Intermec JANUS JG2050 User manual

JANUS®
2.4 GHz Radio Frequency
P/N 064819-001
Quick Reference Guide

IntermecCorporation
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P.O. Box 4280
Everett, WA 98203-9280
U.S. service and technical support: 1-800-755-5505
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Outside U.S. and Canada: Contact your local Intermec service supplier.
The information contained herein is proprietary and is provided solely for the purpose of allowing customers
to operate and/or service Intermec manufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or used
for any other purpose without written permission of Intermec.
Information and specifications in this manual are subject to change without notice.
1996 by Intermec Corporation
All Rights Reserved
The word Intermec, the Intermec logo, JANUS, IRL, TRAKKER, Antares, Duratherm, Precision
Print, PrintSet, Virtual Wedge, and CrossBar are either trademarks or registered trademarks of
Intermec Corporation.
Throughout this manual, trademarked names may be used. Rather than put a trademark ()
symbol in every occurrence of a trademarked name, we state that we are using the names only in an
editorial fashion, and to the benefit of the trademark owner, with no intention of infringement.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
iii
Contents
Overview of an Intermec 2.4 GHz RF Network 5
Setting Up the JANUS RF Devices 5
Attaching the Antenna 6
Using the JANUS 2.4 GHz Installation Utility 7
Using the JANUS RF Devices 8
Using the J2020 User’s Manual With Your JR2020G or JG2020 8
Using the J2050 User’s Manual With Your J2050A or JG2050 8
Logging Into or Out Of Novell Software 8
Using the JANUS Programmer’s Software Kit (PSK) 9
Developing Applications 9
About the JANUS Configuration Files 10
Using RF Communications 10
Understanding the RF Status Icons and LEDs 11
Managing Your JR2020G and JG2020 Battery Power 12
Troubleshooting Your JR2020G and JG2020 13
Troubleshooting Your J2050A and JG2050 14

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
5
The JG2020 and the JG2050 for the 2.4 GHz network is slightly different than the one
described in the standard JANUS 2020 User’s Manual. Even though many of the
features and configuration commands are the same, your device does not support
IRL or PSK Transmit and Receive functions.
Overview of an Intermec 2.4 GHz RF Network
A radio frequency (RF) data collection network establishes a two-way radio
link between a JANUSRF device and a host. The data from the device is sent
in real time through the RF system to an 0100 Access Point and then on to the
host. The RF link is completely transparent to the user. The following
illustration shows one example of an Intermec 2.4 GHz RF data collection
network.
A Typical Intermec 2.4 GHz Network
Ethernet
0100
J2050
JANUSQ.001
Host
JG2020
With your JANUS RF device you can move anywhere within the range of an
access point and transmit data to and from the host.
Setting Up the JANUS RF Devices
The JR2020G and the JG2020 are JANUS 2020 hand-held data collection
computers that operate in Intermec’s 2.4 GHz RF network. The J2050A and the
JG2050 are vehicle-mount computers that also operate in this network.
Before you can operate any JANUS RF device in the 2.4 GHz RF network, you
need to:
•Attach the antenna to the JR2020G, JG2020, J2050A or JG2050.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
6
•Use the JANUS 2.4 GHz Installation Utility to install the network software
and set the network and radio parameters on your JANUS device.
Attaching the Antenna
Caution
The antenna must be attached before turning on the JANUS RF
device. The internal radio could be damaged if the antenna is not
attached.
Conseil
Si l’antenna n’est pas attachée avant que l’appareil RF de JANUS
soit mise sous tension, la radio interne peut être endommagée.
Note: Do not interchange antennas between any of the JANUS RF devices. Each
antenna is built specifically for the radio that is installed in the device.
1. Make sure the JANUS RF device is switched off. If the device is on, switch
it off by pressing
q .
2. Screw the antenna into the connector of the device. Refer to the following
illustrations.
3. Switch on the device by pressing
q .
Attaching the J2050A or JG2050 Antenna
2050U.009

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
7
Attaching the JR2020G or JG2020 Antenna
20X0Q.003
Using the JANUS 2.4 GHz Installation Utility
Before you can use your JANUS RF devices in a 2.4 GHz network, you must
configure the radio parameters and load the network software on them. There
are two different installation utility kits:
•The JANUS 2.4 GHz Installation Utility Kit for 1MB devices
(Intermec P/N 064792)
•The JANUS 2.4 GHz Installation Utility Kit for 4MB devices
(Intermec P/N 064672
You need to provide the network software (LAN WorkPlace for DOS or
NetWare Client for DOS) that you install on your devices. The kit provides the
installation utility that merges your network software with the JANUS
software, software for setting a security ID for your network, Intermec and
Novell terminal emulation software that allow you to install terminal
emulation, and boot utilities companion disks that ensure that you will be
running the latest JANUS firmware.
The installation utility creates new drive images for your devices that allows
them to connect with a Novell network or a TCP/IP-based UNIX network
using RF communications. The installation utility runs on a host PC in the DOS
environment and uses a DOS text-based interface to prompt you for
information about your network.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
8
Using the JANUS RF Devices
This section contains information on the JANUS RF devices for the 2.4 GHz
network.
Note: If your device has sent or received TCP/IP packets when it was out of range of an
access point, or if your device was placed in a suspend state, you may notice a delay in
reconnecting to the network. The TCP/IP protocol determines the retransmission
timeout based on the length of time the device is suspended or disconnected from the
network. For example, this delay can be 30 seconds if the device roams out of range for
3 minutes. The maximum timeout can be from 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Using the J2020 User’s Manual With Your JR2020G or
JG2020
Most of the information in the J2020 user’s manual also applies to your
JR2020G and JG2020. However, both of these readers do not have IRL loaded
on them. Ignore the sections in your user’s manual that discuss IRL.
Also, the JR2020G does not have a PC card slot. Ignore sections in your user’s
manual that talk about using PC cards with your reader.
Using the J2050 User’s Manual With Your J2050A or
JG2050
Most of the information in the J2050 user’s manual also applies to your J2050A
and JG2050. However, both of these devices do not have IRL loaded on them.
Ignore the sections in your user’s manual that discuss IRL.
Also, the J2050A for the 2.4 GHz RF network does not have a PC card slot.
Ignore sections in your user’s manual that talk about using PC cards with your
device.
Logging Into or Out Of Novell Software
If you are a NetWare Client user or, if you are a LAN WorkPlace user using
SPX/IPX support, you must use special instructions when logging into a
NetWare server from your JANUS device.
To log into your network
•Type IMLOGIN on your JANUS RF device.
Note: Do not type LOGIN to log into your network.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
9
To log out of your network
•Type IMLOGOUT on your JANUS RF device.
Note: You can also type LOGOUT.
When you reboot your device, it automatically runs IMLOGIN. You will
usually type IMLOGIN in these situations:
•You roam out of range of an 0100 Access Point for an extended period of
time and the NetWare server logs out your device. When you return to
within range of an access point, you need to type IMLOGIN to log back
into the 2.4 GHz RF network.
•You do not transmit any packets using your device for an extended period
of time. Your device may be placed in a suspend state and the NetWare
server logs out your device. When you press the q button, you must type
IMLOGIN to log back into the 2.4 GHz RF network.
Using the JANUS Programmer’s Software Kit (PSK)
The JANUS RF devices for the 2.4 GHz network cannot run Transmit or
Receive functions provided by the JANUS PSK. TCP/IP and SPX/IPX protocol
handlers have not yet been developed. If you need these functions, use
Novell’s off-the-shelf application programming interfaces (APIs) instead of the
JANUS PSK.
Developing Applications
Intermec recommends the following software if you need to develop
applications that run on your JANUS RF devices in the 2.4 GHz network:
•LAN Workshop
This program is a high-level API for TLI development. You can develop
applications for both TCP/IP and SPX/IPX.
•NetWare Client SDK
This program allows you to develop applications for SPX/IPX.
•Off-the-shelf APIs by Novell.
Note: If you notice that your device is overheating or if it seems to be working better in
a cold environment than a warm environment, your application may be sending too
many packets to the host. Reduce the number of packets sent to two or three packets
per second.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
10
About the JANUS Configuration Files
When the JANUS RF device performs a cold boot, it looks for a configuration
file *.INI, whose path is specified in the AUTOEXEC.BAT file. The *.INI file
that you use depends on which software you install on your JANUS device.
J24TE.INI If you install Intermec TNVTxxx, 3270, or 5250 terminal emulation
software, this configuration file is automatically loaded in the DRIVEC
subdirectory.
JANUS.INI If you install Novell TVNTxxx or NetWare Client, you need to
create this configuration file. Use IC.EXE to create the JANUS.INI file and then
you save it to drive E. If you do not want to lose the configuration file when
you cold boot the device, you can put the JANUS.INI file in the DRIVEC
subdirectory.
Remember to update your AUTOEXEC.BAT file with the correct path name of
the new JANUS.INI file.
To load the JANUS.INI file
1. Create a configuration file that you want to load whenever the reader
performs a cold boot.
2. Save this configuration file as JANUS.INI.
3. Copy the JANUS.INI to drive E on the device.
Note: Since drive E is initialized on a cold boot, you will lose JANUS.INI if you
perform a cold boot on the device. If you want to put the JANUS.INI file on drive
C, use Auto-Loader or MkImage/PutImage to update drive C. Refer to your
JANUS user’s manual for more information.
4. At the DOS prompt on the device, load the configuration file by typing:
IC /L E:\JANUS.INI
Using RF Communications
Once your RF system is configured for RF communications, you can begin
collecting and transmitting data using your JANUS RF device. When you
transmit data using the JANUS RF device, the information is first sent to its
radio buffer. The data is then sent on to the access point and then to the host.
If the RF network goes down, you can continue to collect data until the radio
buffer is full. When the buffer is full, the application returns a communication
timeout status. The actual status response depends on what language you used
to develop the application.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
11
When your RF network comes back up, the data in the radio buffer is
transmitted to the host and you can once again transmit data.
Caution
Do not operate two RF devices within 2 feet (0.6 meters) of each
other when using RF communications. Doing so may damage the
radio receivers.
Conseil
Assurez-vous de ne pas utiliser deux devices RF de carte à moins
de 2 pieds (0,6 mètres) l’un de l’autre lorsque vous effectuez des
communications en radiofréquence. Sinon, les récepteurs radio
pourront être endommagés.
Understanding the RF Status Icons and LEDs
The RF status icons on the JR2020G and JG2020 screens correspond to the
Conn/Data LEDs on the J2050A and JG2050 cases. These RF icons and LEDs
are used to manage RF communications:
*
Connected This icon contains an asterisk. The icon or LED flashes when the RF
interface is either activel
y
channel searchin
g
or tr
y
in
g
to reestablish
communications with the network controller. When this icon or LED is solid,
the RF interface is connected to a network controller. The RF interface in the
JANUS RF device handles RF communications.
If this icon or LED is off, RF communications are not possible. The JANUS RF
device may not be set up correctly for RF communications or there may be
another problem such as the battery being low. If RF communications appear
to be locked up, see one of the troubleshooting sections later in this guide for
more help.
.
Data This icon contains a square. The icon or LED turns on when data is
buffered in the RF interface. The data is either bein
g
transmitted to the network
controller or received data has not been accepted b
y
the JANUS RF device
application. Up to five messages can be buffered in the RF interface.
If there are messages in the RF interface when RF communications are turned
off, the data icon or LED remains on.
Note: Do not turn off the JANUS RF device when the data icon or LED is lit. If you
turn off the device, the RF interface saves the data and attempts to transmit the data
again when the device is powered on. If the device is not powered on for some time,
there could be some confusion because the data could become meaningless and/or
disrupt the host application.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
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Battery (JR2020G or JG2020) This icon flashes when the NiCad batter
y
pack
char
g
e is low (approximatel
y
45 minutes left). Immediatel
y
replace or rechar
g
e
the battery pack because you will soon lose RF communications.
If you continue to operate the reader, the battery pack charge becomes very
low, the reader beeps, and RF communications are turned off. You can
continue to collect data with the reader, but the data is not transmitted to the
controller.
If you continue to operate the reader, the battery pack becomes critically low.
The battery icon turns on and stays on and the reader chirps every 15 seconds.
After 1 minute, the reader turns off. You cannot turn it back on until you
replace the battery pack.
Managing Your JR2020G and JG2020 Battery Power
The JANUS reader’s RF interface has built-in power management to maximize
the life of the battery. The RF interface is the hardware and software built into
the reader to handle RF communications. For more ideas on how to conserve
battery life, see your JANUS user’s manual.
To conserve battery life, the RF interface turns off. You cannot use your reader
to communicate in any of these situations:
•The reader is off.
•The RF protocol is disabled.
•The RF protocol handler is not loaded.
•The NiCad battery pack charge is very low.
To avoid losing RF communications, replace or recharge the NiCad battery
pack immediately when the battery icon on the reader display flashes.
Approximately 15 minutes after the icon flashes, the reader beeps and RF
communications are turned off.
When you remove the battery pack, replace it immediately with a spare
charged battery pack. If you leave the reader without a charged battery pack
for any length of time, you will prematurely discharge the lithium backup
battery.
You can extend the life of the battery pack by setting the Duty Cycle Percent
and Duty Cycle Period parameters on the reader. Duty cycle causes the RF
interface to alternate between receiving and standby. When the RF interface is
in standby, it uses less battery power, but does not receive messages from the
controller. The RF interface comes out of standby at the end of the duty cycle
period, or when the reader sends a message through COM4.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
13
Note: If the reader is not going to be used for 1 week or longer, it is important that you
put the reader in Storage mode and remove the NiCad battery pack. If you do not
remove the NiCad battery pack, the reader will slowly drain the battery pack. For help,
see your JANUS user’s manual.
Troubleshooting Your JR2020G and JG2020
If you are having problems with RF communications, review the following list
of problems and their possible solutions.
Note: The 2020s and the 2050s have slightly different procedures. If you have a
J2050A or a JG2050, see to the next section, “Troubleshooting Your J2050A and the
JG2050.”
Problem Solution
The RF option is not listed in the
Com menu of IC.EXE.
The device is not recognizing the RF interface. Contact your
Intermec service representative.
You load the RF protocol handler and do
not receive the message Intermec RF
Protocol Handler.
The RF interface is not responding. Contact your Intermec
service representative.
The Battery icon is flashing at the top of
the reader display.
Replace or recharge the NiCad battery pack immediately
because you are about to lose RF communications.
If the Battery icon is turning on and off and the reader
beeps, RF communications are turned off. You can continue
to collect data with the reader, but the data is not being
transmitted to the RF network.
RF communications appear to be locked
up and the Connect icon turns off.
There are three possible solutions:
•Check the NiCad batter
y
p
ack. If the batter
y
p
ack
char
g
e is low, re
p
lace or rechar
g
e the batter
y
p
ack
immediately.
•Make sure
y
ou are within ran
g
e of a radio re
p
eater or
base radio unit.
•Press the
q button twice to
p
artiall
y
reset the RF
interface. Perform a warm boot on the device (
p
ress the
caf. ke
y
s in se
q
uence) and contact
y
our
Intermec service re
p
resentative. When
y
ou warm boot
the device,
y
ou will lose an
y
data stored in the RF
interface.

JANUS 2.4 GHz Radio Frequency Quick Reference Guide
14
Troubleshooting Your J2050A and JG2050
If you are having problems with RF communications, review the following list
of problems and their possible solutions.
Note: The 2020s and the 2050s have slightly different procedures. If you have a
JR2020G or a JG2020, see to the previous section, “Troubleshooting Your JR2020G
and the JG2020.”
Problem Solution
The RF option is not listed in the Com
menu of IC.EXE.
The device is not recognizing the RF interface. Contact your
Intermec service representative.
You load the RF protocol handler and do
not receive the message Intermec RF
Protocol Handler.
The RF interface is not responding. Contact your Intermec
service representative.
RF communications appear to be locked
up and the Connect LED turns off.
There are three possible solutions:
•Make sure
y
ou are within ran
g
e of a radio re
p
eater or
base radio unit.
•Press the
q
button twice to
p
artiall
y
reset the RF
interface. If that does not work,
p
erform a warm boot
on the device (
p
ress the c
af.
ke
y
s in
se
q
uence) and contact
y
our Intermec service
re
p
resentative. When
y
ou warm boot the device,
y
ou
will lose any data stored in the RF interface.
•Press the
q button. Press n - 2 - g and then
p
ress
2 . Press the q button to turn the device back on. At
the Boot Loader menu, select Stora
g
e mode. With the
device in Stora
g
e mode, wait 60 seconds and then
p
ress
q a
g
ain. This se
q
uence will cold start the radio, reboot
the device, and restart the application.