Users Manual Chapter 4

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CHAPTER

Thor VM3A Vehicle-Mounted Computer 55

ABOUT THE DOCKS

Use this chapter to learn about the available docks for the VM3A.

About the Docks

The Thor computer assembly consists of two parts: the VM3A computer and the

dock. The computer contains an internal UPS battery that, once fully charged, pow-

ers the computer for approximately 30 minutes when the unit is not mounted in

the dock.

There are three available vehicle-mount docks:

• VM1D Standard Dock

• VM3D Enhanced Dock

• Enhanced Dock with Thor VX8/VX9 Screen Blanking

Additionally an off-vehicle dock is available for the computer for use in environ-

ment such as an office where AC power is available:

• VMXD Enhanced Dock for Off-Vehicle Use

All docks provide:

• A mount for the computer. The dock attaches to a vehicle via a RAM or U bracket

mount or to a RAM table stand for use in an office environment.

• Conditioned power for the VM3A. The vehicle-mount docks accept 10-60VDC

power input directly or 50-150VDC power input with a DC/DC converter. The off-

vehicle dock requires an AC/DC power supply.

• Mobility of the VM3A, since the dock remains attached to the vehicle the

computer can easily be moved from one vehicle equipped with a dock to another.

•I/O ports.

• Strain relief provisions for cables.

• Headset connection via an adapter cable. When a headset is not attached, the

microphone and speakers are active.

Summary of content (12 pages)

PAGE 1
CHAPTER 4 ABOUT THE DOCKS Use this chapter to learn about the available docks for the VM3A. About the Docks The Thor computer assembly consists of two parts: the VM3A computer and the dock. The computer contains an internal UPS battery that, once fully charged, powers the computer for approximately 30 minutes when the unit is not mounted in the dock.
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Dock Overview VM1D Standard Dock Caution: In order to comply with US power efficiency requirements this dock should not be used in the US for AC power applications.
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Enhanced Dock with Thor VX8/VX9 Screen Blanking This dock is designed for use when the Thor VM3A is replacing a Thor VX8 or Thor VX9. This dock utilizes the existing vehicle wiring from the earlier computer and supports screen blanking through that wiring.
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Features of the Dock Front View - Dock Dock Contact Pads Back View - Dock The connectors on the back of the dock vary by dock model.
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Enhanced Dock Strain Relief Clamps Accessory Mount RAM Ball Accessory Mount Audio Fuse COM 2 Power Switch COM 1 Power Connector USB 1 USB 2 Note: For the VMX Enhanced Dock: COM1 is used for screen blanking (via the power cable connector) and is unavailable when the screen blanking box is attached. When a screen blanking box is attached, any external serial device, such as a scanner, must be connected to the COM2 port on the dock.
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Dock I/O Pin Cover • When the computer is not installed in the dock, use the I/O Pin Cover to protect the pins on the dock, as shown. • When the computer is installed in the dock, the I/O Pin Cover can be placed out of the way behind the dock. Padlock It may be desirable to secure the VM3A in the dock so it cannot be removed from the dock.
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Laptop Security Cable The VM3A can be secured with a standard laptop security cable using the slot on the back. External Connectors Overview • Power the VM3A Off before attaching a cable to any port (serial, USB, Audio, etc.). • The external I/O connectors for the computer are located on the right side of the dock (when viewed from the back). • The Power Supply Connector is on the left side of the dock (when viewed from the back). • Antenna connectors are located on the top rear of the computer.
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Serial Connector (COM1 and COM2) COM1 COM2 USB CANBUS/AUDIO Standard Dock Enhanced Dock 62 • The COM1 and COM2 connectors are D-9 male connectors located on the back of the dock. • Power the VM3A Off before attaching a cable to any port (serial, USB, Audio, etc.). • The serial connectors are industry standard RS-232, PC/AT standard 9–pin “D” male connector. See COM1 and COM2 Connector for connector pinout detail. • Pin 9 is configured to provide +5V, 500mA for an external bar code scanner.
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USB Connector(s) COM1 COM2 USB CANBUS/AUDIO Standard Dock Enhanced Dock • The USB or USB1 connector is a D-9 female connector located on the back of the dock. See USB and USB1 Connector for connector pinout detail. • See Connect USB Host for more information. • The USB-2 connector is a D-15 female connector located on the back of the dock. See USB2 Connector for connector pinout detail. • Power the VM3A Off before attaching a cable to any port (serial, USB, Audio, etc.).
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Ethernet Connector An Ethernet port is located on the top of the Enhanced Dock. Lift the cover to access the Ethernet port. Audio Connector COM1 COM2 USB CANBUS/AUDIO Standard Dock Enhanced Dock 64 • The Audio connector is a D-15 male connector located on the back of the dock. • See Audio Connector for connector pin-out detail. • A headset cable attaches to the Audio connector and provides a quick connect connection for a headset. See Connect Headset Cable for more information.
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Power Supply Connector Standard Dock Enhanced Dock • Power is supplied to the VM3A through the power connector. Additionally, this assembly provides a connection point for the vehicle’s chassis ground to be connected internally to the conductive chassis of the computer. • The computer’s internal power supply can accept DC input voltages in the range of 10 to 60 Volts DC when using the VM1D standard dock or VM3D enhanced dock. The VMXD dock DC input voltage is 13.2VDC from the AC/DC power supply.
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External Antenna Connector When the VM3A is ordered with the internal antenna option, the 802.11 antenna connectors on the back are not connected to the 802.11 radio. Instead the internal antenna connector is connected to the 802.11 radio. Remove the rubber cap, if present, from the antenna connector before connecting an external antenna. Internal 802.11 Antennas If the internal 802.11 antenna option is ordered, antennas are mounted inside the computer. The internal antennas are not user accessible.