Page 1
8300 Series Mobile Computer 8300/8320/8330/8360/8370 Version 2.10...
Page 2
Due to continued product development this information may change without notice. The information and intellectual property contained herein is confidential between CIPHERLAB and the client and remains the exclusive property of CIPHERLAB CO., LTD. If you find any problems in the documentation, please report them to us in writing.
IMPORTANT NOTICES FOR USA 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.
DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS. The use of any batteries or charging devices, which are not originally sold or manufactured by CipherLab, will void your warranty and may cause damage to human body or the product itself.
RELEASE NOTES Version Date Notes Modified: Specifications – Drop Test 1.2 meters 2.11 May 23, 2008 2.10 Apr. 24, 2008 New Word template applied Modified: section 1.5.9 Reader – Defaults updated 2.01 Aug. 10, 2007 New release 2.00 Apr. 14, 2007 Modified: section 2.2.2 Modem Cradle LEDs 1.09 Mar.
This line of product comes with optional Bluetooth and 802.11b/g wireless technologies, enabling real time sharing of performance. The 8300 Series Mobile Computer is bundled with powerful and rich features to ensure success in timely processing of information, and thus, makes an ideal choice for inventory control, shop floor management, warehousing and distribution operations.
Introduction INSTALLING THE HAND STRAP The hand strap is ideal for one-handed operation, which requires safe and convenient hold of the mobile computer. Warning: Always make sure the hand strap is well hooked and screwed to the back of the mobile computer before use. When the hand strap is desired, install it to the mobile computer by following these steps: 1) Place the mobile computer face down on a flat and clean surface.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual CHARGING THE BATTERY You can use a cradle to charge the Mobile Computer, or the 4-Slot Battery Charger to charge up to four batteries. Below is the 4-Slot Battery Charger. For the Charging &...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual FEATURES Ergonomic design — ruggedized yet streamlined, with hand strap for secure hold. Built tough to survive drop test and sealed against moisture/dust to IP 65. Upgradeable memory — optional memory card adds up to 10 MB (2 MB onboard + 8 MB) for data storage.
Introduction ACCESSORIES Rich choices of optional accessories are available for you to enhance the total performance of the mobile computer. Memory Card, 4 or 8 MB Spare rechargeable Li-ion battery 4-slot Battery Charger Charging & Communication Cradle Modem Cradle Ethernet Cradle Direct RS-232 Cable 308 USB Virtual COM Interface (convert RS-232 to USB) Keyboard Wedge Cable...
Page 18
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual...
Chapter 1 USING 8300 MOBILE COMPUTER This chapter explains the features and usage of the 8300 Series Mobile Computer. The 8300 family includes: 8300 Batch type (with RFID option) 8320 Acoustic Coupler 8330 Bluetooth Class 2 + 802.11b/g 8360 Bluetooth Class 1 8370 802.11b/g...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual It takes at least twenty-four hours to fully charge the backup battery. However, it is not necessary to fully charge the backup battery for the mobile computer to work. Monitor voltage level (see section Power) 1.1.1 INSERTING THE BATTERY...
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.1.2 CHARGING THE BATTERY The main and backup batteries may not be charged to full for shipment. When you first receive the package, you will need to charge batteries to full before using the mobile computer.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 1.2 MEMORY The collected data can be sent back to a host computer immediately over wireless networks, or stored in memory (SRAM) and upload later. The mobile computer is equipped with a calendar chip for accurate time/date logging.
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.3 KEYPAD The mobile computer can be equipped with a keypad of 24 keys or 39 keys for system setup, user entry and so on. The keypad comes with programmable LED backlight, like the screen. Refer to section 1.4 LCD...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 1.3.1 SCREEN ICONS When any of the following icons appears on the screen, it indicates a certain mode is activated. It means holding down the specific key is unnecessary. Screen Icon Description This icon appears when you press [Alpha] once, indicating it is set to alphabetic mode for typing capital letters.
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.3.2 KEYPAD LAYOUT The layout of the 24-key keypad is similar to that of a telephone, which consists of an alphanumeric keypad, navigation and function keys, as well as assorted characters. 24-key layout It consists of the following keys:...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 1.4 LCD The mobile computer comes with a 3” FSTN graphic LCD, 128 by 64 pixels resolutions, which can be programmed to display text or graphics, such as specific font and company logo, to meet varying application needs.
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.5 NOTIFICATIONS 1.5.1 STATUS LED The dual-color LED above the [SCAN] trigger is used to provide information on the charging status and can be programmed to provide information that helps diagnosing. For example, if you are using AG Runtime, you will be informed of the scanning result immediately.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 1.6 DATA CAPTURE A wide variety of scan engines is available for delivering flexibility to meet different requirements. Scan Engines 8300 8320 8330 8360 8370 Light source: linear imager, 650 nm red LED 1D Barcode...
Page 29
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer If you need to scan barcodes that are encoded in a symbology that is disabled by default, Application Generator (AG*.exe) allows configuring symbology settings, as well as reader settings. First, enable the desired symbologies, and then, download application to the mobile computer.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual RSS Limited Disabled Disabled Enabled RSS Expanded Disabled Disabled Enabled 1.6.3 RFID TAGS SUPPORTED The RFID reader supports read/write operations depending on the tags. The supported labels include ISO 15693, Icode®, ISO 14443A, and ISO 14443B.
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.7 COMMUNICATIONS VIA THE CRADLE 1.7.1 SETTING UP THE CRADLE The cradle is designed for charging and communications at the same time. You may choose a cradle type that best suits your needs. 1) Place the cradle on a flat and clean surface.
Page 32
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual − √ − Line Jack − √ − Phone Jack − RJ-45 Port − √ − IP Reset Switch − √ Note: (1) Modem Cradle — Delivering flexibility in making a connection, the Modem Cradle integrates the modem functionality (56 kbps) into the cradle.
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.8 COMMUNICATIONS OVER WIRELESS NETWORKS The 8300 Series Mobile Computer supports state-of-the-art wireless technologies so that it can send/receive data in real time in an efficient way. WPAN: Infrared (IR/IrDA) technology for data exchange, embedded WPAN: Bluetooth technology for cable replacement &...
IR device for printing or data exchange. Simply have the IR port of the mobile computer toward the IR port of the target device. This IR port supports CipherLab proprietary IR communication protocol and standard IrDA protocol.
Chapter 1 Using 8300 Mobile Computer 1.8.2 BLUETOOTH Bluetooth technology is for cable replacement & data exchange. With built-in Bluetooth module, the mobile computer can directly communicate with any Bluetooth enabled device, not necessarily line-of-sight. Serial Port Profile (SPP) is for ad-hoc networking, without going through any access point.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 1.8.3 IEEE 802.11b/g The 8330/8370 mobile computer can easily connect to legacy networks through access points (APs). Roaming among different networks is possible. IEEE 802.11b/g is an industrial standard for Wireless Local Area Networking (WLAN), which enables wireless communications over a long distance.
Chapter 2 LEARNING SOFTWARE ARCHITECTURE This chapter mainly describes the software inside the mobile computer. It consists of three modules — Kernel, System, and Application; each has a function menu. When a menu is displayed, you may select an item by either of the following ways: using the [UP] and [DOWN] keys to move the highlight bar pressing the number key that corresponds to the item number On each screen, the last column displays status icons, such as:...
Page 38
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual Figure 9: Software Architecture IN THIS CHAPTER 2.1 Application Module ............. 29 2.2 System Configuration ..........30...
Chapter 2 Learning Software Architecture 2.1 APPLICATION MODULE For easy development of applications, the mobile computer ships with development tools on the CD-ROM. It includes Windows-based programs Application Generator (batch and WLAN), CipherNet (VT and 5250), download utilities, etc. 2.1.1 APPLICATION GENERATOR (AG) The mobile computer is preloaded with AG Runtime.
For managing system configurations and multiple programs, each mobile computer comes with the System Menu, Kernel, and Program Manager. Refer to the following chapters on how to configure the 8300 Series Mobile Computer, regarding system configurations and program download. 2.2.1 SYSTEM MENU...
Chapter 3 SYSTEM MENU The System Menu is generated by a powerful utility, which offers an interface for engineers (programmers or system integrator) to view system information, change the configuration parameters, download programs and run diagnostics. This menu is designed for engineering tests and maintenance ONLY. For this reason, the System Menu provides password protection to prevent unauthorized users from accidentally changing system settings.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.1 INFORMATION Here provides important system information to help diagnose the system. System Menu > 1. Information Hardware version (PCB) A serial number assigned to the mobile computer Manufacturing date Kernel version C library version...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.2 SETTINGS You can change the default settings here. System Settings Default Values Clock blank Backlight Period 20 seconds, Level 2 CPU Speed Full speed Auto Off 10 minutes Power On Options Program Resume...
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.2.5 POWER ON OPTIONS Set the startup screen once the mobile computer is turned on: Program Resume Press [ENTER] to select “Program Resume” or “Program Restart”. When selected, the mobile computer will start from the last session of program before it is turned off. Program Restart Press [ENTER] to select “Program Resume”...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.2.9 RESET TO DEFAULT Reset system settings to the default values, except for the reader settings. 3.2.10 RESET READER You may reset the reader settings to the default values when Long Range Laser scan...
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.3 TESTS Here provides functional tests for key parts. 3.3.1 READER The supported symbologies depend on the scan engine you use. Refer to section Data Capture for symbologies that are enabled by default. For symbologies that are disabled by default, they must be enabled through programming.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual IR (Cradle-IR) This echo test is to verify connectivity via IR between the mobile computer and any cradle. MODEM This echo test is to verify connectivity via modem. A telephone line must be connected to the Modem Cradle.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.4 MEMORY Here provides information and initialization function of the memory. 3.4.1 SIZE INFORMATION Base RAM — onboard SRAM for data memory Memory Card — data memory Flash — program memory 3.4.2 INITIALIZE Initialize the data memory, Base RAM or Memory Card. Warning! The contents of the data memory (SRAM) will be wiped out after memory initialization.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.5 POWER Here shows current voltage consumption. Main (battery) It shows dynamic status of the battery pack, which is used as the main power source. Backup (battery) It shows dynamic status of the button cell, which is used to retain data in SRAM.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.6 LOAD PROGRAM Here you can access the Load Program service provided by the kernel. Because the kernel will take over the job, you will not be able to return to the System Menu by pressing [ESC]. After downloading, restart the mobile computer to activate the new program.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.7 SERIAL PPP MENU This submenu is for establishing a PPP connection via the Modem Cradle or any generic modem. You must configure these parameters correctly. Note: Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) is a method of connecting the mobile computer to the Internet over serial links.
BASIC Run-time version, if a BASIC application is downloaded. Below are available libraries that support (1) PPP connection over serial links (2) Ethernet connection – Transparent mode. Series Model # External Libraries 8300 8300 (batch) 83PPP.lib 8330 (Bluetooth, 802.11b/g) 83PPP.lib OR 83NetCombo.lib...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.7.2 CONNECTION SET DialUp Number Enter the number provided by your ISP. Login Name Enter the login name provided by your ISP. Login Password Enter the login password provided by your ISP. Baud Rate Select a desired baud rate.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.7.3 ECHO TEST This echo test is used for verifying connectivity via Point-to-Point Protocol. For the Modem Cradle, its physical connectivity can be verified in System Menu > Tests > Echo Test > IR or MODEM. Enter the IP address of a server with which a PPP connection is desired.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.8 IR NETWORK MENU (ETHERNET VIA IR) This submenu is for Ethernet connection via IR networking. You must configure these parameters correctly. Note: The Ethernet Cradle is required for establishing Ethernet connection via IR.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.8.1 INFORMATION Information of Ethernet network configuration can be viewed here. IR Network Menu > 1. Information DHCP DHCP server in use or not IP address of the mobile computer Mask Subnet Mask Gate Default Gateway Note: For Transparent mode, refer to Serial PPP Menu for available libraries.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.8.2 NETWORK SETTING Set parameters for IP networking. DHCP Options - Enable or Disable Subnet Mask Enter a new Mask IP, if necessary. Local IP Address Enter a new address for the mobile computer, if necessary.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.8.3 ECHO TESTS The Ethernet Cradle supports three working modes: Data Mode Modem Mode Transparent Mode These echo tests are used for verifying connectivity via the Ethernet Cradle. For details, refer to the Ethernet Cradle manual. Data Mode Set the Ethernet Cradle in Data mode.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.9 BLUETOOTH MENU — 8330/8360 This submenu is for the built-in Bluetooth module to work with other Bluetooth enabled devices. You must configure these parameters correctly. Note: This submenu is generated only when the Bluetooth module is present.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.9.1 INFORMATION Information of network configuration can be viewed here. Bluetooth Menu > 1. Information C library version for Bluetooth (BNEP) MAC ID of the Bluetooth module A name given to the mobile computer for identification. By default, it is made up of model No.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.9.2 CONNECT SETTING A basic Bluetooth system can be configured as (1) point to point - DUN mode, and (2) point to multi-point - SPP or PAN mode. Set the following parameters if necessary.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.9.3 SECURITY Set or modify security parameters. Authentication Options - Enable or Disable PIN Code Define the encryption key values. Up to 16 characters, using ASCII code. Note: When authentication is enabled without providing a pre-set PIN code, the mobile computer supports dynamic input of PIN code during pairing.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.9.4 ECHO TESTS These echo tests are used for verifying connectivity to make sure the mobile computer is within coverage. Press [ESC] to stop and exit the test. In PAN mode, the echo test helps measure the coverage of the range, estimate the number of APs and mobile computers needed, and determine the topology of deploying APs.
Page 65
Chapter 3 System Menu - Use the Bluetooth COM port that has been configured as “outgoing”. - Set Action Mode to “Passive”. 3. Start the echo test on both ends. 4. The mobile computer will wait for PC (master) to start the connection. 5.
Page 66
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual BNEP Server Set the mobile computer as a server. It will try to connect to an AP. 1. Pairing with an AP must be completed first. Select “Access Point” for Target Machine options. Note that you must disable Authentication and clear the preset PIN code when connecting to Bluetooth AP (3560).
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.9.5 PAIRING TEST The pairing procedure is for the creation and exchange of a link key between two Bluetooth-enabled devices. The devices use the link key for future authentication when exchanging information. 1) The mobile computer will start with making an inquiry so that the system can generate a list of device(s) that has been discovered nearby.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.9.6 FREQ. DEV. LIST The Frequent Device List is used to store a list of target device(s) that the mobile computer has been connected to lately. After each successful pairing, the system will update the list.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.9.7 NETWORK SETTING Set parameters for IP networking. DHCP Options - Enable or Disable Subnet Mask Enter a new Mask IP, if necessary. Local IP Address Enter a new address for the mobile computer, if necessary. Default Gateway Enter a new address for the default Gateway, if necessary.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.10 WI-FI MENU — 8330/8370 This submenu is for 802.11b/g wireless networking. You must configure these parameters correctly. Note: This submenu is generated only when the Wi-Fi module is present. Wi-Fi Settings Default Value...
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.10.1 INFORMATION Information of network configuration can be viewed here. Wi-Fi Menu > 1. Information C library version for WLAN (802.11b/g) Firmware version of the module chipset MAC ID of the 802.11b/g module A name given to the mobile computer for identification. By default, it is made up of model No.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.10.2 NETWORK SETTING Set parameters for IP networking. DHCP Options - Enable or Disable Subnet Mask Enter a new Mask IP, if necessary. Local IP Address Enter a new address for the mobile computer, if necessary.
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.10.3 WLAN SETTING Wireless networking can operate in two modes – (1) Ad-hoc mode: peer-to-peer, and (2) Infrastructure mode: point to multi-point through access points. Set the following parameters. Local Name Enter a name for identifying the mobile computer. By default, it is made up of model No.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 3.10.4 SECURITY Set or modify security parameters. WEP: Wired Equivalent Privacy EAP: Extensible Authentication Protocol WPA: Wi-Fi Protected Access Authentication [1] Open System Default authentication type This requires implementing WEP key. [0] Share Key...
Chapter 3 System Menu 3.10.5 ECHO TESTS This function is used to measure the coverage of the range, estimate the number of APs and mobile computers needed, and determine the topology of deploying APs. Client Mode Set the mobile computer as a client. Enter the IP address of a server with which a connection is desired.
Page 76
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual While running echo tests, if WPA setting is enabled for security, the SSID and Passphrase will be processed to generate a pre-share key. Note: If you change the SSID or Passphrase, it will have to re-generate a pre-share key.
Page 77
Chapter 3 System Menu Once the connection of echo test is established, the details will be displayed as illustrated below. Link Quality (“Q”) will be the most important element while the others are for your reference. Q (Link Quality) T (Transmit Speed) S (Signal Level) N (Noise Level) 0 ~ 10...
Page 78
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual...
Chapter 4 PROGRAM MANAGER & KERNEL This chapter explains Program Manager and Kernel that manage multiple programs and firmware upgrade. IN THIS CHAPTER 4.1 Program Manager ............69 4.2 Kernel ..............74 4.1 PROGRAM MANAGER The mobile computer supports multiple applications and languages. In the menu of Program Manager, it allows storing up to seven programs and has one activated for the current use.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 4.1.1 DOWNLOAD Here provides a full list of programs that are currently stored on the mobile computer with size information. Multiple application programs can be downloaded through a variety of interfaces. Upon completion of downloading, you are allowed to input a name for the program.
Page 81
Chapter 4 Program Manager & Kernel SPARE MEMORY SECTORS (1 ~ 6) Additional program files can be directly downloaded to these sectors. Download a program file to an empty sector: 1. Select an empty sector by pressing the corresponding number and then [Enter]. 2.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 4.1.2 ACTIVATE The list shows the entire spare programs stored on the mobile computer. From the list, you can select from 1 to 6 and activate one of them. The selected program will be copied to the active memory sector and replace the current one.
Chapter 4 Program Manager & Kernel 4.1.3 UPLOAD You may duplicate one or all of the programs from the mobile computer to a host computer or another mobile computer. This can be used to clone software on mobile computers. Note: To clone all of the programs, the target mobile computer cannot have any other program downloaded except the active one;...
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 4.2 KERNEL The kernel resides in the innermost core of the system. It has the highest security and is always protected by the system. When the application program is corrupted and the System Menu fails, the Kernel Menu provides an access to fix the system.
Chapter 4 Program Manager & Kernel 4.2.2 LOAD PROGRAM You can download one program file to the active memory sector, as well as one font file to the memory address assigned by the system. After downloading, restart the mobile computer to activate the new program. New application program or program update And/or one font file, i.e.
Page 86
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual Baud Rate 115200 (bps) Supported on CipherLab software, including download utilities. 76800 (bps) 57600 (bps) Supported on CipherLab software, including download utilities. 38400 (bps) Supported on CipherLab software, including download utilities. 19200 (bps) Supported on CipherLab software, including download utilities.
Otherwise, it will crash the kernel forever. There is no way to recover it! Note: (1) CipherLab software, including download utilities, supports the following baud rate options: 115200/57600/38400/19200/9600 bps. (2) The interface option “Bluetooth” is only available on 8330 or 8360.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual 4.2.5 BLUETOOTH MENU — 8330/8360 This submenu is the same as the one under the System Menu except for the following items: "2. Connect Set > 5. BT-GPRS AP Name" is not provided. "4. Echo Tests" is provided with SPP options only.
Appendix I DOWNLOAD UTILITIES For easy development of applications, the mobile computer ships with development tools on the CD-ROM. It includes Windows-based Application Generator programs, batch and WLAN, as well as download utilities. The download utilities are provided for you to download a program (*.SHX or *.SYN) to the mobile computer.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual PROGLOAD.EXE This all-in-one utility supports all the file types and communications interfaces. Run the program on your computer. The following dialog box pops up. Click to select Comm type, COM port, and Baud rate.
Appendix I Download Utilities IRLOAD.EXE This utility is provided when you establish a connection via the cradle. 1) Run the program on your computer. 2) Choose a .SHX file. 3) Select COM port properties. COMMAND LINE It also supports command line arguments. For example, IRLOAD U8300-114.SHX,2,1//COM2,115200 bps If command line arguments are not given, the user can select appropriate parameters from the pop-up dialog box.
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual DOWNLOAD.EXE This utility is provided when you establish a connection via serial interface, such as a direct RS-232 cable, IrDA port, or Bluetooth SPP. 1) Run the program. 2) Choose a .SHX file. 3) Select COM port properties.
Try to re-charge the battery and monitor the charging status. Warning! Only use batteries or charging device manufactured by CipherLab. The use of wrong battery or charging device could result in damage to human body or the product itself, and will void your warranty.
Page 96
8300 Series Mobile Computer Reference Manual The reader does not decode after scanning… Unreadable barcode — Check if the barcode is defaced. A defaced barcode may not be readable. Un-programmed to read — Check if the scanner is programmed to read the symbologies (types of barcode) that you are trying to read.
Page 97
Appendix II Troubleshooting Over RS-232 port via cradle or direct RS-232 — Check if the RS-232 connection is correct and secured. Make sure the serial port parameters on the host are configured to match the serial parameters on the mobile computer. Try to establish connection again. Make sure the mobile computer is well seated inside the cradle.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the 8300 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers