Unitech PA500 User manual

Portable Data Collection Terminal
User Guide

Notice
This unit is equipped with a battery pack and backup battery. It is possible that the
Unitech PA500 may not power-on due to battery discharge as a result of storage.
In the above situation, plug the PA500 to the USB charging cable which is with DC in
port or put the unit into the cradle or docking station (with 5V/3A AC-DC adapter),
and recharge the unit for 16 hours in order to fully charge its backup battery.
The backup battery will charge from external power or the main battery (if the main
battery still has enough power to turn on). In the event the main battery is fully
charged, refrain from using the PA500 for 16 hours in order for the main battery to
fully charge the backup battery.
Backing-up data by backup battery only without the main battery installed in battery
compartment may take as long as 1 hour. Therefore, in order to prevent data
protection failure due to backup battery failure, do not leave the PA500 without the
rechargeable battery pack installed, or without connection to AC power for an
extended period of time.
Battery charge notice
It is important to consider the environment temperature whenever you are charging
the Lithium-Ion battery pack. The process is most efficient at normal room
temperature or slightly cooler. It is essential that you charge batteries within the
stated range of 0°C to 50°C. Charging batteries outside of the specified range could
damage the batteries and shorten their charging life cycle.
Storage and safety notice
Although charged Lithium-Ion batteries may be left unused for several months, their
capacity may be depleted due to build up of internal resistance. If this happens they
will require recharging prior to use. Lithium-Ion batteries may be stored at
temperatures between -20°C to 60°C, however they may be depleted more rapidly at
the high end of this range. It is recommended to store batteries within normal room
temperature ranges.

Federal Communication Commission Interference
Statement
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 in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
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 harmful 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 of the following measures:
-Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following three 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.
(3) This device shall automatically discontinue transmission in
case of either absence of information to transmit or operation
failure.

INFORMATION TO USER
To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications
not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits
set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
End users must follow the specific operation instruction for
satisfying RF exposure compliance.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
The maximum reported Body SAR Measurement (1g) value
is:
802.11b (2450MHz): 0.872 W/g
802.11g (2450MHz): 0.402 W/g

Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
PA500 & Accessories 2
PA500 Features 3
Powerful System 3
Display 3
Barcode Scanner 3
Audio 3
Wireless Connectivity 3
Battery Life 3
User-friendly Interface 3
PA500 Tour 4
Front View 4
Rear View 6
Left and Right View 7
Top and Bottom View 8
First Steps with PA500 9
Chapter 2 Hardware and Command Interface 15
Using the Stylus 15
Using the SDIO/MMC Slot 16
Using the Laser Scanner 17
Using the Software Keyboard Button 19
Command Interface 20
Today Screen 20
Status Icons 23
Navigation Bar 24
Command Bar 24
Pop-up Menus 25
Notifications 26
Chapter 3 Getting Connected 29
Establishing Device-PC Connection 29
Installing Microsoft ActiveSync 29
Connecting the Device to Your Computer 30
Synchronizing with Your Computer 32
Connection Options 32
Synchronizing Information 42
Using ActiveSync to Exchange Files 44
Sharing Information 45
Connecting to the Internet 53

Chapter 4 Managing Programs 55
Accessing Programs 55
Opening a Program 55
Switching Between Programs 55
Accessory Programs 56
Scan2Key 56
Scanner Settings 57
Chapter 5 Customizing PA500 61
Adjusting Settings 61
Checking Main and Backup Battery Status 62
How to Save Battery Life 63
Changing the Automatic Power Settings 63
Adjusting Backlight Setting 64
Resetting the Device 67
Warm Boot 67
Clean Boot 68
Cold Boot 68
Viewing Flash ROM Files 69
Adding Programs 70
Adding Programs to Your Device 70
Adding a Program to the Start Menu 71
Removing Programs 75
Chapter 6 Regulatory and Safety Notices 77
System Specifications 77
CPU/Memory 77
Input/Output 77
Power 79
Barcode/Symbology 80
OS and Software Programming Tools 80
Mechanical and Environmental 80
Regulatory Compliance Statements 81
FCC Statement 81
Canadian Compliance Statement 81
European Conformity Statement 81
Laser Information 81
Index 83

1
Chapter 1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing PA500.
Your PA500 is a rugged, compact and lightweight palm-size computer. It
utilizes the Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, and incorporates an
integral barcode scanning laser device, color LCD with touch screen,
keypad, IrDA interface, Bluetooth, and wireless communication capability. It
provides the user with a standard Windows-based environment for
customizing and operating the device.
This PA500 product reference guide will guide you to access your PA500.
Unitech PA500

Chapter 1 Introduction2
PA500 & Accessories
After opening the box, please make sure the following accessories for the
PA500 are present:
* The adapter’s replaceable plug clips availability depends on region.
PA500 Main Body UnitechPA500 Quick
Reference Guide
Battery pack PA500 CD
USB charging cable Stylus
Earphone AC adapter*

3
PA500 Features
Powerful System
• Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system
• Intel PXA270 processor with speed of up to 520 MHz
• System memory:
• 64 MB SDRAM
• 64 MB Flash ROM
Display
• 3.5” QVGA LCD touch-sensitive screen
• 320 x 240 resolution
Barcode Scanner
• Symbol SE950
• Integrated Hitachi HD6433657W barcode decoder
Audio
• Supports Windows Media Player
• Voice recording and playback
Wireless Connectivity
• 802.11b + g with diversity antenna
• Bluetooth wireless technology
• Serial infrared port
Battery Life
• Normal usage: 6 hours
• Charging time: 3.5 hours
• Embedded backup battery cell
User-friendly Interface
• Quick launch hot keys for enabling software keyboard and other device
management tasks
• Trigger keys for barcode scanning

Chapter 1 Introduction4
PA500 Tour
The following section gives you a tour of the PA500 hardware interface.
Front View
No. Component Description
1 Power button If the device is off, press this button to turn it on.
Alternatively, when the unit is on, this key must be
pressed and held down for about two seconds in
order to turn the device off.
2 LCD Touch screen Displays the applications and data stored on your
device. It is touch-sensitive and responds to the
stylus or finger.
3 Navigation key Press the Action button, center of the navigation
key, to access the menu options and confirm your
selection.
Use the up, down, left, and right arrow keys to
navigate through the menu options.
4 Email button Launch Microsoft Outlook Express.

5
5 Today button Customize the look and information that is
displayed on the Today screen.
6 Calendar button Press to bring up Calendar. Calendar enables you
to conveniently manage your schedules and
appointments or any other activities associated
with a date and time.
7 Tasks button Keep track of what you have to do and prioritize
them based on their importance and urgency.
8 Software keyboard
button Press to launch the Windows CE keyboard.
9 Notes button Press to open Notes. Notes allows you to quickly
capture thoughts, reminders, ideas, drawings, and
phone numbers. You can create a written note or
include a recording in a note.
10 Status indicator Indicates the battery charging and barcode
scanning status.
• Green - Battery is fully charged, the device is
running on battery power, or barcode scanning
process is completed without error.
• Red - Battery is charging, barcode scanner is
activated and processing.
No. Component Description

Chapter 1 Introduction6
Rear View
No. Component Description
1 Speaker Listen to audio media. When speaker phone is
active, sounds are emitted here.
2 Strap holder Eyelet for holding strap.
3 Reset button Press the end of the stylus into the button to reset
your device.
4 Main battery Removable and rechargeable 3.7 V, 2200 mAh
battery pack.
5 Battery release
latch Slide toward the right side of the device and hold firmly, then detach the battery from its bay.
6 Stylus holder To use the stylus, remove it from its holder and
hold it the same way you hold a pen or pencil.

7
Left and Right View
No. Component Description
1 Infrared (IR) port Uses infrared technology to transmit and receive
data from other IR-enabled devices.
2 Right side scanner
trigger button Press to activate the barcode laser scanner.
3 Earphone jack Lift the rubber cover from the earphone jack and
connect an audio line-out device (earphone or
headphone).
4 Left side scanner
trigger button Press to activate the barcode laser scanner.

Chapter 1 Introduction8
Top and Bottom View
No. Component Description
1 Barcode laser
scanner (optional) Reads and captures information on a barcode label.
2 SDIO/MMC slot Accepts an SD (Secure Digital), MMC (Multimedia
Card) or SDIO (Secure Digital Input Output) cards,
allowing you to add more memory.
Install add-on applications or use audio text files
stored in it for use with internal applications. You
can also use it to back up data from your device.
3 Universal
connector Connects your device to a USB charging cable, which in turn connects to the computer’s USB port
and through the AC adapter to an electrical outlet.
This allows you to recharge your device and
perform an ActiveSync operation.
You can also use it to connect a peripheral
hardware, such as an docking station, to your
device.

9
First Steps with PA500
Perform the following easy installation steps to start using your device:
1 Install the battery pack
WARNING! There is a risk of fire and burns if the battery pack is
handled improperly. DO NOT disassemble, crush, puncture,
short external contacts, or dispose the battery pack in fire or
water. DO NOT attempt to open or service the battery pack.
Dispose of used batteries according to local recycling guidelines
in your area.
A backup battery cell is embedded into your device to prevent data
loss in instances when the removable battery pack is removed or
completely discharged. This backup battery cell will support the
system for a maximum of 60 minutes only.
NOTE: To enable the internal battery cell to provide backup power
supply, charge your device with the main battery pack, for at least 3.5
hours.
(a) Position the battery pack, making sure the battery pack fits the
shape of the battery compartment.
(b) Slide the battery pack into the battery bay until it clicks into place.
2 Charge your device
For initial use, you need to charge your device for about 16 hours. After
that, you can charge it everyday to recharge the battery to full capacity.
You can charge your device using the USB charging cable or the
docking station.

Chapter 1 Introduction10
CAUTION: Operating the PA500 for the first time without the AC
adapter, and without fully charging the backup battery may result in
loss of data stored in RAM memory.
NOTE: Data you enter may not be properly stored until the built-in
backup battery has been adequately charged.
To charge the device using the USB charging cable:
(1) Press and hold the connector button on the USB charging cable
and connect it to the PA500.
(2) Plug the AC adapter cable into the power jack on the USB
charging cable.
(3) Connect the AC adapter into an electrical outlet.

11
To charge the device using the docking station:
(1) Plug the AC adapter cable into the power jack on the docking
station.
(2) Connect the AC adapter into an electrical outlet.
(3) Slide the device into the docking station until it clicks into place.
The connection is secure when the bottom edge of the device is
aligned smoothly with the docking station, and the LED indicator
on the device lights up red.

Chapter 1 Introduction12
LED status during charging:
• Solid red: Charging
• Solid green: Charging complete
If the battery level becomes low in the course of normal use, a
status icon appears on the device screen indicating low or very
low battery status. In both cases, perform an ActiveSync
operation to back up your data, then recharge your device as soon
as possible.
If the battery level reaches low status, the device will enter sleep
mode; if the battery level reaches very low status, the device will
enter deep sleep mode. In this case, you have about 72 hours to
recharge your device afterwhich you risk losing all data on your
device’s internal memory.
3 Start up the PA500
After you have initially charged your device for about 16 hours, the
device is ready to be used. You can now start up your device where
you’ll calibrate the display, set up the system time zone, and learn
some basic stylus usage.
(1) Turn on your device by pressing the power button on the front
panel.
NOTE: The PA500 screen ships with a protective plastic film. You may
remove this if desired by peeling from one corner. The screen will be
more susceptible to scratching without the film, but will be more
readable.

13
The Unitech PA500 welcome screen appears. The Windows
Mobile screen will appear shortly thereafter.
(2) Calibrate the PA500
The calibrate screen will automatically appear when the unit is
powered-on for the first time or after the system is reset. This
screen can also be accessed at any time by tapping Start >
Settings > System tab > Screen.
The PA500 will prompt you to calibrate the unit by tapping a
sequence of screen locations. Tap gently but firmly. When you
have completed the series of taps, press the Action button to
confirm it.
(3) Set the Time Zone, Date, and Time
Select your current time zone from the Time zone drop-down
menu, then tap Next.
(4) Follow all onscreen instructions to complete the set up. The setup
wizard provides tips for using the pop-up menus and assign a lock
password to access your device.
Wait for a few moments while the preloaded applications are
being installed into your device.

Chapter 1 Introduction14