Mobile RF Terminal Includes Bar-Code Scanner, Printer

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 8/1/1999

The DOS-based RF Pathfinder Ultra System from Monarch Marking System collects, processes, prints, and applies bar-code data in real time.

The system includes a mobile radio-frequency (RF) terminal that incorporates an integrated scanner and thermal printer in a handheld unit. The mobile RF terminal/printer houses a PCMCIA radio card that's completely built in to protect it against rough use in a wide range of environments. It also has a mobile printer that processes information as an integral part of a larger interactive transaction-processing system.

The system operates on three different RF backbones: Proxim, Symbol, and Aironet. Open architecture allows this system to scan, print, and collect data in a variety of RF and batch systems. In batch mode, the PCMCIA slot can house 4- or 8-Meg memory cards for expanded storage of read/write files.

The unit also contains a rechargeable nickel metal-hydride backup battery to protect memory. When voltage is low, the microprocessor shuts down to prevent printhead damage. FOR INFORMATION CIRCLE 127