| Q1 Can I add additional file space into my PC5? | |
You may send your PC5 to CMT to have a 4 Megabyte or 8 Megabyte RAM disk installed. The RAM disk file system is designated as drive B:. An alternative is to "burn" your programs into a 512 Kbyte memory module so the file space in drive D: is used for storing just your data files. The part number for the memory module is PC5-512KEE. The current PC5LB-IC units can program the PC5-512KEE module installed in its Module A socket. If you are interested, contact CMT to purchase the PC-512KEE module and obtain the program for preparing the image to be burned into the PC-512KEE. |
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| Q2 Can I run executable files in the PC 5? | |
| Yes, a *.EXE is the PC5 executable file. You can also run .BAT files on the PC5. | |
| Q3 Are the PC Series programs copied into RAM before they are run? | |
| Yes,
because PC5 uses DOS (Disk operating system).
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| Q4 Why can't I get anything to print? | |
| If you have another computer, try the printer with that one first to be sure the printer is working. If you are getting garbage on the printer, this almost always indicates mismatched protocol. Check the baud rate, parity, data bits, stop bits, and handshake for your printer and make sure that the PC Series is similarly configured. | |
| Q5 I can't transfer files. Are my COM ports not working? | |
Make sure that the baud rate setting on your PC5 matches that on your PC. Also make sure that the COM port on your PC is not tied up by another device or program, such as a MODEM or ActiveSync. Try the procedures outlined under Q20. If the COM ports are truly malfunctioning, call CMT to get a RMA number (Return Material Authorization Number) and describe the problem to the person who gets your call. We can replace the Input/Output module for $150 plus the shipping and handling charge. |
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| Q6 How long will the batteries last? | ||||||||||||||||
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| Q7 How often should the system battery be recharged? | |
| System batteries should be recharged when the power meter reads less than 25%. Recharging them when they are at a higher level shortens the overall life of the battery. | |
| Q8 How long should the batteries be recharged? | |
If using the ACC-RE3 or ACC-RE3B charger, charge the batteries when there is less than 25% remaining power. Charge the 1400 mAH and 1600 mAH batteries continuously for 16 hours (no more and no less); charge the 2100 mAH batteries for 20 hours. If using ACC-SMC-G3-M, charge 10 hours or overnight. Overcharging the batteries may result in damage to the batteries and the unit. |
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| Q9 What if the unit will be left on the shelf for a while? | |
| Recharge the PC5 once a month, even if it has not been used. | |
| Q10 What is a Smart Charger? | |
| A Smart Charger (CMT part # ACC-SMC-G3-M) is a recharger that discharges the battery completely before recharging, thus extending battery life. | |
| Q11 How much does a SmartCharger cost? | |
| A Smart Charger costs $150.00. Some older PC5 units will need to be sent to CMT to be modified for use with a Smart Charger. A refitting package is available for $265.00. This package includes the Smart Charger, new 2100 mAH batteries plus other parts and labor. (Order CMT part # ACC-SMC-G3-M PKG). | |
| Q12 What is the difference between 1600 mAH NiCad and 2100 mAH NiMH batteries? | |
| In terms of power, 2100 mAH batteries will last longer than the 1600 mAH batteries. The 2100 mAH NiMH batteries are more environmentally friendly. Currently, our standard inventory is ACC-BATPAK-BK-2100 (2100 mAH NiMH batteries preinstalled in the backcase). | |
| Q13 Can 2100 mAH batteries be used in a PC5 that originally came with 600 mAH batteries? | |
| Yes! Order part number ACC-BATPAK-BK-2100. | |
| Q14 What is the October Case? | |
| The October Case (CMT part # ACC-BK-G2/BAT1 or BAT2) is a thicker backcase that can hold up to two field-replaceable, rechargeable 1400 mAH NiCad battery packs. This item is now obsolete. | |
| Q15 What is an XBAT? | |
| The XBAT (CMT part # PC5-XBAT-G2) is an external, field replaceable, rechargeable 1400 mAH NiCad battery that can be used to power the PC5. The XBAT attaches to the top of the PC5 with thumb screws. The XBAT cannot be used to power the heater. This item is now obsolete. | |
| Q16 What is an Auxiliary Battery? | |
| The
Auxiliary Battery (CMT part # ACC-AUXBAT-G3) is a rechargeable
6V lead acid battery that can be used to power both the PC5 and the
internal heater.
The Auxiliary Battery attaches to the unit with long, flexible cables. This battery enables the PC5 to operate at temperatures of -20°C and above. It helps to use extra insulation for the PC5. | |
| Q17 What is a system backup battery? | |
| A non-rechargeable lithium system backup battery (CMT part #: MC5-BAT-LITH-TH). This battery allows the system to retain data when the system battery pack is disconnected or completely drained. | |
| Q18 What type of battery do RAM modules use? | |
| RAM plug-in modules use small ("watch-style" coin-cell), non-rechargeable,
lithium backup batteries (CMT part # ACC-PIM-BAT). These batteries
supply power to the modules and allow them to maintain data storage when
the NiCad system batteries are removed or fully drained.
If the unit has shut down due to low power, it should be plugged into a wall outlet using a ACC-RE3B before being turned on. If the unit is turned on while it is unplugged, the backup batteries will be drained and data loss will occur. | |
| Q19 What's the part number for the internal batteries in my CMT handheld computer? | |
| CMT part# ACC-BATPAK-BK-2100. This is a new set of 2100 mAH batteries installed in a backcase, and includes the lithium backup battery. It comes with instructions on how to replace it yourself. | |
| Q20 How do I transfer files from my PC5 to my PC? | |
| I. Steps for transferring files
from PC5 to PC by using the Kermit file transfer program:
1. On your PC, run the Kermit program from DOS. Enter: Set baud <baud rate to match that on the PC5> Enter: kermit r 2. On the PC5, change to the drive containing your data (for example, B:). Enter: mode com1:<baud rate to match that on the PC5>,n,8,1,x II. Steps for transferring files from PC5 to PC via the HyperTerminal program in Windows: 1. On the PC: In Windows, select: Start\Programs\Accessories\Communications\HyperTerminal Set up the baud rate (to match that on the PC5), no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit and XON/XOFF handshake. Select "Transfer". Select "Receive File" and KERMIT mode. Connect COM1 on PC to COM1 on PC5. 2. On the PC5: Change to the RAM drive containing files you wish to transfer (drive D: or drive B:).. Enter "kermit s <filename>". The file will be sent to the current subdirectory on your PC. ------------------------------------------------------------ Note: If you do not have KERMIT on your PC, you may get kermit.zip from our
ftp site: |
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| Q21 How do I KERMIT files to a remote PC with a MODEM. | |
| With the modem connected to the default COM: port, type KERMIT C and press
[ENTER]. This will connect you to the modem. You can now enter AT commands
to the modem.
For example, to dial the modem type ATDTxxxxxxx[ENTER]. Where xxxxxxx is the telephone number. The remote PC will need to set some modes on its modem so that it can be in host mode to accept your call. You can then follow your standard protocol to send and receive files. On the PC5, press F1-SYS to shell out to the ROS prompt. Now you can use KERMIT or XMODEM to transfer your files. |
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| Q22 Why can't I get anything to transfer from my PC to the PC5? | |
I. Here's a checklist to go through to get them communicating:
Note: Any drivers which have been installed on your PC which affect the COM: ports (a mouse driver for example) may cause problems with communications. II. USB-Serial Adapter If your new PC does not provide a serial port, you will need a USB to Serial adapter to connect your PC5 data collector to your PC. We find that the following USB 2.0 to Serial Adapter works well: III. Windows 7 Users Please download FileTransfer.zip from: http://cmtinc.com/technical_support/Outgoing It contains FILEXFER.EXE for file transfer between PC and PC5. | |
| Q23 How do I take care of my PC5 battery? | |
The PC5 unit is powered by a Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) battery or the newer Nickel Metal Hydride battery. This battery is located on the inside of the backcase of your PC5 unit. We no longer have the battery packs for the PC5-series units. To optimize your battery life, please follow the guidelines below. Battery Maintenance With normal use, your PC5 battery will last for up to two weeks before it needs to be recharged. You may check the power level of your battery by pressing [SH1], then [ENTER]. The System Status screen will be displayed. Press [F1] to view the current power level of the system battery and [F2] to view the current power level of the lithium backup battery. Use CMT's ACC-RE3 (110V), ACC-RE3B (110V), ACC-RE4 (220V), ACC-RE5 (cigarette lighter adapter) or ACC-SMC-G3-M charger to recharge your battery. You should recharge the battery when the system battery power indicator shows that system power is below 25%. The battery must be recharged to full capacity. If using ACC-RE3 recharger, charge the 1400 mAH or 1600 mAH batteries 16 hours and the 2100 mAH batteries 20 hours. If using ACC-SMC-G3-M, recharge the batteries 10 hours or overnight. Maintaining Battery Health During Long-term Storage Your PC5 battery can last for years if properly cared for. Long-term storage is one of the major causes of battery failure. If your PC5 unit will be unused for a long period of time, please follow these steps to ensure the health of your batteries:
Remember, for Optimum Battery Health:
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