Percon Phoenix 104 User manual

Percon
Phoenix 104 Vehicle and Forklift Computer
Users Manual

DP_104_User Rev - Page 2
Phoenix 104 Vehicle and Forklift Computer User’s Manual
Percon Incorporated
28877 Fox Hollow Road
Eugene, OR 97405
U.S.A.
www.percon.com
The information contained herein is provided solely for the purpose of allowing customers to
operate and service Percon-manufactured equipment and is not to be released, reproduced, or
used for any other purpose without written permission of Percon Technologies Corporation.
Information and specifications contained in this document are subject to change without prior
noticed and do not represent a commitment on the part of Percon Incorporated.
© 2009 by Percon Incorporated. All rights reserved.
The word Percon, the Percon logo, are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Percon Incorporated
Wi-Fi is a registered certification mark of the Wi-Fi Alliance.
Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
Bluetooth is a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc., U.S.A.
Patent Information
The Products described in this manual are covered by one or more of the following patents:
There may be other U.S. and foreign patents pending.
FCC Class B
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a residential environment. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not
installed and used in accordance with this user's manual, it may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Note that even when this
equipment is installed and used in accordance with this user's manual,
there is still no guarantee that interference will not occur. If this equipment
is believed to be causing harmful interference to radio or television
reception, this can be determined by turning the equipment on and off. If
interference is occurring, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment to a power outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

DP_104_User Rev - Page 3
Contents
Before You Begin ........................................................................................................................................5
SafetyInformation ....................................................................................................................................5
Service and Support .................................................................................................................................5
Web Support ........................................................................................................................................5
Related Documents ..................................................................................................................................5
Telephone Support...............................................................................................................................5
The Phoenix Vehicle Computer...................................................................................................................6
Features of the Phoenix 104.....................................................................................................................6
Additional Features of the Phoenix 104e Only.......................................................................................6
Connector Description .............................................................................................................................6
USB 1 and USB 2 ................................................................................................................................7
COM 1 & 2 ..........................................................................................................................................7
Ethernet (104e only).............................................................................................................................7
Power ...................................................................................................................................................7
Keypad .....................................................................................................................................................8
Using the Power Button.......................................................................................................................8
Status LED...........................................................................................................................................8
Adjusting the Screen Brightness..........................................................................................................8
Adjusting the Volume..........................................................................................................................8
Using the Touchscreen.............................................................................................................................9
Navigating the Touch Screen...............................................................................................................9
Calibrate the touchscreen.....................................................................................................................9
Using the Phoenix in Cold Environments....................................................................................................9
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................10
Using an External Keyboard..................................................................................................................10
Using a Barcode Scanner.......................................................................................................................10
Connecting a tethered Scanner...........................................................................................................10
Using KeyWedge...............................................................................................................................10
Configuring KeyWedge.....................................................................................................................11
Increasing MemoryStorage....................................................................................................................11
Understanding WindowsCE.......................................................................................................................12
Finding Information on WindowsCE.....................................................................................................12
Learning the Basic Skills .......................................................................................................................12
Using the Default Screen ...................................................................................................................12
Accessing Programs...........................................................................................................................12
Entering Information..........................................................................................................................13
Customizing the Phoenix .......................................................................................................................14
Adding or Removing Programs .........................................................................................................14
Setting up Ethernet Communications (Phoenix 104e only)...................................................................14
Setting Up 802.11 Radio Communications............................................................................................14
Developing and Installing Applications.....................................................................................................15
Developing Applications for the Phoenix 104.......................................................................................15
Developing a Windows CE Application............................................................................................15
Developing a Web-Based Application...............................................................................................16
Developing server applications for use with Remote Desktop Protocol............................................16
Developing terminal applications for use with terminal emulators...................................................16

DP_104_User Rev - Page 4
Installing Applications on the Phoenix 104.......................................................................................16
Installing Applications Using Your SD Card.....................................................................................16
Launching An Application Automatically.............................................................................................17
Troubleshooting and Maintaining the Phoenix..........................................................................................18
Troubleshooting the Phoenix .................................................................................................................18
Upgrading the Phoenix 104 Software....................................................................................................19
Download the upgrade files ...............................................................................................................19
Make the upgrade file accessable to the Phoenix 104 computer .......................................................19
Upgrading the Phoenix 104 Using a USB storage device .................................................................19
Cleaning the Screen................................................................................................................................20
Accessories for the Phoenix...................................................................................................................20
Appendix A................................................................................................................................................21
Specifications.........................................................................................................................................21
Physical and Environmental Specifications...........................................................................................21

DP_104_User Rev - Page 5
Before You Begin
SafetyInformation
Your safety is extremely important. Read and follow all warnings and cautions in this document before installing, handling,
and operating Percon equipment. You can be seriously injured, and equipment and data can be damaged if you do not
follow the safety warnings and cautions.
Warning: Warnings alert you to procedures that involve some amount of personal risk and may require special
training or tools.
Caution: A caution alerts you to an operating procedure, practice, condition, or statement that must be strictly
observed to prevent equipment damage or destruction, or corruption or loss of data.
ESD Sensitive: The operation requires an ESD safe working area and procedures to prevent equipment damage
and possible voiding of warranty.
Note: Notes either provide extra information about a topic or contain special instructions for handling a
particular condition or set of circumstances.
Service and Support
Web Support
Visit the Percon web site at www.percon.com and select Support on the menu bar at the top of the page. Our site has
details on how to Contact Us, Frequently Asked Questions and answers, and links to download our current manuals.
Related Documents
The Percon web site at www.percon.com contains our documents that you can download for free.
To download documents
1 Visit the Percon web site at www.percon.com.
2 Click Support>Documentation on the menu bar at the top opf the page.
3 Choose the Product documentation you want to download.
Telephone Support
In the USA and Canada call 888-465-6355
Outside the U.S.A. and Canada, contact your local Percon representative.
To search for your local representative, from the Percon web site, click Partners->Find Partner.
Before you call Percon Product Support, make sure you have the following information ready:
• Operating system version, displayed on main screen.
• Serial number from label on back of unit
• If you are using terminal emulation (TE), know the version and protocol
• If you are not using TE, know the language your custom application was written in and the tools you used to
create it.

DP_104_User Rev - Page 6
The Phoenix Vehicle Computer
The Percon Phoenix is a rugged Vehicle Computer designed for real-time data collection applications in warehousing,
distribution, work-in-process, time and attendance, and stationary applications.
Use this chapter to familiarize yourself with the Phoenix Vehicle Computer.
Features of the Phoenix 104
The Phoenix 104/104e includes these standard features:
• 520 MHz Intel XScale PXA270 processor
• 128 MB Flash memory
• 64 MB RAM
• Two USB host ports
• Two serial ports
• Compact Flash (CF) socket for 802.11 b/g radio or memory expansion up to 2 GB
• Secure Digital (SD) socket for memory expansion up to 2 GB
Additional Features of the Phoenix 104e Only
• 128 MB RAM
• Ethernet port
• Bluetooth radio
• Extended temperature operation range (-30°C to 60°C)
These options are available for the Phoenix 104/104e:
• Summit CF10G 802.11b/g radio
• Secure Digital (SD) memory card for memory expansion
Connector Description
The Phoenix connectors are on the bottom of the unit.
USB 1
USB 2 Ethernet COM 2 COM 1 Power
(104e only)
Figure 1

DP_104_User Rev - Page 7
USB 1 and USB 2
Provides two USB Host ports to connect USB peripheral devices to the Phoenix 104. Power is provided on the USB
ports at 5VDC up to a maximum of 1 amp total for both connectors. Many types of devices are supported by the
USB ports including Keyboards, Flash Drives, external floppy and hard disks, Barcode Scanners, and many more.
COM 1 & 2
The Phoenix connects to RS-232 devices such as Barcode scanners, RFID readers, PC’s or printers via two DB-9
male serial connectors with standard PC style pinout with the addition of power on Pin 9, either 5 VDC or 12 VDC,
up to a maximum or 1 amp total for both connectors. Factory default is 5V on COM1 and 12V on COM2.
Pin
Name
Dir
Description
1
CD
IN
Carrier Detect
2
RXD
IN
Receive Data
3
TXD
OUT
Transmit Data
4
DTR
OUT
Data Terminal Ready
5
GND
------
System Ground
6
DSR
IN
Data Set Ready
7
RTS
OUT
Request to Send
8
CTS
IN
Clear to Send
9
SPWR
OUT
Power (None, +5V, +12V @ 1A max)
Note: Direction is DTE (Computer) relative DCE (Modem).
Figure 2
Ethernet (104e only)
Connects the Phoenix 104e to 10BaseT/100BaseT full duplex standard Ethernet interfaces.
Power
Connects the Phoenix 104/104e to a vehicle’s power (10-60VDC) or a AC/DC power supply
(F1_AC/DC_60W_M12).
Pin #
Function
Cable Color
1
Chassis Ground
Brown
2
N/A
3
+ Power, 10-60V
Blue
4
Ground
Black

DP_104_User Rev - Page 8
Keypad
The Phoenix has a 3 button Keypad on the lower front of the unit, Down, Up and Power. A LED on the keypad indicates
the power state of the Phoenix
Down Up Power
Figure 3
Using the Power Button
Press the Power ( ) button for 5 seconds to put the Phoenix 104 into Suspend mode. In Suspend mode, the Phoenix 104
continues to supply power to all memory, but turns off power to most hardware. When you press the Power button to turn
the Phoenix 104 back on, the computer resumes where it was when you turned it off.
You can configure the Phoenix 104 to suspend if not used for a specified period of time by going to Start > Settings > the
System tab > Power > the Advanced tab.
When a Phoenix 104 is suspended and resumes, the 802.11 connection requires re-authentication. This can take anywhere
from 3 seconds to several minutes depending on your systems re-authentication requirements.
Status LED
The Phoenix uses three brightness levels on the green status LED to indicate the status of power and operation.
LED State
Status
OFF
Not connected to a power source or the power source is off.
Dim
Connected to a live power source, unit is in the suspend state.
Blinking
Unit running
Adjusting the Screen Brightness
To adjust the screen brightness
• Press UP button to increases the brightness.
• Press Down button to decreases the brightness.
You can also adjust the brightness settings by going to Start > Settings >
Control Panel > Backlight. Move the track bar pointer to the volume level
desiered.
Adjusting the Volume
To adjust the volume
• Press and hold the Power button then press the UP button to increases the
volume. The computer will play the Default Sound at the new volume setting.
• Press and hold the Power button then press the Down button to decreases the
volume. The computer will play the Default Sound at the new volume setting.
You can also adjust the volume settings by going to Start > Settings > Control
Panel > Volume & Sounds.

DP_104_User Rev - Page 9
Using the Touchscreen
The Phoenix 104 has a 10.4 inch color VGA display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels with a touchscreen. The default
display that appears on when you turn on the Phoenix 104 is the Windows Embedded CE 6.0 standard screen. This screen
appears unless you have the an application installed to automatically run on the Phoenix 104.
Standard Phoenix 104 WinCE 6.0 Screen
Navigating the Touch Screen
You can use the stylus accessory or a finger to navigate the touch screen. If using your finger, it is best to use the tap
and hold technique, particularly on small items such as command or toolbars in an application
Action
Description
Tap
Touch the screen once with the stylus or finger to select options, open or close applications, or
launch menus.
Drag
Hold the stylus or your finger on the screen and drag across the screen to select text and images.
Tap and hold
Tap and hold the stylus or your finger on an item to see a menu of actions available for that
item. On the pop-up menu that appears, tap the action you want to perform
Calibrate the touchscreen
1. Tap Start > Settings > System > Stylus > Calibrate Tab.
2. Tap Calibrate and follow the instructions to align the screen. Note that alignment input occurs when you lift the stylus
from each location. When complete simply tap the screen to return to the Touch panel control panel.
If the touchscreen is so out of alignment that you cannot open the Start menu, you may need to use a pointing device such as
a USB mouse to select the Calibrate control.
Using the Phoenix in Cold Environments
If you are going to use the Phoenix in extreme cold conditions below 0°C (32°F) for an extended period of time (more than
20 minutes), you should turn on the power at room temperature for at least 5 minutes prior to using it in the cold
environment. This process of “warming up” the Phoenix 104 helps preserve the lighting on the display and the flexibility of
the touchpanel and keypad.

DP_104_User Rev - Page 10
Accessories
Using an External Keyboard
There are two types of keyboards you can install and use with the Phoenix 104:
• Any USB compatable keyboard.
• Sealed rugged keyboard with integrated pointer (F2_KBD-BLH)
The keyboard attaches to one of the two USB ports on the Phoenix. It is automatically detected and prepared for use.
For information on installing the rugged keyboard and its mount, see the Phoenix 104 Installation manual.
Using a Barcode Scanner
Connecting a tethered Scanner
You can attach a tethered scanner to one of the serial or USB ports on the Phoenix. Be sure to order your scanner with the
appropriate cable.
USB Scanner
1. Loosen the screws on the USB retainer and move the retainer away from the USB connector.
2. Plug the cable into one of the USB ports. Depending on the scanner you are attaching, you may hear a series of
beeps and the Good Read light may flash.
3. Slide the USB retainer toward the connector until it is firmly against the USB connector. Tighten the two screws.
4. The USB ort will recognize the scanner as a type of Human Input Device (HID) and configure it automatically to
function as a keyboard input. Any application that accepts keyboard input will receive the output from the USB
scanner. There is now visual indication that the USB scanner is operational.
5. To test, simply open an application that accepts keyboard input, such as WordPad and scan a label to see the data
on the screen.
Serial Scanner 1. The serial ports can supply either 5V or 12V power on pin 9 of the connector. The
factory default is 5V on COM1 and 12V on COM2. Verify which voltage the scanner
requires.
2. If necessary, attach the cable to the tethered scanner.
3. Attach the scanners RS-232 cable to the appropriate COM connector on the Phoenix.
Depending on the scanner you are attaching, you may hear a series of beeps and the
Good Read light may flash. Tighten the screws to make sure the cable stays attached
during use.
4. To receive data from the scanner, two approaches can be used.
a. Custom application software can manage the serial port, configured it and
accecpt data under control of the application.
b. KeyWedge can be used to configure the serial port and convert the serial
received data to keyboard characters that can then be used by any application
that accepts keyboard input.
Using KeyWedge
Double Tap MyDevice->Windows, then double tap on the KeyWedge Icon.
This will start the KeyWedge driver and a green KeyWedge Status Icon will appear in
the system tray.