MRC-921 MircoBase User’s Guide
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.
MRC-921 MicroBase User’s Guide
MRC-921 MicroBase User’s Guide Part Number: 18467-701-01 Release Date: 4/19/95
Telxon is a registered trademark of Telxon Corporation. 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.
Contents Regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 FCC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 FCC regulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 DOC statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Safety information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Using the radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Disposing of nickel-cadmium batteries . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Scope of the manual . . . . . . . . .
Configuring the MRC-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Communicating data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Maintaining the MRC-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Operating conditions . . Handling the MRC-921 Storing the MRC-921 . Cleaning the MRC-921 Servicing the MRC-921 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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.
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). The MRC-921 MicroBase’s MicroRadio is also approved for use in Canada. No license is required for operation. This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry and Science Canada.
Safety information 2 Using the radio The FCC with its action in General Docket 79-144, March 13, 1985, has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment. Telxon subscribes to the same safety standard for the use of its products. Proper operation of this radio will result in user exposure substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
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.
Scope of the manual 3 This manual provides general information on the MRC-921 MicroBase’s parts, features, and accessories. It also explains how to operate and maintain the cradle. Document conventions 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.
Overview of the MRC-921 MicroBase 4 Figure 1 shows a typical MRC-921 MicroBase system. The MRC-921 MicroBase is a communication cradle that allows a wireless MicroRadio-based scanner, such as the PTC-921, to communicate with a host. The cradle connects to the host’s serial port via cable and communicates through an RS-232 asynchronous protocol. The MRC-921 can support one to five PTCs, depending on the size and frequency of transactions.
Getting started 5 Unpacking the MRC-921 Any additional accessories are shipped in separate boxes with their own manuals. Each shipping box contains • an MRC-921 MicroBase, • a power pack (if ordered), • an external antenna (if ordered), • spare PTC-921 battery packs (if ordered), • an SC-921 and MRC-921 Instruction Sheet, • an MRC-921 MicroBase User’s Guide, and • a Guide to Maintaining NiCd Batteries. 1. Remove the MRC-921 from the box. 2. Remove all packing material from the MRC-921.
Supplying power to the MRC-921 Equipment required: To use the unit outside of the U.S. or Canada, you need a power pack designed for a 220-volt AC outlet. • A 12-volt, 800-mA power pack • An electrical outlet within 6 feet (1.8 meters) of the MRC-921 providing 110 volts AC in the U.S. or Canada 1. Place the MRC-921 on a flat surface in a location where the temperature will be between 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) and 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). 2.
Parts 6 Figures 2 and 3 on the following pages show and describe the external parts of the MRC-921 MicroBase. The part listed below is internal and, therefore, is not shown in either of the figures. MicroRadio See Appendix A for radio specifications. This short-range radio in the MRC-921 is used to communicate with the MicroRadio in a wireless scanner (PTC-921).
Figure 2. The MRC-921 MicroBase (front view) 1. External antenna (optional) 2. Spare battery bay 3. PTC bay 4. Spare battery pack LEDs 8. Antenna connector 7. Serial LED 5. PTC LEDs 6. RF LED 1. An external antenna can be ordered to expand the coverage of the cradle’s MicroRadio. Coverage increases from 50 ft (15.2 m) with a standard internal antenna to 100 ft (30.5 m) with an external antenna. 2. This bay holds a PTC-921 spare battery pack for recharging.
Figure 3. The MRC-921 MicroBase (rear view) 1. Optional RJ-41 serial port 2. DB-9 serial port 3. Power connector 4. Connect/Config button 1. This RJ-41 serial port connects the MRC-921 via cable to a host’s RS-232 serial port for communication or configuration. Refer to the MRC-921 Technical Reference for configuration instructions. 2. This 9-pin serial port connects the MRC-921 3.
Recharging battery packs 7 ! Use the MRC-921 to recharge only PTC-921 battery packs. Follow the instructions in this section to use the MRC-921 as a battery charger. ! Recharging a cold battery pack can damage it. Allow any battery pack used in below-freezing temperatures to warm up to room temperature before recharging. 1. Insert the spare battery pack and the PTC into their appropriate bays in the MRC-921. Insert the spare pack so its contacts will connect with the contacts in the spare battery bay.
If the PTC bay was ordered as a trickle charger, the battery pack in the PTC will take 12 to 16 hours to charge. If the PTC bay is a trickle charger, its green LED will never light. The cradle does not indicate a full-charge state. 3. When each bay’s green LED lights, the battery pack in that bay is charged and can be removed and used. Refer to the “Troubleshooting” section on page 24 for information on possible errors. The following table interprets the PTC and spare battery pack LEDs.
Connecting the MRC-921 to a host 8 The MRC-921 MicroBase can communicate with a variety of host devices, such as personal computers and point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Each host can accept data from the MRC-921 through its RS-232 serial port. Follow the instructions in this section to connect your MRC-921 to a host. Connecting to the host’s serial port 1. Make sure the MRC-921’s power pack is not plugged into an electrical outlet. 2. Turn off the host to which the MRC-921 will be connected.
Configuring the MRC-921 9 Before the MRC-921 MicroBase can send data from the wireless scanner (PTC-921) to the host, the cradle must be properly configured for communication. Specifically, parameters such as the radio channel, baud rate, communication protocol, and so on need to be selected. If it has not been configured, refer to the MRC-921 Technical Reference for configuration information. Check with your supervisor to verify that your MRC-921 has been properly configured for communication.
Communicating data 10 After the MRC-921 has been connected to the host and properly configured, communication usually follows this general pattern: 1. All three units (PTC-921, MRC-921, and host) are turned on. The default message is usually an asterisk (*). 2. The PTC-921 initiates communication with the MRC-921. After a successful logon, a default message displays on the PTC’s screen. 3. Data is entered (either by being scanned or typed with the keyboard) into the PTC-921.
Maintaining the MRC-921 11 The MRC-921 is well constructed and durable; however, it is a precision electronic device and must be treated as such. Follow the procedures in this section to ensure reliable service. Operating conditions The MRC-921 is designed to operate in environments that are normally free of dust, dirt, and moisture. It can be operated at temperatures between 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) and 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Handling the MRC-921 • Do not open the MRC-921.
Storing the MRC-921 • Do not store the MRC-921 in temperatures below −20 degrees F (−29 degrees C) or above 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). • Do not store the MRC-921 in a damp or humid environment (over 95% noncondensing). Pack the MRC-921 in the original packing material or in a padded box and put it in a safe place away from dust, dirt, humidity, and excessive heat or cold.
Troubleshooting 12 LEDs remain on after the power-on self test • Remove the spare battery pack and PTC, if present, from the MRC-921. Unplug the power pack; then plug it in again. • If the LEDs remain lit, call your Telxon service representative. The red LED for the PTC does not light • Make sure the PTC is installed correctly in its bay. • Exchange the battery pack in the PTC-921 with the spare battery pack. Refer to page 9 for information on disposing of your nickel-cadmium battery pack.
Both LEDs for the PTC are blinking • Make sure the PTC is installed correctly in its bay. • Exchange the battery pack in the PTC-921 with the spare battery pack. Refer to page 9 for information on disposing of your nickel-cadmium battery pack. If the LEDs stop blinking, the first battery pack is faulty and must be discarded. If both LEDs continue to blink, call your Telxon service representative.
The green LED for the PTC never lights If the PTC bay was ordered as a trickle charger, the green LED will never light. This is normal. • Call your Telxon service representative. The green LED for the spare battery pack never lights • Call your Telxon service representative. Other problems If you experience any other problems or difficulties with your MRC-921 MicroBase, notify your Telxon service representative or contact the Telxon Customer Support Center at 1-800-800-8010.
Appendix A Specifications Communication Host interfaces DB-9 serial port: RJ-41 serial port: Built-in one- or two-way 9-pin RS-232 port, up to 38.
Depth: 3 in/7.6 cm Weight: 10.5 oz/.3 kg Radio Type: MicroRadio Operating frequency: 902.5 to 927.5 MHz Antenna: Internal (standard) or external (optional) Range Internal antenna: External antenna: 35 to 50 feet (10.7 to 15.2 meters) 75 to 100 feet (22.9 to 30.
Appendix B Hardware part numbers The following table lists part numbers for ordering the MRC-921 MicroBase and accessories.
Glossary asynchronous transmission A transmission with variable time intervals between successive data characters. In asynchronous communication, each data character is framed by start and stop bits. battery pack A sealed set of rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries used in the PTC-921 and recharged by the MRC-921. bit The fundamental binary unit, either a 1 (on) or a 0 (off). In ASCII code, seven bits represent one character of data. bps Bits per second. A rate of electronic data transmission.
signals Electronic impulses that transmit data from one device to another. two-way communication Exchange of information between two devices. After each block of data, the receiving device sends a positive or negative acknowledgment to the sending device. VDC Volts direct current. A unit of measure of electric potential or potential difference in a unidirectional electrical current.
Index A D Accessories, 12 part numbers, 29 Antenna See External antenna See Internal antenna Data communicating, 21 DB-9 serial port, 15-16 DOC statement, 7 Document conventions cautions, 10 notes, 10 B Battery pack See Nickel-cadmium battery pack E C Electrical specifications, 27 Environmental specifications, 27 External antenna, 15 connecting, 12 range, 15, 28 Cables, 19, 29 Capacity, 11, 27 Charge time, 11, 15, 17-18, 27 Charging the nickel-cadmium battery pack, 11, 17-18 time required, 11, 15, 1
L N LEDs interpretation table, 18 PTC, 13, 15, 24-26 remain on after power-on self test, 24 RF, 15 Serial, 15 spare battery pack, 13, 15, 24-26 Nickel-cadmium battery pack disposing of, 9 recharging, 11, 17-18 takes too long to recharge, 25 M Maintaining the MRC-921, 22-23 Manuals part numbers, 29 Messages, 11, 21 MicroRadio, 14-15 specifications, 28 MRC-921 MicroBase capacity, 11, 27 cleaning, 23 configuring, 16, 20 connecting to a host, 19 handling, 22 maintaining, 22-23 operating temperature, 13, 22,
R T Radio safety information, 8 specifications, 28 Recharging battery packs, 17-18 Regulations DOC statement, 7 FCC regulations, 6 FCC statement, 6 Related publications, 10 RF LED, 15 RF link error, 21 RJ-41 serial port, 16, 19 Temperature operating, 13, 22, 27 storage, 23, 27 Trickle charger, 11, 15, 18, 27 Troubleshooting, 24-26 U Unpacking the MRC-921, 12 S Safety information, 8-9 Scope of the manual, 10 Serial LED, 15 Serial port, 11, 15, 16, 19 connecting to, 19 Servicing the MRC-921, 23 Shipping
Telxon Corporation/3330 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44334/216-867-3700/800-800-8001 Part No. 18467-701-01 Printed in U.S.A.
