Frequently Asked Questions: PSC / Percon Products

PT 2000® and TopGun®

1. How do I develop a program to print directly from my portable to a serial printer?
2. How do I troubleshoot the PT 2000 and TopGun?
3. How long does it take to charge nicad batteries?
4. How long do batteries last?
5. How do I set my PT 2000/TopGun to communicate serially?
6. How can I tell if there is a port conflict on my PC?
7. Why am I having trouble sending data with PDTFER?
8. What kind of data file does the PT 2000/TopGun create?
9. How many records will my PT 2000 and TopGun hold, and how much RAM is available?
10. What does a "clock failed" message mean, and what should I do about it?
11. What does a "send failed" message mean, and what should I do about it?
12. How do I reprogram the portable with the system files?
13. When sending data to or from the PT 2000, why is only the first record of data is actually sent?
14. How do I write my own program for the portable (or, What is PPG)?
15. Can the PT 2000/TopGun work with my existing database and/or accounting software?
16. Can the PT 2000 use a bar code reader and a magnetic stripe reader at the same time?
17. How do I use PSC´s Unix upload software to transfer data from a PT 2000 to a Unix machine?
18. How do I download a default program in Windows?
19. My PT 2000 is locked up or unresponsive, how can I save my data?
20. How do I upload a .txt file in Windows?
21. How do I perform a Hard Reset on my PT 2000?
22. How do I downgrade a PT 2000 from version 4.4. to version 3.H?
23. How do I recompile my PT 2000 program to the current software version?
24. How can I upload serial text file data from a PT 2000 using XFER32?

1. How do I develop a program to print directly from my portable to a serial printer?

Warnings
Printing directly to a serial printer from a PSC portable is fairly simple in theory. All you need to do is supply the printer with the correct data for the label you want to print. However, the actual process of identifying the correct command structure for the label you want and then getting the portable to create it on demand can be very time consuming.

Solution

Connect the printer to your PC with the standard serial cable that comes with the printer.

Using the programming manual from the printer manufacturer as reference, create a text command file that you can send from the PC directly to the printer using Windows HyperTerminal (or some other communication utility) that will successfully print an example of the label you want the portable to print. (Sometimes, the printer will come with label printing software that you can use to create a label. Since the label file is sent to the printer as serial data, you should be able to use the portable to receive the data instead of the printer. If you can do this, you can easily get a copy of the command data required to print your label.)

Once you have a command text file that will print a label from the PC, copy this file to the portable.

Connect the portable to the printer using the standard serial cable for the portable and the standard serial cable for the printer connected together with a null modem adapter.

Print a label by sending the command text file from the portable to the printer. If this does not work, verify that all the parameters you used to print the label from the PC to the printer are being used the same with the portable (baud rate, data bits, flow control, etc.)

Once you can print a label using your example command text file, print out the command text file on paper and highlight the areas in the text data where the raw data is used. These areas of raw data in the command file structure will be supplied by variables in the portable program.

• For example: If you are printing a label that has one bar code of "123456" and one text description of "Test Label", highlighting the data "123456" and "Test Label" in the command text file will show you where the raw data is used.

Once you have highlighted the data, everything that is highlighted needs to be supplied by a variable in the program. Everything that is not highlighted will be constant for this particular label. Once you know this, you can develop the program to supply the required constant data and the variable data to create labels with any data you want.

Use development software (UPG or 'C' for Falcons and PPG for PT 2000s) to create the command text file using variables for the data fields. Keep working until you can print a different label by changing the data in the variables.

The last step is to integrate the label creation code into your data collection program so that the label prints when you need it to print.

Once you have the program working, if you want to create a custom label, you can use the two cables connected with the null modem to design a direct cable. Using a continuity tester you can verify which pins on the portable connector go to which pins on the printer connector and use this information to make a custom cable that goes straight from the portable to the printer.

Related Information
Following are items to consider when dealing with direct serial printers:

• If the cable is not correct, the printer will probably do nothing when data is sent because it never gets to the printer.
• If the cable connecting the portable to the printer is correct but the data that is sent to the printer is not correct, the printer may do one of the following:
  • Signal you that it has received data but that the data is not correct
  • Show a general error condition
  • Do nothing

Consult the printer's user and programmer guides for more information.

2. How do I troubleshoot the PT 2000 and TopGun?

PT 2000 / TopGun Serial communications troubleshooting guide

Discussion
Sorting out communications problems can be fairly involved because of the number of factors that come into play when attempting to get two devices - such as a portable and a PC - properly connected for serial data exchange. For this reason, it is important to proceed carefully and logically toward eliminating as many extraneous factors as possible to further isolate the problem. The following troubleshooting procedures for the PT 2000/TopGun were developed to facilitate this process and to ensure the greatest likelihood of success. To use this guide, answer the questions in the order in which they appear. On the basis of your answers or the outcome of a recommended test, proceed to the next question or suggestion.

Note: The following assumes that you have some understanding of the procedure you are attempting to perform - either sending a file from the portable to a PC or program from a PC to the portable - and that you have already made at least one attempt. For more information on portable communications please see chapters 3 and 4 of the PT 2000/TopGun User's Guide or the topical index to FAQs for this product.

Basic checks

Has your equipment been working properly up until now?

• If yes, go to the next question.
• If no, proceed to #3.

Are all the components - the PT 2000/TopGun, portable program running on the PC, cables or PT Dock, and PC com port - set up, connected, and configured exactly as they were the last time communications were successful?

• If yes, proceed to the next question.
• If not, try to duplicate the conditions under which the communication process was previously successful. If this is impossible, continue on to the next question.

Have you checked to ensure that all of the cabling connections are tight and/or that the Dock Adapter is snugly attached to the portable and it is properly placed in the PT Dock?

• If you are using a cable to connect your PT to the PC, check the connections, and tighten them as needed. Retry the communications procedure. If the problem persists, proceed to #4.
• If you are using a PT Dock, then go to the PT Dock Troubleshooting section of this FAQ. If the problem remains uncorrected, proceed to #4.

Have you set the portable to factory defaults for serial communications?

• If yes, then go to the next question.
• If not, restore the default serial settings (scan the programming bar code in the manual under "predefined defaults"). If the problem persists go to the next question.

Communications software

Are you attempting to send a program to the portable or a file from the portable to the PC?

• If you are attempting to send a file from the portable, go to the next question.
• If you are attempting to send a program from the PC, please review Chapter 4, "Transferring Data Using Percon Utilities" in the User´s Guide. Retry communications. If the problem persists, then proceed to #7.

Does the portable display a message "send complete" or "send failed"?

• "Send failed" - proceed to #9.
• "Send complete" - you have successfully transferred a file to your PC. Congratulations!
  • Note: By default, the transferred file is placed in the Percon/PAL folder. Check to confirm that the file has been received on your PC.

When the PC screen displays the message "Programming the portable," does the portable display "DOWNLOAD V 3.x PROGRAMMING"?
Note: in this example, "3.x" is generic; the actual number displayed will correspond to the release of the PAL system files that you are using.

• If yes, then proceed to the next question.
• If not, then please review Chapter 3, "Programming the PT 2000 or popgun" in the User´s Guide and retry the communications procedure. If the problem persists, proceed to the next question.

Does your PC screen display a message, "open com error"?

• If yes, the change the com port number in the Options/Settings men and retry communications. If the problem persists, proceed to #10.
• If not, proceed to #10.

Does your PC screen display a message, "error opening com port"?

• If yes, then you will need to change the port number in the Options/Settings menu. Retry communications. If the problem persists proceed to #12
• If not, please check to see whether the file you named and uploaded has been received on your PC (use Windows File Find or Explorer to locate the file). If the transferred file is on your PC, then see "'send failed' message with PAL software." If the problem persists, proceed to #12.

When the programming process has concluded, does the PC display "Portable successfully programmed" and does the portable prompt you to enter a new date and time?

• If yes to both parts of the question, then the portable has been successfully programmed. Congratulations!
• If no to either part of the question, proceed to the next question.

Is the program you are attempting to send to the portable a PAL application or a custom PPG program?

• If it is a standard PAL program, go to the next question.
• If it is a PPG customer program, be sure that you have selected it correctly in the Windows PERPROG open file dialog box or have typed the correct path and name on the DOS command line. If you have checked both of these steps and the file transfer starts properly on the PC but the portable does not respond, go to the next question.
  • Note: if you are unable to ascertain whether you are using a custom program or a standard PAL program, ask a computer support person at your workplace or contact your PSC reseller for help.

Com ports

Do you know which of your PC's communication (com) ports are available and to which of these the portable is attached?

• If yes, go to the next question.
• If not, you will have to find out. You should be able to ascertain which com port the portable is using by a combination of A) checking to see where the communications cable attaches at the rear of the PC; B) - if you have a modem on your PC - going to the Windows Control Panel, Modem, and Diagnostics screen, and checking to see how the com ports are assigned; and/or C) seeking the help of a support person at your workplace. Once you have confirmed which physical com ports are available and to which of these the portable is connected, go to the next question.

Does the communication port setting (com 1, com 2, etc.) in the portable communications software on the PC (Options menu, Settings box) match the number of the PC's physical com port to which the portable is connected?

• If yes, go to the next question.
• If not, then change the settings so that they correspond. Retry the communications procedure. If communications continues to fail, then go to the next question.

Do you have a modem or other serial device connected to your computer?

• If no, please review "communications port conflicts" to ensure that the com port you are using is enabled and properly configured. Once you have ascertained that the port is working properly, retry communications. If the problem persists, then proceed to the next question.
• If yes, then there could be a communication port conflict between the portable and another device assigned to that port. If you have a modem on your PC, you can check to see how Windows has assigned the port on your PC by going to the Windows Control Panel, Modem, and Diagnostics screen. There is also the possibility that the port you are trying to use has not been enabled in the BIOS setup of your computer. If you cannot diagnose a port-related condition on your own, please see "communications port conflicts" or consult a computer support person at your place of work. Once you have ascertained that the port is working properly, retry communications. If the problem persists, then proceed to the next question.

Hardware

Did the portable get stuck or seem to hang during a file transfer?

• If yes, see portable hung during file transfer and retry portable communications. If the problem persists, go to the next question.
• If not, proceed to the next step.

Are you able to turn off the portable by using the green I/O button?

• If yes and you are using a Dock, go to the next question. If you are not using a Dock and the problem persists, then review the communications and programming FAQs on this Web site. Your portable may need repair.
• If not, the portable may be "frozen" or hung. The first step is to retry the communications procedure. If this does not correct the condition, the portable may require a hard reset (caution: all data will be lost with this step). After completing this step, retry portable communications. If the problem persists, you may want try scanning the defaults for portable operations and serial communications in the User's Guide.

PT Dock

The PT Dock to PC serial connection relies on a nonstandard serial cable. Are you using the correct PSC cable for your PC?

• Note: you may use an adapter with the PT Dock, but be aware that this adds another component to portable communications.
• If yes, go to the next question.
• If you are not sure, contact your PSC reseller and obtain the correct cable.

Is the PT Dock connected to a power supply?

• If yes, go to the next question.
• If not, connect a power supply to the Dock (requires 9 volt, 500 ma, negative center pin) and after it has powered up, retry portable communications. If the Dock does not power up, go to the next question.

Is the power light on the Dock displaying a steady green?

• If yes, go to the next question.
• If not, there may be a hardware problem. Be sure that you have good or newly charged batteries installed. 

When the PT 2000/TopGun is in the dock, the contacts on the Dock Adapter at the bottom of the portable must meet a corresponding set of contacts located fairly low in the Dock portable slot. Be sure that the Dock Adapter is in place and tightly secured to the bottom of the portable. Also, ensure that the portable is properly seated in the Dock. The ready light on the Dock should be lit when the PT 2000/TopGun is resting properly in it. Have you confirmed all of these condition?

• If yes, then retry portable communications.
• If problems persist, go to the next question.

First, disconnect power from the Dock. The contact pins inside the Dock are spring loaded. This provides the tension required to make solid contact with the Dock Adapter. On close inspection of the PT Dock contacts, do all the pins appear to be at the same level and move freely down and up when depressed? (You can test the pin movement with the eraser end of a pencil.)

• If yes, go to the next question.
• If not, carefully try to move any pins that appear stuck so that they spring to the topmost extent of their travel and move freely up and down when pressed. If some pins will not respond, you may need to have your Dock repaired. 

If the PT Dock is connected correctly, appears to be functioning, but communication still fails, test portable-to-PC communications with a direct serial cable - PSC part # 00-884-28 (9 pin) or 00-884-19 (25 pin).

• If you are able to try this alternative and find that communications are successful, then there is a problem with your Dock. 
• If you are able to try this alternative and find that communications are still unsuccessful, you may want to review the troubleshooting steps above, prior to the sections pertaining specifically to the Dock.

If you are still experiencing problems, contact your reseller.

3. How long does it take to charge nicad batteries?

The PT 2000/TopGun comes standard with non-rechargeable alkaline batteries that can be replaced with a rechargeable nicad battery pack. The pack may be recharged fully in approximately 8 hours using either a serial interface cable in conjunction with an AC power supply or a PT Dock.

The PSC Single-Slot (00-863-01) or Four-Slot (00-870-00) external battery charger shortens recharge times to 2-3 hours and also "conditions" batteries to prevent memory retention.

4. How long do batteries last?

The PT 2000/TopGun portables ship with Alkaline batteries, and can be optionally equipped with a rechargeable nicad battery pack. The life expectancy of Alkaline batteries should be approximately 1.5 times longer than the charge life of the nicad battery pack, but the nicads can be recharged for many hundreds of cycles (the overall life expectancy of a nicad battery pack, total number of charge cycles, will vary depending on use).

Alkaline batteries will give up to 12 hours of continuous use (up to 20,000 scans), the nicads approximately 8 hours when used with a TopGun or separate 5 volt input device. A low battery warning appears on the display when approximately 20 minutes of power remain.

Nicad batteries may be recharged while installed in the portable, either with a cable or a PT Dock, or externally with a PSC battery pack charger. Nicads recharge fully in approximately 8 hours. Note: the PT 2000 charging system conditions batteries while they are charging so that nicads will not retain a "memory" and lose their full capacity over time.

Backup Battery
The PT 2000/TopGun also contains a rechargeable lithium backup battery that is soldered to the portable's circuit board and is not user-accessible. This battery functions to maintain power to the portable's nonvolatile flash memory and to the internal clock, allowing you to safely remove the main batteries without losing data or having to reset the clock. The lithium battery will supply power for these functions for up to 10 days. Should the main battery go dead while the unit is being used, the backup battery will ensure that data is retained while the main batteries are either replaced or recharged.

The backup battery is recharged by the main battery or other power source, such as the PT Dock. The portable's display will show a message indicating that the backup battery is being charged whenever the main batteries have been removed long enough for the backup battery to begin to discharge.

Readying The Portable For Use With Nicads
The PT 2000/TopGun has two small switches located at the bottom of the battery compartment. By default, these switches are set for Alkaline batteries (both switches in the down position). When nicad batteries are used, switch 1 should be in the down position and switch 2 in the up position. Please see the PT 2000/TopGun User's Guide for details.

Alkaline Battery Life With Separate Input Devices On PT 2000
Note: for nicad batteries use about 70% of the ratings below.

DeviceType# of ScansBattery LifeLasersSP400Undecoded874312.1SP400,Wand EmDecoded47336.6SP400ARDecoded71269.9PSC 5310Undecoded810311.3PSC 5312 WEDecoded45836.4Metrologic941Undecoded62838.7Symbol LS-2000Undecoded800311.1CCDsNippon DensoUndecoded869912.1Nippon DensoDecoded725510.1WandsWelch AllynUndecoded59798.3

5. How do I set my PT 2000/TopGun to communicate serially?

The PT 2000/TopGun portable ships from PSC with its operational parameters set to default (see Appendix H of the PT 2000 User's Guide ). These settings, when used in conjunction with a PAL or custom PPG program, provide excellent performance for the majority of users.

In addition to default operational parameters, the portable is set to communicate serially with a PC computer using either the serial interface cable or a PT Dock. The default serial parameters for the portable are the same as those of a typical PC.

If you encounter difficulties either programming your portable or using it to transfer files to a PC, it may be because the serial parameters do not match those of the PC or the portable default communications settings have been changed.

As a starting point, we recommend scanning both the D2 and the serial default bar codes which are available in the Predefined Defaults section of the User's Guide. You can also create Code 39 bar codes using the values below. Scanning these codes will reset your portable to factory specifications, and will establish a baseline to help you in making adjustments toward matching the portable to the communications settings of your PC.

Set General Defaults

*$+$-D2EE*

Set Serial Communication Defaults

*$+$-C8EE*

6. How can I tell if there is a port conflict on my PC?

Within the hardware architecture of a computer, each piece of unique hardware needs to have a direct path called an interrupt request line (IRQ) assigned to so it can talk to the computer's central processing unit (CPU) and find out what to do. The communication ports that are used by PSC portables and their related software also use these IRQ lines. If more than one piece of hardware is assigned the same IRQ, the controlling information sent to those pieces of hardware will get crossed.

On a typical IBM compatible PC, IRQ 4 is assigned to support communication port 1 and port 3, while IRQ 3 is assigned to support communication ports 2 and 4. Since one IRQ can not control two things at once, only one com port with the same IRQ can be used at any given time. This comes into play when there is a modem or a serial mouse attached to your com ports. Even if you have four com ports on the system, each must have access to an available IRQ to function simultaneously.

An additional problem with IRQ conflicts is that there are usually no visible errors generated by conflicts. If you are trying to use an IRQ that is not available, the application simply will not work. This is one cause of a PSC portable transfer process looking good but not actually transmitting anything. Some newer operating systems like Windows 95 may be designed to automatically reroute conflicts to another available IRQ, however, these are not 100% reliable either. The only way to be sure you have no IRQ conflicts on a certain communication port is to go through your hardware options and any background programs you have running and verify that the ones that need a unique IRQ are using a different one than you are trying to use from the com port.

A special effort should be taken to look through the background programs. These "terminate and stay ready" (TSR) programs are started by your system when it is turned on. They stay in the computer's memory in order to handle certain functions. You don't "see" them on the screen so they are said to be running in the "background". One very common example of this is a mouse driver. If you normally have a serial mouse plugged into your com 1 port and you need to use com 1 to communicate with a PSC portable, you need to disconnect the mouse and turn off the mouse driver that is using the required IRQ.

IRQ conflicts can be frustrating to locate, so if you are having trouble that you think might be from IRQ problems, ask someone who is experienced with computers to help you isolate the problem.

7. Why am I having trouble sending data with PDTFER?

When transmitting data using PDTFER, the default time out is 1 second. This means that if the PT 2000 is not waiting for the data before the PDTFER command is activated, PDTFER will time out before the PT 2000 can be put into receive mode. This affects the data transmission regardless of using the append option or not.

In order to use PDTFER to send data and not worry whether the PT 2000 or the PDTFER command is initiated first, manually set the delay in PDTFER by adding the delay switch to the command line. Syntax for the delay switch is "/d#" where the # is the amount of seconds for the delay.

The command "pdtfer –1td30 lookup.txt" would send the file Lookup.txt from com port 1 and wait 30 seconds before timing out.

Related Information
The command "pdtfer /?" will produce a help screen showing all optional command line switches available for the PDTFER.EXE transfer utility.

8. What kind of data file does the PT 2000/TopGun create?

When used with a typical application such as a PAL program, the PT 2000/TopGun puts collected data into an ASCII text file format which virtually any PC application can open. In a typical data collection scenario, an inventory item would be scanned followed by a quantity input.

With a custom program created with PPG it is possible to collect more than two data fields per record and to change field delimiters to a tab, carriage return, or other separator. The PT 2000/TopGun is able to write large and complex ASCII files, depending on the specific needs of customers and host applications. PT 2000/TopGun can also be programmed to create files with "fixed length fields" - without delimiters (some applications require this format). It cannot, however, create or use files with formatting other than standard ASCII.

Once a file is transferred to a host computer the host application must "process" the ASCII file and use each of the data fields in the ASCII text file to populate its data fields. Nearly all database programs, spreadsheets, and word processors will either open or import a delimited ASCII text file. Some may prompt you to identify the type of delimiter or to specify how you want the data fields to be used in that application.

9. How many records will my PT 2000 and TopGun hold, and how much RAM is available?

Reference: To calculate the number of records using PPG, see PPG FAQ #005.

The standard PT 2000 & TopGun portables ship with 128k of non-volatile flash RAM (Random Access Memory) for data storage with up to 2MB optionally. The data storage capacity depends upon the total number and length of records to be stored.

You can determine the amount of RAM installed in your portable by depressing the right arrow key (or "D" key) twice, which moves to another screen displaying the RAM. Note that a very large program may use a small portion of the data storage RAM. If validation files are used, then they will take up some of the data storage capacity. The amount of space that validation files use up can be calculated in the same way as input data storage.

There are two ways to determine the number of records your PSC portable will hold:

1.  You can use the table below to find your record size, then go to the right column and find the corresponding memory size.

2.  Or, you can perform the following steps:

1. Add up the number of characters in your record. If the number varies, use the maximum.
2. Add 16 to the length of your data (1 for the string termination, 8 for the record pointers overhead, 7 to force a roundup).
3. Divide by 8 and truncate to get the number of memory units your record will use.
4. Look up the total number of memory units you have available in your portable (based on your memory size from the following table and assuming an average size PPG program).
5. Divide the total number of memory units by the number of units your record uses.  The result is the number of records you can store.  Note that for the 1 and 2 MB units, a file can have a maximum of 65,500 records in it.  If you have a file that contains more than 65,500 records you must split it into two or more files.

If you have multiple files with different record lengths you must decide how much of the total number of memory units you want to use for each file and do the calculation for each file.

The table below helps relate these sizes to the size of a file on a PC:

Notes

• The numbers above are approximate.
• The portable will display a low memory warning when the maximum capacity has been reached. It is a good idea to transfer your collected data to a host computer before approaching the maximum storage capacity of the RAM installed in your portable rather than waiting for the warning to remind you to upload your collected data.

10. What does a "clock failed" message mean, and what should I do about it?

A "clock failed" message indicates a problem with the portable's clock, the internal lithium battery, or both.

A first step toward troubleshooting the problem is to try resetting the clock using the programming bar codes in the Setting Time and Date section of the User's Guide. You may also create Code 39 labels using the bar code values below. These codes may be scanned without concern about programs currently running on the portable or other conditions.

Set Time:

*%-*

Set Date:

*%.*

After setting the time and date, press any of the function keys to move to a new screen. Note: The time and date will remain on the display until some other action is taken on the portable, such as entering a program.

If the clock failed message persists, the next step is to reload the operating system files. Please note that there are several methods for sending the system files to the portable. The simplest method is to go to DOS and log on to the directory containing the PERCON/PAL4 (or in previous versions, PERCON/PAL) files. From within this directory, type pdprog filename /s and the number of the port you are using on your PC (e.g., com 2 would be /s2).

Note: for "filename" you would use either one of the PAL programs (described in the product User's Guide) or a custom PPG program (in this case, you would need either to specify the path name for that program or else move it to the PAL folder so that PDPROG, the utility for programming the portable, can locate and send it to the portable). The "/s" in the command line instructs PDPROG to send the operating system files down to the portable along with the program you have indicated. Doing so ensures that the portable has a freshly installed copy of the operating system.

Should the clock failed message continue to appear after reloading the system files on the portable, there is probably a problem with the lithium backup battery that is soldered to the system board of the portable. To correct this problem, the unit must be returned to PSC for service. 

11. What does a "send failed" message mean, and what should I do about it?

A "send failed" message on a PT 2000/TopGun portable generally indicates a failure to transfer a data file wholly or in part to a host computer. This message means that while attempting to transfer a file the portable encountered a problem involving communications port configuration, file transfer software, or the portable-to-host interface.

Note: Occasionally, the portable will display a "send failed" message when a data file has been successfully transferred to the host. Hence, we advise always checking the target directory of your computer to see whether the file has been transferred. If it has, then check the contents for completeness. Although ultimately you will have to find and correct the cause of the communications problem, you may discover that the portable has in fact transferred the data file successfully. However, it will not do so consistently and reliably until the condition that produced the error message is corrected.

The following check list, which is intended for use with PT 2000/TopGun FAQ number 2 (troubleshooting guide), should help you find and eliminate the cause of a "send failed" message.

• You may have incorrectly set serial communication settings on either the portable, the host, or both. Ensure that the serial port and baud rate selected in PTFER or PDTFER correspond to the physical serial port to which the PT 2000/TopGun or PT Dock is attached and to the baud rate settings of the PC.
• There may be a port conflict on the PC. Ensure that the serial port of the host computer is working and that no IRQ or port assignment conflicts exist.
• You may be using the incorrect serial cable. The correct PT 2000/TopGun serial interface cables are PSC part # 00-884-28 (9 pin) or 00-884-19 (25 pin); the correct PT Dock cables are 00-874-05 (9 pin) or 00-874-04 (25 pin).
• You may have an improperly attached, damaged, or defective cable or a problem with the PT Dock. Check that cabling is tightly attached to the PT 2000/TopGun or PT Dock and the host computer or try substituting a different cable or Dock.
• The PT 2000/TopGun may not be making adequate contact with the Dock pins. Ensure that the Dock Adapter contacts are clean and make good contact with the Dock interface pins.
• If possible, try transferring a file to a second computer. The first one may have an unspecified port configuration problem.

12. How do I reprogram the portable with the system files?

All computers will occasionally require the reloading of the operating system either to restore normal functioning caused by corrupt or deleted files or to upgrade to a new release. The PT 2000/TopGun periodically requires reloading of the system files, such as after a long period without use or when erratic behavior occurs. The system files are included with the PAL disk that ships with the portable or can be downloaded.

Symptoms indicating the need for reloading system files include a "clock failed" message, problems communicating with a host, temporary "freezing up," or difficulties getting a program to run properly. Reloading the system files is required whenever the portable is upgraded to a new release of PAL. (To find out which release is installed on your portable, use the right arrow key, under the "D" key, to shift the display to where this information can be viewed). Programming the portable is described in the PT 2000/TopGun User's Guide, with step-by-step instructions for both Windows and DOS programming utilities, but instructions for sending the system files is not covered in the User's Guide.

• Caution: The PocketReader cannot be upgraded to system files newer than version 3.H. Installing release 4.1 of PAL will cause the PocketReader to malfunction and require that it be shipped to PSC for reprogramming.

Reloading system files is very similar to programming the portable, except that it requires some additional steps. These steps differ slightly, depending on the PAL version (4.1 is the most current).

Notes:

Many users will find it simplest to reprogram the portable from a DOS prompt, as fewer steps are required than doing so from the Windows utility. Hence, the DOS method is described first, below. However, both methods may be used.

The PT 2000/TopGun cannot be reprogrammed with a Macintosh computer.

Reprogramming The Portable From DOS

Notes - the following assumes:

That PAL software has been installed to your PC using default path settings;

You have a working knowledge of DOS commands; and

You intend to use one of the PAL programs. If you have a custom program that you wish to install on the portable, you can do so after this procedure is finished. Your program will overwrite the PAL software that is installed during this procedure.

The DOS application used to program the PT 2000/TopGun is called PDPROG.EXE. If you have not used this program before, help is available by typing PDPROG /? at the DOS prompt in the Percon/PAL directory. This command will bring up a help screen with examples of program usage and syntax, and an explanation of available switches and their functions.

To download the system files using DOS, simply use type /s at the end of the program transfer command line (example: pdprog palpro.hex /s). For reasons beyond the scope of this document, the /s switch is not included with the on-screen help. However, adding /s to your command line will cause the system files to be transferred along with the program you have selected.

If you want to program the portable with the palpro.hex portable application and system files from your PC using the COM1 port, the full DOS path and command line would be as follows:

• C:\Percon\PAL\pdprog palpro.hex /s /1

Reprogamming The Portable Using Windows

The Windows application used to program the PT 2000/TopGun is called PERCPROG.EXE. When the PAL software is installed a Percon (PSC) applications group is created, with an icon for this program. If you cannot find the icon from your Windows 95/98 start button (under Programs), you can search for this file by name using the Windows Find utility.

Starting this program will bring up an application with a title bar that says Percon (PSC) Portable_Plus Programmer (release 4.0/4.1) or Percon (PSC) Portable Programmer (release 3.h). The commands for enabling the application to send the system files are somewhat embedded in the Help menu screens. Clicking on a "hot spot" in an icon of the PT 2000/TopGun in the About Portable Programmer screen brings up a special Over-Ride screen that contains check boxes for various system programming parameters. Once the proper settings are made, the portable is programmed in an ordinary manner. However, the Portable Programmer will send the system files to the portable in addition to the program that has been selected. The system files will be sent only once. If you wish to send the system files a second time, or send them to a second portable, you must repeat the procedure that follows.

If you are using PAL 4.0/4.1, the following preliminary steps are required (with your portable disconnected from the PC): 1) open the File menu; 2) select Program the Portable; from the open dialog box select palpro.hex, double click on the file name or select OK.The program will then attempt to send this file to the portable. Immediately select Abort from the title bar menu. These steps ready the Portable Programmer to send a program along with the system files. Once these preliminaries have been completed attach your portable to the PC using a cable, or place it in a PT Dock, then do the following:

Access the special system programming parameters by first opening the Help menu from the title bar. From the drop menu, select About Portable Programmer. This will then bring up a screen with release information and several icons to the left of the text.

• Note: Release 4.1 has two icons: a PT 2000/TopGun and a PC computer; release 3.h has three icons (one of these is a PocketReader).In earlier versions of this program, the icon consists of only a PC monitor and a Percon/PSC Pocket Reader.

You must now bring up an Over-Ride screen that contains options for sending the system files. This is done by placing the very tip of your mouse pointer on the grayish screen area of the PT 2000/TopGun icon and left-clicking once (with release 3.h, place the pointer tip just under the small red dot representing the Enter key on the PT 2000/Topgun icon, and left-click once). If you have a PocketReader you will be using release 3.h and must place the mouse pointer on the grey screen area of that icon, then left click. If you are unsuccessful in bringing up the Over-Ride screen on the first attempt, keep trying.

Once the Over-Ride screen appears, you will see several options listed, with radio buttons or check boxes by each. To enable the downloading of system files, click on the box to the left of the word System. Release 3.h requires the additional step of selecting a portable type (PR for Pocket Reader or PT 2000). Also with release 3.h, selecting the System check box will put a check in this and the check box below it (in front of Bank3). You need not concern yourself with any of the other settings in the Over-Ride screen.

• Note: With release 3.h, select the portable type first and then click the system box, otherwise the System checkbox will clear when you select the portable.

Once you have completed the above steps, click the OK button to exit the Over-Ride screen then again to exit About Portable Programmer. You are now ready to program the portable and send down the system files.

From the File menu, select Program the Portable. If the portable is connected and powered up, the reprogramming should commence.

13. When sending data to or from the PT 2000, why is only the first record of data is actually sent?

Warnings
Resetting the PT 2000 will delete any and all data stored on the unit.

Solution
Reset the communications parameters so that the transfer protocol used by the PT 2000 matches the protocol used on the host computer. Do this by scanning a command bar code in Appendix H of the PT 2000 User's Guide, section "Serial Parameters", sub-section "Protocol". The command code to scan depends on a specific situation.

If you are trying to use the PSC Portable File Transfer utility (PDTFER.EXE or PDTFER.EXE) then you need to scan the protocol bar code labeled "CR with checksum and ACK/NAK response". This will turn the default PT 2000 transfer protocol back on.

If you are using Hyperterminal, ProComm or another generic communication utility and are attempting to transfer data as a simply ASCII data dump, you will need to scan the protocol bar code labeled "EOR only". This will turn the default PT 2000 transfer protocol off.

If neither of these bar codes helps and the problem persists, it may require a hard reset of the portable which will delete all collected data.

Related Information
The PT 2000 can transfer and receive data using any of the following three protocols:

No protocol (End of Record only or ASCII dump)

PSC ACK/NAK protocol (the default protocol used by all PSC data transfer utilities)

Xmodem protocol using Checksum packet verification (the PT 2000 does not understand or use CRC packet checking).

14. How do I write my own program for the portable (or, What is PPG)?

The PT 2000/TopGun requires an application in order to collect, store, process, and transfer data to a host PC. Although the PT 2000/TopGun comes standard with PAL, a library of applications for inventory management and asset tracking, many users have special needs that can only be met by a custom program. PSC's Portable Program Generator (PPG) is an easy to learn, Windows-based, visual development tool for creating custom portable programs to meet a variety of data collection needs. PPG may be used to tailor a portable program to the requirements of a specific customer or industry. It can also be used to make applications that perform data validation and lookup functions or to provide data output to a printer or modem in the field.

PPG applications are created using a graphical interface to link programming steps and menus. The overall logical flow of a PPG application appears as a flow chart and the underlying processes, such as data input, storage, validation, and output, can be viewed simply by clicking on a "node" in the flow chart to bring up a process menu. A program is created by linking nodes in a logical sequence and completing menus that contain programming operations and commands. PPG applications can be easily modified and updated when the need arises.

15. Can the PT 2000/TopGun work with my existing database and/or accounting software?

PSC supports all software that is created by PSC. When a computer distributor or reseller creates custom programs to be used in either a PSC portable or in a computer that is connected to a PSC portable, that company becomes responsible for the support of that software. If you have such software and it is not working correctly, you need to contact the company that created that software technical for assistance. To verify whether the portable is working correctly, try programming the portable with one of the standard PSC PAL or sample programs and see if all communications work properly.

• Note: Before you attempt to change the program currently in your portable, you need to ensure you have the capability to put it back. If you are using a portable file from a source other than PSC or yourself, you will need a copy of the PSC program transfer utility and a copy of the program to transfer. The program file will be a file that ends in a "hex" extension (Example: SAMPLE3.HEX). If you do not have a copy of the file you are using, once you transfer a standard PSC program into the portable, you will not be able to put the current program back.

16. Can the PT2000 use a bar code reader and a magnetic stripe reader at the same time?

A Magnetic Stripe Reader (MSR) and BARCODE reader can be attached to a PT2000 at the same time using Percon/PSC cable number 00-888-27. However, this cannot be used for 2 barcode inputs, it is for MSR and BARCODE READER input only.

Related Information
The PT2000 is designed to only read one track of MSR information. This means that you can read track one, two or three but not more than one track. Which track you read will be dependant on the design of the reader you are using.

17. How do I use PSC´s Unix upload software to transfer data from a PT2000 to a Unix machine?

PSC´s Unix transfer utility (UPDTFER.EXE) for uploading data from the PT2000 is provided as freeware. No technical support is available for this software. As freeware, this transfer utility is supported solely by way of this document and the Readme files that are on the upload diskette itself.

When using the PT2000 with UNIX, please consider the following limitations of UPDTFER.EXE:

• UPDTFER does not support a "GETTY" session
• UPDTFER does not support Xon/Xoff flow control
• UPDTFER was compiled to run in SCO Unix in 1995. The Utfer.c files may need to be recompiled for your specific flavor of unix.

To install the program from a floppy disk, use the UNIX "tar" command to copy the updtfer file from the floppy disk to your hard drive.

UPDTFER uses the following command-line syntax to transfer files:

• updtfer device filename –options

Where:

• device = the serial port device name, such as /dev/tty1a
• filename = the name of the file you want to transfer
• options = one or more transfer options, preceded by a dash (-)

You can use the following options:

t: Transmits data in the given file to the PT2000. The PT2000 should be properly connected to the specified serial port and ready to receive data.

r: Receives data from the PT2000 and stores it in the given file. When receiving data from the PT2000, you should start updtfer before invoking the transfer on the PT2000.

a: Appends the given file with data received from the PT2000.

d: Displays debugging information on the screen during transfer.

s: Performs the transfer "silently" (without displaying received data on the screen).

h: Displays help on program usage and options.

The following Communication parameters are required by updtfer:

• Baud rate: 9600
• Stop bits: 1
• Data bits: 8
• Parity: None

Protocol (flow control): PSC ACK/NAK

18. How do I download a default program in Windows?

The PT2000 can download default programs to your PC in Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, or DOS. This FAQ describes how to do a serial (RS232) download of a default .hex program in a Windows format. PSC offers file transfer utility programs that can be found in Chapter 4 of the PT2000/Topgun User's Guide.

To install the PAL programs from the PAL diskette:

Insert the diskette into Drive A and double click on the INSTALL.EXE file. The file will automatically create a C:\PERCON\PAL4 directory where the programs will be installed.

Downloading the Default Program:

Once the PAL program is downloaded onto your PC, start the PERCPROG.EXE file by double clicking the filename or by selecting Start, Programs, Percon PAL4, Portable Programmer.

To send the Operating System (O/S) files, click Help, About Portable Programmer.

In the About Portable Programmer message box, place the tip of the mouse pointer in the light gray (LCD) screen picture area of the PT2000. Click once with the left mouse button.

The Over-Ride message box will appear. Select System and then click OK to return to the main screen. If an "Error opening PPG application" message appears, disregard it.

From the main screen, click Options and Settings and select a COM Port.

Click OK to return to the main screen.

Click File, Program the Portable.

The Program File message box will appear. In the File Name listing you will see the compiled .hex default programs that can be downloaded to the PT2000. The default program is called PALPRO.HEX. To send the default program, be sure the PT2000 is turned on and connected to your computer using either the docking station or a direct connect cable.

Select the desired .hex program and click OK. The PT2000 will beep and display "downloading / erasing," and a percentage of completed download will display. If this does not happen, verify your COM Port is working correctly and that you have the correct cable(s) for your application.

Once the program is downloaded to the portable, follow the prompts on the PT2000 screen to get to the Main Menu. More information about default programs is available in the User's Guide: Chapter 2 - Using the PT2000 or TopGun with Palpro

19. My PT2000 is locked up or unresponsive, how can I save my data?

There are three possible ways to save information once the PT2000 has locked up.

• Open 'Hyperterminal' on your PC. Connect to the COM port in which the PT2000 is connected. Type the following characters:
  CTL + F
  CTL + Q
  CTL + C
  
  Type these characters in any order and as many times as you wish. By doing this, you are sending ACK/NAK characters to the PT2000. If the PT2000 is stuck in a loop waiting for an ACK or NAK sending these characters will satisfy the program's need for the character and take it out of the loop.
• Open the program you normally use to receive the data file from the PT2000. (For example 'Portable File Transfer' program offered for free with the PT2000.) Connect to the COM port in which the PT2000 is connected. Set the program up to receive the data file. While the program is waiting for the data file, scan the $$ bar code on page 32 of the PT2000/TopGun User's Guide. By scanning this bar code you will 'dump' all of the data in the unit to the COM port. If the PC is ready to accept the data, it will capture it into a file.
• Leave the unit sitting for up to 8 hours. Sometimes this will cause the source of the lock up to timeout and restore your program back to the point prior to the lock up.

These methods do not guarantee recovery of your data. However, there is a strong possibility one of these methods will prove successful for you. If they are not successful, the only way to "unlock" the PT2000 is by resetting it. Since the data is stored in RAM and not actually written to a disk, you will lose any data presently in the unit.

To reset the PT2000:

Remove the batteries.

Hold down the ALPHA and ENTER keys.

Put the batteries back in the unit.

Release the ALPHA and ENTER keys.

The unit will beep and be reset.

20. How do I upload a .txt file in Windows?

The PT2000 can upload .txt files to your PC in Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, or DOS. This FAQ describes how to do a serial (RS232) upload of your .txt data in a Windows format. File transfer utility programs can be found on the Portable Applications Library (PAL) diskette (part number 00-735-21) available from your reseller. File transfer procedures are available in Chapter 4 of the PT2000/TopGun User´s Guide.

To install the PAL programs from the PAL diskette:

Insert the diskette into Drive A and double click on the INSTALL.EXE file. The file will automatically create a C:\PERCON\PAL4 directory where the programs will be installed.

Uploading .TXT Programs:

Start the PTFER.EXE file by double clicking on the file name or by selecting Start, Programs, Percon PAL4, Portable File Transfer.

The Percon Portable File Transfer message box will appear. Select Options, Settings.

The Communications Settings message box will appear. Select either Com 1 or Com 2 (whichever Com port your serial cable is connected to). Com ports 1 or 2 need to be set to their default IRQ (contact your Information Systems department for information on IRQ settings). Be sure that STOP is set to 1, Baud Rate is set to 9600, and Parity is set to None. Select OK.

From the Percon Portable File Transfer message box select File, Select a File Name.

The Select a File Name message box will appear. Create a filename with no more than 8 characters and be sure to include the .txt extension (e.g. testname.txt). Select OK. The default folder (to which the file will be saved) is C:\Percon\PAL4.

From the Percon Portable File Transfer message box select Options, Connect. "Communications Port Opened" will appear in the message box indicating the com port is ready to receive data. If this message does not appear, it could indicate that the com port is either in use or is not active.

Select File, Receive. "Waiting for file "[filename]" will appear in the message box. The receive side of the data transfer process needs to be set first, and at this point the Portable File Transfer program on the PC is ready and has a 30 second timeline in which to receive .txt files uploaded from the PT2000. After the 30 second timeline has expired, communications will need to be reconnected in order to receive files from the PT2000.

Setting PT2000 Serial Defaults:

In order to communicate serially, the PT2000 needs to have the same serial default settings as the PTFER.EXE program. The serial default settings are: 9600 Baud Rate, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity.

Either create a code 39 label using the values below or find the label in the Predefined Defaults section of the PT2000/TopGun User's Guide.

*$+$-C8EE*

Proceed with the upload process on the PT2000 to send the .txt file to the PC. Be sure the PT2000 is connected correctly to the PC and powered on. If the default software program PALPRO is loaded on the PT2000, start from the Main Menu and select File Options, Send Data, Serial. Be aware that different software programs can be loaded on the PT2000 and may require other key sequences or sending options to upload .txt file data to the PC. You may need to contact your reseller or software developer for specific information.

21. How do I perform a Hard Reset on my PT 2000?

The PT 2000 has two memory allocations: Flash RAM (factory programming information) and User RAM (.txt file data). A RESET will erase the User RAM and reset to the Flash RAM. Make sure any collected data on the PT 2000 is uploaded to the PC prior to performing a hard reset, as the data will be erased.

Choose the appropriate RESET instructions based on your battery option:

NiCad Battery Pack (p/n 00-862-00)

With the PT 2000/TopGun unit turned on, remove the NiCad battery pack.

The PT 2000 screen will go blank.

There are two switches inside the battery case, be sure that switch 2 is set in the UP position.

Hold the red "ENTER" key and the blue "Alpha" key down together.

While the buttons are pressed, reinsert the NiCad battery pack with the part number information facing outward and the black rubber ring contact facing down.

Do not release the ENTER and Alpha keys until the unit beeps.

Alkaline AA Batteries

With the PT 2000/TopGun unit turned on, remove only one of the three AA batteries.

The PT 2000 screen will go blank.

There are two switches inside the battery case, be sure that switch 2 is set in the DOWN position.

Hold the red "ENTER" key and the blue "Alpha" key down together.

While the buttons are pressed, reinsert the Alkaline battery.

Do not release the ENTER and Alpha keys until the unit beeps.

The PT 2000 may contain the default factory loaded software program called PALPRO. If another program is loaded, the following sequence may be different. Contact your reseller or software developer for information on non-PALPRO program reloading procedures.

The following steps apply to the PALPRO Inventory Management software program:

ENTER NEW DATE - If the Current Date: is correct, press ENTER. If the Current Date: is incorrect, enter the new date using the numeric keypad. The forward slash (/) characters will be entered automatically.

• Example:
  Current Date 07/07/99
  Enter New Date

ENTER NEW TIME - Time is displayed using military time (24-hour clock). If the Current Time: is correct, press ENTER. If the Current Time: displayed is incorrect, enter the new time using the numeric keypad. The colons (:) will be entered automatically.

• Example:
  Current Time 13:46:21 (1:46 p.m. and 21 seconds)
  Enter New Time

CHANGE PROMPTS - The PT 2000 allows you to change the screen prompt titles if desired. If NO (F4) is selected, the default screen prompts will be used. If YES (F3) is selected, new prompt titles can be entered.

• Example:
  INVENTORY MGMT
  CHANGE PROMPTS?
  F3=YES
  F4=NO

F-KEY=CONTINUE - This is a confirmation screen showing the date and time entered in steps 1 and 2. Press any of the F1 through F4 keys to accept the values and continue.

• Example:
  PERCON INVPRO
  13:46:21
  07/07/99
  F-KEY=CONTINUE

INV MGNT - This option allows you to a) choose the PALPRO Inventory Management program, b) use the device as a wedge to send data to the computer, or c) return to the setup screen. Choose F1=INV MGNT.

• Example:
  F1=INV MGNT
  F2=WEDGE
  F5=SETUP

PROMPTS - The PALPRO Inventory Management software program allows the use of either one or two prompts. One prompt asks for ITEM # only. While a quantity screen will not appear, the program assumes a quantity of 1. The two prompts option will ask for ITEM # and QUANTITY. These are required fields.

• Example:
  INV MGNT
  F2=1 PROMPT
  F3=2 PROMPTS
  F4=EXIT

MAIN MENU - The PT 2000 is now at the PALPRO main menu. For details on the PALPRO Inventory Management software program and other Portable Application Library (PAL) software programs, refer to the PT 2000 & TopGun User´s Manual, Chapter 2, "Using the PT 2000 or TopGun with PALPRO."

• Example:
  INV MGNT
  F2=COLLECT
  F3=FILE OPTIONS
  F4=EXIT

22. How do I downgrade a PT 2000 from version 4.4. to version 3.H?

Turn the PT 2000 unit on and connect it to your PC via a COM port.

Click Start/Program/PAL 3H/Portable Programmer version 3.H.
Note: Click here to download PAL 3.H if you do not have it installed.

Click Help on the toolbar and select About Portable Programmer.

A message box will appear displaying a picture of a PC, a PT 2000, and a Pocket reader. Place the tip of the mouse over the light gray box under the PT 2000, and click the mouse one time.

Another message box will appear displaying "Over Ride."

• Note: If the About Portable Programmer message box disappears, then you did not place the mouse in the correct spot. Go back to Step 3 and try again.

From the Over Ride message box select 96 under MAX BAUD and click on the box next to SYSTEM. Verify the SYSTEM BOX and the BANK 3 box are checked and the MAX BAUD is set to 96. Click OK.

Click OK again to clock the About Portable Programmer message box.

Choose Options from the toolbar, then select Settings. Make sure the correct COM port is selected and that you've selected the bar code types you wish to scan (e.g. UPC or I 2 of 5). Click OK.

Select File, then Program the Portable.

Select the file you wish to download to the PT 2000. Click OK.

The PT 2000 will beep and begin accepting the program from the PC. After programming is complete, select the D key twice on the PT 2000 to ensure the version has changed from 4.4 to 3.H.

23. How do I recompile my PT 2000 program to the current software version?

The PT 2000 software is compatible with Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and DOS formats. This document assumes you have access to the original .scr PSC Program Generator (PPG) program file and describes two options for recompiling an existing .scr file to version 4.4.

For the purposes of this document, the following two examples describe how to upgrade an .scr file from version 3.H to the latest version 4.4. Option 1 uses the Portable Applications Library (PAL) software, and option 2 uses the PPG software. Your .scr file may have been written in a different software version of PPG, but the same principles apply.

Option 1

To install the PAL programs from the PAL diskette:

Insert the diskette into Drive A and double click on the INSTALL.EXE file. The file will automatically create a C:\PERCON\PAL4 directory where the programs will be installed.

Note: Since both the PT 2000 Operating System files and software program versions must match (e.g. 3.H O/S and 3.H .hex file, or 4.4 O/S and 4.4 .hex file, etc.), it is possible that the operating system files will need to be upgraded to match the new version .hex file. To verify the version of the PT 2000 operating system files:

Press the "D" key twice to display the version level.

Press the "C" key twice to return to the original screen. If the operating system files display an earlier version (example 3.H) and you want to upgrade the program files to 4.4, you will need to upgrade the operating system files first. See PT2000/TopGun FAQ #014.

In brief, this document describes sending the 4.4 system files with a default program called PALPRO. Once a default program is loaded on the PT 2000 with the 4.4 system files, you can then follow the procedure below to update the program files and load your program on the PT 2000.

Once the PAL 4.4 program is loaded and the PT 2000 operating system files are upgraded to version 4.4, start the PERCCOMP.EXE file either by double clicking on the filename itself from the C:\PERCON\PAL4 directory, or selecting START, PROGRAMS, PERCON PAL4, and PORTABLE COMPILER. The "Percon Portable Compiler" message box will display.

Connect the PT 2000 to the PC using either direct connect cable number 00-884-28 or docking station cable 00-874-05. (For more information on serial connections, you can refer to the PT 2000 User´s Guide available  on the PSC Products CD ROM, part number 0078500).

In the Percon Portable Compiler program, select FILE / OPEN, and browse to the location of your original software version (PPG) .scr file. Power on the PT 2000.

Select FILE / COMPILE. This will automatically compile an earlier software version of a .scr file to the current version of 4.4, create the compiled .hex version of the program and send the .hex program to the PT 2000.

You have now successfully upgraded the PT 2000 operating system files and .hex file program to version 4.4!

Option 2

The Percon Program Generator (PPG) program can be upgraded to version 4.4 via your reseller. After this version is installed, you can simply open up your early software version .scr file and send the program to the PT2000, automatically upgrading the PT2000 operating system files and creating a new 4.4 version compiled .hex file.

24. How can I upload serial text file data from a PT2000 using XFER32?

There are various ways to upload serial .txt file data from a PT2000. This FAQ describes how to download, install, and use the 32 bit Windows version xfer32 transfer utility for this purpose.

Downloading and Installing XFER32:

Go to the Software Updates section of this web site and select Falcon and FalconRF.

Download the Falcon Configuration Utility version 2.7 to a location on your PC.

Run the Install.exe program, which will create and install to a C:\Percon\Falcon directory by default. This installation process includes the XFER32 transfer utility, which can be used for both the Falcon batch and the PT2000 PDTs. If you are using only the PT2000, you can delete the Falcon directory as it is not needed.

Using XFER32 with the PT2000:

Once XFER32 is installed, click on Start/Programs/XFER32 and open the XFER32 program. A message box with several options will appear.

Select Setup. The Setup XFER32 - File Transfer Utility message box will appear.

Choose your Com port, set the baud rate to 9600, Protocol to ACK/NAK, and Flow Control to None, then click OK.

Select Receive Files. The Select File to Receive message box will appear.

XFER32 will write files to the C:\PDTFiles directory. Type the file name In the File Name field. Select Text Files from the Files of Type drop down menu.

Preparing the PT2000 for Data Transfer:

Connect the PT2000 to the selected Com port, turn the unit on, and scan the programming label (available here in PDF form.) to enable the required serial settings (9600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, 1 Stop Bit, No Parity).

Select Open in the Files to Receive message box.

The XFER32 File Transfer Utility message box will appear.

While the Status field indicates "Waiting for Sender," proceed with the Send Serial Data routine on the PT2000 to upload the .txt file to the C:\PDTFiles directory.

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