Telxon PTC-960RL User Manual

PTC-960RL
User's Guide
On December 1, 2000 Symbol T echnologies, Inc. completed the purchase of Telxon Corporation. References made throughout this document to "Telxon" or "Telxon Corporation" are be replaced with "Symbol" or "Symbol Technologies, Inc.", respectively. Any questions, contact your Symbol representative.
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.
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 is a registered trade mar k of Symbo l Technologies, Inc. Other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby ack nowl edg ed.
Symbol Technologies, Inc. One Symbol Pl aza Holtsville, New York 11742-1300
http://www.symbol.com
Symbol Support Center: 1- 800 -653- 53 50
2
PTC-960RL
User’s Guide
PTC-960RL
User’s Guide
Part Number: 21568-701-02 Release Date: 7/22/96
Telxon and TCAL are registered trademarks of Telxon Corporation.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other product or trade references are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Telxon Corporation shall not be liable for technical or editorial omissions or mistakes in this manual nor shall it be liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from your use of the information contained in this manual.
This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be photocopied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Telxon.
© Copyright 1996 Telxon Corporation All Rights Reserved.

Contents

Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
General regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
FCC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DOC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
If your PTC contains a DATASPAN sp read spectrum radio8
FCC regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
DOC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
If your PTC contains a radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Disposing of nickel-cadmium batteries . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using the internal short-range laser scanner . . . . . . . 10
Scope of the manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Document conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Overview of the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Entering data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Through the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
With the internal laser scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Via a radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Storing data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Communicating data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Unpacking the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Installing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
4
Charging the nickel-cadmium battery pack . . . . . . . . 15
Turning on the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Checking the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Flash EPROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Radio (optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Autodiscrimination between bar codes . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic return at on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Backup battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Beeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Display contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Scanning bar-code labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Communicating data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using the micro DB-15 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Connecting a cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Disconnecting a cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using the optical communication cradle . . . . . . . . . . 26
Maintaining the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Operating conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Handling the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Storing the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Cleaning the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Servicing the PTC-960RL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
5
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Replacing the nickel-cadmium battery pack . . . . . . . . 31
Removing the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Installing a new battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Replacing the alkaline battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Removing the alkaline battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Installing a new alkaline battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The PTC does not turn on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
The laser scanner does not read a label . . . . . . . . . . 34
Your radio fails to establish contact . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Bar-code types supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Accessory part numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Communication connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
6
Regulations
1

General regulations

FCC statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (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 rad iate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with this instruction manual, may cause harmful interferen ce to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense .

DOC statement

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as outlined in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la Classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur du Canada.
7

If your PTC contains a DATASPAN spread spectrum radio

FCC regulations

The PTC-960RL uses radios (transceivers) and radio communication in its operation. The PTC-960RL uses a spread spectrum radio transceiver that qualifies for unlicensed use. The FCC ID is on a label on the back of the unit.

DOC statement

The PTC-960RL’s radio is also approved for use in Canada. The PTC-960RL uses a spread spectrum radio transceiver that qualifies for unlicensed use. The Canadian DOC ID is on a label on the back of the unit.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
8
Safety information
2

If your PTC contains a radio

The FCC with its action in General Docket 79-144, March 13, 1985, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment. T elxon subscribes to the same safety standard for the use of its products. Proper operation of this radio will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
Do not hold any component containing a radio such
that the antenna is very close to, or touching, exposed parts of the body, especially the face or eyes, while transmitting. Hold such a component 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) or more from your face.
Do not allow children to play with any radio
equipment containing a transmitter.
Do not operate a portable transmitter near
unshielded electrical blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere unless it is a type especially qualified for such use.

Disposing of nickel-cadmium batteries

Nickel-cadmium batteries contain chemically active materials that are hazardous to the environment; therefore, they must be disposed of properly. Never attempt to incinerate a nickel-cadmium battery; doing so could cause it to explode. Telxon urges you to contact the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, a local hazardous waste disposal agency, or the Telxon Customer Support Center for assistance prior to disposing of your nickel-cadmium batteries.
9

Using the internal short-range laser scanner

1.
2.
This label lists the location and date of manufacture, the model number, and the serial number of the PTC. It is permanently affixed inside the PTC’s battery compartment.
1. Laser light exits the PTC through this opening. Do not stare into the beam!
3.
2. CAUTION! This Class II laser product emits up to a 1-milliwatt beam of laser light. Do not stare into the beam!
4.
3. CAUTION! Laser light is emitted when the PTC’s protective housing is open. Do not stare into the beam!
4. This PTC is a Class II laser product. It conforms to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Regulation 21 CFR Subchapter J.
These labels are permanently affixed to the back of the PTC below the scanner lens.
10
Scope of the manual
This manual provides general information on the PTC-960RL’s parts, features, and accessories. It also explains how to operate and maintain the PTC.
This manual does not include the specific operating instructions for your organization’s unique data collection program. Operating instru ctions and training should be available from your organization.

Document conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this manual.

Warnings

Warnings indicate potential bodily injury or death. They are set off in the left-hand columns of this manual by the following symbol: $.
3

Cautions

Cautions indicate potential damage to equipment. They are set off in the left-hand columns of this manual by the following symbol: !.

Notes

Notes provide supplementary information. They are set off in the left-hand columns of this manual and are not preceded by a symbol.
11
Overview of the PTC-960RL
The Telxon PTC-960RL is a compact, battery­powered, hand-held computer used to collect, store, and transmit data. It has a built-in laser scanner and may contain a spread spectrum radio.
The PTC-960RL automates your data collection procedures and is custom programmed to efficiently handle your organization’s unique data collection jobs.
The PTC runs an application program specially designed to collect data for your organization. This program leads you through the application with a series of display messages, prompts, and beeps. Messages tell you when you make an error and provide information on the application or the PTC’s status. Prompts and beeps tell you when to enter data, what type of data to enter, and when you complete certain operations.
4

Entering data

Entering data into the PTC-960RL is easy. You can key in data through the keyboard or scan bar codes with the internal laser scanner. Additionally, data can be received through an optional internal DATASPAN spread spectrum radio.

Through the keyboard

Entering data through the keyboard is similar to operating a calculator. As you press the data keys, the corresponding number or letter appears on the screen. Pressing the ENTER key stores data in the PTC’s memory.
12
bar code
A and spaces used on nearly every item in business today.
is a series of vertical bars

With the internal laser scanner

A second method of entering data is with the PTC’s internal laser scanner. When you scan a bar code the PTC is programmed to read, the PTC and scanner interpret the data and store it in the PTC’s memory.

Via a radio

Refer to pages 17 and 25 for information on radio communication.

Storing data

Data entered into the PTC can be stored in files in the PTC’s memor y.
Each file holds a separate group of application-related data. For example, a PTC used to collect many types of data (sales orders, inventory changes, and employee hours) would store all data relating to sales orders in one file, all data relating to inventory changes in another, and all data relating to employee hours in still another.

Communicating data

After collecting the data, the PTC must either transmit it to a host computer for processing or send it to a printer, or both, to make it useful to you and your organization. The PTC-960RL can transmit data through its optional internal radio, via an optional communication cradle, or by being connected by cable to a host computer, printer, or other accessory.
Once the host computer receives the data from the PTC, it uses that data to update its master files and records. In some cases, the host computer may even transmit data back to the PTC, asking you, as the PTC’s operator, to perform a new task.
13
Getting started

Unpacking the PTC-960RL

5
Any additional accessories are shipped separately.
If anything is missing or damaged, notify your Telxon sales representative.
Each shipping box contains
a PTC-960RL with a handstrap,
a nickel-cadmium battery pack or a 9-volt
alkaline battery,
a battery charger (if ordered),
a Guide to Maintaining NiCd Batteries,
a PTC-960RL Read-Me-First Sheet, and
a PTC-960RL User’s Guide.
1. Remove the PTC from the box.
2. Remove all packing material from the PTC. Save the packaging in case the PTC is ever stored or shipped to Telxon for service.
Check the contents of the package to make sure
3. you have received everything ordered.
4. Check the PTC and accessories for shipping damage. Pay particular attention to the PTC case, display lens, and scanner lens.

Installing the battery

If your PTC was not shipped with the nickel-cadmium battery pack or 9-volt alkaline battery installed, follow the instructions in Chapter 11 to insert the battery.
14

Charging the nickel-cadmium battery pack

!
If you are using a 9-volt alkaline battery in your PTC-960RL, replace the old battery with a new battery whenever you receive a low-battery warning. You cannot charge alkaline batteries.
The pack can also be charged via a communication cradle or a fast bat­tery charger. Contact your Telxon representative for information.
To charge the battery pack outside of the U.S. or Canada, you need a charger designed for a 220-volt AC outlet.
Charge the PTC-960RL’s nickel-cadmium battery pack when you first receive the unit and whenever the pack becomes weak. The Low Battery icon appears on the ninth line of the display when the battery is running out of power.
Use the following procedure to charge the PTC’s nickel-cadmium battery pack via a battery charger.
Equipment required:
A battery charger
An electrical outlet within 6 feet (1.8 meters)
providing 110 volts AC in the U.S. or Canada
Make sure the PTC is off.
1. Disconnect any accessories from the PTC.
2. Connect the battery charger’s cable to the PTC’s
3. micro DB-15 connector.
Plug the battery charger into the electrical outlet.
4. The PTC’s Charging LED glows.
Charge the battery pack for 12 hours.
5. When char ging is finished, disconnect the charger
6. from the PTC and the outlet.

Turning on the PTC-960RL

Press the ON/OFF key to turn on the PTC-960RL.
1.
15

Checking the PTC-960RL

Make sure the PTC is turned on.
1. Look at the PTC’s display. What appears on the
2. display depends on the program your organization uses.
If the PTC is operating correctly, you should not see or hear any of the following:
A low-battery warning
A blank display screen
Any warning beeps
Repeat the steps in this chapter if your PTC-960RL is not operating properly. If the problem persists, refer to the “Troubleshooting” section on page 34.
16
Parts
Figures 1 and 2 on the following pages show and
describe the external parts of the PTC-960RL. The parts listed below are internal and, therefore, are not shown in either of the figur es.
6

Flash EPROM

A flash EPROM is an electronic component installed inside the PTC. It contains the PTC’s data collection program and determines the PTC’s key functions, display prompts and messages, and how and when the PTC collects or transmits data. If your PTC has an internal radio, a second flash EPROM holds the program that controls the radio.
For details on erasing and repro­gramming flash EPROMs, refer to the
Guide to the Flash Utilities (TCAL or MS-DOS Version)
Your application program controls the radio. Refer to your application’s manual for details.
.
These flash EPROMs can be erased and reprogrammed while they are insid e the PTC. First, the PTC must be connected to a host computer, via a cable or by being placed in a communication cradle. Then, using software in the PTC’s operating system, you can erase the flash EPROM and reprogram it with a new program from the host computer.

Radio (optional)

The PTC-960RL can be equipped with a DATASPAN spread spectrum radio, which allows the PTC to interactively communicate in real-time with a host computer on a radio-based local area network. Spread spectrum provides secure, interference-free communication and does not require a license for operation.
17
Loading...
+ 42 hidden pages