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20-AUG-2001, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AWC Releases New Firmware for Windows CE 3.0 on Ranger Series
New version 2.3 Firmware enhances the I/O capabilities of the Ranger Series with File Transfer and Keyboard Wedge Utilities, and power management enhancements boost operating time to over 35-hours
Contact:
Roy Scribner
Tripod Data Systems
541-753-9322
roy@tdsway.com
Julia Oliver
Sanda Communications
503-445-2400
jo@sandacom.com
Corvallis, Ore.—August 20, 2001—At Work Computers (AWC), a division of Tripod Data Systems, announced today the availability of version 2.3 Firmware for the Ranger Series rugged handheld computers. The new firmware is AWC's second update of Windows CE 3.0, and includes many low-level enhancements and fixes from Microsoft, along with several new features from AWC:
- A new File Transfer Utility for sending files between two Rangers. The File Transfer Utility is integrated into the Windows Explorer, and supports wire-line serial, IrDA and Ethernet protocols.
- A new Keyboard Wedge Utility for receiving ASCII characters from the Ranger's serial port, and automatically sending the characters to any open application, just as if they had been typed on the keyboard. The Keyboard Wedge Utility allows the Ranger to work with barcode readers, RFID readers, and other devices, without additional programming.
- Enhanced power management logic that boosts the operating time by 30 percent, to over 35-hours.
- An integrated Screen Capture Utility
The new File Transfer Utility allows easy sharing of data files in a field environment, using File and Send To (or Receive) from the Windows Explorer. Using the infrared port on the Ranger, file transfers can be performed without cables. In addition to IrDA, the File Transfer Utility also supports wire-line serial and Ethernet connectivity.
 The new Keyboard Wedge Utility exploits the multi-tasking capabilities of Windows CE, by running in the background and passing ASCII data from the serial port to the current open application. The Keyboard Wedge is transparent to the open application, so even non-serial enabled programs, such as text editors and spreadsheets, can operate with barcode scanners and other input devices. "We looked for ways to add value to the Ranger's 35+ hour operating time," said division manager Dennis York, "so we added the Keyboard Wedge Utility to allow our customers to easily implement barcode scanning into their current data collection applications." The Ranger T-Series has enough excess battery capacity to drive scanners and other input devices without compromising its industry-leading battery life.
The Keyboard Wedge Utility allows complete flexibility in communication parameters, allowing the Ranger to receive data from nearly any input device. To reduce weight in field applications, the Utility allows 5V @ 250mAh to be output on the MultiPort, so that additional batteries do not have to be used to power the input device.
New power management routines in the version 2.3 Firmware build on the Ranger's already industry-leading battery life. Users can now enjoy over 35-hours of continuous operation per charge, even if their application keeps the Ranger's processor running at 100 percent. For less CPU-intensive applications, the new power management routines can extend the Ranger's operating time to about 45-hours.
A Screen Capture Utility is now integrated into the operating system, and is accessible via the keyboard (Alt Power). The Screen Capture Utility provides a useful method of documenting software applications on the Ranger Series.
Firmware version 2.3 of Windows CE 3.0 for the AWC Ranger Series is available at www.atworkcom.com, and is free for users already running Firmware version 2.0 or 2.1. For users running Windows CE 2.12 (Firmware versions 1.3 and earlier), an upgrade is available for $75.
At Work Computers (AWC), a division of Tripod Data Systems, (Trimble Company) was established in 1998 to design and manufacture advanced rugged handheld computers for outdoor and industrial applications. AWC products incorporate the latest technologies in CPUs, LCD displays, solid-state flash disks, connectivity and lightweight carbon fiber construction, in an industry that has historically lagged behind the consumer market in technology. AWC is staffed by some of the country's top mechanical, electrical and system software engineers who have years of experience in Hewlett Packard's calculator, palmtop, and laptop divisions.
AWC can be reached by telephone at 541.752.9000, by fax at 541.750.7931, by email at info@atworkcom.com, or on the web at www.atworkcom.com.
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