Datalogic Skorpio X3 troubleshooting guide: errors, faults and fixes

Short answer: According to the Datalogic manual, a flashing red charging light indicates a charging fault. Check that the room is between 0 and 35 °C, that the power supply is Datalogic-approved and that the wall charger is not plugged into the mobile computer while it is sitting in its cradle.

Likely cause

The “LED Status” table associates the charging light flashing red with a charging fault. The manual sets charging between 0 and 35 °C to achieve the maximum charging speed and forbids connecting the wall charger to the micro-USB port when the mobile computer is in the cradle.

Caution: Datalogic warns of a risk of explosion if the battery is replaced with an incorrect type. Use only a Datalogic-approved power supply, do not short-circuit the battery contacts and do not expose it to direct sunlight.

What to do

1. Remove the mobile computer from the cradle or unplug the charger.
2. Place the mobile computer and the battery in a room between 0 and 35 °C: Datalogic says never to charge the mobile computer or spare batteries in an enclosed space where heat builds up.
3. Use a single charging source: the micro-USB wall charger or the cradle, never the wall charger plugged into the mobile computer while it is in the cradle.
4. Check that the power supply used is approved by Datalogic.
5. If you charge in a cradle, check the condition of the contacts: Datalogic recommends cleaning them every six months (see cleaning the cradle contacts).
6. If the battery is damaged, gets hot, gives off an unusual smell or changes colour or shape, stop using it.

Sources: 4.5.1 LED Status (opens in a new window) · 2.1 Charging the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) · 2.2 Replacing the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: In the light table of the Datalogic manual, the left light flashing amber means that the mobile computer is sending you a notification. This is not a charging fault: turn on the display and look at the messages and the taskbar.

Likely cause

The “LED Status” table puts charging (red, green) and user notifications (flashing amber) on the same left light. Only flashing red corresponds to a charging fault.

What to do

1. Turn on the display and read the notification shown.
2. Look at the battery icon in the taskbar: according to the manual, it shows in particular when the battery is low.
3. If the light is flashing red rather than amber, see charging fault.

Sources: 4.5.1 LED Status (opens in a new window) · 4.5.2 Taskbar (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: First check the aiming: on the laser version, the light line must cross the entire barcode; on the imager version, centre the aiming pattern on the barcode. If the scan light still does not turn green, check that the symbology is enabled in the Decoding applet.

Likely cause

The scan light comes on red when SCAN or the trigger is pressed, until decoding (laser) or until the timeout expires (imager), then turns green after a successful read. The manual links a successful read to aiming, distance and symbology configuration.

Caution: Do not stare into the beam: the Datalogic safety addendum classifies the Skorpio X3 scan module as a Class 2 laser device.

What to do

1. Press the SCAN key or, on the pistol-grip version, the trigger.
2. Laser version: aim at the barcode within the reading range; the light band must cover the whole barcode.
3. Imager version: centre the aiming pattern on the barcode, whatever its orientation. Move the mobile computer closer for barcodes with thin bars.
4. Stay within the depth of field stated in the data sheet: from 4 to 82 cm for the laser and from 3.5 to 41.5 cm for the 2D imager (extreme values, depending on the barcode).
5. Open the Decoding applet: Start > Settings > System > Decoding under Windows Embedded Handheld, Start > Settings > Control Panel > Decoding under Windows CE. Check that the symbology is enabled (see barcode type not read).
6. Clean the scan window with a slightly damp cloth, without alcohol, solvent or abrasive products.

Sources: 4.3 Data Capture (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.3 Data Capture (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.5.1 LED Status (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 2.3 Cleaning the Mobile Computer (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · SKORPIO X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 data sheet (French) · Skorpio X3 Mobile Computer Safety & Regulatory Addendum (opens in a new window) – Safety & Regulatory Addendum (852001120 Rev. A) (official documentation).

Short answer: Each symbology has its own page in the Decoding applet, with an enable box, lengths and a check digit. Enable the symbology of the rejected barcode, check its lengths, then save.

Likely cause

According to section 4.6.1, the Decoding applet has seven general configuration pages and one page per symbology; each symbology page offers the Enable option, lengths and check digit.

What to do

1. Open the Decoding applet (Start > Settings > System > Decoding under Windows Embedded Handheld, Control Panel under Windows CE).
2. Open the page for the relevant symbology and tick Enable.
3. Check the permitted lengths and the check digit option.
4. Save with Save (New Settings) and confirm with Yes; under Windows CE, also save the registry (see lost settings).

Under Windows CE 6.0, the firmware 1.90 release notes fix several scanning faults: freezing on certain QR Codes in Chinese code pages, an improved Code 39 algorithm on laser models, better Codabar decoding and alignment of the 2D scanning centre. In these cases, check the firmware version (see update).

Sources: 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · Skorpio X3 Windows CE 6.0 Version 1.90 Firmware Release (opens in a new window) – Firmware 1.90 release notes (Windows CE 6.0) (official documentation).

Short answer: The green light confirms that the barcode has been decoded: it is the sending of the data that fails. In the Decoding applet, Devices page, check that the scanner's keyboard emulation (keyboard wedge) is enabled.

Likely cause

According to section 4.6.1, the Devices page of the Decoding applet is used to enable or disable keyboard emulation (keyboard wedge) for the barcode scanner.

What to do

1. Open the Decoding applet.
2. Go to the Devices page and enable the barcode scanner's keyboard wedge.
3. Save (Save, then Yes) and, under Windows CE, save the registry with Persistent Registry.
4. If extra characters come with the barcode, see extra characters.

Sources: 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Skorpio X3 can add a prefix, a suffix or a separator to the scanned data. These strings are set in the Formatting page of the Decoding applet: clear or correct them according to what your application expects.

Likely cause

According to section 4.6.1, the Formatting page of the Decoding applet defines the prefix, suffix and data separator strings.

What to do

1. Open the Decoding applet, then the Formatting page.
2. Check the Prefix, Suffix and Data separator strings.
3. Delete or correct those that the application does not expect.
4. Save (Save, then Yes) and, under Windows CE, save the registry.

The Skorpio X3 manual does not describe a dedicated option for adding the Enter key.

Source: 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Skorpio X3's 802.11 a/b/g Wi-Fi is set up in the Summit Client Utility (SCU). Check that the radio is on and that the network profile is saved (Commit) and selected, then check the connection in the Status tab.

Likely cause

According to the manual, the Wi-Fi radio is on by default but can be turned off to save power; the connection depends on a profile created in the SCU.

Caution: Use only the supplied antenna or an approved replacement antenna, and switch off the mobile computer in healthcare facilities when the posted regulations require it.

What to do

1. Open the SCU: Start > Summit > SCU under Windows Embedded Handheld; Start > Programs > Summit > SCU, or the Wi-Fi icon in Control Panel, under Windows CE.
2. Under Windows Embedded Handheld, check in Wireless Manager (Start > Settings > Connections) that the radio is on.
3. Profile tab: enter the network information or tap Scan, choose the SSID and tap Configure.
4. Set the security by following the on-screen instructions, then tap Commit to save the profile.
5. Main tab: select the profile; if it was created by Scan, it has the SSID's name.
6. Status tab: check the network connection.

When to call a technician: for settings specific to your installation (security, authentication), the manual refers you to your wireless network administrator.

Under Windows CE 6.0, firmware 1.90 updates the Summit drivers to version 3.4.6.12 and fixes a memory leak that froze the status shown by the SCU, as well as 802.11d channel and certificate issues.

Sources: 3.4 WLAN Connection (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.6.6 Wireless Communications (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.6.6 Wireless Communications (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 3.6 Wireless and Radio Frequencies Warnings (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · Skorpio X3 Windows CE 6.0 Version 1.90 Firmware Release (opens in a new window) – Firmware 1.90 release notes (Windows CE 6.0) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Datalogic, standby cuts the radio link; on waking, the Wi-Fi driver can take up to 30 seconds to reassociate with the access point. Wait for this time before restarting your transaction.

Likely cause

Section 3.4 of the Windows CE manual states that suspending the mobile computer interrupts the radio connection and that reassociation of the 802.11 a/b/g driver can take up to 30 seconds.

What to do

1. After waking, wait up to 30 seconds, then check the connection in the SCU Status tab.
2. If these dropouts disrupt work, lengthen the delay before standby in the POWER applet (see standby).
3. If the connection does not come back, see Wi-Fi connection.

Sources: 3.4 WLAN Connection (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.1 Startup (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Skorpio X3's Bluetooth is disabled on delivery to save battery. Turn on the radio, make the printer discoverable and bring the two devices close together, then start the search in Bluetooth Manager.

Likely cause

According to the manual, Bluetooth models communicate with devices such as a printer, but the module is off by default; pairing requires two devices that are switched on, discoverable and close to each other.

What to do

1. Turn on the Bluetooth radio: in Wireless Manager under Windows Embedded Handheld, or by ticking Enable Bluetooth Radio in the Settings tab of Bluetooth Manager.
2. Put the printer in discoverable mode, close to the mobile computer.
3. In Bluetooth Manager, search by device type or open the Discovery tab.
4. Select the device, choose the service and configure its options.
5. If authentication is requested, enter the remote device's PIN code given in its documentation.
6. To make the Skorpio X3 visible from another device, tap Find Me: it stays discoverable for 60 seconds.

Sources: 3.5 WPAN Connections (opens in a new window) · 4.6.6 Wireless Communications (opens in a new window) · 4.7.2 Bluetooth Manager Device Setup (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: Synchronisation goes through Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC), which Datalogic states is compatible with Windows Vista and Windows 7; under Windows XP, Microsoft ActiveSync is required. Connect the mobile computer with the HandyLink USB cable or via the cradle, turning on the computer before placing the mobile computer in the cradle.

Likely cause

The quick start guide and section 4.7.1 limit WMDC to Windows Vista and 7. Section 3.1 requires, with the cradle, that the computer be switched on before the mobile computer is inserted.

What to do

1. Install WMDC (Windows Vista or 7) or ActiveSync (Windows XP or earlier) on the computer.
2. Connect the mobile computer with the HandyLink USB cable 94A051970, or via the cradle connected over USB.
3. With the cradle: turn on the computer first, then place the mobile computer in the cradle.
4. Follow the WMDC wizard: accept the licence, choose the synchronisation types and name the device; synchronisation then starts automatically.
5. For a serial connection, use the HandyLink RS-232 cable 94A051972.

According to the manual, WMDC also works over an RS-232 link and over Bluetooth.

Sources: 3.1 USB Connection (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 3.3 RS232 Connection (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.7.1 Windows Mobile Device Center (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · Skorpio X3 Mobile Computer Quick Start Guide (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 Quick Start Guide (822001104 Rev. A) (official documentation).

Short answer: USB peripherals are connected with the HandyLink micro-USB host cable 94A051971 and must draw less than 100 mA. Datalogic states that it cannot guarantee compatibility with all peripherals.

Likely cause

Section 3.2 of the manual: the Skorpio X3 accepts a USB keyboard or flash drive through the dedicated host cable, within a 100 mA current limit.

What to do

1. Connect the peripheral to the HandyLink micro-USB host cable 94A051971, not to the client cable used for the PC.
2. Check in the peripheral's documentation that its current draw stays below 100 mA.
3. Try another peripheral: compatibility is not guaranteed for all models.

Source: 3.2 Connection to USB Peripherals (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: Datalogic states that the micro-USB port can charge the battery from a computer or a self-powered USB hub, but only when the Skorpio X3 is in standby. Put the mobile computer in standby, or charge it with the micro-USB wall charger or in its cradle.

Likely cause

Section 2.1 of the manual provides for three charging modes: the micro-USB wall charger, the cradle, and the USB port of a computer or self-powered hub, only with the mobile computer in standby. The charging light is red while charging and green when the battery is full.

Caution: Charge between 0 and 35 °C and never in an enclosed space where heat builds up. Use only a Datalogic-approved power supply and do not plug the wall charger into the mobile computer while it is in the cradle.

What to do

1. Connect a micro-USB wall charger to the mobile computer's charging port, or place the mobile computer in its powered cradle.
2. To charge from a computer, first put the mobile computer in standby by pressing ON/OFF.
3. Check the charging light: solid red while charging, solid green when the battery is full.
4. A spare battery is charged separately, in the spare battery slot of the single-slot cradle or in the multi-battery charger.
5. Before first use, charge the battery: it is not supplied fully charged.

The mobile computer may get warm while charging: according to Datalogic, this is normal and does not indicate a fault.

Sources: 2.1 Charging the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.5.1 LED Status (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · SKORPIO X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 data sheet (French) (official documentation).

Short answer: According to Datalogic, the battery level may be displayed incorrectly for several minutes after the Skorpio X3 is unplugged if the charging cycle was not complete. Wait a few minutes, then let the next charge run until the light turns green.

Likely cause

Section 2.1 of the manual mentions this for an interrupted charging cycle. The battery icon in the taskbar also shows when the battery is low.

What to do

1. Wait a few minutes after unplugging before relying on the battery icon.
2. On the next charge, leave the mobile computer charging until the light is solid green.
3. Avoid storing the battery fully charged or nearly empty for long periods, and recharge it every two to three months if it is not in use.
4. Store the mobile computer and spare batteries between 20 and 30 °C for maximum service life.
5. Datalogic recommends replacing the battery every year (see replacing the battery).

Under Windows CE 6.0, the firmware 1.90 release notes state that the “Low Battery” warning now appears at the right time.

Sources: 2.1 Charging the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.5.2 Taskbar (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · Skorpio X3 Windows CE 6.0 Version 1.90 Firmware Release (opens in a new window) – Firmware 1.90 release notes (Windows CE 6.0) (official documentation).

Short answer: Switch off the mobile computer, pull the battery latch down and remove the battery; insert the tabs of the new battery into their slots and press until the latch clicks twice. Datalogic recommends replacing the battery every year.

Likely cause

Section 2.2 of the manual describes the replacement and section 2.1 recommends annual replacement to avoid risks and malfunctions.

Caution: Use only a battery of the specified type: an unsuitable battery presents a risk of explosion or fire. Do not short-circuit the contacts, do not use a damaged battery and stop using it if it gets hot, smells unusual or becomes deformed. In the event of a leak, avoid contact with skin and eyes, rinse with water and see a doctor. Collect used batteries separately from the device.

Procedure

1. Switch off the Skorpio X3: never replace the battery with the mobile computer switched on.
2. Pull the battery latch down.
3. Remove the battery.
4. Insert the alignment tabs of the new battery into the slots, then press firmly until the latch clicks twice.
5. Switch the mobile computer back on with ON/OFF.

When to call a technician: the manual restricts battery installation and charging to authorised personnel who follow the instructions in the manual.

Sources: 2.2 Replacing the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 2.1 Charging the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · Skorpio X3 Mobile Computer Safety & Regulatory Addendum (opens in a new window) – Safety & Regulatory Addendum (852001120 Rev. A) (official documentation).

Short answer: Yes: Datalogic recommends cleaning the cradle contacts every six months, more often in dusty environments. Unplug the power cable, rub only the contacts with a dry or slightly moistened cloth, and let them dry before switching the power back on.

Likely cause

Section 2.3.1 of the manual describes the procedure for cleaning the cradle contacts and the auxiliary battery contacts.

Caution: Do not use abrasive or aggressive products or abrasive pads on the contacts, scan windows or plastics.

Procedure

1. Unplug the cradle's power cable; for the auxiliary battery contacts, also remove the Ethernet module.
2. Use a dry cloth, or one moistened with a mild solution or isopropyl alcohol diluted to no more than 20%.
3. Rub gently back and forth, only along the contacts.
4. Clean the surrounding plastic with a dry cloth, or with water only if it is very dirty.
5. Go over it again with a clean, dry cloth.
6. Let the solution evaporate completely before switching the cradle back on.

The mobile computer itself is cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, without alcohol, corrosive products or solvents.

Sources: 2.3.1 Dock Contacts Cleaning Procedure (opens in a new window) · 2.3 Cleaning the Mobile Computer (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: A full reset of the Skorpio X3 is called a “clean boot”: perform a cold boot, immediately hold down the Esc and 0 keys, then confirm with Enter. The registry and file system return to their factory state: back up your data first.

Likely cause

According to the “Resetting the Skorpio X3” section, a clean boot returns the registry and file system to a clean, factory-compliant configuration, with no user settings or files. The firmware 1.90 release notes point out that it erases all data and applications.

Caution: A clean boot erases all user data and applications: make a backup before starting it.

Procedure

1. Back up the data and applications you want to keep.
2. Perform a cold boot: mobile computer off, battery removed, press SCAN and the Reset button in the battery compartment simultaneously, refit the battery, then press ON/OFF.
3. Immediately after the reset, hold down the Esc and 0 keys together.
4. A dialogue box asks for confirmation: press Enter.
5. On restart, the Welcome Wizard offers to calibrate the touchscreen (see touchscreen).
6. As the user settings have been erased, then reconfigure Wi-Fi and scanning.

A warm boot and a cold boot keep user files (see restarting the mobile computer).

Sources: 4.4.5 Resetting the Skorpio X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.4.6 Resetting the Skorpio X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.2 Windows Embedded Handheld Welcome Wizard (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · Skorpio X3 Windows CE 6.0 Version 1.90 Firmware Release (opens in a new window) – Firmware 1.90 release notes (Windows CE 6.0) (official documentation).

Short answer: In the Decoding applet, each change must be saved with Save then Yes. Under Windows CE, you must also save the registry with the Persistent Registry applet, otherwise the settings will not survive a restart.

Likely cause

The Windows CE manual states that, to keep scanning settings permanently, you must save the registry with the Persistent Registry applet; on both a warm boot and a cold boot, the registry is restored from flash memory.

What to do

1. In the settings menu of the Decoding applet, select Save (New Settings) and confirm with Yes.
2. Under Windows CE: Start > Settings > Control Panel, double-tap Persistent Registry, tap Persist then OK.
3. To start again from a known configuration, the same Decoding applet menu offers Factory Defaults, Minimum Settings, Maximum Settings and Revert to Saved Settings.

Sources: 4.6.5 Persistent Registry (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.6.1 Data Capture Configuration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Skorpio X3 constantly monitors its battery level: if the battery is not sufficiently charged, it refuses to turn on. Fit a sufficiently charged battery or place the mobile computer in a powered cradle, then press ON/OFF again.

Likely cause

According to section 2.2 of the manual, the mobile computer checks its battery level to preserve its battery life and does not start if the battery is insufficiently charged. It turns on when the battery or external power supply is in place and ON/OFF is pressed.

What to do

1. Check that the battery is properly locked: the latch must have clicked twice.
2. Place the mobile computer in a powered cradle or replace the battery with a charged one.
3. Press ON/OFF and wait a few seconds for start-up to finish before doing anything.
4. If the screen stays frozen, perform a cold boot (see restarting the mobile computer).

On delivery, the battery is disconnected at the factory to prevent excessive discharge and is not fully charged: Datalogic states that the first thing to do is to charge it.

Sources: 2.2 Replacing the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) · 4.1 Startup (opens in a new window) · 2.1 Charging the Battery Pack (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: The Skorpio X3 goes into low-power mode after an adjustable period of inactivity. Press ON/OFF to wake it; the delay is set in the POWER applet in Control Panel.

Likely cause

Section 4.1 states that the mobile computer goes into low-power mode after a programmable delay defined in the POWER applet. The light table specifies that the scan light comes on red when the device begins to go into standby.

What to do

1. Press ON/OFF to wake the mobile computer.
2. If the option is enabled, the SCAN key also wakes the mobile computer.
3. The triggers can be declared as wake-up buttons in the Triggers applet.
4. To lengthen the delay before standby, open the POWER applet in Control Panel.

After waking, the Wi-Fi connection can take up to 30 seconds to return (see Wi-Fi after standby).

Sources: 4.1 Startup (opens in a new window) · 4.5.1 LED Status (opens in a new window) · 4.4 Description of the Keyboards (opens in a new window) · 4.6.4 Triggers (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: Datalogic provides two restarts that keep your files: a warm boot closes the frozen application, a cold boot resets the whole system. For a cold boot, switch off the mobile computer, remove the battery and press the SCAN key and the Reset button in the battery compartment at the same time.

Likely cause

According to the manual, a warm boot ends an application that has stopped responding and clears the working memory without affecting the file system; a cold boot forces all applications to close and fully resets the system. In both cases, the registry is restored from flash memory and user files are kept.

Cold boot procedure

1. Switch off the Skorpio X3 with the ON/OFF key.
2. Pull the battery latch down and remove the battery.
3. Simultaneously press the SCAN key and the Reset button located in the battery compartment.
4. Refit the battery.
5. Switch the mobile computer back on with the ON/OFF key.

The warm boot key combination only appears as a diagram in the Datalogic manual. Under Windows CE, save your settings with Persistent Registry before restarting (see lost settings).

Sources: 4.4.5 Resetting the Skorpio X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.4.6 Resetting the Skorpio X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) (official documentation).

Short answer: For a few mobile computers, Datalogic provides the Datalogic Firmware Utility (DFU) installed on a PC, with an ActiveSync or WMDC connection; for a fleet, Wavelink Avalanche. With the battery well charged or the mobile computer powered, do not unplug anything and do not touch the mobile computer during the update.

Likely cause

Section 4.8 of the manual describes updating via DFU; the firmware 1.90 release notes for Windows CE 6.0 specify the conditions to be met.

Caution: During the update, do not disconnect the external power supply, do not use the mobile computer and do not press the keys, the display, ON/OFF or the trigger (Datalogic release notes).

Procedure

1. Download the firmware image from the Datalogic website, Downloads section.
2. Uninstall any previous version of DFU, then install DFU on the PC with DFU_Setup.exe. For Windows CE firmware 1.82 and later, the release notes require DFU 4.8.2.0 or newer.
3. Check that at least 58 MB of flash memory is free (release notes 1.90).
4. Establish the ActiveSync or WMDC connection: cradle connected via USB or RS-232, or HandyLink USB cable.
5. Launch DFU (Start > Programs > Datalogic), select the connection, choose the image file and click Update.
6. DFU checks the compatibility of the image, updates the mobile computer, then automatically performs a warm restart.
7. The release notes then recommend an optional clean boot, which erases all data (see factory settings).

Sources: 4.8 Datalogic Firmware Utility (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.8 Datalogic Firmware Utility (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · Skorpio X3 Windows CE 6.0 Version 1.90 Firmware Release (opens in a new window) – Firmware 1.90 release notes (Windows CE 6.0) (official documentation).

Short answer: The centre light shows the keypad mode: yellow for the functions printed in yellow, blue for the functions printed in blue, pink when caps lock (CapsLock) is active. If a key does not type the expected character, check this light first.

Likely cause

According to the manual, the yellow modifier key works as a toggle key; the blue key only acts on the next key (one shot key). The centre light is off in primary mode.

Reading the light

1. Light off: the keypad is in primary mode.
2. Light solid yellow: the yellow key is activated; it is a toggle key.
3. Light solid blue: the blue function applies to the next key only.
4. Light pink: CapsLock is on, letters are typed in capitals.
5. After the blue key, the Backlight key turns the backlight on or off.

The Skorpio X3 is available with three backlit keypads: 50-key full alphanumeric, 38-key alphanumeric and 28-key numeric.

Sources: 4.5.1 LED Status (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.4 Description of the Keyboards (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · SKORPIO X3 (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 data sheet (French) (official documentation).

Short answer: The screen needs to be calibrated. Under Windows Embedded Handheld, open Start > Settings > System > Screen and tap Align Screen; under Windows CE, open the Stylus applet in Control Panel, Calibration tab, then Recalibrate.

Likely cause

According to the manual, the calibration is saved persistently in the registry; the Welcome Wizard offers it at first start-up, after a clean boot and after the registry has been restored to its default values.

Procedure

1. Windows Embedded Handheld: Start > Settings > System > Screen, then Align Screen.
2. Windows CE: Control Panel, double-tap Stylus, Calibration tab, then Recalibrate.
3. With the stylus, tap briefly and precisely in the centre of each target.
4. The new settings are saved in the registry.

Sources: 4.6.7 Stylus Calibration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) · 4.6.7 Stylus Calibration (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows CE) · 4.2 Windows Embedded Handheld Welcome Wizard (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).

Short answer: Under Windows Embedded Handheld, Windows assigns keys F1 to F10 (except F5) to default applications. The DL Buttons applet lets you associate a key with another application or remove its assignment by selecting None.

Likely cause

Section 4.6.3 of the manual specifies this for Windows Embedded Handheld. The triggers, including the Scan key, are also assigned by default by DL Buttons (section 4.6.4).

What to do

1. Open the DL Buttons applet in the mobile computer's settings.
2. Select the key concerned.
3. Associate it with the desired application, or select None to disable its assignment.
4. If the Scan key no longer triggers scanning, check its assignment in the DL Buttons and Triggers applets.

Sources: 4.6.3 DL Buttons (opens in a new window) · 4.6.4 Triggers (opens in a new window) – Skorpio X3 User's Manual (Windows Embedded Handheld) (official documentation).