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CipherLab 8300 Series
User's Guide
Version 1.03
Copyright © 2002 Syntech Information Co., Ltd.
SYNTECH INFORMATION CO., LTD.
Head Office: 8F, No.210, Ta-Tung Rd., Sec.3, Hsi-Chih, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan
Tel: +886-2-8647-1166 Fax: +886-2-8647-1100
e-mail: support@cipherlab.com.tw http://www.cipherlab.com.tw
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.........................................................................................................................ii
1. Preface ............................................................................................................................. 1
2. General Features and Characteristics ............................................................... 2
2.1 Electrical................................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Environmental ..........................................................................................................2
2.3 Physical...................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 CPU ............................................................................................................................ 2
2.5 Memory ..................................................................................................................... 2
2.6 Reader........................................................................................................................ 2
2.7 Display....................................................................................................................... 3
2.8 Keypad....................................................................................................................... 3
2.9 Indicator .....................................................................................................................3
2.10 Communication....................................................................................................... 3
2.11 RF Specification...................................................................................................... 3
2.12 Software..................................................................................................................... 4
2.13 Accessories............................................................................................................... 4
3. RF System Configuration....................................................................................... 5
3.1 IDs and Groups ........................................................................................................ 5
3.2 RF Terminals ............................................................................................................ 5
3.3 RF Bases .................................................................................................................... 6
4. Software Architecture .............................................................................................. 7
4.1 Kernel & Application Manager........................................................................... 7
4.2 System........................................................................................................................ 8
4.3 Application............................................................................................................. 10
4.4 Programming the terminal .................................................................................. 10
4.5 Programming the communication cradle ........................................................ 10
5. Operations .....................................................................................................................11
5.1 Keypad operations.................................................................................................11
5.2 Application mode...................................................................................................11
5.3 System mode.......................................................................................................... 12
5.4 Kernel mode ........................................................................................................... 12
5.5 Application Manager ............................................................................................ 12
6. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................ 13
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1. Preface
The 8300 series are rugged , versatile, high performance data terminals designed for
all-day, everyday use. It is powered by a Li -ion rechargeable battery with working time
longer than 100 hours. It is supported by a rich set of development tools, including a
Windows-based application generator, “C” and “Basic” compilers. With its integrated
Laser/CCD barcode scanning unit and optional RF module, the 8300 series is ideal for
both batch and real time applications such as inventory control, shop floor
management, warehousing and distribution operations.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
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2. General Features and Characteristics
Basic characteristics of the 8300 Series Terminal are listed below,
2.1 Electrical
Ÿ Operation battery: 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable battery, 700mAH.
Ÿ Backup battery: 3.0V, 7mAH rechargeable Lithium battery for SRAM & calendar
Ÿ Working time: over 100 hours for 8300 (batch model); over 20 hours for 8310 (433MHz RF
model) and 8 hours for 8350 (2.4GHz RF model)
2.2 Environmental
Ÿ Operating Humidity: non-condensed 10% to 90%
Ÿ Storage Humidity: non-condensed 5% to 95%
Ÿ Operating Temperature: -20 to 60 °C
Ÿ Storage Temperature: -30 to 70 °C
Ÿ EMC regulation: FCC, CE and C-tick
Ÿ Shock resistance: 1.2m drop onto concrete
Ÿ IP rating: IP65
2.3 Physical
Ÿ Dimensions – Batch model: 169mm (L) x 77mm (W) x 36mm (H)
Ÿ Dimensions – RF model: 194mm (L) x 77mm (W) x 44mm (H)
Ÿ Weight – Batch model: 230g (including battery)
Ÿ Weight – RF model: 250g (including battery)
Ÿ Color: Black
Ÿ Material: ABS
2.4 CPU
Ÿ Toshiba 16-bit CMOS type CPU
Ÿ Tunable clock, up to 22MHz
2.5 Memory
Program memory
Ÿ 1 M Bytes flash memory is used to store the program code, font, constant data, and so on.
Data memory
Ÿ Batch model (8300): 2M / 4M Bytes SRAM
Ÿ RF model (8310/8350): 256K Bytes SRAM
2.6 Reader
The 8300 Series Terminal can be equipped with either Laser or Long Range CCD scanner. For batch
models (8300C / 8300L), the angle of the scanning beam can be straight (0°) or 45° to the LCD plane.
Detailed specifications are as follows:
8300L / 8310L / 8350L (Laser)
Ÿ Light source: visible Laser diode operating at 670±15nm
Ÿ Scan rate: 36±3 scans per second
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Ÿ Scan angle: 42°nominal
Ÿ Minimum print contrast: 20% absolute dark/light reflectance at 670nm
Ÿ Depth of field: 5 ~ 95 cm, depends on barcode resolution
8300C / 8310C / 8350C (CCD)
Ÿ Resolution: 0.125mm ~ 1.00mm
Ÿ Depth of field: 2 ~ 20cm
Ÿ Width of field: 45mm ~ 124mm
Ÿ Scan rate: 100 scans/sec
Ÿ Ambient Light Rejection:
1200 lux (Direct Sun-light)
2500 lux (Fluorescent Light)
2.7 Display
Ÿ 128x64 graphic dots FSTN LCD display with LED back-light
2.8 Keypad
Ÿ 24 numeric or 39 alphanumeric rubber keys.
2.9 Indicator
Buzzer
Ÿ Software programmable audio indicator, 1KHz to 4KHz, low power transducer type.
LED
Ÿ Programmable, dual-color (green and red) LED for status indication.
2.10 Communication
Ÿ RS-232: Baud rate up to 115200bps
Ÿ Serial IR: Baud rate up to 115200bps
Ÿ Standard IrDA: Baud rate up to 115200bps
Ÿ 433MHz RF: 9600bps data rate
Ÿ 2.4GHz RF: 19200bps data rate
2.11 RF Specification
433MHz RF (8310)
Ÿ Frequency Range: 433.12 ~ 434.62 MHz
Ÿ Modulation: FSK (Frequency Shift Keying)
Ÿ Data Rate: 9600 bps
Ÿ Programmable Channels: 4
Ÿ Coverage: 200M line-of -sight
Ÿ Max imum Output Power: 10mW (10dbm)
Ÿ Maximum Terminals / Base: 15
Ÿ Maximum Terminals / System: 45
Ÿ Compliance: CE
2.4GHz RF (8350)
Ÿ Frequency Range: 2.4000 ~ 2.4835 GHz, unlicensed ISM Band
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Ÿ Type: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Transceiver
Ÿ Frequency Control: Direct FM
Ÿ Data Rate: 19200 bps
Ÿ Programmable Channels: 6
Ÿ Coverage: 1000M line-of -sight
Ÿ Maximum Output Power: 100mW
Ÿ Maximum Terminals / Base: 99
Ÿ Maximum Terminals / System: 99
Ÿ Compliance: CE and FCC
RF Base (3510 / 3550)
Ÿ Base to Host: RS-232
Ÿ Base Baud Rate: up to 115,200 bps
Ÿ Base to Base: RS-485
Ÿ Maximum Bases / System: 16
2.12 Software
Ÿ Operating System: CipherLab proprietary OS
Ÿ Programming Tools: “C” compiler, BASIC compiler and a Windows-based Application
Generator
2.13 Accessories
Ÿ Charging / Communication Cradle
Ÿ RS-232 cable
Ÿ Keyboard Wedge cable
Ÿ Power adapter
Ÿ Li -ion rechargeable battery pack
Ÿ RF base station
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3. RF System Configuration
3.1 IDs and Groups
An ID to a terminal / base is just like a name to a person. Each terminal / base in the same RF system
should have a unique ID. If the IDs are duplicated, the system may not work properly. So before
running your RF system, please make sure that every terminal / base has a unique ID.
For 433MHz RF system, up to 45 terminals and 16 bases can be supported by one system. The valid
ID ranges from 1 to 45 for terminals, and 1 to 16 for bases. To support all 45 terminals, the 433MHz
RF bases need to be configured to 3 groups. Each group and also each base can support up to 15
terminals.
• Base IDs (433MHz): 01 ~ 16
• Terminal IDs (433MHz): 01 ~ 45 (3 groups)
01 ~ 15: supported by Group #1 Bases
16 ~ 30: supported by Group #2 Bases
31 ~ 45: supported by Group #3 Bases
For 2.4GHz RF system, up to 99 terminals and 16 bases can be supported by one system, and they all
belong to the same group.
• Base IDs (2.4GHz): 01 ~ 16
• Terminal IDs (2.4GHz): 01 ~ 99
3.2 RF Terminals
The configurable properties of a terminal are as follows:
433 MHz RF model (8310)
• ID: 01 ~ 45
• Channel: 1 ~ 4
• Time out: 1 ~ 99 seconds, duration of retries for sending data
• Output power: 1~5 levels (10, 5, 4, 0, -5dBm)
• Auto search: 0 ~ 99 sec, automatically search for available channel when connection to
current channel is lost
2.4 GHz RF model (8350)
• ID: 01 ~ 99
• Channel: 1 ~ 6
• Output power: maximum 64mW
• Auto search: 0 ~ 99 sec, automatically search for available channel when connection to
current channel is lost
• Time out: 1 ~ 99 seconds, duration of retries for sending data
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3.3 RF Bases
The connection from the host computer to the base is RS-232, while the connection between bases is
RS-485. Up to 16 bases can be connected together in one RF system. If two or more bases are
connected together, the one connected to the host computer should be set to master mode, and the
others in slave mode.
433 MHz Base Properties (3510)
• Mode: 1-standalone, 2-slave, 3-master
• Channel: 1 ~ 4
• ID: 01 ~ 16
• Group: 1 ~ 3
• Time out: 1 ~ 99 seconds, duration of retries for sending data
• Output power: 1~5 levels (10, 5, 4, 0, -5dBm)
• Baud rate: 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600
2.4 GHz Base Properties (3550)
• Mode: 1-standalone, 2-slave, 3-master
• Channel: 1 ~ 6
• ID: 01 ~ 16
• Group: 1
• Time out: 1 ~ 99 seconds, duration of retries for sending data
• Output power: maximum 64mW
• Baud rate: 115200, 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600
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4. Software Architecture
The 8300 Series Terminal system software consists of three modules: the kernel & Application
Manager module, the System module and the Application module.
4.1 Kernel & Applic ation Manager
The kernel is the innermost core of the system. It has the highest security and is always protected by
the system. Only the failure of flash memory or improperly power off during system restart after
updating kernel will the kernel be destroyed. The kernel module ensures that users can always
download their application program even the operating system was crashed by the user’s program.
The kernel provides the following services:
Ÿ Kernel Information
Information includes hardware version, serial number, manufacturing date, kernel version and
hardware configurations.
Ÿ Load Application
To download the application program, BASIC run-time or font files.
Ÿ Kernel Update
Sometimes the kernel might be changed for improving performance or other reasons. This
function allows you to keep the kernel updated. The update procedure is same as download user
program, but note that after updating the kernel, please do not power off until the system restart
itself.
Ÿ Test & Calibrate
To perform a burn-in test and tune the system clock. This function is for manufacturing purpose
only.
Besides the kernel menu, if there is no application program exists, then upon power up the terminal
the following Application Manager’s menu will be shown:
Ÿ Download
To download application programs (*.SHX), BASIC run-time (BC8300.SHX), BASIC
programs (*.SYN) or font files (8xxx-XX.SHX) to the terminal. There are 6 resident locations
and one Active Memory, i.e. at most 7 programs can be downloaded to the terminal. But only
the one downloaded to the Active Memory will be activated and running. To run other
programs, they need to be activated first, but only one at a time. Right after downloading, you
can input a name for the program or just press the enter key to keep its current name if there is.
And then the downloaded program’s type, name and size will be shown on the list when
entering the Download or Activate menu of the Application Manager. The file type is a small
letter follows the program number (01~06), it can be either ‘b’, ‘c’ or ‘f’ which represents
BASIC program, C program or font file respectively. The program name is up to 12 characters
and the program size is in unit of K bytes.
Ÿ Activate
To copy one of the 6 resident programs to the Active Memory to make it become the active
program. After activating, the original program in the Active Memory will be replaced by the
new one. Note a font file cannot be activated, and a BASIC program cannot be activated either
if the BASIC run-time does not exist.
Ÿ Upload
To transmit the application programs to a host PC or another terminal. The function allows a
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terminal to be cloned without going through a PC.
4.2 System
The system module provides the following services:
Ÿ Information
The system information includes hardware version, serial number, manufacturing date, kernel
version, C library or BASIC run-time version, application program version and hardware
configurations.
Ÿ Settings
The system settings include the following:
1. Clock
Set date and time for the system.
2. Backlight ON Period
Set the staying on duration for the keyboard and LCD backlight.
Default: the lights go off after 20 seconds.
3. CPU Speed
Set CPU running speed. There are five speeds available:
Full speed, half speed, quarter speed, eighth speed and sixteenth speed.
Default: Full speed
4. Auto Off
Set time threshold for auto matically power off when no operation is taking place during
that specified period. If this value is set to zero, this function will be disabled.
Default: 10 minutes
5. Power On Options
There are two possible selections: Program Resume, which starts from the program being
used during the last session before the last power-off; and Program Restart , which starts
with a new program.
Default: Program Resume
6. Key Click
Select a tone for the beeper or disable the beeper when the user presses a key button.
Default: Enable
7. System Password
Set a password to protect the user from entering the system menu.
Default: no password is set
Ÿ Tests
1. Reader
To test the reading performance of the scanner. The following barcodes are default to
enable:
Code 39
Industrial 25
Interleave 25
Codabar
Code 93
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Code 128
UPCE
UPCE with ADDON 2
UPCE with ADDON 5
EAN8
EAN8 with ADDON 2
EAN8 with ADDON 5
EAN13
EAN13 with ADDON 2
EAN13 with ADDON 5
Other barcodes must be enabled through programming.
2. Buzzer
To test the buzzer with different Frequency/Duration. Press ENTER key to start and then
press any key to stop the test.
3. LCD & LED
To test LCD display and LED indicator. Press ENTER key to start and then press any key
to stop the test.
4. Keyboard
To test the rubber keys. Press a key and the result will be shown on the LCD display. Note
that the FN key should be used in conjunction with numeral keys.
5. Memory
To test the data memory (SRAM) . Note after the test, the contents of the memory space will
be wiped out.
Ÿ Memory
1. Size Info rmation
Information includes sizes of the base memory (SRAM), memory card (SRAM) and
program memory (FLASH) in the unit of kilobytes.
2. Initialize
To initialize the data memory (S RAM). Note the contents of the data space will be wiped
out after memory initialization.
Ÿ Power
Show the voltages of the main battery and backup battery.
Ÿ Load Application
To download the application program, BASIC run-time or font file. There are three interfaces
supported by the system, namely, the Direct-RS232, Cradle-IR and standard IrDA.
Ÿ 433MHz / 2.4GHz RF
This item will be shown only if an RF module is installed.
1. Settings
The RF settings and their default values are as follows,
Terminal ID: 01
Terminal Channel: 01
Terminal Power: 01
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Auto Search Time: 10
Send Timeout: 02
2. Tests
The RF tests include the follows,
1. Send Test
2. Receive Test
3. Echo Test
4. Channel Test
4.3 Application
The Application module runs on top of the System module. The 8300 Series Terminal is preloaded
with the Application Generator’s run-time program and the following menu will be shown upon
powering the unit up:
Batch model (8300)
Ÿ 1. Collect data
Ÿ 2. Upload data
Ÿ 3. Utilities
RF Models (8310 / 8350)
Ÿ 1. Take data
Ÿ 2. Utilities
The arrow keys can be used to select the menu item, and execute it by pressing the ENTER key. Note
if you use the Application Generator to create your application program, you need to download it to
the terminal. And for RF models, you need to use the RF Database Manager to handle the in-coming
and out-going data to and from the PC. For detailed information, please refer to “8300 Series
Application Generator User’s Guide” and “RF Application Generator User’s Guide”.
4.4 Programming the terminal
There are three software tools available for developing application programs for the terminal.
1. The Application Generator
2. The “BASIC” Compiler
3. The “C” Compiler
For detailed information, please contact Syntech Information Co., Ltd.
4.5 Programming the communication cradle
The communication cradle of the 8000 Portable Data Terminal supports serial IR interface only.
Before your PC application starts to communicate with the terminal via its cradle, first you need to
configure the cradle through programming. For more information, please contact Syntech
Information Co., Ltd.
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5. Operations
Batteries must be fresh and properly loaded before start operation.
5.1 Keypad operations
The 8300 Series Terminals have two keyboard layouts: 24 rubber keys and 39 rubber keys . The
functions of some special keys are as follows:
SCAN Scan a barcode.
Press this button will trigger the scanner to read a barcode if the scanner port is
enabled.
ENTER Enter.
There are two enter keys on the side of the scan key. Normally the enter keys are
used for command execution or input confirmation.
ESC Escape.
Usually this key is used to stop and exit current operation.
BS Back Space.
If this key is being pressed down longer than one second, a clear code will be
sent.
ALPHA / α The toggle key for Alphabet / Numeral input.
When the system is in alpha-mode, a small icon will be shown on the display. For
the 24-key keyboard, each numeral key can be used to generate one of the three
capital letters. For example, numeral 2 can be used to produce A, B or C. Pressing
the same key twice within one second, will call the letter B. Pressing the same
key without halting longer than one second, will cause the three letters to be
shown in a circulating way. Only when stop pressing the key for longer than one
second or pressing another key, will the system send the real key code to the
application program.
FN The function key.
This key cannot be activated alone, it must be pressed with one numeral key at
the same time. For example, FN + 1 generates funct ion #1, FN + 2 generates
function #2, etc (up to 9 functions). Also, this key can be combined with the
UP/DOWN arrow keys to adjust the contrast of the LCD. And when this key is
combined with the ENTER key, it will turn ON/OFF the backlight.
POWER Power On/Off.
To prevent a faulty push, it needs about 1.5 sec continuous pressing to turn
On/Off the power.
5.2 Application mode
This is the default operation mode when turning on the power. The operation depends on the
application module. Please refer to section 4.4.
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5.3 System mode
To enter the system menu, you need to press the 7, 9 and POWER keys simultaneously upon power
up the terminal. For details of the services provided by the system, please refer to section 4.2.
5.4 Kernel mode
To enter the kernel menu, you need to press 7, 9 and POWER keys simultaneously to enter the system
menu first, then power off the unit and press 1, 7 and POWER key simultaneously. Or if the battery is
just reloaded, then press 1, 7 and POWER key simultaneously will directly go to the kernel. For
details of the services provided by the kernel, please refer to section 4.1.
5.5 Application Manager
Although the Application Manager is part of the kernel, to enter it, you need to press ‘8’ and POWER
key simultaneously. Or if the application program does not exist, the unit will automatically go to the
Application Manager’s menu upon power up.
The three services: Download, Activate and Upload provided by the Application Manager are
explained in Section 4.1. But what if you need to update a program or delete it? For both cases, you
need to select the Download menu and select the program to be updated or deleted. The Application
Manager then shows the selected program’s information such as Program Name, Download Time,
Used and Free Flash memory. And then please input ‘C’ to update the selected program, or input ‘D’
to delete it.
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6. Troubleshooting
a) Does not power up after pressing POWER key.
Ø Make sure the battery is loaded.
Ø Charge the battery and check the charging status. If no charging information shown on the
display, reload the battery and check if the battery is properly installed then try again.
Ø Call for service if problem persists.
b) Cannot transmit data or programs via the terminal’s communication port.
Ø Check if the cable is plugged tightly, then,
Ø Check if host communication parameters (COM port, baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bit)
match with the Terminal's.
c) Keypad does not work properly,
Ø Turn off the power then press the 7, 9 and POWER keys simultaneously to enter the system
menu.
Ø From the system menu, select the Test and then its sub-item KBD.
Ø Perform the key-in test.
Ø If problem persists, call for service.
d) Scanner does not scan,
Ø Check if the barcodes used are enabled, or
Ø Check if battery-low indicator is show n on the LCD display. If yes, charge the battery.
Ø If problem persists, call for service.
e) Abnormal responses,
Ø Open the battery cap and re-load the battery.
Ø Enter system menu by pressing 7, 9 and POWER keys simultaneously.
Ø Check if the terminal can have a correct response by performing tests.
Ø If problem persists, call for service.
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