PSC PT2000 User manual

PT 2000®& TopGun®
Portable Data Terminals
User’s Guide
PT2000.book Page i Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

PSC Inc
959 Terry Street
Eugene, Oregon 97402
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
An Unpublished Work - All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this documentation or the procedures
described therein may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of
PSC Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries ("PSC"). Owners of PSC products are hereby granted a non-exclusive,
revocable license to reproduce and transmit this documentation for the purchaser's own internal business pur-
poses. Purchaser shall not remove or alter any proprietary notices, including copyright notices, contained in this
documentation and shall ensure that all notices appear on any reproductions of the documentation.
Should future revisions of this manual be published, you can acquire printed versions by contacting your PSC rep-
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appropriate media. If you visit our website and would like to make comments or suggestions about this or other
PSC publications, please let us know via the “Contact PSC” page.
Disclaimer
PSC has taken reasonable measures to provide information in this manual that is complete and accurate, however,
PSC reserves the right to change any specification at any time without prior notice.
PSC is a registered trademark of PSC Inc. The PSC logo is a trademark of PSC. All other trademarks and trade
names referred to herein are property of their respective owners.
This product may be covered by one or more of the following patents: 4603262 • 4639606 • 4652750 • 4672215 • 4699447 • 4709369 • 4749879
4786798 • 4792666 • 4794240 • 4798943 • 4799164 • 4820911 • 4845349 • 4861972 • 4861973 • 4866257 • 4868836 • 4879456 • 4939355 •
4939356 • 4943127 • 4963719 • 4971176 • 4971177 • 4991692 • 5001406 • 5015831 • 5019697 • 5019698 • 5086879 • 5115120 • 5144118 •
5146463 • 5179270 • 5198649 • 5200597 • 5202784 • 5208449 • 5210397 • 5212371 • 5212372 • 5214270 • 5229590 • 5231293 • 5232185 •
5233169 • 5235168 • 5237161 • 5237162 • 5239165 • 5247161 • 5256864 • 5258604 • 5258699 • 5260554 • 5274219 • 5296689 • 5298728 •
5311000 • 5327451 • 5329103 • 5330370 • 5347113 • 5347121 • 5371361 • 5382783 • 5386105 • 5389917 • 5410108 • 5420410 • 5422472 •
5426507 • 5438187 • 5440110 • 5440111 • 5446271 • 5446749 • 5448050 • 5463211 • 5475206 • 5475207 • 5479011 • 5481098 • 5491328 •
5493108 • 5504350 • 5508505 • 5512740 • 5541397 • 5552593 • 5557095 • 5563402 • 5565668 • 5576531 • 5581707 • 5594231 • 5594441 •
5598070 • 5602376 • 5608201 • 5608399 • 5612529 • 5629510 • 5635699 • 5641958 • 5646391 • 5661435 • 5664231 • 5666045 • 5671374 •
5675138 • 5682028 • 5686716 • 5696370 • 5703347 • 5705802 • 5714750 • 5717194 • 5723852 • 5750976 • 5767502 • 5770847 • 5786581 •
5786585 • 5787103 • 5789732 • 5796222 • 5804809 • 5814803 • 5814804 • 5821721 • 5822343 • 5825009 • 5834708 • 5834750 • 5837983 •
5837988 • 5852286 • 5864129 • 5869827 • 5874722 • 5883370 • 5905249 • 5907147 • 5923023 • 5925868 • 5929421 • 5945670 • 5959284 •
5962838 • 5979769 • 6000619 • 6006991 • 6012639 • 6016135 • 6024284 • 6041374 • 6042012 • 6045044 • 6047889 • 6047894 • 6056198 •
6065676 • 6069696 • 6073849 • 6073851 • 6094288 • 6112993 • 6129279 • 6129282 • 6134039 • 6142376 • 6152368 • 6152372 • 6155488 •
6166375 • 6169614 • 6173894 • 6176429 • 6188500 • 6189784 • 6213397 • 6223986 • 6230975 • 6230976 • 6237852 • 6244510 • 6259545 •
6260763 • 6266175 • 6273336 • 6276605 • 6279829 • 6290134 • 6290135 • 6293467 • 6303927 • 6311895 • 6318634 • 6328216 • 6332576 •
6332577 • 6343741 • 6454168 • 6478224 • 6,568,598 • 6,578,765 • 6705527 • AU703547 • D312631 • D313590 • D320011 • D320012 •
D323492 • D330707 • D330708 • D349109 • D350127 • D350735 • D351149 • D351150 • D352936 • D352937 • D352938 • D352939 • D358588
• D361565 • D372234 • D374630 • D374869 • D375493 • D376357 • D377345 • D377346 • D377347 • D377348 • D388075 • D446524 •
EP0256296 • EP0260155 • EP0260156 • EP0295936 • EP0325469 • EP0349770 • EP0368254 • EP0442215 • EP0498366 • EP0531645 •
EP0663643 • EP0698251 • GB2252333 • GB2284086 • GB2301691 • GB2304954 • GB2307093 • GB2308267 • GB2308678 • GB2319103 •
GB2333163 • GB2343079 • GB2344486 • GB2345568 • GB2354340 • ISR107546 • ISR118507 • ISR118508 • JP1962823 • JP1971216 •
JP2513442 • JP2732459 • JP2829331 • JP2953593 • JP2964278 • MEX185552 • MEX187245 • RE37166 • Other Patents Pending
PT2000.book Page ii Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

User’s Guide i
CONTENTS
About this Guide ....................................................................................v
Style Conventions.......................................................................................... vi
Document Conventions ......................................................................... vi
Keys and Keystroke Conventions ........................................................... vi
Radio Frequency Interference....................................................................... vii
Chapter 1: Introduction & Quick Start Guide ................................................... 1
Overview ........................................................................................................ 2
Getting Started Quickly ................................................................................. 4
Chapter 2: About the PT 2000 and TopGun..................................................... 7
The PT 2000.................................................................................................. 8
TopGun ......................................................................................................... 9
The Keypad.................................................................................................. 10
Data Keys.............................................................................................. 11
Function Keys ....................................................................................... 12
Action Keys........................................................................................... 12
The Display Screen....................................................................................... 13
The Virtual Display............................................................................... 13
Displaying Information about the Portable ........................................... 15
The Beeper ................................................................................................... 15
The Auto-Off Feature................................................................................... 16
The PT Dock ............................................................................................... 16
PT2000.book Page i Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Contents
ii PT 2000® & TopGun®
Chapter 3: Using the PT 2000 and TopGun with PALPRO .......................17
Getting Started .............................................................................................18
Attaching an Input Device to the PT 2000............................................18
Turning On the Portable.......................................................................19
Setting the Time and Date ....................................................................19
Setting a Password .................................................................................20
Collecting Data.............................................................................................21
Using the Portable as a Keyboard Wedge...............................................21
Using PALPRO.....................................................................................23
DESCRIPT ...........................................................................................35
INVMODEM.......................................................................................42
TIMESTMP..........................................................................................44
Reviewing the Collected Data.......................................................................47
Uploading Data to the Host PC ...................................................................49
Serial Configuration ..............................................................................49
Keyboard Wedge Configuration ............................................................51
Removing Collected Data from Memory......................................................52
Turning Off the Portable..............................................................................53
Resetting the Portable ...................................................................................54
Care and Cleaning ........................................................................................55
Chapter 4: Programming the
PT 2000 and TopGun........................................................................57
Overview ......................................................................................................58
Using Programming Utilities ........................................................................59
PERCPROG .........................................................................................59
PDPROG..............................................................................................62
Using Predefined Defaults ............................................................................63
Using Bar Codes...........................................................................................64
Guidelines for Creating Programming Bar Codes ..................................64
Using Multiple Bar Codes .....................................................................65
General Programming Parameters.................................................................66
Setting the Hour Format, Time, and Date.............................................67
Serial Parameters...........................................................................................68
Xmodem Protocol .................................................................................68
PT2000.book Page ii Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Contents
User’s Guide iii
Code 39 and ASCII Equivalents for Serial Characters ........................... 70
Chapter 5: Transferring Data With PSC Utilities...........................................71
Overview ...................................................................................................... 72
Using Portable File Transfer Program (PTFER) ........................................... 73
Installing & Setting up PTFER ............................................................. 73
Uploading a File.................................................................................... 74
Downloading a File ............................................................................... 76
Changing Settings ................................................................................. 76
Setting Command Line Options ........................................................... 78
Using PDTFER............................................................................................ 80
Using MACTFER ........................................................................................ 81
Using UPDTFER......................................................................................... 83
Appendix A: Programming Parameters .............................................................85
Overview ...................................................................................................... 86
Appendix B: Full Keyboard Support .....................................................................93
Overview ...................................................................................................... 94
Appendix C: The TopGun Module .........................................................................99
Attaching the TopGun Module to the PT 2000......................................... 100
Changing TopGun to a Left-Handed Model.............................................. 103
Laser Specifications and Labeling................................................................ 105
Appendix D: The PT Dock ...................................................................................... 107
About the PT Dock.................................................................................... 108
Setting Up the Dock .................................................................................. 108
Attaching the Dock Adapter to the Portable........................................ 108
Attaching the PT Dock to a Computer ............................................... 110
About the Power Adapter .................................................................... 112
Using the PT Dock .................................................................................... 113
Recharging the Portable’s Batteries ..................................................... 113
Maintenance ....................................................................................... 113
PT2000.book Page iii Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Contents
iv PT 2000® & TopGun®
Appendix E: Batteries ..............................................................................................115
Alkaline Batteries ........................................................................................116
NiCd Battery Pack......................................................................................117
Recharging the NiCd Battery Pack ......................................................119
Storing the NiCd Battery Pack ............................................................120
Lithium Backup Battery..............................................................................120
Low Battery Indication ...............................................................................121
NiCd Battery Pack or Alkaline Batteries ..............................................121
Backup Battery ....................................................................................121
Appendix F: Connector Configurations............................................................123
Bar Code & Magnetic Stripe Reader Connector .........................................124
Interface Cable Connector ..........................................................................125
PT Dock.....................................................................................................126
Appendix G: Programming Bar Codes ..............................................................127
PT2000.book Page iv Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Preface:
About this Guide
PREFACE CONTENTS
Style Conventions.................................................... viii
Document Conventions ....................................... viii
Keys and Keystroke Conventions.......................... viii
Radio Frequency Interference.................................... ix
Technical Support .......................................................x
PT2000.book Page v Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

About this Guide
vi PT 2000® & TopGun®
Style Conventions
Document Conventions
Formatting conventions are used throughout this guide as a method of
providing consistency for notes, cautions, and warnings.
Notes Notes appear throughout the manual to provide additional information
on a topic, including technical details, exceptions to instructions and
other pertinent information. These notes are identified by the notepad
symbol and bold italics text.
Cautions Cautions appear when there is information for the user that is strongly
recommended. They are identified by the exclamation mark in a triangle
and bold italics text. This text appears in gold bold italics text if the
user is viewing the manual in electronic PDF form on their computer.
Warnings Warnings appear when there is something of extreme importance for
the user to know prior to proceeding. They are identified by the
exclamation mark in a triangle and bold italics text. This text appears in
red bold italics text if the user is viewing the manual in electronic PDF
form on their computer.
Keys and Keystroke Conventions
Portable keys and keystroke conventions are used throughout this
manual to identify the difference between a key on the portable and
keystrokes input by the user. Brackets such as: <Scan> indicate a key on
a portable data terminal. Data or keystrokes entered by the user, and
filenames or directories are presented in a monospaced typeface.
PT2000.book Page vi Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Radio Frequency Interference
User’s Guide vii
Radio Frequency Interference
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A est confirme à la norme
NMB-003 du Canada.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with these instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
zReorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
zIncrease the separation between the equipment and receiver.
zConnect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
which the receiver is connected.
zConsult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
PT2000.book Page vii Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

About this Guide
viii PT 2000® & TopGun®
Technical Support
PSC Website Support
The PSC website (www.psc.com) is the complete source for techni-
cal support and information for PSC products. The site offers the
PSC TekForum, product support, product registration, warranty
information, product manuals, product tech notes, software
updates, demos, and instructions for returning products for repair.
PSC Website TekForum
Search for information on the TekForum by clicking on the Sup-
port link on the PSC home page. Browse the TekForum to find
answers to your questions about common technical issues. Regis-
ter with TekForum to submit a question to the PSC Technical
Support Staff.
Reseller Technical Support
An excellent source for technical assistance and information is an
authorized PSC reseller. A reseller is acquainted with specific types
of businesses, application software, and computer systems and can
provide individualized assistance.
Telephone Technical Support
If you do not have internet or email access, you may contact PSC
technical support at [phone].
PT2000.book Page viii Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

CHAPTER CONTENTS
Overview.....................................................................2
Getting Started Quickly..............................................4
1
Introduction &
Quick Start Guide
PT2000.book Page 1 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Introduction & Quick Start Guide
2 PT 2000® & TopGun®
Overview
This manual contains complete information about using and
programming the PT 2000 portable and TopGun module.
The manual contains the following sections:
zChapter 2, About the PT 2000 and TopGun, provides a complete
overview of the portables, including descriptions of the keypad,
the display screen, and optional accessories. Read this chapter
before using the portable.
zChapter 3, Using the PT 2000 and TopGun with PALPRO, contains
complete information about operating the portable, connecting it
to a host computer or terminal, and uploading data to the host.
Read this chapter before using the portable.
zChapter 4, Programming the PT 2000 and TopGun, explains how to
customize the portable’s settings. Read this chapter to change the
default settings.
zChapter 5, Transferring Data With PSC Utilities, provides
information about software programs to transfer data between the
portable and a DOS PC, an IBM 3151 terminal, a UNIX
workstation, or a Macintosh computer. Read this chapter to
upload collected data.
zAppendix A, Programming Parameters, contains ID numbers,
acceptable settings, and defaults for all programming parameters
for TopGun and the PT 2000. Refer to this chapter to change
settings in the portable.
zAppendix B, Full Keyboard Support, includes tables listing Code 39,
ASCII, and mnemonic values to use in programming the
portables. Refer to this chapter when creating bar codes for
programming the portable.
PT2000.book Page 2 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Overview
User’s Guide 3
zAppendix C, The TopGun Module, provides information about the
TopGun module. Refer to this chapter if the TopGun module is
separate from the PT 2000 or to change the direction of the laser.
zAppendix D, The PT Dock, explains how to set up and use the
optional dock for the PT 2000 or TopGun. Refer to this chapter
before using the dock for the first time or when connecting it to a
PC.
zAppendix E, Batteries, provides information about using alkaline
or nickel-cadmium batteries and about the lithium backup
battery installed in the portable. Refer to this chapter to replace
one type of battery with another in the portable.
zAppendix F, Connector Configurations, identifies pin assignments
for the connectors on the PT 2000. Refer to this chapter to order
cables or make custom ones.
zAppendix G, Programming Bar Codes, contains bar codes for
scanning to set selected programming parameters. Use this
chapter to change settings in the portable.
zRefer to the Index to find specific topics in this user’s guide.
zAbout this Guide contains a section on , which provides
information on technical assistance. Refer to this section for help
or technical assistance.
PT2000.book Page 3 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

Introduction & Quick Start Guide
4 PT 2000® & TopGun®
Getting Started Quickly
The PSC portable comes with an application named PALPRO loaded in
memory. PALPRO includes three useful data-collection programs for
using the PT 2000 or TopGun without additional programming.
Follow the steps below to begin using the portable with PALPRO
immediately. Page references show where to find more information.
They are live links in the PDF (on-line portable document format)
version of this manual.
1. Fill out and return the registration card enclosed with the unit. If
there is a TopGun module, be sure to include both serial numbers
on the registration card.
2. To replace the installed alkaline batteries with a nickel-cadmium
battery pack, refer to Appendix E on page 115.
3. With a PT 2000, attach a bar code scanner or magnetic stripe
reader by pushing its plug into the jack at the top of the PT 2000.
Be sure the plug is firmly in place.
4. Turn the portable on by pressing the green I/O button.
5. Press the ENTER key twice to accept the current date and time, or
if necessary, change the date and time settings. (Refer to page 19.)
6. Enter a password. (Refer to page 20.)
7. Press any function key to display the PALPRO Options menu.
8. To use the portable as a keyboard wedge, connect it to a PC or
terminal following the instructions on page 21.
Note: If the portable has been customized, it may operate
differently. Check with a systems administrator for
instructions.
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Getting Started Quickly
User’s Guide 5
9. Then select <F3> from the PALPRO Options menu. (Refer to
page 23.)
zWhen not using the portable as a keyboard wedge, press the
<F2> key to display the list of available applications, and
select the application to use. (Refer to page 26–page 29.)
The PT 2000 or TopGun is now ready to begin collecting data. Enter
data with the TopGun module or another bar code scanner, a magnetic
stripe reader, or the keypad.
For information about uploading collected data from the portable to a
PC, refer to “Uploading Data to the Host PC,” starting on page 49.
PT2000.book Page 5 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

PT2000.book Page 6 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

2
About the PT 2000
and TopGun
CHAPTER CONTENTS
The PT 2000 .............................................................. 8
TopGun ...................................................................... 9
The Keypad .............................................................. 10
Data Keys.............................................................. 11
Function Keys ....................................................... 12
Action Keys ........................................................... 12
The Display Screen................................................... 13
The Virtual Display............................................... 13
Displaying Information about the Portable............ 15
The Beeper ............................................................... 15
The Auto-Off Feature ............................................... 16
The PT Dock............................................................ 16
PT2000.book Page 7 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

About the PT 2000 and TopGun
8 PT 2000® & TopGun®
The PT 2000
The PSC PT 2000 is a rugged, handheld, portable data-collection
terminal that allows bar code scanning technology anywhere.
The PT 2000 accepts input from any of the following devices:
zThe TopGun module (refer to page 9)
zWands (visible light and infrared)
zHandheld charge-coupled device (CCD) scanners
z5-volt handheld laser scanners
zID badge readers
zMagnetic stripe readers (one track)
The PT 2000 automatically recognizes and discriminates among the
following bar code symbologies:
The PT 2000 verifies acceptance of input by sounding a beep. Change
the beeper’s volume, pitch, and duration to suit the work environment
or personal preferences.
The PT 2000’s liquid crystal display (LCD) provides easy readability. Its
keypad provides full alphanumeric input capabilities and includes four
programmable function keys. The PT 2000 features a built-in PC
interface, for use as a keyboard “wedge” for those applications requiring
fixed-station scanning.
The PT 2000 comes with the PALPRO application installed. PALPRO
is made up of three useful programs coexisting in memory:
zASSETPRO, for tracking assets at various locations.
zINVPRO, for inventory control. Customize it to collect item-
and-quantity information or item-only data.
zCodabar zCode 128 zCode 39
zCode 93 zEAN-8 zEAN-13
zInterleaved 2 of 5 zJAN-8 zJAN-13
zUPC-A zUPC-E zUPC/EAN/JAN extensions
PT2000.book Page 8 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

TopGun
User’s Guide 9
zTRACKPRO, for tracking check-in and check-out of articles at
one or more locations. An optional date-and-time stamp records
when each item is checked in or out.
PALPRO is part of the PSC Portable Applications Library (PAL). With
PAL, the PT 2000 can be customized for specific purposes without
using a programming application. Or use the PSC Program
Generator™ (PPG™) to create additional custom programs for the PT
2000.
TopGun
TopGun is an integrated unit consisting of a laser module mounted on a
PT 2000. The TopGun module is also available separately as an add-on
for the PT 2000 (refer to Figure 2-1 on page 10). The module attaches to
the 9-pin connector at the top of the PT 2000 and can be adapted for
right- or left-handed use. The module has two triggers, allowing
scanning with either the index finger or thumb.
Use TopGun to scan bar code labels on flat, curved, or irregular surfaces
at distances ranging from one inch to two feet. The TopGun laser
module operates like other handheld lasers—just aim and press the
trigger. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the module indicate laser
activation and good reads. An audible tone also indicates good reads.
Collected data is stored in the PT 2000.
Note: Please contact a PSC dealer for more information about
PAL or PPG.
PT2000.book Page 9 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM

About the PT 2000 and TopGun
10 PT 2000® & TopGun®
For complete information about the TopGun module, refer to
Appendix C on page 99.
Figure 2-1: The TopGun Module
The Keypad
The keypads on the PT 2000 and TopGun have three types of keys: data
keys, function keys, and action keys (refer to Figure 2-2 on page 11).
Each key produces a beep when pressed.
PT2000.book Page 10 Thursday, March 10, 2005 9:05 AM