ITRON FC300 Getting Started Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. ITRON Manuals
  4. Handhelds
  5. FC300
  6. Getting started manual

ITRON FC300 Getting Started Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for FC300:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: User Manual
FC300
FC300 Handheld
Getting Started Guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for ITRON FC300

Summary of Contents for ITRON FC300

  • Page 1 FC300 FC300 Handheld Getting Started Guide...
  • Page 2 Suggestions If you have comments or suggestions on how we may improve this documentation, send them to TechnicalCommunicationsManager@itron.com If you have questions or comments about the software or hardware product, contact Itron Technical Support: Contact Corporate Customer Support •...
  • Page 3 Before an FC300 SRead model is available for sale to the public in the U.S. and Canada, it must be tested and certified to the FCC and Industry Canada that it does not exceed the limit established by each government for safe exposure. The tests are performed in positions and locations (for example, worn on the body) and reported to the FCC and made available for review by Industry Canada.
  • Page 4 In most areas, this product can be recycled, reclaimed and re-used when properly discarded. Do not discard labeled units with trash. Support and Maintenance For questions about your FC300, contact Itron Technical Support at 1.877.487.6602. To return for maintenance, an RMA (return materials authorization) can be obtained at http://support.itron.com.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Installing the Battery ....................9 Charging the Battery ................... 9 External Power Supply ................... 10 USB Client Y Cable ................... 11 Applying External Power to the FC300 ............. 12 Power On/Suspend/Off the FC300 ................. 12 Resetting the FC300 ....................13 Batteries ........................15 Backup Battery .......................
  • Page 6 Attaching Holster to Belt ..................62 Carry Case ......................65 Front and Back Views ..................66 Top and Bottom Views ..................67 Charging an FC300 from a Vehicle ................ 67 Applying the Touch Screen Protective Film ............68 Maintenance ....................... 69 Cleaning ......................... 69 Batteries .........................
  • Page 7 Contents Itron Applications ...................... 70 Index ........................... 71 FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 8 Contents viii FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    FC300 Itron software application (MV-RS, Field Collection System, Endpoint-Link, Endpoint-Link Pro, Field Deployment Manager). Refer to the FC300 Docks User Guide for information on installing and using the FC300 desk dock, the FC300 multi-dock, and the FC300 vehicle dock.

  • Page 10: Getting Familiar With Your Fc300

    Note Communication docks, power supply, and cabling are ordered and packaged separately; see the FC300 Docks User Guide. Getting Familiar with Your FC300 The following illustrations identify the main features of the FC300. Front View Touch screen Alpha keys F1 and F2 buttons...

  • Page 11: Back View With Hand Strap

    Stylus tether (using hand strap upper connector as anchor) Stylus Hand strap (adjustable end) Stylus holders on hand strap (available on both left and right sides) Hand strap, lower connector inserts into opening on bottom of FC300 Back View of Battery Compartment Battery well access tab Battery well...

  • Page 12: Top View

    The following picture shows top views of two FC300s with different options. Note the difference in depth (front to back) of the two examples. Imager (optional) Antenna connection (only FC300s with SRead radio or imager) Flashlight Hirose connector (uncovered) Outlet cover FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 13: Bottom View

    Opening for lower hand strap connector IO (input/output) connector (uncovered) LED Status Indicators The FC300 has three light-emitting diode (LED) status indicators located at the top of the keypad. The LEDs light up when a particular function of the computer is active.

  • Page 14: Battery Charging Led

    Blinking medium Bluetooth is paired and connected to a device. (~ every 2 seconds) Blinking fast Bluetooth is discovering other Bluetooth (~ every 1 second) devices. Not lit Bluetooth hardware is turned off. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 15: System Status Led

    None of the above. Setting Up a New FC300 There are several hardware and software setup tasks to complete prior to using a new FC300. Use the following checklists to perform the task, in the order provided. Hardware Setup Checklist...

  • Page 16: Hand Strap

    Hand Strap A lightweight elastic hand strap provides a means to secure the FC300 to your hand. The hook and loop fabric strap is adjustable to fit most hands. The hand strap covers the battery well and must be temporarily unattached at the bottom of the FC300 to provide access.

  • Page 17: Installing The Battery

    Charging the Battery Before you power on the FC300, the main battery must be fully charged. You can charge the battery while it is in the FC300 or while in the spare battery charging compartment available on the desk dock.

  • Page 18: External Power Supply

    Introduction After you have turned on the FC300, you can check battery status details (see Batteries on page 15). • Double-click the battery gauge icon in the FC300's system tray. • Select Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel > Battery.

  • Page 19: Usb Client Y Cable

    USB Client Y Cable The USB client Y cable provides a connection between the host PC via USB (using synchronization software) and the FC300. An AC adapter pin provides the connector to external power. This cable setup can be used if not using a dock.

  • Page 20: Applying External Power To The Fc300

    To apply external power to the FC300 Using the USB client Y cable, pinch the catch/release latches on the I/O connector until they are open. Connect the I/O connector to the bottom of the FC300, matching the shape of the connectors. Release the catch/release latches.

  • Page 21: Resetting The Fc300

    • > Suspend. Resetting the FC300 If your FC300 does not respond as expected (such as locks up or fails to operate), a reset may correct the issue. There are two types of reset: Soft Reset—also referred to as a warm boot—does not affect the •...
  • Page 22 FC300 carries out the soft reset. To perform a hard reset • Hold down Power for approximately 15 seconds or until the screen dims. The FC300 is powered off; press Power to it turn FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 23: Batteries

    The backup battery cannot be recharged by a dead or missing main battery. The FC300 main battery well is on the back of the unit. The battery case serves as the back cover for the battery well.

  • Page 24: Backup Battery

    Select OK. Close the Control Panel to return to the desktop. Backup Battery The FC300 uses an internal backup battery to retain data for five minutes while the depleted main battery is removed and replaced with a fully charged battery.

  • Page 25: Replacing The Battery

    Press and slide the battery locking latch toward the bottom of the unit to release the main battery pack. Pull the battery up and out of the battery well with a hinge motion. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 26 Release the locking latch. Reattach the hand strap, if installed. Check the battery status by selecting Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel > Battery or as defined from within your Itron software application. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 27: Controls

    Controls Controls Once the FC300 is running, get familiar with the keypad and how to use modified keys. Several settings should also be defined based on your needs. Keypad Function keys (F1 and F2) Y/Control key (CTRL) Enter key (ENTER)

  • Page 28: Modifier Keys

    For example: Press Blue I to enter an *. Press I again and the letter i (lowercase) appears. Press SHFT H to enter an uppercase H. Press H again and a lowercase h appears. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 29: Keys And Key Sequence

    Warm boot (soft reset) Orange Resets the FC300 Enter ENTER Complete a process, enter or select a value On (when off) Power Powers on the FC300 Suspend (when on) Power Suspend or Resume mode Volume up Blue Increases volume (up arrow) Volume down...
  • Page 30 Navigates to next screen (down arrow) Blue Blue Orange Orange . (period) Blue Period ' (single quote) Blue Single quotation mark " (double quote) Blue Double quotation mark ' (apostrophe) Blue Apostrophe , (comma) Blue Comma FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 31 ] (right bracket) Blue Right square bracket { (left curly bracket) Orange Left curly bracket } (right curly bracket Orange Right curly bracket € (Euro) Orange Euro sign £ (British pound) Blue British pound sign FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 32: Accented Keys

    A or the appropriate letter ¡ Blue ¿ Orange ç Blue Ç Orange œ Blue Œ Orange ß Blue ø Blue 0 (zero) Ø Orange 0 (zero) å Blue Å Orange æ Blue Æ Orange FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 33: Taskbar Icons

    Controls Taskbar Icons The following icons may appear in the FC300 taskbar. In most cases, double-tapping the icon in the taskbar opens the related application or properties screen. Up to six icons can display in the taskbar. A blue arrow indicates that more icons are available.

  • Page 34: Calibrating The Touch Screen

    Input Panel on page 31. Calibrating the Touch Screen The FC300 touch screen should be calibrated for first time use. At any time, you can recalibrate the touch screen if it is not responding properly to stylus taps. Calibration involves tapping the center of a target. If you miss the target, keep the stylus on the screen, slide it over the target's center, and then lift the stylus.
  • Page 35 Controls Select Recalibrate. Follow the instructions on the screen. Press ENTER to save the calibration settings or press Esc to cancel or quit. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 36: Calibrating The Double-Tap

    Controls Calibrating the Double-Tap The FC300 touch screen responds to stylus double-taps. Use this procedure to set the sensitivity of the double-taps and test the setting. To calibrate the double-tap Select Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel > Stylus.

  • Page 37: Disabling/Enabling The Touch Screen

    To enable the touch screen page 29. To disable the touch screen Select Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel > FC300 Options. Select the Misc tab. Select or clear the Touch Screen Disable option as needed.
  • Page 38 Use the arrow keys to select Settings > Control Panel and press ENTER. Use the arrow keys to locate FC300 Options and press ENTER. Use the right arrow key to access to Misc tab. Use the down arrow key to highlight the Touch Screen Disable field.

  • Page 39: Input Panel

    The FC300 has two input methods: • Keyboard. For using the physical keypad and the on-screen keyboard. • Transcriber. Uses Microsoft Transcriber as the handwriting recognition solution for the FC300 touch screen. Icon Input method Description Input panel Tap to access the different input methods.

  • Page 40: Setting Owner Information

    Notes. Allows you to enter specific notes and whether to display • the note when powered on. Network ID. User name, password, and domain to access • defined network resources. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 41 To set owner information Select Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel > Owner. Select the Identification tab. Enter information as desired. To display the information when powered on, select Display owner identification. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 42 Display owner notes. Select the Network ID tab. If accessing network resources, enter the appropriate user name, password, and domain information. Select OK. Exit the Control Panel to return to the desktop. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 43: Setting The Device Name

    Controls Setting the Device Name Set up the FC300's device name before starting other applications. This device name may be used as a default name when setting up for other applications and when setting up a Bluetooth device. To set the FC300 device name Select Windows logo >...

  • Page 44: Setting The Date/Time

    • Tap the left arrow or right arrow beside the month name to step through the months. Select the correct year. Tap the year and use the field's up/down arrows to select the correct year. Tap the correct date in the displayed calendar. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 45: Setting Power Schemes

    User Idle. After the set time passes without activity, the system • shuts down a minimum number of services, such as backlight. However, the FC300 is running and the touch screen is on. (This setting is the same as the touch screen backlight timeout on page 45.)
  • Page 46 When suspended, the touch screen is off, the SYS light is not flashing green, and the FC300 will not respond to regular key presses. Press the Power key to resume using the FC300.
  • Page 47 Note The Switch state to User Idle setting here is the same for the backlight's External power, and device is idle for more than setting (see Touch Screen Backlight on page 45). Select OK. Exit the Control Panel to return to the desktop. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 48: Setting Speaker Sounds And Volume

    Controls Setting Speaker Sounds and Volume The FC300 speaker is located under the LED status indicators. You can enable sounds for system events, applications, notifications (alarms, reminders), key clicks, and screen taps. You can also select a specific sound for an individual event.
  • Page 49 Tap Save As. The Save Scheme As dialog box appears. • If saving changes to a current scheme, the current Scheme name appears. • If creating a new scheme, enter a new Scheme name. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 50 Exit the Control Panel to return to the desktop. To adjust speaker volume from the keyboard Action Key sequence Decrease volume Blue V Increase volume Blue V Exit volume action Press any key except the Blue V volume adjust keys. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 51: Using The Flashlight

    Controls Using the Flashlight The FC300 has an LED flashlight in the top of the unit. The flashlight on/off key is located at the bottom of the keypad. A Control Panel setting defines the time-out period before the FC300 shuts off the flashlight.

  • Page 52: Backlight Settings

    If disabled, the keypad backlight does not turn on during a suspend, restart, or reboot. To set the keypad backlight option Select Windows logo > Settings > Control Panel > FC300 Options. Select the Misc tab.

  • Page 53: Touch Screen Backlight

    Controls Touch Screen Backlight The touch screen backlight settings control dimming of the backlight when the FC300 is idle after a user-defined time for battery use and external power use (see Setting Power Schemes on page 37). When the backlight timer expires, the touch screen backlight is dimmed, not turned off.
  • Page 54 Power Scheme: AC Power setting in Switch state to User Idle. For more details, see Setting Power Schemes on page 37. Select OK. Exit the Control Panel to return to the desktop. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 55: Accessories

    The FC300 is optionally equipped with an SRead radio which is connected via an internal serial port and integrated into the FC300. An external antenna is attached at the top of the FC300 and can be removed or replaced as needed.

  • Page 56: Antenna Types

    Accessories Antenna Types If you ordered the FC300 with SRead, or the FC300 with SRead + Imager, you need to attach the appropriate antenna to the top of the FC300. Length Part number Gain Type Impedance Description 8¼ inch FC3277ANTENNA 2.1 dBi...

  • Page 57: Attaching The Antenna

    Caution Do not pick up the FC300 by the antenna. Both types of antennas are attached the same way. The following picture shows where the antenna is attached at the top of the FC300. To attach the antenna Carefully insert the base of the antenna into the antenna port located at the top of the FC300.

  • Page 58: Setting Up Wi-Fi

    Accessories Setting Up Wi-Fi If your company uses a wireless network, you can set up the FC300 handheld—if it has a Wi-Fi card—to access that wireless network. If you don't see the Wi-Fi icons ( ) in the taskbar, the FC300 may not be enabled for Wi-Fi.
  • Page 59 Accessories In the Admin Password Entry screen, type SUMMIT (all uppercase) and then tap OK. From the Summit Client Utility screen, select the Profile tab and then tap Scan. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 60 From the Scan screen, select the desired wireless network and then tap Configure. An SCU screen appears asking if you want to create a new profile; the name is based on the wireless network you selected earlier. Tap Yes. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 61 Select the Status tab and check to be sure an IP address is shown in the IP field. Tap OK to exit the Summit Client Utility screen. Exit the Control Panel to return to the desktop. You now have access through the wireless network. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 62: Bluetooth Devices

    32.8 feet (10 meters). Setting Up a Bluetooth Device To use a Bluetooth device, the FC300 must first discover and pair with that device. Pairing occurs when two Bluetooth devices agree to communicate with each other and establish a connection. For example, the FC300 (one Bluetooth device) discovers and pairs with a GPS device (a second Bluetooth device).
  • Page 63 Accessories Select the Bluetooth Devices tab. Be within line-of-sight range of the desired Bluetooth device to pair. Select Discover. All discoverable Bluetooth devices in the vicinity are listed. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 64 Select the desired device. Double-tap and select the correct pairing; select Pair as Serial Device for a GPS receiver. Check the pairing properties. Select the device again. Double-tap and select Properties. The paired device now shows a connected icon. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 65 Taskbar Icons on page 25. If a Bluetooth device becomes unintentionally disconnected—for example if the device is out of range or powers off—the FC300 attempts to reconnect. It continues to attempt to reconnect • For 30 minutes, if the Continuous search field (as seen in step 2) is cleared.

  • Page 66: To Delete Bluetooth Device

    Double-tap the device again and select Delete. A Bluetooth message appears stating that the pairing will be deleted the next time you open the Bluetooth screen. Select OK. Exit the Control Panel to return to the desktop. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 67: Gps

    Accessories The FC300 has an optional embedded (internal) GPS (Global Positioning System) module to work with a GPS-enabled application, including any Itron GPS-enabled software application. The embedded GPS module must be enabled before use. For details, see the documentation for the Itron software application.

  • Page 68: Imager

    Use of controls, adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. For more details about using the imager, see the FC300 Imager Best Practices and Troubleshooting (TDC-0957-xxx) FC300 Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 69: Holster

    Holster The FC300 has an optional holster available. The holster can be worn on the left or right side in conjunction with the Itron holster belt. The holster can also be used with a shoulder strap. The holster has an accessory pocket that can be used to carry a probe, a spare main battery, or whatever you want.

  • Page 70: Holster Belt

    Unthread the webbing from the three-prong buckle end (4) by pushing the doubled-end through the top slot of the buckle. Continue unthreading the webbing through the bottom slot of the three-prong buckle end. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 71 Try on the belt with attached holster to make sure the front of the buckle clasp and the adjustable slider is on the side of the belt away from your body. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...
  • Page 72 10. Pull the webbing so there is a tight fit on the three-prong buckle end. 11. Reattach the slider clip by pinching the webbing and sliding the clip in pace. Be sure the clip opening is up. FC300 Getting Started Guide Proprietary and Confidential...

  • Page 73: Carry Case

    13. The holster is now attached to the belt and ready to use. Carry Case The FC300 has an optional carry case to provide extra protection. The touch screen and keypad are still accessible as is the top of the FC300 for the flashlight, and antenna and imager (if installed).

  • Page 74: Front And Back Views

    Front and Back Views Clear plastic holding strap Latches for shoulder strap Hand strap Stylus holder (on other side too) Zipper for enclosing FC300 (on other side too) Latch for attaching shoulder strap (on other side too) Shoulder strap FC300 Getting Started Guide...

  • Page 75: Top And Bottom Views

    Latches for shoulder strap Charging an FC300 from a Vehicle The FC300 can be charged in a vehicle without using the vehicle dock. The FC300 charger cable consists of a 12 volt DC power supply adapter to plug into the vehicle's 12 volt DC power supply receptacle (cigarette lighter), and a connector to plug into the I/O (input/output) connector on the bottom of the FC300.

  • Page 76: Applying The Touch Screen Protective Film

    Accessories To provide power to the FC300 Using the FC300 charger cable, plug the (1) end into the I/O (input/output) connector on the bottom of the FC300. Plug the (2) end into the vehicle's 12 volt DC power supply receptacle (cigarette lighter).

  • Page 77: Maintenance

    Do not spray any cleaning chemical directly onto the FC300. • Do not use harsh chemicals such as hand creams or insect repellent on the FC300 as they can damage the materials and void the warranty. • Do not scrub the touch screen surface or imager window.

  • Page 78: Exposure To Moisture

    Troubleshooting Exposure to Moisture While the FC300 is designed to handle moisture, it is a best practice to keep the handheld as dry as possible. If moisture occurs due to inclement weather such as rain or snow, be sure to gently dry the FC300 when you return to the office.

  • Page 79: Index

    • LED indicators • Itron software applications • pairing • task bar icons • keyboard • carry case • cleaning the FC300 • LED status indicators • cold boot • Battery • computer friendly name • Bluetooth • System •...
  • Page 80 Index maintenance • cleaning the FC300 • warm boot • drying the FC300 • Wi-Fi • maintaining the battery • setting up • modifier keys • taskbar icons • Windows Mobile Device Center • WWAN • owner information • power scheme settings •...

Table of Contents