How to Use a Handheld Data Collector

You can share handheld collector data with network computers.

Handheld data collectors are portable computers with built-in scanning laser beams used to gather, update and maintain large amounts of inventory or data sets. Because they have computer-based operating systems, any stored information may be saved and shared with a host computer. As data reservoirs, handheld collectors also serve as quick reference guides for item locations, quantity and availability. Their one-hand functionality makes them convenient for mobile employees who need to multitask. Some are equipped with telephonic capability for communication ease. Professions that gain the most benefit from handheld data collectors include parking enforcement officials, inventory specialists, retail store managers and merchandising execution associates.

Instructions

1. Charge your handheld collector using the accompanying charging cable and an AC/DC power source. Ensure that the charging LED light is on. It may be red or orange while charging and turn green when fully charged. It may also blink while charging and stop when fully charged. Some collectors take approximately four hours to charge. Refer to your collector's manual to get average charging time. While the collector is charging, upload its software to a host computer so that you can share collected data with a network.

2. Power on your handheld collector after it is fully charged. Hold the collector's display scanner a few inches away from an item's bar code to scan it. Tilt the collector up or down at a 20-degree angle. The laser must be able to read every single bar and free space both before and after the bar code. Press "scan" or a similar operational button. Listen for a beep to confirm the scan. Familiarize yourself with the collector's keypad. If the laser malfunctions, you may have to manually enter bar codes.

3. Share scanned data with a network computer. Late model handheld data collectors like the Dolphin 7200 RF have 802.11b wireless interfaces that can send information to another computer via a wireless local area network. Older handheld collector models such as the Trakker Antares 241X have communication docks that you must connect to a host computer via a serial port. Once you place the collector in the connected dock, you may transfer data.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to your handheld data collector's manual to ensure that it is programmed to scan the kind of bar codes you have.

• Handheld data collectors operate on both lithium-ion and nickel metal hydride battery packs.

• To promote one-hand and one-finger functionality, most handheld data collectors' scan buttons can be found in the center of the unit.

• The best horizontal scanning angle is near zero and the best vertical scanning angle is approximately 20 degrees.

• A good scan is indicated by a bright laser light.

• Staring directly into a laser beam can cause eye damage.

References

• Intermec: Trakker Antares: 241X Hand-Held Terminal
• Dolphin: Dolphin 7200 Handheld Computer and HomeBase User's Guide