ALIEN TECHNOLOGY® ALH-9000 ALH-9001 USER’S GUIDE 02/06/12 ALH-9000 ALH-9001 ALH-9000 EMA ALH-9001 EMA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Alien Technology® User’s Guide ALH-9000, ALH-9001 02/06/12 Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................1 About this Manual .................................................................................................................................. 1 Who should read this manual?.......................................................................................................
TABLE OF CONTENTS Tag Mask.............................................................................................................................................. 31 Tag Mask – Scan..........................................................................................................................................32 Tag Mask – Specify ......................................................................................................................................32 Tag Mask – Presets.........
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Chapter 1 Introduction About this Manual This manual provides you with safety information, technical support information, and sources for additional product information. Who should read this manual? This manual is written for the person who is responsible for installing, configuring, and maintaining the ALH-900x handheld. This manual provides you with information about the features of the ALH-900x, and how to install, configure, operate, and maintain it.
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 Package components After opening the product packaging box, check the items listed as below. If there are missing or defective items, please contact the Alien customer support, or your place of purchase. Adaptor and AC Cable Main Battery Cradle Pistol Grip Protective Film USB Sync Cable Stylus Hand Strap ALH-900x Body 2 ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION Handheld Components Camera (ALH-9001) RFID Reader Barcode Scanner Speaker WLAN LED Main Battery F7/F8 F9 Phone Speaker Power Volume Touch Screen L/R Arrow Key Keypad Reset Button Microphone Battery Latch DC Power Jack Handstrap Hole Cradle Connector Earphone Jack USB Sync Connector Trigger Button (F19) Pistol Grip ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 Description of Each Component Part UHF Reader 1D/2D Barcode Scanner Reset Button The 900MHz UHF RFID tag reader module. The laser beam is emitted through this window. Do not look directly at the laser! Enables you to perform a Soft Reset. Press along with the button to perform a Hard Reset. Microphone Records audio from the surrounding environment. WLAN LED Indicates WLAN power on-off status. Battery Latch Allows you to detach the main battery.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Chapter 2 Basic Functions Power and Battery The ALH-900x battery system is composed of main battery, an optional pistol grip battery, and a backup battery. The main battery supplies the power to the system and RAM which retains saved data. A backup battery saves the data in RAM in the situation where the main battery is discharged completely. Main Battery: 3,000 mAh, 3.7v Lithium–Polymer Pistol-Grip Battery (optional): 4,400 mAh, 3.7v Lithium-Ion Backup Battery: 100 mAh, 3.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 Attaching the Main Battery Put the top part of battery into the upward groove, and then press down on the bottom part of the battery into the battery compartment. Slide the battery latch to the left (LOCK side) to attach the battery firmly. R/L Battery Attaching Groove Charging You must charge the battery only with the provided adapter or cradle. The Power LED illuminates red while charging and green when charging is complete. Connecting Adapter 1.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Power On and Off Pressing the button once causes the device to enter low-power (sleep) mode. Pressing button once again activates the system. Power On and Off With Button Power Off: 1. When the system is on, press the button for a couple of seconds and the backlight will be turned off and it will enter the low-power sleep mode. Power On: 1.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 Power Off Automatically If the device has not been used for a period of time, the system will enter low-power (sleep) mode automatically. Carefully setting the sleep mode time in the Power Management control panel can save power and prolong the life of the battery. [Start] > [Settings] > [Control Panel] > [Power] > [Timeout] Power Icon z You can also double click icon on the Taskbar to enter this screen.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Low Power Warning If the remaining battery charge cannot support the running system any more, a low power warning message window will appear on the screen. You will need to press the button to turn off the power, and charge the battery as soon as possible. Backup Battery The backup battery can safely maintain the RAM data, even when the main battery is discharged completely.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 Hard (Cold) Reset A Hard Reset (which is sometimes called a Cold Reset) initializes the hardware completely. The user’s installed programs, files, and registry values will be retained, but the real-time data and date/time will be reset. You need to reset the time and date after performed Hard Reset. You should only perform a Hard Reset when the Soft Reset fails to restore the system.
CHAPTER 2 Set the MicroSD card into the slot and lower the cover again. BASIC FUNCTIONS Slide the cover to the left to lock it, and reattach the main battery. You can find the MicroSD memory card icon in the file explorer, after inserting the MicroSD card. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 System Settings Most of the system settings can be changed through the system Control Panel, which is accessed via the Start button, or by double-tapping on My Device on the desktop. My Device Start button Setting Brightness Brightness is set at 80% at the factory, and screen brightness is the biggest part of your power consumption, so you might need to adjust it to suit your actual need.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Screen Calibration The first time the device is used, or if you haven’t used the device for a long time, you may find that you cannot accurately select the place where you touch with the stylus. In this case, you need to perform the screen calibration. [Start] > [Settings] > [Control Panel] > [Stylus] > [Calibration] > [Recalibrate] Press and hold the stylus pen briefly on the center of the cross symbol, and repeat five times as it moves around the screen.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 Setting the Date and Time [Start] > [Settings] > [Control Panel] > [Date and Time] Setting Year: Double-click the year, and click the up and down arrow button to set it. Setting Month: Double-click the month or click the Left/Right arrows to set the month. 14 Setting Day: Click the day directly to set the day. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Setting Time: Use the up and down arrow to set the time, and click AM/PM in the time area directly. Setting Time Zone: Click the down arrow to select your time zone, and finish by clicking the apply button. Using the Keypad The physical keypad enables you to input numbers, letters and special symbols. You can also execute other preset functions with the button.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 Alphabet Keypad Mode, “A,a”: Press the <1 ALP> button or keypad icon on the taskbar to change to the lowercase (a) or uppercase (A) mode. Each keypad button has 2-4 letters or symbols. Pressing the button once causes the first letter or symbol to be entered; quickly pressing twice causes the second letter or symbol to be entered, and the third letter or symbol requires the button to be pressed three times quickly.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Using the Stylus You can tie the stylus to the hole in the hand strap connector, to allow you to use the stylus like a mouse on a PC. The hand strap has a small integrated holster for storing the stylus safely. Use the stylus to: • Select a letter on the onscreen soft keypad. • Select a program on the desktop or taskbar. • Select a button, tab bar, or other control in an application window. Caution: Please do not use sharp objects on the touch screen.
BASIC FUNCTIONS CHAPTER 2 The installation was finished. Now when you use the USB cable to connect to the USB port on your computer, ActiveSync will automatically detect the device and make a connection. Connecting PC to PDA On the PC: [Start] > [Programs] > [Microsoft ActiveSync] Windows XP Configuration Executing Microsoft ActiveSync program. 18 Click [File], Click [Get Connected]. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Select , press OK button. ActiveSync connected to PDA. Handheld Configuration [Start] > [Settings] > [Control Panel] > [PC Connection] Double click PC Connection icon To check if set to connected to USB Sync cable Transmitting Data Use the USB cable to connect the PC and the handheld device. You can check the state of the ActiveSync connection on your PC taskbar. Connected state ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
BASIC FUNCTIONS After ActiveSync is connected, click the Explore button. CHAPTER 2 Browse to the folder on the handheld where you would like to copy a file. Drag and drop (from handheld to PC, or from PC to handheld) to copy files. 20 ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Firmware Upgrade [Start] > [Settings] > [Control Panel] > [Firmware Update] You can check the handheld’s firmware version in the Firmware Update control panel. It is also possible to load a new firmware image (from either the Flash disk or a MicroSD card) using this utility. Firmware updates require a hard reset to finish the process. Go to the Firmware Update control panel to examine the current firmware version, and perform an upgrade.
BASIC FUNCTIONS Select the location of the files, and check both the BOOT and OS checkboxes. The new image versions appear in the area just above. Press UPGRADE START to continue. CHAPTER 2 After the upgrade is complete, you must cold-reset the unit (press Power and the recessed Reset button at the same time).
CHAPTER 2 BASIC FUNCTIONS Boot Menu To perform a Hard Reset and go to the Boot Menu, hold the button and the button at the same time for a few seconds. The [Boot Menu] window will appear. Fun Button Reset Button Enter the [Boot Menu] in any of the following situations: • To upgrade the unit’s firmware. • After an upgrade: • to clean the Windows system • to clean the Windows system and initialize the Flash Disk [Boot Menu] 0. Firmware Upgrade 1. Clean (Without Flash) 2.
RFID TAG READER CHAPTER 3 Chapter 3 RFID Tag Reader The ALH-900x handheld readers contains a full-featured 900 MHz UHF RFID tag reader. It is able to inventory, selectively read from, and write to, RFID tags which support the EPC Gen2 protocol. The Frequency range is 850MHz - 960MHz, and can be adjusted for different regions.
CHAPTER 3 RFID TAG READER Inventory Utility The Inventory utility allows you to scan all of the tags within range of the reader, and see each tag’s EPC and read count in a scrollable list. You start and stop the inventory utility by either holding the pistol-grip trigger button, or by clicking once on the green Start button. The reader continues to read tags until you release the trigger or click the Stop button. Click the red Close box at the top-right corner to return to the main screen.
RFID TAG READER CHAPTER 3 Geiger Tag Utility The Geiger Tag utility is designed to assist you in finding the location of a particular tag, or one of a group of tags. It does this by measuring the returning signal strength (RSSI) from the tag, and displaying this information on the screen, along with an audible queue. As you scan the reader near a tag, the RSSI increases, and you see and hear the change.
CHAPTER 3 RFID TAG READER Tag Access Utility The Tag Access utility allows you to read from and write to specific portions of a tag’s memory. The utility is divided up into two separate tabs: the Basic tab and the Advanced tab. The Basic tab gives a quick overview of the tag’s memory layout, and gives you basic ability to write new data to the tag.
RFID TAG READER Pressing the small green buttons labeling each memory field will cause the reader to only read data from that field. CHAPTER 3 Pressing the red “write” buttons cause the reader to write the shown data to the tag. You can edit the data in the field before writing it to the tag. The field turns orange while writing, and then turns white or red, depending on the success of the write operation.
CHAPTER 3 RFID TAG READER Advanced Access Tab The Advanced Access tab has three general control areas: Read, Write, and Lock. All three operations require you to specify the bank of tag memory to access (Reserved, EPC, TID, and User). When reading and writing, you must specify the offset into that bank of memory where you would like to access. The reading operation also requires you to specify the length of the data to read.
RFID TAG READER CHAPTER 3 When locking, you have the option of locking the Access Password and Kill Password (both in the Reserved bank) separately, so the Lock command has a list of tag memory fields instead of banks. The other parameter is the type of lock: Lock, Unlock, PermaLock, and PermaUnlock. All locking operations require you to confirm by clicking OK to an alert message. The “Perma” options are, well, permanent, so use caution.
CHAPTER 3 RFID TAG READER Tag Mask When the application first launches, it is configured to look for and report every tag it sees. You don’t always want to read every tag – perhaps you are searching for only one class of product, or are trying to access one particular tag in order to write data to it.
RFID TAG READER CHAPTER 3 Tag Mask – Scan The Scan tab acts just like the Inventory screen – start/stop the reader with the trigger or Start Scan button, and all tags in range are displayed. Select a tag from the list and click the Set Mask to Selected Tag button. Click an empty part of the list and click the Clear Mask button to clear the mask. Masks defined with the Scan method are displayed on the utility screens as simply the full EPC of the tag.
CHAPTER 3 The Quick Peek section lets you get a glimpse of an actual tag’s memory, to help you define your mask. Defining an arbitrary mask requires you to specify the bank and offset, along with the data. This TID mask example selects all Alien Higgs3 tags. Masks defined with the EPC Prefix method are displayed on the utility screens as that initial part of the EPC. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
RFID TAG READER CHAPTER 3 Tag Mask – Presets The third way to set a tag mask is with the Presets tab. This screen shows a list of pre-defined tag masks, such as “all tags”, “all Higgs3 tags”, etc. These presets are hard-coded in the application right now, but will be user-configurable in the future. Masks chosen from the Presets tab are shown on the utility screens with the display name in the mask preset definition. Your mask presets might display “Blue Jeans” or “Pallet Tags” instead.
CHAPTER 3 RFID TAG READER Reader Settings The Reader Settings screen allows you to see and change certain parameters of the RFID reader, such as transmit power, and some Gen2-specific parameters on the RFID tab. There is a second Network tab with some additional parameters related to the reader’s network interface and some common Alien features, such as a Heartbeat and TagStream functionality. To commit any changes made on the Reader Settings pages, you must click the OK button at the lower-right corner.
BARCODE SCANNER CHAPTER 4 Chapter 4 Barcode Scanner (1D & 2D) The ALH-9000 comes equipped with a 1D barcode scanner, and the ALH-9001 is equipped with a 2D barcode scanner. Both models are designed to recognize all known 1D and 2D barcodes. Barcode Scanner (ALH-9001 shown) BarcodeDemo The BarcodeDemo application is accessible from the Start menu. It provides an example of what you can accomplish with a custom application on the handheld.
CHAPTER 4 BARCODE SCANNER Using the BarcodeEmulator The BarcodeEmulator program enables you to input scanned barcode data anywhere you can manually enter text. It runs in the System Tray, and sends keyboard events directly into whatever application is in the foreground. The icon in the System Tray lets you set the barcode value input type, scan button, scan sound, and so on.
BARCODE SCANNER Key Setup F1-F8: Hardware Keypad Gun1, Gun2: Gun Trigger CHAPTER 4 Terminator None: Do not terminate the barcode value. CRLF: Barcode ends with a standard terminator. Space: Barcode ends with a “Space” character. Tab: Barcode ends with a “Tab” character. Result Type Keyboard Event: Barcode digits are inputted one-by-one. Copy Paste: Barcode data is stored on the clipboard and can be pasted later. 38 ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 4 BARCODE SCANNER Setting Barcode Symbology There are many different barcode encoding standards, depending on the region and industry. You must make sure that the barcode scanner is set to decode the types of barcodes that you expect to encounter. Selecting too many symbologies can increase the time it takes to decode a scanned barcode once it has been scanned. [Start] > [Programs] > [Alien Demos] > [Scanner] > [BarcodeSetup] Running the BarcodeSetup program. Set the Barcode type in detail.
BARCODE SCANNER 2D Symbology Selection: Initialize all the symbologies to the factory default values, disable or enable all of the symbologies. 40 CHAPTER 4 1D Symbology Selection: Initialize all the symbologies to the factory default values, enable or disable all of the symbologies. General Setup lets you set Linear Security levels, and bi-directional redundancy. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 4 BARCODE SCANNER Barcode Scanning Beam Position 1. Remove any protective film from the window of barcode scanner. 2. Launch the BarcodeDemo program. 3. Point the laser beam at the barcode. • Adjust the distance according to the size of barcode. • The scan will stop automatically when the barcode is read, or after ten seconds, if no barcode is detected. Correct Scanning Beam Position 1. The smaller the size of the barcode, the closer the handheld needs to be. The effective scanning range is 1.
WIRELESS LAN CHAPTER 5 Chapter 5 Wireless LAN The ALH-900x handheld readers are equipped with an internal 802.11 radio module to transfer data, and interface the unit with your network using wireless communication. It supports TCP/IP network protocols, and can communicate with a host computer directly. Powering Up the WLAN Radio [Start] > [Programs] > [Alien Demos] > [WirelessLAN] Running the WirelessLAN program. Select , and then click the OK button.
CHAPTER 5 WIRELESS LAN Checking WLAN Information Double click WLAN icon on the taskbar to check WLAN information. Use the right-arrow button at the top to get back to the Wireless Information tab. Click Start > Programs > Demo Apps > WirelessLAN, and then select to stop WLAN communication. When connected, the WLAN LED illuminates green and the WLAN icon on the taskbar shows: .
BLUETOOTH CHAPTER 6 Chapter 6 Bluetooth The ALH-900x handheld readers feature Bluetooth technology for wireless communication with other devices, such as wireless printers, supporting the Serial Printer Profile (SPP). By default, the Bluetooth service is turned off. Turning on Bluetooth The Bluetooth radio is turned off be default. To use Bluetooth, turn it on first with the Bluetooth application.
CHAPTER 6 BLUETOOTH You’ll find the Bluetooth Device Properties utility in the Control Panel. Click the Scan Device button to look for available Bluetooth devices. Here we’ve discovered a Bixolon SPP-R200 mobile printer. Double-tap it and select “Trusted” to set up the link. Most devices require you to enter a PIN. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
BLUETOOTH CHAPTER 6 Double-tap the printer again and select “Active”. The printer will then be assigned a COM port. The handheld will automatically reconnect with the printer when needed, if it is nearby. 46 ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
CHAPTER 7 USING GPS Chapter 7 Using GPS The ALH-9001 handheld reader contains an internal GPS module for finding the geographic location of the handheld reader. The GPS service requires line-of-sight visibility with at least four of the constellation of orbiting GPS satellites, so the speed of the initial fix and the accuracy of all data depend greatly on the quality of the signal from the orbiting satellites.
USING THE CAMERA CHAPTER 8 Chapter 8 Using the Camera The ALH-9001 is equipped with a 3 megapixel camera which allows for adjustments of brightness, video resolution, picture quality, etc. Camera (ALH-9001 only) Using the Camera The CameraDemo software is accessible from the Start menu. It provides an example of what you can accomplish with a custom application on the handheld.
CHAPTER 8 USING THE CAMERA The CameraDemo Screen Brightness Bar Preview Window Flash Lamp Button Rotation Button Image Files Path Stored Images Count Picture Resolution Capture Button Image Effects Preview Button Preview Stop Button ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
USING THE SIM CARD CHAPTER 9 Chapter 9 Using a SIM Card The ALH-9001 is equipped with a SIM card slot and wireless HSDPA radio supporting enhanced 3G connectivity. After inserting the SIM card, you’ll have to do some initial configuration, depending on the wireless carrier you choose. After that, the ALH-9001 can use the 3G network for wireless data communications. Installing SIM Card A SIM card can be easily inserted and pulled out along the arrow direction.
CHAPTER 9 USING THE SIM CARD Next, click the RAS Connect button to configure the Remote Access Server (RAS). In the Operator Setting screen, first pick the country where you are operating. Next, select your wireless operator from the list. Each wireless operator may offer more than one Access Point Name (APN). Choose the correct one from the list, and the rest of the form should fill in with default values. ALH-900X USER’S GUIDE DOC.
USING THE SIM CARD When the settings are as you like them, click the Save button to write them to a configuration file. CHAPTER 9 A confirmation dialog pops up. Dismiss it and click the close button for the Operator Settings window. Making the 3G Network Connection Back at the ModemControl window, confirm that the PIN Authentication shows READY, and the RAS Status should list a sequence of events, followed by Authenticated (and possibly CONNECTED).
APPENDIX CONFIGURATION Appendix Configuration Physical and Environmental Characteristics Dimensions 6-1/4” x 3-1/4” x 4-5/8” (5-1/8” with pistol grip) 15.8 cm x 8.0 cm x 11.5 cm (13.5 cm with pistol grip) Weight 320g Operation Temperature -10ºC to 50ºC Storage Temperature -30ºC to 60ºC Humidity Non-condensing Drop 1.5m drop to concrete Performance Characteristics Processor Marvell™ PXA320 806MHz Operating System Windows CE 5.0 Memory ROM 256MB; RAM 256MB Display 3.
