Percon Falcon User manual

www.percon.com
Falcon™
DOS Portable Data Terminal
User’s Guide

>>
User’s Guide
Falcon™
DOS PORTABLE TERMINALS

Falcon DOS Portable Terminals
User’s Guide
©2000
1800 Millrace Drive
Eugene, OR 97403
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.percon.com
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced, trans-
mitted, or stored in any form or by any means without prior written
consent, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a
review, or as provided for in the Copyright Act of 1976.
Percon®is a registered trademark of Percon Incorporated. Falcon™
is a trademark of Percon Incorporated.
Datalight®is a registered trademark of Datalight, Inc., and ROM-
DOS™ is a trademark of Datalight, Inc.
PhoenixCARD Manager Plus ©1993, 1994 Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Many of the designations used by manufacturers and sellers to
distinguish their products are claimed as trademarks. Where these
designations appear here and the authors were aware of a
trademark claim, the designations have been printed with a
trademark (™) symbol.
The information contained in this document is subject to change
without notice.
00-641-00
9720-0641-07
4/2000

< iii >
About This Book
This book provides information about Falcon DOS porta-
ble data terminals for first-time users. Its focus is:
Ginitial use of the Falcon,
Gentering data from the keypad and from bar
codes, and
Gutilizing the Falcon Dock and 4-Slot Dock.
For additional information about Falcon DOS portable
terminals, including instructions on transferring files
from a Falcon to a PC, see the Falcon DOS Portable Ter-
minals Advanced User’s Guide.
NOTE: When used in this book, the word “Falcon” gen-
erally refers to any or all of the DOS portable models
identified below. Where information applies to specific
models, those models are clearly identified by their
model number in the side column or in the text
320
325
330
335
310
315

< iv > Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide
Getting Help
The most comprehensive source for technical support and informa-
tion for Percon products is the Percon web site, at www.per-
con.com. The site offers answers to frequently asked questions
(FAQs), software updates, patches, demos, product documentation,
and instructions for returning products for repair.
Another excellent source for technical assistance and information is
an authorized Percon reseller. A reseller is directly acquainted with
specific types of business, application software, and computer sys-
tem and, therefore, is in the best position to provide individualized
assistance.
If the solution to a technical support question is not available
through the Percon Web site or a local reseller, contact Percon tech-
nical support directly via e-mail at [e-mail].

Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide < v >
Product Labeling and Safety Information
AVOIDEXPOSURE
LASER LIGHTIS EMMITED
FROM THIS APE RTURE
AVOIDEXPOSURE
LA S ER LIG HT IS E MMITE D
FRO M THIS A PERTURE
RECE IVE D INC LUDING INTE RFEREN CE THA T M AY CAUS E
(1) THIS DEV ICE MAY NO T CA US E HARMFUL INTERFERENCE,
AN D (2 ) THIS DEVIC E M UST A C CEPT A NY INT ERFEREN CE
OPERAT ION IS S UBJ ECT TO THE FOLLO WIN G TW O CO NDITION S:
THIS EQ UIP MENT CO MPLIES W ITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.
1mw-680nm-10 0sec. IEC 825-1:1993/
LAS ER LIG HT - DO NO T STA RE INTO BEA M
EN60 825 - 1: 1994
UNDE S IRE D O P ERA T IO N.
CLASS 2 LASER PRODUCT.
EN60825 - 1:1994
1mw-680nm-100sec.IEC825-1:1993/
CLASS 2 LASER PRODUCT.
LAS ER LI G HT - DO NO T S T A R E I N TO BEA M
RE CEIV ED INC LUDIN G I NT ERF E RE NCE THAT MA Y C A US E
AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST A CCEPT AN Y INTERFERENCE
(1) THIS DEVICEMA Y NOT CAUSE HARMFULINTERFERE NCE,
O PE RAT IO N IS SUBJ E C T T O T HE FO LLO W IN G TWO CON DIT ION S :
THISEQUIPMENTCO MPLIES W ITHPART15 OFTHE FCCRULES.
UNDESIREDO PERA TION .

< vi > Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide
Advisory
Statement
CAUTION: Use of controls, adjustments, or performance of proce-
dures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous
visible or invisible laser light exposure.
FCC Information This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is sub-
ject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interfer-
ence received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide < vii >
Contents
About This Book. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Getting Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
Product Labeling and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .v
Chapter One:
About Falcon DOS Terminals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Model Numbers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Optional Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Falcon Dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Falcon 4-Slot Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Portable Battery Charger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Care and Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter Two:
Using the Falcon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Turning the Unit On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
First-Time Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
“Please Wait” Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Low-Battery Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Replacing the Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Auto-Shutoff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
The Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Input Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Double Action Key Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Cursors and Icons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
International Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Contents
< viii > Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide
Repeating Keystrokes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
The Viewport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Moving the Viewport Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Adjusting the Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Using the Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
The Falcon Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
The Laser Triggers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Changing the Laser Module’s Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Using the Long-Range Laser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Attaching a Bar Code Reader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
The Serial Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
The Falcon Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Chapter Three:
The Falcon Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
About the Falcon Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Attaching the Falcon Dock to the Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
The Power Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Using the Falcon Dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Chapter Four:
The Falcon 4-Slot Dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
About the Falcon 4-Slot Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Back Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Power Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Connecting the Dock to the Host . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Creating a Dock Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Using the 4-Slot Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Charging a Falcon’s Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Transferring Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Contents
Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide < ix >
Chapter Five:
Vehicle Mount Powered Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
About the Vehicle Mount Powered Dock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Using the Vehicle Mount Powered Dock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Vehicle 12VDC Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Fuse Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Falcon Vehicle Bracket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Custom Mounting Brackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Chapter Six:
Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Serial Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Bar Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

< 1 >
CHAPTER CONTENTS
Overview <2>
Model Numbers <2>
Optional Accessories <2>
Falcon Dock
Falcon 4-Slot Dock
Portable Battery Charger
Care and Cleaning <3>
>> Chapter One
About Falcon DOS Terminals
This chapter provides an overview of the Falcon line of DOS portable terminals. It
identifies the various model configurations and accessories and describes some of
the features of the Falcon models.

About Falcon DOS Terminals
< 2 > Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide
>> Overview
Falcon DOS portable data terminals are handheld computers
designed for data collection. The Falcon DOS portable line includes
8-line and 16-line models.
Some Falcons have integrated laser scanners, making them high-
performance bar code readers as well. Models without integrated
lasers accept input from most industry-standard bar code readers.
Both the 8-line and the 16-line Falcon models are available in batch
and wireless (radio frequency, or RF) configurations. Wireless mod-
els provide instant communication of data between the unit and a
host computer.
>> Model Numbers
Table 1-1 lists the model numbers of the Falcon DOS portables and
describes their configurations.
Table 1-1: Falcon Models
>> Optional Accessories
Falcon Dock The Falcon Dock is the docking station for the Falcon. It’s two pri-
mary uses are:
GRecharging the Falcon’s NiCD or NiMH battery pack.
GProviding a connection for serial communications between
the Falcon and the host computer.
Review chapter 3for more information about the Falcon Dock.
Model Number 8-Line 16-Line Batch RF
310 X X
315 X X
320 X X
325 X X
330 X X
335 X X

Care and Cleaning
Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide < 3 >
The Dock for the Falcon and uses a dual IR/hardwire in-
terface to provide nearly transparent full duplex serial communica-
tions between the Falcon and and the host computer.
For additional information, on communication limitations, review
the Falcon DOS Portable Terminals Advanced User’s Guide.
Falcon 4-Slot Dock The Falcon 4-Slot Dock provides battery recharging and serial com-
munications for up to four Falcon portables at a time.
Review chapter 4for more information about the Falcon 4-Slot
Dock.
NOTE: There is no 4-slot dock for the Falcon and .
Portable Battery
Charger
When not using a Falcon Dock or a Falcon 4-Slot Dock, the optional
portable battery charger can be used to recharge the Falcon’s bat-
teries. Rechargeable batteries that have lost all power can be fully
recharged in about 2 hours.
NOTE: To purchase accessories, or for additional information, con-
tact a Percon representative, or visit the Percon Web site at
www.percon.com.
>> Care and Cleaning
With normal use, the Falcon DOS portable terminal requires no
maintenance. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a damp cloth.
GDo not immerse the Falcon in liquid.
GDo not use any abrasive cleaners on the display screen.

< 5 >
CHAPTER CONTENTS
Turning the Unit On and Off <6>
First-Time Use
“Please Wait” Messages
Batteries <7>
Low-Battery Warning
Replacing the Batteries
Auto-Shutoff
The Keypad <10>
Input Modes
Double Action Key Mode
Cursors and Icons
International Characters
Repeating Keystrokes
The Viewport <21>
Moving the Viewport Display
Adjusting the Contrast
Using the Backlight
The Falcon Laser <24>
The Laser Triggers
Changing the Laser Module’s Orientation
Using the Long-Range Laser
Attaching a Bar Code Reader <27>
The Serial Port <28>
The Falcon Applications <29>
>> Chapter Two
Using the Falcon
The Falcon is an enhanced DOS computer that provides the user unique functionality
and flexibility. The Falcon unit can contain one or more specialized applications that
collects bar code data or other information. This chapter will demonstrate how easy
it is to use the Falcon.
Finding Out More: For more information (including instructions on transferring
files to and from a Falcon), see the Falcon DOS Portable Terminals Advanced User’s
Guide.

Using the Falcon
< 6 > Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide
>> Turning the Unit On and Off
Press the Power
PowerPower
Power key to turn the unit on or off.
GThe Power key for the Falcon 31x-32x is located at the top
left of the keypad matrix.
GThe Power key for the Falcon 33x is located at the bottom
left of the keypad matrix.
First-Time Use The first time the Falcon unit is turned on, the following message
may be seen:
This message appears with normal operation and does not indicate
a problem. Press the ENTER
ENTERENTER
ENTER key, and the Falcon will continue to
boot up.
NOTE: This message will also appear when new or recharged bat-
teries are placed in the unit after the backup battery has been
drained.
“Please Wait”
Messages
Depending upon the type of PC card installed, the Falcon will per-
form the various operations placed on the card.
GDuring these operations, the unit will display a message in
reverse video indicating that it is powering on or off.
GWhen turning the unit on, wait until the message disap-
pears before using the unit.
GWhen turning the unit off, to replace the batteries, wait
until the message disappears before removing the batteries.
Initial power-up or
critical data loss.
Drive D formatted.
Press any key...

Batteries
Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide < 7 >
>> Batteries
Falcon batteries are available in rechargeable, easy-to-replace nickel
cadmium (NiCD) or nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) battery packs.
GThe Falcon and can use three standard AA alka-
line batteries, NiCD, or NiMH battery packs.
GFor models and , only NiMH battery packs are
recommended.
GFor the Falcon and , NiMH battery packs are rec-
ommended. Individual alkaline batteries are not compatible
with these models.
The Falcon also has a built-in lithium backup battery that tempo-
rarily saves data when the replaceable batteries lose their charge.
NOTE: A battery icon, shown at the left, is displayed at the top right
corner of the viewport when the Falcon , , ,and
are running with a charged battery.
Low-Battery
Warning
When the batteries have lost most of their charge, an icon of an
“empty” battery appears at the top right corner of the Falcon
screen. (See the icons at left.)
GThe Falcon also can be programmed to emit a beep at inter-
vals when the battery is low.
GThe backup battery will protect all data in memory while the
other batteries are out of the unit.
After recharging or replacing the batteries and turning the Falcon
back on, the unit will return to the application operating when it
was turned off.
Replacing the
Batteries
When the empty-battery icon appears or the warning beep is heard,
turn off the Falcon and recharge or replace the batteries as soon as
possible. Turn the Falcon off before changing the batteries. Remov-
ing batteries while the unit is on can trigger a number of problems,
including loss of stored data.
The Falcon’s batteries (except for the lithium backup battery) are lo-
cated in a compartment on the back of the unit (see figure 2-1). To
replace the batteries, complete the following steps:

Using the Falcon
< 8 > Falcon DOS Portable Terminals User’s Guide
For Falcon models , , , and :
1. Turn the Falcon off.
2. Detach the elastic hand strap on the back of the Falcon by pull-
ing its hook out of the holder near the base.
3. The battery-compartment cover has a tab located in the middle
of the unit. Firmly press the tab up until the cover is released
from the body of the unit. (A symbol on the body indicates the
direction in which to press the tab.)
4. Pull the end of the exposed plastic ribbon in the battery com-
partment until the batteries pop out.
Figure 2-1: NiCD Battery Pack in Falcon , , , or Battery Compartment
5. Lay the plastic ribbon along the bottom of the battery compart-
ment with the end sticking out.
6. Alkaline Batteries Insert the batteries in the positions indi-
cated by the diagram inside the compartment.
Tab
Battery-compartment cover
NiCD BATTERY
00-862-00
PERCON
+
-
E9642W
NICD Battery Pack
Label
Be sure to turn the Falcon off
before removing the batter-
ies. All data in memory may
be lost if the unit is not off
when batteries are removed.
Strap-hook
holder