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TransTerm 4C Data Terminal

TT4C Desktop     TT4C Wall-Mount

click image to enlarge

CONTENTS
Overview
Operation
Display
Keyboard
Eight Function Keys
Serial Port
Options
Developer's Kit
Specifications
TT4C Datasheet (138k/PDF documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader pdf)

Overview

The TRANSTERM 4C is a character oriented self-contained keyboard/display terminal designed to transmit and receive information interactively to/from a central computer or other similar communications capable device. The TransTerm can be used as a simple operator interface to another device, or as a part of a multi-terminal network for work in process tracking, time and attendance, or inventory and job cost control. This little terminal is not "intimidating" and is built to withstand harsh environments and handling. The keypad is unaffected by most chemicals and solvents and the large keys are easy to press even with gloved fingers. The high capacity display is ideal for computer generated prompts and instructions as well as operator entered data.

Operation

The Transterm 4C operates in one of 3 OPERATING MODES:

1. Teletype (TTY) mode - Displayable characters transmitted to the serial port are displayed. Keyed in, or scanned (displayable) characters are immediately transmitted out the serial port (and optionally displayed).
2. BLOCK SEND mode - Displayable characters transmitted to the serial port are displayed. Keyed in, or scanned (displayable) characters are displayed and not transmitted until a ENTER "CR" is input. Scanned data can be set to automatically "ENTER".
3. TNET Multi-drop mode - Used with the ComputerWise TNET data collection system where up to 250 TransTerms communicate real-time with a single host computer. The host communicates with the TIM1B Network Controller using RS-232. The Terminals communicate with the TIM1B using RS-422 (individually addressed). The TNET system optimizes communication speed, prevents message collisions, and simplifies the communication with the host.

In all 3 modes, Control Commands sent to the serial port, or entered by the operator, perform local terminal functions.

The Display

  • Super Twist nematic Liquid Crystal technology
  • Eight Selectable Display Modes include row x col.= (8 x 40, 4 x 20, 2 x 13, 2 x 10, 1 x 8, 1 x 6, 1 x 5).
  • Character sizes from 0.146" to 1.168" can be displayed simultaneously.
  • 96 ASCII characters (upper, lowercase, numerics, specials and a few select European characters) with a blinking box cursor symbol.
  • Control Commands are used to change display parameters and for cursor positioning.

The Keyboard

  • 24­key (4x6) hermetically sealed membrane key switches with 0.750 inch center-to-center spacing and Key­click for audible feedback.
  • A WINDOWED polycarbonate overlay allows a printed key legend to be inserted between the keyboard and overlay to label the keys.
  • Keyswitch travel: 0.006" ­ 0.008", Typical with actuating force: 4­8 ounces (Rated life: 10,000,000 cycles per switch element).

The alpha-numeric keypad supports numerics (0-9) and 8 function keys (F1-F8). Shift keys (S1 & S2) are used for entering Capital alpha (A-Z), a few special symbols, and ESCape. A special HEX key can be used for entering any ASCII character. Other keys include:

CLEAR - Clears the display buffer (Generates a CAN code CHR(24))

DELETE - This key entry deletes the last character entered (Generates a Delete code CHR(127)).

ENTER - Terminates a statement line or string input (Generates a Carriage Return CHR(13))

SPACE - Moves the cursor one space to the right (Generates a space code CHR(32)).

S1 - LEFT SHIFT - Generate the character in the upper left corner of the key.

S2 - RIGHT SHIFT - Generate the character in the upper right corner of the key.

Eight Function Keys

Function keys F1-F8 can be programmed to hold from 1 to 14 characters each. The codes generated by the function keys can be regular displayable ASCII characters or Control Commands.

The Serial Port

The Serial Port is used for communication with the host computer either directly or through a modem or TNET Network Controller. Data is transferred as serial ASCII characters. The TransTerm has a 100 byte serial input buffer and recognizes the XON/XOFF protocol.
  • Standard: EIA RS­232C compatible, Optional: EIA RS-422, with Serial asynchronous full duplex ASCII coding.
  • Data format: 1 start bit, 7 or 8 data bits, Optional parity (even, odd, mark, space or none), 1 stop bit.
  • Baud rates: 110, 150, 300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19.2K

RS-232 connection (DB-25F) connector

RS-422 connection (RJ-45)

PIN Signal Description PIN Signal Description
1 GND Ground 1 VDC+ +12 VDC Supply Input (Opt)
2 TD Transmit data Output 2 GND Ground
3 RD Receive data input 3 DTD+ Transmit Data (+) Output
4 RTS Request to send Output 4 DTD- Transmit Data (-) Output
5 CTS Clear to send 5 DRD+ Receive Data (+) Input
7 GND Ground 7 GND Ground
20 VIN Power supply in (12 VDC) 8 VDC+ +12 VDC Supply Input (Opt)

Options

  • The BARCODE READER interface uses a Hewlett Packard wand interface (5-pin DIN) to connect wand/pen type readers, handheld laser and CCD scanners, and barcode card readers. Nine different barcode symbologies are supported including Code 39, UPC, EAN, Code 128, Codabar, Interleave 2 of 5 etc.
  • A special WALL MOUNT enclosure option is available with a barcode card reader below the keypad.
  • A MAGNETIC STRIPE CARD READER (MSCR) interface is available to attach a MT-211 read-only head. The interface converts Track 2 data into ASCII data and processed by the 4C like keyed data (Track 1 reader also available).
  • The optional AUXILIARY SERIAL PORT adds a bi-directional EIA RS-232C (DB9F) serial port that can be used for I/O to an external device such a printer, modem, scale etc.
  • The TOUCH MEMORY READER option reads Touch-key ID tags which provide a more durable identification alternative to bar coded badges.
  • The RELAY OUTPUT option adds either 2 or 4 relays as outputs to open a door, ring a bell, turn on a machine etc.
  • The COUNTER INPUT option adds 4 dry-switch counters to accumulate switch closures or sense the switch state (open or closed).
  • The DISPLAY BACKLIGHT option illuminates the display for viewing in the dark.
  • The BATTERY POWER option installs Ni-Cad cells to power the unit for portable operation. The power adapter is used as a battery charger. This option could also be used to provide backup power during a power outage.
  • Various mounting BRACKETS, BASES and ENCLOSURES are available for mounting the TransTerm.
  • A LOUDER beeper or L.E.D can be installed for operator feedback (vs. the standard beeper) in noisy environments.
  • A 220VAC power adapter is available in place of the standard 110VAC adapter.
  • CUSTOM OVERLAYS can be provided for high volume re-sellers with special needs (OEM applications).

FoxPro Developers Software is available for networking up to 250 TransTerms to an IBM PC/AT or compatible computer. An Applications Generator and/or Sample programs and libraries of routines are designed for collecting data Real-time into DBF files. Contact ComputerWise for more information on software development.

Specifications

Power

  • Terminal consumption: 175 ma typical (various options will add to the power consumption).
  • Power comes from a power adapter for a 110-120VAC (220-240VAC adapter optional).
  • The unit can also be powered over the serial connector (12 VDC on pin #20).

Environment

  • Operating: 0ºC to 60ºC (32ºF to 140ºF); Humidity: 5 to 95% noncondensing
  • Storage Temperature: -30ºC to 70ºC (-20ºF to 158ºF); Humidity: 0 to 100%

Size & Weight (options will affect weight)

  • Standard enclosure: Height: 5.63" (14.3 cm), Width: 6.9" (17.5 cm), Depth: 1.75" (4.4 cm), Weight: 1.92 lbs. (.87kg)
  • Wall Mount enclosure: Height: 9.25" (23.5 cm), Width: 8.5" (21.6 cm), Depth: 2.00" (5.1 cm), Weight: 2.42 lbs. (1.1kg)
 
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