Page 2
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, function, or design.
Page 5
Telxon is a registered trademark of Telxon Corporation. PenRight! is a trademark of Telxon Corporation. PenDOS is a registered trademark of Communication Intelligence Corporation. MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. DataTAC is a trademark of Motorola, Inc. All other product or trade references are either the trademarks or the registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for identification.
Regulations General regulations 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.
The FCC ID is on a label on the back of the unit. DOC statement The PTC-870IM’s radio is also approved for use in Canada. The PTC-870IM uses a spread spectrum radio transceiver that qualifies for unlicensed use.
DOC statement The PTC-870IM’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. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause...
Do not throw away the PTC-870IM when it has reached the end of its useful life. Send it to an authorized Telxon service center for bridge battery removal and recycling before the unit is permanently disposed of.
Scope of the manual This manual provides general information on the PTC-870IM’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.
An optional version of the The PTC-870IM is specially designed to be used in the PTC-870IM is available for use field and in industrial settings. It is constructed...
panel). Additionally, data can be sent and received through an optional internal radio. Through the keyboard Entering data through the keyboard is similar to operating a calculator. As you press the data keys, the corresponding number or letter appears on the screen. Pressing the ENTER key stores data in the PTC’s memory.
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.
• a keyboard (if ordered), • a mounting kit (if ordered), • a PTC-870IM Read-Me-First Sheet, and • a PTC-870IM User’s Guide. 1. Remove the PTC and accessories 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.
Appendix If you wish to connect your PTC-870IM to AC power, follow the instructions in this section. 1. Plug the connector on the AC power pack into the PTC-870IM’s power connector.
ARDIS radio or MicroRadio to the antenna connector on the bottom of the unit. Turning on the PTC-870IM Press the On/Off button to turn on the PTC-870IM. Running the power-on self test When you turn on the PTC-870IM, it automatically performs a series of self-diagnostic tests to ensure it is operating correctly.
Flash EPROMs Flash EPROMs are electronic chips installed inside the PTC. In the PTC-870IM, they hold the operating system, device and utility programs, and perhaps your application program. If your PTC has an...
IBM PC compatible and provides exceptional processing speed. Radio The PTC-870IM can be equipped with a single ARDIS radio, spread spectrum radio, or MicroRadio or with two radios in the following combinations: a 2.4-GHz spread spectrum radio and an ARDIS radio or a 900-MHz or 2.4-GHz spread spectrum radio and a...
Page 24
Spread spectrum provides secure, interference-free communication and does not require a license for operation. • The PTC-870IM’s MicroRadio can A MicroRadio allows communication with optional communicate with any other Telxon wireless accessories, including a printer and a product containing a MicroRadio, for wireless scanning terminal.
Page 25
Figure 1. The PTC-870IM (front view) 8. Increase Contrast button 7. Decrease Contrast button 1. Power LED 6. Display screen 2. On/Off button 3. Keyboard latches 4. Keyboard bracket 5. Keyboard 1. This green light-emitting diode (LED) indicates the status of the PTC. Refer to page 43 for an explanation of the LED codes.
Page 26
Figure 2. The PTC-870IM (bottom view) 1. Power connector 3. Keyboard 6. Desiccant cartridge connector 5. Parallel port (pictured) 2. Serial port (freezer units only) or antenna connector 4. Scanner connector 1. The power cable or an optional AC power pack plugs into this connector to power the PTC. Two types of power cables are available: a 12-72 VDC power cable (for non-freezer units without a WAN radio or for freezer units) and an 11-20 VDC power cable (for non-freezer units with a WAN radio).
Page 27
Figure 3. The PTC-870IM (side view) 1. Antenna connector 2. Beeper 3. Mounting hole 4. Keyboard knob 1. If your PTC has an internal radio, an antenna screws into this connector. If your PTC has two radios, the antenna for the spread spectrum radio screws into this connector.
Automatic sleep and resume Sleep The PTC-870IM goes into a sleep state in each of the following circumstances: if it is not used for a period of time or if it is turned off using the On/Off button.
Clock The clock can be set using the The PTC-870IM has a built-in clock that keeps track MS-DOS TIME and DATE commands. of the date (month, day, year, and day of the week) and the time (hours, minutes, seconds, and tenths of seconds).
Memory The PTC-870IM has two types of memory: read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). The PTC has 2 megabytes (MB) of read-only memory. The first 256 kilobytes (KB) are used to store programs and information the PTC needs when it starts up.
Refer to the “Drive lettering” section below for the drive letter assignments. Drive lettering The PCMCIA slot is not user The PTC-870IM’s operating system identifies an accessible. internal PCMCIA slot, a ROMdisk, a RAMdisk, and a hard drive by assigning them drive letters as follows: •...
Operating system/environment The following applications, which The PTC-870IM’s operating system is MS-DOS 6.22. run on top of MS-DOS, are available A separate pen operating environment runs on top for the PTC-870IM: ANSI/VT220 (TCP of MS-DOS and enables touch recognition for units or TXP), 3278, or 5250 emulation.
Using a keyboard If you ordered a keyboard for use with your PTC-870IM, follow the instructions below to connect it to the PTC. The keyboard may or may not be bolted to the unit. If it is, follow the instructions in the “Adjusting the keyboard”...
Page 34
Figure 4. Adjusting the keyboard Squeeze the latches together to rotate the keyboard Keyboard knob Hole positions in the keyboard bracket...
Using a laser scanner An optional laser scanner can be connected to your PTC to allow bar codes on labels, boxes, etc. to be read directly into the PTC’s memory. The documentation provided with The following procedures assume that a software the Telxon Pen-based 11x4 Series driver for the laser scanner has already been installed Software Development Kit contains...
Page 36
$ Do not stare into the laser Follow this procedure to scan bar-code labels if your beam or point the scanner at any- PTC is equipped with an external laser scanner. one’s eyes. Eye damage could occur. 1. Point the laser scanner at the label to be scanned. See the instructions provided The scanner can be at an angle to the label.
Supported bar-code types See the information provided by The PTC-870IM can be programmed to read and your supervisor for the codes your automatically discriminate between the following PTC has been programmed to bar-code types: recognize. • Codabar • Code 2 of 5 •...
PTC-870IM is equipped. The PTC-870IM can be set up for either one-way or two-way communication. It communicates through its 11-pin serial port, via its parallel port (if present), or through its internal radio.
5. Turn on the PTC and then turn on the device it is connected to. 6. To communicate, follow the instructions for your application program. Disconnecting a serial cable 1. Turn off the PTC. 2. Turn off the serial device or accessory. ! Pull on the cable connector when 3.
Disconnecting a parallel cable 1. Turn off the PTC and the parallel device. ! Pull on the cable connector when 2. Pull the cable’s connector directly away from the disconnecting. Pulling on the cable PTC’s parallel port. can break the internal wires. 3.
The following information will help to ensure you receive reliable and trouble-free service from your PTC-870IM. • Do not open the PTC-870IM’s case. Only a trained technician can service the parts inside the PTC. • Ensure that the PTC-870IM is off before connecting or removing any accessories.
Storing the PTC • Do not store the PTC-870IM in temperatures below –40 degrees F (–40 degrees C) or above 167 degrees F (75 degrees C). 1. Transfer any data stored in the PTC to a host computer or another PTC or print the data. See the manual or instructions for your organization’s...
Do not attempt to service the PTC. Only a trained Telxon technician may service the PTC-870IM. Disposing of the PTC When your PTC-870IM has reached the end of its useful life, do not throw it away. Send it to an authorized Telxon service center for bridge battery removal and recycling before the unit is permanently disposed of.
Troubleshooting As a first step in resolving problems, consider the points in this section. General • As soon as an error occurs, stop what you are doing. Write down what the system is doing and what actions you took immediately before the problem occurred.
Beep codes Five beeps • Five beeps means the bridge battery is running out of power. If you hear these beeps or if the PTC has been disconnected from AC or vehicle power for more than 60 hours, reconnect the power and allow the bridge battery to recharge for 10 to 12 hours.
The PTC’s screen is slow to refresh (non-freezer units only) • Wait until the PTC warms up if it has been stored or used in the cold. The laser scanner does not read a label • Make sure the scanner’s connector is firmly attached to the PTC’s scanner connector.
The PTC shows signs of internal condensation • Check the window on the desiccant cartridge. If the window is pink, replace the cartridge following the instructions on page Your application locks up • Warm boot the PTC following the instructions on page •...
Rebooting the PTC If your application locks up (stops responding to the keyboard), reboot your PTC. Rebooting stops the application, stops the PTC, resets the unit, and then restarts (boots) it. Under normal circumstances, a warm boot unlocks the unit. Performing a warm boot ! Any data that was not saved When you perform a warm boot, all programs and...
White wire = – 4. Route the loose end of the power cable from the vehicle’s power source to the PTC-870IM. 5. Secure the cable with cable ties to prevent it from snagging or catching on something.
5. Adjust the PTC for the best viewing angle. 6. Tighten the mounting handles securely. Mounting the PTC-870IM to a wall or a horizontal surface For freezer units, make sure you Use the four M6x1 mounting holes on the back of the leave enough clearance to replace PTC-870IM, four M6x1 screws, and four .375-inch...
Appendix Specifications Communication and I/O Serial: RS-232, RS-422, and RS-422 (terminated) via 11-pin port Parallel: Optional Centronix-compatible parallel port Radio combinations are listed on Internal radio: Optional ARDIS, 900-MHz or page 2.4-GHz DATASPAN spread spectrum, or 900-MHz MicroRadio Data rate: 215 to 860 kbps (900-MHz spread spectrum) 710 to 2000 kbps...
Electrical AC power: 110 volts Vehicle power 12-72 VDC non-freezer units w/o a WAN radio: 11-20 VDC non-freezer units w/ a WAN radio: 18-36 or 32-72 VDC freezer units: Bridge battery: Internal rechargeable 6-volt (5-cell, 450-mAhr) nickel- cadmium battery Environmental Operating temperature 32 to 140 degrees F units w/ an LCD panel:...
Physical Length: 11.5 in/29.2 cm Height: 10.5 in/26.7 cm Depth: 3.9 in/9.9 cm Weight: 13 lb/5.9 kg (without a keyboard) 15 lb/6.8 kg (with a keyboard) Processor Type: 486SLC Speed: 50 MHz Storage Hard drive: Optional internal 20-, 40-, or 60-MB solid-state drive...
Appendix Accessory part numbers Contact your Telxon representative The following table contains part numbers for to order any of the following parts. ordering PTC-870IM accessory hardware. Item Part number Hardware * The mounting kit includes a Antenna, 900-MHz spread spectrum 18724-000 Antenna, 2.4-GHz spread spectrum...
Page 56
Item Part number Cables *The middle digit in the last three IBM PC/AT-to-PTC cable* 12705-1X5 numbers of these part numbers IBM PC/XT-to-PTC cable* 12705-1X4 indicates the cable length in feet. RS-232 (Type I)-to-PTC cable* 12705-XX1 0 = 3’ 2 = 10’ 4 = 25’...
Appendix Communication connections Figures 7 through provide information on the connections used to establish and maintain communication between the PTC-870IM and other devices. Figure 7. IBM PC/AT-to-PTC cable, P/N 12705-1X5 IBM PC/AT PTC-870IM DIGND N.C. N.C. N.C.
Page 58
Figure 8. IBM PC/XT-to-PTC cable, P/N 12705-1X4 IBM PC/XT PTC-870IM DIGND N.C. N.C. N.C.
Page 59
Figure 9. RS-232 (Type I)-to-PTC cable, P/N 12705-XX1 RS-232 Type I PTC-870IM DIGND N.C. This cable can be set for either RS-232 or RS-422 communication via jumper settings on the PTC’s motherboard. For RS-422, the first four pins would be...
Page 60
Figure 10. RS-232 (Type II)-to-PTC cable, P/N 12705-XX2 RS-232 Type II PTC-870IM DIGND N.C.
Page 61
Figure 11. RS-232 (Type III)-to-PTC cable, P/N 12705-XX3 RS-232 Type III PTC-870IM DIGND N.C. N.C.
Page 62
A group of eight bits that acts as a basic unit for information transfer and storage. Carrier detect signal. CD indicates that the modem is receiving a signal from the remote modem. character A letter, number, or symbol.
Page 63
Electro-luminescent. An EL panel display screen is available as an option for the PTC-870IM. This screen does not have a backlight but can be used in colder temperatures than an LCD screen.
Page 64
Contrast with WAN. laser scanner A type of bar-code reader that uses a beam of laser light. Liquid crystal display. The PTC-870IM’s standard display screen is an LCD. Light-emitting diode. mAhr Milliampere hour(s). A measurement of the ability to...
Page 65
MS-DOS operating system in the same way as a physical disk drive. resume A feature of the PTC-870IM that returns you to the point where you were in your application program when the PTC was turned off or went to sleep. See sleep.
Page 66
Electronic impulses that transmit data from one device to another. sleep A power-saving feature of the PTC-870IM. The PTC is capable of slowing or turning off portions of its electronics to conserve power. Sleep occurs automatically when the PTC has not been used for a predetermined period of time.
Page 67
two-way Exchange of information between two devices. After communication each block of data, the receiving device sends a positive or negative acknowledgment to the sending device. Transmit data signal. TXD indicates that a device is currently transmitting data. Volts alternating current. A unit of measure of electric potential or potential difference in a bidirectional electrical current.
Page 68
Index recharging, replacing, Accessories, connecting, 36-37 disconnecting, 37-38 part numbers, 53-54 Cables, 55-59 AC power, connecting, 36-37 connecting, disconnecting, 37-38 AC power pack, 18, 24 part numbers, Antenna, 24, 25 Checking the PTC, connecting, 18-19 Cleaning the PTC, Antenna connector, 24, 25 Clock, Applications,...
Page 69
Features, 26-30 fails to read a label, Flash EPROMs, 20-21, 28 safety information, reprogramming, using, 33-35 Handling the PTC-870IM, Maintaining the PTC, 39-41 Hard drive, 15, 29-30, 52 Memory, 28-30 Help RAM, 28-29, 51 getting, ROM,...
Page 70
23, 26-27 servicing, Operating conditions, storing, Operating system, supplying power to, 18, 48 Operating temperature, 39, 51 turning on, Overview of the PTC-870IM, 14-16 unpacking, Packing material Radio saving, entering data, Parallel port, 24, 50 fails to establish contact, using,...
Page 71
Safety information, Unpacking the PTC, Scanner connector, Scanning bar codes, 33-34 Scope of the manual, Screen, Vehicle power, contrast, connecting, EL panel, 23, 30, 50 Vibration, slow to refresh, specifications, transmissive LCD, 23, 30, 50 Serial port, 24, 50 Warm boot using, 36-37 performing,...
Page 72
!19408-701-04! Telxon Corporation/3330 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44334/330-664-1000/800-800-8001 Part No. 19408-701-04 Printed in U.S.A.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the PTC-870IM and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers