Symbol VC5090 User manual

Quick Reference Guide
VC5090 Vehicle Computer
PRELIMINARY

2 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
©2006 SYMBOL TECHNOLOGIES, INC. All rights reserved.
Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any product to improve
reliability, function, or design.
Symbol does not assume any product liability arising out of, or in
connection with, the application or use of any product, circuit, or
application described herein.
No license is granted, either expressly or by implication, estoppel, or
otherwise under any patent right or patent, covering or relating to any
combination, system, apparatus, machine, material, method, or process
in which Symbol products might be used. An implied license exists only
for equipment, circuits, and subsystems contained in Symbol products.
Symbol and the Symbol logo are registered trademarks of Symbol
Technologies, Inc. Other product names mentioned in this manual may
be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies
and are hereby acknowledged.
Symbol Technologies, Inc.
One Symbol Plaza
Holtsville, N.Y. 11742-1300
http://www.symbol.com
Warranty
Subject to the terms of Symbol’s hardware warranty statement, the
VC5090 Vehicle Computer products are warranted against defects in
workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of
shipment. For the complete Symbol hardware product warranty
statement, go to: http://www.symbol.com/warranty.
Patents
This product is covered by one or more patents. For patent information
go to: http://www.symbol.com/patents.

Quick Reference Guide 3
Introduction
The VC5090 Vehicle Computer is a vehicle or fixed-mount computer.
The VC5090 has two configurations: a full-screen computer with optional
keyboard and a half screen configuration with a built in keyboard. You
can enter data using the touch screen, the keyboard, an optional bar
code scanner, or a combination of the three. The data is transmitted
wireless to a host computer. The vehicle computer features:
• Ergonomic design with color LCD touch screen
• Internal wide-range power supply (9 - 72 VDC) to accommodate
propane, gasoline, and electric-powered forklifts
• Internal antennas with external antenna port
• Interfaces with scanners, printers, audio devices and other
peripherals
• Continuous operation at -30°C (-22°F) (cold storage terminals)
• Pre-loaded with terminal emulation software.
About This Guide
This guide contains the following:
•Features on page 4
•Unpacking on page 5
•Optional Accessories on page 6
•Charging the Internal Backup Battery on page 20
•Calibrating the Touch Screen on page 21
•Resetting the Vehicle Computer on page 21
•Programmable Keys on page 22
•Connecting Accessories on page 22
•Maintenance on page 23
•Troubleshooting on page 24.
For more information including installation instructions, refer to the
VC5090 Product Reference Guide, p/n 72E-76347-xx available at
http://www.symbol.com/manuals.

4 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
Features
Optional Keyboard
Angle Adjustment
Knob
Power LED
Antenna Port for Optional
External Antenna
Display
Built-In Keyboard
Control Button
Main Power Switch
User
Programmable
Buttons
Power Button
Control LED
WLAN COMM
LED
Mounting Bracket

Quick Reference Guide 5
Unpacking
You should find the following items in the box:
• VC5090 vehicle computer
• mounting bracket
• hardware bag
• desiccant kit
• three fuses and three fuse holders
• power cable
• non-abrasive screen protector
• four 3/8 x 6 x 2” cap screws, eight flat washers, eight lock washers
and four hex nuts
• this guide.
Optional Accessories
• Heated keyboard with bracket assembly
• Scanners and cables
• Headsets
• Vehicle Motion Detector Kit
Desiccant Door
COM1Port
Connector
COM2 Port
Connector USB
Keyboard
Connector
UPS/Storage Card Door
Audio
Connector
USB Ports
C
lient or Host) Power
Connector

6 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
• Printer cables
• RS-232 and USB ActiveSync cables
• AC power supply
• Uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
• Replacement desiccant bag kit.
Refer to the VC5090 Product Reference Guide for information on
installation the vehicle computer in a vehicle or mounted on a wall.
Mounting Bracket Installation
NOTE The vehicle computer and bracket must be firmly secured
to a surface that can support the vehicle computer’s weight.
CAUTION Symbol requires that the Symbol Mounting Bracket be
used when mounting the vehicle computer.
Mounting
Bracket
Flat Washer
Lock
Washer
Friction Pad
Ergonomic
Handle
Friction Pad
Mounting Area

Quick Reference Guide 7
Installing the Desiccant Bags
1. Remove the tape securing the desiccant door to the back housing.
2. Open the desiccant package and remove the six desiccant bags.
3. Place three desiccant bags in the desiccant well.
4. Place the other three desiccant bags in the back of the desiccant door.
5. Carefully place the desiccant door onto the back housing. Ensure that
the desiccant packets do not interfere with placement of the door.
6. Secure the door to the back housing using the four screws. Torque to
8 ± 0.5 kgf.cm.
Installing the VC5090 in a Forklift
Follow the instructions below to properly install the VC5090 in a forklift.
• Determine the best location for mounting the vehicle computer taking
into consideration the driver’s field of view and ease of accessing the
vehicle computer.
• Install the appropriate mounting hardware.
• Connect the vehicle computer to the vehicle’s wiring system.
Positioning the Vehicle Computer
• Determine the best position for the vehicle computer and all the
associated components. If a similar vehicle computer was previously
installed, check to see if the position it used is suitable for the
VC5090.
• Test the installation for at least 30 minutes before installing on another
vehicle. Record all details:

8 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
-Check that the positions
of the vehicle computer
does not obstruct
vehicle controls.
-Check that the vehicle
computer does not
obstruct the driver's
view.
-Check the position of
the vehicle computer for
user comfort over long
periods.
-Check positioning to
avoid extreme wrist
angles that may cause injury.
Avoid Extreme Wrist Angles

Quick Reference Guide 9
Mounting the Vehicle Computer
Important Fixing Information
Any modification to supplied mounting bracket could cause early failure
of the unit/mountings.
• A minimum of four fixing positions must be used.
• All nuts and bolts must be checked periodically and tightened if
required.
• When installing the vehicle computer, care must be taken to ensure
that the mounting bracket footprint is fully supported. Additional plates
may be required to achieve this.
Mounting Bracket Template
Refer to the VC5090 Product Reference Guide for mounting template.
Mounting onto an Over-Head Cross-Beam Example
The diagram below illustrates a typical installation where the vehicle
computer is mounted onto a cross-beam.
Optimum Wrist Position

10 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
Mounting onto an Over-Head Cage
The diagram below illustrates a typical installation where the vehicle
computer is mounted on a cage.
Nuts
Washers
Bolts
Vehicle
Cross-Beam
Mounting
Bracket
Nuts
Washers
Bolts
Customer Supplied
Mounting Bracket
Mounting
Bracket

Quick Reference Guide 11
Mounting on a Dashboard or Horizontal Surface
The diagram below illustrates a typical installation where the vehicle
computer is mounted on a dashboard or hortizontal flat surface.
Routing Electrical Cables
• Establish a neat route for the cable, staying clear of moving parts or
hot surfaces wherever possible.
• Fix the cable to existing cable runs inside the vehicle using cable ties,
but make sure they are away from any moving or hot surfaces.
• When the cabling must go through a panel, use a suitable gland.
• When fixing the conduit or cable on the outside of a vehicle, use
P-Clips. Either drill and tap the hole or use a nut and bolt to secure the
clip.
• Make sure the cable does not have tight bends. The minimum
recommended radius is 2.5".
• Solder all fuse holders. DO NOT crimp.
• After soldering the fuse holder, file the solder flat where it comes in
contact with the fuse.
• On electric vehicles, take the power from as close to the battery as
possible, but not directly from the battery terminals, and not before
any main fuse.
Nuts
Washers
Bolts
Mounting Bracket
Mounting
Surface

12 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
• On gasoline, diesel or propane vehicles, take the power from as close
to the battery terminals as possible, and avoid using existing wiring.
• All fuses must be as close as possible to the power source.
• If you are unsure of the correct power source, contact the vehicle
manufacturer for more information.
12-24V Gasoline, Diesel, or Propane Forklifts
• All power wiring must use the supplied power cable.
• Fuse in positive rail = 20A
• Fuse in negative rail = 20A
• Fuse in switched positive = 1A
• Keep the path between the battery and the vehicle computer as short
as possible, and away from any part of the ignition high tension
system.
WARNING!A lead acid battery can leak hydrogen gas. A spark
anywhere near the battery can cause it to explode.
Always make your final connection to power as far
away from the battery as possible, i.e., connect the
power cable to the battery first, then the vehicle
computer.
CAUTION Use extreme care when routing and securing this
cable from the vehicle computer to the vehicle
power source. Hazards associated with improper
wiring can be severe. To avoid unintentional contact
between the wire and any sharp edges, use proper
bushings and clamping where the cable passes
through openings. If the wire is subjected to sharp
surfaces and excess engine vibration, the wiring
harness insulation can wear away, causing a short
between the bare wire and chassis. This can start a
fire.

Quick Reference Guide 13
1. Connect the green wire to the vehicle's chassis. If you cannot find a
close connection point, solder an extra length of cable to the green
wire to extend the connection to the chassis. Use a heat shrink to
cover the solder joint.
2. Crimp a ring terminal onto the green wire and screw the ring terminal
into the vehicle metal work. Or, if a bolt connection exists, attach the
ring terminal to this connection (check the connection with a
multi-meter to the vehicle chassis if you’re not sure).
3. Place a fuse holder in-line of the red, black and yellow wires
approximately four inches from the cable end, as shown below.
4. Solder the fuse terminal ends to the wire to ensure a proper electrical
connection. Use a heat shrink to cover the solder joint.
VC5090
FUSE - 20A
FUSE - 1A
Ignition Switch
FUSE - 20A
Chassis ground
Vehicle
Battery
Power Cable
25-71919-01
Yellow
Red
Green
Black
Fuse Holder Fuse HolderSpring Fuse
Fuse Terminal Ends

14 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
5. Connect the red wire to the vehicle's positive power source. Connect
the black wire to the vehicle's negative power source. To terminate the
cable:
• If the vehicle has a power output connector, use a mating connector.
You may be able to connect to a fuse panel with a commercially
available connector.
• If the vehicle has no power output connector, use a ring terminal (for a
battery post) or blade terminal (for a fuse panel).
6. Connect the yellow wire to the vehicle's ignition switch. If you do not
plan on using the ignition switch connection, connect the yellow wire
to the vehicle’s positive power source.
See your vehicle Owner's Manual for more information.
7. Ensure the wiring connections created are sufficiently insulated from
each other.
8. Re-connect the vehicle battery.
9. Insert the power cable connector into the vehicle computer's Power
port. Align the keyway on the power connector with the notch on the
vehicle computer’s power port.
Electric Forklifts Up to 60V
WARNING!A lead acid battery can leak hydrogen gas. A spark
anywhere near the battery can cause it to explode.
Always make your final connection to power as far
away from the battery as possible, i.e., connect the
power cable to the battery first, then the vehicle
computer.

Quick Reference Guide 15
• All power wiring must use the supplied power cable.
• Fuse in positive rail = 20A
• Fuse in negative rail = 20A
• Fuse in switched positive = 1A
• Use a filtered supply if available on the forklift. Consult the forklift
manufacturer for details.
CAUTION Use extreme care when routing and securing this
cable from the vehicle computer to the vehicle
power source. Hazards associated with improper
wiring can be severe. To avoid unintentional contact
between the wire and any sharp edges, use proper
bushings and clamping where the cable passes
through openings. If the wire is subjected to sharp
surfaces and excess engine vibration, the wiring
harness insulation can wear away, causing a short
between the bare wire and chassis. This can start a
fire.
VC5090
FUSE - 20A
FUSE - 1A
Switch
FUSE - 20A
Chassis ground
Vehicle
Battery
Power Cable
25-71919-01
Yellow
Red
Green
Black
or

16 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
1. Connect the green wire to the vehicle’s chassis. If you cannot find a
close connection point, solder an extra length of cable to the green
wire to extend the connection to the chassis. Use a heat shrink to
cover the solder joint.
2. Crimp a ring terminal onto the green wire and screw the ring terminal
into the vehicle metal work. Or, if a bolt connection exists, attach the
ring terminal to this connection (check the connection with a
multi-meter to the vehicle chassis if you’re not sure).
3. Place a fuse holder in-line of the red, black and yellow wires
approximately four inches from the cable end, as shown below.
1. Solder the fuse terminal ends to the wire to ensure a proper electrical
connection. Use a heat shrink to cover the solder joint.
2. Connect the red wire to the vehicle's positive power source. Connect
the black wire to the vehicle's negative power source. To terminate the
cable:
• If the vehicle has a power output connector, use a mating connector.
You may be able to connect to a fuse panel with a commercially
available connector.
• If the vehicle has no power output connector, use a ring terminal (for a
battery post) or blade terminal (for a fuse panel).
3. Connect the yellow wire to the vehicle's ignition switch. If you do not
plan on using the ignition switch connection, connect the yellow wire
to the vehicle’s positive power source.
See your vehicle Owner's Manual for more information.
Fuse Holder Fuse HolderSpring Fuse
Fuse Terminal Ends

Quick Reference Guide 17
4. Ensure the wiring connections created are sufficiently insulated from
each other.
5. Re-connect the vehicle battery.
6. Insert the power cable connector into the vehicle computer's Power
port. Align the keyway on the power connector with the notch on the
vehicle computer’s power port.
Installing the VC5090 on a Wall or Desktop
To use the vehicle computer in a wall or desktop mounted application:
1. If mounting the vehicle computer on a wall, use the optional wall
mounting bracket.
2. Install the mounting bracket to the wall or desktop using four bolts,
eight washers and four nuts.
1. Insert the DC power cable into the DC connector on the universal
power supply.
2. Plug the other end of the cable into the vehicle computer’s power port.
3. Insert the AC line cord into the AC connector on the universal power
supply.
Bolts
Washers
Nuts
Bolts
Washers Nuts
Optional Wall
Mounting Bracket

18 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
1. Plug the other end of the AC power cable into a wall outlet.
Installing the Optional Keyboard
The keyboard kit contains the following items:
• keyboard
• keyboard brackets (2)
• four M4 screws and washers
• two locking knobs.
1. Attach the keyboard brackets to both sides of the VC5090, using the
M4 screws and washers, as shown below:
NOTE The optional keyboard is only available for the full-screen
configuration.
DC Power Cable
(25-71920-01)
Universal Power Supply
(50-14001-004)
AC Line Cord
Power Port

Quick Reference Guide 19
• Torque the screws to 230 kgf/cm.
1. Squeeze the levers on the keyboard and align the keyboard with the
brackets.
2. Release the levers to insert the mechanism bars through an
adjustment hole on each of the brackets.
3. Insert the keyboard locking knobs through the brackets and screw into
the keyboard.
4. Plug the keyboard cable into the USB/Keyboard connector.
Locking Knob
Left Hand Bracket
M4 Screws &
Washers
USB/Keyboard
Connector

20 VC5090 Vehicle Computer
Powering the VC5090 On/Off
The Main Power switch provides power
to the VC5090. You should only use this
switch when removing power completely
from the device.
Use the Power button on the front panel
to place the VC5090 into Suspend mode
or wake the VC5090 from Suspend
mode.
Charging the Internal Backup Battery
When you receive your VC5090, leave the VC5090 powered on for 24
hours to fully charge the internal backup battery. Note that the VC5090
can charge the backup battery while in Suspend mode, but not if power
is removed.
The internal battery maintains the RAM memory for 72 hours when fully
charged. The data in the Flash memory or Flash file system is not
affected by the state of charge.
Calibrating the Touch Screen
The VC5090 prompts you to calibrate the touch screen when you first
power on the VC5090.
1. Carefully press and hold the stylus on the center of each target.
Repeat as the target moves around the screen.
2. Tap the screen to accept the settings when the calibration is complete.
Main Power Switch
Power Button