Biocontrol iMan User guide

iMan Startup Guide v1.0 1/15 www.biocontrol.no/iman
1. WELCOME
Thank you for purchasing the iMan; BioControl’s Windows-CE based
PDA/RFID-reader.
BioControl has been making RFID-applications for livestock for over 20 years
and has gained great competence and skills in this specialized area.
The name iMan is a combination of ‘identification’ and ‘Manager’ and refers to
the iMan’s unique RFID Reader Concept that offers a range of exchangeable
high-performing RFID-readers.
We have designed the iMan to be your workmate for intensive RFID-
management in harsh environments such as livestock production and industry
and hope that you will benefit from working with it in your ‘real life’.
Note: Not all features described in this manual will apply to every iMan, as
some features are offered as options. If the feature described does not apply to
your unit, please disregard that section of the manual.
Contents
1. WELCOME.................................................................................................1
2. PACKAGE CONTENTS.............................................................................3
3. HARDWARE OVERVIEW..........................................................................4
4. IMAN BASICS AND FIRST TIME SETUP .................................................5
4.1. Charge the battery..............................................................................5
4.2. Install the screen protector.................................................................5
4.3. Switch on your device ........................................................................5
4.4. Rotate the screen...............................................................................5
4.5. Navigating with the taskbar................................................................5
4.6. Toggle between Numeric and Alphanumeric mode...........................5
4.7. Indicator LED......................................................................................5
4.8. Set your time ......................................................................................5
4.9. Set your country/language .................................................................6
4.10. Change the volume ............................................................................6
4.11. Check battery status...........................................................................6
4.12. Recalibrate the screen .......................................................................6
4.13. Set your password (optional)..............................................................6
5. WORKING WITH THE IMAN .....................................................................6
5.1. Memory management ........................................................................6
5.2. Synchronize iMan with your PC .........................................................6
5.3. Windows CE.......................................................................................7
5.4. Verify version of Windows CE tool-set...............................................7
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5.5. Running Apps on the iMan.................................................................7
5.6. Making Apps for the iMan...................................................................7
5.7. Reset the iMan ...................................................................................7
5.8. Connect to a WIFI network (option)....................................................7
5.9. Connect Bluetooth..............................................................................7
5.10. Connect GPRS...................................................................................8
5.11. Technical details.................................................................................8
6. BATTERY MANAGEMENT........................................................................8
6.1. Battery charging .................................................................................8
6.2. Battery capacity..................................................................................8
6.3. Suspend mode ...................................................................................8
6.4. Switch to idle when not in use............................................................8
6.5. Reduce display backlight....................................................................8
6.6. RFID-Reader......................................................................................8
7. EXPANSION CONNECTORS....................................................................9
7.1. RFID-Reader (optional)......................................................................9
7.2. Handgrip battery (optional).................................................................9
8. WORKING WITH THE RFID-READER (OPTIONAL)..............................10
8.1. Turn-on the RFID-Reader ................................................................10
8.2. RFID Manager settings ....................................................................10
8.3. RFID Read & Store...........................................................................10
9. THE DOCKING BLOCK (OPTIONAL)......................................................11
9.1. Hardware overview...........................................................................11
9.2. Connecting the Docking Block .........................................................11
10. CARE FOR YOUR IMAN .....................................................................12
10.1. The body...........................................................................................12
10.2. The screen........................................................................................12
10.3. Water................................................................................................12
10.4. Dust and dirt.....................................................................................12
10.5. Mechanical shock.............................................................................12
10.6. Temperature.....................................................................................12
11. HARDWARE SPECIFICATION............................................................13
11.1. Features ...........................................................................................13
11.2. User Interface...................................................................................13
11.3. Physical characteristics....................................................................13
11.4. Standard accessories.......................................................................13
11.5. D-SUB pin description......................................................................14
11.6. Battery capacity................................................................................14
12. CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ..............................................15

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2. PACKAGE CONTENTS
Check your package for the following items:
1
2
3
4
5
1. iMan
2. Docking Cable
3. Startup Guide
4. Software CD
5. Screen protector

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3. HARDWARE OVERVIEW
1. Multicolor indicator LED
2. Tab key
3. Power key
4. Function keys
5. Touch screen
6. Docking Connector
7. Alphanumeric keypad
8. Backspace key
9. RFID-read key
10. 4 pins connector
11. Esc key
12. Ctrl key
13. Alt key
14. Shift key
15. Windows key
16. Navigation keys
17. Back side
18. Speaker
19. Stylus
20. Side-cap
21. Hand strap
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4. IMAN BASICS AND FIRST TIME SETUP
Before using your iMan, please follow these steps.
4.1. Charge the battery
Connect the Docking Cable (2-2) to the Docking Connector (3-6) and plug the
AC adapter into an electrical outlet.
The indicator LED (3-1) will blink blue fast while charging. It will blink blue slow
when the battery is fully charged.
4.2. Install the screen protector
To keep the touchscreen clean and protected, install the supplied screen
protector (2-5) following the instructions in the screen protector package.
4.3. Switch on your device
Press and hold the Power key (3-3) to switch-on the iMan. You will be asked to
align the touchscreen at first time setup. Use the stylus (3-19) for this.
4.4. Rotate the screen
To change from landscape mode to portrait mode hold the Shift key (3-14)
while pressing the Power key (3-3).
4.5. Navigating with the taskbar
Most icons on the taskbar will be self-explanatory. To list a few:
1. Start
2. Show hidden icons
3. LAN
4. Power source (mains/battery)
5. WLAN
6. Numeric/Alphanumeric mode
7. On-screen keyboard
8. Switch Window
4.6. Toggle between Numeric and Alphanumeric mode
The on-screen keyboard (4.4-7) can be used to enter Alphanumeric characters
with the stylus. For fast typing you can also put the iMan in Alphanumeric
mode to type like sms on your mobile phone.
Hold the Shift key while pressing the Ctrl key to toggle between Numeric and
Alphanumeric-mode. Indication on taskbar (4.4-6):
= Numeric mode = Alphanumeric mode:
4.7. Indicator LED
The multicolor LED (3-1) provides status information. Standard is fast blinking
blue (charging), slow blinking blue (battery full) and green (after ‘hard’ reset).
Application programs can control the speaker and the LED and may use
different colors.
4.8. Set your time
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Date/Time.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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4.9. Set your country/language
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Regional Settings. Language options are
determined by the installed language pack.
4.10. Change the volume
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Volume & Sounds.
4.11. Check battery status
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Power.
4.12. Recalibrate the screen
Go to: Start>Settings>Control Panel>Stylus
In the ‘Calibration’-tab, tap on the ‘Recalibrate’-button and follow instructions.
4.13. Set your password (optional)
Create a password if you are concerned about unauthorized use.
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Password.
Note: don’t forget your password!
5. WORKING WITH THE IMAN
5.1. Memory management
The iMan has three memories: RAM, Flash and extra memory on the internal
SD-card (if installed). The WinCE operating system is stored in Flash and is
copied into RAM during start-up. The RAM also contains the so-called Object
Store, WinCE registry and other temporary data.
Note: data stored in RAM is not permanently stored but will be erased when
the iMan starts! Data stored in ‘My Device’ is stored in Flash (or in SD-card, if
selected) and will not be erased when the iMan starts.
5.2. Synchronize iMan with your PC
For Windows XP and before: Install ‘ActiveSync’.
For Windows Vista and higher: Install ‘Windows Mobile Device Center’.
Both programs can be found on the CD (2-4).
Connect the iMan to your PC with the Docking Cable (2-2); you now can
browse the files on the iMan.
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5.3. Windows CE
Windows CE is like a ‘tool-box’ that offers a range of possible tools that can be
installed on products like the iMan. BioControl offers two possible ‘tool-sets’
that are pre-installed on the iMan: iManLT (selection of WinCE Core tool-box)
and iManPRO (selection of WinCE Pro tool-box). The installed tool-set is
displayed at startup:
The section ‘Community’ on our website lists the content of
the iManLT and iManPRO tool-sets.
5.4. Verify version of Windows CE tool-set
The version of the tool-set (also called ‘image’) can be found in
Start>Settings>Control Panel>System (tab General)
5.5. Running Apps on the iMan
The iMan offers a versatile, complete and robust platform for Application
Programs (Apps) made by System Integrators and Solution Providers. These
apps are designed and tailored for specific users and applications and are not
explained in this Startup Guide. This Startup Guide only explains apps related
to the BioControl RFID-Reader (chapter 8).
5.6. Making Apps for the iMan
System Integrators and Solution Providers: please check the section
‘Community’ on our website for information how to program or tune the iMan
for your App (e.g. commands to operate the RFID-Reader ‘under water’).
5.7. Reset the iMan
To perform a ‘hard-reset’, hold the Power key for 30 seconds. This will stop the
hardware watchdog and the iMan will shut-down and reset. The LED (3-3) will
be green for a few seconds.
Note: It will close down all active application programs and unsaved data will
be lost. So only use this when an application program is ‘hanging’ the iMan.
A hard-reset will not remove WinCE or application programs.
5.8. Connect to a WIFI network (option)
If the WIFI-option is installed, the WLAN icon will show on the taskbar. To
change the setting for WLAN, double tap this icon.
5.9. Connect Bluetooth
Bluetooth settings (if Bluetooth-option is installed) can be changed in
Start>Settings>Control Panel.
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5.10. Connect GPRS
GPRS settings (if GPRS-option is installed) can be changed in
Start>Settings>Control Panel.
5.11. Technical details
Please check the section ‘Community’ on our website for more information and
technical details.
6. BATTERY MANAGEMENT
This section gives important information on battery charging and some hints
how to reduce power consumption. Usage of the keyboard, display backlight,
touchscreen and RFID-Reader consume power and therefore will reduce the
actual operating time. Even in ‘Suspend Mode’ the iMan will still consume
power.
6.1. Battery charging
Battery charging time is approx. 3 hours (typical). Battery charging is indicated
by the indicator LED blinking blue. Fast blinking = charging; slow blinking =
fully charged.
Note: (re)charge iMan battery at least every 3 months. The NiMH needs to be
recharged periodically, otherwise the capacity will decrease, eventually it will
go defect. Only use the original charger for charging the battery. Use of other
chargers will void product warranty.
6.2. Battery capacity
The internal battery has a capacity of 2 Ah which is sufficient for >4 hours
continuous operation (typical, see chapter 11.6). An optional handgrip battery
can be used as extra capacity in case of ‘emergencies’ when the iMan can’t be
charged.
6.3. Suspend mode
Go to Start>Suspend to put the iMan in Suspend-mode. Resume working
again by pressing the Power Key (3-3).
Note: The Suspend mode still consumes power, therefore switch off the iMan
when not using the iMan. Switch off: press Power Key (3-3) for a few seconds.
6.4. Switch to idle when not in use
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Power>Schemes.
6.5. Reduce display backlight
Start>Settings>Control Panel>Display>Backlight.
6.6. RFID-Reader
Even when the iMan is switched off, the RFID-Reader will still use some
power. Therefore disconnect the RFID-reader to avoid draining the battery.
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7. EXPANSION CONNECTORS
To access the 4-pin connector (3-10), remove the side-cap (3-20) on the side
of the iMan. The optional RFID-reader (6-20) and handgrip battery (6-21) can
be connected to either end of the iMan to user preference.
7.1. RFID-Reader (optional)
Plug the RFID-reader into the 4-pin connector (iMan switched-off!). The iMan
will automatically detect the RFID-Reader and display the reader-icon in the
taskbar. Refer to chapter 8 for using the RFID-Reader.
7.2. Handgrip battery (optional)
This enhances the capacity from 2 Ah to 4 Ah. Plug the handgrip battery into
the 4-pin connector and it will immediately give the iMan that extra capacity.
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8. WORKING WITH THE RFID-READER (OPTIONAL)
Switch-off the iMan before (dis)connecting the RFID-reader. Connect the
RFID-Reader to either end of the iMan. Switch-on the iMan and turn-on the
RFID-Reader. Point the Reader towards a transponder and press the RFID-
read button. The iMan’s ‘Wedge’-function pastes the identified transponder at
the cursor position of the active program.
8.1. Turn-on the RFID-Reader
The iMan desktop contains a program called ‘RFID’ (BioControl RFID
Manager). Open this, the screen will look like this (or similar).
8.2. RFID Manager settings
The RFID notification settings are self-explanatory. Note that you can even
choose your own WAV-files for notifications! We leave that to your own
creativity...
8.3. RFID Read & Store
The iMan is standard equipped with a simple application program on the
desktop called ‘Read&Store’. This program can also print the identified
transponders on a 2” printer (supplied with iMan, if ordered).
Turn-on/off the RFID-Reader. Note
that the reader will use some power
when it is on.
‘Transponder-box’ displays the
identified transponder to check the
performance.
Tap this (or use read-key, 3-9) to
activate the RFID-field. The identified
transponder is displayed in the box.
This taskbar-icon indicates that RFID-
Reader is active and working OK
Taskbar-icon RFID-Reader reading
Taskbar-icon RFID-Reader not ok

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9. THE DOCKING BLOCK (OPTIONAL)
The optional Docking Block expands the iMan’s interfaces with Ethernet, USB-
Host, USB-Client, RS232 and RS485. It also connects the iMan to the charger.
9.1. Hardware overview
1. Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
2. USB (host)
3. USB (client)
4. RS232 connector (COM)
5. AC-connector (to charger)
6. Inlets for RS485 cables
7. Docking connector
8. Power cable (connects Docking Block to charger supplied with iMan, 9-11)
9. Umbilical (connects Docking Block to iMan)
10. Bracket for wall-mounting
11. Charger supplied with iMan
9.2. Connecting the Docking Block
Connect the Power Cable (9-8) to the Docking Block and the charger (9-11).
Connect the Umbilical cable (9-9) to the Docking Block and the iMan (9-12).
Connections are self-explanatory. E.g. when a USB memory stick is
connected, it shows as an ‘Hard disk’ in ‘My Device’.
11
8
9
10
12
RS232 and RS485
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10. CARE FOR YOUR IMAN
The rugged design makes the iMan fit for challenging circumstances, but you
still need to take care of your iMan. It is your best friend on the job!
The following instructions will help you get the most out of your iMan in your
real life circumstances.
10.1. The body
Clean the iMan with a soft cloth dampened with either water or a diluted mild
detergent.
Note: if a mild detergent is used, rinse with water to ensure all residue is
removed. Do not use any chemical cleaners and do not put the iMan in the
dishwasher!
10.2. The screen
Use only the included stylus (3-19) with the touchscreen. The use of pens,
nails or other sharp objects will damage the screen. Do not apply any cleaner
directly to the screen, do not use abrasive cleaner. Use screen protectors as
provided, see 4.2. Protect the display from impact, pressure, or abrasive
substances that can scratch or crack it.
10.3. Water
The iMan is designed to withstand accidental immersion (with side caps 3-20
properly mounted).
Note: do not open the backside. Unauthorized opening of the backside will
void the warranty. Opening only by an authorized iMan service center.
10.4. Dust and dirt
Place the cover on the Docking Connector (9-12) when the iMan is not
connected, this will keep the dirt out.
10.5. Mechanical shock
Secure the iMan from unnecessary falling by using the hand strap (3-21), this
will also give better grip and improve the ergonomics.
Even though the iMan is designed to withstand an incidental drop from
reasonable height under specific circumstances, you must prevent the iMan
from falling on its nose (i.e. the RFID-Reader).
10.6. Temperature
Even though the iMan is designed to be rugged, do not leave it in direct
sunlight or in a vehicle in the sunlight for extended periods.
Batteries perform best at room temperature. The battery has a stable capacity
when temperatures rise, but the lower the temperature, the more the available
battery life will be reduced. When working in cold conditions, consider carrying
a fully charged handgrip battery in a warm place. The battery performance will
improve by keeping the iMan and the handgrip battery warm (e.g. keeping
them inside your coat).
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11. HARDWARE SPECIFICATION
11.1. Features
•Operating System Windows CE 6
•Processor ATMEL AT91SAM9261
•Processor speed 210 MIPS
•RAM 64 MByte SDRAM
•
Memory extension
Micro SD Card
•NAND Flash memory
128 MByte
11.2. User Interface
•Display
3.5” QVGA 320x240 TFT
- LED backlight
- Sunlight readable
- Touchscreen
•Keyboard Backlighting for dusk/night use
•Notification light Bright full color RGB LED
•Sound Real Audio speaker
11.3. Physical characteristics
•Dimensions
22.3 x 9.4 x 4.2 cm.
•Weight Approx. 580 gr.
•Battery 2.000 mAh, NiMH
•Water, dust protection IP67 (with all caps mounted)
11.4. Standard accessories
•Docking Cable
USB cable and mains charger
•On both iMan sides
RS485 interface for readers and
other intelligent units
•On D-SUB (26 pins)
- Ethernet
- USB host
- USB client
- RS232
- RS485
- Headset
- Piggyback
•Handstrap on back
•Windows CE

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11.5. D-SUB pin description
Pin Nr.
Function
Description
1
Charge
9V to 15V DC
2
Head set right (8Ω)
HSR
3
Head set left (8Ω)
HSL
4
PiggyBack
OUT 2
5
PiggyBack
OUT 1
6
USB
DDP
7
USB
DDM
8
USB
CNX
9
USB
HDPB
10
USB
HDMB
11
USB
HDPA
12
USB
HDMA
13
USB
5V_USB
14
ETHERNET
GND SHIELD
15
NC
NC
16
ETHERNET
RX-
17
ETHERNET
RX+
18
ETHERNET
TX-
19
ETHERNET
TX+
20
RS485
B
21
RS485
A
22
RS232
RXD
23
RS232
TXD
24
Internal RS232
DRXD
25
Internal RS232
DTXD
26
GND
GND
11.6. Battery capacity
Typical, RFID reading every 5 seconds, keys and display backlight On:
•WLAN Off: 4,5 hours until battery 15%
•WLAN On: 4 hours until battery 15%
Battery charging time (typical, empty battery to full battery): 3 hours
Note: battery capacity depends on temperature and reduces when batteries
get older. Refer to chapter 6 (Battery management).
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12. CE DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
As manufacturer, we declare under our sole responsibility that
Product name: iMan
Part Nr.:50501
Options: ALL
complies with requirements of the following directives:
EMC:
EN 55022 (2006)
EN 61000-6-3 (2007)
EN 301 489-01 (V1.8.1)
EN 301 489-03 (V1.4.1)
FCC Part 15 Section 15.207
FCC Part 15 Section 15.209
Reference:
NEMKO Report No. E10015.00
Date: 07.06.2011 Signed:
Name: Even Jahren
Position: Managing Director
Name and address of manufacturer:
BioControl AS
Grimstad Gård, 1890 Rakkestad
NORWAY