correctly.

3. When the transmission is complete, the terminal displays a status code. A successful

download shows a status of 0000. This message appears:

Program Loader Status 0000

Any other value indicates a failed transfer. See Appendix E, Communications Status Codes.

Failed Transfers

If a file transfer finishes with a status value other than 0000, then the transfer was not successful. In this case:

1. Check cable connections between the VRC 6940 terminal and the Host PC. Make

sure the null modem cable is connected to the correct port on the Host PC.

2. Repeat the transfer steps using a lower baud rate (e.g., 19200).

3. If the problem persists, contact Symbol Technical Support for assistance.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Successful File Transfer

Following a successful file transfer, the files must be copied to the flash disk before you can use them. This happens the next time the terminal is re-initialized (cold booted). See

5. Complete the Installation of Transferred Files , next.

5. Complete the Installation of Transferred Files

To complete the installation of transferred files, you must re-initialize (cold boot) the terminal. To do this:

1. Disconnect the null modem cable from the VRC 6940 terminal and Host PC.

2. Replace the terminal plug cover for the serial port on the VRC 6940.

3. Perform a cold boot: a. Press and hold the ENTER, F1 and F4 keys. b. Press and release the ON/OFF key. c. Release the ENTER, F1 and F4 keys.

4. When the terminal restarts, it boots according to the applications you have loaded. For more information, refer to the documentation for the applications.

4-8

Chapter 5 Operating a VRC 6940

After you install and configure a VRC 6940 terminal for your facility, you can release it for use. This chapter describes how to use the terminal, including:

Powering the terminal On and Off

Resetting the terminal

Adjusting brightness

Entering data

Attaching a scanner

Moving a terminal to different power source

Booting into Command Mode

The instructions in this chapter assume that the terminal has been fully installed, configured, and set up to run your facility’s software applications. For information on installing and configuring a terminal, see Chapters 2, 3 and 4.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Powering a Terminal On and Off

A terminal must be connected to a main power supply (e.g., a vehicle battery). If you remove this power supply, the terminal suspends and cannot be turned on again until you reconnect the power. An internal battery maintains data while the terminal is suspended, but it cannot be used to operate the terminal. Save all your data and close all applications before removing a terminal’s main power supply. See page 2-8 for more information.

Powering On

To turn the terminal on, press the ON/OFF key located at the top right corner of the alpha section of the keyboard. As the terminal starts, several screens of information appear, followed by the application screen set to run at your facility. If the terminal does not power on, see Chapter 6, Troubleshooting.

To start the terminal press the ON/OFF key.

Figure 5-1. The ON/OFF key

Suspending or Turning Off the Terminal

To suspend the terminal, press the ON/OFF key. The terminal appears to turn off. However if you press the ON/OFF key again, the terminal resumes its previous session.

Forcing the Terminal into Suspend

If the terminal does not suspend when you press the ON/OFF key, you can force it into suspend. To do this, press and hold the ON/OFF key for 15 seconds, or until the display goes dark.

Turning the Terminal Off

Normally, you will not turn the terminal off: you will place it into suspend. The terminal only turns off if you have:

disconnected the power cable, AND

allowed the internal battery to run down.

For more information, see Installation and the Internal Battery on pa g e2-8.

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Operating a VRC 6940

Powering On or Off Automatically

Particular applications may cause a VRC 6940 to power on or off automatically. This can be controlled by application programming or default configuration settings. For example, some applications may cause the system to be powered on by:

pressing a key other than the ON/OFF key

pressing a scanner trigger

scheduled, unattended operations such as an overnight communications session

The terminal may also power OFF automatically:

as triggered by an application.

if it is not used for some period of time determined by settings in the application you

are using. For more information, see the documentation for your application.

Resetting a Terminal

You cannot reset the system or applications on a VRC 6940 by pressing the ON/OFF key. When you press the ON/OFF key to suspend a terminal, it maintains its current session and session data. When you turn it on again, it restores the display and continues processing from the point where it was when you powered down.

To reset the system and applications, you must reset the terminal. You may need to reset a terminal if:

the power has been forced off.

the terminal stops responding to keystrokes or to the ON/OFF key.

you need to end the current session and start a new session.

To reset (warm boot) a terminal:

1. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal. If necessary, force it into suspend by

pressing and holding the ON/OFF key for 15 seconds.

2. Press and hold the SHIFT and L keys.

3. Press and release the ON/OFF key.

4. Release the SHIFT and L keys.

The terminal restarts and you can log in to an application. Note that if you reset a terminal, you may lose any unsaved data.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Modifier Keys: SHIFT, FUNC and CTRL

SHIFT, FUNC, and CTRL are modifier keys that generate a special character or function. For example, you might press FUNC, J to brighten the display. To do this:

1. Press and release the FUNC key.

2. Press and release the J.

3. The display brightens and the keyboard returns to normal functioning.

Use modifier keys individually or in combinations. For example:

Press SHIFT to cause the next alpha key press to generate an upper case letter.

Press FUNC, and then CTRL to generate an ALT function, just like the ALT key on

a PC.

The shape of the cursor displayed on the screen indicates the state of the keyboard. Figure 5-

2 shows what the standard cursor shapes mean. Note than an application can modify the

standard keyboard cursor shape.

Keyboard

State

Cursor

Character

Low

Battery

Figure 5-2. Keyboard State Cursor Indicators

Key Descriptions

Most of the keys are self-explanatory: alpha keys produce alpha characters, number keys produce numeric characters. Table 5-1 describes special functions performed by specific keys and key sequences. For additional information on keyboard characters and layouts, see

Appendix C, Keyboard Layouts.

5-4

Table 5-1. Special Key Sequences

Operating a VRC 6940

Function Access

Method

SHIFT SHIFT key After you press SHIFT, the next key you press appears in

uppercase (for an alpha key), or as a punctuation mark or symbol (for a number key).

CAPS LOCK FUNC, L Places the whole keyboard into Caps Lock mode. Press FUNC,

L again to cancel this feature.

FUNC FUNC key A function key used to invoke special keyboard functions.

CTRL CTRL key A control key used to generate control characters.

ALT FUNC, CTRL Generates an Alt key function similar to the one found on a PC.

Invokes special keyboard functions.

F1 to F5 F1 to F5 keys Function keys F1 to F5. Their actions are controlled by

application programs.

F6 to F10 FUNC, F1 to

FUNC, F5

ENTER ENTER key Usually pressed after typing data or a command.

CLEAR CLEAR key This key is controlled by applications. It usually allows you to

Darken Screen FUNC, I Press to dim the display contrast.

Brighten Screen FUNC, J Press to brighten display contrast.

Function keys F6 to F10. Their actions are controlled by application programs.

escape from an application or screen, or clear the data entered in a field.

Description

Tips for Using the Keyboard

" Press only one key at a time, unless instructions specifically tell you to press two

keys at the same time (e.g., when resetting the terminal). Pressing two or more keys at the same time can cause an error.

" Press keys in the correct sequence. If an applications lists keys in a sequence, press

the keys one at a time in the order they are listed.

" Auto-repeat feature. Some applications use the configurable auto-repeat feature

of the keyboard. If they do, when you press and hold a key, the character will repeat until you release it.

If a key is pressed immediately after a modifier key, the modifier sequence affects only the first occurrence of the character key. For example, if you press SHIFT, and then press and hold A, the ter minal generates: Aaaaa.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Adjusting Brightness

Task Key Sequence Comment

Brighten the screen. FUNC, J There are seven levels of brightness.

Darken the screen. FUNC, I

Toggle the keyboard backlight on or off.

FUNC, K Not all terminals include a keyboard

Repeat the key sequence to reach the desired level of brightness.

backlight option.

Entering Data

To enter data or issue commands, use the terminal’s keyboard, or attach a scanner (see Figure

5-4).

Using the Keyboard

Use the VRC 6940 keyboard to enter data and perform other tasks. The keyboard includes character keys (A - Z, 0 - 9), and modifier keys, described on page 5-4. When used in combination with one or more modifier keys, each character key can produce more than the usual one or two characters.

5-6

Figure 5-3. VRC 6940 Keyboard

Operating a VRC 6940

Bar Code Scanning

Attaching an External Bar Code Scanner

1. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal.

2. Remove the plug cover from the scanner port on the back of the terminal, shown in

Figure 5-4.

3. Fit the scanner’s connector plug into the connector. Align the red dot on the end of

the scanner cable with the red dot on the terminal’s scanner connector.

4. Press the ON/OFF key to power the terminal on.

Back of Terminal

Scanner Port

Figure 5-4. Scanner Port

Using a Bar Code Scanner

For information on using a bar code scanner, consult the documentation that came with the scanner.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Moving a Terminal to a Different Power Source

To move a VRC 6940 terminal from one power source to another:

1. Save any data you are working with, and close all applications.

2. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal.

3. Make sure a power source is ready in the new location.

4. Unplug the external power cable from the power connector on the back of the terminal.

5. Remove the terminal from its current mounting.

6. Move the terminal to the new location and mount it.

7. Plug the external power cable into the power connector. Align the red dot on the end of the power cable with the red dot on the terminal’s power connector.

8. Press the ON/OFF key to restart the terminal.

Command Mode

Command Mode is an operating mode that allows you to use the terminal’s built-in system utilities. For example, you can use it to:

run Self-Test diagnostics to verify that the hardware is operating properly (see

Appendix B) transfer data, hex images or files from a host system to a VRC 6940 (see Chapter 4)

To boot to Command Mode:

1. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal.

2. Press and hold the A and D keys.

3. Press and release the ON/OFF key.

4. Release the A and D keys.

5. This menu appears on the terminal display:

COMMAN D M ODE Select func tion Self test

6. Press UP or DOWN arrows to display different options. When the option you want appears, press ENTER to select it.

5-8

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

This chapter provides basic problem-solving information for VRC 6940 terminals, including:

troubleshooting and error messages

warm and cold boot instructions

running the Memory Transfer utility to provide more troubleshooting data

Troubleshooting a VRC 6940 Terminal

Table 6-1 describes some problems, their probable causes and some suggested solutions.

Some of the situations are discussed further in the pages that follow.

Table 6-1. Troubleshooting VRC 6940 Terminals

Problem Action

Terminal does not start Make sure the terminal is connected to a power source. If the external

power cable has come unplugged, plug it back in and press the ON/ OFF key to restart the terminal.

Whether or not your session and data were saved depends on the internal battery and how long the terminal was disconnected. If the internal battery has not been depleted, the session will resume where it left off. See page 2-8 for more information on the internal battery.

If the terminal uses a vehicle battery as a power source, check the vehicle battery. If it is depleted (dead), replace the vehicle battery.

Terminal suspends suddenly (shuts off)

The terminal suspends if it loses the connection to its main power source. Check the main power supply and power cable. You should be able to restart the terminal when you reconnect to a power source. Whether or not your session and data were saved depends on the internal battery and how long the terminal was disconnected. See page

2-8 for more information on the internal battery.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table 6-1. Troubleshooting VRC 6940 Terminals

Problem Action

Start-up process fails The terminal may be out of range of the Access Point (AP) and unable

to communicate with the host computer. Move the terminal closer to the AP and try starting it again.

If one of these messages appears:

Boot server doesn ’t exist. Boot server not configured for this te rminal.

1. The bootp server may not be running. Check the bootp server.

2. The radio may not be functioning. Ping test the terminal (see page

A-5).

Power fault This message may appear if the last terminal shutdown was caused by

a power failure. The message blinks in place for three seconds, then the terminal starts normally. A power failure can be caused by:

• unplugging the terminal’s power cable when the internal battery is not fully charged

• removing the vehicle battery

• sudden main battery failure

If the internal battery is charged, it can maintain session data and your session will resume when you restore the main power source. If the internal battery is depleted the terminal cannot maintain session data, and you may lose unsaved data. See page 2-8 for more information on the internal battery.

Display is blank The terminal may not be getting power. Make sure the power cable is

securely connected to a reliable main power source (vehicle battery or AC) and to the Power Connector on the terminal.

An application program did not download successfully. Repeat the download process using the procedures described in

Transferring and Installing Application Programs on page 4-2.

The display may be damaged or the video connector may be loose. Return the unit for servicing.

Scanner does not operate Check to make sure the scanner is properly connected to the terminal.

Re-connect the scanner and then reboot the terminal. Check the documentation for the scanner you are using.

6-2

Table 6-1. Troubleshooting VRC 6940 Terminals

Problem Action

Scanner laser works but does not read bar codes

Application does not respond

Troubleshooting

The bar code may not be legible. Try scanning another label of the same product, or type in the data manually.

The scanner window may be dirty or severely scratched. If it is dirty, clean it with a soft, dry cloth moistened with an ammonia-

based glass cleaner. If the scanner window is badly scratched, replace the scanner.

The scanner may not be programmed or may be programmed incorrectly. Consult the reference guide that came with the scanner for configuration information.

This can happen if the terminal cannot connect to the Access Point (AP). If the terminal cannot connect to the AP, applications may continue to function until they need to transmit to the AP, then they simply stop responding.

The terminal may be out of range of the AP. Move the terminal to a location closer to an AP and then try to restart it. See page 6-4 for more information.

The host computer may be down. Check the host computer.

There may be a problem with the application software. Do a Memory Transfer to transmit data from the VRC 6940 terminal to a Host PC, and have an application programmer examine the data. See page 6-8.

Error Messages

The terminals use ERR3000.SYS, a factory-installed program that displays error messages. Messages blink in place on the display screen for three seconds. The terminal beeps while the message is showing. Then the system returns to its previous status. Ta ble 6-2 lists some sample messages. Application programs can change or disable messages. For more information, refer to the Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Guide (p/n 70-16308-XX).

Table 6-2. Error Messages

Message Explanation

Double Key Error You have pressed two keys at the same time. This message does not appear for

the warm, cold, and Command Mode boot sequences described on page 6-5.

Too Many Keys Three or more keys have been pressed at the same time.

Power Fault The last power off was caused by a power failure. This occurs, for example, if

power suddenly fails or is disconnected. For more information, see Tab l e 6 -1.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Scanning Problems

Scanning may not work correctly if:

the scanner has not been configured, or is configured incorrectly

a contact wand scanner has been moved over the bar code too slowly, too quickly or

at an uneven speed a contact wand scanner has been moved diagonally across the bar code

a bar code scanner was held at the wrong angle or distance from the bar code

the scanner window is dirty or severely scratched

labels are smudged

labels are too dark, too light, or have poor color contrast

labels have highly reflective surfaces or coatings

labels are torn, folded, or wrinkled

For more information, consult the documentation for your scanner.

Terminal Stops Responding

This section describes what to do if a VRC 6940 terminal stops responding during a session.

1. Make Sure You are Within Range of an Access Point

If you have moved the terminal during use, make sure you are still within range of an Access Point (AP). Move back to a previous working location or to a location closer to the AP to see if it responds. See page 6-5 for information on checking Radio Connection status.

2. Force the Terminal into Suspend

If you are within range of an AP, and the terminal is not responding, force the terminal into suspend and then restart it using the instructions below. To force the terminal into suspend without resetting it, press and hold the ON/OFF key for 15 seconds.

6-4

Troubleshooting

3. Restart After Forcing a Suspend

If you have forced the terminal into suspend, do not use the ON/OFF key to restart the terminal, as this causes the program to resume where it left off, trying to perform the same

unsuccessful operation.

1. First, try to start the terminal with a warm boot, described on page 6-5.

2. If a warm boot does not correct the problem, try a cold boot, described on page 6-6.

3. If a cold boot does not correct the problem, try to boot into Command Mode, described on page 6-7.

4. If you cannot boot into Command Mode, contact Symbol Technical Support.

Booting a VRC 6940

Warm Boot

A warm boot resets the operating system and software while preserving the program and data that may be on the RAM disk. To perform a warm boot:

1. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal.

2. Press and hold the SH IFT and L keys.

3. Press and release the ON/OFF key.

4. Release the SHIFT and L keys. The VRC 6940 displays copyright, RAM size, expanded memory size, and other

start-up information, depending on the system's configuration.

If a warm boot successfully solves the problem, then the problem may have been caused by:

an error in the application program

a temporary communications problem in the network

Consider going back into the application that was running when the problem occurred, and try to recreate the problem. If there are network problems during the boot process, the terminal may display a message similar to this one:

NOT ASSOCIATED

and a DOS prompt appears. From here, use the DIAG24 software to run ping tests or identify potential radio problems on the network. See page A-5.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Cold Boot

A cold boot fully resets the system and clears memory, including the RAM disk. It resets the software and allows you to restart applications. Any unsaved RAM data will be lost. Programs and data that have been stored in memory or on the RAM Disk are deleted. NonVolatile Memory (NVM) is not affected. To perform a cold boot:

1. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal.

2. Press and hold the ENTER, F4 and F1 keys.

3. Press and release the ON/OFF key.

4. Release the ENTER, F4 and F1 keys.

The VRC 6940 displays a copyright message, amount of RAM, and amount of expanded memory. Other messages are displayed as well, varying with the system configuration.

As the terminal boots, watch for cold boot failure messages. You may need to reinstall a device driver. See Cold Boot Failure Messages, below.

5. Follow the instructions in Chapter 4, Installing Software to reinstall software.

Caution

The cold boot procedure erases all data and programs residing on the RAM Disk. All contents of the RAM disk are lost.

If you have had problems starting the terminal, and cold booting (clearing memory) allows you to boot the terminal, then something in memory was causing the problem. Perform a Memory Transfer (see page 6-8) so that a programmer can perform application-specific troubleshooting. Then install the correct version of the software as described on page 4-2.

Cold Boot Failure Messages

During a cold boot, the system briefly displays a status line for each driver as it loads, in this format:

0: Dri ver name #. ##

The line shows a status value, usually 0, followed by the driver’s name and version number. If the system halts at one of these lines and displays a status value other than 0, the displayed device driver failed to load properly. If such a failure occurs, the driver may need to be reinstalled. Contact Symbol Technical Support.

6-6

Troubleshooting

Command Mode

To boot to Command Mode:

1. Press the ON/OFF key to suspend the terminal.

2. Press and hold the A and D keys.

3. Press and release the ON/OFF key.

4. Release the A and D keys. This terminal displays this screen:

COMMAND MODE

Select Function Self Test

Figure 6-1. Command Mode screen

5. Use the UP or DOWN arrows to display other options in place of Self Test. When the option you want appears, press ENTER to select it.

If warm or cold booting do not clear your problem, but you can boot to Command Mode, the problem may be:

BIOS and hardware problems: to check the BIOS and hardware, use the Self Test

function to check the system hardware (described on page A-2). If there is a hardware problem, contact Symbol Technical Support.

Application program error: if system hardware is running properly, check for an

application error. Perform a Memory Transfer (described on page 6-8) so that a programmer can perform application-specific troubleshooting. Then install the correct version of the software as described on page 4-2.

If Rebooting Fails

1. Re-install software following the procedures described in Chapter 4, Installing

Software.

2. Contact your authorized Symbol Support representative or Technical Support Services.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Memory Transfer Analyzer (MTA) Utility

The VRC 6940 has a Memory Transfer Analyzer (MTA) utility for application troubleshooting. It runs from Command Mode. Programmers can analyze applications using RCVHEX.EXE on a PC and the MTA on the VRC 6940. For more information on RCVHEX.EXE, see the Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Guide (p/n 70-16308-XX).

The MTA transmits data from a VRC 6940 to the Host PC. You may transfer all of the memory, or a selected range.

Transferring Memory

To transfer memory from a VRC 6940 to a Host PC you will need:

a Host PC running the RCVHEX.EXE application

a VRC 6940 running the MTA

a null modem cable

Note: Always suspend a VRC 6940 terminal before attaching or removing

cables or adapters.

To conduct the Memory Transfer:

1. Start with the VRC 6940 terminal in suspend.

2. Attach the null modem cable. a. Remove the RS-232 plug cover from the VRC 6940 terminal and plug the male

connector into it.

b. Attach the female connector to the Host PC (see Figure 4-1 on page 4-2), using

an adapter if necessary.

3. On the Host PC, exit to a DOS prompt and start the RCVHEX program. For an example, see Figure 6-2.

a. For a filename, use an existing file, or create one by supplying the filename in the

command. The example in Figure 6-2 shows a filename of

memory .tx t

b. Set the baud rate to match the baud rate for the VRC 6940. c. Leave Data Bits and Parity set to their defaults. d. Set the COM port as appropriate for your Host PC. e. Press ENTER to send the command.

6-8

C:\>rcvhex memory.txt 38.4 1

Troubleshooting

RCVHEX Filename to receive data Command

(you can make one up)

Baud Rate COM Port

Figure 6-2. Setting up to Receive a Memory Transfer

4. Boot the VRC 6940 to Command Mode:

a. Press and hold the A and D keys. b. Press and release the ON/OFF key. c. Release the A and D keys. d. The terminal boots to the function selector screen in Command Mode, as shown

in Figure 6-3. Press UP or DOWN arrows to scroll through the options.

COMMAND MODE

Select Function Self Te st

Figure 6-3. Command Mode Screen

5. When the Memory Transfer option appears, press ENTER.

6. The systems displays this message:

Checki ng Memory Please Wait

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

7. Select a range of RAM to transfer. Press the UP and DOWN arrows to select an option (A

ll, Range or None) and press ENTER. If you select All, the program

skips to the summary screen. Continue at step 10.

RAM

Select Option All

Figure 6-4. Selecting a Range of Memory to Transfer

8. Specify a range of RAM by setting Start and End addresses. Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to move the cursor to a digit that you want to set. Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to change the value. When the correct range appears, press ENTER.

RAM

Use arrow key s Start End 00000 9FFFF

Figure 6-5. Selecting a Range of RAM to Transfer

9. Specify a range of NVM to transfer. Use the arrow keys to select A then press ENTER.

NVM

Select Option All

Figure 6-6. Selecting a Range of NVM to Transfer

6-10

ll or None, and

Troubleshooting

10. If the VRC 6940 has EMS, use the arrow keys to specify the range to transfer. This

prompt only appears if EMS is installed. Then press ENTER.

EMS

Use arrow key s Start End

Figure 6-7. Selecting a Range of EMS to Transfer

11. The terminal displays the ranges you selected. Verify that they are correct. Figure 6-

8 shows an example of what you might see. If the values are correct, press ENTER.

If the values are not correct, press CLEAR to clear the fields, then select new values.

RAM 0000 9FFF NVM B135 DFFF EMS None Correct? <ENT>

Figure 6-8. Verifying Memory Transfer Settings

12. Next, the VRC 6940 prompts you to set communications parameters. Use UP or

DOWN arrows to select communications settings. The defaults are 9600 bps, 7 data

bits and odd parity. Xon/xoff flow control may be necessary at 38400 bps. Select the parameters so that they match those used by RCVHEX on the Host PC.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

13. Start the Memory Transfer. Make sure the Host PC is ready to receive data, and then press ENTER on the VRC 6940. While memory data is transferring, the VRC 6940 displays a report of the 1 KB range being transferred. The screen updates for every 1024 bytes (1 KB) of memory.

Memory Transfer

Sending: 0D40

Figure 6-9. Memory Transfer Status Screen

14. Check the transmission results. When the transmission has completed, a status screen appears.

A status of 0000 (all zeros) indicates a successful transfer; any other value means that the transfer failed. If the transfer failed, check the Memory Transfer and communications settings and try the procedure again.

Memory Transfer Status: 0000

Figure 6-10. Status Screen when Memory Transfer is Complete

15. Press CLEAR to return to the Command Mode main menu.

Technical Support Contacts

If you cannot solve your technical problem with the information in this manual, contact Symbol Technical Support for assistance. Refer to the section, About This Manual, for Symbol Support telephone numbers.

6-12

Chapter 7 Maintenance

A VRC 6940 terminal requires minimal maintenance. However, as with any electronic device, proper use and care will increase its life. This chapter provides basic maintenance instructions including:

maintaining the internal battery

storing the terminal

cleaning

Maintaining the Internal Battery

The VRC 6940 has an internal NiMh battery designed to maintain session data while the terminal is disconnected from its main power supply (e.g., while it is being moved from one power source to another). You cannot use the internal battery to operate the terminal. If you remove or disconnect the main power supply (vehicle battery or other external power source), the terminal shuts off and cannot be started again until you reconnect the external power.

As long as the battery is charged, the terminal resumes from where it left off when you reconnect the main power supply. However, if the internal battery is not fully charged, the terminal may lose any unsaved data when you unplug it from the main power supply.

The first time you use a terminal, connect it to a power source and turn it on to make sure that it is working. If the main power supply is not stable, there may be power interruptions that cause the terminal to reset itself during its first few hours of operation. If the terminal resets itself, you may lose unsaved data. To avoid this, we recommend that you plug in the terminal and allow it to charge for a minimum of two hours before using it.

It takes 48 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 supply. This time is reduced if the radio maintains continuous communication with a host.

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VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Storing the Terminal

If you are storing the terminal, keep the internal battery charged by connecting the terminal to a main power supply with the terminal in suspend.

If you store the terminal with no main power supply, the internal battery runs down. Before you can use the terminal, you will need to charge the internal battery. See Maintaining the

Internal Battery on page 7-1.

Cleaning

Clean a VRC 6940 regularly to prevent long-term build up of dirt and grime on the keys, terminal case, and display.

Washing the Terminal

To wash the terminal case and keyboard, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with a mild cleaner (for example, soap and water).

The terminal is water-resistant; you do not have to remove it when you send a vehicle through a car wash, or clean it using high-pressure hoses. Use a mild soap. Do not spray wax onto the terminal. When washing is complete, wipe the terminal off with a clean, dry cloth.

Note: If the terminal will be used in a freezer, dry it completely after

washing.

Washing the Terminal Display

Clean the terminal’s display screen with a regular ammonia-based glass cleaner. Spray it on a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, and then clean the display. Do not use paper products or rough cleaning towels because they can scratch the display screen.

7-2

Appendix A Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

VRC 6940 terminals include two sets of diagnostic applications:

Self Test diagnostics let you view current hardware settings and run basic diagnostic

tests. See page A-2 for instructions on running the Self Tests. DIAG24 diagnostics that allow you to ping the network and troubleshoot possible

radio problems. See page A-12 for information on running the DIAG24 utility.

The terminals also include these two utilities:

the CFG24 Configurator utility configures Spectrum24 radio communications.

Chapter 3 describes how to configure the Spectrum24 radio. the Flash utility lets you copy, delete or rename flash disk files.

A-1

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

VRC 6940 Self Tests

Run the Self Tests if you suspect a problem with the terminal’s hardware. They test the terminal’s hardware components to make sure they are working correctly.

To run the Self Tests, first boot to Command Mode:

1. Suspend the terminal.

2. Press and hold the A and D keys.

3. Press and release the ON/OFF key.

4. Release the A and D keys. The terminal displays the screen shown here:

COMMAND MODE

Select Function Self Test

Figure A-1. The Command Mode Menu

5. Press ENTER to display the Self Test menu, as shown in Figure A-2.

COMMAND MODE

Self Test Config Screen 1

Figure A-2. The Self Test Menu

6. Use UP or DOWN arrow keys to display the names of the Self Tests. Then press ENTER to select and run a test. Config Screen 1 lets you run a keyboard test that

requires you to press keys. The other tests all run automatically. Tab l e A -1 summarizes Self Test details.

A-2

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

7. To end a Self Test and return to the Self Test menu, press CLEAR. To return to the

Command Mode function menu, press CLEAR again.

Table A-1. Self Test Summary

Self Test What You Should See Comments

Config Screen 1 Config Scre en 1

Vers: 6940 1.10-00 Time: 09:45:23 Date: 01-01-1980-2 Nicd: Good Main: Good Power Src: Cha rg er COM1: S1 10100 COM2: None

Config Screen 2 Config Scre en 2

LCD: 0 LCD TYPE:08 KBD ID:00 GA REV:00 Wake cause Cmd Mod e

Memory Screen When the test completes,

these results appear:

Memory Scre en 2 ROM CRC: 0 NV M CRC: 10 RAM:06 40K Pass S EMS:00 00K No ne

Fill Screen Test Pattern • The entire screen fills with a test pattern:

Set RTC Screen Set RTC Screen

Time: 01:59:13 Date: 01-01-1980-2

• Displays the terminal type and version, time, date, main and backup battery condition, current power source, and serial port status.

• Make sure the values shown for Vers, Nicd, Power S rc, and COM1 on the terminal match

those shown here.

• Allows you to perform the keyboard test described on page A-4.

• Press CLEAR to return to the Self Test menu.

• Reports keyboard and display information.

• Make sure the values for LCD, LCD TYPE and

KBD ID on the terminal match those shown here.

• Press CLEAR to return to the Self Test menu.

• Test s ROM, RAM and EM S (Expanded) memory,

and reports the amount of RAM and EMS.

• Takes about one minute to complete.

• Make sure the values shown for CRC match

those shown here.

• The RAM test result must be Pass.

• Press CLEAR to return to the Self Test menu.

make sure that it all displays clearly.

• Press CLEAR to return to the Self Test menu.

• Lets you set the real-time clock (time and

date).

• UP/DOWN arrows change the value at the cursor. LEFT/RIGHT arrows move the cursor.

• Set the time and press ENTER.

• Set the date and press ENTER.

Format: MM-DD-YYYY

• Press CLEAR to return to the Self Test menu.

A-3

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Keyboard Test

The

Config Screen 1

Self Test lets you test any keys except CLEAR and the ON/OFF key.

When you press a key, the program displays the corresponding key code to the right of the

Config Scre en 1

test name on the top line. Tab le A - 2 shows the codes for each key.

Table A-2. 54-Key Keyboard Test Codes

Key Code Key Code Key Code

F1 00 718R36

F2 01 819S37

F3 02 920T38

F4 03 Ctrl 21 U39

F5 04 H22140

Left arrow 5 I23241

Right arrow 6 J24342

Up arrow 7 K25V43

Down arrow 8 L26W44

Func 9 M27X45

On/Off N28Y46

A11429Z47

B12530Shift 48

C13631Backspace 49

D14Clear 39 (clears

screen)

E15O33051

F16P34.52

G17Q35Enter 53

_50

A-4

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

DIAG24 Diagnostics Utility

The DIAG24 Diagnostics utility lets you ping an Access Point (AP) on the network as a way to identify possible problems with wireless network communication. DIAG24 has two options, with the same series of set-up menus for both options.

DIAG24 Setup

To run the utility and set up for the tests:

1. Boot the terminal to a DOS prompt. The DOS prompt appears if you boot the terminal and it cannot connect to the network.

and press ENTER to display the screen shown in

2. At the DOS prompt, type

Figure A-3.

3. Press 1 to select the AP Ping Test or 2 to select Field Diagnostics. See Ta b l e A- 3 for test option descriptions.

DIAG24 ver x.xx

1. AP Ping Test

2. Field Diagnostics Select [1-2 or ‘Q’]

DIAG24

Figure A-3. The DIAG24 menu

Table A-3. DIAG24 Diagnostic Test Details

Test Name Purpose What it Checks

AP Ping Test Runs a series of ping

tests that are not retried on transmission errors. This test is intrusive, as pings are sent as fast as possible.

Field Diagnostics Identifies potential

radio problems. It determines whether or not a communication problem is in the radio portion of the network.

Cnt: ping test count. Err: number of errors (lost packets). AP: ID number of the Access Point being pinged. RS: Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value.

The RSSI range is 0 - 99. RSSI should be over 25 for a reliable connection.

Cnt: ping test count. Err: number of errors (lost packets). Rty: number of retries. ms: number of milliseconds for the ping test. AP: ID number of the Access Point being pinged.

A-5

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Note: DIAG24 uses a message file (msg.msg) that it reads from the same

drive and directory as the DIAG24 software. If you see corrupted screens, the message file may be missing.

4. Select a Roaming Mode. If you want the terminal to ping an AP, but roam between

APs as you move around, select Roaming Enabled . If you want to ping a specific AP, select that AP identifier from the list. If more APs are in range than can fit on one screen, then the last selection will be More. Selecting this will present more available APs for selection.

Figure A-4 shows a Roaming Enabled option, followed by a list of AP identifiers. For

each AP identifier, bb represents the AP identifier (or BSS identifier) and eeeeeeeeeeee represents the 48-bit MAC address of the AP in hexadecimal notation.

1. Roaming Enabled

2. bb--eeeeeeeeeeee

3. bb--eeeeeeeeeeee

4. bb--eeeeeeeeeeee

....

n. bb--eeeeeeeeeeee

Select[1-n or 'Q']:

Figure A-4. Selecting a Roaming Mode

5. Press 1, 2 or 3 to select the ping message size:

<Test Mode> MESSAGE SIZE

1. 100 bytes

2. 256 bytes

3. 512 bytes Select[1-3 or 'Q']:

Figure A-5. Selecting Ping Message Size

A-6

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

6. Press 1, 2, 3 or 4 to select the number of pings you want to perform:

<Test Mode> NUMBER OF PINGS

1. 100 pings

2. 500 pings

3. 1000 pings

4. Non-stop Select[1-4 or 'Q']:

Figure A-6. Selecting the Number of Pings

7. Press 1 or 2 to determine whether or not errors will cause the terminal to beep:

<Test Mode> BEEP MODE

1. Beep on error

2. Silent

Select[1-2 or 'Q']:

Figure A-7. Selecting the Number of Pings

After you select the Beep Mode, the test starts (AP Ping Test or Field Diagnostics test).

A-7

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Ping Test

During the AP Ping Test the terminal displays and updates this screen:

Error Count

Access Point ID

Association Indicator

AP PING TEST A Cnt Err AP RS

RSSI Indica to r

56 0 18 36

Ping Test Count

57 0 18 36 58 0 18 36 59 1 18 36 TMO

Indicates an error

60 1 18 36

Press ‘Q’ to Quit

Figure A-8. The AP Ping Test

Tab le A -4 describes the field contents. The reports wrap so that the last five message reports

are visible. If you selected non-stop mode during setup, and the Ping Test or Error count fields overflow, then the first detail line shows the most significant digits of the count, prefixed with an asterisk.

Table A-4. AP Ping Test Field Details

Field Description

Association Indicator A — the radio is associating with an AP.

U — the radio is not associating with an AP.

Ping Test Count Displays the number of each test as it runs.

Error Count Displays the cumulative number of errors that have occurred.

Access Point ID The ID of the AP with which the terminal is associating.

RSSI Indicator The Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value. The RSSI range

is 0 - 99. RSSI should be over 25 for a reliable connection.

A-8

When the test stops, the terminal displays a summary screen:

AP PING TEST Total secs = 7.4 RF Secs = 6.7 Pings = 100 Packet size = 100 Timeouts = 4

[R]epeat or [Q]uit

Figure A-9. Sample AP Ping Test Results Screen

The summary shows:

the elapsed time of the test

total pings transmitted

packet size used

retry count

number of timeouts

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

To repeat the test with the same parameters, press R. Press Q or CLEAR to end the test and return to the DIAG24 menu.

A-9

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Field Diagnostic Test

During the Field Diagnostic Test the terminal displays and updates this screen:

Error Count

Retry Count

Timer

Access Point ID

Association Indicator

AP PING TEST A Cnt Err Rty ms AP

56 0 0 165 18

Ping Test Count

57 0 0 55 18 58 1 1 TMO 18 59 1 0 220 18 60 1 0 58 18

Press ‘Q’ to Quit

Figure A-10. The Field Diagnostic Test

Tab le A -5 describes the field contents. The reports wrap so that the last five message reports

Table A-5. Field Diagnostic Test Field Details

Field Description

Association Indicator A — the radio is associating with an AP.

U — the radio is not associating with an AP.

Ping Test Count Displays the number of each test as it runs.

Error Count Displays the cumulative number of errors that have occurred.

Retry Count The retry count for this message.

Timer The round-trip time in milliseconds, or an indication of error type,

if there was an error.

Access Point ID The ID of the AP with which the terminal is associating.

A-10

When the test stops, the terminal displays a summary screen:

FIELD DIAGNOSTICS Total secs = 8.2 RF Secs = 4.9 Pings = 100 Packet size = 100 Timeouts = 4

[R]epeat or [Q]uit

Figure A-11. The Field Diagnostic Test Results Screen

The summary shows:

the elapsed time of the test

total pings transmitted

packet size used

retry count

number of timeouts

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

To repeat the test with the same parameters, press R. Press Q or CLEAR to end the test and return to the DIAG24 menu.

A-11

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

CFG24 Configurator Utility

The CFG24 Spectrum24 Configurator utility lets you:

configure radio communication parameters

initialize a configuration stored in the NET.CFG file in the terminal’s current

Starting the Utility

There are two ways to start the utility:

1. The first time you power up a VRC 6940 terminal the terminal loads essential utilities and system drivers and displays the CFG24 Configurator utility as shown in

Figure A-12.

2. Alternate method: go to a DOS prompt and type: DOS prompt depends on what applications have been loaded onto the terminal, and how they have been programmed. The DOS prompt may also appear if you boot the terminal and it cannot connect to the network.

The optional parameter configuring the terminal for the first time, this option starts the utility and displays the Configurator menu.

initializes the current configuration. If you are

[-I]

CFG24 [- I].

How you get to a

Initializing the Radio

When you use the stored in NET.CFG. Default settings:

Terminal IP address: 10.x.y.z (x, y, and z are the last 3 bytes of the IEEE address)

Subnet mask: 255.0.0.0

Default router: 0.0.0.0

A-12

parameter, the utility initializes the radio using the settings currently

[-I]

NET_ID: 101

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

The Configurator Menu

The Configurator menu appears the first time you start the terminal, or if you launch the CFG24 program without parameters. Figure

A-12 shows Configurator menu options.

Note that some terminals do not allow you to change the

Termin al I P

Subnet Mask, Default Router

addresses.

If you are using Spectrum24 802.11 protocolbased software, the menu shows the ESS ID option. For Spectrum24 Spring protocolbased software, the menu shows Net ID.

CONFIGURATOR X.XX View config ESS Id Subnet Mask Default Router MU IP Address Diversity

CLR, Enter

Figure A-12. The CFG24 Configurator Menu

, and

Configuration Note: Navigating the Menus

To navigate through the menus:

• Press UP or DOWN arrow keys to scroll

through menu options.

• To select, highlight the menu option you

reverse video

want, then press ENTER. A highlighted option shows up in reverse video.

• To erase part of an entry, press BACK.

• To return to a previous menu press CLEAR.

• To exit to a DOS prompt, return to the Con-

figurator menu and press CLEAR.

reverse video

View Config Parameters

The View config option shows the terminal’s IEEE address, IP address, firmware version number, and ESS ID or Net ID. To display the existing configuration parameters:

1. Select View config. Figure A-13 shows an example of the screen that appears.

2. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the Configurator menu.

VIEW CONFIG Termina l I EEE a dd r 00:A0:F 8:2 8:78: EF MU IP A ddress

0.0.0.0 FW: V3.29 981 1 16 Net ID=101 CLR, Enter

Figure A-13. Viewing Configuration Parameters

A-13

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

ESS ID or Net ID

An ESS or Net ID identifies a radio network and differentiates between radio networks. All equipment on one network must use the same ESS or Net ID. Spectrum24 terminals can support the Spectrum24 802.11 or Spectrum24 Spring protocols. The menu displays the ESS ID or Net ID, depending on which protocol you are using.

Terminals using Spectrum24 with the 802.11 protocol require an ES SID. The ES SID is a a 32-character alphanumeric value. Terminals using Spectrum24 with the Spring proprietary network protocol require a Ne tID. The Ne tID is a three-character hexadecimal value.

To configure a terminal’s ESS ID or NET ID:

1. Select ESS ID

2. Erase all or part of the entry, and type a new value from

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the Configurator menu.

NET ID Enter Net Id: 150

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Net ID. Figure A-14 shows the entry for a Spring-based terminal.

Figure A-14. Setting a NET ID

Subnet Mask

To configure the Subnet Mask:

1. Select Subnet Mask to display the screen shown in Figure A-15.

2. Erase all or part of the entry.

3. Type an IP address in decimal using the ddd.ddd.ddd.ddd format.

4. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

100

1FE

A-14

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

SUBNET MASK Enter SN Mask:

255.255.255.0

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-15. Setting a Subnet Mask

Default Router

The Default Router address is the node address that receives all packets destined for remote networks. To configure the Default Router:

1. Select Default Router to display the screen shown in Figure A-16.

2. Erase all or part of the entry.

3. Type an IP address in decimal using the ddd.ddd.ddd.ddd format.

4. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

DEFAULT ROUTER Enter D Router:

0.0.0.0

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-16. Setting a Default Router

A-15

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Terminal IP Address

If a boot server is not allocating IP addresses, you can set a Terminal IP Address:

1. Select MU IP Address to display the screen shown in Figure A-17.

2. Erase all or part of the entry.

3. Type an IP address in decimal using the ddd.ddd.ddd.ddd format.

4. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

MU IP ADDRESS Enter IP address:

0.0.0.0

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-17. Setting a Terminal IP Address

Diversity

To configure Diversity:

1. Select Diversity to display the screen shown in Figure A-18.

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrows to select an option. Always set Diversity set to No on

VRC 6940 terminals with only one antenna.

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

DIVERSITY 2 antennas (Y/N) No

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-18. Configuring Diversity

A-16

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

MU Sleep Mode

If you set MU Sleep Mode On, the radio stays powered on when the rest of the terminal powers down because of inactivity. You can wake the terminal by sending a message directly to it, but broadcast messages will not wake it. If you set the switch Off, the radio powers off if the rest of the terminal powers down because of inactivity. The default setting is On. To configure MU Sleep Mode:

1. Select

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select On or Off.

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

MU Sleep Mode

MU SLEEP MODE Radio State: On

BkSp, CLR, Enter

to display the screen shown in Figure A-19.

Figure A-19. Setting Sleep Mode

Boot Mode

This option determines what network communication parameters the terminal will use when it boots. To configure Boot Mode:

1. Select Boot Mode to display the screen shown in Figure A-20.

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

BOOT MODE Get IP from: Manual Entry

Boot, DHCP

, or

Manual Entr y

options.

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-20. Setting Boot Mode

A-17

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Boot Mode Options:

Boot Broadcasts a TCP/IP BOOTP request to the network. If they

have been configured to do so, boot servers on the network send a response. The terminal accepts the first valid response it receives, which contains a terminal IP address and other network parameters that override any parameters entered through CFG24.

DHCP Uses the same process as the Boot option but uses the Dynamic

Host Configuration Protocol.

Manual Entry

The terminal does not broadcast any configuration messages to the network. It uses the current network parameter values (saved in the radio flash) to connect to the network.

Power Management

If power management is set to PSP (the default), the radio only powers up if there is traffic on the network. Because the radio is not always in a ready state when a message is sent to it, PSP mode slows response times. If power management is set to CAM, the radio is always ready to receive. To configure Power Management:

1. Select Pwr Management to display the screen shown in Figure A-21.

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

PSP

, then press ENTER.

CAM

PWER MANAGEMENT Radio Pwr Mode: PSP

BkSp, CLR, Enter

A-18

Figure A-21. Configuring Power Management

Buffers

To configure the terminal Buffers:

1. Select Buffers to display the screen shown in Figure A-22.

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

BUFFERS Enter Buf Cnt: 8

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-22. Configuring the Buffers

4, 8,

Re-Transmit Delay

To configure the Re-Transmit Delay:

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

or 12, then press ENTER.

1. Select ReXmit Delay to display the screen shown in Figure A-23. or

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select

3. Press CLEAR or ENTER to return to the main menu.

REXMIT DELAY Enter Delay: short

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-23. Setting the Re-Transmit Delay

short

, then press ENTER.

long

A-19

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Rate Control

To configure the Rate Control:

1. Select Rate Control to display the screen shown in Figure A-24.

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select options, then press ENTER. For Spring protocol,

1Mb only, 2Mb only, or 1Mb and 2 M b

is the only choice.

1Mb

RATE CONTROL TX Rate: 1 MB only

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-24. Setting the Rate Control

Scanner/RF Operation

To configure the Scanner/RF operation:

1. Select Scan/RF Op to display the screen shown in Figure A-24.

2. Use the UP or DOWN arrow keys to select

Concur re nt Op

Scan stops RF

press ENTER. If you want an attached scanner and the radio to both operate at the same time, select

Concurrent Op. If you want radio operation to be suspended during a scan, select Scan stops RF.

SCAN/RF OP Select Op Mode: Concurrent Op

BkSp, CLR, Enter

Figure A-25. Setting Scanner/RF Operation

A-20

. Then

Utilities and Diagnostic Tests

Flash Utility

The flash.bat utility lets you copy, delete or rename files on the flash disk: it switches the flash disk to write mode, performs the operation, and then returns the flash disk to read-only mode. The LWP software copies flash.bat onto the E:\ drive the first time you start the terminal.

Deleting

To delete a named file from the current directory of the flash disk:

flash del filename.ext

To delete all the files in the root directory of the flash disk:

flash del \*.*

Important! You don’t have to name the E: drive to erase all of the root directory files.

Copying

To copy the protocol stack configuration file (net.cfg) from the current directory to the root directory on the flash disk:

flash copy net.cfg \

To copy a file (filename.ext) from the SVTP directory on the flash disk to the STEP directory on the flash disk:

flash copy e:\svtp\filename.ext \step

Note: If you are copying from the E:\ drive, specify it on the first command parameter, but do NOT specify it on the second parameter, where it is assumed. You can only use this option to copy to the flash drive.

Renaming

To rename netcfg.1 in the flash disk root directory to net.cfg:

flash ren \netcfg.1 net.cfg

Normal restrictions for a DOS file re-name apply, i.e., netcfg.1 must exist and net.cfg must not exist in the directory before the command is executed.

A-21

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

A-22

Appendix B Software Environment

This section describes the software environment for a VRC 6940 terminal. A VRC 6940 has four drives as described in Tab l e B-1:

Table B-1. VRC 6940 Drives

Drive Size Type Contents

A:\ 256 Kb Flash,

EPROM

This drive contains:

• BIOS, including the Command Mode menus and commands and Self-Test software

• Essential system drivers

• DOS

B:\ 256 Kb Flash,

EEPROM

D:\ 160 Kb RAM This drive contains the net.cfg file and user space.

This drive is the main space for user applications. For the first installation, it contains the LWP hex image.

The first time you boot a terminal, LWP copies utilities and applications onto the E:\ drive. When you load user applications onto the terminal, they overwrite LWP, but the utilities and applications stay on the E:\ drive.

See Chapter 4 for information on loading applications into this space.

Commands in the b:\auto ex ec. bat file can write files to this disk.

The default size is 160 Kb, but this size can be changed by b:\init.exe. For information on setting the D drive size, see Chapter 5 of the Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Guide (p/n 70-16308-XX).

B-1

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table B-1. VRC 6940 Drives

Drive Size Type Contents

E: 1MB Flash This drive is normally read-only, although it can be

controlled by application programming on drive B. The LWP hex image copies these utilities into this

space:

• BOOTP

• CFG24

• DIAG24

• FLASH.BAT

Boot Sequence

The first time a new terminal powers up:

1. A:\config.sys loads drivers.

2. A:\autoexec.bat calls and runs

B:\auto exe c.ba t

3. B:\autoexec.bat loads the application files contained in the LWP.HEX file by

decompressing them into an application subdirectory on E:\ (see LAN WorkPlace

(LWP) Software on page B-3).

4. A second batch file displays a menu with terminal configuration options.

5. A third batch file loads the protocol stack to enable application-to-host connections.

If the terminal boots and the Spectrum24 radio card has no parameters, the terminal runs the CFG24 software so that you can configure the radio card. Chapter 3 describes how to configure the radio card.

If the Spectrum24 radio card has parameters, the terminal tries to connect to an AP. If it can connect, the terminal starts a session and continues to boot normally. If it can’t find an AP, the screen displays a NOT ASSOCIATED message, and a DOS prompt appears. At this point you can run the DIAG24 ping utility (see page 6-5).

After you have started the terminal, and LWP.HEX has installed the utility files into their appropriate directories, you can install end-user applications onto the terminal. When you transfer a new HEX image onto the terminal, it overwrites the LWP.HEX image. The Program Loader then installs the new HEX image by converting the ASCII data stream into files to be stored in non-volatile flash memory on the B:\ drive.

B-2

Software Environment

LAN WorkPlace (LWP) Software

All VRC 6940 terminals have a copy of LWP.HEX loaded at the factory. The first time you start the terminal, it installs the utilities listed below onto the E:\drive.

CFG24

The CFG24 Configurator utility that allows you to configure the Spectrum24 radio. You can run it from a DOS prompt. See page A-12 for more information.

DIAG24

The DIAG24 Diagnostics utility that allows you to run Access Point ping tests. You can run it from a DOS prompt. See page A-5 for more information.

BOOTP

BOOTP boot utility. It requests and receives an IP address and then sets up communications parameters for use by other parts of the system. It executes automatically during start-up procedures. Do not run it from a DOS prompt. See page A-17 for more information on configuring boot mode.

FLASH

A batch file that provides some flash disk housekeeping functions. You can run it from a DOS prompt. See page A-21 for more information.

Software Files

Tab le B -2 shows the contents of each drive after the LWP hex image is loaded on E:\ drive:

Table B-2. VRC 6940: Software Files

Directory File Name Description

A:\ LOADER. EXE An NVM loader utility that can be used in place of the

Command Mode Program Loader. For more information, see the Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Reference Manual (p/n 70-16309-XX).

SHELL.C OM The DOS command shell. AUTOEXE C.B AT Calls B:\autoexe c. bat, if it exists, and executes it.

If there is no B:\ drive, the terminal boots into Command Mode.

DSKBCHK .CO M Checks to see if the terminal has been configured with

a B:\ drive. For more information, see the Series 3000 Application Programmer’s Reference Manual (p/n 70- 16309-XX).

B-3

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table B-2. VRC 6940: Software Files

Directory File Name Description

A:\ (cont’d)

B:\ COMMAND.COM A command batch file.

D:\ NET.CFG The Spectrum24 configuration file. This file is

2WAY300 0.S YS A Series 3000 Protocol Device Driver. For more

information, see the Series 3000 System Software Manual (p/n 70-16310-XX).

S1.BIN A Spectrum One radio driver. CONFIG. SYS A configuration file that loads essential drivers and

files. It loads A:\s hel l.com

AUTOEXE C.B AT Loads the application files contained in the LWP.HEX

file by decompressing them into an application subdirectory on E:\ drive.

ERR3000 .SY S An error message driver. PKUNZJR .CO M An unzip utility. FLASHDS K.S YS The flash disk driver. FLSHCTL .EX E Switches the flash disk between read-write and read-

only modes.

FLSHFMT .EX E A utility used to format the flash disk.

configured by the CFG24 Configurator utility.

_AP.BAT Built by FLSHAUTO.BAT for use in the warm boot

process.

E:\ NET.C FG Configuration file used by LSL.COM,

SLAODI3K.COM, and TCPIP.EXE to get configuration parameters.

FLSHAUT O.B AT Initialization batch file. Loads the radio driver and the

TCP/IP stack.

FLSHAUT 1.B AT Builds the _AP.bat file for use. MSG.MSG File used by the DIAG24 Ping utility.

B-4

Software Environment

Table B-2. VRC 6940: Software Files

Directory File Name Description

E:\ (cont’d)

APPINIT .CO M Scans the flash disk for valid applications. If it finds

more than one, it displays an application selection menu. A valid RF application has a home directory in the flash disk’s root directory containing a file called RUN.BAT. This is how the system knows which applications are present, and which are batch applications.

CBT.COM Utility to re-initialize (cold boot) the terminal. WBT.COM Utility to re-initialize (warm boot) the application. WAIT.EX E A command used in batch files to pause the display

for a specified number of seconds. The pause can be interrupted with the CTRL-FUNC-1 key sequence. If interrupted, the command returns an errorlevel 1.

GETSTR. EXE Prompts for keyboard input, which is placed as a

character string in the environment variable _STR. Used to customize utility files for building an application HEX during developer kit installation.

LSL.COM Novell’s Netware Link Support Layer software. Used

to access the physical network, in this case a PCMCIA radio card.

DIAG24. EXE A diagnostic ping utility for diagnosing possible radio

problems. See page A-5 for more information.

CFG24.E XE A utility for configuring Spectrum24 radio

parameters. See page A-12 for more information.

BOOTP A utility that requests and receives an IP address and

sets up communications parameters for use by other parts of the system. It runs automatically during startup. Do not run it from a DOS prompt.

TCPIP.E XE Novell’s Lan Workplace stack version 5.0. PIPCT.E XE Used to save and restore part of the BIOS work area

overwritten when TCPIP.EXE is loaded.

SS.BAT Batch file to run DIAG24 for site survey purposes.

B-5

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table B-2. VRC 6940: Software Files

Directory File Name Description

E:\ (cont’d)

TDREM.E XE Remote end of serial link used to transfer files to and

from a terminal. Used mainly during development but also a useful diagnostic tool.

FLASH.B AT A flash utility for copying, renaming or deleting files

from flash memory. Useful in development for transferring single files to flash disk. See page A-21 for more information.

RAMINIT .EX E Copies _AP.BAT to new RAM disk. The _AP.BAT is

saved by a previous RAMCHG. The _AP.BAT must be smaller than 120 bytes.

RAMCHG. EXE Changes the RAM disk size and warm boots the

terminal. RAMCHGnn changes the RAM disk to nnKBytes.

RF_VER. COM Radio utility file. RFOFF.C OM Used for batch application to unconditionally turn off

the radio adapter to conserve battery life.

UPD802 (sub-di rec tory)

TFTPC.C OM Encapsulation for TFTP.EXE to allow trapping of

TFTP.EX E Trivial File Transfer Protocol software.

Stores files to update radio to become 802.11 compatible.

error messages. This allows the re-trying of a file transfer if an error is found.

B-6

TFTP.MS G TFTP message file. LWP.MSG TCP/IP message file. BGET.BA T Batch file for doing TFTP file transfers from a server

to the flash disk. If the file already exists on the current directory on the flash disk (normally the current application’s home directory), the file is not transferred. BGET.BA T calls FGET .BA T to perform the actual transfer.

Software Environment

Table B-2. VRC 6940: Software Files

Directory File Name Description

E:\ (cont’d)

FGET.BA T Batch file for doing TFTP file transfers from a server

to the flash disk. If the transfer fails it is retried. The server IP address is picked up from the environment variable SIADDR, which is set up by BOOTP.COM if either a BOOTP or DHCP process is performed.

UPDATE. BAT Batch file used for an over-the-air software update

facility. It downloads a ZIP file and unzips it into the application directory. The ZIP file is the same file that was placed in the application HEX.

CHK_ID. EXE Checks to see if the ident.txt files on the paths

specified in the command-line are identical. Used in apphex.bat to check for the need to copy the application files to the flash disk.

GETNUM. EXE Returns an errorlevel depending on a single key hit.

Returns errorlevel n if the numeric key ‘n’ is pressed. All other keys return errorlevel 99. Used to make menu selections in batch files.

IDENT.T XT Used to identify a particular HEX build. SLAODI3 K.C OM Wireless LAN adapter driver. APP

(sub-di rec tory)

Applications stored in this directory.

B-7

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

B-8

Appendix C Keyboard Layouts

This section describes the characters and character sequences produced by the 54-key keyboard using the default translation tables. Tab l e C -1 displays the information in table format. Figures C-1 to C-10 show keyboard illustrations.

These key definitions can be changed by application programs. Refer to the Series 3000

Application Programmer's Reference Manual (p/n 70-16309-XX) and the Series 3000 System Software Manual (p/n 70-16310-XX) for additional information on keyboard translation.

Table C-1. VRC 6940 Key Combinations

Unmodified Shift Caplock Ctrl Func Shift+Func Func+Ctrl Ctrl+Func Alt+Func

Enter

Clear

Ctrl

Shift

Func

Pwr

Enter Enter Line feed = + none none none

Clear Clear Clear Clear Clear none Clear none

Ctrl Ctrl none Alt Alt none Alt none

Shift Shift none none none none Shift none

Func Func no ne none none Func none none

Pwr Pwr Pwr Pwr Pwr Pwr Pwr Pwr

A A Ctrl, A a A Alt, A none none

B B Ctrl, B b B Alt, B Ctrl, B Alt, B

C C Ctrl, C c C Alt, C Ctrl, C Alt, C

D D Ctrl, D d D Alt, D Ctrl, D Alt, D

E E Ctrl, E e E Alt, E Ctrl, E Alt, E

F F Ctrl, F f F Alt, F Ctrl, F Alt, F

G G Ctrl, G g G Alt, G Ctrl, G Alt, G

C-1

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table C-1. VRC 6940 Key Combinations

Unmodified Shift Caplock Ctrl Func Shift+Func Func+Ctrl Ctrl+Func Alt+Func

Back

Left Arrow

Right Arrow

Up Arrow

Dwn Arrow

Functional only on units equipped with the keyboard backlight option.

H H Ctrl, H F1 Shift, F1 Alt, H Ctrl, F1 Alt, F1

I I Ctrl, I Dark Dark Alt, I Dark Dark

J J Ctrl, J Light Light Alt, J Light Light

KKCtrl, KBckLt1BckLt

L L Ctrl, L Caplock Caplock Alt, L Caplock Caplock

M M Ctrl, M F9 Shift, F9 Alt, M Ctrl, F9 Alt, F9

N N Ctrl, N Numlock Numlock Alt, N none Numlock

O O Ctrl, O o O Alt, O Ctrl, O Alt, O

P P Ctrl, P p P Alt, P Ctrl, P Alt, P

Q Q Ctrl, Q q Q Alt, Q Ctrl, Q Alt, Q

R R Ctrl, R r R Alt, R Ctrl, R Alt, R

S S Ctrl, S F10 Shift, F10 Alt, S Ctrl, F10 Alt, F10

T T Ctrl, T t T Alt, T Ctrl, T Alt, T

U U Ctrl, U + + Alt, U none none

V V Ctrl, V - - Alt, V none none

W W Ctrl, W * none Alt, W Ctrl, * none

X X Ctrl, X / ? Alt, X none none

Y Y Ctrl, Y y Y Alt, Y Ctrl, Y Alt, Y

Z Z Ctrl, Z z Z Alt, Z Ctrl, Z Alt, Z

Backspace Backspace Ctrl, Break Space Space none Space none

4 Left Arrow Ctrl, Left

6Right

8 Up Arrow Ctrl, Up

2 Dwn Arrow Ctrl, Dwn

) 0 none Ins 0 Alt, 0 none none

Arrow

Ctrl, Right Arrow

Arrow

Home 7 none Ctrl, Home none

End 1 none Ctrl, End none

Page Up 9 none Ctrl, Page Upnone

Page Down 3 none Ctrl, Page

Alt, K BckLt

Down

BckLt

none

C-2

Keyboard Layouts

Table C-1. VRC 6940 Key Combinations

Unmodified Shift Caplock Ctrl Func Shift+Func Func+Ctrl Ctrl+Func Alt+Func

! 1 none ’“ Alt, 1 none none

@ 2 Ctrl, 2 , < Alt, 2 none none

# 3 none / ? Alt, 3 none none

$ 4 none [ { Alt, 4 Ctrl, 4 none

% 5 none ] } Alt, 5 Ctrl, 5 none

^ 6 Ctrl, 6 ; : Alt, 6 none none

& 7 none ‘ ~ Alt, 7 none none

* 8 none = + Alt, 8 none Alt, =

( 9 none \ | Alt, 9 Ctrl, \ none

_ - Ctrl, - - _ Alt, - Ctrl, - Alt, -

> . none Del . none none none

Shift, F1 F1 Ctrl, F1 F6 Shift, F6 Alt, F1 Ctrl, F6 Alt, F6

Shift, F2 F2 Ctrl, F2 F7 Shift, F7 Alt, F2 Ctrl, F7 Alt, F7

Shift, F3 F3 Ctrl, 3 F8 Shift, F8 Alt, F3 Ctrl, F8 Alt, F8

Shift, F4 F4 Ctrl, F4 F9 Shift, F9 Alt, F4 Ctrl, F9 Alt, F9

Shift, F5 F5 Ctrl, F5 F10 Shift, F10 Alt, F5 Ctrl, F10 Alt, F10

C-3

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Keyboard Character & Character Combination Illustrations

The captions indicate what sequence of modifier keys produce the keyboard character.

FUNC and SHIFT-FUNC key combinations (Figure C-5 and Figure C-9) produce scan codes, ASCII values, and printable characters/logical key sequence names. The keys are illustrated as follows:

Scan Code

(decimal)

Printable Character or Logical Key

Sequence Name

Figure C-1. Key Captions

ASCII Value

(decimal)

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5

ab cd

hi j

op qr

vwxy

C-4

BACK

SHIFT

ON/OFF

FUNC

CTRL

7 89

456

Figure C-2. Unshifted Keyboard

CLEAR

ENTER

Keyboard Layouts

Shift

ShiftF2ShiftF3Shift

ABCDE G

HI J K

OPQ R

VWXYZ

Shift

BACK

ON/OFF

Figure C-3. Shift-Modified Keyboard

Ctrl

Ctrl BCtrl

Ctrl

ON/OFF

Brk

Ctrl

CTRL

&* (

$%^

!@#

CTRL

468

)

Ctrl ←←←←

Ctrl →→→→

CLEAR

ENTER

Ctrl ↑↑↑↑

Ctrl ↓↓↓↓

Ctrl

Ctrl ICtrl

Ctrl

Ctrl VCtrl

CtrlKCtrl

Ctrl

Ctrl -

Ctrl

CLEAR

Line

Feed

Figure C-4. Ctrl-Modified Keyboard

C-5

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

64 00F665 00F766 00F867 00F968 00

56 00

59 00F1101

24 111

74 45-55 42*53 47/21 121

48 98

25 112

29 00c32 100d18 101e33 102f34 103

102

Dark

16 113

Light

100

BckLt*

19 114

58 00

CapLk

68 00

44 122

F10

57 32

Space

ON/OFF

69 00

NumLk

67 00

20 16t78 43

29 00

12 45

* Functions only on units equipped with the keyboard backlight option.

Figure C-5. Func-Modified Keyboard

Alt F1

Alt

ON/OFF

71 00

Home

Alt

41 96

13 61

‘

26 91[27 93

40 39’51 44,53 47

79 00

End

43 92

]

39 59

;

82 00

Ins

83 00

Del

73 00

PgUp

81 00

PgDn

01 27

CLEAR

13 61

Alt A Alt B Alt C Alt D Alt E Alt F Alt G

Alt H Alt I Alt J Alt K Alt L Alt M Alt N

Alt O Alt P Alt Q Alt R Alt S Alt T A lt U

Alt V Alt W Alt X Alt Y Alt Z

Figure C-6. Alt-Modified Keyboard

C-6

Alt 7 Alt 9

Alt 4

Alt 1

Alt 8

Alt 5

Alt 6

Alt 2 Alt 3

Alt - Alt 0

Keyboard Layouts

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5

ABCD

HI J KL N

OPQ

VWXYZ FUNC

RS U

ON/OFFBACK

M 4

Figure C-7. Caplock-Modified Keyboard

Ctrl

CtrlF7CtrlF8CtrlF9Ctrl

Ctrl

F10

Ctrl

BACK

ON/OFF

CtrlFCtrl

CTRL

7 89

Alt

Ctrl

Home

Ctrl

End

Ctrl \

CLEAR

ENTER

Ctrl

Pgup

Ctrl

Pgdn

Ctrl

Dark CapLk

Light BckLt*

Ctrl

CtrlQCtrlRCtrl

Ctrl

F10

Ctrl

SHIFT

* Functions only on units equipped with the keyboard backlight option.

Figure C-8. Ctrl + Func-Modified Keyboard

Ctrl

Ctrl -

Ctrl

CLEAR

ENTER

C-7

Shft F6

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

90 00

Shft F7

91 00

Shft F8

92 00

Shft F9

93 00

Shft F10

57 32

Space

ON/OFF

29 00

Alt

71 55

79 49

73 57

56 00A48 66B29 00C32 68

84 00

Shft F1

24 79O25 80P16 81Q19 82

74 45

101

Dark

101

Light

53 63?21 89Y44 90

100

BckLt*

18 69

58 00

CapLk

93 00

Shft F10

33 70F34 71

92 00

Shft F9

20 84T78 43

69 00

NumLk

* Functions only on units equipped with the keyboard backlight option.

Figure C-9. Shift+ Func-Modified Keyboard

Alt

Alt F7

Alt

Dark

Alt F8

Alt

Light BckLt*

Alt

F10

Alt

CapLk

Alt

Alt F9

ON/OFF

Alt

NumLk

41 126~13 43+43 124

26 123{27 125}39 58

40 34“51 60<53 63

12 95_82 48083 46

Alt

81 51

01 27

CLEAR

13 43

Alt

F10

Alt YAlt

Alt

* Functions only on units equipped with the keyboard backlight option.

Figure C-10. ALT + Func-Modified Keyboard

C-8

Alt

Appendix D Environmental and Technical

Specifications

This appendix describes:

physical, environmental, and operational information for VRC 6940 terminals

reference information for the COM1 and scanner ports

mappings for the null modem pinouts

Specifications

Tab le D -1 summarizes physical, operational, and environmental specifications for the VRC

6940.

Table D-1. VRC 6940 Specifications

Dimensions 12” x 9” x 3" / 310 mm x 234 mm x 81 mm

(LxWxD)

Weight 6.7 lbs

Data Communication RS-232 serial port

Power Requirements 9 - 60 VDC

Backup Battery NiMH

Display Size 8 line x 40 character

Display Vacuum Fluorescent

Number of Keys 54 keys

Radio Module Internal PCMCIA

D-1

VRC 6940 Product Reference Guide

Table D-1. VRC 6940 Specifications

Microprocessor NEC V25

Housing Magnesium Alloy

Sealing IP65 and NEMA4

Vibration Specification SAE 1445

Operating Temperature:

without internal heater with optional internal heater

Storage Temperature -40°F to 140° F/ -40°C to 60° C

RF Technology: 2.4 GHz Yes

Operating System DR-DOS

Architecture 16 Bit

Memory:

RAM FLASH

Programming Tool 16 Bit Application Developer's Toolkit

-2°F to 122° F / -20°C to 50° C

-22°F to 122°F / -30°C to 50°C

640KB

1.2MB

Scanner Port

The Scanner Port is located on the back panel of the VRC 6940. Tab le D-2 lists the pin descriptions.

Table D-2. Scanner Port Pin Descriptions

Pin Name Function Direction

1 SOS Start of scan

2 BARDATA Bar code data input

3 LEDEN L.E.D. enable output

4 LASERTRIGN Laser trigger not input

5 LASEREN Laser enable output

6 GROUND Logic/power ground N/A

7 LASERVCC Laser power (+5V) output

Must be grounded on contact–wand scanners

D-2

input

Environmental and Technical Specifications

COM1 Serial Port

The COM1 Serial Port is located on the back panel of the VRC 6940. Table D -3 lists the pin descriptions.

Table D-3. COM1 Serial Port Descriptions

Pin Name Signal Direction

1 GROUND GND IN

2 TRANSMIT DATA TXD OUT

3 RECEIVED DATA RXD IN

4 REQUEST TO SEND RTS OUT

5 CLEAR TO SEND CTS IN

6 DATA SET READY DSR IN

7 SIGNAL GROUND GND —

8 CARRIER DETECT DCD IN

9 Not used

10 Not used

11 REV CH OUT

12-19 Not used

20 DATA TERMINAL READY DTR OUT

21 Not used

22 RING INDICATOR RI IN

23 Not used

24 Reserved

25 Reserved

RS-232 signal

Symbol internal test signals

D-3

Symbol Technologies VRC 6940 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

About This Manual

Notational Conventions

Related Publications

Contact and Service Information

Symbol Support Center

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Purpose of This Manual

Parts of a VRC 6940 Terminal

Standard Parts

Options and Accessories

Options

Accessories

Radio Cards

Scanners

Printers

Before You Use the Terminal...

Chapter 2 Installing Hardware

Equipment Required

Vehicle Mounted VRC 6940

Wall or Workbench Mounted VRC 6940

Hardware Installation

Providing Power: Vehicle Installations

Providing Power: Wall or Workbench Installations

Installation and the Internal Battery

Chapter 3 Configuring Spectrum24

Equipment Required

Configuring a Spectrum24 Radio Card

Chapter 4 Installing Software

Equipment Required

Transferring and Installing Application Programs

1. Prepare the PC for Communications and File Downloading

2. Provide a Reliable Power Source

3. Prepare the Terminal for Transferring Files

4. Start the File Transfer

Successful File Transfer

5. Complete the Installation of Transferred Files

Chapter 5 Operating a VRC 6940

Powering a Terminal On and Off

Powering On

Suspending or Turning Off the Terminal

Forcing the Terminal into Suspend

Turning the Terminal Off

Powering On or Off Automatically

Resetting a Terminal

Modifier Keys: SHIFT, FUNC and CTRL

Key Descriptions

Tips for Using the Keyboard

Adjusting Brightness

Entering Data

Using the Keyboard

Bar Code Scanning

Attaching an External Bar Code Scanner

Using a Bar Code Scanner

Moving a Terminal to a Different Power Source

Command Mode

Chapter 6 Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting a VRC 6940 Terminal

Error Messages

Scanning Problems

Terminal Stops Responding

1. Make Sure You are Within Range of an Access Point

2. Force the Terminal into Suspend

3. Restart After Forcing a Suspend

Booting a VRC 6940

Warm Boot

Cold Boot

Command Mode

If Rebooting Fails

Memory Transfer Analyzer (MTA) Utility

Transferring Memory

Technical Support Contacts

Chapter 7 Maintenance

maintaining the internal battery

Storing the Terminal

Cleaning

Washing the Terminal