LXE MX3 User manual

MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
IMPORTANT NOTICE – This user guide is obsolete. The cradle is still in use. Please refer to the [device
specific] cradle reference guide.
Copyright © 2010 by LXE Inc.
All Rights Reserved
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC

LANGUAGE : ENGLISH
Notices
LXE Inc. reserves the right to make improvements or changes in the products described in this guide at any time without notice.
While reasonable efforts have been made in the preparation of this document to assure its accuracy, LXE assumes no liability
resulting from any errors or omissions in this document, or from the use of the information contained herein. Further, LXE
Incorporated, reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes to it from time to time without any obligation to
notify any person or organization of such revision or changes.
Copyright:
This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior consent, in writing, from
LXE Inc.
Copyright © 2009 by LXE Inc. An EMS Technologies Company.
125 Technology Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092 U.S.A. [phone]
Trademarks:
LXE® is a registered trademark of LXE Inc. Microsoft®, ActiveSync®, MSN, Outlook®, Windows®, the Windows logo, and
Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries. RAM® and RAM Mount™ are both trademarks of National Products Inc., 1205 S. Orr Street, Seattle, WA 98108. All
other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or organizations. When this
manual is in PDF format: “Acrobat® Reader® Copyright © 2009 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All rights reserved. Adobe®, the
Adobe logo, Acrobat®, and the Acrobat logo are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.” Applies.
Important: This symbol is placed on the product to remind users to dispose of Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) appropriately, per Directive 2002-96-EC. In most areas, this product can be recycled,
reclaimed and re-used when properly discarded. Do not discard labeled units with trash. For information about
proper disposal, contact LXE through your local sales representative, or visit www lxe com.
The user is strongly encouraged to read the Appendix A, “Regulatory Notices and Safety
Information”. Important safety cautions, warnings and regulatory information are
contained in Appendix A.
Revision Notice
Power
Supplies Added “DC to DC Power Supply Installation”.
Entire Manual Updated Accessories. Moved obsolete equipment and instruction to “Appendix B Obsolete
Equipment”. Moved “Revision History” to Appendix B.

E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Table of Contents
MX3 CRADLES 1
Introduction...............................................................................................................1
Identify Your MX3 Device.........................................................................................2
Quick Start Installation.............................................................................................3
Desk Top Cradle .......................................................................................................................3
Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle ...............................................................................................3
U-Bracket ...............................................................................................................................3
RAM Ball Assembly ..............................................................................................................3
Desk Top Cradle........................................................................................................ 4
Desk Top Cradle Footprint .......................................................................................................4
Status LED................................................................................................................................5
Power Connector ......................................................................................................................5
RS-232 Connector ....................................................................................................................6
Desktop Cradle Power Supply..................................................................................................7
Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle................................................................................8
Status LED................................................................................................................................8
Power Connector ......................................................................................................................9
RS-232 Connector ....................................................................................................................9
Attach U-Bracket to Vehicle ..................................................................................................11
Vehicle Cradle Mounting Bracket Dimensions ..................................................................12
Assemble Vehicle Cradle .......................................................................................................13
Attach RAM Ball Assembly to Vehicle and Mobile Device..................................................14
RAM Mount Assembly...........................................................................................................15
Power Supplies.......................................................................................................16
Desk Top/Mobile Device Power Supply, External, AC.........................................................16
US AC to DC Adapter Specifications ..................................................................................16
Worldwide AC to DC Adapter Specifications .....................................................................17
Vehicle Cradle 10.8-16 VDC Direct Connection...................................................................18
Input Power Specifications...................................................................................................18
Vehicle Cradle 24/72 Maximum VDC Input Cable Connection............................................19
DC to DC Power Supply Installation......................................................................22
Connecting Electrical Cables To Power Sources ...................................................................22
How To: Connect Vehicle Electrical Connection .................................................................23
Maintenance............................................................................................................25
Cradle......................................................................................................................................25
Vehicle Mount ........................................................................................................................25
Getting Help............................................................................................................. 26
Manuals and Accessories......................................................................................27
Manuals...................................................................................................................................27
Accessories .............................................................................................................................27

ii Table of Contents
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
APPENDIX AREGULATORY NOTICES AND SAFETY INFORMATION 1
Cradle Approvals ...................................................................................................... 1
APPENDIX BOBSOLETE EQUIPMENT 5
Obsolete Devices......................................................................................................5
MX3-RFID Device, MX3P Device and the Passive Vehicle Cradle .......................................5
Passive Vehicle Mount Cradle .................................................................................................5
Passive Cradle Assembly Components ....................................................................................7
RAM Mount Assembly.............................................................................................................8
Connect External Power Supply to the MX3-RFID and MX3P ..............................................9
MX3P Specific Power Accessories........................................................................................9
24/72 Maximum VDC Power Supply Input/Output Cable Connection (MX3P) ................10
12V VDC Power Cable Connection (MX3P) ......................................................................12
Revision History...................................................................................................... 13
INDEX 14

Introduction iii
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Illustrations
Figure 1 Identify Your MX3 Mobile Device and Compatible Cradles................................................................2
Figure 2 Desk Top Cradle....................................................................................................................................4
Figure 3 Desk Top Cradle Footprint....................................................................................................................4
Figure 4 Desk Top Cradle Status Indicator..........................................................................................................5
Figure 5 Desk Top Cradle Power Connector .......................................................................................................5
Figure 6 Desk Top Cradle RS-232 Connector .....................................................................................................6
Figure 7 RS-232 Connector .................................................................................................................................6
Figure 8 RS-232 Pinout .......................................................................................................................................6
Figure 9 Desktop Cradle AC Power Supply ........................................................................................................7
Figure 10 Vehicle Mount Cradle – Front.............................................................................................................8
Figure 11 Vehicle Cradle Power Connector ........................................................................................................9
Figure 12 Vehicle Cradle RS-232 Connector ......................................................................................................9
Figure 13 Vehicle RS-232 Connector................................................................................................................10
Figure 14 Vehicle RS-232 Pinout ......................................................................................................................10
Figure 15 Attach Bracket to Vehicle..................................................................................................................11
Figure 16 Mounting Footprint ...........................................................................................................................12
Figure 17 Correct Vehicle Cradle U-Bracket Installation..................................................................................12
Figure 18 Vehicle Mount Cradle .......................................................................................................................13
Figure 19 Adjusting Knobs................................................................................................................................13
Figure 20 Assembled Vehicle Mount Cradle.....................................................................................................13
Figure 21 RAM Bracket Kit Components .........................................................................................................14
Figure 22 RAM Assembly Footprint .................................................................................................................15
Figure 23 US AC Power Supply........................................................................................................................16
Figure 24 Worldwide AC Power Supply ...........................................................................................................17
Figure 25 Direct Vehicle Power Connection Cable (12 Ft.)..............................................................................18
Figure 26 Connecting the Power Cable to the Vehicle ......................................................................................18
Figure 27 Vehicle Connection Wiring Color Codes..........................................................................................18
Figure 28 Vehicle Power Supply, 24 – 72 Maximum VDC (Fuse Not Shown)................................................19
Figure 29 Connecting the Power Supply to the Vehicle....................................................................................19
Figure 30 Vehicle Power Supply Footprint .......................................................................................................20
Figure 31 Vehicle Connection Wiring Color Codes..........................................................................................20
Figure 33 Wiring Diagram – DC to DC Power Supply .....................................................................................23
Figure 34 Input/Output – DC to DC Power Supply...........................................................................................24

iv Table of Contents
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC

E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
MX3 Cradles
Introduction
There are two types of cradles for LXE's MX3 family of mobile devices: a desk top cradle for
tabletop charging / communication applications and a vehicle mount cradle for vehicle mounted
charging / communication applications.
The cradles give the MX3 family of mobile devices the ability to communicate with a host
computer and other equipment. In addition, using wall AC adapters or DC/DC converters, the
cradle transfers power to the internal charging circuitry of the mobile device and the device, in
turn, recharges the Main Battery. The mobile device can be either on or off while in the cradle.
Cables are available from LXE for connecting the cradle to a printer, a desktop PC or laptop, or a
barcode printer. Tethered scanners (for RS-232 serial port connection) are also available from
LXE.
The vehicle cradle should be mounted in an area in the vehicle where it:
•Does not obstruct the driver's vision or safe vehicle operation.
•Will be protected from rain or inclement weather.
•Will be protected from extremely high concentrations of dust or wind-blown debris.
•Can be easily accessed by a user seated in the driver's seat.

2 Identify Your MX3 Device
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
Identify Your MX3 Device
The mobile device must have a main battery (MX3A378BATT) installed when it is docked in a
cradle.
MX3X
Windows CE .NET 4.2
Windows CE 5
MX3Plus
Windows CE 5
Device Battery Cradle
MX3X MX3A378BATT MX3002DSKCRDL
9000005VMCRADLE
MX3Plus MX3A378BATT MX3002DSKCRDL
9000005VMCRADLE
Figure 1 Identify Your MX3 Mobile Device and Compatible Cradles
Note: Obsolete MX3 devices and compatible cradle information is located in Appendix B
“Obsolete Devices”.

Quick Start Installation 3
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Quick Start Installation
Desk Top Cradle
1. If required, attach the table bracket to the desktop cradle housing.
2. Place the cradle on a stable surface, close to an uninterrupted AC power source, if a
connection to AC power is required.
3. The desktop cradle can be mounted to a flat surface, using the mounting holes in the desktop
cradle bracket. LXE does not supply the mounting hardware.
4. If required, connect the AC/DC power supply to the cradle. The LED indicator on the front of
the powered cradle will illuminate orange.
5. The Desk Top cradle is ready for use.
See following section titled “Desk Top Cradle” for full instruction.
Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle
U-Bracket
1. Attach the Bottom Mounting Bracket to the vehicle, making sure it does not impede safe
operation of the vehicle.
2. Assemble the Vehicle Mount Cradle to the Bottom Mounting Bracket.
3. If required, connect vehicle power supply to the cradle. The LED indicator on the front of the
powered cradle will illuminate orange.
4. The Vehicle Mount cradle is ready for use.
See section titled “Attach U-bracket to Vehicle” for full instruction.
RAM Ball Assembly
1. Attach the lower RAM ball to the vehicle, making sure it does not impede safe operation of
the vehicle.
2. Fasten the upper RAM ball assembly to the U-bracket on the vehicle cradle.
3. Connect the arm socket to the RAM ball on the vehicle.
4. Tighten the arm turnscrew until the vehicle cradle is secured to the arm socket and the
vehicle.
See section titled “Attach RAM Ball Assembly to Vehicle and Mobile Device” for full instruction.

4 Desk Top Cradle
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
Desk Top Cradle
Note: The mobile device must have a battery installed before placing it in a powered cradle.
Figure 2 Desk Top Cradle
You will need a torque wrench capable of torquing at 6±1 IN/LB when assembling the cradle
components. LXE does not supply the tools (torque wrench, screwdrivers) required for assembly.
How To
Attach the bracket to the back of the Desk Top cradle, torquing both screws to 6 in/lbs.
Place the Desk Top cradle on a stable surface, away from the flow of traffic and protected from
inclement weather. If the cradle is to be secured to a flat surface, make sure there is enough room
at the back of the cradle (approximately 2”) to allow cables to be connected/disconnected easily.
Lower the mobile device straight into the cradle, tilt it forwards and then let it rest backwards into
the cradle. Ensure that the mobile device is properly seated on the charging contacts. The CHGR
LED on the mobile device will illuminate green when the device is correctly seated in the cradle.
To remove the mobile device, tilt it forward and lift it straight up out of the cradle.
Note: Do not "slam" or slide the mobile device sideways into the cradle. Damage may result.
Desk Top Cradle Footprint
5.75 in.
14.6 cm.
9.25 in. / 23.5 cm
.
Figure 3 Desk Top Cradle Footprint

Desk Top Cradle 5
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Status LED
Figure 4 Desk Top Cradle Status Indicator
An LED indicator shows the power and communication status of the cradle. When the indicator is
not illuminated, there is no power applied to the cradle.
Cradle Power Orange Power applied to the cradle.
Docked Green Power applied to the cradle and connection made with the mobile
device.
IR Active Red IR communication active.
Power Connector
Figure 5 Desk Top Cradle Power Connector
The Power connector is located on the back of the cradle. The cradle can be powered, if required,
by an LXE US AC Adapter or an LXE International AC Adapter. When powered, the cradle
transfers power to the internal charging circuitry of the mobile device allowing it to recharge the
Main Battery. A powered cradle supports RS-232 and IR communications.

6 Desk Top Cradle
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
RS-232 Connector
Figure 6 Desk Top Cradle RS-232 Connector
The RS-232 connector is located on the back of the cradle. When the mobile device is properly
docked, the bi-directional half-duplex transceivers in the mobile device and cradle are aligned
through their IR windows. The half-duplex IR signals from the mobile device are converted to
RS-232 signals in the cradle and available at this connector.
The cradle supports only the Transmit, Receive and Ground signals on this port.
The connector is an industry-standard RS-232. The connector includes a PC/AT standard 9-pin
“D” male connector.
Figure 7 RS-232 Connector
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1 DCD Not Connected
2 RXD Receive Data - Input
3 TXD Transmit Data - Output
4 DTR Not Connected
5 GND Signal/Power Ground
6 DSR Not Connected
7 RTS Not Connected
8 CTS Not Connected
9 +5VDC +5VDC at 200mA continuous (see note below)
Figure 8 RS-232 Pinout
Note: Pin 9 of this port is connected to +5VDC and only approved LXE cables are to be used
for communication between the cradle and external devices.

Desk Top Cradle 7
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Desktop Cradle Power Supply
The mobile device must have a main battery (MX3A378BATT) installed when it is docked in a
cradle.
9000A301PSACUS
AC Power Supply, US, trickle charger
Figure 9 Desktop Cradle AC Power Supply
1. Plug the AC Power Supply into an uninterrupted power source, e.g. wall outlet.
2. Insert the single pin connector into the power port on the back of the desktop cradle. The
cradle LED turns orange when power is received.
3. Put the MX3X / MX3Plus in the cradle. The MX3X / MX3Plus CHGR LED illuminates
when the cradle is fully seated in the desktop cradle.
4. The cradle LED illuminates green when power is received, a mobile device is seated in the
docking bay, and the mobile device is receiving AC power through the cradle/device
connector.

8 Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle
Figure 10 Vehicle Mount Cradle – Front
1. Vehicle Mount Bracket Assembly
2. MX3 Release Mechanism
3. IR Port
4. Battery Power Connection
5. Vehicle Cradle Status LED
This cradle is specifically designed for vehicle mount applications. The cradle restrains the mobile
device and isolates it from shock and vibration. The mobile device is inserted into the cradle by
placing the base of the device in the charging pocket and then firmly pressing the mobile device
backwards until the release mechanisms latch and secure the mobile device in the cradle. The
mobile device is removed from the cradle by pressing the release mechanisms and pulling the
device up and away from the cradle.
Status LED
An indicator on the cradle shows the status of the docked mobile device. When the indicator is not
illuminated, there is no external power source connected to the cradle.
Cradle Power Orange Power applied to the cradle.
Docked Green Power applied to the cradle and connection made with the mobile
device.
IR Active Red IR communication active.

Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle 9
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Power Connector
Figure 11 Vehicle Cradle Power Connector
The Power connector is located on the back of the cradle. The cradle is powered by either a
vehicle's 12V battery or from an approved accessory for vehicles with higher voltage (24 to 60
VDC) batteries. When powered, the cradle transfers external power to the mobile device, which in
turn, recharges the main battery. A powered cradle allows RS-232 and IR communication.
RS-232 Connector
Figure 12 Vehicle Cradle RS-232 Connector
The RS-232 connector is located on the back of the cradle. When the mobile device is properly
docked, the bi-directional half-duplex transceivers in the device and cradle are aligned through
their IR windows. The half-duplex IR signals from the mobile device are converted to RS-232
signals in the cradle and available at this connector.
The cradle supports only the Transmit, Receive and Ground signals on this port.
The connector is an industry-standard RS-232. The connector includes a PC/AT standard 9-pin
“D” male connector.

10 Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
Figure 13 Vehicle RS-232 Connector
PIN SIGNAL DESCRIPTION
1 DCD Not Connected
2 RXD Receive Data - Input
3 TXD Transmit Data - Output
4 DTR Not Connected
5 GND Signal/Power Ground
6 DSR Not Connected
7 RTS Not Connected
8 CTS Not Connected
9 +5VDC +5VDC at 200mA continuous (see note below)
Figure 14 Vehicle RS-232 Pinout
Note: Pin 9 of this port is connected to +5VDC and only approved LXE cables are to be used
for communication between the cradle and external devices. See “Accessories”.

Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle 11
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Attach U-Bracket to Vehicle
Note: Bolts, washers, and wrench needed when attaching the vehicle mounting bracket to the
vehicle are not supplied by LXE.
Figure 15 Attach Bracket to Vehicle
1. There must be at least 2” clearance at the back of the bracket for the cables. Position the
bracket to allow access to the ports on the back of the Vehicle Mount Cradle.
2. Using the mounting dimensions on the following diagram mount the bottom mounting
bracket to the vehicle, using ¼” bolts (not supplied by LXE).

12 Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
Vehicle Cradle Mounting Bracket Dimensions
Measurements are not to scale.
Figure 16 Mounting Footprint
Care must be taken to avoid bending or
warping the bottom “U” shaped bracket
when attaching the cradle to a lift truck
or other vehicle.
A bent “U” bracket can over-compress
or over-extend the rubber isolators
leading to failure of the isolators.
Figure 17 Correct Vehicle Cradle U-Bracket Installation

Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle 13
E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC MX3 Cradle Reference Guide
Assemble Vehicle Cradle
Before installation begins, make sure you have the following Vehicle Mount Cradle assembly
components:
Front Side
Figure 18 Vehicle Mount Cradle
Figure 19 Adjusting Knobs
Attach the Bottom Mounting Bracket (currently secured to the vehicle) to the Vehicle Mount
Cradle with the Adjusting Knobs. Insert one Adjusting Knob in each side of the mounting
assembly.
Adjust the cradle as desired by loosening the Adjusting Knobs, angling the cradle, then
retightening the Adjusting Knobs.
Front Side
Figure 20 Assembled Vehicle Mount Cradle
Periodically test the connection of the vehicle mounted bolts and the Adjusting Knobs and
retighten if necessary.

14 Powered Vehicle Mount Cradle
MX3 Cradle Reference Guide E-EQ-MX3DKRG-J-ARC
Attach RAM Ball Assembly to Vehicle and Mobile Device
RAM Ball and Arm Cylinder
Figure 21 RAM Bracket Kit Components
Mount the RAM ball to the bottom of the cradle with
the bolts, washers and nuts supplied by LXE.
Qty 4 - Hex Cap 1/4-20 x 3/4 bolts
Qty 4 - 1/4 flat washer
Qty 4 - 1/4-20 nylon insert lock nuts