Symbol PTC-960L User manual

PTC-960L
User's Guide

2
On December 1, 2000 Symbol Technologies, Inc. completed the purchase
of Telxon Corporation. References made throughout this document to
"Telxon" or "Telxon Corporation" are be replaced with "Symbol" or
"Symbol Technologies, Inc.", respectively. Any questions, contact your
Symbol representative.
©2000 by Symbol Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form, or by any electrical or
mechanical means, without permission in writing from Symbol. This includes electronic or
mechanical means, such as photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems. The material in this manual is subject to change without notice.
Symbol reserves the right to make changes to any software or product to improve reliability,
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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
Symbol Technologies, Inc., intellectual property rights. An implied license only exists for
equipment, circuits, and subsystems contained in Symbol products.
Symbol is a registered trademark 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, New York 11742-1300
http://www.symbol.com
Symbol Support Center: 1-800-653-5350

PTC-960L
User’s Guide

PTC-960L
User’s Guide
Part Number: 21569-701-02
Release Date: 7/24/96

Telxon and TCAL are registered trademarks of Telxon
Corporation.
MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation.
All other product or trade references are the
trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
The information contained in this manual is subject
to change without notice.
Telxon Corporation shall not be liable for technical or
editorial omissions or mistakes in this manual nor
shall it be liable for incidental or consequential
damages resulting from your use of the information
contained in this manual.
This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved.
No part of this manual may be photocopied or
reproduced in any form without the prior written
consent of Telxon.
© Copyright 1996 Telxon Corporation
All Rights Reserved.

Contents
Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
FCC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DOC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the internal short-range laser scanner . . . . . . . 8
Disposing of nickel-cadmium batteries . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Scope of the manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Document conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overview of the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Entering data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Through the keyboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
With the internal laser scanner . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Storing data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Communicating data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Unpacking the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Installing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Charging the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Turning on the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Checking the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Flash EPROM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4

Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Autodiscrimination between bar codes . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Automatic return at on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Backup battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Beeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Display contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Communicating data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using the micro DB-15 connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Connecting a cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Disconnecting a cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Connecting to the optional communication cradle . . . . . 24
Scanning bar-code labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Maintaining the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Operating conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Handling the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Storing the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Cleaning the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Servicing the PTC-960L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Replacing the battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Replacing the nickel-cadmium battery pack . . . . . . . . 30
Removing the battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Installing a new battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Replacing the alkaline battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Removing the alkaline battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Installing a new alkaline battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
5

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The PTC does not turn on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
The laser scanner does not read a label . . . . . . . . . . 33
Other problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Appendix A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Display screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Electrical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Processor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Appendix B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Bar-code types supported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Appendix C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Accessory part numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Appendix D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Communication connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
6

Regulations 1
FCC statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant
to Part 15 of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules. These limits are designed to
provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with this
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case users will be required to
correct the interference at their own expense.
DOC statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A
limits for radio noise emissions from digital
apparatus as outlined in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications (DOC).
This Class Adigital apparatus meets all requirements
of the Canadian Interference-causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe Arespecte toutes
les exigences du Reglement sur le material broilleur
du Canada.
7

Safety information 2
Using the internal short-range laser scanner
CAUTION! This Class II laser product emits up
to a 1-milliwatt beam of laser light. Do not
stare into the beam!
This label is permanently affixed to the back
of the PTC beneath the aperture label.
This label lists the location and date of manufacture,
the model number,and the serial numberof the PTC.
It is permanently affixed inside the PTC’s battery
compartment.
Laser light exits the PTC through
this opening. Do not stare into
the beam!
This label is molded into the bezel
directly below the scanner lens.
CAUTION! Laser light is emitted
when the PTC’s protective housing
is open. Do not stare into the
beam! (top of label)
This PTC is a Class II laser product. It
conforms to the Department of
Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Regulation 21 CFR Subchapter J.
(bottom of label)
This label is permanently affixed to
the back of the PTC above the
battery door.
8

Disposing of nickel-cadmium batteries
Nickel-cadmium batteries contain chemically active
materials that are hazardous to the environment;
therefore, they must be disposed of properly. Never
attempt to incinerate a nickel-cadmium battery; doing
so could cause it to explode. Telxon urges you to
contact the Environmental Protection Agency, the
Department of Natural Resources, a local hazardous
waste disposal agency, or the Telxon Customer
Support Center for assistance prior to disposing of
your nickel-cadmium batteries.
9

Scope of the manual 3
This manual provides general information on the
PTC-960L’s parts, features, and accessories. It also
explains how to operate and maintain the PTC.
This manual does not include the specific operating
instructions for your organization’s unique data
collection program. Operating instructions and
training should be available from your organization.
Document conventions
The following conventions are used throughout this
manual.
Warnings
Warnings indicate potential bodily injury or death.
They are set off in the left-hand columns of this
manual by the following symbol: $.
Cautions
Cautions indicate potential damage to equipment.
They are set off in the left-hand columns of this
manual by the following symbol: !.
Notes
Notes provide supplementary information. They are
set off in the left-hand columns of this manual and
are not preceded by a symbol.
10

Overview of the PTC-960L 4
The Telxon PTC-960L is a compact, battery-powered,
hand-held computer used to collect, store, and
transmit data. It has a built-in laser scanner that is
angled at approximately 20°to allow you to view the
display for prompts while scanning.
The PTC-960L automates your data collection
procedures and is custom programmed to efficiently
handle your organization’s unique data collection
applications.
The PTC runs an application program specially
designed to collect data for your organization. This
program leads you through the application with a
series of display messages, prompts, and beeps.
Messages tell you when you make an error and
provide information on the application or the PTC’s
status. Prompts and beeps tell you when to enter
data, what type of data to enter, and when you
complete certain operations.
Entering data
Entering data into the PTC-960L is easy. You can key
in data through the keyboard or scan bar codes with
the internal laser scanner.
Through the keyboard
Entering data through the keyboard is similar to
operating a calculator. When you press a key on the
PTC’s keyboard, the corresponding number or letter
appears on the display. Pressing the ENTER key
stores the data in the PTC’s memory.
11

With the internal laser scanner
A bar code is a series of vertical bars
and spaces used on nearly every
item in business today.
A second method of entering data is with the PTC’s
internal laser scanner. When you scan a bar code the
PTC is programmed to read, the PTC and scanner
interpret the data and store it in the PTC’s memory.
Storing data
Data entered into the PTC can be stored in files in the
PTC’s memory.
Each file holds a separate group of application-related
data. For example, a PTC used to collect many types
of data (sales orders, inventory changes, and
employee hours) would store all data relating to sales
orders in one file, all data relating to inventory
changes in another, and all data relating to employee
hours in still another.
Communicating data
After collecting the data, the PTC must either
transmit it to a host computer for processing or send
it to a printer, or both, to make it useful to you and
your organization. The PTC-960L can transmit data
via an optional communication cradle or by being
connected by cable to a host computer, printer, or
other accessory.
Once the host computer receives the data from the
PTC, it uses that data to update its master files and
records. In some cases, the host computer may even
transmit data back to the PTC, asking you, as the
PTC’s operator, to perform a new task.
12

Getting started 5
Unpacking the PTC-960L
Any additional accessories are
shipped separately. Each shipping box contains
•a PTC-960L with a handstrap,
•a nickel-cadmium battery pack or a 9-volt
alkaline battery,
•a battery charger (if ordered),
•a Guide to Maintaining NiCd Batteries,
•a PTC-960L Read-Me-First Sheet, and
•a PTC-960L User’s Guide.
1. Remove the PTC from the box.
2. Remove all packing material from the PTC. Save
the packaging in case the PTC is ever stored or
shipped to Telxon for service.
3. Check the contents of the package to make sure
you have received everything ordered.
If anything is missing or
damaged, notify your Telxon
sales representative.
4. Check the PTC and accessories for shipping
damage. Pay particular attention to the PTC case,
display screen, and scanner lens.
Installing the battery
If your PTC was not shipped with the nickel-cadmium
battery pack or 9-volt alkaline battery installed,
follow the instructions in Chapter 11 to insert the
battery.
13

Charging the battery pack
!If you are using a 9-volt alkaline
battery in your PTC-960L, replace the
old battery witha new battery
whenever you receive a low-battery
warning. You cannot charge alkaline
batteries.
Charge the PTC-960L’s nickel-cadmium battery pack
when you first receive the unit and whenever the
pack becomes weak. The Low Battery icon appears on
the ninth line of the display when the battery is
running out of power.
The pack can also be charged via a
communication cradle or a fast bat-
tery charger. Contact your Telxon
representative for information.
Use the following procedure to charge the PTC’s
nickel-cadmium battery pack via a battery charger.
Equipment required:
•A battery charger
To charge the battery pack outside
of the U.S. or Canada, you need a
charger designed for a 220-volt AC
outlet.
•An electrical outlet within 6 feet (1.8 meters)
providing 110 volts AC in the U.S. or Canada
1. Make sure the PTC is off.
2. Disconnect any accessories from the PTC.
3. Connect the battery charger’s cable to the PTC’s
micro DB-15 connector.
4. Plug the battery charger into the electrical outlet.
The PTC’s Charging LED glows.
5. Charge the battery pack for 12 hours.
6. When charging is finished, disconnect the charger
from the PTC and the outlet.
Turning on the PTC-960L
1. Press the ON/OFF key to turn on the PTC-960L.
14

Checking the PTC-960L
1. Make sure the PTC is turned on.
2. Look at the PTC’s display screen. What appears
on the screen depends on the program your
organization uses.
If the PTC is operating correctly, you should not
see or hear any of the following:
•A low-battery warning
•A blank display screen
•Any warning beeps
Repeat the steps in this chapter if your PTC-960L
is not operating properly. If the problem persists,
refer to the “Troubleshooting” section on page 33.
15

Parts 6
Figures 1 through 3 on the following pages show and
describe the external parts of the PTC-960L. The part
listed below is internal and, therefore, is not shown in
any of the figures.
Flash EPROM
A flash EPROM is an electronic component installed
inside the PTC. It contains the PTC’s data collection
program and determines the PTC’s key functions, the
display prompts and messages, and how and when
the PTC prints or transmits data.
For details on erasing and repro-
gramming flash EPROMS, refer to
the Guide to the Flash Utilities (TCAL or
MS-DOS Version).
The flash EPROM can be erased and reprogrammed
while it is inside the PTC. First, the PTC must be
connected to a host computer, via a cable or by being
placed in a communication cradle. Then, using
software in the PTC’s operating system, you can erase
the flash EPROM and reprogram it with a new
program from the host computer.
16

1. The PTC-960L’s keyboard can be used to enter data into the PTC and to perform special functions, such as turning the unit on or off.
2. This LED glows when the PTC’s nickel-cadmium battery pack is being recharged.
3. This 15-pin connector connects the PTC via cable to a host computer or to standard serial devices such as printersand modems. It can
also be used with a battery charger to rechargethe PTC’s nickel-cadmium battery pack.
1. Keyboard
3. Micro DB-15 connector
2. Charging LED
Figure 1. The PTC-960L (front view)
17

1. This green LED glows when the laser scanner has successfully read a bar code. You may also hear a beep after a successful scan.
2. The Backlight button turns the screen’s backlight on or off. It can also be used to control screen contrast. See page 22 for instructions.
3. Pressing this button activates the PTC’s internal laser scanner, allowing you to scan bar codes.
4. The liquidcrystal display (LCD) screen displaysthe information you type or scan into the PTC as wellas messagesfromthe PTC or host
computer. The screen can show 8 lines with 21 characters each. Your screen may also be able to display graphics. An additional line at the
bottom of the display is reserved for status indicator icons. These icons are as follows:
Shift Mode Enabled Caps Lock Enabled Func1 Is Activated Func2 Is Activated RF Out of Range Low Battery
5. This red LED glows when thePTC’s Scan button has been pressed and the scannerstarts to scan a barcode.
5. Scanning LED
4. Display screen
3. Scan button
1. Good Scan LED
2. Backlight button
Figure 2. The PTC-960L (front view)
18