Unitech PA500 User Manual

PA500 Enterprise PDA

unitech

User’s Manual

Rev. A

Preface

About This Manual

This manual explains how to install, operate and maintain the PA500 Enterprise PDA. 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 the manufacturer. 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.

Microsoft, Windows and ActiveSync are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

Notices

This unit is equipped with a battery pack and backup battery. It is possible that the unitech PA500 may not power-on due to battery discharge as a result of storage.

In the above situation, plug the PA500 to the USB charging cable which is with DC in port or put the unit into the unitech PA500 USB Docking Station (with 5V/3A AC-DC adapter), and recharge the unit for 16 hours in order to fully charge its backup battery.

The backup battery will charge from external power or the main battery (if the main battery still has enough power to turn on). In the event the main battery is fully charged, refrain from using the PA500 for 16 hours in order for the main battery to fully charge the backup battery.

Backing-up data by backup battery only without the main battery installed in battery compartment may take as long as 1 hour. Therefore, in order to prevent data protection failure due to backup battery failure, do not leave the PA500 without the rechargeable battery pack installed, or without connection to AC power for an extended period of time.

Battery Charge Notice

It is important to consider the environment temperature whenever you are charging the Lithium-Ion battery pack. The process is most efficient at normal room temperature or slightly cooler. It is essential that you charge batteries within the stated range of 0°C to 50°C. Charging batteries outside of the specified range could damage the batteries and shorten their charging life cycle.

iii

Storage and Safety Notice

Although charged Lithium-Ion batteries may be left unused for several months, their capacity may be depleted due to build up of internal resistance. If this happens they will require recharging prior to use. Lithium-Ion batteries may be stored at temperatures between -20°C to 60°C, however they may be depleted more rapidly at the high end of this range. It is recommended to store batteries within normal room temperature ranges.

RoHS Statement

This device conforms to RoHS (Reduction Of Hazardous Substances) European Union regulations that set maximum concentration limits on hazardous materials used in electrical and electronic equipment.

Table of Contents

Preface

About This Manual

Notices ..................................................................................................................................... iii

Battery Charge Notice ............................................................................................................ iii

Storage and Safety Notice...................................................................................................... iv

RoHS Statement..................................................................................................................... iv

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Introducing the PA500....................................................................................................... 1

iii

Features ................................................................................................................................. 1

Package Contents ............................................................................................................... 2

A Tour of the PA500............................................................................................................ 3

Front View............................................................................................................................... 3

Back View............................................................................................................................... 4

Setting up the PA500.......................................................................................................... 5

Installing the Battery ............................................................................................................... 5

Charging the PA500 ............................................................................................................... 6

Powering on the PA500.......................................................................................................... 8

Chapter 2

Using the Hardware

Using the Keypad ................................................................................................................ 9

Using the Stylus................................................................................................................. 10

Using the SDIO/MMC Slot............................................................................................... 11

Using the Laser Scanner ................................................................................................ 12

Command Interface .......................................................................................................... 14

Today Screen ....................................................................................................................... 14

Start Menu ............................................................................................................................ 17

Navigation Bar ...................................................................................................................... 17

Command Bar....................................................................................................................... 18

Pop-up Menus ...................................................................................................................... 19

Notifications .......................................................................................................................... 19

Chapter 3

Getting Connected

Establishing Device-PC Connection.......................................................................... 21

Installing Microsoft ActiveSync ............................................................................................. 21

Connecting the Device to Your Computer ............................................................................ 22

Using ActiveSync .............................................................................................................. 24

Synchronizing Information with Your Computer ................................................................... 24

Using ActiveSync to Exchange Files .................................................................................... 26

Synchronization Options....................................................................................................... 27

Chapter 4

Wireless Communications

Managing Wireless Connections ................................................................................ 28

Using the Wireless Manager................................................................................................. 28

Connectivity Features...................................................................................................... 29

Beam Function...................................................................................................................... 29

Infrared Connection .............................................................................................................. 30

Bluetooth Connection ........................................................................................................... 30

Wi-Fi Connection .................................................................................................................. 34

Connecting to the Internet ............................................................................................. 35

Chapter 5

Managing Programs

Accessing Programs........................................................................................................ 36

Using the Barcode Scanner Programs ..................................................................... 37

Scan2Key ............................................................................................................................. 37

Scanner Settings .................................................................................................................. 38

Chapter 6

Customizing Your PA500

Adjusting Settings............................................................................................................. 41

Checking Main and Backup Battery Status ............................................................ 42

Extending Battery Life..................................................................................................... 43

Adjusting the Backlight Setting................................................................................... 44

Resetting the Device ........................................................................................................ 45

Warm Boot............................................................................................................................ 45

Clean Boot............................................................................................................................ 45

Cold Boot.............................................................................................................................. 46

Viewing Flash ROM Files................................................................................................ 46

Adding Programs to Your Device ............................................................................... 46

Adding a Program to the Start Menu......................................................................... 47

Removing Programs......................................................................................................... 50

Appendix A

System Specifications

Appendix B

Regulatory Compliance Statements

Chapter 1

Getting Started

Introducing the PA500

Thank you for purchasing the PA500 Enterprise PDA. Your PA500 was designed for users needing a compact and durable portable computer for data collection and real time transactions.

Ultra-rugged Design

The unitech PA500 Enterprise PDA is a compact mobile computing device designed for maximum durability.

Easy to Use

The unit is equipped with a color display with touch screen, a five-way directional key, and six application keys. The PA500 supports integrated long range scanners for fast and accurate data collection.The device also supports Infrared interface, Bluetooth, and wireless communication capability for exchanging information between a computing or communication system.

Features

Powerful system

• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system

• Intel PXA270 processor with speed of up to 520 MHz

System memory

• 64 MB SDRAM

• 64 MB Flash ROM

Display

• 3.5-inch QVGA LCD touch-sensitive screen

• 320 x 240 resolution

Barcode scanner

• Symbol SE950

• Hitachi HD6433657W barcode decoder

Expansion slot

• SDIO/MMC slot

Wireless connectivity

• 802.11b/g with diversity antenna

• Bluetooth

• Infrared port

Communication

• 802.11b/g

• Bluetooth

•Infrared

• USB Host & Client

Battery life

• Normal usage: 4 hours

• Charging time: 3.5 hours

• Embedded backup battery cell: 1 hour

User-friendly interface

• Special keys to launch particular applications and display the on-screen keyboard

• Keys for barcode scanning

Package Contents

After opening the box, ensure the following accessories for the PA500 are present:

PA500 Terminal Power Adapter* Battery Pack

Stylus USB charging cable

Stylus with bungee lanyard

(optional)

CD-ROM Quick Reference Guide

* The adapter’s replaceable clip plugs availability depends on region.

If anything is missing or appears damaged in any way, contact your dealer.

USB docking station

(optional)

Earphone

Leather case (optional)

Chapter 1 Getting Started

A Tour of the PA500

The following sections describe the main components and features of the PA500.

Front View

No. Component Description

Barcode laser scanner (optional)

Status indicator Indicates the battery charging and barcode scanning status.

SDIO/MMC slot Accepts an SD (Secure Digital), MMC (Multimedia Card) or SDIO

Power button If the device is off, press this button to turn it on.

LCD touch screen Displays the applications and data stored on your device. It is

Keypad Includes a software keyboard button, navigation key and

Microphone Inputs audio into your device when recording voice notes. Left scanner trigger

key Cord holder Eyelet for holding the elastic bungee lanyard.

Reads and captures information on a barcode label.

• Green - Battery is fully charged, the device is running on battery power, or barcode scanning process is completed without error.

• Red - Battery is charging, barcode scanner is activated and processing.

(Secure Digital Input Output) cards, allowing you to add more memory.

Install add-on applications or use audio text files stored in it for use with internal applications. You can also use it to back up data from your device.

Alternatively, when the unit is on, this key must be pressed and held down for about two seconds in order to turn the device off.

touch-sensitive and responds to the stylus or finger.

application buttons to launch Microsoft Outlook Mobile programs.

Press to activate the barcode laser scanner.

Back View

No. Component Description

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

Speaker Listen to audio media. When speaker phone is active,

sounds are emitted here.

Battery release latch Slide toward the right side of the device and hold firmly,

then detach the battery from its bay.

Reset button Press the end of the stylus into the button to reset your

device.

Main battery Removable and rechargeable 3.7 V, 2200 mAh battery

pack.

Universal connector Connects your device to a USB charging cable, which in

turn connects to the computer’s USB port and through the AC adapter to an electrical outlet. This allows you to recharge your device and perform an ActiveSync operation.

You can also use it to connect a peripheral hardware, such as a docking station, to your device.

Earphone jack Lift the rubber cover from the earphone jack and connect

an audio line-out device (earphone or headphone).

Right scanner trigger key Press to activate the barcode laser scanner. Infrared (IR) port Uses infrared technology to transmit and receive data

from other IR-enabled devices.

Stylus To use the stylus, remove it from its holder and hold it the

same way you hold a pen or pencil.

Chapter 1 Getting Started

Setting up the PA500

Perform the following easy set up tasks to begin using your device:

• Install the battery pack

• Charge your device

• Power on the PA500

Installing the Battery

WARNING! There is a risk of fire and burns if the battery pack is handled

improperly. DO NOT disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, or dispose the battery pack in fire or water. DO NOT attempt to open or service the battery pack. Dispose of used batteries according to local recycling guidelines in your area.

A backup battery cell is embedded into your device to prevent data loss in instances when the removable battery pack is removed or completely discharged. This backup battery cell retains data for 60 minutes after which you risk loosing all data on the internal memory of your device.

NOTE: To enable the internal battery cell to provide backup power supply, charge your device

with the main battery pack for at least three and a half hours.

1. Position the battery pack, making sure the battery pack fits the shape of the battery compartment.

2. Slide the battery pack into the battery bay. The battery pack locks to the chassis with an audible click.

Charging the PA500

For initial use, you need to charge your device for about 16 hours. After that, you can charge it everyday to recharge the battery to full capacity. You can charge your device using the USB charging cable or the docking station.

CAUTION! Operating the PA500 for the first time without the AC adapter, and

without fully charging the backup battery may result in loss of data stored in RAM memory.

NOTE:

Data you enter may not be properly stored until the internal backup battery has been adequately charged.

To charge the device using the USB charging cable:

1. Install the clip plug to the AC adapter, if necessary. Slide the replaceable clip plug into the AC adapter until it locks into place with an audible click.

2. Press and hold the connector button on the USB charging cable and connect it to the PA500 (1).

3. Plug the AC adapter cable into the power jack on the USB charging cable (2).

4. Connect the AC adapter into an electrical outlet (3).

Chapter 1 Getting Started

To charge the device using the docking station:

1. Plug the AC adapter cable into the power jack on the docking station.

2. Plug the AC adapter into an electrical outlet.

3. Slide the device into the docking station until it clicks into place.

The connection is secure when the bottom edge of the device is aligned smoothly with the docking station, and the LED indicator on the docking station and device lights up red. LED status during charging:

– Solid red: Charging – Solid green: Charging complete If the battery level becomes low in the course of normal use, a status icon appears on the

device screen indicating low or very low battery ActiveSync operation to back up your data, then recharge your device as soon as possible. If the battery level reaches low status, the device will enter sleep mode; if the battery level reaches very low status, the device will enter deep sleep mode. In this case, you have about 72 hours to recharge your device after which you risk losing all data on your device’s internal memory.

status. In both cases, perform an

Powering On the PA500

After you have initially charged your device for about 16 hours, the device is ready to be used. You can now start up your device where you’ll calibrate the display, set up the system time zone, and learn some basic stylus usage.

1. Turn on your device by pressing the Power button

on the front panel.

NOTE: The PA500 screen ships with a protective plastic film. You may remove this if desired

by peeling from one corner. The screen will be more susceptible to scratching without the film, but will be more readable.

The unitech PA500 welcome screen appears. The Windows Mobile screen will appear shortly thereafter.

2. Calibrate the PA500 The calibrate screen will automatically appear when the unit is powered-on for the first time or

after the system is reset. This screen can also be accessed at any time by tapping Start → Settings → System tab → Screen. The PA500 will prompt you to calibrate the unit by tapping a sequence of screen locations. Tap gently but firmly. When you have completed the series of taps, press the Enter button to confirm it.

3. Set the Time Zone, Date, and Time Select your current time zone from the Time zone drop-down menu, then tap Next.

4. Follow all onscreen instructions to complete the set up. The setup wizard provides tips for using the pop-up menus and assign a lock password to access your device.

After the device setup, you can create an ActiveSync partnership to synchronize information between your computer and your device. See Establishing Device-PC Connection on page 21 for detailed instructions.

Chapter 2

Using the Hardware

Using the Keypad

The PA500 keypad has a navigation key and six special keys to launch particular applications and display the on-screen keyboard.

No. Component Icon Description

Software keyboard

button Notes button Press to open Notes. Notes allows you to quickly capture

Enter button Press the Enter button, center of the navigation key, to

Navigation key Use the up, down, left, and right arrow keys to navigate

Email button Launch Microsoft Outlook Express.

Today button Customize the look and information that is displayed on the

Calendar button Press to bring up Calendar. Calendar enables you to

Tasks button Keep track of what you have to do and prioritize them based

Press to launch the Windows CE or on-screen keyboard.

thoughts, reminders, ideas, drawings, and phone numbers. You can create a written note or include a recording in a note.

access the menu options and confirm your selection.

through the menu options.

Today screen.

conveniently manage your schedules and appointments or any other activities associated with a date and time.

on their importance and urgency.

Using the Stylus

CAUTION! Never use anything other than the PA500 stylus on the screen. Using

another object as a stylus could cause permanent damage.

1. Slide the stylus in the direction of the arrow, then pull out to remove the stylus from its holder.

2. Hold the stylus like a pencil.

3. To make a choice from a menu, lightly tap the tip of the stylus on that choice.

4. To write data into a field on a form, use the stylus to print the letters or numbers. Use very light pressure.

Chapter 2 Using the Hardware

Using the SDIO/MMC Slot

Your device has an expansion slot compatible with a range of SD, SDIO, and MMC storage cards, which are primarily used to back up or transfer files and data.

To insert a storage card:

1. Hold the device securely, then lift the rubber cover from the SDIO/MMC slot .

2. Push the card into the slot until you hear an audible system sound; this will signal that the card is already properly seated within the slot.

The card is secure when it is not protruding from the slot.

To remove a storage card:

1. Hold the device securely; then push against the top of the card, as if you were pushing it further into the slot, letting the card spring out. An audible system sound will signal that the card has been released.

2. Gently remove the card from the slot.

Using the Laser Scanner

PA500 has an integrated laser scanner which reads all major barcode labels with excellent performance.

NOTE: The reading software must be enabled in order to operate the scanner. This can be a

user-loaded application or a pre-loaded utility such as Scanner Settings.

To scan a barcode:

1. Launch the Scanner Settings application.

a. Tap Start → Settings.

b. On the System tab, tap Scanner Settings.

In the Scanner Control Panel screen, you can configure barcode scanner parameters such as enabling or disabling barcode symbologies, setting data transmission options, configuring magnetic and proximity reading options, and setting power management options.

c. On the Settings tab, tap Barcode IDs.

d. Tap the Test tab.

Chapter 2 Using the Hardware

2. Press either one of the scanner trigger keys on the device.

3. Aim the laser scanner at the selected barcode and press both trigger keys to scan. The scanned barcode data appears on the screen.

4. On the Scanner Control Panel screen, tap ok to exit

Command Interface

The following section explains the PA500 command interface.

Today Screen

When you turn on your device for the first time each day or after a preset period of inactivity, you’ll see the Today screen.It provides an at-a-glance view of the important reminders and details.

To display the Today screen:

When viewing another screen, you can do either of the following:

• Tap Start → Today.

• Press the Toda y button on the device’s front panel.

Chapter 2 Using the Hardware

To define a preset period of inactivity after which the Today screen is displayed:

1. Tap Start → Settings.

2. On the Personal tab, tap Tod ay.

3. On the Items tab, select the “Today timeout” check box.

4. Tap the pick list beside the check box to set the period of inactivity.

5. Tap ok.

Chapter 2 Using the Hardware

Start Menu

The Start menu displays a list of active programs, as well as options to view the Programs, Settings and Help screens.

Navigation Bar

The navigation bar is located at the top of the screen. It displays the notification icons for system alarms and reminders, status icons for the data connectivity, battery charge, and volume control.

Status Icons

The table below describes some of the status icons you may see on your device.

Status Icon Description

Turns all sounds on and off.

Indicates Bluetooth wireless technology is on.

Indicates that the main battery is charging. The PA500 is either plugged-in via the AC adapter or docking station.

Indicates the main battery is fully charged.

Indicates the main battery is low and needs to be charged.

Indicates the main battery is very low. Stop device operation and charge the device immediately.

Indicates the backup battery is very low. Stop device operation and charge the device immediately.

Indicates device is synchronized with a computer. Wireless and Bluetooth connection is activated.

For more detailed description of the status icons, tap Start → Help.

Command Bar

Use the command bar at the bottom of the screen to perform tasks in programs.

The command bar includes menu names, buttons, and the Input Selector button.

• To create a new item in the current program, tap New.

• To view a notification or an image file received on your device, tap View.

• To see the name of a button, tap and hold the stylus on the button. Drag the stylus off the button so that the command is not carried out.

• To view the soft keyboard, tap the Input Selector button

or you can press the Software keyboard button.

Chapter 2 Using the Hardware

Pop-up Menus

With pop-up menus, you can quickly choose an action for an item. The actions in the pop-up menus vary from program to program.

To display a pop-up menu:

1. Tap and hold the stylus on the item that you want to perform the action on.

2. When the menu appears, lift the stylus, then do either of the following: – Tap the action you want to perform. – Tap anywhere outside the menu to close the menu without performing an action.

Notifications

Your device reminds you in a variety of ways when you have something to do or receive a message. For example, if you’ve set up an appointment in Calendar, a task with a due date in Tasks, data or message received, or an alarm in Clock; you’ll be notified in any of the following ways:

• A message box appears on the screen.

• A sound, which you can specify, is played.

To choose reminder types and sounds for your device:

1. Tap Start → Settings.

2. On the Personal tab, tap Sounds & Notifications.

3. On the Sounds tab, select the kind of events you want to be notified of.

4. On the Notifications tab, select the manner of notification you prefer. The options you choose here are applied globally in your device.

5. Tap ok.

+ 58 hidden pages

Unitech PA500 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

PA500 Enterprise PDA

About This Manual

Notices

Battery Charge Notice

Storage and Safety Notice

RoHS Statement

Table of Contents

Introducing the PA500

Features

Package Contents

A Tour of the PA500

Front View

Back View

Setting up the PA500

Installing the Battery

Charging the PA500

Powering On the PA500

Using the Keypad

Using the Stylus

Using the SDIO/MMC Slot

Using the Laser Scanner

Command Interface

Today Screen

Start Menu

Navigation Bar

Command Bar

Pop-up Menus

Notifications