Datalogic ADC FALCON5500 Falcon 5500 User Manual

Datalogic ADC, Inc. Falcon 5500

Users Manual

AddendumFalcon® 5500 RFIDMobile Hybrid Computer
PSC Inc959 Terry StreetEugene, Oregon 97402Telephone: (541) 683-5700Fax: (541) 345-7140An Unpublished Work - All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this documentation or the procedures described therein may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission of PSC Inc. or its wholly owned subsidiaries ("PSC"). Owners of PSC products are hereby granted a non-exclusive, revocable license to reproduce and transmit this documentation for the purchaser's own internal business pur-poses. Purchaser shall not remove or alter any proprietary notices, including copyright notices, contained in this documentation and shall ensure that all notices appear on any reproductions of the documentation.Should future revisions of this manual be published, you can acquire printed versions by contacting your PSC rep-resentative. Electronic versions may either be downloadable from the PSC website (www.psc.com) or provided on appropriate media. If you visit our website and would like to make comments or suggestions about this or other PSC publications, please let us know via the “Contact PSC” page.DisclaimerPSC has taken reasonable measures to provide information in this manual that is complete and accurate, however, PSC reserves the right to change any specification at any time without prior notice.PSC is a registered trademark of PSC Inc. The PSC logo is a trademark of PSC. All other trademarks and trade names referred to herein are property of their respective owners.PatentsThis product may be covered by one or more of the following patents: 4603262 • 4639606 • 4652750 • 4672215 • 4699447 • 4709369 • 4749879 4786798 • 4792666 • 4794240 • 4798943 • 4799164 • 4820911 • 4845349 • 4861972 • 4861973 • 4866257 • 4868836 • 4879456 • 4939355 • 4939356 • 4943127 • 4963719 • 4971176 • 4971177 • 4991692 • 5001406 • 5015831 • 5019697 • 5019698 • 5086879 • 5115120 • 5144118 • 5146463 • 5179270 • 5198649 • 5200597 • 5202784 • 5208449 • 5210397 • 5212371 • 5212372 • 5214270 • 5229590 • 5231293 • 5232185 • 5233169 • 5235168 • 5237161 • 5237162 • 5239165 • 5247161 • 5256864 • 5258604 • 5258699 • 5260554 • 5274219 • 5296689 • 5298728 • 5311000 • 5327451 • 5329103 • 5330370 • 5347113 • 5347121 • 5371361 • 5382783 • 5386105 • 5389917 • 5410108 • 5420410 • 5422472 • 5426507 • 5438187 • 5440110 • 5440111 • 5446271 • 5446749 • 5448050 • 5463211 • 5475206 • 5475207 • 5479011 • 5481098 • 5491328 • 5493108 • 5504350 • 5508505 • 5512740 • 5541397 • 5552593 • 5557095 • 5563402 • 5565668 • 5576531 • 5581707 • 5594231 • 5594441 • 5598070 • 5602376 • 5608201 • 5608399 • 5612529 • 5629510 • 5635699 • 5641958 • 5646391 • 5661435 • 5664231 • 5666045 • 5671374 • 5675138 • 5682028 • 5686716 • 5696370 • 5703347 • 5705802 • 5714750 • 5717194 • 5723852 • 5750976 • 5767502 • 5770847 • 5786581 • 5786585 • 5787103 • 5789732 • 5796222 • 5804809 • 5814803 • 5814804 • 5821721 • 5822343 • 5825009 • 5834708 • 5834750 • 5837983 • 5837988 • 5852286 • 5864129 • 5869827 • 5874722 • 5883370 • 5905249 • 5907147 • 5923023 • 5925868 • 5929421 • 5945670 • 5959284 • 5962838 • 5979769 • 6000619 • 6006991 • 6012639 • 6016135 • 6024284 • 6041374 • 6042012 • 6045044 • 6047889 • 6047894 • 6056198 • 6065676 • 6069696 • 6073849 • 6073851 • 6094288 • 6112993 • 6129279 • 6129282 • 6134039 • 6142376 • 6152368 • 6152372 • 6155488 • 6166375 • 6169614 • 6173894 • 6176429 • 6188500 • 6189784 • 6213397 • 6223986 • 6230975 • 6230976 • 6237852 • 6244510 • 6259545 • 6260763 • 6266175 • 6273336 • 6276605 • 6279829 • 6290134 • 6290135 • 6293467 • 6303927 • 6311895 • 6318634 • 6328216 • 6332576 • 6332577 • 6343741 • 6454168 • 6478224 • 6,568,598 • 6,578,765 • 6705527 • AU703547 • D312631 • D313590 • D320011 • D320012 • D323492 • D330707 • D330708 • D349109 • D350127 • D350735 • D351149 • D351150 • D352936 • D352937 • D352938 • D352939 • D358588 • D361565 • D372234 • D374630 • D374869 • D375493 • D376357 • D377345 • D377346 • D377347 • D377348 • D388075 • D446524 • EP0256296 • EP0260155 • EP0260156 • EP0295936 • EP0325469 • EP0349770 • EP0368254 • EP0442215 • EP0498366 • EP0531645 • EP0663643 • EP0698251 • GB2252333 • GB2284086 • GB2301691 • GB2304954 • GB2307093 • GB2308267 • GB2308678 • GB2319103 • GB2333163 • GB2343079 • GB2344486 • GB2345568 • GB2354340 • ISR107546 • ISR118507 • ISR118508 • JP1962823 • JP1971216 • JP2513442 • JP2732459 • JP2829331 • JP2953593 • JP2964278 • MEX185552 • MEX187245 • RE37166 • Other Patents Pending
Addendum iTable of ContentsOverview ......................................................................................................................1Getting Started ..............................................................................................................2Enabling RFID .........................................................................................................2Reading RFID Tags ...................................................................................................3Painting ............................................................................................................4RFID Electrical Considerations ..........................................................................................4Operating time ..................................................................................................4Charge time ......................................................................................................4LEDs/Indicators .......................................................................................................5RFID Battery Charge LEDs ..................................................................................5Discharge indicator ............................................................................................5Configuration Settings ....................................................................................................7Audio ...............................................................................................................7RFID Settings ..........................................................................................................8Report Settings .................................................................................................8Power ..............................................................................................................9Read Limits .......................................................................................................9Firmware Version ............................................................................................. 10Configuration Examples .......................................................................................... 11About RFID Tags .......................................................................................................... 12RFID Antenna .................................................................................................. 12Read Range .................................................................................................... 12Proximity of Tags ............................................................................................. 12Tag Types ....................................................................................................... 12Tag Orientation ............................................................................................... 13Factors Affecting Performance ........................................................................... 13Configuration Parameters .............................................................................................. 14Safety Information ....................................................................................................... 17FCC Statement ...................................................................................................... 17FCC Interference Statement .................................................................................... 17FCC Radio Frequency Exposure statement ................................................................ 17Radio Type ...................................................................................................... 17
Table of ContentsiiFalcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerNOTES
Addendum 1Falcon® 5500 RFIDMobile Hybrid ComputerOverviewThis document covers the following topics:Getting Started•Enabling RFID on page 2•Reading RFID Tags on page 3Configuration Settings•Audio on page 7•RFID Settings on page 8 Further Information•About RFID Tags on page 12•Configuration Parameters on page 14•Safety Information on page 17The Falcon 5500 is a Falcon 4420 Win CE .NET Color Mobile Computer mounted with a special RFID unit. See the Falcon 4400 Series Quick Reference Guide (QRG) and the Falcon 4400 Series Product Reference Guide (PRG) on the Product CD included with your unit for information not discussed in this RFID Addendum. Information about the symbols and formatting used in this manual are describedin the Falcon 4400 Series PRG.
Getting Started2Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerGetting StartedEnabling RFIDBefore using your PSC RFID Tag Reader, you must enable the unit for RFID.1. Power on the unit. Follow the on-screen instructions to calibrate the touchscreen. See the Falcon 4400 Series PRG for more information.2. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel. Double-tap the Decoding icon.3. Select Configure > General > Trigger Options. 4. In the Pistol Trigger column, select RFID. 5. Tap OK.For information on other RFID configuration options, see Configuration Set-tings on page 7. CAUTIONYou must charge the Falcon in the RFID-compatible dock prior to first use. The ini-tial charge time is approximately 12 hours. See “Charging the Batteries” in the Fal-con 4400 Series Quick Reference Guide (QRG) for more information.
Getting StartedAddendum 3Reading RFID TagsFor tag read demo purposes:Once you have enabled the Falcon to read RFID tags, complete the following steps: 1. Open an application that accepts keyboard wedge data such as Microsoft WordPad (double-tap the icon on the screen, or go to Start > Programs > Microsoft WordPad).2. Aim the device toward the tag you want to read.3. Press the trigger. The front LED turns orange, indicating that the RFID reader is being used.4. The device beeps as tags are read.5. The RFID tag data is entered into the application.6. When the read is finished, the front LED turns off and a final beep is heard, indicating that the operation is complete.The RFID Antenna (in the RFID unit) should be positioned to face the tag location. Figure 1. Aiming the Falcon 5500.Failure to open an application will inhibit the effective display of tag data.
RFID Electrical Considerations4Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerSee Configuration Settings on page 7 for information about modifying the default settings. For more details about RFID tags, see About RFID Tags on page 12.PaintingThe paint operation gives the operator the ability to cover an area with RF energy to gather more than one tag with a single trigger pull. Painting is achieved by holding down the trigger and sweeping the area containing tags. The energy is terminated either when the trigger is released or a timeout (as specified in the control panel settings) occurs. The device will beep each time additional tags are read while painting. Reference Read Limits on page 9 for information on setting up your unit for painting. RFID Electrical ConsiderationsOperating timeUnder normal operating conditions, the RFID battery will last longer than the Falcon battery. Extended continuous operation may result in the RFID battery discharging before the Falcon battery. When using “paint” mode, the battery will last approximately 3 hours. If the RFID unit fails to operate or produces error messages on the Falcon screen, it could be an indication that the RFID battery is becoming depleted. The red indicator light will begin to flash when the battery gets low. See LEDs/Indicators on page 5 for more information. Charge timeNormal charge time is approximately 4 hours. The time depends on how much charge is in the battery when charging begins.
RFID Electrical ConsiderationsAddendum 5LEDs/IndicatorsRFID Battery Charge LEDs These indicators are visible on the back of the RFID pod. The red LED is on when the unit is in a dock and the RFID battery is charging. The green LED is on when the unit is in the dock and the RFID battery has reached full charge. When the unit is out of the dock, neither LED will be on.Figure 2. LED indicatorsDischarge indicatorIf the RFID unit fails to operate or produces error messages on the Falcon screen, it could be an indication that the RFID battery is low. When the bat-tery is close to depletion, the red LED indicator light (located on the back of the RFID unit) will begin to flash. As the battery becomes further discharged, the flashing will increase in intensity.Battery Charge LEDs
RFID Electrical Considerations6Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerFigure 3. Falcon 5500 DockFalcon 5500DockUse only the correct battery chargers and docks with the Falcon 5500 RFID. Thetechnology used for this model is incompatible with other PSC Falcon chargersand docks, including the Falcon 4410/4420 color and monochrome models. Go tothe PSC website at www.psc.com for information about models and part numbers.
Configuration SettingsAddendum 7Configuration SettingsSee Configuration Examples on page 11 for samples of optimized settings for different usages. Refer to the Falcon 4400 Series PRG for information about setting other configuration items. Audio1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel. Double-tap the Decoding icon.2. Select Configure > General > Audio. 3. Choose from the following options:•Volume: Move the slider to raise or lower the audio volume.•Beep Type—Good Read selects the tone (pitch), duration and number of beeps which are played at the end of a successful RFID painting oper-ation. —RFID Tag Read selects the pitch and duration of the beep which is played each time one or more tags are read. It can also be disabled, so that only the green LED turns on when new tags are read.Other options for Beep Type are RFID Tag Write or RFID Failed Write.
Configuration Settings8Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerRFID Settings1. Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel. Double-tap the Decoding icon.2. Select Configure > RFID. 3. Choose one of the available options.Report SettingsIn the RFID Decoding Properties, do the following to view or modify Report Set-tings:1. Under Decoding Properties, go to Configure > RFID > Report Settings.2. Report Frequency controls how often RFID tag data is reported to an application. When set to a specific number of tags, data is reported when at least that many new tags have been read. When set to Infi-nite, data is only reported when a painting operation is complete.3. Selecting the checkboxes for Read Class 0 Tags or Read Class 1 Tags enables/disables the device to read each class of RFID tags. Improved performance can be achieved by enabling only the class of tags which will be used, if known. At least one of the tag types must be enabled.
Configuration SettingsAddendum 9Power1. Under Decoding Properties, go to Configure > RFID > Power2. Enable/disable Growing Power by selecting the checkbox. When dis-abled, a constant level of RF power is output when reading tags. When enabled, the level of RF power starts at a minimum level, and then increases to a maximum level, where it will remain for the duration of the painting operation.3. Set Minimum/Maximum Read using the sliders. •Minimum Power: The minimum RF power level to use for reading tags. It only applies when Growing Power is enabled.•Maximum Power: The maximum RF power level to use for reading tags. If Growing Power is disabled, this is the power level used for the entire painting operation.Read Limits1. Under Decoding Properties, go to Configure > RFID > Read Limits•Total Read Timeout: The maxi-mum amount of time spent per-forming an entire painting operation. If set to Infinite, painting will stop only when the trigger is released, a New Tag Time-out occurs, or the minimum number of tags have been read.
Configuration Settings10 Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid Computer•New Tag Timeout: The amount of time to wait between tags before painting will automatically stop. This is the maximum amount of time spent waiting for new tags after a tag has been read. If set to Infinite, then painting will stop only when the trigger is released, a Total Read Timeout occurs, or the minimum number of tags have been read.•Minimum Tag Count: This the minimum number of tags to attempt to read. If this minimum number of tags have been read during a paint-ing operation, then painting will stop. If set to Infinite, then painting will stop only when the trigger is released, or one of the tim-eout conditions is met.Firmware VersionSelect to display the current Firmware ver-sion. 1. Under Decoding Properties, go to Configure > RFID > Firmware.The current firmware installed in the RFID module will be displayed. 2. To update the RFID module firm-ware, tap the Browse button and then select the file containing the new firmware.3. Tap the Update button to update the RFID module firmware.
Configuration SettingsAddendum 11Configuration ExamplesThe following examples illustrate ways to optimize RFID settings for specific situations.Reading tagged items from an entire shelf1. Press the trigger and move across the items on the shelf. As new tags are found, the Falcon will beep and new data will immedi-ately be sent to an application. 2. Continue passing over all the items until no beeps are heard, which is an indication that all tags have been read.Read a single tag while avoiding reading other tags1. Place the RFID antenna close to the tag you wish to read and press the trigger. The initial low power level should limit the tags which receive RF energy to those which are close to the Falcon. If the Falcon isn't close enough, having Growing Power enabled will allow the RF power to increase just enough to read the nearest RFID tag in range.2. Once the first tag is read, then the operation will stop.Configuration Item SettingReport Frequency 1 tagTotal Read Timeout InfiniteMinimum Tag Count InfiniteNew Tag TimeoutSomething longer than the time required to move the RFID antenna over all of the tags (for example 10 seconds)Configuration Item SettingGrowing Power EnabledMinimum Power Lowest settingMinimum Tag Count 1 tag
About RFID Tags12 Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerAbout RFID TagsRFID Antenna When attempting to utilize the RFID read functionality of the Falcon 5500 RFID unit it is important to note that the antenna is linearly polarized. This feature requires the tags to be similarly aligned in a planar field to optimize read range and efficiency. Read Range The Falcon 5500 RFID has a functional range of two to six feet. Greater read range distances are possible; however, efficiency and predictability of tag data collection will diminish beyond the recommended range. A reduction in func-tional range may result when attempting to read many tags simultaneously (several cases on a pallet) due to tag performance degradation. Tag perfor-mance will vary based upon class, application and environment.Proximity of TagsTags of similar antenna structure and size can obscure the ability to read multi-ple tags if they are “stacked” in the read plane. Multiple tag reading performs best when tags are spaced and positioned according to their intended use. A minimum of 4” spacing between tags is recommended.Tag Types• Class 0• Class 1PSC does not recommend or endorse a particular RFID tag type. It is recom-mended that you evaluate your environment and product to determine the opti-mum solution for your application.
About RFID TagsAddendum 13Tag OrientationFactors Affecting Performance• Water or water-based products will inhibit (absorb) the signal. • Metal surfaces near the tags may affect performance.• Misuse of tags (i.e. bending the tag antenna) could cause the tags to become dysfunctional.• Any emitted radiation in the 902Mhz to 928Mhz range can interfere with the device operation.Single Dipole Antenna Tag Dual Dipole Antenna TagTags that have a single dipole antenna should be vertically positioned for optimal read performance. Tags with dual dipole antennas are less susceptible to polarization and can be read in either horizontal or vertical alignments to the read plane.
Configuration Parameters14 Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerConfiguration ParametersThe following table lists the configuration parameters which have been added to support RFID. For instructions on how to set these parameters, as well as information on all other configuration parameters, consult the Falcon 4400 Series Product Reference Guide (PRG).Code Parameter/ Description I.D. # Type Acceptable InputDefaultsMin Max Fac-toryOther Controls Enter 1 for On and 0 for Off.Label Separa-torIndicates the label sepa-rator. 0028 ValueAny single ASCII character (00 = None)CR CR CRRFID Enter 1 for On and 0 for Off.Class 0 EnableEnables Class 0 tags to be read. 0D00 On/Off On or Off Off On OnClass 1 EnableEnables Class 1 tags to be read. 0D01 On/Off On or Off Off On OnTag Read Beep EnableEnables the tag read beep. 0D08 On/Off On or Off On On OnRead Power ModeSelects the power mode to use for RFID reads. 0D09 On/OffOn = GrowingOff =Constant Off Off OffAllow Dupli-catesAllows all tag data to be reported 0D0A On/Off On or Off Off On OffTag Read Beep To n eAdjusts the pitch of the tag read beep frequency. 0D20 Value00 - 08(00 = Lowest; 07 = Highest; 08 = User Def.)00 00 00
Configuration ParametersAddendum 15Tag Read Beep DurationDetermines the duration of a tag read beep. 0D21 Value00 = 0.07 sec01 = 0.13 sec02 = 0.18 sec03 = 0.36 sec00 00 00User IDSpecifies the identifier (if any) that is sent by the decoder when parame-ter Send Code ID (Index 0025) is set to 3. ASCII code zero (null) is used to indicate that an identifier is not to be sent for RFID.0D28 ValueAny single ASCII character (00 = None)'Z' 'Z' 'Z'Minimum Read PowerSets the minimum RF power setting to start with when reading tags using Read Power Mode (Index 0D09) set to Growing Power (On).0D29 Value01 - 08(1/8 increments 08 = full)01 01 01Maxi-mum Read PowerSets the maximum RF power setting to use when reading tags.0D2A Value01 - 08(1/8 increments; 08 = full)08 08 08To ta l Read TimeoutSets the duration of the read operation before it stops. This only applies to reads started by a physical trigger.0D2C Value00 - 9999(10 ms incre-ments00 = infinite)00 00 00New Tag Read TimeoutSets the duration of time when no new tags are read before a read oper-ation stops.0D2D Value00 - 9999(10 ms. incre-ments; 00 = infinite)10001000 1000Code Parameter/ Description I.D. # Type Acceptable InputDefaultsMin Max Fac-tory(10 seconds)
Configuration Parameters16 Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerMinimum Tag Read CountSets the minimum num-ber of tags which will trig-ger the stop of a read operation.0D2E Value 00 - 250(00 = infinite) 00 00 00Read Report Fre-quencySets the minimum num-ber of new tags which must be seen before a report is sent.0D2F Value 00 - 250(00 = infinite) 01 01 01Code Parameter/ Description I.D. # Type Acceptable InputDefaultsMin Max Fac-tory
Safety InformationAddendum 17Safety InformationFCC StatementThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 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.FCC Interference StatementThis equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Adigital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed toprovide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment isoperated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates uses and canradiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with theinstruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interfer-ence in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his ownexpense.FCC Radio Frequency Exposure statement Radio TypeThe Falcon 5500 uses a Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio operating in the 902-928 MHz frequency band.CAUTIONThe Part 15 radio device operates on a non-interference basis with other devicesoperating at this frequency when using a integrated antenna. Any changes ormodifications to the product not expressly approved by PSC could void theuser's authority to operate this device.CAUTIONThis device has been FCC authorized for use in a hand-held configuration only.There are no provisions for body worn operation. Users and nearby persons arerequired to maintain a separation distance of at least 5cm (2 inches) from theradio and its integral antenna.
Safety Information18 Falcon® 5500 RFID Mobile Hybrid ComputerNOTES
Asia PacificPSC Hong KongHong KongTelephone: [852]-2-584-6210Fax: [852]-2-521-0291AustraliaPSC Asia Pacific Pty Ltd.North Ryde, AustraliaTelephone: [61] 0 (2) 9878 8999Fax: [61] 0 (2) 9878 8688FrancePSC S.A.R.L.LES ULIS Cedex, FranceTelephone: [33].01.64.86.71.00Fax: [33].01.64 46.72.44GermanyPSC GmbHDarmstadt, GermanyTelephone: 49 (0) 61 51/93 58-0Fax: 49 (0) 61 51/93 58 58ItalyPSC S.p.A.Vimercate (MI), ItalyTelephone: [39] (0) 39/62903.1Fax: [39] (0) 39/6859496JapanPSC Japan K.K.Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, JapanTelephone: 81 (0)3 3491 6761Fax: 81 (0)3 3491 6656Latin AmericaPSC S.A., INC.Miami, Florida, USATelephone: (305) 539-0111Fax: (305) 539-0206United KingdomPSC Bar Code Ltd.Watford, EnglandTelephone: 44 (0) 1923 809500Fax: 44 (0) 1923 809 505www.psc.comPSC Inc.959 Terry StreetEugene, ORTelephone: (541) 683-5700Fax: (541) 345-7140©2005 PSC INC. R44-2494 (Rev. X4) 5/05

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