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™
5000 TriCoder
Portable Data Collector
A battery operated
Portable Batch
Reader with Voice
Messages for PC,
Mac, etc.
Owner’s Manual
www.worthdata.com
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Warning: This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residentia
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Table of Contents Chapter 1: How to Use this Manual ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 2: TriCoder Quickstart................................................................................................................................................................ 6 Program #0 Quickstart ..........................................................................
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Other Settings .................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 System Tools .................................................................................................................................................................................... 47 Chapter 9: Using the Integrated Hardware Utilities .....................................................
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Chapter 16: Powering the TriCoder ....................................................................................................................................................... 93 Turning the TriCoder ON and OFF ................................................................................................................................................. 93 Battery Power and Wall Power ...................................................................................................
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Chapter 1: How to Use this Manual The TriCoder is an extremely versatile bar code reader. It functions as both a portable data collection device as well as a fixed on-line bar code reader. Although the TriCoder can perform complex data collection functions, it's true value is in its simplicity. With very little instruction, a user can collect data using one of the built-in programs, upload it and process the data. This manual is provided with the intention of acting as a guide or r
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Chapter 2: TriCoder Quickstart As powerful as the TriCoder is, its basic operation is quite simple. Many people can use Program #0 or Program #1 to satisfy their data collection needs. This Chapter helps you get started quickly using Program #0 or Program #1. It also will refer you to the correct place if you want to customize or expand on Program #1. We highly recommend going to Chapter 3; Non Portable Mode and establishing communication between the TriCoder and the PC before you cont
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Program #0 Quickstart The default data collection program, Program #0, is a simple program, repeatedly prompting the operator for data entry of the same type. This TriCoder program works well for a simple inventory where each item is scanned. This chapter is Step in the form of a tutorial. Even if you don‟t intend to use Program #0, working through the tutorial will prepare you for 1 creating your own programs and learning the basics of data collection. Getting into Data Collectio
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Collecting Data Step The second step involves collecting data in the TriCoder. This is a good time to practice scanning. If you are not familiar with scanning bar codes, see Appendix B: How to scan a bar code for details and suggestions. If you don‟t 2 intend on using bar codes later, you can just enter the same data from the keypad. Pressing “0” at the SELECT PROGRAM # 0-3 prompt begins the data collection process by displaying this prompt for the operator: ENTER DATA
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Uploading Data Once you have collected your data in Program #0, uploading that data to the computer is the final step. For the tutorial, we assume that you have successfully established communication between the computer and the TriCoder. If you have Step not, go to Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode, and establish communication first. If you are ready to upload, go to Chapter 5; Uploading Data and proceed with your upload. 3 9
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Program #1 Quickstart Sample Program #1 prompts the operator for "Item" and then "Quantity". What makes this program different from program #0 (other than the additional "Quantity" prompt) is that Sample Program #1 is editable. It can be customized to allow for additional prompts, voice messaging and file formatting. The tutorial for Program #1 includes collecting Step data, reviewing and editing data, using popular uploaded file formats and finally, uploading the data 1 Collecti
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Reviewing and Editing Data During or after collecting data, it is possible to review and edit the data while it is still in the TriCoder. You can also Step delete data entirely. Data Review Mode is a handy tool – especially if you know you‟ve made a mistake and want to 3 correct it before you upload your data. For the tutorial, lets say that we just wanted to take a break from collecting data, exited DATA COLLECTION (by pressing the END key), turned off the TriCoder and went t
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You can use the STATUS key at any time during data collection to check the amount of memory you have left as well as the battery levels: mm/dd/yy hh:mm:ss BATTERY: ------ xx% xxxK BYTES FREE If during data collection, the TriCoder displays the following message: WARNING 2K LEFT HIT STATUS KEY_ it means that the TriCoder has only 2K of memory left to collect data. This is a good time to go and upload your data. You can continue to collect data but you will eventually get t
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Uploading Data Once you have collected your data in Program #1, uploading that data to the computer is the final step. For the tutorial, Step we assume that you have successfully established communication between the computer and the TriCoder. If you have 4 not, go to Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode, and establish communication first. If you are ready to upload, go to Chapter 5: Uploading Data and proceed with your upload. Tips on choosing a program for Data Collection The TriCoder
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Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode NON PORTABLE mode allows the user to transmit data directly from the TriCoder to the host computer immediately without saving the data in the TriCoder memory. Once data is entered via scanning a bar code or using the keypad, it is transmitted immediately by the TriCoder to the host. This mode is primarily used with the USB interface connecting as a USB HID keyboard on a PC running Windows® or Mac OS. You can use the TriCoder with a serial cable and also tran
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If you are using Windows® 7, Vista, XP, 2000, ME, or 98SE and you wish to upload your files directly into your application through the keyboard, you must choose 2 – PC OR MAC USB HIS KEYBOARD. After specifying 2, depending on the version of Windows you have you may be asked to install the USB Keyboard HID driver, which is probably on your hard disk, but if not, is on your original Windows CD-ROM; just keep clicking on NEXT until you are forced to supply the original Windows CD-ROM (if the dr
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Chapter 4: Using Integrated Hardware Utilities Full Speed USB Data Upload and PC Serial Interface Testing communication between PC and a TriCoder with fast USB interface or serial interface needs special software. Windows users should use the Integrated Hardware Utilities program that is shipped with TriCoder on the Utilities CD-ROM, (also on our website, www.barcodehq.com under Downloads). If using a Unix dumb ASCII terminal configuration, the testing is identical to keyboard testing in t
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The TriCoder now displays: NONPORTABLE MODE PRESS TO EXIT and is ready and waiting for keypad input or scanner input. Scan the TEST LABEL above. You should see the word TEST LABEL (or data you entered on the keypad) on the TriCoder screen AND on your computer screen. If you are not using the TriCoder with a bar code scanner, type several numbers on the TriCoder keypad, then press the ENTER key. If you do NOT see your data displayed on your computer screen, or you see parti
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Hardware Utilities Serial Settings Once the serial port configuration is finished, click on the "Test" button. Click on the test window so that a flashing cursor appears. Scan the test label or, if you have no scanner, type 123 on the TriCoder keypad, then press the TriCoder ENTER key. Hardware Utilities Serial Port Test Screen You should see the data displayed both on the TriCoder display and in the test window on the PC. If you do not see the data displayed on your PC, follow th
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Chapter 5: Uploading Data If you are ready to upload data, we assume you have established correct communication between your TriCoder and host and have collected some sample data, preferably using the Default Program #0 or Sample Program #1 Tutorials. By default, the TriCoder uploads using a Carriage Return Separated format. For many users, the default file format works fine, but others may require more complex or even custom upload file formats. By default, the TriCoder transmits it‟s
