Information Systems:Workabout Pro G2 7527C
Overview
This article is a technical discussion of the Psion WORKABOUT PRO G2 7527C - the RF guns used in the warehouse. This article is intended to be limited to the technical aspects of the device. Refer to the category RF Guns for additional articles related to this topic.
Topics
Zebra has a very good knowledgebase. Perusing the site, you can find loads of technical resources including reference guides and best practice documents.
Specs
Note: There are 37 RF guns in total, with an additional 1 unit not in use (fitted with a long-range laser which is not really applicable for our use(s)). The 37 guns were purchased in two batches. Where there are variations in the specs listed below, it is theorized that the 2nd batch came with newer specs, either because they silently upgraded the model with better/different parts, or because of stock availability at the time of purchase. Regardless of the reason, there are considerable differences in specs within our inventory of guns, and these differences are discussed in the sections below.
- CPU: PXA270/PXA270M
- RAM: 128MB / 256MB
- Flash:
- Wireless radio: Summit Data 802.11b/g CF (Compact Flash) wireless card.
- Scan engine: Symbol 955 / Symbol 1223HP
- Other notables: High-capacity 4400mAh battery (as opposed to regular battery), with corresponding battery doors (they protrude more).
Scanning module differences
As previously mentioned, there are two different scanning modules (i.e. scan engines) that can be found in our RF guns - the Symbol 955 or the 1223HP. The physical difference is imperceptible to the untrained eye so the scan engine is not apparent from the casing. Performance-wise, however, when the trigger is pressed, the 955 produces a solid laser, while the 1223HP "flickers". This is
TRG provided the following when asked about the differences:
The reason you see 'flickering' is like you say, the 1223 oscillates at a lower rate. This is simply because the size of the mirror won't allow it to oscillate at the same speed as the much smaller mirror in the 955. The 1223 has shown to be more rugged than the 955.
Summit Wireless Radio
The wireless card is 802.11b/g, hence it is only capable of connecting on the 2.4GHz spectrum.
When asked if the wireless card could be upgraded (perhaps to 802.11n or 802.11a (5GHz)), TRG said:
The Summit Client is embedded in the OS load. The OS has to be upgraded to a newer revision to upgrade the client. I believe the latest OS load for the WAP2/3 has client version 3.3. There is no a/n radio option for the WAP2 or 3, only the WAP4; it has an a/b/g/n radio built onto the main board.
Batteries
As per the Zebra knowledgebase, batteries are rated for 1 year or 300 cycles, whichever comes first. We probably want to stretch this out to 1.5-2 years, since the batteries are maintained fairly well (i.e. they're used regularly and charged frequently).