ITRON FC200 Desk Dock User manual

FC200
Desk Dock User’s Guide

Identification
FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide
TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Contents
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
FC200 Desk Dock Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Available Cables and Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Desk Dock Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Charging Indicator (LED) Status. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Docking an FC200 in the Desk Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Using the Serial or USB Cable for File Transfer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Calibrating a Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Calibration Cycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Maintaining the Desk Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Recommended Precautions for the Desk Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Securing the Desk Dock to a Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the Rubber Feet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
page 1
Introduction
The desk dock is an optional device used with the FC200
handheld computer. It is designed for indoor use in an office envi-
ronment. The desk dock is a “pass-through” device that provides:
• Quick connect and disconnect for battery charging, battery
calibration, and FC200 communication
• Communication options: RS-232 serialor USB, Infrared, and
Ethernet
• Convenient storage of the FC200 handheld unit
FC200 Desk Dock Specifications
• Size: (L x W x D): 6.3" x 6.7" x 3.5" (160 mm x 170 mm x 88
mm)
• Weight: 12.8 oz (354 g)
• Storage Temperature: -60° F to 160° F (-51° C to 71° C)
• Operating Temperature: 32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
Available Cables and Accessories
The following items are used with the desk dock.
• AC/DC adapter with power cord
• RS232 cable - 26-pin to DB-9
• USB cable (client) - 26-pin to USB A-plug
Optional:
• USB adapter (host) - 26-pin to USB A-receptacle

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Desk Dock Features
The following illustrations show the desk dock’s main compo-
nents.
Docking connector
Battery calibration button
Spare battery
Spring retaining latch
Multiple desk dock
alignment port
Top view
charging slot
S
pr
i
ng reta
i
n
i
ng
l
atc
h
Charging indicator LED
Infrared optical mirro
r
Front view

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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NOTE When attached to external power, the desk dock charges
and conditionsan extra battery. All other features listed below are
available only when a handheld is installed in the desk dock.
Rubber feet
Power connector Alternate mounting Port A (polarized)
Ethernet connecto
r
screw boss COM connector
(USB, serial)
Bottom view
Feature Description
Docking connector • Connects to the FC200 COM1 and
mirrors its functionality
NOTE The FC200’s keypad and display
are accessible while it is in the desk dock.
Battery calibration button • Starts the battery calibration cycle.
See “Calibrating a Battery” on page 7.
Spare battery charging slot • Accepts a spare battery for charging/
calibration.
See “Calibrating a Battery” on page 7.
Spring retaining latch • Engages and retains the handheld

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Multiple desk dock
alignment port • Connects to a recessed alignment port on the left side of another desk dock,
enabling you to attach multiple desk
docks
NOTE This port has no electronic function-
ality.
Power connector • Main 12V DC input power from AC/
DC converter for running and
charging the FC200, plus one extra
FC200 battery
Charging indicator (LED) • Shows the charge condition of the
desk dock
See “Charging Indicator (LED)
Status” on page 5.
Infrared optical mirror • Passes infrared communications to
and from the IR port on the bottom of
the handheld when the handheld is
seated in the desk dock
Ethernet connector • Accepts cable for Ethernet communi-
cations.
Alternate mounting screw
boss • Can be used to secure the desk dock to a suitable surface
See “Securing the Desk Dock to a
Surface” on page 9.
Port A (polarized) COM
connector • Alternative 12V DC input power from AC/DC converter for running and
charging the handheld, plus one extra
FC200 battery
OR
• Full Port A RS-232 communications
from the handheld, with 5V DC @
350mA
OR
• USB client or host connection (cable
dependent)
Feature Description

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Charging Indicator (LED) Status
The power available to charge the batteries in the desk dock is
shared between the FC200 and the spare battery, with priority
given to the handheld. If both batteries are fully depleted, the
battery in the FC200 will charge in about three and a half hours
and the spare battery will charge in about four hours.
When a battery isplaced in the spare battery charging slot, it takes
a few seconds before the charging indicator begins to blink.
The charging indicator LED only shows the charge condition of
the desk dock. It does not reflect the charging state of the
handheld. The handheld’s charge status is indicated by its own
charge status LED.
Rubber feet • Four rubber feet are provided as an
option that can be installed on the
bottom of the desk dock to prevent the
desk dock from slipping on or
scratchingtheuser'sworksurface.The
rubber feet are not installed when
using the alternate mounting screw
boss.
Feature Description
LED Status Indicates
Blinking green
(blink, pause, blink, pause)
• There is power to the desk
dock,anditischargingthe
spare battery.
Solid green • There is power to the desk
dock
OR
• No spare battery
OR
• A fully charged spare
battery
Double-blinking green
(blink, blink, pause..)
• A battery fault.
Example: Battery out of tem-
perature range (below 32° F
or above 122° F)

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Docking an FC200 in the Desk Dock
To dock the handheld, do this:
• Orient it as shown below. Insert the handheld into the pocket
and press down until you hear the spring latch engage.
To undock the handheld, do this:
• Firmly pull the handheld straight up until the spring latch
releases the computer.
NOTE If the desk dock is not permanently attached to the work
surface, you will have to hold it down with one hand while pulling
with the other.
Using the Serial or USB Cable for File Transfer
Refer to the FC200 Getting Started Guide or the handheld’s
online Handheld Computer Help for setup and usage instructions
for transferring files using Microsoft's ActiveSync.
Solid amber • Battery calibration is
about to begin
OR
• Battery calibration is in
the discharge phase
Blinking amber • Battery calibration is in
the charge phase
LED Status Indicates

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
page 7
Calibrating a Battery
Calibrating a battery resets the battery gas gauge, improves
battery level monitoring, and leaves the battery charged. It
involves a charge-discharge-charge cycle that takes about 24
hours to complete.
The battery should be calibrated every three to four months or
whenever the battery gas gauge does not accurately reflect the
battery pack’s performance.
This procedure calibrates only the battery in the spare battery
charging slot—it does not calibrate the battery on the handheld, if
the handheld is docked when you perform the procedure.
To condition a battery, follow these steps.
Step Action
1Insert the battery into the desk dock's spare battery
charging slot.
2Attach the desk dock to external power.
3Press and hold the battery calibration button on the top
of the desk dock for approximately six seconds or until
the LED begins blinking amber.
NOTE To prevent unintentional battery calibration, the
LED turns solid amber after you hold down the battery
calibration button for three seconds. It begins battery
calibration after six seconds.
Battery
calibration
button

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Calibration Cycle
The battery calibration cycle consists of three phases.
•Charge Phase: The desk dock gives the battery a full charge,
indicated by a blinking amber LED.
•Discharge Phase: The desk dock fully discharges the battery,
indicated by a solid amber LED. When the battery reaches the
low voltage threshold, the desk dock calibrates it.
•Final Charge Phase: After battery calibration, the battery enters
a normal charge cycle, indicated by a blinking green LED.
Maintaining the Desk Dock
Although the FC200 handheld is rugged, waterproof, and sealed
against the rain, dirt,anddust,the desk dock is not.The desk dock
is designed to be used indoors.
Recommended Precautions for the Desk Dock
Observe the following precautions to ensure that the FC200 desk
dock provides many years of reliable service.
• Avoid subjecting the desk dock to extremely damp or dusty
conditions.
• Never use solvents or abrasive cleaners of any kind on the
desk dock.
• Avoid dropping the desk dock.
• If it becomes necessary to clean the infrared mirror, use only
a soft, dry cloth. Be careful not to scratch the polished mirror
surface.
• Do not apply the rubber feet if the alternate screw boss will be
used to secure the desk dock to a work surface.
WARNING! There are no user-serviceable parts inside the FC200 desk
dock or FC200 handheld computer. Do not attempt to open either
unit.

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Securing the Desk Dock to a Surface
The desk dock may be permanently installed on a suitable
surface, if desired.
To secure the desk dock to a surface using the alternate mounting
screen boss, follow these steps.
Installing the Rubber Feet
Install the optional rubber feet on the desk dock only if you do not
want to mount it permanently (see “Securing the Desk Dock to a
Surface” on page 9). The feet are designed to help protect sur-
faces on which you place the desk dock.
To install the rubber feet, follow these steps.
Step Action
1Make sure the rubber feet have not been applied to the
desk dock. If they have, remove the rubber feet before
screwing the unit down.
2Screw the desk dock down using a #8 (or 4 mm)
flathead screw of appropriate thread style and length
for the surface you are mounting to.
Step Action
1Turn the desk dock over so that you are looking at the
bottom of the unit.
2Gently peel one rubber foot off the shipping paper
using your finger tips.
3Holding the rubber foot by its edges, firmly stick it into
the recessed area in the corner of the base.
4Do the same with the remaining three feet.

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Troubleshooting
Ifyouencounter a problemwithyourFC200deskdock,referfirst
to the following troubleshooting tips. If you do not find a solution
here, contact an Itron customer service representative for help.
Problem Possible Solutions
FC200 doesn't turn on
when docked • Make sure the desk dock is connected to a good power source, using the AC/DC
power adapter, and making sure the power
adapter is secure. The desk dock LED
should light up to indicate power.
• Make sure the handheld is seated correctly.
The FC200’s charge status LED should
light up.
Problems using serial
communications • Make sure both ends of the serial cable are connected correctly.
• If the problem persists, perform a soft reset
on the handheld by holding down both the
Power and Orange function (FN) keys for
about five seconds.
• For ActiveSyncconnections,makesureyou
have the correct serial port and speed
enabled on the handheld (select
Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel >
PC Connection).
Problems using infrared
communications • Make sure nothing is obstructing the infrared communications window on either
the sending or receiving unit.
• Reduce the distance between devices toone
meter or less.
• Adjust room lighting. Some types of
lighting may interfere with IR communi-
cation.
• For ActiveSync connections, make sure
IRDA is enabled on the handheld (select
Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel >
PC Connection).

FC200 Desk Dock User’s Guide - TDC-0597-000 10/04
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Ethernet communica-
tions • Make sure the handheld is seated correctly in the desk dock.
• Make sure the handheld is properly con-
figured to access your Ethernet LAN and is
plugged into an active network. Ask an
Itron customer representative for assistance
in setting up your handheld to access your
network via Ethernet.
Extra battery does not
charge • Make sure the desk dock is connected to a good power sourceusingtheAC/DCpower
adapter, and that the power adapter is
secure. The desk dock LED should light up
to indicate power.
• Make sure the battery is seated correctly.
• If the LED blinks indicate a battery fault
(blink, blink, pause...), remove and reinsert
the battery to clear the error condition.
• If the condition continues, contact an Itron
customer representative.
LED does not turn
blinking amberwhenthe
battery calibration
button is held down
• If a battery fault has occurred, the battery
calibration button causes the LED to blink
an error code. To clear the error condition,
remove the battery, then try again.
• If the condition continues, contact an Itron
customer service representative.
Problem Possible Solutions