Allegro CX Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 1

Manual Part # 14601-03
Release Date: March 2006
Editor: J. Johns
2 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction....................................................... 7
Welcome...................................................................................9
Allegro CX Overview ..............................................................10
Quick Start Guide ...................................................................12

Chapter 2
Hardware Components .................................. 13
Case Design ...........................................................................15
Hand Strap and Shoulder Strap .............................................16
Keyboard ................................................................................17
Display ....................................................................................22
Systems Tray Indicators .........................................................25
Batteries .................................................................................29
Communication Ports .............................................................47
USB/Power Dock ....................................................................49
PC Card ..................................................................................51
Expansion Pods .....................................................................53
Chapter 3
Memory Configuration
and Data Storage Options ............................. 55
Internal Memory .....................................................................57
Program and Data Storage Options .......................................58
Chapter 4
Windows CE Operating System .................... 61
Windows CE Overview ...........................................................63
Starting Windows CE........................................................63
Display Touchscreen ........................................................64
Windows CE Programs ....................................................66
Desktop ............................................................................67
Special Functions .............................................................69
On-Line Help ....................................................................70
Control Panel ....................................................................70
Windows Explorer ..................................................................93
Storing Files and Programs ....................................................95
Application Command Bars ....................................................97
Chapter 5
Allegro CX Applications and Utilities ........... 99
ActiveSync Transfer Program ...............................................101
Downloading ActiveSync from CD-ROM ........................102
Downloading ActiveSync from the Internet .....................102
Installing ActiveSync .......................................................103
Establishing a First Time ActiveSync Connection...........104
ActiveSync COM 1 or 2 Connections .......................105
ActiveSync IrDA Infrared Connections .....................108
ActiveSync USB/Power Dock Connection................109
Unsuccessful Connection ......................................... 111
Establishing Additional ActiveSync Connections ............ 111
New Partnership Setup................................................... 113
Transferring Files ............................................................123
System Save/Restore Utilities ..............................................126
PTab Spreadsheet Program .................................................130
WordPad...............................................................................182
Windows Media 9 Series Player ...........................................183
Internet Explorer and Inbox ..................................................189
Calculator Program ..............................................................193
Terminal Program .................................................................194
Bluetooth ..............................................................................198

Chapter 6
Technical Reference ..................................... 223
Specifications .......................................................................225
Communication Cable Schematic ........................................230
Chapter 7
Software Developer’s Guide
for Allegro CE .NET ...................................... 231
CE .NET Software Development Tools .................................233
Software Development Programming Tips ...........................235
Options for Program and File Storage ..................................237
Power Management .............................................................238
Windows CE .NET References ............................................239
Chapter 8
FCC Information, Warranty,
and Software License Agreement ............... 241
FCC Information ...................................................................243
Warranties and Repair Information .......................................244
Software License Agreement ...............................................247
Manufacture Agreement .................................................247
Microsoft End User License Agreement .........................248
Chapter 9
Expansion Pods ............................................ 251
Expansion Pod .....................................................................253
GPS Expansion Pod .............................................................254
Bar Code Expansion Pod .....................................................261
802.11b Expansion Pod........................................................278
Bar Code/802.11b Expansion Pod .......................................286
Index ............................................................. 287

Chapter 1
Introduction
Welcome
Allegro CX Overview
Quick Start Guide

Welcome
We would like to welcome you as a user of the Allegro CX, a

rugged, handheld field PC for data collection. Developed with the
input of data collection professionals worldwide, the Allegro CX is
adaptable and versatile for use in a wide variety of data collection
environments.
The Allegro CX continues to utilize our ergonomic, lightweight
design that is standard in our line of Allegro Field PCs. This design
makes your Allegro easy to use for extended periods while moving
to and from data collection sites in the field.
The Intel XScale 400 MHz processor is integrated into the Allegro
CX, providing outstanding speed and performance. Solid state data
storage keeps your data secure, even without power backup.
The Allegro CX offers the option of a color or monochrome display
that provides excellent visibility in all lighting conditions. Both
displays use a non-glare touchscreen with optimal sensitivity.
Bluetooth connectivity gives additional functionality to the Allegro
CX. Bluetooth connects to many other Bluetooth devices without the
use of wires.
If you have any questions or comments about the Allegro CX
after reviewing this manual, please feel free to contact our Sales
Department.

Allegro CX Overview
▲ Features
The standard features of the Allegro CX are listed below. These
features are described in detail throughout this manual. A complete
list of specifications is in the Technical Reference section.
Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® CE .NET V4.2
Processor: Intel® XScale® processor, 400 MHz
Memory: 64 M or 128 M RAM
Data and Program Storage: 128 M, 256M, 512 M, or 1 G internal
Solid State Storage
PC Card Slot: User-accessible for ATA, Compact Flash and other
Type I or II 3V/5V PC cards, modems, wireless networking cards,
or other accessory cards
Built-in Bluetooth (optional): Internal Class 2 Bluetooth
transceiver, for wireless capabilities
Case: Rugged, waterproof, floats, and easy to hold
Display (Monochrome): Large 4.1” diagonal, 1/4 VGA display,
320 wide x 240 high pixels (landscape view), equipped with a
backlight (brightness adjustable) and heater for cold weather
operation
Display (Color): Large 3.8” diagonal, 1/4 VGA TFT Active Matrix
display, 320 wide x 240 high pixels (landscape view), equipped
with a backlight (brightness adjustable), the TFT display does not
require a heater for cold temperature operation
Touchscreen: Anti-reflective coating and pressure sensitive with
keyboard accessible disable touchscreen function
Keyboard: Includes all printable ASCII characters, 12 function
keys, centrally located number keys, and special coatings to
prevent the characters from rubbing off
Keyboard Bezel: Protects keys from tearing; removable for
cleaning keyboard
Power: NiMH battery pack lasts an average of 12 to 20 hours,
depending on the application
Communication Ports: Two sealed 9-pin D serial ports, one
infrared IrDA port, and pins for connection to the USB/Power
Dock
Software: PTab® Spreadsheet, Calculator, and Microsoft programs

Windows Explorer®, InBox® Email, Pocket Internet Explorer®,
WordPad®, and Media 9 Series® media player.
Sound: Screen taps and key beeps, programmable to associate
beeps with events. Volume is adjustable
System Tray Indicators: Remaining battery status, charging
status, data storage activity, PC card activity, caps lock on,
touchscreen disable, external power input, ActiveSync/Network
connection, and Bluetooth
File Synchronization between the Allegro and desktop PC
▲ Standard Accessories
The Allegro comes with the following accessories:
Allegro CX Distribution CD-ROM with the desktop PC Setup
Programs, Software Suite programs, Microsoft ActiveSync® file
transfer program, and the Owner’s Manual
NiMH Battery Pack
Universal AC Adapter
Communication Cable
Two Mini and One Full Size Stylus
Carrying Straps
Hand Straps
Screen Protectors
▲ Optional Accessories
The accessories listed below are optional. Contact our Sales
Department if you are interested in any of the following items.
USB/Power Dock
Hard copy of Owner’s Manual
Alkaline Battery Holder
Vehicle Power Adapter
External Battery Charger
Expansion Pods
ATA Flash Cards or Compact Flash Cards
Application Development Software
Replacement Accessories
Screen Protector Replacement Packs

Quick Start Guide
A Quick Start Guide is included with the Allegro. It offers basic and
initial steps to get the Allegro charged and ready to take out into the
field. The instructions on the guide should be done first, before you
begin using the Allegro.
If the Quick Start Guide is discarded or misplaced after setting up
the Allegro and you discover you need the guide again, you can
access a copy of it from the Allegro Distribution CD.
To access the Quick Start Guide from the Allegro CD complete the
following steps:
1) Place the Allegro Distribution CD into the desktop PC’s CD-
ROM drive. The following splash page appears:
2) Click on the Browse CD option. The CD opens up in a Windows

Explorer program displaying the contents of the CD.
3) Double-click on the Quick Start Guide file to open it in Acrobat
Reader.
4) Read and/or print the Quick Start Guide.

Chapter 2
Hardware
Components
Case Design
Keyboard
Display
System Tray Indicators
Batteries
Communication Ports
USB/Power Dock
PC Card
Expansion Pods

Case Design
▲ Case Features
The case has the following features:
The polycarbonate PBT material is rugged, shock resistant, and
formulated to resist damage from chemicals.
The ergonomic shape and smooth edges make it easy to hold,
maximizing comfort and usability in the field.
The weight distribution is balanced.
There are three gaskets used to seal the case from water and dust:
- between the top and bottom case halves
- around the battery compartment
- around the PC card slot compartment
The gaskets are not field replaceable. Contact our Service
Department if a gasket needs to be replaced.
There are two doors: one for the battery compartment and one
for the PC card slot. These doors are user-replaceable. Contact
our Sales Department for ordering information.
PC Card Slot
Battery Compartment
▲ Cleaning the Case

To clean the Allegro, we commonly recommend that you use warm
water, mild detergent, and a toothbrush to clean the case.
Note: This method can also be used when cleaning the keyboard. Do not
use the brush on the display, it could be scratched.
In some environments, the Allegro is exposed to substances, such as
pitch or tar, which require stronger cleaning supplies for removal.
Some of the available cleaning supplies/chemicals on the market
will damage the case, so use caution. To see a current list of cleaning
supplies we have test and recommend for cleaning the Allegro, visit
our Web site at, www.junipersys.com. Go to the Support section and
do a search for “cleaning supplies.

Hand Strap and Shoulder Strap
There are four metal cleats, one on each corner of the Allegro CX
case. Each cleat has two metal rings that are used to attach the hand
strap and shoulder strap onto the Allegro.
The straps can be attached for right or left handed operation. The
tension on the hand strap is adjustable. The shoulder strap can be
used as a neck strap for hands-free operation.

Keyboard
▲ Keyboard Features
The keyboard on the Allegro CX is designed to maximize data entry
efficiency and to withstand rugged, wet conditions.
Careful planning went into the placement, size, and space
between keys to increase efficiency and ease of use.
The number keys are large and placed in the center of the Allegro
for easy access from either side.
Some keys have standard functions as well as special functions
accessed with the GOLD and BLUE shift keys.
Five function keys are located below the display. With the use
of the GOLD and BLUE shift keys, twelve function keys are
available.
Two special coatings prevent the key labels from rubbing off after
extended use.
The keyboard bezel helps protect the keys from tearing. It is
removable for cleaning purposes.

▲ Special Keys and Key Sequences
The standard keyboard letters, numbers, and functions are printed in
two ways:
1) In dark brown on the off-white keys
2) In off-white on the dark brown keys
These standard options are operational unless a GOLD or BLUE shift
key is pressed.
Blue Blue GoldGold
key key key key
Blue Shift Key Usage

To access a single blue printed keyboard characters:
Press and release the BLUE shift key followed by the key with the
desired blue-lettered character.
To activate several blue-lettered keys before returning to standard
mode:
Press and hold the BLUE shift key down while you press all
the desired BLUE keys. Once the BLUE shift key is released, the
keyboard reverts back to the standard mode.
Gold Shift Key Usage

To access a single gold shift key option:
Press and release the GOLD shift key followed by the key with the
desired gold symbol.
To activate several gold-lettered options before returning to standard
mode:
Press and hold the GOLD shift key down while you press all the
desired GOLD keys. Once the GOLD shift key is released, the
keyboard reverts back to the standard mode.
Circular Key Usage

The circular key located in the center of the keyboard has two
functions:
1) Standard (no shift keys): Up, Down, Right, and Left arrow keys
2) BLUE shifted functions: Page Up, Page Down, Home, and End

▲ Shifted Options
The shifted options and the associated key sequences are listed
below.
Option Key Sequence

Function keys F6, F7, F8, F9 BLUE key + desired function key
and F10
Function keys F11 and F12 GOLD key + desired function key
Enable/Disable touchscreen BLUE key + TS
View Windows CE Start BLUE key + Start
Menu
Page up BLUE key + PgUp
Page down BLUE key + PgDn
End BLUE key + End
Home BLUE key + Home
Toggle caps lock on and off BLUE key + CapLk
Toggle display backlight GOLD key + F3 (see gold light bulb
symbol above function key)
Display Contrast Lighten GOLD key + F4 (see gold symbol
(monochrome display only) above function key)
Display Contrast Darker GOLD key + F5 (see gold symbol
(monochrome display only) above function key)
Perform a reset On/Off (hold down for eight
seconds)
Keyboard Options
The following keys and key sequences are functional in Windows
.NET.
On/Off (Warm and Hard Reset)

This key is used to turn the Allegro on and off. The ridge around
the key helps prevent the Allegro from being accidentally turned on
without your knowledge.
A warm reset is performed by holding down the On/Off key for
about eight seconds. Release the key when the reset process begins.
A hard reset is performed by holding down the On/Off key for about
eight seconds. When the reset process begins, continue holding the
On/Off key down for an additional eight seconds. A hard reset does
erase the RAM memory.

Gold
Contrast (monochrome display only) key
+
To make the display darker, press the GOLD key and the F5 key.
To make the display lighter, press the GOLD key and the F4 key.
Gold
Backlight On/Off key
+
The backlight is toggled on and off by pressing the GOLD key and
the F3 key.
Tab, Forward and Backward

The tab keys are used primarily for cursor movement between fields.
Blue
Touchscreen Disable/Enable key
+
The touchscreen key allows you to disable and enable the
touchscreen. This feature allows you to wipe off the screen without
inadvertently making selections on the screen.
Press the BLUE shift key and the TS key to disable the touchscreen.
A system tray icon appears showing that the touch screen has
been disabled. Once the screen has been cleaned, use the same key
sequence to enable the touchscreen. (For instructions on how to clean
the screen, refer to Display, Touchscreen later in this section.)
Task Manager
Press the Task Manager (Start) key to view all of the programs that are
currently running. Select which program you want to be in by using
the up and down arrow keys to highlight the desired program and
pressing ENTER.
Blue
Start Menu key
+
Press the BLUE shift key and the Start key to view the Windows CE
Start Menu. Use the arrow keys to move up and down the menu.
Press the ENTER key to make your selection.
The Task Manager and Start Menu functions have been provided
to speed up operation. You do not have to use the touchscreen and
stylus to bring up the Start Menu or to change tasks. These keys are
also handy when the Taskbar has been hidden.
Right Mouse Click
There are two ways to achieve a right mouse click, you can press
the Alt key and touch the screen with a stylus, or touch and hold
the stylus in one spot on the touchscreen. In many Windows CE
programs, when you right click on an item a menu is displayed
listing functions and options that pertain to the item.
▲ Cleaning the Keyboard
Dirt and debris can get underneath the keyboard bezel. To clean, use
a coin (do not use a screwdriver) to pull the bezel up at the recess
located at the bottom of the keyboard and remove it.
We recommend that you use warm water, mild detergent, and a
toothbrush to clean the keyboard or simply brush it out. The Allegro
remains sealed during this process.
 Note: Do not direct a high pressure stream of water at the keyboard to
clean it. This action could break the seal, causing water to get inside the
Allegro.
Reattach the bezel by carefully inserting the top ridge under the
function keys and lowering the bezel down flat onto the case. Press
down along the sides while aligning the keys through the holes.
 Note: After you reattach the bezel, check each key to make sure it is
completely free from the bezel. If any part of a key is caught underneath
the bezel, you may not be able to turn the Allegro on or you may hear a
continuous string of beeps.
do a search for “cleaning supplies.”

Display
The Allegro CX offers the choice of either a monochrome or color
display. Both displays are a 1/4 VGA, 320 wide x 240 high pixels
(landscape view), high-contrast liquid crystal displays, shock-
mounted and sealed, and are equipped with a brightness adjustable
backlight.
The monochrome display has a 4.1” diagonal viewing area and is

equipped with a heater for cold weather operation.
The color display has a 3.8” diagonal viewing area.
▲ Display Features
 Contrast: Do not attempt to adjust the contrast for a color display
model; it is not adjustable. Doing so may affect the visibility of
the display.
The contrast for the monochrome display model can be manually
adjusted by using the yellow shift key and pressing F4 to lighten
or F5 to darken. The display automatically adjusts the contrast to
compensate for temperature.
 Video Quality: With the color display, the video quality is
adjusted manually by using the Yellow shift key and pressing
F4 or F5. This adjusts display flickering or shaking on the color
display.
 Heater: The monochrome display heater allows you to use the
Allegro in temperatures below freezing. The technology used to
create the color display does not require a display heater to use
the Allegro in temperatures below freezing.
 Backlight: The backlight enhances visibility in low-light
conditions. The brightness of the backlight is adjustable.
 Position: The display is slightly tilted up to reduce glare and
enhance visibility.
 Touchscreen: A 1/4 VGA display touchscreen with an anti-
reflective coating to eliminate reflective glare and is used to make
selections and enter data.
▲ Adjusting the Display
The display features can be enabled, disabled, or controlled through
the Control Panel (see Chapter 4). Some display features can be
adjusted using the special key sequences shown below:
Display Function Key Sequence

Increase Contrast/Display GOLD + F5
Quality Adjustment
Decrease Contrast/Display GOLD + F4
Quality Adjustment
Backlight Toggle On and Off GOLD + F3
Backlight
The display backlight is used to enhance visibility in low-light
conditions in the field or indoors.
The brightness of the display backlight is adjustable from dim
to bright. This adjustment is made by selecting Start | Settings |
Control Panel, double tapping on the Display icon and tapping on the
Controls tab. Choose Brightness Adjustment to adjust the brightness
level. (The default of the monochrome display is set at 100%
brightness; the default of the color display is set at 75% brightness.)
The run time of the battery pack is reduced when the backlight is
operated. To get longer battery life, use the backlight only when
needed.
Contrast and Automatic Temperature Compensation

Once you have set the contrast, you seldom need to readjust it. The
contrast adjusts automatically for temperature.
▲ Touchscreen
The Allegro display has a touchscreen used to activate programs and
functions. The touchscreen can be operated with a stylus, finger, or

Three styli are provided: two mini styli, one of which snaps into
a holding bay built into the top of the case, and a pen-size stylus.
For more details on how to use the touchscreen, refer to the Display
Touchscreen in Chapter 4, Windows CE Operating System.
Touchscreen Disable/Enable Key

Blue
key
+
The Allegro offers a touchscreen key option that allows you to
disable and/or enable the touchscreen. The function is optimal when
cleaning the touchscreen. Once disabled you can wipe off the screen
and avoid accidentally activating programs, or moving icons or
entire screens around on the Allegro.
Press the BLUE shift key and the TS (BkSp) key to disable the screen.
Use the same key sequence to enable the touchscreen.
Cleaning the Touchscreen

To clean the touchscreen of the Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Press the BLUE shift key + TS (BkSp) key to disable the
touchscreen.
2) Use a clean cotton cloth to wipe off the screen.
 Note: Do not use anything abrasive that could scratch the screen
(including tissues and paper towels).
3) Press the BLUE shift key + TS (BkSp) key to enable the
touchscreen.
 Note: Petroleum-based cleaners and solvents should not be used. They
can damage the touchscreen surface.
do a search for “cleaning supplies.”

System tray indicators specify applications that are running on your

Allegro. The indicators are located in the bottom right corner system
tray.
These system tray indicators are active while the Allegro is running
specific tasks. These indicators provide you with the following
information:
System Tray Indicator

Indicators Description
Remaining Battery Charge Status: shows the
percent of charge remaining in the batteries.
External Power Input: indicates that you are
connected to an external power source and not
drawing power from the internal batteries.
Charging Indicator: appears in the system tray
while the rechargeable batteries are being charged.
Data Storage Idle: outlined when the solid state disk
is idle and not being read from or written to.
Data Storage Active: darkens when data are being
read from or written to the solid state disk.
PC Card: indicates that a PC card is installed in
your Allegro.
PC Card Activity: darkens to indicate that the
application program is accessing the PC card (do
not remove the card when this icon is darker).
Caps Lock On: appears when the all capital letters
option is activated.
Touchscreen Disable: appears when the touchscreen
is disabled.
PC Connection: appears when there is an active
connection between the Allegro and the desktop
PC.
Bluetooth Connection: appears when Bluetooth is
being actively used on your Allegro.
Heater: appears when the touchscreen heater turns
on (this is applicable with monochrome screen
only).

▲ Making Space in the System Tray
The system tray only has a certain amount of space to display the
icons that show which features are currently active on the Allegro.
You can remove the clock and the AM/PM icons if you want to make
room for the other icons.
Clock Removal
To remove the clock from the system tray, complete the following
steps:
1) Select Start | Settings | Taskbar and Start Menu… on the Allegro to
access the following screen:
2) Tap on the check mark next to the Show Clock option to deselect
this option and tap on OK. The clock is now removed from the
system tray.
System tray with clock:
System Tray without clock:
AM / PM Removal
You may want to show the clock on the Allegro desktop, but to
conserve on the amount of space it takes up in the system tray you
can remove the AM/PM setting shown after the clock. This function
shifts the time into military time (2:00 PM = 14:00), to do this,
complete the following steps:
1) Select Start | Settings | Control Panel.

The following screen appears:
2) Double tap on the Regional Settings icon:
3) The following screen appears:

4) Tap on the arrow next to the tabs to get them to scroll over
until the Time tab appears and tap on that, the following screen
appears:
5) Tap on the down arrow in the Time style in the Appearance box
and select the hh:mm:ss or HH:mm:ss option:
6) Tap on OK.
The clock in the system tray no longer has the AM/PM next to the
clock and military time is shown:

Batteries
Batteries are the key power source the Allegro uses while you are in
the field collecting data. When collecting data, the Allegro performs
with efficient power consumption.
The Allegro CX uses an Auto Suspend power management feature
to help conserve power. A battery status icon is displayed in the task
bar of the Allegro indicating the amount of power (as a percentage)
that is left in the battery pack. This battery status icon helps you
maintain the battery pack by keeping you informed of the charge
level and warning you when the charge is getting low and needs to
be charged or replaced.
There are three types of batteries and a backup capacitor associated
with the Allegro power supply:
NiMH battery pack
Alkaline battery holder (an optional accessory using three
alkaline cells)
Lithium CMOS battery to power the real time clock
Super capacitor designed to maintain the RAM while you change
the battery pack
▲ Main Power Source
The Allegro is powered by a rechargeable nickel metal hydride
(NiMH) battery pack. The battery compartment is accessed through
a door in the back of the case. The NiMH battery pack is shipped
with the Allegro but it is not installed at the factory.
In this section we the following battery related information:
Battery pack installation
Setting the charge status on the Battery Detected screen
Charging the battery pack
Battery gauging
Charging accessories
Storing the Battery Pack during inactive periods
Backup batteries

▲ Installing the NiMH Battery Pack
When you receive the Allegro, you must install and then charge the
NiMH battery pack. To do this, complete the following steps:
1) Push up on the sliding latches on the sides of the Allegro to open
the battery compartment door.
2) Place the NiMH battery pack in the left side of the battery
compartment, push down, and slide it all the way to the right.
There is a small arrow on the bottom right corner of the battery
pack, make sure the arrow is pointing to the right when it is
placed in the Allegro.
3) Push the battery door closed until each slide latch clicks into
place.
4) Slide the latches downward until they cannot slide any further to
securely close the battery door.
Do not turn on the Allegro yet.

5) Plug the AC wall charger that came with the Allegro into the wall
socket. A small green light on the wall charger turns on when it is
plugged in and receiving power.
6) Remove the rubber protector from the Allegro’s external power
input jack.
7) Plug the power connector end of the wall charger into the Allegro
power jack, which turns on the Allegro. The New Battery Detected
screen pops up requesting you to set the charge percentage. Set
the battery charge to 10%. (See the New Battery Detected Screen
section of this chapter for details.)

8) Check the System Tray for the following icon:
This battery icon with the small lightning bolt next to it indicates
the Allegro is being charged.
9) Charge the battery pack at room temperature until the charge
indicator on the Allegro turns off. This can take three to five
hours the first time you charge the battery.
▲ New Battery Detected Screen
The charge status of the battery pack is unknown to the Allegro
when the pack is first installed. Therefore, you must set the battery
charge percentage. When the battery pack is first installed the New
Battery Detected screen appears requiring you to set the charge status
of the battery pack.
Note: You must set the battery charge level at this time. The Allegro is
programmed to not allow the user out of the New Battery Detected screen
until the battery charge level is set.
When the New Battery Detected screen appears, complete the
following steps to set the charge status of the battery pack:
1) Set the Enter New Battery Charge Level (%) to 10 by tapping on the
small up or down arrows next to the percentage box.
Note: If the battery you are installing into the Allegro has been
charging on an external charger and it is charged to full capacity, set the
Enter New Battery Charge Level (%) to 100. Otherwise always set the
battery charge level to 10 if there is any uncertainty to the exact charge
level.
If a zero is entered in the Enter New Battery Charge Level box, the
charge level defaults to 10% when you tap on the Enter button.
If no percentage is entered in the Enter New Battery Charge Level
box, a pop-up screen appears asking you to enter a value in the
Specify Battery Charge. Tap on OK to return to the New Battery
Detected screen.
If the Enter New Battery Charge Level value entered is less than
50% a warning message appears reminding you to charge the
battery pack.
The capacity of the NiMH battery pack, provided by the factory
to use with the Allegro, is 3800 mAh. If you are using a different
battery pack, go to the Battery Capacity section of this chapter
before proceeding to the next step.
2) Tap on Accept to save the setting and proceed to the desktop of
the Allegro.
The New Battery Detected screen closes and the charge status
is set. Once the battery pack is fully charged, the gauging is
automatically set to 100%. The battery status icon in the systems
tray (in the bottom right of the Allegro screen) accurately reflects
the battery charge.
Understanding the New Battery Detected Screen

The following are situations that cause the New Battery Detected
screen to appear on your Allegro:
The battery pack is changed.
The Restore utility function is used.
The Set Factory Defaults utility function is used.
The battery pack’s charge is fully drained while in the Allegro,
and the unit is then plugged into an AC wall charger or USB/
Power Dock and turns on.
Each time the New Battery Detected screen appears, the percent of the
battery pack needs to be entered.
New Battery Detected Options

The New Battery Detected screen has the following settable options:
Enter New Battery Charge Level
Battery Capacity
Enter New Battery Charge Level

The Enter New Battery Charge Level is the ratio of the present charge
level to total charge capacity. This option sets the battery charge to
the percent you enter.

The Enter New Battery Charge Level option allows you to set the
charge percentage of the battery pack in the Allegro. If you are
unsure of the exact charge percentage on your battery pack, we
recommend setting it to 10% and charge the battery pack.
Note: The NiMH battery is not damaged if it is charged frequently, so
setting the charge to 10% and fully charging the battery is recommended
when the charge status is unknown.
Battery Capacity
The capacity of a battery pack is the amount of energy a fully
charged battery can supply in milliamp-hours (mAh). The Capacity
option is set to the mAh of the battery pack. The battery capacity is
set by default to 3800 mAh, the same mAh rating of the battery pack
shipped with your Allegro.
If you are using a different battery pack, check for its mAh rating.
This rating is commonly listed on the label of the battery. For
optimum performance, it is best to use battery packs with a 3000 to
4000 mAh capacity. The higher the capacity of the battery pack, the
longer the charge is held. However, battery packs with a capacity
over 4000 mAh do not charge fully if using the Allegro CX internal
charger due to the maximum time limit built into the unit.
Accept Button
The Accept button saves the charge percent and battery capacity you
have entered and then open to the desktop of the Allegro.
Help Button
Pressing the Help button opens the Battery online help screen. The
Help screen describes in detail the battery gauging feature and how
to use it.
Note: As a battery pack ages, it does not operate as long on a charge as
it did when it was new. The capacity could be reduced by as much as 50%
at the end of its useful life. Over time, the capacity setting for an individual
battery pack can be adjusted downward to account for its age.
▲ Set Battery Parameters Screen
In the event that you are unsure what the battery packs charge is at,
for example the Allegro was left over the weekend without being
plugged into a charger, it is possible to reset battery charge level
without having to remove and reinstall the battery pack. To open the
Set Battery Parameters screen, complete the following steps:
1) Turn on your Allegro.

2) Tap on Start | Programs | Utilities | Set Battery to open the Set
Battery Parameters screen.
3) Set the Enter New Battery Charge Level to 10% and tap on Accept.
4) Charge your battery pack to full capacity.
Note: We recommend setting the Enter New Battery Charge Level to
10% and charging the battery pack to full capacity anytime your Allegro
is left unused for more than a day without being plugged into an external
power source and you are unsure to the charge level of the battery pack.
The Set Battery Parameters screen functions the exact same way the
New Battery Detected screen works, with only one exception, the
Set Battery Parameters screen has a Cancel button. The Cancel button
allows you to close the screen without setting the battery charge
level.
Battery Life
The chart below shows the typical life of a battery pack. These
figures depend on the type of battery pack being used, the capacity
of the battery in milliamp-hours (mAh), and the application(s) being
used.
Battery Pack Capacity Typical Operating Time

NiMH 3,800 mAh 12 to 20 hours
Alkaline 1,600 mAh 5 to 10 hours
The operating times stated above are based on a typical application
including: the data are being entered manually on the keyboard, no
external devices are powered by the Allegro, the backlight is used
10% of the time, and processing time is 20%.

▲ Battery Gauging
The purpose of the battery gauging on the Allegro is to provide
you with a constant display of the approximate charge status of the
battery pack. This tool helps you to effectively maintain and manage
the batteries while using them in the field. The gauging works for
both NiMH rechargeable batteries and alkaline batteries, although
the mechanism is different, as outlined in the section.
The Allegro uses an intelligent battery gauging circuit to efficiently
read the remaining charge of the battery pack. This charge is
displayed in the system tray via a battery status icon.
Note: Because the charge of the battery pack is uncertain when it is first
installed, the battery must be charged before the battery gauging is accurate.
Battery Status Icons

The battery status icon shows the remaining charge of the battery
pack as a percentage, using increments of 10 up to 90, then 95 and
100. The system tray icon is meant to give only an approximate
indication of battery charge remaining, not an exact reading. If the
battery status icon displays 80, this means the battery packs charge
has between a 71 to 80% of the battery pack’s full charge capacity.
Once the battery gauging is set, a battery status indicator in the

system tray shows the charge percentage you set for the battery
pack. As the battery pack reaches full charge capacity, the charge
percent icon changes to reflect the correct charge percentage.
As the charge level of a battery pack reaches 10%, the voltage begins
to drop. The Allegro detects this low battery condition. The battery
status icon begins to flash on and off. This signal lets you know it is
time to recharge or replace the batteries.
When the Battery Voltage Drops

When the battery pack voltage drops to about 3.1V (under load), the
Allegro automatically goes into suspend mode. Charge or replace the
batteries as soon as possible. The battery pack should have enough
charge left to retain the system RAM for 1 to 2 hours, after which the
Allegro completely powers down to prevent damage to the batteries.
If this happens, data not saved to the C_Drive, are lost.
Note: When you remove your battery pack, the super capacitor has
enough charge left to retain the system RAM for five minutes before the
Allegro completely powers down and resets, losing all contents in RAM.

▲ How NiMH Battery Gauging Works
As batteries discharge, the power available from the battery follows
a voltage discharge curve. This means that if you plotted out the
power of a battery on a graph there is a discharge curve as batteries
lose power.
The voltage discharge curve of NiMH batteries differs from the
discharge curve of other batteries. When the battery is fully charged,
the battery charge registers at 100%. As the battery drains, the
voltage drops off a little and levels out from 90% to 20% of the
battery’s charge.
As the charge on the battery falls to 10%, the voltage drops rapidly.
Therefore, the charge percent cannot be read directly from the
voltage as with other battery types, like alkaline batteries.
This is why it is important to set the battery charge capacity when
the battery is first installed and then charge the battery pack to 100%
capacity. The battery status icon automatically changes to 100 when
the battery registers to the Allegro that it is fully charged.
If the gauging circuitry is not properly synchronized with the
actual charge on the NiMH battery, the battery status icon shows an
incorrect battery charge. If this happens, your Allegro battery charge
level can actually be lower than the gauge indicates. You can go into
the field to collect data without the awareness of the actual battery
charge.
To better assist you in understanding the battery functions of your
Allegro, we highly recommend reading the section on battery
gauging so you understand the proper setup, functionality, and
limitations of battery gauging. Setting the battery charge percent and
capacity are both described earlier in this chapter in the New Battery
Detected options section.
The battery gauging is an estimate. It works well in applications
where the Allegro is used heavily and charged every day. When it is
not used much and goes several days between charges, the gauging
may not be as accurate in reflecting the true charge of the battery
pack.
Keep the Allegro attached to the AC charging adapter or in the
USB/Power Dock when you are not using the Allegro. This practice
prevents the battery pack from self-discharging. The battery stays
fully charged and the battery gauging reflects the correct status of
the battery pack.

▲ How Alkaline Battery Gauging Works
Alkaline batteries have a more predictable linear slope to the voltage
discharge curve than NiMH batteries. Therefore, the voltage can be
read directly to gauge the battery charge percent. The gauging may
vary depending on the grade and brand of the batteries being used.
For best results, we recommend that you use the Duracell Ultra and
Energizer Titanium alkaline batteries.
Temperature and loading affect alkaline battery voltage, causing the
gauging to behave differently in changing environmental conditions.
When moving from a cold environment to a warm one, the battery
status icon may increase slightly. In cold temperatures the alkaline
batteries have less capacity than in warm temperatures, thus the
voltage output is higher.
▲ Recharging the NiMH Battery Pack
It is recommended to charge the Allegro battery pack when it is
not in use. You can do this by leaving the battery in the Allegro and
plugging the unit into the AC wall charger, or by placing the unit in
the USB/Power Dock powered by the AC wall charger. The Allegro
features a built-in intelligent charging circuit that manages the
charging of the batteries and prevents them from being overcharged.
Temperature Ranges for Charging the NiMH Battery Pack

The Allegro’s NiMH batteries are charged most efficiently at
temperatures ranging between 10° to 20° C (50° to 68° F) when the
AC power adapter is used. The Allegro batteries must be charged
when the battery temperature is between 0° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)
due to the nature of NiMH batteries.
The chart below describes the Allegro battery charging behavior at
different temperatures.
Temp. Range Temp. Range
Degrees C Degrees F
Charging Behavior
Recommended 10° to 20° 50° to 68° Most efficient; batteries charge
Charge Range within three hours.
Acceptable 0° to 30° 32° to 86° Batteries are charged within four
Charge Range hours.
Too Cold < 0° < 32° The batteries must reach 0 C (14 F)
Range before they begin to charge.
Too Hot > 30° >86° Battery charge cycle is complete in
four to five hours. If the batteries
Range
become too warm, they may only
reach 90 to 95% charge capacity.

Note: It commonly takes 2.5 to 3 hours to fully charge a battery pack,
however in warmer temperatures, or when using accessories for the Allegro,
it can take up to 5+ hours.
▲ Power Connector
A standard external DC power input connector is located on the top
of the Allegro. The connector is 5.5 x 2.1 mm, 12 to 20 V DC. The AC
power adapter and optional vehicle power adapter are inserted into
this connector.
▲ Charging Accessories for NiMH Battery Packs
There are several charging options available for the Allegro. The
most common is the AC power adapter that is shipped with your
Allegro. The USB/Power Dock, vehicle power adapter, and external
battery charger are all optional ways of charging the Allegro and can
be purchased separately.
AC Power Adapter
Using the AC power adapter, the battery pack is recharged without
removing it from the Allegro. Please note you must use the adapter
included with the Allegro or one that is capable of supplying
adequate current (12 V at 1 Amp). Otherwise, the battery pack could
be damaged.
You can run the Allegro from the adapter while batteries are being
charged. To charge the battery, complete the following steps:
1) Plug the AC charging adapter into an AC outlet.
2) Insert the connector into the external power input jack located on
the top of the Allegro case.
3) When the batteries are fully charged, the charging circuit
switches into trickle charge mode. You can leave the Allegro
connected to the adapter continuously without overcharging or
damaging the batteries as long as the power is not interrupted.
Note: If power is interrupted frequently (for example when installed in
a vehicle), use vehicle mode to prevent battery damage from overcharging.
Refer to the Using Vehicle Power section of this manual.

USB/Power Dock (Optional Hardware)
Using the USB/Power Dock, you can charge the battery pack while it
sits in the Power Dock (the Power Dock must be connected to the AC
wall charger). To charge the battery, complete the following steps:
1) Plug the AC charging adapter into an AC outlet.
2) Insert the connector into the external power input jack located on
the back of the Power Dock.
3) Place the Allegro into the Power Dock. Check that the amber
charging light on the Power Dock turns on, indicating that the
battery pack is charging.
4) When the batteries are fully charged, the amber charging light on
the USB/Power Dock turns off and the charging circuit switches
into trickle charge mode. You can leave the Allegro in the Power
Dock continuously without overcharging or damaging the
batteries.
Note: A new charge cycle is started each time the Allegro is placed in
the USB/Power Dock. If the Allegro is frequently removed or replaced from
the USB/Power Dock, use vehicle mode to prevent battery damage from
overcharging. Refer to the Using Vehicle Power section of this manual.
External Battery Charger

The external battery charger is a separate hardware device that
charges the NiMH battery pack. The battery pack is removed from
the Allegro and placed in to the external battery charger to be
charged. This is commonly used to charge a second battery pack that
is used as a replacement.
This accessory allows you to charge a battery while it is not in the
Allegro. To charge the battery, complete the following steps:
1) Place the NiMH battery adapter on the charger.
2) Slide the battery onto the charger and leave until fully charged.
Refer to the instructions that came with the charger for more
details. (Details on how to remove the battery pack from the
Allegro are located later in this chapter.)
Vehicle Power Adapter

With the vehicle power adapter, you can charge battery packs via
12V accessory power. To charge the battery, complete the following
steps:
1) Plug the adapter into the accessory power outlet.

2) Insert the connector into the external power input jack located
on the top of the Allegro case. It can take up to five hours to fully
charge a pack. You can operate the Allegro with this adapter as
well as charge the batteries (see the Using Vehicle Power section
of this chapter).
▲ Using Vehicle Power
It is important to have the Allegro in Vehicle Mode when it is left
connected to vehicle power.
Using Vehicle Mode is necessary because every time the key to the
vehicle is turned on the Allegro begins a new battery charge cycle.
Although the Allegro circuitry detects when a battery pack is fully
charged, it takes approximately 20 minutes for this to occur.
Repeatedly attempting to charge a fully charged battery pack causes
premature degradation in battery performance, which would
happen every time the vehicle is turned on. In Vehicle Mode, charging
is inhibited if the gauging circuitry indicates that battery pack is
above 90% charged.
To turn Vehicle Mode on, complete the following steps (the default is
for Vehicle Mode to be off):
1) Tap on Start | Settings | Control Panel, and double-tap on the
Power icon.
2) The Power Properties screen appears.
3) Tap on the box next to the Select the In-Vehicle Charge Mode option
so a check mark appears. (Refer to the Control Panel section of
Chapter 4 for details).
4) Tap on OK.
Your Allegro is now set up for use in vehicle power mode.
▲ Lost Data if Batteries are Removed
If the batteries are removed from the Allegro for longer than five
minutes, the Allegro may reset to the Desktop instead of resuming
to the screen that was last displayed before the batteries were
removed. All programs and data that were stored in RAM are lost. To
protect against this, always perform a Save System function before
you change the battery pack. To perform a Save System function,
1) Tap on Start | Programs | Utilities | Save System.
2) Wait for your system backup to save the registry and files on
your Allegro.

For more information about the Save System utility go to the System
Save/Restore Utilities section of Chapter 5.
▲ Power Management Feature
To conserve power, the Allegro uses an Auto Suspend feature.
When the Allegro is on, it turns itself off if there is no activity after
a specified period of time. This feature is on by default and is set
at eight minutes when the Allegro is using battery power. When
connected to an external power supply the Allegro is defaulted to
stay on until it is manually turned off by pushing the On/Off button.
To access the Auto Suspend settings, complete the following steps:
1) Tap on Start | Settings | Control Panel, double-tap on the Power
icon.
2) Tap on the Schemes tab.
Changing NiMH Battery Pack
The battery compartment is accessed through a door in the back
of the Allegro case. Before you remove the battery pack from the
Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Exit from all open programs.
2) Turn the Allegro off.
3) Push up on the sliding latches on the sides of the Allegro to open
the battery compartment door.
4) Slide the battery pack towards the left side of the battery
compartment and pull it out.
5) Place the new battery pack in the left side of the battery
compartment, with the small arrow on the battery pack in the
bottom right corner.
6) Push the battery pack down, and slide it all the way to the right.
7) Push the battery door closed until each side latch clicks into
place.
securely latch the battery door closed.

▲ Alkaline Battery Holder
The alkaline battery holder enables you to power the Allegro with
alkaline batteries. To properly use the alkaline battery holder,
1) Turn the Allegro off before changing the batteries.
2) The Allegro battery compartment is accessed through a door in
the back of the case. To open the compartment door, push up on
the release latches on the sides of the case. The door pops open.
Remove the alkaline holder or NiMH pack by sliding it to the left
and pulling it out.
3) Open the door to the alkaline battery holder by pressing in on
both tabs with your index finger and thumb (shown below).
4) Insert three fresh AA alkaline batteries, while taking care to

orient them correctly (only use alkaline batteries). Always replace
all three batteries at once (one weak battery greatly affects
performance).
Note: For best results, we recommend that you use Duracell Ultra or
Energizer Titanium alkaline batteries.
5) Slide the door to the alkaline holder back into place, while
making sure it snaps securely shut.
6) Place the alkaline battery holder in the left side of the Allegro
battery compartment. Put gentle pressure on the holder while
sliding it all the way to the right.
7) Push the battery door closed until each side latch clicks into
place.
securely latch the battery door closed.
9) Occasionally check the battery task tray indicators on the Allegro
display while you are using the Allegro. When the battery power
gets low, replace the alkaline batteries or insert a NiMH pack.

Important Alkaline Battery Information
The Allegro is designed to be used with the rechargeable NiMH
battery pack that came with the unit. The alkaline battery option
should be considered as a backup to the NiMH battery pack, not as
the main source of power for an extended period of time.
Alkaline batteries have a lower capacity and a higher resistance than
NiMH batteries. The battery life and performance of the Allegro is
reduced when alkaline batteries are used. The alkaline batteries have
the following limitations:
The display heater cannot be enabled.
As the batteries reach a low power, the Allegro automatically
disables the backlight to reduce power consumption.
The battery life ranges between 5 and 10 hours (this range is
highly dependent on the temperature).
▲ Storing the Allegro CX During Inactive Periods
When the Allegro is not being charged and is turned off (Suspend
mode), it draws a small amount of power from the main battery
pack. This power draw is used to maintain the memory (RAM) of the
Allegro in the same state it was in when it was shut off. This keeps
the Allegro from needing to reboot.
The intelligent battery circuit monitors the charge level on the NiMH
battery. When the level reaches a low level, the circuit automatically
takes the Allegro out of suspend and shuts down completely so there
is no further drain on the battery. This feature protects your battery
from damage. When the battery is recharged and the Allegro is
turned on, it resets rather than resumes.
The data and programs are secure as long as they have been saved
to the C_Drive, even if the batteries become discharged. The Allegro
does not depend on the battery to store the data for extended
periods.
Storing the Allegro CX for Less Than Two Months

To protect the files on your Allegro and the unit itself during short-
term storage periods of two months or less, complete the following
steps:
1) Close all application programs.
2) Tap on Start | Programs | Utilities | Save System to save all your
settings and data to your internal storage drive.
3) Plug your Allegro into your AC wall adapter that was shipped
with your Allegro, or place the unit into the USB/Power Dock
that is plugged into the AC wall charger.
Note: After plugging your Allegro into the wall adapter, check the
system tray icons and make sure the charge icon appears as a small
lightning bolt next to it or a plug icon appears if the battery is already fully
charged, verifying that the Allegro is charging.
Charging the Allegro when it is not in use helps the Allegro to avoid
inaccurate battery monitoring and having the battery discharge to
low levels.
Storing the Allegro CX for More Than Two Months

To protect the files on your Allegro and the unit itself during storage
periods of two months or more, complete the following steps:
1) Charge the battery to full capacity (100%).
3) Tap on Start | Programs | Utilities | Save System to save all your
settings and data to your internal storage drive.
4) Turn off your Allegro.
5) Open the battery door on the back of the Allegro.
6) Remove the battery pack and close the battery door on the
Allegro.
7) Place the battery back in dry location with the open metal
conductors facing up.
Taking your Allegro out of Extended Storage

While storing the battery pack, it naturally discharges slightly while
being inactive. When you are ready to use your Allegro after storing
it for an extended period of time, complete the following steps:
1) Open the battery door on your Allegro and insert the battery
pack.
2) Close the battery door.
4) Enter a 10 for the Specify Charge (%) option on the New Battery
Detected pop up screen.
5) Tap on the Accept button to save the new setting.
6) Plug your Allegro into the external AC wall charger and begin
charging the battery pack in your Allegro. Charge until the
lightning bolt indicator turns off and the battery status reads
100% charged.

Note: After plugging your Allegro into the wall charger, check the
system tray icons and make sure the charge icon shows a small lightning
bolt next to it, verifying that the Allegro is charging.
▲ Useful Life of a NiMH Battery Pack
Battery packs can be recharged approximately 600 times before they
need to be replaced. This number is dependent on the temperatures
they have been exposed to, operating conditions, and charging and
discharging practices. If the battery does not hold a charge for an
acceptable period of time, it needs to be replaced.
Recycling the NiMH Batteries

The NiMH batteries inside the Allegro battery packs are recyclable.
We are voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect
and recycle these batteries when they are taken out of service in the
United States and Canada.
The recycling program provides a convenient alternative to placing
used NiMH batteries into the trash or the municipal waste system.
Our involvement in this program is part of our commitment to
preserving our environment and conserving our natural resources. If
battery recycling is not available in your area, contact our customer
service to return spent batteries for recycling.
Spare NiMH Battery Packs

Spare battery packs should be stored in a cool location. Avoid
placing battery packs contact side down on a metal surface. Also,
do not stack packs so that their contacts touch one another. These
practices cause the batteries to drain. The shelf-life of a charged
battery pack is about three to five years. Before using a spare pack,
you should fully charge it.
▲ Short-Term Backup Supply
The Allegro has a super capacitor that behaves like a backup battery.
When the main batteries are removed, the capacitor maintains the
RAM for up to five minutes. You need to change batteries within this
time period. The capacitor cannot operate the Allegro. The capacitor
is charged by the batteries. It holds a charge as long as the batteries
or external power are supplied. When a battery pack is replaced, the
capacitor charges up to full capacity in about two minutes.
If power is not supplied to the Allegro for more than five minutes,
the Allegro resets when the battery pack is replaced or charged.
All the programs, data, and applications saved to the disk are safe.
Information that was not saved to the C_Drive is lost.
The super capacitor should not need replacement through the life of
the Allegro.
▲ Real Time Clock
The Allegro CX has a real time clock powered by a lithium battery.
This battery should last the lifetime of the Allegro CX. The clock
continues running regardless of whether or not the Allegro is turned
on or off, or if the main battery goes completely dead or is removed.

Communication Ports
The Allegro CX has the following communication ports:

Two 9 pin serial ports (located on the top of the case)
One infrared port (on top of the case)
One USB port (available through the optional USB/Power Dock
for ActiveSync connections only)
▲ 9 Pin Serial Communication Ports

The standard 9 pin serial communication ports (COM1 and COM2)
allow for the simultaneous operation of two serial devices such
as printers, modems, and bar code wands. Additional power
is provided on COM1 to power bar code wands, external GPS
receivers, and other sensors. The data transfer rate on these ports
ranges from 300 baud to 115 Kbaud. The ports are sealed without the
protectors. Rubber connector protectors keep dirt and moisture out
of the ports.
Be sure to use the serial communication cable (9 pin to 9 pin)
included with the Allegro to connect the Allegro to a desktop PC. A
wiring diagram of the cable is shown in Chapter 5, Technical Reference.
9 Pin D Connector Pinouts

Pin # Description
1 Data Carrier Detect (DCD) Input
2 Receive Data (RCD) Input
3 Transmit Data (TXD) Output
4 Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Output
5 Ground (GND)
6 Data Set Ready (DSR) Input
7 Request To Send (RTS) Output
8 Clear To Send (CTS) Input
9 Ring Indicator (RI) Input

Connecting Sensors to COM1
Pin 4 (DTR) on COM1 supplies up to 200 mA at +5 volts to power
bar code scanners, external GPS receivers, and other sensors. This
signal (DTR) must be set high by the application to take advantage
of this feature. When the DTR signal goes low, the output is -5 volts.
Insure that the device connected to the DTR line can accept negative
voltages or is protected against them (standard RS-232 signal levels).
▲ Infrared Communication Port
The infrared wireless communication port (IrDA) located on the top
of the Allegro case allows you to send data to a printer or another
computer with an IrDA port without the need for a cable. The IrDA
port adheres to the Infrared Data Association Standards. The infrared
COM port runs at the speed of 115 kbps.
< IrDA Port
The IrDA port is used to connect the Allegro and a desktop or laptop
computer together to run ActiveSync, which allows you to transfer
and copy files between the computers and manage the Allegro files
remotely. Files can be sent from the Allegro directly to a printer with
an IrDA port from programs that have printing capabilities built-in,
such as Pocket Word.
The Allegro and the other device communicating with it via an
IrDA port need to be placed less than half a meter apart with their
infrared ports aimed directly at each other (within 15 degrees in any
direction).
▲ USB Communication Port
The USB communication port located on the base of the Allegro case
allows you to send data to a desktop PC with a USB connection.
The USB port runs at standard USB speed (12 mbps) and is used for
ActiveSync connections only.

USB/Power Dock (Optional Hardware)
Using the USB/Power Dock, you can quickly transfer and

synchronize files between the Allegro CX and a PC. The Allegro is
charged while it is docked, preparing it for tomorrow’s work day.
The USB/Power Dock is an optional two function component
designed for the Allegro CX. It is a charging base and a
communication base. The Power Dock is ordered separately for the
Allegro CX. The Power Dock has three LED (light) indicators on it,
with the function of each LED represented below:
Function LED Color

Power Supply Green
USB Communication Red
Charging Amber
▲ Power Supply
The USB/Power Dock uses the AC wall adapter that comes with
the Allegro CX. Looking at the back of the USB/Power Dock is a 12
VDC adapter connector on the right. Plug the Allegro power adapter
into the Power Dock and then into the wall. When the green LED
indicator turns on, the Power Dock has power.
▲ Charging
The USB/Power Dock is a charging device for the Allegro.
By placing the Allegro into the USB/Power Dock, the Allegro
automatically turns on and begins charging. When the amber LED
indicator turns off, the Allegro is finished charging. The amber LED
indicator turns on indicating the Allegro is properly seated in the
USB/Power Dock and that the unit is charging. The charging time is
the same whether the Allegro is turned on or off.
Note: Never operate the Allegro in the USB/Power Dock without a
battery installed. The Power Dock does not supply adequate power to the
Allegro for normal operation.
▲ USB Communication
The USB/Power Dock also serves as a USB connection from the
Allegro to the desktop PC. The red LED indicator turns on when the
USB connection between the Allegro and desktop PC is active. The
connection and communication between the desktop PC and the
Allegro is achieved through ActiveSync. The USB port is used for
connecting single units.

USB/Power Dock Connector Pins
The interaction between the Power Dock and Allegro happens
through the connection of the six connectors on the bottom of the
Allegro. There are six pins in the Power Dock that touch the Allegro
connectors as the Allegro is placed into the Power Dock. The six pins
can be replaced if damaged or bent.
▲ USB Connection
To establish an ActiveSync connection between the Allegro and
desktop PC while using a USB port, follow the directions in the
Establishing a First Time ActiveSync Connection section in Chapter 5 of
this manual.
Once you have set up and successfully connected to ActiveSync for
the first time, you only need to place the Allegro into the USB/Power
Dock to have it automatically begin the ActiveSync connection
sequence.

PC Cards
▲ Types of PC Cards Accepted

The PC card slot accepts Type I or Type II cards. These cards include
ATA Flash cards, Compact Flash cards, SRAM (Static Random Access
Memory), or Input/Output cards. All types have a 68 pin connector
for attachment to the Allegro. The cards must be 5 V or 5 V/3 V (PC
cards that are 3 V only are not supported). The PC card slot is a 16 bit
card slot. It is not a “card bus” slot. To use a Compact Flash card, a
Compact Flash card adapter is required.
Memory Cards
A memory card is a solid state, self-contained memory board housed
in a credit card-sized package. There are several types and brands
of cards on the market. These cards behave like hard disks. Refer to
Chapter 3, Program and Data Storage Options, for more details.
Input/Output Device Cards

Input/Output Device cards can provide additional communication
capabilities to the Allegro. Common I/O cards include fax/modem
and network cards. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for
information on how to use these cards and for information about
hardware or software accessories that may be required. Contact our
sales department for information on compatible cards and technical
information about the installation and operation of the cards.
▲ Inserting Cards
The card slot is located under the PC card door. There are two, ¼
turn screws holding the door in place.
If you are using ATA cards, it should be ready to use. If you are using
an SRAM card, make sure the battery is installed (if required). To
insert a card into your Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Turn the Allegro off and place it face-down on a surface.
2) Turn each screw counter-clockwise ¼ turn to release the door,
using a flat-head screwdriver.

3) Insert the card socket-first with the front of the card facing the
door. Gently push it in until it stops.
Note: Be careful when inserting and removing cards. Excess force could
damage the card and the card drive. If the system tray indicator for the PC
card activity is on, the computer is writing to the card. Do not turn off the
Allegro and remove the card until the indicator stops blinking. Incomplete
files can corrupt the data already stored on the card.
4) Close the door to the PC card slot.
5) Turn each screw clockwise ¼ turn to seal the compartment.
▲ Changing Cards
Because of the versatility of the Allegro, you can save your data to
one PC card and remove it to take to the office while replacing the
card with a new one to continue collecting data. To remove a card
from the card slot in your Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Open the card door as previously outlined.
2) Push the eject button.
3) Grasp the card firmly and pull it out.
To install a new card after removing one, follow steps 3 – 5 in the
Inserting Cards section.
▲ Displaying Information about the PC Card
To display information about the installed PC card such as the card
type and the name of the manufacturer, complete the following
steps:
1) Tap on Start | Settings | Control Panel | System.
2) Tap on the General tab to view this information.

Expansion Pods
Custom expansion pods allow you to add additional integrated

components. Our current available expansion pods include the
following:
GPS
Bar Code
802.11b
Bar Code/802.11b
Each of these expansion pods replaces the PC card door with
an extended expansion pod door which contains the integrated
technology.
Chapter 9 of this manual describes each expansion pod currently
available and the instructions for using each pod.

Chapter 3
Memory
Configuration
and Data Storage
Options
Internal Memory
Program and Data Storage Options

Internal Memory
The internal memory of the Allegro CX is configured much like
the memory in laptop computers. It consists of ROM (Read Only
Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).
▲ Read Only Memory (ROM)
ROM is used to store the Operating System and Utility programs.
Information in the ROM is electronically “burned” into a chip before
the chip is installed at the factory. Information stored in ROM can be
read or copied. It can only be altered with a special utility program
provided by the factory. The information stored in ROM remains
intact whether the system power is on or off.
▲ Random Access Memory (RAM)
The Allegro has various sizes of internal RAM. Often referred to as
the computer’s workspace, RAM is where programs are executed or
run. RAM can be written to, read from, erased, etc. Its storage ability
is temporary in nature, only holding information while the system
has power (although the Allegro does not have to be turned on).
If the battery pack is drained or power is interrupted for any reason,
everything stored in RAM is lost. The backup capacitor saves the
contents of RAM for a limited time while you change the battery
pack (see Chapter 2, Batteries, for details). You can use the Save
System utility to save the RAM file system and registry. Refer to
Chapter 4, Windows CE, System Save/Restore Utilities.
To see how much RAM is available for your use, complete the
following steps:
1) Tap on Start and select Settings | Control Panel | System |
Memory.
2) Subtract the In Use figures from the Allocated figures.
3) Adjust the amount of RAM allocated for storage memory versus
program memory according to your needs.
A message appears if you try to save a file that is too large for the
amount of RAM that has been allocated to storage memory or run a
program that requires more execution space than you have allocated
to program memory.

Program and Data Storage Options
The Allegro CX has two options for storing programs and data:
internal non-volatile data storage and a PC card slot for memory
cards.
▲ Storage Labels
To view the different storage locations by their name, complete the
following steps:
1) Turn on the Allegro.
2) Double-tap on the My Computer icon on the desktop of your
Allegro. The data storage options are designated as follows:
Folder Type of Storage
C_Drive Internal non-volatile
data storage
Storage Card PC Card
(shown only if a
card is installed)
My Document RAM
Program Files RAM
We recommend you use the internal non-volatile data storage
as your primary storage area. This is because the information is
retained without power. (ATA Flash and Compact Flash cards are
also non-volatile.)
▲ Internal Non-Volatile Data Storage
The Allegro CX has a solid state storage drive used to store programs
and data. It can be read from and written to just like the hard
drive on a PC. The solid state internal storage is non-volatile so
information stored on it is retained even when no power is supplied
to the Allegro. The solid state storage is an internal drive and is not
user accessible.
▲ PC Cards
The Allegro CX has a user-accessible PC card slot (PCMCIA 2.0 Type
II) that allows you to add mass data storage to you Allegro with PC
cards.

PCMCIA stands for the Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association. This association has developed standards for PC cards.
PC cards are about the size of a credit card and come in three types
or thickness.
The PC card slot accepts Type I or Type II cards. These cards include
ATA Flash Cards, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), and
Compact Flash cards. All types of cards have a 68 pin connector for
attachment to the Allegro. The cards must be 5 V or 5 V/ 3 V (PC
cards that are 3 V only are not supported). This is a 16 bit card slot. It
is not a “card bus” slot.
A PC memory card is a solid state, self-contained memory board
housed in a credit card-sized package. These cards behave like hard
drives. You can read from them, write to them, and erase single files
from them. There are several types and brands of cards available.
ATA Flash Cards

ATA Flash cards provide solid state data storage. Power is not
required to maintain the data. The Allegro accepts cards ranging in
size from 64 M to 100+ M, with larger cards available.
Compact Flash Adapter Cards

Compact Flash cards provide solid state data storage. Power is not
required to maintain the data. The Allegro accepts cards ranging in
size from 64 M to 100+ M, with larger cards available.
An adapter is required to use a Compact Flash card. Slide the
compact flash card into the adapter then insert the adapter card into
the card slot behind the display of the Allegro as described under the
Inserting Cards heading in the PC Cards section of Chapter 2.
SRAM Cards
SRAM cards provide solid state data storage. Power is required to
maintain the data. The Allegro accepts cards ranging in size from 1
M to 64 M.
SRAM Card Battery
SRAM cards are powered by the Allegro while installed in the PC
card slot. An on-board card battery retains data when the card is
not being powered by the Allegro. If you have this type, make sure
that the battery is installed before attempting to use the card. Other
brands have a rechargeable battery that is automatically recharged
while it is inside the Allegro. The rechargeable batteries are not
replaceable.
The life of these batteries varies greatly depending on usage and
the memory size of the card. If the lithium battery is drained,
the information stored on the card is lost. When a new battery
is installed, the card needs to be formatted. The manufacturer’s
instructions that came with the card include information on battery
life and recommended changing intervals.
Replacing SRAM Card Batteries

SRAM card batteries are readily available at most stores. Unless the
manufacturer’s instructions state otherwise, we recommend that you
change the battery every six months.
Formatting Cards
The ATA Flash cards and Compact Flash cards come pre-formatted.
Files and directories can be copied onto it just like a standard disk
drive.
Inserting and Removing Cards

For details on how to access the PC card slot and insert and remove
cards, refer the PC Cards section of Chapter 2.

Chapter 4
Windows CE
Operating
System
Windows CE Overview
Windows Explorer
Storing Files and Programs
Application Command Bars

Windows CE Overview
This chapter describes the operation of the Allegro CX Microsoft™

Windows™ CE .NET version 4.2. The operating system has a
similar look and feel to a desktop PC Windows operating system.
Windows CE is designed for small, portable hand-held computers
like the Allegro. Windows CE .NET gives the Allegro the ability
to communicate and share information with Windows-based
computers and the Internet by using ActiveSync.
Windows CE .NET offers the following features:
Compact operating system and application file sizes
Advanced power management
Communication flexibility
Graphic user interface similar to Windows 98/2000
Packaged programs, including PTab Spreadsheet, WordPad, and
Internet Explorer
Multiple applications can run simultaneously
Windows CE .NET has the same Windows interface you are familiar
with if you have used Windows on your desktop PC. You will
find that you already have much of the knowledge you need to
use Windows CE .NET effectively. This chapter is written with the
assumption that you have a working knowledge of Windows.
▲ Starting Windows CE .NET
The first time you insert the battery pack into the Allegro you must
fully charge the batteries (see the Quick Start Guide). While the
Allegro is charging, you can turn it on. The Allegro loads and opens
to Windows CE. It takes a moment for the desktop to appear and
remain on the display. Various screens appear during the loading
process, which do not require any action.

The Windows CE .NET Desktop appears on the screen:
Suspend/Resume Mode
If you press the On/Off key, the Allegro goes into suspend mode.
When you turn it back on, it resumes in the same place it was at
before you turned it off. For example, if a PTab spreadsheet file was
on the screen when you turned the Allegro off, the same spreadsheet
screen appears when you turn the Allegro back on. (If the batteries
are drained or left out of the Allegro for more than five minutes, the
Allegro restarts instead of resuming. Refer to the Chapter 2, Batteries
section for details.)
▲ Display Touchscreen
The display has a touchscreen used to activate programs in Windows
CE and to make selections. The touchscreen works similarly to a
mouse.

Three styli are provided: two small on-board styli and a full size
pen-type stylus. One small on-board stylus snaps into a holding bay
built into the top of the Allegro. Other pointed objects can be used,
including your finger. Be sure to use a device that does not scratch
the screen.
Calibration
To calibrate the touchscreen and set up the screen-tap sensitivity,
refer to the Stylus portion of the Windows CE Control Panel section of
this chapter. If you have trouble selecting an item when you tap on it,
the touchscreen may need to be calibrated.
Touchscreen Operation
Use the following techniques to operate the touchscreen:
Touch the screen at the desired location, just as you would point
and click with a mouse.
Tap on the screen once to achieve a single click or twice to
achieve a double-click.
A right mouse click is accomplished by holding down the Alt key
and tapping the screen.
Drag and drop items by touching and holding the item on the
screen, dragging the stylus to the desired location, and removing
the pointing device from the screen.
Wiping Off the Touchscreen

When the touchscreen gets wet or dirty, a natural inclination may be
to wipe across the display with a shirt sleeve or your hand. If you do
this while the Allegro is running, you may inadvertently press items
on the screen. To avoid this problem, the Allegro is equipped with a
special Touchscreen Disable/Enable key described below.
Blue
key
+
The unique Touchscreen Disable/Enable key allows you to temporarily
disable the touchscreen and wipe it off without inadvertently
making selections on the screen. Press the BLUE shift key and the TS
key to disable the screen. The contents of the display are still shown,
but nothing happens if you press on the touchscreen.

Ideally, use a soft, clean cotton cloth to gently wipe off the screen. Do
not use anything abrasive that could scratch the screen, including
tissues and paper towels. Once the screen has been cleaned, use the
same key sequence to enable the touchscreen. Refer to the Chapter 2,
Display section for more details.
▲ Windows CE Programs
Desktop PC Programs
The Allegro CX Distribution CD includes the following programs for
your PC:
Microsoft ActiveSync®
Software Development Kits for Visual Basic® and Visual C++®
Software Suite
A set of Windows CE programs are factory installed on the Allegro.
The following programs are included:
PTab™ Spreadsheet Program
WordPad™ for Windows CE .NET
Windows Media 9 Series™ Player
Pocket Internet Explorer™
Inbox™ E-mail Utility
Calculator
Terminal Program
Explorer™ File Manager
Copies of the Windows CE programs are included on the Allegro
Distribution CD-ROM. Each program is described in detail in this
chapter of the manual.

▲ Desktop
When you turn the Allegro CX on, a Desktop similar to the example
shown below appears on the screen. The Desktop looks and operates
much like the Windows 2000/XP Desktop. Program icons and
shortcuts are displayed. Tap on an icon twice to execute it.
Desktop Taskbar
At the bottom of the screen is the Taskbar, it includes: the Start
button, buttons for all the active applications, the system tray, and
the Desktop icon.
Start button Active Application System Tray Desktop

Buttons Icon

Start Menu
Tap the Start button to view the menu as shown below:
From the menu, tap on the category you want to select. You can also
use the up and down arrow keys to make a selection and press Enter.
A secondary menu or dialog box appears.
Application Buttons
The Taskbar shows which applications are currently running and can
be used to select an active application. Tap an application’s button on
the Taskbar to maximize it. Tap it a second time to minimize it.

The system tray uses icons to show which specific applications are
running. There are a number of icons common to the Allegro, but
more may appear due to the installation and running of additional
programs. The following system tray icons are common to the
Allegro:
System Tray Indicator

Indicators Description
Remaining Battery Charge Status: shows the
percent of charge remaining in the batteries.
External Power Input: indicates that you are
connected to an external power source and not
drawing power from the internal batteries.
Charging Indicator: appears in the system tray
while the rechargeable batteries are being charged.
Data Storage Idle: outlined when the solid state disk
is idle and not being read from or written to.

Data Storage Active: darkens when data are being
read from or written to the solid state disk.
PC Card: indicates that a PC card is installed in
your Allegro.
PC Card Activity: darkens to indicate that the
application program is accessing the PC card (do
not remove the card when this icon is darker).
Caps Lock On: appears when the all capital letters
option is activated.
Touchscreen Disable: appears when the touchscreen
is disabled.
PC Connection: appears when there is an active
connection between the Allegro and the desktop
PC.
Bluetooth Connection: appears when Bluetooth is
being actively used on your Allegro.
Heater: appears when the touchscreen heater turns
on (this is applicable with monochrome screen
only).
Double-tapping on an icon in the system tray brings up the related
Control Panel setup screen. For example, if you double-tap on the
time, the Control Panel, Date/Time Properties screen is shown.
Desktop Icon
Tap the Desktop icon to minimize all running applications and
display the Desktop. Tap it again to return to the screen you were
previously viewing.
▲ Special Functions
Keyboard functions have been provided that allow you to bring
up the Start menu and change applications without using the
touchscreen. These functions can speed up operation in some
situations and come in handy when the taskbar has been minimized.
Start Menu
Blue
key
+
Press the BLUE shift key and the Start key to view the Windows CE
Start menu. Use the arrow keys to move up and down the menu.
Press the Enter key to make your selection.

Task Manager
Press the Start key to view the Task Manager. All of the programs
that are currently running are shown. Select which program you
want to run by using the up and down arrow keys to highlight the
desired program and pressing Enter. You can also close applications
from the Task Manager.
▲ On-line Help
For on-line help with Windows CE basics or with a specific
application, tap the Start button and select Help. Select a topic from
the Help Contents list. You can also tap the [?] button from within an
application to obtain program specific or Windows CE help.
▲ Control Panel
The Control Panel consists of a group of windows called applets that
control the different aspects of Windows CE .NET operating system.
Each applet has settings you can change, allowing you to customize
your Allegro. To access the Control Panel, complete the following
steps:
2) Tap Start | Settings | Control Panel.
A Control Panel screen, similar to the one shown below, appears.
Double-tap on the application you want to view.

Note: You must press the OK button when settings in a Control Panel
applet are changed in order for the settings to be saved. Once the Control
Panel applets are set up the way you want, run the Save System utility to
save all settings (described later in this chapter).
Certificates
The Certificates applet is used to create secure communication with
specific programs you select on your Allegro. This feature allows
only the users you have certified the ability to access the program.
Note: The CE .NET operating systems provides a list of preset

certificates that can be viewed and selected in the larger text box on the
Certificates screen.
Below the Stores tab is a drop-down box with options to view and/
or modify following certificates:
Trusted Authorities
My Certificates
Other Authorities
Trusted Authorities
The Trusted Authorities option lists the top-level certificates for
authorities you trust. This option allows you to view the main users
of the Allegro and see what programs they have access to.
My Certificates
The My Certificates option contains all the personal certificates you
use to identify yourself. This option allows you to view all the
programs on the Allegro you have access to.

Other Authorities
The Other Authorities option is for intermediate certificate authorities
that assist with establishing a chain of trust. This option allows
you to view all the users who have access to the Allegro and what
programs they have access to.
With the Certificates applet, you can Import (or add) new certificates
to programs on your Allegro. You can view the certificates to see
details about them, such as the expanded name or expiration date.
You can Remove (or delete) certificates from your Allegro as needed.
Date/Time
The Date/Time Properties applet is used to set the current date, time,
and time zone. The Date/Time tab displays a calendar, allowing you
to select the correct month, day, and year. The Current Time option
allows you to set the correct hour and minute during the day. The
Time Zone option allows you to select which time zone you are in.
Note: The “Daylight savings time in effect” option does not affect the
Current Time when this option is selected/deselected and applied. If you
are in a time zone that is affected by daylight savings, select the “Daylight
savings time in effect” function and tap on Apply. When daylight saving
comes into effect on your calendar, the time automatically changes. Your
Allegro receives a pop-up notification that your clock has changed.

Dialing
The Dialing Properties applet is used to create dialing locations
and set dialing options to connect to a service provider or remote
computer.
Display
The Display Properties applet has several tabs controlling different
display features. Each tab has features allowing you to change
different appearance options of your Windows CE desktop.
Background
The Background tab gives you options for the desktop background
image (the default is None).

Appearance
Use the Appearance tab to change the color scheme of the display
contents (the default is High Contrast White). Windows Standard
and High Contrast Black are also recommended.
When using a monochrome display, options such as Eggplant appear

as various shades of gray. When using a color display you can see
the selectable color schemes in their true colors. As you make an
appearance selection, the change is shown on the left side of the
screen, allowing you to view it before you apply your selection.
Customize the display by clicking on an element shown on the left,
Window Text for example, or selecting it from the pull down list
shown in the upper right. Tap on the Color button below the Item
box and a palette with available shades of gray appears if using the
monochrome display or a palette with available colors appears if
using the color display.

Controls
The Controls tab allows you to select the Contrast and Brightness of
the backlight.
If you are using a monochrome screen the heater options appear. The
Display Heater options are Auto and Off. Auto is the default setting,
which turns on the heater automatically. Adjust the display contrast
by moving the slide bar left or right.
Note: The display heater cannot be used if you are using alkaline
batteries. The Auto option is not available.
Internet Options
The Internet Settings applet allows you to set up the following
Internet functions on your Allegro when it is connected to the
Internet. Tapping on OK saves all the settings you have selected and
closes the Internet Settings screen. Tapping on the X closes Internet
Settings screen without saving any settings.
General
The General tab allows you to set and control the following options:
Start Page: The Web page your Allegro always opens when the
unit connects to the Internet.
Search Page: The search engine Web page that opens when the
search option is selected on the Internet Explorer.
Cache Size (in KB): The amount of cache held in your Allegro
before it is deleted, the default it 512 kilobits (KB).
Clear Cache: Removes all Internet cache files from your Allegro.

Clear History: Removes all the Web addresses that have stored in
your Internet Explorer address box.
Connection
The Connection tab allows you to set up the type of Internet
connection you are using on your Allegro. If the Allegro is connected
to a Network, those settings are available on this tab.

Security
The Security tab allows you to set up Internet security levels that are
applied when the Allegro is connected to the Internet. These settings
are activated and deactivated by tapping in the small box next to the
security option, a checkmark confirms the security setting is active.
Advanced
The Advanced tab allows you to set up the some additional Internet
settings connected to additional Web page options, such as
displaying images, playing sounds, enabling scripting and how links
are presented.

IrDA
The IrDA Settings applet is used when using infrared or Bluetooth on
your Allegro CX. The IrDA tab allows you to enable or disable object
exchange (OBEX) and/or the IrDA ports.
OBEX
The OBEX tab offers a setting that allows you to connect or
disconnect OBEX and IrDA. The OBEX function is disconnected by
default. This default setting permits access to the raw IR, and helps
extend the battery life of your Allegro.
Note: If the OBEX Server options box is grayed out, the COMM Ports
option to Disable IrDA Port found on the Ports tab has been activated.
Ports
The Ports tab allows you to enable or disable the IrDA ports on your
Allegro. Disabling the ports allows you access to one more additional
Bluetooth port when using Bluetooth on your Allegro.

If you disable the IrDA Ports option, a pop-up message appears
informing you to perform a System Reset on your Allegro to save
and activate this option.
Note: A System Reset is required to save and activate the selected
setting whether you enable or disable the IrDA ports.
Keyboard
The Keyboard Properties has a Repeat tab used to enable or disable
character repeat when you hold down a key on your Allegro
keyboard. If the Enable character repeat is selected, you can set the
repeat delay and repeat rate.
Network and Dial-up Connections

The Network and Dial-up Connections applet allows you to create a
connection for your Allegro to access the Internet. You can choose
from a dial-up connection or a direct connection.

Owner
The Owner Properties applet allows you to set up identifications and
networks ID’s on your Allegro.
Identification
The Identification tab is used to specify personal information, such as
your name, address, and phone number.
Notes
The Notes tab provides a place to add any additional information
that is not included in the Identification tab.

Network ID
The Network ID tab is used to create a personal, unique identifier you
receive for accessing a remote network. In the Network ID tab, enter
the same user name, password, and domain name you use to log
onto the remote network at the office. This ID allows you to access
the remote network with your Allegro.
PC Connection
The PC Connection Properties applet allows you to change the port
and baud rate used for communicating with your Allegro and PC
through ActiveSync on the PC Connection tab. The USB port is the
default setting.

If you are not using a USB/Power Dock to connect your Allegro to
your PC, tap on the Change button to access the Change Connection
screen.
Tapping on the down arrow accesses the drop-down list of available

connection options. Tap on the COM type your Allegro is using and
tap on OK to save the new setting. If you do not want to change the
COM port, tap on X to cancel out of the Change Connection screen and
return to the PC Connection Properties screen.
Power
The Power Properties applet shows information about the power level
of the batteries in your Allegro.

Battery
The Battery tab shows the status of the main battery.
Schemes
The Schemes tab allows you to specify the amount of time that passes
before the Allegro turns off the backlight, and the amount of time
that passes before the Allegro goes into suspend mode. These times
are set twice, once for each power type the Allegro is using.
The Power Scheme option allows you to choose one of the following
power supplies and set the suspend times:
Battery Power: The Allegro is powered by a NiHM battery pack.
AC Power: The Allegro is powered by an AC wall adapter or
setting in a USB/Power Dock.
The Power Scheme sets itself automatically depending on the power
source the Allegro is using.
The Automatically turn off Backlight option sets the amount of time
that the Allegro sits idle before the backlight on the Allegro shuts off.

The Automatically Suspend option sets the amount of time the Allegro
sits idle, after the backlight turns off, before the Allegro goes into
suspend mode.
Note: Remember that when setting these times the suspend time starts
to countdown to suspend after the backlight has turned off. If the Switch
state to System Idle is set to three minutes (the default for Battery Power)
and the Switch State to Suspend option is set to five minutes (the default for
Battery Power) it takes eight minutes of sitting idle before the Allegro goes
into suspend mode.
Regional Settings
Changes made in the Regional Settings Properties applet mainly affect
programs that support international settings. In this applet, you can
change how these programs are displayed and how the numbers,
currency, time, and dates are sorted.
Regional Settings
The Regional Settings tab is used to set the location on the earth that
you are using the Allegro, and allows you to set the language of the
Allegro’s interface.

Numbers
The Numbers tab is used to set up numbering on your Allegro,
including the measurements (U.S. or Metric) and symbologies, such
as the decimal symbol, negative symbol, etc.
Currency
The Currency tab is used to set up currency symbologies, such as the
currency symbol, decimal symbol, etc.

Time
The Time tab is used to set up the way the time is displayed in the
system tray of the Allegro.
Date
The Date tab is used to set up the way the date is displayed on the
Allegro.

Remove Programs
The Remove Programs applet allows you to remove programs that
you have installed on the Allegro. You cannot remove programs that
were factory installed, such as WordPad.
SpeedSwitch
The SpeedSwitch applet allows you set the performance of the Allegro
CX. There are two settings on this applet, one increases the speed of
the Allegro, the other increases the battery life.
 Note: To enable the performance option once it is changed, the Allegro

must be turned off and then back on.
Increase Performance
The Increase Performance setting is the default setting when the
Allegro is shipped. This setting increases the speed performance
of the unit. This setting causes the Allegro to consume more power
resulting in a shorter battery life.

Increase Battery Life
The Increase Battery Life setting increases the battery life of the
Allegro CX, but results in a reduced performance speed.
Stylus
The Stylus Properties applet allows you to set up the sensitivity of the
touchscreen. You can also recalibrate the touchscreen if needed.
Double-Tap
The Double-Tap tab is used to set up and test the double-tap
sensitivity of the touchscreen for speed and distance between taps.
Calibration
From the Calibration tab, the touchscreen is recalibrated. If you have
trouble selecting an item when you tap on it, the touchscreen may
need to be recalibrated.
The Recalibrate option can be accessed from the Recalibrate button and
may be accessed if the Allegro has been without any batteries for
longer than 15 minutes and without saving the system.

When calibrating the touchscreen, hold the stylus down on the plus
mark (+) for two seconds. Complete this procedure for each + mark
shown on the touchscreen. Press Enter when prompted.
System
The System Properties applet displays general information about the
hardware and software configurations for your Allegro.
General
The General tab gives you system information including the
processor type, etc.

Memory
The Memory tab allows you to adjust the allocation of RAM between
program memory and storage memory.
The majority of RAM should be allocated to program memory so

the applications have plenty of execution space. Define the amount
of usable RAM by subtracting the In Use figure from the Allocated
figure.
Device Name
The Device Name tab allows you to view or change the name of your
Allegro. In the Device name box, AllegroCX_##### (##### = serial
number) is entered automatically. This unique identification makes it
possible for individual Allegros to be identified by other computers,
and in situations where multiple Allegros are connected together.
To change the name of your Allegro, highlight the name in the Device
description box and type in the new name of your Allegro.

Copyrights
The Copyrights tab contains copyright information for specific
programs on your Allegro.
Version
The Version tab displays the Allegro system version number and
release date.
Volume and Sounds

The Volume & Sounds Properties applet is used to set the volume
level, enable or disable the Allegro to make noises when buttons are
pressed and set the type of noise that is made.

Volume
The Volume tab is used to adjust the speaker volume and turn on and
off the sounds associated with different system events.
Sounds
From the Sounds tab, you can associate a sound with an action. The
actions are listed on the left. The actions that have sounds associated
with them have a speaker icon next to them (like an Asterisk in the
screen shown below).
To edit, add, or listen to a sound, make a selection from the list on the
left. The name of your selection is shown in the Sound box if a sound
is already associated with it. Otherwise, it says None.
Select Browse to find and select the desired sound WAV file that you
want associated with the selected action. To listen to the new sound
(or existing sound), press the right arrow button next to the Sound
box. Changes you make can be saved as a new sound Scheme or you
can choose an existing sound scheme from the drop down list.

Windows Explorer
Windows Explorer allows you to browse the files and folders on the
Allegro CX. To launch your Allegro’s Windows Explorer, complete
the following steps:
1) Turn your Allegro on.
2) Double-tap the My Computer icon on the desktop. When Windows
Explorer opens, My Computer folder contents are displayed:
The menu options and buttons available on the Allegro are similar to
the options in Windows Explorer on the desktop PC. The buttons on
the toolbar are only partially visible when Explorer is first opened.
To see the extended toolbar, tap on the double bar that appears to the
right of the menu options. To hide the buttons, tap the double bar
that appears at the far left of the toolbar. Many of the options that
can be accessed using the buttons also can be accessed through one
of the menus.
▲ Moving and Copying Files
Using the Edit Menu Options
You can use the cut, copy, and paste commands to move and copy
files, by completing the following steps:
1) Select the file you want to act on.
2) Tap on Edit | Cut or Edit | Copy.
3) Go to the location you want to move or copy the file to.
4) Tap on Edit | Paste.

▲ Opening Two Explorer Screens
You can open two Windows Explorer screens. One opens to the
source folder or file, and the other opens the destination folder.
Both Explorer screens are shown as active application buttons in the
Taskbar as shown below:
Both of these active application buttons represent

Explorer screens
Open the Explorer screen with the source file or folder in it. Select
the file you wish to move or copy and drag it to the destination
folder’s button on the taskbar. Continue to hold down the stylus on
the button until the destination window opens, then drag the file or
folder to the desired location in the window.
Note: When you are dragging a file or folder, it may not appear to be
moving, even though it is. You may need to experiment with this procedure.
▲ Help
Use the on-line Help [?] for more details about the Windows
Explorer program.

Storing Files and Programs
It is important that you understand the difference between storing

data on the internal non-volatile storage versus RAM. From the
Desktop of your Allegro, double-tap on the My Computer icon. The
following folders are standard folder on the Allegro:
▲ C_Drive, Solid State Storage

The solid state storage is non-volatile. Information is retained even
when no power is supplied to the Allegro. We recommend that you
use the internal solid state storage as your primary storage area. In
the My Computer on your Allegro, double-tap on C_Drive icon. The
following folders are shown:

The C_MyDocs and C_Program Files folders were created for you to
use in place of the My Documents and Program Files folders that are
in the RAM file system. The C reminds you that these files are on the
C_Drive, which is a safe area to store data.
▲ RAM File System
The storage ability of RAM may be temporary. If the batteries are
drained or removed, or a Restore System utility is performed on the
Allegro, information stored in RAM can be lost. (The super capacitor
behaves like a backup battery and can maintain the RAM for up to
five minutes while you change the batteries.) All of the folders are
stored in RAM except for C_Drive and PC Card.
Some applications automatically bring up the My Documents folder
when you save a file as shown in the example below. My Documents
is stored in RAM, not on the internal non-volatile storage.
To save files to the internal non-volatile storage, switch the drive to
the C_Drive before you save the file:
For more information about data storage options, refer to Memory

Configuration and Data Storage Options in Chapter 3 of this manual.

Application Command Bars
Active applications display a command bar across the top of the
screen. The command bar for WordPad is shown below:
This command bar contains drop-down menus, a help button [?] and
an exit button [X] on the first line and a slider [ll] and a toolbar on
the second line.
Use the menus and toolbar buttons as you would on the desktop or
notebook PC. Refer to the information about a particular program
later in this chapter for more specific details.
▲ Gaining More Viewing Area on the Screen
You can gain additional viewing area on the screen by hiding the
menu bar, toolbar, and taskbar.
Moving the Menu Bar and Toolbar

The slider [ ] is used to adjust how much of the menu bar or toolbar
is displayed. Touch the slider with the stylus and drag it directly into
the upper left-hand corner to combine the menu bar and the toolbar
into one line. Part of the toolbar is shown:
Once you have combined them, tap once on the slider to move the
toolbar completely to the right and display the menu bar:
Tap the slider again to move it back to the left, displaying the toolbar
again. You can also manually slide it to the right or left to view the
entire menu bar, toolbar, or part of each:

To view both bars on separate lines again, move the slider down
where the toolbar was located originally:
Hiding the Taskbar

You can hide the Taskbar, freeing up room on the display for
applications, to do this, tap the Start button and select Settings |
Taskbar. Under Taskbar options tap the box next to Auto hide.
Press the stylus along the edge to view the Taskbar

When the Taskbar is hidden, you can get it to appear if you press a
stylus along the very bottom of the Allegro screen.
When the Taskbar is hidden you can press the Start button on the
keyboard to bring up the Start menu. Press the Task Manager button
to bring up the Task Manager and move between active applications
and tasks.
Blue
key
Press + for Start menu, press for Task Manager.

Chapter 5
Allegro CX
Applications
and Utilities
ActiveSync File Transfer Program

System Utilities
PTab Spreadsheet Program
WordPad
Windows Media 9 Series Player
Internet Explorer and InBox
Calculator Program
Terminal Program
Bluetooth

ActiveSync Transfer Program
Instructions on establishing communication between the Allegro

and a desktop PC using ActiveSync, and synchronizing files are
described in this section.
Microsoft’s ActiveSync program runs on your desktop PC, allowing
you to:
Transfer and copy files between your desktop PC and the Allegro
Manage the files on the Allegro remotely from your desktop PC
Synchronize saved files between your desktop PC and Allegro
Obtain ActiveSync in one of the following ways:
1) Download it from the Allegro CX Distribution CD that was
shipped with your Allegro.
2) Download the program from Microsoft’s Web site free of charge.
Note: If you have a more recent version of ActiveSync installed on your
computer, you do not need to install the older version of ActiveSync.
Install ActiveSync on your desktop PC before installing any of the
programs on the Allegro CX Distribution CD-ROM. The installation
process is the same regardless of whether you download it from the
Internet or install it from the CD-ROM.
Note: Depending on which Microsoft applications you have installed
on your desktop PC and whether or not you have previously downloaded
ActiveSync, the screens you see during installation could vary from those
described in this section. Carefully read and follow the directions given to
you from the ActiveSync installation program.

▲ Downloading ActiveSync from the Allegro CX
Distribution CD
To download ActiveSync from the distribution CD shipped with
your Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Open the CD-ROM drive on your desktop PC, insert the Allegro
CX Distribution CD, and close the drive. The following screen
appears:
2) Click on the Install ActiveSync button.

3) Select a language the download instructions appear in. Once you
select a language, the Microsoft End-User’s License Agreement is
shown.
4) Click on the I Accept >> button located at the end of the
agreement if you agree to the terms of the agreement. You must
agree to these terms to continue the download process.
5) Read the instructions when the Download ActiveSync screen
appears. You must have Internet Explorer 4.01 or later to install.
6) Press the Download Now button.
7) Follow the instructions outlined in the Installing ActiveSync
section of this chapter.
▲ Downloading ActiveSync from the Internet
You can visit Microsoft’s Web site and type ActiveSync in the search
engine to find the most recent version of ActiveSync available.
If you download ActiveSync from the Web site, you must have
Internet Explorer 4.01 or later to install it. This is a large file and a
minimum of a DSL or cable modem Internet connection is highly
recommended.

To download ActiveSync from Microsoft’s Web site, start with the
Web address below and complete the following steps:
http://www.microsoft.com/mobile/pocketpc/downloads
1) Select ActiveSync from the Microsoft Downloads list.
2) Select a language the download instructions appear in. Once you
select a language, the Microsoft End-User’s License Agreement is
shown.
3) Click on the I Accept >> button located at the end of the
agreement if you agree to the terms of the agreement. You must
agree to these terms to continue the download process.
4) Read the instructions when the Download ActiveSync screen
appears.
5) Press the Download Now button.
6) Follow the instructions outlined in the Installing ActiveSync
section of this chapter.
Note: Periodically check with Microsoft’s Web site for updates to
ActiveSync.
▲ Installing ActiveSync
To install ActiveSync on your PC, complete the following steps:
1) Open ActiveSync and select the Install ActiveSync option. The
following screen is shown:

2) Click on the Next button and follow the instructions given to you
by the ActiveSync Setup program. When ActiveSync is installed
the following screen appears:
3) Click on the Cancel button on the Get Connected screen so you can
continue to set up the communication settings. The following
screen appears:
4) Click on the OK button.

Note: Depending on the operating system you are using on your
desktop PC, you may be instructed to restart your desktop PC before
completing the connection process.
▲ Establishing a First Time ActiveSync Connection
There are two procedures for establishing a connection between
the Allegro and your PC. The first is the first-time ActiveSync
connection, and the second is for all connections after the first one.
If you already have ActiveSync installed on your desktop PC,
proceed to the Establishing Additional ActiveSync Connections section
of this chapter. If you have just downloaded and installed ActiveSync
for the first time, complete the steps outlined in this section.

The Allegro CX has the following communication ports available
for establishing an ActiveSync connection between the Allegro and
desktop PC. You need to select which communication port to use for
the ActiveSync connection between the Allegro and desktop PC and
proceed to that section. The available communication ports are:
COM 1 and 2
Infrared
USB
ActiveSync COM 1 or COM 2 Connection

When establishing a COM 1 or COM 2 connection between the
Allegro and your desktop PC for the first time, complete the
following steps (all additional connections can be made by following
the steps in the ActiveSync Connection Process section found later in
this chapter):
1) Attach one end of the serial communication cable that was
included with your Allegro (part number 12446) to the COM 1 or
COM 2 port on your desktop PC.
2) Plug the other end of the communication cable into COM 1 or 2
on the Allegro.
4) Tap the Start button and select Settings | Control Panel | PC
Connection.
At the bottom if the screen next to Connect using: is the COM port
the Allegro is set on for an ActiveSync connection.

5) Tap the Change button to access the Change Connection screen if
you are using a different communication port than the Connect
using: port lists.
6) Tap on the arrow next to the Connect to desktop using: box to

access a drop-down list
7) Tap on the desired communication port and baud rate in the

drop-down box, and tap on the OK button.
8) Double-click on the ActiveSync icon on the desktop PC and the
Get Connected screen appears.

9) Click on the Next button and the Get Connected: Checking COM
Ports screen appears.
10) If using COM 1, the Progress box of the Checking COM Ports
screen says Looking for a Mobile device… Checking on COM Port 1,
double-tap on the PC Link icon on your Allegro desktop.

After tapping the PC Link icon on the Allegro desktop, a screen
that says Connecting to Host is shown. After a connection is made,
the following screen briefly shows on the Allegro:
If you are unsuccessful in your connection, go to the An Unsuccessful

Connection section found later in this chapter.
Note: If the Progress box changes its message from Looking for a
Mobile device… Checking on COM Port 1 to Checking on COM Port 2,
ActiveSync has checked finished checking COM 1 on your desktop PC and
advanced to check COM 2 (if your computer has two COM ports) for a
connection.
Once connected, this screen is automatically minimized and placed
in the status box on the Taskbar.
If the Allegro disconnects from the desktop PC, by choice or

inadvertently, this symbol disappears, letting you know the Allegro
is not connected to the computer.
When the Allegro has successfully connected to the desktop PC a
New Partnership: Set Up a New Partnership screen appears. Proceed to
the Setting Up a Partnership section of this chapter.
ActiveSync IrDA Infrared Connection

When establishing an infrared connection between the Allegro and
your desktop PC for the first time, complete the following steps:
All additional connections can be made through the ActiveSync
Connection Process section, follow the steps there.

Complete the installation instructions that came with your IrDA
infrared adapter. Depending on your desktop’s Windows operating
system you may need to access your desktop PC’s wireless
communications setup by selecting Settings | Control Panel and the
wireless option (the name varies between operating systems). After
the infrared settings are set, follow the same connection process as
COM1 or COM2.
To select the infrared COM port as the COM port you are using,
2) Tap the Start | Settings | Control Panel | PC Connection.
At the bottom of the dialog box under Connect to desktop using:
you see which COM port the Allegro is set on for the connecting
process.
3) Tap the Change button to access the Change Connection screen
if you are using a different communication port than the listed
Connect using: port.
4) Select the IrDA port from the drop-down list.
5) Tap the OK button.
ActiveSync USB/Power Dock Connection

If you already have ActiveSync installed and for all additional
connections, go to the ActiveSync Connection Process section found
later in this chapter. When establishing a USB connection between
the Allegro and the desktop PC for the first time, complete the
following steps:
1) Plug in the USB cable into the desktop PC and then into USB/
Power Dock.
2) Double-click on the ActiveSync icon on the desktop PC.

3) Place the Allegro into the USB/Power Dock. The Allegro
automatically turns on and the Getting Connected screen
disappears.
The USB is the default port and should already be selected. To
double check the setting, complete the following steps:
2) Tap the Start | Settings | Control Panel | PC Connection.
At the bottom of the dialog box under Connect to desktop using:
you see the COM port the Allegro is set on for the connection
process.
3) Tap the Change button to access the Change Connection screen
if you are using a different communication port than the listed
Connect using: port.
4) Select the USB port from the drop-down list.
5) Tap the OK button.

If the communication port you are using is not listed in the bottom
dialog box under Connect using, tap the Change button.
If the USB default is not selected, select the USB port from the drop-
down list. Tap the OK button.
To connect, remove the Allegro from the USB/Power Dock then
place it back into the USB/Power Dock. This automatically starts the
connection process.
A screen on the desktop PC that says Connecting is shown. The New
Partnership: Set Up a New Partnership appears. Proceed to the Setting
Up a Partnership section of this chapter.
Note: If you are having problems with the Allegro connecting to the
desktop PC while using the USB connection, perform a reset on the Allegro
and repeat the USB connection process.

Unsuccessful Connection
If the connection was not successful, the following screen appears on
the PC:
From here, click on the Next button on the Your device was not detected
screen and the Getting Connected screen appears again. Repeat the
connection instructions for the COM port you are using until a
successful connection is made.
▲ Establishing Additional ActiveSync Connections
If you already have ActiveSync installed on your desktop PC and
have successfully connected your Allegro to your desktop PC,
Note: These instructions are also designed for all additional connections
between the Allegro and desktop PC using ActiveSync. You do not need to
set up the communication settings each time, as described in Establishing a
First Time Connection Using ActiveSync.
1) Turn on your Allegro and your desktop PC.
2) Connect the communication cable to the ports you set up on each
computer during the file transfer program installation process.

3) Press the PC Link icon on the Allegro’s desktop, or if you are
using the USB/Power Dock, place your Allegro into the Power
Dock to initiate an ActiveSync connection. The following screen
is briefly shown on the Allegro display:
If you set up a partnership between the Allegro and desktop PC,

the connection is made automatically. When the connection is
complete the following screen is shown:
4) Press the Explore button to view the contents of the Allegro from
the desktop PC.
If you did not initially set up a partnership, you are shown the Set Up
a Partnership screen. Select Yes to set up a partnership now or No to
connect as a guest.

Troubleshooting
If you have any problems establishing communication between the
Allegro and the desktop PC, check the communication settings on
both computers and make sure the communication cable is firmly
connected to the correct ports. Refer to the installation instructions
for ideas on settings to review.
▲ New Partnership Setup
After you have successfully connected the Allegro to the desktop PC
You can select Yes to set up a partnership or No to connect as a guest.

The advantage to setting up a partnership is that each time you
connect the Allegro to the desktop PC you are not asked which type
of connection you want. The Allegro automatically connects as a
partner.
If you select Yes, continue on to the Setting Up a Partnership section.
If you select No, the Allegro automatically connects to the desktop
PC as a guest, read the Connecting as a Guest section later in this
chapter for additional information.

Setting Up a Partnership
To set up a partnership between the Allegro and desktop PC,
1) Select the Yes option and press the Next button on the Setting up a
Partnership screen. The following screen appears:
2) Select Yes if you want the Allegro to share a partnership with the
desktop you are connected to, or No if you want to connect to
more than one computer. Press the Next button. The following
screen appears:

The Synchronized Files option is the only synchronization function
currently operational with the Allegro. Additional options are not
available.
3) Select the Files Synchronized Files option. The following screen
appears:
4) Press OK to return to the Select Synchronization Settings screen.

The Files | Synchronized Files option is now selected.

5) Press the Next button. The Setup Complete screen appears:
6) Press the Finish button to complete the new partnership setup

and begin the synchronization process.
A shortcut to a new folder created in the AllegroCX_#### My
Documents (#### = serial number) folder appears on the PC’s
desktop. This is the file synchronization folder which holds all of
the files which are automatically transferred from the Allegro to
PC or vice versa.
After a Partnership is set up, perform the Save System utility on the
Allegro before taking it into the field. This is necessary in case a
restart is required where RAM is lost on the Allegro, you are able to
restore the system and perform an ActiveSync connection.
If the system is not saved and RAM is lost, the Synchronize function is
not set up and stops the connection between the Allegro and desktop
PC.
ActiveSync begins connecting the Allegro to the desktop PC. The
following screen appears:

The Allegro and the desktop PC are connected to each other through
ActiveSync. The following screen appears:
The synchronization program looks for changes between the folder

on the Allegro and desktop PC. The following screen appears:
ActiveSync informs you if there are files that are not synchronized
with the Allegro and desktop PC. The following screen appears:

ActiveSync automatically synchronizes files between the Allegro and
the desktop PC. The following screen appears:
The Allegro and desktop PC are now connected and the files
synchronized.
Note: If the connection message on the Allegro does not disappear, press
Cancel and double-tap on PCLink again.
Unresolved Files through File Synchronization

It is very important to note that the synchronize files option always
replaces all old files with the most recent file. If you have saved a
document on the Allegro in the My Documents folder, it automatically
transfers to the Allegro My Documents synchronization folder on the
desktop PC with the same name.
After disconnecting communication between the Allegro and
desktop PC, the synchronized file can be altered. When reconnecting
the Allegro to the desktop PC, ActiveSync’s file synchronization
replaces the unaltered document with the master updated file.

The synchronization process stops when both documents, the
one on the Allegro and the one on the desktop PC, are altered
and ActiveSync is unsure which one is the master document. The
following screen appears:
To specify which file is the master file, complete the following steps:
1) Click on the Resolve items... option to continue the file
synchronization process. The following screen appears:

2) Click on the drop-down box next to Skip in the Action section of
the Resolve Conflict screen. The following options appear:
3) Select the computer you want to synchronize with the master file.
The right arrow synchronizes the file on the desktop PC to the
Allegro. The left arrow synchronizes the file on the Allegro to the
desktop PC. The selection appears in the action box, shown in the
following example:

4) Click on the Synchronize button. The following appears:
The file you select to be synchronized now replaces the existing file
with the file chosen as the master file. In this example, the left arrow
is selected and the file on the Allegro is transferred to the desktop
PC, replacing the file on the desktop PC with the master file on the
Allegro.
The files are now synchronized. The following screen appears:

Renaming Files
Renaming the files helps to avoid the unresolved notification.
Renaming is also an option available for keeping both altered files
when the unresolved file notice appears, to do this complete the
following steps:
1) Disconnect the Allegro from the desktop PC.
2) Rename one of the altered files.
3) Reconnect the Allegro to the desktop PC.
Both files can now synchronize.
Connecting as a Guest
ActiveSync allows you to connect as a guest and interact between
both computers without setting up a partnership. To connect as a
guest, complete the following steps:
1) Select the No option on the Set Up a Partnership screen, and click
on the Next button. ActiveSync goes through the connection
process. When connected, the following screen appears:
2) Click on the Explore option on the Microsoft ActiveSync screen.

3) Begin viewing the contents of the Allegro.

Transferring Files between the Allegro CX and the Desktop
PC
Once the Allegro and the desktop PC are communicating, files can be
transferred between the two computers. On the desktop PC, use My
Computer, Windows Explorer, or another file management program
to view and navigate through the contents of the desktop PC.
To view and navigate through the folders and stored files on the
Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Double-tap on the My Computer icon.
2) Use the drag and drop, cut, copy, and paste functions to move
files between the Allegro and the desktop PC.
On the Allegro, we recommend that you use the internal non-volatile
storage, C_Drive, as the primary storage area. Refer to the Storing
Files and Programs section later in this chapter for details.
File Conversion
When transferring files between the Allegro and the desktop PC, file
conversion may be necessary. From the ActiveSync program on the
desktop PC, you can set up the file conversion options up as desired.
Complete the following steps:
1) Select Tools | Options.

2) Click on the Rules tab on the Options screen.
3) Click on the Conversion Settings... button in the File Conversion

box.
4) Select the Convert files when synchronized, copied or moved to
enable all file conversions are handled automatically, and click on
the OK button.

Remote Allegro File Maintenance
You can perform many convenient Allegro file maintenance
operations remotely from the desktop PC using ActiveSync. Move,
copy, and delete files from the Allegro window simply by dragging
and dropping them or by using the cut and paste functions. You
cannot start programs remotely. If you double-click on an executable
file, the properties of that file are shown.
Disconnecting
When you are finished transferring files between the Allegro and
the desktop PC, disconnect the Allegro by double-tapping on the
Connected symbol located in the status box on the Taskbar.
The Connected to ‘USB (this varies depending on the COM port you
are using for your ActiveSync connection) window pops up. Tap
on the Disconnect button. If you are using a serial port, you can now
disconnect the communication cable.
Note: In addition to the steps outlined previously, the following actions
cause the Allegro to disconnect from the desktop PC:
- Turning the Allegro or the desktop PC off
- Disconnecting the communication cable
- Misaligning the IrDA ports while using infrared
communication
- Removing the Allegro from the USB/Power Dock

System Save/Restore Utilities
The Utilities Menu has multiple restart/save system options

designed for the Allegro. The following are the restart/save options
available to you:
Save System
Reset System
Restore System
Set Factory Defaults
▲ Save System
The Save System option creates a copy of RAM and saves it to a
location on the C_Drive. This saved RAM image is used when a
Restore System is either executed by the menu selection, or when the
operating system is loaded and an automatic restore is performed. It
is located at Start | Programs | Utilities | Save System.

When Save System utility is selected, the following message is shown:
▲ Reset System
Reset System causes all running applications to close when selected.
If programs are not close and files are not saved, data may be lost.
After Reset System is selected, the system reloads data drivers and
programs that run at start-up time. A reset leaves all stored in RAM
intact.
Installation programs often request a reset so that the changes the
program made to the registry can be honored by system components
as they reload. A reset is also useful when applications misbehave
and render the system unusable.
You can execute a reset by selecting Start | Programs | Utilities |
Reset System, or by holding down the On/Off key for more than eight
seconds.
▲ Restore System
Restore System erases RAM, including all running programs and
settings, and reloads the operating system. When the operating
system reloads, it automatically restores the Saved System Backup
from the C_Drive.

Make sure you save all valuable data to the internal non-volatile
storage before executing this menu option. You can execute a Restore
System by selecting Start | Programs | Utilities | Restore System. You
receive the following Warning screen, explaining what happens if
you proceed with this function you have the option of completing or
canceling the process.
If you tap on yes to proceed but have not previously performed a

Save System, the following screen pops up. This screen tells you that a
system backup does not exist, and gives you the option to cancel the
Restore System.
▲ Set Factory Defaults

Set Factory Defaults deletes the existing Saved System that is on the
C_Drive, erases RAM, and reloads the operating system. When the
operating system is reloaded, the automatic restoration does not find
a backup, and the system loads up in the factory default condition.

Before this selection is executed, the following message pops up
describing what is about to happen with the function and asks if you
wish to continue with or cancel the operation.
After performing this option, you need to recalibrate the Allegro’s

touchscreen. After recalibrating the touchscreen the following screen
is a system notification that the Allegro is loading from the factory
defaults. The message appears when the Allegro is restarted for
the first time or after you perform the Load Factory Default System
function.

PTab Spreadsheet Program
PTab™ is a fully functional spreadsheet program designed to run on

Microsoft CE devices. It has the key features of common desktop
spreadsheet programs. It is fully compatible with Microsoft Excel on
the PC.
You can easily create spreadsheets on the field computer or

download an existing Excel® spreadsheet from the desktop PC.
Using ActiveSync, files created in PTab are automatically converted
to Excel files on the desktop PC and Excel files are converted back to
PTab files on the Allegro.
▲ On-line Help
The on-line help is available on your Allegro. To access the PTab on-
line help, complete one of the following steps:
Start the PTab application so it is running on your Allegro, and
tap on Start | Help.
Tap on the ? button in the top right corner of the PTab
application.
This opens directly to the PTab 3.0 Spreadsheet Help directory.
▲ Excel Considerations
Follow these guidelines when you set up and save an Excel file that
is going to be opened and used in PTab on the Allegro:
Do not use macros in the file.
Save the file as an Excel file for best results.

If the Excel file has graphics incorporated into it, the spreadsheet
cannot be converted to a PTab file. We recommend that you make
a copy of the Excel spreadsheet, remove the graphics, and then
convert the modified copy.
Items Converted to / from Excel

PTab 3.0 can load/save MS Excel files (this includes Excel version
5.0/95/97/200/XP/2003). The following are the items that are
converted to and from Excel files when opened in PTab:
Cell values: numbers (incl. date/time values), texts, Boolean
values, error values
Formulas containing: numbers, date/time values, texts, Boolean
values, errors, +, -, *, /, ^, %, cell references, names, functions
supported by PTab
Formats: font (font style, size, color), background color, simple
borders, alignment (left, right, center, center across selection;
top, center, bottom), wrap text, merge cells, cell protection,
basic number formats (number of decimals, thousand separator,
currency symbol, text before and after the number), basic date/
time formats
Row height, column width, sheet names, titles freezing, zoom
Group and outline, data validation
▲ Saving PTab Files
When you select File | Save or File | Save As, PTab automatically sets
the path to \C_Drive\C_MyDocs\. Your file is saved to the non-
volatile solid state storage. We recommend that you use the C_Drive
as the primary storage area.
▲ Summary of PTab Features
The features of PTab version 3.0 are listed below.
Load/Save Microsoft Excel (.xls, Excel v. 5.0/95/97/2000/
XP/2003) files directly
Load/Save Microsoft Pocket Excel (.pxl) files directly
Import/Export TXT, CSV (Comma Separated Values), DBF
(dBase)
256 sheets x 65536 rows x 256 columns
Numeric, Text, Date/Time, Boolean values
249 built-in scientific, statistical, financial, date/time, logical,
database, text and macro functions
Multiple Undo/Redo

Cut, Copy, Paste, Paste Special, Clear (All, Content, Formats), Fill
(Right, Down, Series) cells, Insert/Delete Rows/Columns
Set row height and column width, hide/unhide rows and
columns, autofit row heights and column widths.
Insert function, Quick sum, Pointing
Format: Number format (General, Financial, Percentages,
date/time, user defined), Alignment (General, Left, Center,
Right, Center across selection, Top, Center, Bottom, Wrap Text,
Merge Cells), Font, Size, Color, Background Color, Bold, Italic,
Underline, Borders (Left, Right, Top, Bottom, Outline), Protection
(Locked, Hidden) Zoom (25% - 200%) and full screen mode
Freeze Titles (row and column freezing)
Formula bar or in place editing
Show/hide: Column and row titles, Gridlines, Zero values
Sheets: New, Rename, Delete
Sort (Ascending, Descending, up to 3 keys), Go to cell, Find/
Replace
Simple charts (Bar, Line, Pie, XY)
Names (define and insert)
Protection (Protect/Unprotect Sheet, Protect/Unprotect
Workbook)
Custom lists (e.g. Monday, Thursday, Wednesday...)
Auto filter
Automating Tasks - user defined tasks (simple macros)
Insert sound or hyperlink (cell reference, Web page or E-mail
address) in a cell
Password protection
Group and outline
Data validation
Goal seek
Data validation, dropdown boxes
Group and outline
External references (example: [BOOK.XLS]Sheet1!A5)
Merge cells
Goal seek

Max. rows: 65536
Wildcards (*,?) in search
Auto save
Load/save TXT, CSV, DBF (dBase) files
New worksheet functions: Indirect, Concatenate, Fixed, Lookup,
Offset, Mirr, Type, Trim, Clean, Rank, Median, Address,
Sumproduct, Avedev, Betadist, Gammaln, Betainv, Binomdist,
Chidist, Chiinv, Confidence, Critbinom, Expondist, FInv, FDist,
Fisher, Fisherinv, Gammainv, Hypgeomdist, Gammadist,
Lognormdist, Loginv, Negbinomdist, Normdist, Normsdist,
Norminv, Normsinv, Standardize, Poisson, TDist, Weibull,
Sumxmy2, Sumx2my2, Sumx2py2, Chitest, Correl, Covar,
Forecast, Ftest, Intercept, Pearson, Rsq, Steyx, Slope, Prob, Devsq,
Geomean, Harmean, Sumsq, Kurt, Skew, Ztest, Large, Small,
Percentile, Percentrank, Mode, True, False, Trimmean, Tinv,
MaxA, MinA, AverageA, StdevPA, VarPA, StdevA, Subtotal,
VarA
Automating tasks for…next cycle, comments
New automating tasks functions: InsertSheet, DeleteSheet,
GoalSeek, Save, Beep, ComboBox, ClearValidation, TickCount,
CellRefR, WorkbookName
▲ Opening a PTab File
When you double-tap the PTab icon on the desktop, PTab opens and
automatically brings up a new workbook, as shown below. If you
would like to open an existing workbook, choose File | Open and
then specify the location of the file you wish to open.

Adjusting the Viewing Area on the Display
A standard PTab screen is shown above with the menu bar, toolbar,
formula bar, and taskbar showing. You can view seven lines of the
spreadsheet on the screen.
When the menu bar, toolbar, formula bar, and taskbar are hidden, as
shown below, you can view eight lines of the spreadsheet. Refer to
the Application Command Bars section found earlier in this chapter for
details on how to adjust the viewing area.
It is possible to view nine lines when using a monochrome display,
or eight lines using a color display, if you move the tool bar up to
a line to share with the File, Edit, etc line. Refer to the Application
Command Bars section found earlier in this chapter for details
▲ Entering Data/Editing Cells

A cell can contain: a number, text, date/time, Boolean value or
formula. Tap on the formula bar (or double-tap the cell if the formula
bar is off) to edit the cell’s value/formula. If the number or date
begins with a single quote (‘), it is treated as text.
- Number (examples: 123.45, -1.2e55)
- Text
- Date/Time: The format is taken from the FPC regional settings.
Go to Start | Settings | Regional Settings, and then choose the
Number tab and the List separators combo box. You must specify a
year in the date. (Examples: 8/22/03 in the U.S.A. vs. 22.8.03 in
Germany, 10:44, 12/30/2003 14:25:30.)

- Boolean: True or false
- Formula: Formulas begin with an equal sign (=). PTab evaluates the
value. (Example: =A5+2, =Sum(B2:C7)).
Formulas can contain:
Number, text, date/time, Boolean values
Cell references (examples: A4, $B7, $C$3,
Sheet1!A3,’2ndSheet’!$C$7)
Cell ranges (examples: A1:B4, ‘Year 2003’!C5:D7)
Arithmetic operations: +, -, /, *, %, ^ (examples: A1*B5%,
C7*100-5)
Comparative operators: =, <, <>, >, <=, >= (example: if(A1>B1,
A1, B1))
Text joining operators: & (example: A1 & “years”)
Functions
▲ PTab Menu Options
The PTab pull-down menu options include:
File
Edit
Insert
Format
Tools
Task
Each menu option is described in detail on the following pages.
On-line help is accessed by pressing the [?] in the upper right- hand
corner of the screen.

File Menu Options
The following functions are available from the File menu option.
New
The New option creates a new workbook.
Open
The Open option opens an existing workbook. You can open a PTab
file (.pt), a Microsoft Pocket Excel file (.pxl) or a CSV file (.csv).
Microsoft Excel files (.xls) are converted to PTab files during the
desktop PC to Allegro file transfer. CSV files are ASCII text files
containing values separated by a separator taken from the Allegro’s
regional settings.
Select Start | Settings | Control Panel | Regional Settings, then choose
the Number tab and the List separators combo box. To open a CSV file
select Text Files (*.csv) from the Type combo box.
Save
The Save option saves the current workbook. If you have not
previously saved the workbook, Save works the same as Save As.
Save As
The Save As option saves the current workbook with a specified
name.
Delete
The Delete option deletes the specified file.
Recent Files
The Recent Files option displays a list of recently opened files.

Password
The Password option sets or changes the password.
Close
The Close option closes the current workbook.
Edit Menu Options
The following functions are available from the Edit menu option.
Undo
The Undo option undoes the last action.
Redo
The Redo option redoes the last action.
Cut
The Cut option cuts the selected cells to the clipboard.
Copy
The Copy option copies the selected cells to the clipboard. If you
paste the copied contents of the clipboard into another application,
cell texts separated by tabs are pasted.
Paste
The Paste option pastes the clipboard contents to the sheet. You can
paste text separated by tabs from another application.
Paste Special
The Paste Special option pastes the clipboard contents to the sheet
using special options (paste contents, paste formats, paste only the
results of formulas, skip empty cells).

Clear > All/Contents Del/Format/Validation
The Clear option clears contents+format/contents/format of selected
cells.
Fill > Right/Down/Series

The Fill option fills the selected cells by the leftmost/topmost cell
contents or fill series: linear, growth, date (date unit: day, weekday,
month, year) or autofill (e.g. January, February, March).
Delete Cells
The Delete option removes the selected rows/columns.
Insert Menu Options

The following functions are available from the Insert menu option.
Cells
The Cells option inserts the same number of rows/columns as
selected.
Function
The Function option inserts a function to the current cell.

Chart
The Chart option creates a simple chart (bar, line, pie, Y) from
selected cells. Select the cells that contain the data and labels you
want in the chart. Then tap Insert | Chart.
Tap on the Options button for additional chart setup options.
Name
The Name option inserts a name in a formula.
Define Name
The Define Name option defines a name.

Format Menu Options
The following functions are available from the Format Menu option.
Cells
The Cells option opens the follow screen:
Format Tab
The Format tab lets you select the numeric format or date & time
format for a cell(s).

Alignment Tab
The Alignment tab sets the horizontal and vertical cell alignment.
Font Tab
The Font tab allows you to select the font, size, color, background
color, and style.
Border Tab
The Border tab formats the borders in PTab documents.

Protect Tab
The Protect tab protects locked or hidden cells.
Row > Height/AutoFit/Hide/Unhide

The Row option sets row height and hides or unhides rows.
Column > Width/AutoFit/Hide/Unhide

The Column option sets column width and hides or unhides columns.
Sheets
The Sheets options allows you to add, rename, or delete sheets.
Zoom > 70%/80%/90%/100%/150%/Custom

The Zoom option allows you to change the magnification of the sheet.
You can specify between 25 - 200 percent.
Full Screen
The Full Screen option toggles the full screen mode on and off.
Freeze Titles
The Freeze Titles option allows row and/or column titles to stay
visible as you scroll the sheet. To freeze the vertical titles, select the
column to the right of where you want the split to appear.
To freeze the horizontal titles, select the row below where you want
the split to appear. To freeze both titles, select the cell below and to
the right of where you want the split to appear.

Tools Menu Options
The following functions are available from the Tools menu option.
Go to
The Go to option selects specified cell or range.
Find
The Find option finds a cell in the current sheet containing the
specified text. You can search by rows or columns, look in values or
formulas, search case sensitive/insensitive, and search entire cells.
Replace
The Replace option finds a cell as outlined above and replaces the text
as specified.
Sort
The Sort option sorts a selected range of cells: ascending or
descending, case sensitive/insensitive, sorts rows or columns,
exclude header row from sort.
Filter
The Filter option toggles the auto filter on and off.
Protection > Protect/Unprotect Sheet/Workbook

The Protection option allows you to turn the Protect Sheet and Protect
Workbook feature on and off.
Go to Format | Cells | Protection to lock/unlock and hide/unhide
cells. Use Protect Sheet or Protect Workbook to activate these
settings.

Outline > Group/Ungroup/Clear/Auto
The Outline option displays only the rows or columns with headings
and summaries or to display detail data adjacent to a summary row
or column.
Data Validation
The Data Validation option is used to restrict cell entries within
specified limits or to the data from a list.
Goal Seek
The Goal Seek option is used when you know the result of a formula
but not the input value.
Task Menu Options

The following functions are available from the Task Menu option.
Workbook Task
The Workbook Task option creates and runs automating tasks. Go to
the Workbook Task Dialog Box heading in the Automating Tasks section
of this chapter for instructions on how to use this function.
Cell Task
The Cell Task option defines or modifies automating tasks stored in
a cell. Go to the Cell Task Dialog Box heading in Automating Tasks
section of this chapter for instructions on how to use this function.
Insert in > Cell Picture/Sound/Hyperlink

The Insert in option inserts picture reference, sound reference or
hyperlink (cell reference, Web page, or E-mail address) in a cell.

Options
The Options option opens the following screen:
View Tab
The View tab enables/disables the following:
Formula Bar
Column and row titles (showing them)
Gridlines
Zero values
General Tab
The General tab allows you to set the following options:
Move after Enter (none/right/down)

Full screen zoom
Auto save

Custom Tab
The Custom tab allows you to set lists from the following:
Import from selection

Delete list
About
The About option displays the following information about the
Z4Soft PTab spreadsheet program:
Version number of the program
Copyright information
Web site address
▲ Converting Microsoft Excel Files (.xls)
To convert PTab files to Microsoft Excel files or Microsoft Excel files
to PTab files, follow these steps:
1) Check conversion properties:
- If you are using ActiveSync: Open ActiveSync. From the

menu Tools/Options open the Options dialog box. Select the
Rules tab and press the Conversion Settings... button.
- Select (or confirm you have selected) Conversion from Excel(*.

xls) to PTab(*.pt) in the Desktop-Device tab. Select “Microsoft
Excel Worksheet in the list box, press the Edit button, and
select “PTab filter (*.pt)” in the combo box.
- Select Conversion from PTab(*.pt) to Excel(*.xls) in the Device-

Desktop tab. Select “PTab file” in the list box, press the Edit
button, and select “PTab filter (*.xls)” in the combo box.
2) Convert your files: Conversion is done by dragging the files
from/to the desktop computer to/from the document folder on
the Allegro.

▲ Spreadsheet Functions
The following sections are the available spreadsheet functions
available in PTab.
Math & Trig Functions

Abs(number)
Returns the absolute value of a number.
Example: Abs(-3) equals 3.
Acos(number)
Returns the arccosine of a number. The number must be from -1 to 1.
Example: Acos(-0.5) equals 2.094395.
Acosh(number)
Returns the inverse hyperbolic cosine of a number. The number must
be greater or equal to 1.
Example: Acosh(1) equals 0.04613.
Asin(number)
Returns the arcsine of a number. The number must be from -1 to 1.
Example: Asin(-0.5) equals -0.5236.
Asinh(number)
Returns the inverse hyperbolic sine of a number.
Example: Asinh(8) equals 2.77647.
Atan(number)
Returns the arctangent of a number.
Example: Atan(0.5) equals 0.46365.
Atan2(x,y)
Returns the arctangent of the specified x and y coordinates.
Example: Atan2(1, 1) equals 0.785398.
Atanh(number)
Returns the inverse hyperbolic tangent of a number. The number
must be between -1 and 1 (excluding -1 and 1).
Example: Atanh(-0.1) equals -0.10034.

Ceiling(number, significance)
Returns the number rounded up to the nearest multiple of the
significance.
Example: Ceiling(10.43, 0.1) equals 10.5.
Combin(number, numberChosen)
Returns the number of combinations. Number is the number of
items, numberChosen is the number of items in each combination.
Example: Combin(10, 2) equals 45.
Cos(number)
Returns the cosine of the given angle.
Example: Cos(0.5) equals 0.87758.
Cosh(number)
Returns the hyperbolic cosine of a number.
Example: Cosh(5) equals 74.20995.
Degrees(number)
Converts radians into degrees.
Example: Degrees(Pi()/2) equals 90.
Even(number)
Returns the number rounded up to the nearest even integer.
Example: Even(1.3) equals 2.
Exp(number)
Returns e raised to the power of the number.
Example: Exp(Ln(2)) equals 2.
Fact(number)
Returns the factorial of a number. The number must be nonnegative
number.
Example: Fact(5) equals 120.
Floor(number, significance)
Rounds the number down, toward zero, to the nearest multiple of
the significance.
Example: Floor(3.5, 1) equals 3.

Int(number)
Rounds a number down to the nearest integer.
Example: Int(1.7) equals 1.
Ln(number)
Returns the natural logarithm of a number.
Example: Ln(Exp(2)) equals 2.
Log(number, base)
Returns the logarithm of a number to the base you specify. If the base
is omitted, it is assumed to be 10.
Example: Log(100, 10) equals 2.
Log10(number)
Returns the logarithm (base 10) of a number.
Example: Log10(100) equals 2.
Mod(number, divisor)
Returns the remainder after the number is divided by the divisor.
Example: Mod(5, 2) equals 1.
Odd(number)
Returns the number rounded up to the nearest odd integer.
Example: Odd(2) equals 3.
Pi()
Returns the number 3.14159265358979, the mathematical constant PI.
Power(number, power)
It raises the number to the power. You can also use the “^” operator
(e.g. 4^2).
Example: Power(4,2) equals 16.
Product(number, number, ...)

Multiplies all the numbers given as arguments and returns the
product.
Example: A1 contains 2, Product(A1, 5) equals 10.
Radians(number)
Converts degrees to radians.
Example: Radians(180) equals 3.14159.

Rand()
Returns a random number greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1.
A new number is returned every time the workbook is recalculated.
Round(number, number)
Rounds a number to the specified number of digits.
Example: Round(5.46, 1) equals 5.5.
RoundDown(number, numDigits)
Rounds the number down, toward zero, to the specified number of
digits.
Example: RoundDown(40.8, 0) equals 40.
RoundUp(number, numDigits)
Rounds the number up, away from zero, to the specified number of
digits.
Example: RoundUp(39.1, 0) equals 40.
Sign(number)
Returns 1 if the number is positive, 0 if the number is 0, and -1 if the
number is negative.
Example: Sign(-5) equals -1.
Sin(number)
Returns the sine of the given angle.
Example: Sin(Pi()/2) equals 1.
Sinh(number)
Returns the hyperbolic sine of the number.
Example: Sinh(3) equals 10.01787.
Sqrt(number)
Returns the square root.
Example: Sqrt(4) equals 2.
Subtotal(functionNumber, ref1, ref2, …)

Returns a subtotal. Nested subtotals and filtered hidden rows
are ignored. FunctionNumber specifies which function to use in
calculation subtotals (1-Average, 2-Count, 3-Counta, 4-Max, 5-Min,
6-Product, 7-Stdev, 8-Stdevp, 9-Sum, 10-Var, 11-Varp).
Example: Subtotal(9,A1:A3) will calculate a subtotal of the cells A1:
A3 using the Sum function.

Sum(number, number, ...)
Return the sum of all the numbers in the list of arguments.
Example: Sum(10, 20) equals 30.
SumIf(range, criteria, sumRange)

It sums up the values of only those cells from the sumRange for
which the corresponding cells in the range satisfy the criteria.
Example: Sumif(A1:A5,”>100000”,B1:B5).
Sumproduct(reference1, reference2, ...)

Multiplies corresponding numeric components in given ranges and
returns the sum of those products.
Sumsq(number, number, ...)

Returns the sum of squares of the arguments.
Sumx2my2(reference1, reference2)
Calculates the difference between the squares of corresponding
numbers in two ranges and then returns the sum of squares of the
differences.
Sumx2py2(reference1, reference2)
Calculates the sum of the squares of corresponding numbers in two
ranges and then returns the sum total of the sums.
Sumxmy2(reference1, reference2)
Calculates the differences of corresponding values in two ranges and
returns the sum of squares of the differences.
Tan(number)
Returns the tangent of the given angle.
Example: Tan(5) equals -3.38051.
Tanh(number)
Returns the hyperbolic tangent of the number.
Example: Tanh(1) equals 0.76159.
Trunc(number, numDigits)
Truncates the number to an integer. The argument numDigits is the
precision of the truncation. The default value for the numDigits is 0.
Example: Trunc(-7.8) equals -7.

Statistical Functions
Avedev(number, number, ...)
Returns the average of the absolute deviations of data points from
their mean.
Average(number, number, ...)

Returns the average of the arguments. Example: Average(1, 2, 3)
equals 2
AverageA(number, number, ...)

Returns the average of all values in a set of values (TRUE is 1, FALSE
and texts are 0).
Betadist(x, alfa, beta, A, B)

Returns the cumulative beta probability density function.
Beatainv(probability, alfa, beta, A, B)

Returns the inverse of the cumulative beta probability density
function.
Binomdist(numOfSuccess, trials, probability, cumulative)

Returns the individual term binomial distribution probability.
Confidence(alfa, standardDeviation, size)

Returns the confidence interval for a population mean.
Correl(reference1, reference2)
Returns the correlation coefficient between two data sets.
Count(number, number, ...)

Counts how many numbers are in the list of arguments.
Example: B1 contains 5, B2 contains 3, Count(B1:B2) equals 2
CountA(number, number, ...)

Counts the number of nonblank values in the list of arguments.
Example: A1 contains 2, A2 is blank, CountA(A1:A2) equals 1
CountBlank(range)
Counts empty cells in the specified range of cells.
CountIf(range, criteria)
Counts the number of cells within the range that meets the given
criteria.
Example: A1 contains 6, A2 contains3, CountIf(A1:A2,”>5”) equals 1

Covar(reference1, reference2)
Returns covariance.
Critbinom(trials, probability, alfa)

Returns the smallest value for which the cumulative binomial
distribution is greater than or equal to a criterion value.
Devsq(number, number, ...)

Returns the sum of squares of deviations of data points from their
sample mean.
Expondist(x, lambda, cumulative)

Returns the exponential distribution value.
Fdist(x, degOfFreedom1, degOfFreedom2)

Returns the F probability distribution for two data sets.
Finv(probability, degOfFreedom1, degOfFreedom2)

Returns the inverse of the F probability distribution.
Fisher(number)
Returns the Fisher transformation value.
Fisherinv(number)
Returns the inverse of the Fisher transformation.
Forecast(x, seriesY, seriesX)

Predicts a future value along a linear trend.
Ftest(reference1, reference2)
Returns the result of a F-test.
Gammadist(x, alfa, beta, cumulative)

Returns the gamma distribution value.
Gammainv(probability, alfa, beta)

Returns the inverse of the gamma cumulative distribution.
Gammaln(number)
Returns the natural logarithm of the gamma function.
Geomean(number, number, ...)

Returns the geometric mean of a range of positie numeric data.
Harmean(number, number, ...)

Returns the harmonic mean of a data set of positive numbers.

Hypgeomdist(numSuccInSample, size, numSuccInPop,
popSize)
Returns the hypergeometric distribution.
Chidist(x, degOfFreedom)
Returns the one-tailed probability of the chi-squared distribution.
Chiinv(x, degOfFreedom)
Returns the inverse of the one-tailed probability of the chi-squared
distribution.
Chitest(reference1, reference2)
Returns the test for independence (the value from the chi-squared
distribution for the statistic and the appropriate degrees of freedom).
Intercept(seriesY, seriesX)
Calculates the point at which a line will intersect the y-axis by using
a best-fit regression line plotted through the known x-values and
y-values.
Kurt(number, number, ...)

Returns the kurtosis of a data set.
Large(reference, n)
Returns the n-th largest value in a data set.
Loginv(probability, mean, standardDeviation)

Returns the inverse of the lognormal cumulative distribution
function of x.
Lognormdist(x, mean, standardDeviation)

Returns the cumulative lognormal distribution of x.
Max(number, number, ...)

Returns the maximum value in the list of arguments. Example:
Max(1, 2, 3) equals 3
MaxA(number, number, ...)

Returns the largest value in a set of values (TRUE is 1, FALSE and
texts are 0).
Median(number, number, ...)

Returns the median, or the number in the middle of the set of given
numbers.

Min(number, number, ...)
Returns the minimum value in the list of arguments. Example:
Min(1, 2, 3) equals 1
MinA(number, number, ...)

Returns the smallest value in a set of values (TRUE is 1, FALSE and
texts are 0).
Mode(number, number, ...)

Returns the most frequently occurring, or repetitive, value in a range
of data.
Negbinomdist(numOfSuccess, numOfFailure, probability)

Returns the negative binomial distribution.
Normdist(x, mean, standardDeviation, cumulative)

Returns the normal cumulative distribution for the specified mean
and standard deviation.
Norminv(probability, mean, standardDeviation)

Returns the inverse of the normal cumulative distribution function
(Nomdist).
Normsdist(z)
Returns the standard normal cumulative distribution (has a mean of
zero and standard deviation of one).
Normsinv(probability)
Returns the inverse of the standard normal cumulative distribution
function (Normsdist).
Pearson(reference1, reference2)
Returns the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient r.
Percentile(reference, n)
Returns the n-th percentile.
Percentrank(reference, x, decimal)
Returns the rank of a value in a data set as a percentage of the data
set.
Permut(number, numberChosen)
Returns the number of permutations. Number is the number of
objects, numberChosen is the number of objects in each permutation.
Example: Permut(10, 2) equals 90

Poisson(x, mean, cumulative)
Returns the Poisson distribution.
Prob(values, probabilities, lowLimit, upLimit) Returns the
probability that values in a range are between two limits
[lowerLimit..upperLimit].
Rank(number, reference, order)

Returns the rank of a number in a list of numbers. Its size relative to
other values in the list.
Rsq(seriesY, seriesX)
Returns the square of the Pearson product moment correlation
coefficient through the given data points.
Skew(number, number, ...)

Returns the skewness of a distribution.
Slope(seriesY, seriesX)
Returns the slope of the linear regression line through the given data
points.
Small(reference, n)
Returns the n-th smallest value in a data set.
Standardize(x, mean, standardDeviation)

Returns a normalized value from a distribution characterized by
mean and standard deviation.
Stdev(number, number, ...)

Estimates the standard deviation based on a sample.
StdevA(number, number, ...)

Estimates standard deviation based on a sample (TRUE is 1, FALSE
and texts are 0).
StdevP(number, number, ...)

Calculates the standard deviation of the entire population.
StdevpA(number, number, ...)

Calculates standard deviation based on an entire population (TRUE
is 1, FALSE and texts are 0).
Steyx(seriesY, seriesX)
Returns the standard error of the predicted y-value for each x in a
regression.

Tdist(x, degOfFreedom, type)
Returns the Student’s t-distribution.
Tinv(probability, degOfFreedom) Returns the inverse of the Student’s
t-distribution.
Trimmean(reference, percentage)
Returns the mean of the interior portion of a set of data values.
Var(number, number, ...)

Estimates the variance based on a sample.
VarA(number, number, ...)

Estimates variance based on a sample (TRUE is 1, FALSE and texts
are 0).
VarP(number, number, ...)

Calculates variance of the entire population.
VarpA(number, number, ...)

Calculates variance based on an entire population (TRUE is 1, FALSE
and texts are 0).
Weibull(x, alfa, beta, cumulative)

Returns the Weibull distribution.
Ztest(reference, x, standardDeviation)
Returns a value of a z-test.
Financial Functions
Ddb(cost, salvage, life, period, factor)
Returns the depreciation of an asset for a specified period using the
double-declining balance method (you can specify another method).
Cost is the initial cost of the asset. Salvage is the value at the end
of the depreciation. Life is the number of periods over which the
asset is being depreciated. Period is the period for which you want
to calculate the depreciation. Period must use the same units as life.
Factor is the rate at which the balance declines. If factor is omitted, it
is assumed to be 2. All the arguments must be positive numbers.
Example: Ddb(30000, 500, 3650, 10) equals 16.357.

Fv(rate, nper, pmt, pv, type)
Returns the future value of an investment. Rate is the interest rate
per period. Nper is the total number of payment periods in an
annuity. Pmt is the payment made each period. Pv is the present
value. Type can be 0 or 1 (0 - payments at the end of the period, 1 - at
the beginning). If type is omitted, it is assumed to be 0.
Example: Fv(0.01, 12, -500) equals 6341.25.
IPmt(rate, per, nper, pv, fv, type)

Returns the interest payment for an investment. Per is the period for
which you want to find the interest (must be 1 <= per <= nper). For
more information see Pmt.
Example: Ipmt(0.01, 1, 24, 5000) equals -50.
Irr(values, guess)
Returns the internal rate of return. Values is a reference to cells that
contain the numbers for which you want to calculate the internal rate
of return. Guess is your guess of the result. If guess is omitted, it is
assumed to be 0.1.
Example: A1:A6 contain the following values: $-100,000, $10,000,
$16,000, $20,000, $22,000 and $24,000 Irr(A1:A6) equals -2.43%.
Mirr(reference, interestRate, interestRateReinvested)

Returns the internal rate of return for a series of periodic cash flows.
Nper(rate, pmt, pv, fv, type)

Returns the number of periods for an investment. For more
information see Pmt.
Example: Nper(0.01, -100, -1000, 20000) equals 101.
Npv(rate, value1, value2...)

Returns the net present value of an investment. Rate is the rate
of discount over the length of one period. Value1, value2, are
arguments representing the payments (negative values) and income
(positive values).
Example: Npv(10%, -10000, 4000, 5000, 6000) equals 2069.53.
Pmt(rate, nper, pv, fv, type)

Returns the periodical payment for an annuity. Rate is the interest
rate per period, nper is the number of payment periods in an
annuity, pv is the present value, fv is the future value, type see Fv.
Example: Pmt(0.01, 10, 10000) equals -1055.82.

PPmt(rate, per, nper, pv, fv, type)
Returns the payment on the principal for a given period of an
investment. For more information see Pmt.
Example: Ppmt(0.01, 1, 36, 1000) equals -23.21.
Pv(rate, nper, pmt, fv, type)

Returns the present value of an investment. For more information
see Pmt.
Example: Pv(0.01, 5*12, 1000, 0) equals -44955.04.
Rate(nper, pmt, pv, fv, type, guess)

Returns the interest rate per period of an annuity. For more
information see Pmt. Guess is your guess for what the rate will be.
Example: Rate(36, -300, 10000, 0) equals 0.42%.
Sln(cost, salvage, life)

Returns the straight-line depreciation of an asset for one period. Cost
is the initial cost of the asset. Salvage is the value at the end of the
depreciation. Life is the number of periods.
Example: Sln(40000, 5000, 8) equals 4375.
Syd(cost, salvage, life, period)

Returns the sum-of-years’ digits depreciation of an asset for a
specified period. Cost is the initial cost of the asset. Salvage is the
value at the end of the depreciation. Life is the number of periods.
Period is the period.
Example: Syd(40000, 5000, 8, 8) equals 972.22.
Date & Time Functions

Date(year, month, day)
Returns a particular date.
Example: Year(Date(2003, 1, 1)) equals 2003.
DateValue(dateText)
Converts a date in the form of text to a serial number.
Example: DateValue(“1/1/03”) equals 36161.
Day(date)
Returns the day of a date.
Example: Day(1/1/03) equals 1.

Hour(time)
Returns the hour of a time.
Example: Hour(2:45) equals 2.
Minute(time)
Returns the minutes of a time.
Example: Minute(2:45) equals 45.
Month(date)
Returns the month of a date.
Example: Month(1/1/03) equals 1.
Now()
Returns the current date and time.
Second(time)
Returns the seconds of a time.
Example: Second(Time(1, 45, 20)) equals 20.
Time(hour, min, sec)

Returns a particular time. Time(1,45,0) equals 1:45.
TimeValue(timeText)
Converts a time in the form of text to a serial number.
TimeValue(“1:45”) equals 0.072917.
Today()
Returns the current date.
Weekday(date, type)
Returns the day of the week corresponding to a date. If type = 1 or
omitted returns: 1 (Sunday) through 7 (Saturday).
Example: Weekday(Date(2003,8,15)) equals 1.
Year(date)
Returns the year of a date.
Example: Year(Date(2003, 1, 1)) equals 2003.
Logical Functions
And(logical1, logical2, ...)
Returns TRUE if all its arguments are TRUE, otherwise returns
FALSE.
Example: And(FALSE, TRUE) equals FALSE.

False()
Returns the logical value FALSE.
If(condition, trueValue, falseValue)

Returns trueValue if condition evaluates to TRUE or falseValue if
condition evaluates to FALSE. Example: If(A1>A2, “OK”, “Cancel”).
Not(logical)
Reverses logical value.
Example: Not(TRUE) equals FALSE.
Or(logical1, logical2, ...)

Returns TRUE if any argument is TRUE, otherwise return FALSE.
Example: Or(FALSE, TRUE) equals TRUE.
True()
Returns the logical value TRUE.
Text Functions
Char(number)
Returns the character specified by a number.
Example: Char(66) equals B.
Clean(text)
Removes all nonprintable characters from a text string.
Code(text)
Returns a numeric code for the first character in a text string.
Example: Code(“ABC”) equals 65.
Concatenate(text1, text2, ...)

Joins several text strings into one text string.
Exact(text1, text2)
Returns TRUE if two text strings are identical (case sensitive).
Example: Exact(“palm”, “PALM”) equals FALSE.
Find(findText, withinText, start)

Finds string (findText) within another text string (withinText), and
returns its starting position.
Example: Find(“A”, “CBA”, 1) equals 3.

Fixed(number, numDecPlaces, unDelimiter1000)
Rounds a number to the specified number of decimals and returns
the result as text with or without commas.
Left(text, num_chars)
Returns the leftmost characters from a text string. Example:
Left(“Allegro”, 2) equals “Al”.
Len(text)
Returns the number of characters in a text string.
Example: Len(“Allegro”) equals 7.
Lower(text)
Converts text to lowercase.
Example: Lower(“Allegro FPC”) equals “allegro fpc”.
Mid(text, start, count)

Returns a specific number of characters from a text string, starting at
the position start.
Example: Mid(“Allegro”, 3, 2) equals “le”.
Proper(text)
Capitalizes the first letter of all words. Converts all the other letters
to lowercase.
Example: Proper(“this CHAPTER”) equals “This Chapter”.
Replace(oldText, start, count, newText)

Replaces part of a text string oldText, based on the number of
characters you specify (start, count), with a newText.
Example: Replace(“Allegro”, 5, 1, “-Size”) equals “Alle-sizero”.
Rept(text, nTimes)
Repeats text the given number of times.
Example: Rept(“-”, 5) equals “——”.
Right(text, num_chars)
Returns the rightmost characters from a text string.
Example: Right(“Allegro”, 2) equals “ro”.
Substitute(text, oldText, newText, n)

Substitutes newText for oldText in a text string. N specifies which
occurrence of the oldText you want to replace.
Example: Substitute(“1/1/2003”, “1”, “2”, 2) equals “1/2/2003”.
T(value)
Returns the text referred to by value.
Example: A1 contains “AAA” then T(A1) equals “AAA”.
Trim(text)
Removes all spaces from a text string except for single spaces
between words.
Upper(text)
Converts text to uppercase.
Example: Upper(“Allegro FPC”) equals ALLEGRO FPC.
Value(text)
Converts a text that represents a number to the number.
Example: Value(“1000”) equals 1000.
Information & Lookup Functions

Address(row, col, refType, A1, sheetName)
Creates a cell reference from specified row and column numbers.
Column(reference)
Returns the column number of the given reference.
Columns(range)
Returns the number of columns in an array or reference.
Example: Columns(A1:D1) equals 4.
HLookup(lookupValue, data, row)

Searches for a value in the top row of a data table and then returns
a value in the same column from a row you specify. LookupValue
is the value to be found in the first row of the data table. Data is the
table of data. Row is the row number in the data table from which
the matching value is returned.
Index(range, rowNum, colNum)

Returns a reference to a specified cell within range.
Indirect(text)
Returns the reference specified by a text.
IsBlank(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is blank.

IsErr(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is any error value except !!NA.
IsError(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is any error value.
IsLogical(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is a logical value.
IsNA(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is error value !!NA.
IsNonText(value)
Returns TRUE if value is any value that is not text.
IsNumber(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is a number.
IsRef(value)
Returns TRUE if the value refers to a reference.
IsText(value)
Returns TRUE if the value is text.
Lookup(value, vector1, vector2)

Finds the value in a row or column (vector1) and returns the
corresponding value from a row or column (vector2).
Match(lookupValue, lookupRange, matchType)

Returns the position of an item in a range that matches a specified
value in a specified order. LookupValue is the value you want to
match in the range.
N(value)
Returns a value converted to a number.
NA()
Returns the error value !!NA (no value is available).
Offset(reference, rows, cols, height, width)

Returns a reference to a range shifted by specified number of rows
and columns.
Row(reference)
Returns the row number of the given reference.

Rows(range)
Returns the number of rows in a reference or array.
Example: Rows(A1:A5) equals 5.
Type(value)
Returns a number indicating the data type of a value (number = 1,
text = 2, logical value = 4, error valu = 16).
VLookup(lookupValue, data, column)

Searches for a value in the leftmost column of a data table, and
then returns a value in the same row from a column you specify.
LookupValue is the value to be found in the first column of the data
table. Data is the table of data. Column is the column number in the
data table from which the matching value is returned.
Database Functions
Daverage(database, field, criteria)
Averages the values in the specified database column matching the
conditions.
Dcount(database, field, criteria)

Counts the cells containing numbers in the specified database
column matching the conditions.
Dcounta(database, field, criteria)

Counts nonblank cells in the specified database column matching the
conditions.
Dget(database, field, criteria)

Extracts a single value from the specified database column matching
the conditions.
Dmax(database, field, criteria)

Returns the largest number in the specified database column
matching the conditions.
Dmin(database, field, criteria)

Returns the smallest number in the specified database column
Dproduct(database, field, criteria)

Multiplies the values in the specified database column matching the
conditions.

Dstdev(database, field, criteria)
Estimates the standard deviation based on a sample, using the
numbers in the specified database column matching the conditions.
Dstdevp(database, field, criteria)

Calculates the standard deviation of a population based on the entire
population, using the numbers in the specified database column
Dsum(database, field, criteria)

Adds the numbers in the specified database column matching the
conditions.
Dvar(database, field, criteria)

Estimates variance based on a sample, using the numbers in the
specified database column matching the conditions.
Dvarp(database, field, criteria)

Calculates the variance of a population based on the entire
population, using the numbers in the specified database column
▲ Automating Tasks
The Tasks function allows you to create simple spreadsheet
applications (macros) to automate tasks.
Workbook Task Dialog Box

Use the Tasks function to define, modify, and run automating tasks,
to open the Workbook Task dialog box, tap on Task | Workbook Task in
PTab.
The Task options are described below:

Run: Runs the selected task
New: Creates a new task
Edit: Edits or renames the selected task
Delete: Permanently deletes the selected task
Run on
To start a task, select one of the following events:
(no event): Selecting this option runs the task only from this
dialog using the Run button.
Menu Item: Selecting this option adds a new item to the menu
task. In the following edit line, enter the label of the menu item
you are using.
Tap On Cell: Selecting this option executes a task by tapping on
a cell or cell range. In the following edit line enter the cell or cell
range reference.
Example: Task body: Zoom(80), select Tap on Cell: A1. Now by
tapping on A1 your workbook zooms to 80%.
New Value In: Selecting this option to execute this task when a
cell value is entered. In the following edit line enter a cell or cell
range reference.
Global
Check the Global check box if you want to use this task in any
workbook. Normal tasks are stored in workbook file. Global tasks
are stored in Windows registry.
Tutorial for First Task

To create a simple task, follow these steps:
1) Select Task | Task Workbook to open the Workbook Task dialog box.
2) Tap the New... button to open Define Task dialog box.
3) Type in the word Hello to name your task (Task Name is
highlighted and is overwritten with the word hello)
4) Tap on the fn() button to open the Insert Function dialog box.
5) Set the Category option to Task.
6) Select the function MsgBox (text) from the list and tap on OK.
7) Type “Hello World” between the parentheses (the cursor should
already be between the parentheses):
MsgBox(“Hello World”)
Note: You must include the quotation marks.
8) Tap on OK to close the Define Task dialog box and return to the
Workbook Task dialog box. Hello is now listed.

9) Select Hello so it is highlighted.
10) Tap on the Run button and a dialog box pops up displaying Hello
World.
11) Tap on the OK button to close the pop-up dialog box and return
you to the PTab spreadsheet.
Cell Task Dialog Box

Use Cell Task option found at Task | Cell Task is used to define or
modify automating tasks stored in a cell.
Cell Text
Text to display in a cell.
Task Icon
Choose an icon you want to display in a cell. You can run the task
by tapping on this icon. Choose (no icon) if you want to execute this
task by tapping on the cell.
Task Definition
Task source. Example: ShowPicture(“myBMW.jpg”).
fn()
Tap on this button to open Insert function dialog box.
PTab uses cell tasks to insert pictures, sounds or hyperlinks into cells
(see Insert in Cell > Picture/Sound/ Hyperlink heading earlier in this
chapter). To save charts (see Chart heading earlier in this chapter).
You can use cell tasks for short “macros” that you can execute by
tapping on a cell or cell icon.

Variables
You can use variables in tasks.
Example:
ok = YesNoBox(“Finish task?”)
if ok then
Return()
end
There are no global variables. Use a workbook to store global data.
How to Set and Get Cell Values

Use Set(reference, value) function to set cell value.
Example:
Set(A1,1000)
If you need to create a cell reference using row and column
numbers (column A has number 1), use function CellRef(col, row [,
sheetIndex]). Parameter sheetIndex is optional.
Example:
i=1
while i < 100
Set(CellRef(1,i), i)
i = i+1
end
If Command
if condition1 then
commands
elsif condition2 then
commands
else
commands
end

Examples:
if a1<>0 then Set(c1, b1/a1) end
if a1=0 then
Set(c1, “Sorry...”)
else
Set(c1, b1/a1)
end
While Statement
while condition
commands
end
Executes commands as long as a condition is True.
Example:
while a1>0
Set(CellRef(2, a1), a1*100)
Set(a1, a1-1)
end
For Statement
for counterVariable = startValue to endValue [step stepValue]
commands
end
Repeats commands a specified number of times.
Example:
for i = 1 to 10
Set(CellRef(1, i), i)
end
for j = 1 to 100 step 10
Set(a1, a1*j)
end

Calling a Procedure
You can structure your code into more simple tasks and then you can
call previously defined task from within a task using its name.
Example:
Set(a1,100)
while a1>0
Hello
Set(a1, a1-1)
end
Comments
Set(a1,100) ‘Note: set cell A1 to value 100
Automating Tasks Functions Reference

Parameters in [ ] are optional.
ActiveCell()
Returns the active (highlighted) cell.
Example:
Set(ActiveCell(), “Hello World!”)
ActiveSheet([index])
Returns the number of the active sheet (1-based) and selects the new
one if index is specified. Returns “!!Val” if index is less than 1 or
greater than number of sheets.
Example: ActiveSheet(2)
Beep([soundType ])
Plays a waveform sound. SoundType specifies the system sound
type (64 – asterisk, 48 – exclamation, 32 – question, 16 – hand, no
parameter – default sound).
Example:
Beep()
Beep(32)
CellRef(col, row [, sheetIndex])

Returns the cell reference.
Example:
Set(CellRef(a1,2), 123)

CellRefR(dcol , drow, [, sheetIndex ])
Returns the cell reference relative to the current cell.
Example:
Sel(a1)
Sel(CellRefR(1,0))
MsgBox(“the current cell is now B1”)
Sel(CellRefR(0,5))
MsgBox(“the current cell is now B6”)
CellTask(text, task [, icon])

Creates cell task in the current cell. Text is cell label visible in sheet,
task is task source and icon is number of icon (see Cell Task dialog
for more info). If icon=0 (or if this parameter is omitted) cell task is
executed by tapping on cell. If icon>0 then cell task is executed by
tapping on icon.
Example:
CellTask(“Picture”,”ShowPicture(””pic.jpg””)”,3)
Chart([“Type:Bar/Line/LineMarkers/Pie/XY/XYLines/
XYLinesMarkers”,
“Title:ChartTitle”,
”XTitle:XaxisTitle”,
”YTitle:YaxisTitle”,
“Series:Rows” or “Series:Columns”,
”Legend” or “Legend:No”,
”Xaxis” or “Xaxis:No”,
”Yaxis” or “Yaxis:No”,
”Xgrid” or “Xgrid:No”,
”Ygrid” or “Ygrid:No”,
”AutoScale” or “AutoScale:No”])
Shows the chart of the selection. All parameters are optional and
their order is not important.
Default values of parameters: Chart(“Type:Bar”, “”Series:Rows”,
“Legend”, “Xaxis”, “Yaxis”, “Xgrid:No”, “Ygrid:Yes”, “AutoScale”).
Example:
Sel(a1:c20)

Chart(“Type:XY”, “Title:Sin(x)”, “Xgrid”, “Ygrid”)
Sel(b2:f5)
Chart(“Series:Columns”, “AutoScale:No”)
Clear()
Clears contents in the current selection.
Example:
Clear()
ClearFormat()
Clears format in the current selection.
Example:
ClearFormat()
ClearValidation()
Clears validation settings in the current selection.
Example:
ClearValidation()
ColHide([hideUnhide])
Returns whether the first column of current selection is hidden and
hides (true) or unhides (false) selected columns if hideUnhide is
specified.
Example:
Sel(B1:B1)
ColHide(true)
ColWidth([width])
Returns column width of the first column of current selection and
sets width of selected columns if width is specified.
Example:
Sel(B1:C1)
ColWidth(100)

ComboBox(“list”)
Creates combo box in the current cell. See also Tools | Data Validation
menu item for more info. Use function ClearValidation() to clear
combo boxes in the current selection. Use Run on “New value in”
workbook task event to run a task every time value in a cell is
changed.
Example:
Sel(A1)
ComboBox(“BMW,Jaguar,Volvo”)
Copy()
Copies the current selection to the clipboard.
Example:
Sel(A1:A5)
Copy()
Sel(B1)
Paste()
DeleteCells(colsRows)
Deletes cells (true - columns, false - rows).
Example:
DeleteCells(true)
DeleteSheet(worksheet)
Removes worksheet.
Example:
DeleteSheet(“Sheet2”)
FileBox(title [,filter])
Opens a file dialog box with the title and the file type filter.
Example:
picture=FileBox(“Pictures”, *.jpg,*.gif,*.bmp,*.2bp,*.xbm”)
ShowPicture(picture)
Filter(onOff)
Sets auto filter (true = autofilter on, false = autofilter off). Auto filter
range is the current selection.
Example:
Filter(true)
FindDialog()
Shows Find dialog box.
Example: FindDialog()
FormatPainter(cellRef)
Formats the current selection using the format from the specified cell
(cellRef).
Example:
FormatPainter(f2)
FreezeTitles(onOff)
Freeze/unfreeze titles.
Example:
Sel(a2)
FreezeTitles(true)
FullScreen(onOff)
Returns the current screen mode and sets it if onOff is specified (true
= full screen, false = normal).
Example:
FullScreen(true)
GoalSeek(setCell, toValue, chngCell)

Runs a goal seek. When goal seeking PTab varies the value in
chngCell until a formula in setCell returns the result toValue. See
also Tools > Goal Seek menu item.
Example:
GoalSeek(A1, 1000.0, C1)
IBrowser([Webpage])
Runs Internet browser.
Example:
IBrowser(“www.z4soft.com”)
InputBox(title)
Shows input dialog box with the title.
Example:
age = InputBox(“Enter your age”)

InsertCells(colsRows)
Inserts cells (true - columns, false - rows).
Example:
InsertCells(false)
InsertSheet( worksheet)
Inserts new worksheet.
Example:
InsertSheet(“Cars”)
LastCol([rowNumber] )
Returns the last nonblank cell in the whole sheet (if rowNumber is not
specified) or in the specified row.
Example:
last = LastCol()
last = LastCol(15)
LastRow([columnNumber])
Returns the last nonblank cell in the whole sheet (if columnNumber is
not specified) or in the specified column.
Example:
last = LastRow()
last = LastRow(15)
ListBox(title, range)
Shows list box dialog with items from range and with the title and
returns the index of the selected item or its value (if retValue is
TRUE).
Example:
med = ListBox(“Choose medicine”, Medicines!a1:a50, TRUE)
ListBox2(title, item, item2, item3... item29)

Shows list box dialog with items: item1, item2, item3... and with the
title and returns the text of the selected item.
Example:
car = ListBox(“Choose car”, “BMW”, “Jaguar”, “Ferrari”)

Modified([onOff])
Returns true if the Modified flag is true (workbook was modified)
and sets the Modified flag to onOff (true or false).
Example:
Modified(false)
MsgBox(text)
Shows the Message Box with the text.
Example:
MsgBox(“Hello”)
Paste([contents, format, skipBlanks, onlyResults])

Pastes the clipboard to the current selection.
Example:
Sel(A1:A5)
Copy()
Sel(B1)
Paste()
All arguments are optional. Paste() function without arguments
works as Edit|Paste menu command. The Paste() function with
arguments works as Edit|Paste Special menu comment. The Default
values for arguments are Paste(true, true, false, false).
Example for paste contents, preserve previous format:
Paste(true, false)
PlaySound([filename])
Plays a sound (file of type *.wav). If you use this function without
parameter, any currently playing sound is stopped.
Example:
PlaySound(“Song1.wav”)
RangeRef(col1, row1, col2, row2 [, sheetIndex])

Returns the range reference.
Example:
MsgBox(Sum(RangeRef(a1,2,20,2)))

Return()
Stops task execution.
Example:
if a1=0
MsgBox(“A1 must not be 0”)
Return()
end
RowHeight([height])
Returns row height of the first row of current selection and sets
height of selected rows if height is specified.
Example:
Sel(A2:A7)
RowHeight(10)
RowHide([hideUnhide])
Returns whether the first row of current selection is hidden and
hides (true) or unhides (false) selected rows if hideUnhide is specified.
Example:
Sel(A2:A5)
RowHide(true)
RunApp(application [,parameters])
Runs and application (program) with optional parameters.
Example:
RunApp(“iexplore.exe”, “http://z4soft.com”)
Save(fileName )
Saves the current workbook.
Example:
Save(“data.xls”)
Sel([range])
Returns the current selection and select the new one if range is
specified.
Example:
Sel(a2:c12)

Set(reference, value)
Sets cell specified by reference to the value.
Example:
Set(a1, 12.34)
SheetName(sheetNum)
Returns name of the specified sheet.
Example:
name = SheetName(1)
SheetsCount()
Returns a number of sheets in workbook.
Example:
MsgBox(“Sheets count is “&SheetsCount())
ShowPicture(pictureFile [,Time])
Shows a picture (file of types: *.jpg, *.gif, *.bmp, *.2bp, *.xbm). Use
the second (optional) parameter to close a picture window after time
seconds. Without specifying the time parameter a picture can be
closed by tapping on it.
Example:
ShowPicture(“car.bmp”)
Sort(firstBy[, ascending, secondBy, ascending, thirdBy,

ascending, headerRow, caseSensitive, sortRows] )
Sorts the current selection. FirstBy, secondBy, thirdBy - column
numbers (or row numbers if sortRows is true). Sorts ascending
(ascending = true) or descending (ascending = false). For more info see
Sort dialog in Tools menu.
Example:
Sel(a1:c20)
Sort(1)
TickCount()
Returns the number of seconds that have elapsed since the system
was started. This function has microsecond precision.
Example:
tm = TickCount()

TopLeftCell(reference)
Returns the top left cell on the screen and sets it if reference is
specified.
Example:
TopLeftCell(A1)
WorkbookName()
Returns name of the opened workbook.
Example:
Save(WorkbookName())
YesNoBox(text)
Shows the box giving the choice yes or no and returns true if user
selects Yes.
Example:
if YesNoBox(“Stop”) then
Return()
end
Zoom([magnification])
Returns current value of zoom magnification and sets it to
magnification if specified.
Example:
Zoom(65)
Zoom(Zoom()-10)
Automating Task Examples

Selecting cells from a2 to the last cell
Sel(RangeRef(1, 2, LastCol(), LastRow())
Selecting column by tapping the cell in the first row (onTap:

$A$1:$A$255)
curCol = Column(ActiveCell())
Sel(RangeRef(curCol, 1, curCol, LastRow())
Entering a product name to the tapped cell in column B from

product table in Sheet2 (onTap:$B$1:$B$16384)
choice = ListBox(“Select a product”, Sheet2!a1:a16384)
Set(ActiveCell(), CellRef(1, choice, 2))

Get current selection coordinates:
c = Column(Sel())
r = Row(Sel())
numCols = Cols(Sel())
numRows = Rows(Sel())
▲ PTab Keyboard Shortcuts
Format Cells Ctrl+1 Fill Right Ctrl+R
Select All Ctrl+A File Save Ctrl+S
Copy Ctrl+C Paste Ctrl+V
Fill Down Ctrl+D Close Ctrl+W
Find Ctrl+F Cut Ctrl+X
Goto Ctrl+G Redo Ctrl+Y
Replace Ctrl+H Undo Ctrl+Z
File New Ctrl+N Clear Contents Del
File Open Ctrl+O

WordPad
Microsoft WordPad allows you to create and edit documents similar

to the way you do using Microsoft Word on the desktop PC. To open
WordPad, double-tap the Microsoft WordPad icon on the desktop
or go to Start | Programs and tap on WordPad. A new document is
automatically opened. To open existing documents, choose File |
Open and specify the files location.
WordPad allows you to open WordPad documents (.pwd) and ASCII

text files (.txt). If you have more than one document opened, cycle
through them by pressing CTRL+< or CTRL+>.
▲ Command Bar
The buttons on the command bar give you quick access to many
of the same options that are available in the Format menu such as
font attributes and alignment. You can choose whether you would
like the command bar to be below the menu bar or to the right of
the menus to allow for more viewing space. Refer to the Application
Command Bars section found earlier in this chapter for details. Use
the on-line Help [?] for more details about WordPad.
▲ Saving WordPad Files
When you select File | Save or File | Save As, the path is
automatically set to: \My Documents\, which stores the file in RAM.
We recommend that you change the path to: \C_Drive\C_MyDocs\
so that the file is saved to the non-volatile solid state storage.

Windows Media 9 Series Player
Windows Media 9 Series player comes installed on your Allegro CX.

This program runs movie and audio files. These files can be located
on the Internet or on the Allegro.
Note: Running the Windows Media player increases the rate the battery
is drained. Playing video files on the media player drains the battery faster
than playing audio only files.
To access the Windows Media 9 Series player, complete the following
steps:
2) Tap on Start | Programs | Media Player.
The Windows Media 9 Series player has the following options:

File
View
Playback
Web
Tapping on each of these options (except the Web button) accesses a
drop-down box with available functions in the media player.

▲ File
The File option is used to locate audio or video files on your Allegro
or the Internet. Tapping on the File option accesses a drop-down box
with the following available functions:
Open
Close
Playlists
Favorites
Exit
Open
Selecting the Open option access the following screen:

The Open URL screen allows you to type in the location of a movie
or audio file on the Internet or the Allegro that you want the media
player to open, or use the Browse button to navigate through your
Allegro to locate the files.
The text box on the Open URL screen displays the location of the
selected audio/video or the location of the last file that was played
in the media player. Tapping on the down arrow next to the text box
opens a drop-down box showing all the files that have been recently
played on your Allegro. These files can be accessed by tapping on a
file in the drop-down list and tapping on the OK button.
The OK button confirms your file selection and opens the file in the
media player. Tapping on the Cancel button closes the Open URL
screen and returns you to the media player main screen.

Close
The Close option is only available when a file is open in the media
player. When a file is being played or has ended, it is still loaded in
the media player and will begin playing again when the Play button
is tapped. Selecting the Close option closes that file so it is no longer
able to be played by tapping on the Play button. The file must be
reopened to be played.
Playlists
Playlists are a compilation of audio/video files that can be stored
in a single folder or in multiple locations on your Allegro. When a
playlist is selected, the media automatically accesses the files you
want played in the order you have programmed them to be played.
The Playlists option allows you to view local content, favorites, and
created playlists of audio/video files located on your Allegro. You
can also organize the playlists on your Allegro or create new ones.
Favorites
The Favorites option allows you to add a file to your Favorites folder,
to organize your favorites in the order you want, and lists the files
you have selected as favorites. Favorites are not playlists with
multiple files but single audio/video files.
Exit
Selecting the Exit option exits you out of the Windows Media 9 Series
player and returns you to the desktop of the Allegro.
▲ View
The View option is used to select the visual size of the file you are
viewing on your Allegro. Tapping on the View option accesses a
drop-down box with the following available functions:
Zoom
Full Screen
Statistics
Properties
Options
Zoom
The Zoom option is used for adjusting the viewable area when
watching video files. There are three selectable percentages from the
Zoom option, 50%, 100%, and 200%.

Full Screen
The Full Screen option is only available while a video file is loaded
into the media player. Selecting this option fills the entire screen with
the video file.
Tapping on the screen will pause and play the file. To resize the file
you are viewing to fit into the file player and so you have access to
the media player options, press the Esc key on your Allegro.
Statistics
Selecting the Statistics option opens to a screen that displays the
following information about the file being played in the media
player:
Filename
Source Protocol
Memory Usage
Properties
Selecting the Properties option opens to a screen that displays the
following information about the file being played in the media
player:
Clip Title
Clip Artist
Clip Album
File Name
Duration

Audio Frequency
Stereo
Protected
Options
Selecting the Options option opens to the Options screen. This screen
allows you to set the following media player options:
Windows Media Buffering (time): Allows you to set the buffering
time for the media player from 1 – 5 seconds.
Playback: Allows you to set the file to Play once or to Repeat
forever (or until you close the file). You can also set the Zoom
default.
▲ Playback
The Playback option shows the player controls of the media player.
The following are the Playback functions with their key shortcut:
Function Key(s)
Play Enter
Pause Ctrl+P
Stop Ctrl+S
Mute Ctrl+M
Repeat Ctrl+R
Shuffle Ctrl+H
▲ Web
The Web option is only functional when the Allegro is able to connect
to the Internet. Tapping on the Web button opens to the Windows
Media Web page. If the Allegro is not connected to the Internet, the
Internet Explorer opens but you receive a The page cannot be displayed
message.

Internet Explorer and Inbox
Allegro CX includes Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer for accessing

the World Wide Web and Microsoft Inbox for sending and receiving
e-mail.
▲ Setting up an Internet Connection

The procedure for accessing the Internet depends on your specific
requirements and network environment. For example, you may wish
to use a phone line to dial into an Internet Service Provider (ISP). In
this case, you need a PC card modem and an established ISP account.
Or you may wish to connect the Allegro directly to your office
Internet, in which case you need an Ethernet PC card and assistance
from your network administrator.
These are just a few of the possibilities. Regardless of how you
decide to make the connection, the following information assists you
in getting the Allegro configured properly.
If you plan to use a dial-up connection for Internet access, you need
to configure a new connection as follows:
1) Install and configure a PC card modem according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
2) Turn on the Allegro and go to Start | Programs | Communication |
Remote Networking.
3) Double-tap the Make New Connection icon.
4) Enter a name for the connection and select Dial-Up Connection.
5) Tap the Next button.
6) Select the modem you are using in the drop-down box. In
most cases, you do not need to make changes under the
Configure or TCP/IP Settings dialogs. Consult with your network
administrator if you need to change these settings.
7) Tap the Next button and enter the dialing information. Tap the
Finish button.
8) Double-tap the connection icon, enter your user name and
password, and tap the Connect button. Once the connection is
established, you have complete access to the Internet.
To open the Internet browser on your Allegro, tap on Start |
Programs | Communication | Internet Explorer. Or follow the
instructions below to set up Inbox for sending and receiving e-mail.

▲ Using Inbox
Inbox allows you to send and receive e-mail as well as compose
outgoing messages and view incoming messages.
Set up a service first so that Inbox knows how you are accessing the
Internet by following these steps:
1) Start Inbox from the desktop icon or from the Start menu.
2) Go to Services | Options on the main menu. On the Services tab,
tap Add. Choose IMAP4 Mail or POP3 Mail and enter a service
name. Tap the OK button.
3) The Mail Service Definition dialog is displayed. If you are using
a dial-up connection, select the connection that you created
earlier (see previous) from the drop-down list. If you are using a
network connection, select Network Connection. Enter your ISP
or network information in the remaining edit boxes.
4) Tap the Next button to access the Mail General Preferences and Mail
Inbox Preferences dialog boxes. Configure the settings in these
dialogs according to your needs. For additional information on
these settings consult the on-line help. When you are finished,
tap the Finish button.
5) You can establish a connection using Inbox by tapping Services |
Connect from the main menu.

Sending E-mail
To send an e-mail, complete the following steps:
1) Tap Compose | New Message.
2) Enter the address, subject, and message.
3) Tap the Send button on the toolbar.
Receiving E-mail
To read your incoming e-mail, complete the following steps:
1) Tap on Inbox in the tree view at the left of the screen to display a
list of your messages in the list view on the right.
2) Double-tap on a message in this list to open it, allowing you to
view its content.
Help
Use the on-line Help [?] for more details about the Internet Explorer
and Inbox programs.

Calculator Program
The six-function Calculator program functions like a desktop

calculator. Open the Calculator by tapping on Start | Programs
|Utilities | Calculator.
Tap on the numbers and mathematical functions required to perform
the desired calculation. The numbers appear in the horizontal box
at the top of the screen as you type them in. The answer to the
calculation also appears in this box. You can enter the numbers from
the keyboard if you wish.
The box in the upper-left corner displays an M if there is information
stored in the memory of the calculator.

Terminal Program
The Terminal® Emulation program is used to connect the Allegro to

an on-line service.
▲ Creating a New Session

1) Double-tap on the Make New Session icon shown above. A screen
called Session Properties is shown.
2) Enter a name in the Session Name box.

3) Select the name of your modem from the pull-down list.
4) Enter the telephone number for the remote computer.

5) Select OK to connect.
6) An icon for the new session appears in the Terminal folder.
7) To disconnect, select File | Close.
▲ Adjusting the Properties

To adjust the properties, follow these steps:
1) Select the icon for the session you want to adjust.
2) Tap on File | Properties to bring up the Session Properties screen.

3) Make any necessary adjustments on the Communications tab. Call
options and port settings are adjusted by pressing the Configure...
button.
4) Press the Dialing Properties button to make dialing property

adjustments. Press OK when you are finished.

5) Select the Emulation tab to modify the emulation settings. Press
OK when you are finished.
▲ Help
Use the on-line Help [?] for more details about the Terminal
program.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a technology that wirelessly connects electronic devices

to each other or to the Internet within short distances using very low
power. Laptop computers, handheld computers, cell phones, and
GPS receivers equipped with Bluetooth technology can communicate
within a range of approximately 30 feet.
If you order an Allegro with the integrated Bluetooth option, it is
factory installed on your Allegro CX prior to shipment. When the
Allegro is turned on, a Bluetooth icon appears in the system tray.
▲ Bluetooth Options
To access the Bluetooth options on your Allegro, complete the
following steps:
1) Tap on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray. The following pop-
up screen appears:
2) Tap on one of the options to access additional settings.

The Allegro must first run the Device Discovery function to locate
available Bluetooth devices. Go to the Tools - Device Discover section
of this chapter and follow the Device Discovery instructions.
Turn Transmitter OFF/ON

The Turn Transmitter OFF/ON option is used to turn the Bluetooth
transmitter on your Allegro on or off. You need to turn on the
Bluetooth transmitter to use Bluetooth devices on your Allegro. To
turn the transmitter on or off, tap on the Bluetooth system tray icon,
then tap on Turn Transmitter OFF/ON.

Get Connected!
The Get Connected! option enables you to connect your Allegro to
another Bluetooth device through the phone port. To connect to a
Bluetooth device, complete the following steps:
1) Tap on the Get Connected! option.
2) Follow the instructions presented in the Get Connected! Wizard.
3) Highlight the Bluetooth device you want to connect to in the

Device Name box on the Available Bluetooth Devices screen by
single tapping on it.
4) Tap on one of the following buttons on the Available Bluetooth

Devices screen:
Select: Selects the highlighted Device Name you are connecting
to and advances to the next Bluetooth connection step.

Refresh: Enables the Bluetooth Device Search to locate and
display all available Bluetooth devices that can connect to your
Allegro.
Cancel: Closes the Available Bluetooth Devices screen and returns
you to the Get Connected! Wizard displaying that the Bluetooth
connection is Unsuccessful!
After tapping on the Select button, the Passkey Required screen

appears requesting the Bluetooth passkey: for the Bluetooth device.
The passkey is like a PIN number that only the two Bluetooth
devices know. On some devices, such as devices that do not have a
display, the passkey is set at that factory. The passkey is provided in
the documentation that comes with the device.
Note: Entering the passkey enables you to connect to your device while
preventing other Bluetooth users from connecting to your device.

5) Enter the passkey, located on your Bluetooth device, and tap on
the Reply button.
6) Tap on the Finish button.

▲ Advanced Features
Bluetooth offers the following Advanced Features:
My Bluetooth Device
Bluetooth Devices
My Bluetooth Device
The My Bluetooth Device option accesses additional settings for your
Bluetooth connection. To access the My Bluetooth Device option, tap
on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray, then tap on Advanced Features
| My Bluetooth Device.

General
The General tab displays the following My Bluetooth Device Manager
settings:
Friendly Name: The name that is made available to other devices,

such as My CX.
Bluetooth Address: The unique 48-bit electronic address of your
Allegro CX.
Discoverable: Makes your Allegro CX visible to other Bluetooth
devices.
Connectable: Toggles whether or not your Allegro is able to accept
incoming connections.
Use Authentication: Requires a passkey from the remote device
trying to bond (pair) with the Allegro.
Use Encryption: Causes the Bluetooth connection to be encrypted to
enhance security.
Firmware: Shows the firmware version of your Bluetooth hardware.
Select the Discoverable and Connectable options so a checkmark
appears in each box. These settings allow other Bluetooth enabled
devices, which have the capability to do a device discovery (such as
a computer or another field computer), to find your Allegro.
Uncheck the Discoverable box if you only need the Allegro to find
other Bluetooth devices and do not need the Allegro to be found by
another computer when they do a device discovery. This setting may
conserve battery life.

COM Ports
The COM Ports tab displays the available Bluetooth COM ports.
On the COM Ports tab you can enable, disable, and check the
assignments of the Bluetooth COM ports of your Allegro.
Note: Make sure that you set COM port assignments for the various
connection types that are available on the Allegro. If you disable the infrared
ports, you have more ports available to use for Bluetooth devices. The
infrared uses COM ports 4 and 5. These two ports become available for
Bluetooth devices if the infrared ports are disabled. COM port 7 is used for
USB communications, and it is not accessible as a Bluetooth port.
Object Sharing
The Object Sharing tab allows you to assign a Bluetooth Shared Folder.
This is the folder used when you allow others to access your files
using Bluetooth.

Bluetooth Devices
The Bluetooth Device Manager manages all Bluetooth devices that
are within range of the Allegro after performing a device discovery.
The Device Manager also controls the device pairing or bonding, so
that a program on the Allegro using a communication (COM) port
automatically knows what Bluetooth device is connected to that
specific COM port.
The Bluetooth Device screen accesses multiple Bluetooth options. To
open the Bluetooth Device screen, complete one of the following steps:
Tap on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray, then tap on
Advanced Features | Bluetooth Devices.
Double-tap on the Bluetooth Devices folder on the desktop of the
Allegro.
The Bluetooth Device screen offers the following options:

Device
View
Tools
Device
The Device option offers the following options:
Bond
Properties
Delete
My Bluetooth Device…

Note: The Bond, Properties, and Delete options are only accessible when
a Bluetooth device is highlighted. To highlight a Bluetooth device, single tap
on the device icon on the Bluetooth Devices screen.
Bond
The Bond option activates a Wizard that helps you bond Bluetooth
devices. Bonding is the process of setting up a permanent
recognition between two Bluetooth devices that lets you
automatically create secure connections between your Allegro and
the remote device.
The two devices create secret codes called passkeys used to uniquely
identify each other. They use these secret codes for both security,
and establishing a unique connection to the bonded (paired) device,
even if another of the same type of device is within range. To set
up a bond between your Allegro and remote device, complete the
following steps:
1) Tap on the device you want to create a bond with so it is
highlighted.
2) Tap on Device | Bond.
3) Follow the instructions presented in the Bonding Wizard.

Note: To set up a bond between the Allegro and another Bluetooth
device, the device must appear in the Bluetooth device manager screen. If it
does not, a device discovery must be performed to locate the device you want
to bond to.
The Bonding Wizard requires a Bluetooth passkey to establish
verification and security features embedded within the Bluetooth
protocol. Some devices allow you to choose your own passkey. If this
is the case, then the passkey you enter in the bonding process must
be the same as the passkey entered in the device discovery process.
Example of a passkey: The Socket GPS receiver sold by Socket
Communications has the factory set passkey of 0183. Through the
bonding process, this receiver is uniquely bonded to the Bluetooth
enabled computer.
After entering the correct passkey, tap on the Reply button to advance
to the screen on the Allegro indicating the device is successfully
bonded.
Properties
The Properties option displays the Bluetooth properties on your
Allegro. To access the Properties screen from the Device Manager,
1) Tap on the device you want to view the properties of, so the icon
is highlighted.
2) Tap on Device | Properties.

General
The General tab displays the following screen and properties:
Icon Selection ->
Device name: The friendly name of the remote device.

Icon selection buttons: Allows you to select the icon displayed for the
remote device.
Major: Lists the major class of the remote device, such as phone
device.
Minor: Lists the minor class of the remote device, such as modem.
Service class: Lists the service class of the remote device, such as
telephony.
Device address: The unique 48-bit electronic address of the remote
device.
Services
The Services tab allows you to view the Bluetooth services available
on the remote device.

Tap on the up or down arrow, located next to the Services box to view
the active services available on the remote device.
Tap on the Update button to enable a search for any new Bluetooth
services that have been activated on the remote device. When the
search ends, your Allegro returns to the services screen and displays
all available Bluetooth services in the Services box.
Tapping on OK saves any changes made. Tapping on the X closes the
Properties screen and returns to the Bluetooth Devices screen.
Delete
The Delete option allows you to delete the highlighted Bluetooth
device. To delete a device from the Device Manager, complete the
following steps:
1) Tap on the device you want to delete so it is highlighted.
2) Tap on Device | Delete.

3) Tap on Yes to proceed with the deletion process, or tap on No to
cancel.
My Bluetooth Device…
Selecting the My Bluetooth Device… option opens the My Bluetooth
Device Manager as discussed previously in this chapter.
View
The View option offers you two ways that icons are presented in the
Bluetooth Devices screen. To change the way a device is viewed in the
Device Manager, complete the following steps:
1) Tap on View.
2) Tap on Large Icons or Details.
Large Icons: Shows the icons in a large format.

Details: Displays the Device Name, Device Class and if the device is
Bonded or not.
Tools
The Tools option offers the following options:
Device Discovery
My Favorites…
Device Discovery
Before any device can be used, the Allegro must search for and
identify all Bluetooth devices. This process is called Device Discovery.
The Device Discovery option accesses a Wizard that guides you
through the process of locating nearby Bluetooth devices and
instructs you on how to add the devices you want to work with to
the Bluetooth Devices folder.
Run Device Discovery whenever you need to add a Bluetooth device.
This program can be run as many times as necessary, and must be
performed for all Bluetooth devices before the Allegro can access
them.
Note: Many programs, such as Browse Remote Device or Trimble
TerraSync, automatically run the Device Discovery Wizard when the
program detects that Bluetooth is installed.

To add Bluetooth devices through the Device Discovery program,
1) Tap on Tools | Device Discovery or tap on the eyes icon in the tool
bar of the Bluetooth Devices screen to access the Device Discovery
Wizard.
2) Tap on the Next Button, the following screen appears:
This screen enables you to limit the type of Bluetooth devices that
the discovery process searches for. You can also specify the length
of time the Allegro searches for devices. One of the following Device
types: must be selected to proceed with the Discovery Wizard:
Any Bluetooth Device
Data-capable phone
LAN access point
Another PDA/computer

Tap on the up or down arrows next to the second(s) box to set the
Search duration. This duration is the length of time the Allegro
searches for Bluetooth devices.
3) Tap on the Next button to begin the Device Discovery search
function.
Once the Allegro is finished searching, it displays all of the located

devices.
4) Select each Bluetooth connectable device you want to save to
your Allegro by tapping in the checkbox to the left of each device
and tap on the Next button.

The Allegro queries each of the selected devices to determine the
services that are available on each device. When the process is
complete, the following screen appears.
Note: If no Bluetooth devices are available, the Bluetooth Device

Discovery screen does not appear and you automatically advance to the
Finish screen of the Device Discovery Wizard with a note that no devices
were located.
5) Tap on the Finish button to complete and close the Device
Discovery Wizard application.
My Favorites
The My Favorites option enables you to set up device favorites for
the various COM ports and communications connections. The My
Favorites… options configures your Allegro to use the same Bluetooth
device each time a particular COM port is opened. To access the My
Favorites options, complete the following steps:
1) Tap on Tools | My Favorites.

Phone
The Phone tab enables you to select the phone port device that is
automatically connected to when the Bluetooth communication
program uses a Bluetooth phone port device.
Tap on the down arrow next to the My favorite phone: box to access a
drop-down box of all available phone port options. Tap on the phone
port device you are using as your favorite.
Select one of the following two options that work best for your
Bluetooth phone port needs:
Use the favorite selected above. This option automatically uses
the My favorite phone: port device that you selected.
Don’t use a favorite – prompt me with a list of suitable devices
instead. This option searches all accessible phone ports around
you and gives you a list that you must select from before a phone
port connection is made.
Note: If no phone port is available the phone option defaults to Don’t
use a favorite – prompt me with a list of suitable devices instead.
Properties screen and returns you to the Bluetooth Devices screen.

Printer
The Printer tab enables you to select the printer that is automatically
used when print software sends output to the Bluetooth printer port.
Tap on the down arrow next to the My favorite printer: box to access
a drop-down box of all available printers. Tap on the printer you are
using as your favorite.
printer needs:
the My favorite printer: that you selected.
instead. This option searches all accessible printers around you
and gives you a list that you must select from before a printer
output connection is made.
Note: If no printer is available the printer option defaults to Don’t use a
favorite – prompt me with a list of suitable devices instead.

COM Port
The COM Port tab enables you to select the COM port device that is
automatically used when the a program opens the Bluetooth COM
port.
Tap on the down arrow next to the My favorite COM port device: box
to access a drop-down box of all available COM port options. Tap on
the COM port device you are using as your favorite.
Bluetooth COM port device needs:
the My favorite COM port device: port device that you selected.
instead. This option searches all accessible COM ports around
you and gives you a list that you must select from before a COM
port connection is made.
Note: If no COM port is available the COM port device option defaults
to Don’t use a favorite – prompt me with a list of suitable devices instead.
▲ Bluetooth ActiveSync
The Bluetooth ActiveSync option allows you to establish an
ActiveSync connection between your Allegro and your PC through
Bluetooth.

To establish an ActiveSync connection through Bluetooth, you must
first refer to the setup instructions for the Bluetooth adapter for your
desktop PC that is required for a Bluetooth connection between your
Allegro and desktop PC. Once the Bluetooth adapter is enabled,
1) Tap on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray to access the
Bluetooth option screen.
2) Tap on Bluetooth ActiveSync option.
▲ Bluetooth LAN Access
The Bluetooth LAN Access option allows you to establish a LAN
connection between your Allegro and a LAN network.
To establish a LAN access connection through Bluetooth, you must
first refer to the setup instructions for the Bluetooth LAN adapter for
the LAN network that is required for a Bluetooth LAN connection.
Once the Bluetooth LAN adapter is enabled, complete the following
steps:
1) Tap on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray to access the
Bluetooth option screen.
2) Tap on Bluetooth LAN Access option.
▲ Transfer via Bluetooth
The Transfer via Bluetooth option accesses the following file transfer
functions:
Send a File
Browse Remote Device
Receive Contact or File
Enable File Sharing
Send a File
Transfers files between your Allegro and another device.
Browse Remote Device

Opens a browse window to look through a Bluetooth remote device.
Receive Contact or File

Searches surrounding Bluetooth devices attempting to send a file to
your Allegro.
Enable File Sharing

Enables your Allegro and Bluetooth connected devices to share files.

For more information of transferring files using Bluetooth, go to the
Bluetooth File Transfer section found later in this chapter.
▲ About…
The About option opens the About Device Manager screen that
displays the version, Copyright, and Internet information of the
Bluetooth card installed in your Allegro.
▲ Bluetooth File Transfer

There are two procedures for transferring files between Bluetooth
devices. The first way is to use the Browse Remote Device utility,
and the second is to use the Send a File and Receive a Contact or File
utilities. Each procedure requires the Object Exchange (OBEX) add-
on program to be installed on the Allegro.
Note: The Allegro CX with built-in Bluetooth has this extension pre-
installed.
▲ Installing the OBEX Add-On Program
If you are using a Bluetooth compact flash card adapter in the
Allegro, the OBEX needs to be installed separately, if you have not
installed it already. To confirm if the OBEX add-on is installed on
your Allegro, complete the following steps:
1) Tap once on the Bluetooth icon in the system tray of the Allegro
(located in the bottom-right corner of the Allegro display). A
menu should appear.
2) Tap on the Transfer via Bluetooth option in the Bluetooth menu. If
this option is not selectable, the OBEX add-on is not installed.

OBEX for Allegro CX
If you are using the Allegro CX, download the OBEX add-on
program from Socket Communication’s Web site at:
ftp://ftp.socketcom.com/bluetooth/BTCEobexENG120H.exe.
OBEX for Allegro CE using Windows CE .NET 4.1

If you are using an Allegro CE with Windows CE .NET 4.1, the OBEX
add-on program is included with the custom Bluetooth drivers.
These drivers are available for download from Juniper System’s Web
site at:
http://www.junipersys.com/files/AllegroBluetoothCE41.exe.
Bonding Bluetooth Devices

Once the OBEX add-on program is installed on the Allegro, create
a bond between the Allegro and the other Bluetooth device. If you
have not previously created a bond, refer to the Creating a Bond
section in this document for instructions.
Selecting Bluetooth Shared Folder

The Bluetooth Shared Folder is the root directory that a Bluetooth
device sees when using the Browse Remote Device utility.
Transferred and synchronized files on your Allegro appear in the
Bluetooth Shared Folder. This folder is located at My Documents |
Bluetooth Shared Folder by default.
The Bluetooth Shared Folder can be changed by following these
steps:
1) Tap once on the Bluetooth icon in the Allegro’s system tray (in
the bottom-right corner of the Allegro display). A pop-up menu
appears.
2) Select the Advanced Features menu selection, and then My
Bluetooth Device.
3) Tap on the Object Sharing tab in the Device Manager window.
4) Tap in the My shared folder: box, and then type in the directory
you would like to have as the Bluetooth Shared Folder. For the
Allegro, it is suggested to use C_Drive or C_Drive\C_MyDocs.
Then tap on OK or press ENTER.
Once OBEX is installed, and you have selected the Bluetooth Shared
Folder location, and bonded with the other Bluetooth device, you
can now transfer files between the devices.

▲ Transferring Files using Browse Remote Device
The Browse Remote Device utility is the first transfer method
discussed. This utility uses Local and Remote to define each Allegro.
To transfer files between two Allegros using the Browse Remote Device
utility, please complete the following steps:
(Local Allegro) that you would like to browse (explore). A pop-
up menu appears.
2) Tap on Transfer via Bluetooth | Enable File Sharing.
Note: A window appears counting down from two minutes. You can
restart this window if you do not complete the next two steps below within
this time. This window gives permission for the other Allegro to view the
contents of this device.
3) Use the second Allegro (Remote Allegro) and tap on the
Bluetooth icon in the system tray of the Allegro that you would
like to browse. A pop-up menu appears.
4) Tap on Transfer via Bluetooth | Browse Remote Device.
5) Tap on the first Allegro from the Bluetooth device list so it is
highlighted.
6) Tap on the Select button.
You are now allowed to browse the contents of the Bluetooth
Shared Folder and all subfolders of the first Allegro in the right
Remote screen.
7) Tap on the file you want to transfer so it is highlighted.
8) Tap on the lightning bolt button with the arrow pointing in the
direction of the Bluetooth device the file is transferring to.

In the example above the SC Info folder is highlighted and the
lightning bolt button with the arrow pointing to the left is selectable.
Tapping on that lightning bolt button transfers the SC Info folder
and its contents to the Bluetooth Shared Folder on the Allegro (Local
Device).
▲ Transferring Files using Sending and Receiving a
File
The second method for transferring files between two Bluetooth
devices, such as two Allegros, is to use the Send a File and Receive a
Contact or File utilities. For transferring a file between two Allegros
using these utilities, follow the steps below:
that is receiving a file. A pop-up menu appears.
2) Tap on Transfer via Bluetooth | Receive Contact or File.
A window appears counting down from two minutes while
waiting to receive the file.
This window signals to the sending Allegro that this unit is ready
to receive the file. You can restart this window if you do not
complete the steps below within the two minutes.
that is sending the file. A pop-up menu appears.
4) Tap on Transfer via Bluetooth | Send a File. An explorer window
appears.
5) Browse the explorer window for the file that you would like to
send.
6) Tap on the file once so it is highlighted.
7) Tap on OK to send the file.
The file transfers to the receiving Allegro, and appears in the
Bluetooth Shared Folder that you specified earlier. If you did not
specify a folder, the default folder is My Documents | Bluetooth Shared
Folder.

Chapter 6
Technical
Reference
Specifications
Communication Cable Schematic

Specifications
▲ Processor
 Intel® XScale® processor, 400 MHz
▲ Operating System
 Microsoft® Windows CE® .NET V4.2, loaded into RAM for the
highest execution speed possible
▲ Utility Programs Included on Allegro CX
 PTab™ Spreadsheet, Calculator, Microsoft Windows Explorer®
File Manager, Microsoft InBox® E-mail, Microsoft Pocket Internet
Explorer®, Microsoft WordPad®.
▲ Physical Specifications
 Size: 10” high x 5.25” wide at display x 3.1” wide at narrowest
point x 1.5” deep (256 mm x 133 mm x 79 mm x 38 mm)
 Weight: 1.84 lbs or 29.5 oz (836 grams), weight includes installed
battery pack
 Operating Temperature: -22 to 130° F (-30 to 54° C)
 Storage Temperature: -22 to 140° F (-30 to 60° C)
 Waterproof and Dustproof: Passes MIL-STD 810F and IP67
leak (immersion) tests. To pass these tests, the Allegro CX is
submerged under the equivalent of .5 meters of water for 30
minutes.
 Air tight: Causing the Allegro to float in water
 Shockproof: Passes MIL-STD 810F shock (drop) test. To pass this
test, the Allegro CX is dropped on each face and corner from 5
feet (1.52 m) onto a hard surface.
▲ Communication Ports
 USB Port: connection on base of unit to be used with USB/Power
Dock™, multiple docks can be chained through communication
hubs
 COM1: Sealed 9-pin D; full modem control signals; 5V @ 200 mA
available on DTR pin 4; controlled by DTR signal
 COM2: Sealed 9-pin D; full modem control
 Infrared Port: Operates IrDA mode (115 K bits/sec); located
between the COM ports on the top of the Allegro
▲ Internal Bluetooth Transceiver (Optional)
 Profiles: Include serial; printer; phone; LAN

 Transceiver: Class 2 Bluetooth
 Range: 30 foot (10 meter) radius
 Integrated: Built into the Allegro; does not occupy the PC Card
slot
▲ Internal Expansion Ports
 COM 3: Internal expansion bus connections, full modem control
signals, signal levels 0 to 3.3V straight from UART, no buffering,
ring signal causes unit to resume from a suspend state
 Expansion Port: Contains low 3 address bus signals, low 8
bit data bus, bus control signals, COM 3 signals, and general
purpose input/output (GPIO) signals
▲ Color Display
 High visibility color TFT active matrix transflective LCD, .24 mm
dot pitch, .23 mm dot size
 1/4 VGA, 320 x 240 pixels, landscape view
 Transflective technology for brilliant contrast, including use in
direct sunlight
 Includes MX1178 graphic accelerator for high performance
operation
 LCD has an LED backlight with adjustable brightness capability
for visibility in low lighting or changing light conditions
 Color TFT technology allows operation in cold temperatures
without a heater
 Active viewing area: 3.0” wide x 2.3” high (3.8” diagonal)
 Two onboard mini stylus and a full size stylus
 Touchscreen disable button allows you to clean the screen or
operate unit in heavy rain
 Touchscreen transmissivity of 84%, non-reflective
▲ Monochrome Display
 High visibility LCD with paper white-like background, black on
white, high contrast, .26 mm dot pitch, .25 mm dot size
 1/4 VGA, 320 x 240 pixels, landscape view
 Transflective technology for brilliant contrast, including sunlight
 LCD has an LED backlight with adjustable brightness capability
for visibility in low lighting or changing light conditions
 LCD has extended temperature rating for operation in cold or hot
environments

 Automatic contrast adjustment with temperature compensation
 Display heater for operation in cold environments; can be set to
turn on automatically when temperature is less than -3° C
 Active viewing area: 3.3” wide x 2.5” high (4.1” diagonal), 18%
larger than comparable units
 Two onboard mini stylus and a full size stylus
 Touchscreen disable button allows you to clean the screen or
operate unit in heavy rain
 Touchscreen transmissivity of 84%, non-reflective
▲ System Tray Indicators
Indicators shown in the lower right corner of the Allegro CX screen
in the status tray include:
 Data storage activity
 PC card activity
 Caps lock on
 External power input
 Charging indicator
 Remaining battery life
 Touchscreen disable
 ActiveSync connection
 Bluetooth
 Heater on (monochrome only)
▲ Keyboard
 62 large keys, advantageous for use with gloved hands; left or
right-handed operation
 12 Function keys: Located directly under the display; convenient
for use in applications as soft keys
 Special keys include: Windows Start, Task Manager, Contrast
Adjustment, Touchscreen Disable, Display backlight on/off
 Large round cursor control button
 Forward and backward tab keys without shifting
 Numeric keys are large and centrally located
 All printable ASCII characters are on the keyboard
 Keys have a snappy tactile feel
 Removable keyboard bezel for cleaning and customization

▲ Case Design
 Ergonomic with balanced weight distribution
 Rugged, 100% sealed against water and dust
 Designed for one-handed operation (right or left)
 Rings at all four corners of the case for straps
 Adjustable hand strap and shoulder strap
 Multiple strap orientations possible
▲ Memory/Storage
 128 M SDRAM
 Internal Solid State Storage 256 M, 512 M, or 1 G
▲ PC Card Slot
 User-accessible
 16 bit PC Card, user removable (32 bit Card Bus type cards not
supported)
 Accepts Type I or II 3V/5V PC cards (does not accept 3V only
cards)
 Compatible with ATA, Compact Flash with adapter, micro hard
disk, SRAM, modems, wireless networking cards, and other I/O
cards
▲ Power
 Rechargeable 3.6V 3800 mAh NiMH high capacity battery pack
(Sharp camcorder battery)
 NiMH batteries last 12 to 20 hours depending on the application
(maximum continuous use is 30 hours)
 Alkaline battery holder uses three AA alkaline cells (optional
accessory)
 Power manager automatically switches unit into low power
mode for optimum efficiency
 Separate power input connector for charging and direct power
input, 10-20 V DC, 5.5 x 2.1 mm DC power jack
 Vehicle charge cable is available
 Rapid internal smart-charging in three to five hours (temperature
dependant, charges faster in cool temperatures; automatic switch
to trickle charge mode to preserve charge and protect battery
▲ Sound
 Screen taps, key beeps

 Sounds can be customized and associated with events
 Volume is adjustable
 Audio/Video playing capabilities with Windows Media 9 Series
player
▲ Clock
 Internal real time clock with lithium backup battery, restores
correct time and date after a system reset or restore
 +/- three minutes per month accuracy
▲ Certifications
 FCC Class A
 European CE Mark Class B
▲ Expandability
 Expansion Pods: Allow you to integrate additional components
with the Allegro CX; Pods replace the PC card door and remain
fully sealed
 Pods Include: GPS, Wireless Network, Bar Code
 Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Communication Cable Schematic
A wiring diagram for the serial communication cable is shown

below.

Chapter 7
Software
Developer’s
Guide
CE .NET Software Development Tools

Software Development Programming Tips
Installing Applications
Options for Program and File Storage
Power Management
Windows CX Reference

CE .NET Software Development Tools
This section discusses the available software development tools for

Allegro CX’s that are running CE .NET. Windows CE .NET gives
developers the option to use the following software development
tools:
Visual Studio .NET 2003
Visual Basic .NET (VB .NET) 2003
C# (C sharp)
Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0
▲ Visual Studio .NET 2003
Visual Studio .NET is a purchased software development program
available through Microsoft, Inc. It comes with both Visual Basic
.NET and C#. The following features are included in Visual Studio
.NET:
Enhanced Visual Studio .NET IDE
Improved Debugging with IntelliSense
Build Applications for Mobile Web and Smart Devices
Trouble-free Deployment of Windows-based Applications
Enhanced Upgrade Technology
Powerful, Flexible Data Access
Native Support for XML Web Services
Service Pack 3 (or higher) is recommended
Note: Visual Studio .NET 2002 does not work on the Allegro CX. You
must use Visual Studio .NET 2003 software to develop for the Allegro CX.
Visual Studio .NET 2003 System Requirements

Requirements vary for different combinations of components within
Visual Studio .NET 2003. Go to the following Web site to view a table
to help determine the minimum system requirements needed for
running Visual Studio .NET 2003:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vbasic/productinfo/sysreqs/default.
aspx
Ordering Visual Studio .NET

To order Visual Studio .NET, go to Microsoft’s Web site at:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/howtobuy/default.aspx#2

You have the option of upgrading your 2002 Visual Studio .NET to
2003 or purchasing the 2003 Visual Studio .NET.
▲ Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0
Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 is a developer program
available from Microsoft. The following are some of the options
available through eMbedded Visual C++:
C++ Exception Handling
Run Time Type Information (RTTI).
Standard Template Library (STL)
Attach to Process
Debugger Can Halt All Threads in a Process
Out of Process Application Wizard
Just-in-Time Debugging
eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 System Requirements

Requirements vary for different combinations of components within
eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0. Go to the following Web site an overview
of eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 and to determine the minimum system
requirements needed:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/device/embedded/datasheet.
aspx
Downloading eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0

This program is available as a free download from Microsoft or can
be purchased if you want the program sent to you on a CD.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/device/embedded/download.
aspx
This download size is over 300MB. The download time varies
depending on the type of Internet connection you have. We
recommend using a minimum of DSL or Cable Internet connection
for downloading.
Allegro Software Development Kits of eMbedded Visual

C++
The Allegro SDK is located on the Allegro CX Distribution CD-ROM.
There is not an SDK for eMbedded Visual Basic users.
Allegro CE .NET SDK Installation

Select Browse from the Allegro CX Distribution CD-ROM and locate
the SDK folder. Double-click on the SDK file available: ALLEGRO_
CX_ SDK.exe.
Software Development Programming Tips
To help programmers developing software for the Allegro CX, we

have included the following programming tips. We recommend that
you refer to Windows CE .NET programming reference books to
assist you in your software development.
▲ Allegro CX Identification
When installing your applications, you need to determine if certain
peripherals are available. There could be reasons you need to know
the following specific information about your Allegro CX device:
Platform name Allegro CX

Windows CE version and Build Version 4.20 (Major 4, Minor 20)
Number Build 0
Internal storage device name C_Drive
PC card storage device name Storage Card
(English version)
To uniquely identify an Allegro CX device by serial number, refer to
the section Allegro Specific APIs.
Platform Name
The combination of Windows CE .NET operating system and the
hardware that it runs on is called a platform. Common platform
names are Pocket PC, HPC, HPC Pro, etc. The Allegro’s platform
name is Allegro CX.
To discover the platform name in an application program, call Sys
temParametersInfo(uiAction, uiParam, pvParam, 0) with uiAction
equal to SPI_GETPLATFORMTYPE. The uiParam parameter
specifies the length of the buffer in pvParam, which on successful
return contains the platform name in Unicode characters.
Windows CE Version
There are two numbers used to identify the operating system, the
version number and the build number. An Allegro running Windows
CE .NET uses Windows CE version 4.20, Build 0. To locate the
version number, complete the following steps:
1) Tap on Start | Settings | Control Panel on your Allegro’s desktop.
2) Double-tap on the System icon.
3) Tap on the General tab. This tab displays the version of the
Windows CE operating system.

If you create an installation package (cab file), you need to consider
the build number. In general, you should use as wide a range as
practical when specifying installation constraints, or consider
imposing no limitations at all.
Internal Storage Device Name

Allegro CX’s internal (non-removable) non-volatile storage is named
C_Drive.
PC Card Storage Device Name

In the English version of the Allegro CX operation system, the PC
Card Storage area is named Storage Card. This is the default name
for ATA PC Cards in Windows CE .NET.
It is recommended to avoid hard-coding this name, as it has changed
over time, and differs from one language to another. For Allegro
cross platform compatibility, look for the name of the PC storage
card in the registry at:
(HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Drivers\PCMCIA\ATADisk\Folder).
If this folder does not exist, or has no value, the default name is
Storage Card.
Allegro Specific APIs

There are a number of Application Program Interfaces (APIs) that are
only available on the Allegro CX. These APIs are used for accessing
special or unique features of the Allegro CX platform. These API’s
include accessing the serial number, or getting information from the
Allegro expansion pod.
To use these APIs, include AllegroAPI.h in the source code and
instruct your linker to use AllegroAPI.lib. For Visual Studio .NET
you need to p/invoke (platform invoke) these functions for the
Allegro CX eVC++ SDK, which contains a file named AllegroAPI.h
that describes these APIs.
▲ Selecting the Platform
Select ALLEGRO_CX as your platform when using development
tools for Windows CE .NET.

Options for Program and File Storage
For program and data storage, the Allegro CX has the following
options:
RAM
Internal storage device
PC Card storage
The internal storage is referred to as C_Drive. The PC card is referred
to as Storage Card. The data and programs stored on these two
devices are secure without battery backup.
When designing a program for the Allegro CX, give the user a choice
of where to store the application, and where to store the application
program’s old data.
Note: Always save data to the C_Drive for maximum safety and
security.

Power Management
Windows CE .NET was designed for efficient battery operation.

Windows CE .NET puts the processor to sleep when there are no
active threads using the processor. When writing applications, be
careful not to use any functions that keep the threads active when
not in use.
Power Management Tips:
1) Do not spin a loop
2) Use the Wait APIs such as WaitForSingleObject()
3) Sleep() may also be used effectively

Windows CE .NET References
▲ Windows CE .NET Reference Books

The following books about program development for Microsoft CE
.NET are available:
Mastering Visual Studio .Net, Ian Griffiths, Jon Flanders, and Chris
Sells, O’Reilly & Associates, Incorporated, 2003
Microsoft® Visual C# .NET Step by Step, Version 2003, John Sharp

and Jon Jagger, Microsoft Press, 2003
Microsoft® Visual Basic .NET Step by Step Version 2003, Michael

Halvorson, Microsoft Press, 2003
Programming Microsoft Windows CE .NET, Third Edition, Douglas

Boling, Author, Microsoft Press, 2003
The Windows CE Technology Tutorial, Chris Muench, Author,

Addison Wesley, 2000
These books can be ordered from local book stores or at various
online book stores.
The books from Microsoft Press can also be ordered at:
www.mspress.microsoft.com
Microsoft Press
A Division of Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6299
▲ Web sites
www.microsoft.com/windowsce
www.microsoft.com/embedded
www.vbce.com
www.vcce.com

Chapter 8
FCC Information,
Warranty, and
Software License
Agreement
FCC Information
Warranty and Repair Information
Software License Agreement

FCC Information
The Allegro CX is a Class A device. The FCC defines a Class A

device as a device that may be operated in business or industrial
environments only.
▲ FCC Class A Statement
Class A equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

Warranty and Repair Information
▲ Limited Product Warranties

Juniper Systems, Inc. (“Juniper”) warrants that this Allegro CX Field
PC shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship, under
normal intended use, for a period of 12 months from the date of
shipment, excepting that this warranty shall not apply to battery
packs, media containing Allegro CX and desktop PC programs and
the Owner’s Manual, and any accessories. Juniper warrants that the
following shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship,
under normal intended use, for a period of ninety (90) days from the
date of shipment: battery packs, media containing the Allegro and
desktop PC programs and Owner’s Manual, and any accessories.
▲ Warranty Exclusions
This warranty shall not apply if: (i) the product has been set up
improperly or has been improperly installed or calibrated, (ii) the
product is operated in a manner that is not in accordance with the
instruction manual(s) and/or user guide, (iii) the product is used for
a purpose other than for which it was designed, (iv) the product has
been used in environmental conditions outside of those specified for
the product, (v) the product has been subject to any modification,
alteration, or change by or on behalf of customer (except and
unless modified, changed or altered by Juniper or under Juniper’s
direct supervision), (vi) the defect or malfunction results from
misuse or accident, (vii) the serial number on the product has been
tampered with or removed, or (viii) the product has been opened
or tampered with in any way. Parts that are excessively worn are
not covered under warranty. These may include, but are not limited
to, the keyboard elastomer and switch matrix, hand straps, and the
touchscreen.
This warranty is exclusive and Juniper will not assume and hereby
expressly disclaims any further warranties, whether express
or implied, including, without limitation, any warranty as to
merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement
or any warranties arising from the course of performance, dealing,
or usage of trade. Juniper specifically makes no warranties as to
the suitability of its products for any particular application. Juniper
makes no warranties that its products will meet your requirements
or will work in combination with any hardware or applications
software products provided by third parties, that the operation of
its products will be uninterrupted or error free, or that all defects
in the product will be corrected. Juniper shall not be responsible
for software, firmware, information, or memory data contained in,
stored on, or integrated with any products returned to Juniper for
repair, whether under warranty or not.
▲ Remedy
In the event a defect in materials or workmanship is discovered and
reported to Juniper within the specified warranty period, Juniper
will, at its option, repair the defect or replace the defective product.
Replacement products may be new or reconditioned. Juniper
warrants any replaced or repaired product for a period of ninety
(90) days from the date of return shipment, or through the end of the
original warranty period, whichever is longer.
▲ Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent allowed by law, Juniper’s obligation shall
be limited to the repair or replacement of the product. Juniper
shall in no event be liable for special, incidental, or consequential,
indirect, special or punitive damages of any kind, or for loss of
revenue or profits, loss of business, loss of information or data, or
other financial loss arising out of or in connection with the sale,
installation, maintenance, use performance, failure, or interruption
of any product. Any responsibility and/or liability of Juniper shall,
in connection with a warranted product, be limited in maximum
amount to the original purchase price.
▲ Warranty Repairs
In order to obtain repair or servicing, contact our Customer
Service Department within the applicable warranty period. The
customer must prepay all shipping costs under a warranty repair or
replacement.
▲ Governing Law
This warranty will be governed by the laws of Utah, and excluding
the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International
Sale of Goods. The courts of Utah shall have exclusive personal
jurisdiction in case of any disputes arising out of or in connection
with this warranty.
▲ Extended Warranties
Juniper Systems, Inc. offers a variety of warranty options to extend
coverage beyond the standard warranty. Contact us for details.
▲ Repairs
If your Allegro CX is in need of repair or servicing, contact our
Customer Service Department for an RMA (Return Materials
Authorization) number.

Please have this information ready when you contact us:
Allegro CX serial number
Your name
Name and shipping address of company/university/agency
Phone and fax number
Clear description of the problem encountered
Purchase order number and billing address (for equipment that is
not under standard or extended warranty)
The customer has the responsibility to ship the equipment to
Juniper Systems, Inc. with all shipping costs prepaid. After repairing
or replacing the equipment, Juniper Systems, Inc. will ship the
equipment, at its cost, back to the customer by the same type of
carrier used by the customer to ship the equipment to our facility.
Repairs are normally completed within ten working days unless
special circumstances exist.

Software License Agreements
▲ Manufacturer Agreement
This Software License Agreement is between the end-user and
the manufacture (Juniper Systems, Inc.) Please read the following
terms and conditions before using the Allegro CX Field PC and the
software created by Juniper Systems, Inc. for use with the Allegro.
This agreement supersedes any prior agreement, written or oral.
Programs created by another company and distributed with the
Allegro are subject to the license agreements created by these
companies for their products. See Microsoft’s license agreement on
the following page.
Granting of License
The manufacture grants, under the following terms and conditions, a
non-exclusive license to use the Allegro CX and the software.
Ownership
Juniper Systems, Inc. retains the title to and ownership of the
software plus any copies made of the software.
Software Use
The software is authorized for use on the Allegro CX Field PC. It
may only be used on a Field PC provided by Juniper Systems, Inc.
You can use the software on one Field PC at a time per licensed copy.
You may make one copy of the software to be stored as a backup.
Copyright
The Allegro CX software is copyrighted by Juniper Systems, Inc. You
may not rent, lease, lend, sub-license, modify, or disassemble these
programs. The associated documentation may not be copied without
written permission.
Term
This License is in effect until terminated. It will be terminated under
the following conditions:
You destroy all copies of the software and documentation.
You return all copies of the software and documentation to us.
You fail to comply with any provisions of the License Agreement.

Acceptance or Disagreement
Use of the software in any manner indicates your acceptance and
acknowledgment of the terms and conditions of this agreement. If
you do not agree with any of the terms and conditions, do not use
the software. Return the disk and documentation to the manufacture.
If the software was installed on the Field PCs at the factory, you must
delete it.
▲ Microsoft End User License Agreement (EULA)
The Allegro CX Field PC that includes software licensed by the
manufacture from Microsoft Licensing Inc. or its affiliates (“MS”).
Those installed software products of MS origin, as well as associated
media, printed materials, and “online” or electronic documentation
(“SOFTWARE”) are protected by international intellectual property
laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE is licensed, not sold. All rights
reserved.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THIS END USER LICENSE
AGREEMENT (“EULA”), DO NOT USE THE DEVICE OR COPY
THE SOFTWARE. INSTEAD, PROMPTLY CONTACT Juniper
Systems, Inc. FOR INSTRUCTIONS ON RETURN OF THE UNUSED
DEVICE(S) FOR A REFUND. ANY USE OF THE SOFTWARE,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO USE ON THE DEVICE,
WILL CONSTITUTE YOUR AGREEMENT TO THIS EULA ( OR
RATIFICATION OF ANY PREVIOUS CONSENT).
GRANT OF LICENSE. This EULA grants you the following rights to
the SOFTWARE:
You may use the SOFTWARE only on the Allegro CX.
NOT FAULT TOLERANT. THE SOFTWARE IS NOT FAULT
TOLERANT. Juniper Systems, Inc. HAS INDEPENDENTLY
DETERMINED HOW TO USE THE SOFTWARE IN THE DEVICE,
AND MS HAS RELIED UPON Juniper Systems, Inc. TO CONDUCT
SUFFICIENT TESTING TO DETERMINE THAT THE SOFTWARE IS
SUITABLE FOR SUCH USE.
NO WARRANTIES FOR THE SOFTWARE. THE SOFTWARE is
provided “AS IS” and with all faults. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO
SATISFACTORY QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, ACCURACY, AND
EFFORT (INCLUDING LACK OF NEGLIGENCE) IS WITH YOU.
ALSO, THERE IS NO WARRANTY AGAINST INTERFERENCE
WITH YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THE SOFTWARE OR AGAINST
INFRINGEMENT. IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANY WARRANTIES
REGARDING THE DEVICE OR THE SOFTWARE THOSE
WARRANTIES DO NOT ORIGINATE FROM, AND ARE NOT
BINDING ON, MS.

Note on Java Support. The SOFTWARE may contain support for
programs written in Java. Java technology is not fault tolerant and is
not designed, manufactured, or intended for use or resale as online
control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe
performance, such as in the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft
navigation or communication systems, air traffic control, direct life
support machines, or weapon systems, in which the failure of Java
technology could lead directly to death, personal injury, or severe
physical or environmental damage. Sun Microsystems, Inc. has
contractually obligated MS to make this disclaimer.
No Liability for Certain Damages. EXCEPT AS PROHIBITED BY
LAW, MS SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY INDIRECT,
SPECIAL,CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
ARISING FROM OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR
PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE. THIS LIMITATION
SHALL APPLY EVEN IF ANY REMEDY FAILS OF ITS ESSENTIAL
PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MS BE LIABLE FOR ANY
AMOUNT IN EXCESS OF U.S. TWO HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS
(U.S.$250.00).
Limitations on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and
Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or
disassemble the SOFTWARE, except and only to the extent that such
activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding
this limitation.
SOFTWARE TRANSFER ALLOWED BUT WITH RESTRICTIONS.
You may permanently transfer rights under this EULA only as part
of a permanent sale or transfer of the Device, and only if the recipient
agrees to this EULA. If the SOFTWARE is an upgrade, any transfer
must also include all prior versions of the SOFTWARE.
EXPORT RESTRICTIONS. You acknowledge that SOFTWARE is
of US-origin. You agree to comply with all applicable international
and national laws that apply to the SOFTWARE, including the
U.S. Export Administration Regulations, as well as end-user,
end-use and country destination restrictions issued by U.S. and
other governments. For additional information on exporting the
SOFTWARE, see http:/www.microsoft.com/exporting/.

NOTICE REGARDING THE MPEG-4 VISUAL STANDARD. The
software installed on this device may include MPEG-4 visual
decoding technology. MPEG LA, L.L.C. requires the following
notice:
USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES
WITH THE MPEG 4 VISUAL STANDARD IS PROHIBITED,
EXCEPT FOR USE DIRECTLY RELATED TO (A) DATA OR
INFORMATION (i) GENERATED BY AND OBTAINED WITHOUT
CHARGE FROM A CONSUMER NOT THEREBY ENGAGED
IN A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE, AND (ii) FOR PERSONAL USE
ONLY; AND (B) OTHER USES SPECIFICALLY AND SEPARATELY
LICENSED BY MPEG LA, L.L.C.
If you have questions regarding this Notice, please contact MPEG
LA, L.L.C., 250 Steele Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colorado 80206;
Telephone 303 331.1880; FAX 303 331.1879

Chapter 9
Expansion Pods
Expansion Pods
GPS Expansion Pod
Bar Code Expansion Pod
802.11b Expansion Pod
Bar Code/ 802.11b Expansion Pod

Expansion Pods (Optional Accessory)
An Allegro CX Expansion Pod adds capability to the field computer

while maintaining the waterproof and dustproof integrity of the
rugged unit. Expansion pod capabilities include:
1) Automatically logging the identification of an inventoried asset
using the integrated bar code scanner.
2) Wirelessly sending or receiving information from the action point
to your local area network via the Allegro with the Wi-Fi 802.11b
receiver.
3) Mapping your position or navigating to a known location using
the integrated GPS receiver.
Custom expansion pods can be designed to meet the specialty
needs of system integrators or OEMs. An expansion pod can be
installed on the Allegro after purchase if you find that you want to
add this capability to the product in the future. Contact your sales
representative for details.
The following expansion pods are available:
▲ GPS Pod
The GPS expansion pod integrates the Trimble Lassen LP™ receiver
with the Allegro placing GPS technology in the palm of your hand.
▲ Bar Code Pod
The bar code expansion pod integrates a high performance Symbol™
bar code scanner with the rugged reliability of the Allegro CX. This
pod eliminates the need for an external bar code scanner with cables
that can get in the way.
▲ 802.11b Pod
The 802.11b expansion pod integrates wireless LAN technology with
the Allegro CX. This combination allows you to collect data outside
and transfer it wirelessly into a computer in a nearby building.
▲ Bar Code/802.11b Pod
This integrates both the bar code and 802.11b technology into one
expansion pod for the Allegro CX.

GPS Expansion Pod
The GPS expansion pod integrates the Trimble Lassen LP GPS

receiver with the Allegro. A compact 3.3 V active micropatch antenna
is mounted to the top of the Allegro.
The Lassen LP module is a high-performance, low power, micro

GPS receiver that supports both TSIP and NMEA protocols
with autonomous accuracy of 5 –10 meters, or 2 – 5 meters after
differential correction. The GPS expansion pod is used in conjunction
with the following programs:
GIS/GPS programs for Windows CE including ESRI ArcPad™,
TerraSync®, Starpal HGIS™, and others
LandMark CE™ utility incorporates real-time GPS data into
custom and third party applications
DataPlus™ Professional or EASYDC™ generated applications for
data collection
▲ Attaching the Antenna
Before you can use the GPS expansion pod, you must attach the
antenna and configure the GPS receiver using the GPS Pod Setup
program. To do this, complete the following steps:
Note: We have more than one GPS expansion pod model. The one
attached to your Allegro may look slightly different than the model used in
the pictures shown in this document. These instructions apply to all models.
1) Remove the antenna assembly from the bag and loosen the two
thumbscrews located at the bottom of the mount.
2) Remove the stylus from the Allegro.

3) Insert the stylus that is attached to the antenna mount in place of
the stylus you removed. As you place the stylus in its slot on the
Allegro, slide the metal cover up into the stylus slot so that the
stylus fits into place.
4) Use two fingers, one on each prong of the stylus, and press it
securely into place.
5) Make sure the rubber stylus holders are not pressed inward or
they may pop the antenna out of the stylus holder. Removing the
rubber covers to the COM ports can help make this step easier.
6) Place the two knobs on the end of the antenna clamp into the
screw holes located above the COM ports of the Allegro.
7) Tighten the thumbscrews on the antenna so that the antenna is
securely fastened into place. You want the thumbscrews to be
snug, but do not over tighten them.
8) Remove the protective cap from the connector labeled GPS ANT
(save the cap for future use). Screw the antenna cable into the
connector.
You have completed the steps to attach the antenna to the Allegro
GPS Expansion pod.
▲ GPS Pod Setup Program
The GPS Pod Setup program is factory installed on your Allegro. The
program allows you to configure the parameters of the internal GPS
receiver to accommodate the various GIS/GPS programs that run on
the Allegro.
The Allegro communicates with the internal GPS receiver via COM
3. The GPS Pod Setup program allows you to change the serial port
settings being used (i.e. baud rate, parity, stop bits), and to select
between TSIP and NMEA data output formats.

Specifying GPS Receiver Port Settings
To set up the parameters on the GPS Receiver Port Settings, complete
the following steps:
1) Go to Start | Programs | Utilities | GPS Pod Setup, and the GPS
Receiver Port Settings screen pops up.
At the bottom of the screen, there are three function buttons:

Get Settings
Apply Settings
Reset Receiver
Get Settings
The Get Settings button is used to see the receiver’s current settings
without changing the settings. Pressing Get Settings does a search
for the GPS receiver, which can take up to one minute to find the
settings. Once the search is complete, the current settings for the GPS
receiver are shown.
Apply Setting
Tap on the Apply Settings button to save and apply new settings. To
make sure that your settings are applied correctly, press Get Settings
to check the parameters.
Reset Receiver
The Reset Receiver button returns the settings to their default setting.
This function enables you to start over in the event that an error was
made.
2) Tap on the Get Settings button and wait approximately one
minute for the settings to appear.

3) Record the settings for the following:
COM Port: COM3 – not changeable
Protocol:
Baud:
Parity:
Data Bit: (Note: Data Bit is always set at 8 and is not shown
in the set up)
Stop Bit:
The following are the default GPS pod settings:
COM Port: COM3 – not changeable
Protocol: TSIP
Baud: 9600
Data Bit: 8 – not changeable
Parity: None
Stop Bit: 1
4) Access the setup or configuration menu in the GPS program.
5) Change the parameters on the GIS/GPS program’s configuration
menu to match the default GPS pod settings or change the
parameters on your Allegro to match your program. If you
change the settings on your Allegro, tap on Apply Settings.
The COM Port and Data Bit are set and not changeable on the
Allegro. All GPS programs that offer these settings to be changed
must be set to the following Allegro settings:
COM Port: 3
Data Bits: 8
6) Connect the GPS. The Allegro must be outside in clear sky
conditions (this means free from tree foliage, buildings, power
lines, etc.) to receive a new GPS almanac. The receiver can take
up to 20 minutes to establish and receive the almanac.
Note: If your parameters do not match, some GPS programs (i.e.
ArcPad, TerraSync) produce an error message when attempting to activate
the GPS pod. This error means the communication parameters in the GPS
program do not match the GPS pod. Go back to the GPS programs set up
page and check to make sure those settings are the same settings as the
settings on your Allegro’s GPS Receiver Port Settings screen.

▲ GPS Data Formats
In the GPS Pod Setup program, you can set up the receiver in either
the TSIP or NMEA GPS data format.
TSIP Format
The TSIP is the default setting for the GPS pod. The settings are
COM Port: COM3, Protocol: TSIP, Baud: 9600, Parity: None, Data Bit:
8, Stop Bit: 1.
NMEA Format
The NMEA format does not have any default settings and must be
selected manually.
When NMEA is selected, you have the ability to enable or disable
certain NMEA packet types.
After the settings have been selected, tap on the Apply Settings
button to save the new settings. Tap on the Get Settings button to
bring up the GPS pod current settings to double check them.

Reviewing and Editing the Receiver Parameters
Once you determine which data format you are going to use, follow
these steps to review and edit the parameters as needed:
1) Click on the Get Settings button to reset the parameters to their
default setting.
2) Change the parameters, if necessary, by clicking on the down
arrow on the right of the Baud, Parity, Stop Bits, and/or GPS Data
Format box to bring up a list of setting options, and click on the
setting you want.
3) Click on the Apply Settings button.
4) Click on the X in the top right corner to Exit out of the program.
▲ Tips for Using the GPS Expansion Pod
Keep the following tips in mind while using the Allegro with the
GPS expansion pod:
When attempting to receive GPS signals, get the clearest view
of the sky as possible. Obstructions such as buildings, trees,
mountains, and your body can keep signals from reaching the
receiver.
Do not cover the antenna with anything while you are using the
system.
The antenna can be mounted on a vehicle or a pole, a longer
cable is required to do this. Contact our Sales Department for
details.
Using the GPS expansion pod, and GIS or GPS software running
on the Allegro may cause the Allegro battery to drain at a
faster rate. This rate depends on the software and how much
processing is taking place.
The PC card slot is accessible while the GPS expansion pod is
attached to the Allegro. Refer to Hardware Features, PC Card Slot
in Chapter 2 of this manual, for details on how to use it. There is
a flat, brown flex cable that is part of the expansion pod that is
visible when you open the pod door. Do not twist, bend, or break
this cable while you are using the PC card slot.
If you remove the antenna, place the protective cap over the
antenna connector to keep dirt and moisture out.

▲ For More Information
Your GPS is now configured correctly to use the GPS pod. If you
have any questions or still cannot connect, please contact your
reseller or our customer service department at (435) 753-1881, or by
email at [email protected].
▲ GPS Antenna Removal
The GPS antenna can be removed and reattached depending on your
needs. To remove the GPS antenna from your Allegro, complete the
following steps:
1) Unscrew the antenna cable from the Allegro expansion pod.
2) Loosen the thumbscrews on the antenna so that the antenna and
the two knobs at the end of the antenna clamp are no longer
securely fastened.
3) Pull the antenna off of the Allegro.
The antenna can be reattached to the Allegro by following the
instructions in the Attaching the Antenna section found previously
in this chapter.
▲ GPS Installation Program
The GPS Set Up program is installed on your Allegro before it is
shipped. In the event that the GPS program gets removed from your
Allegro and needs to be reinstalled, complete the following steps:
1) Insert the Allegro CX Distribution CD shipped with your Allegro
into your PC’s CD-ROM drive and wait for the installation screen
to load.
2) Click on the Browse CD button on the installation screen.
3) Double-click on the Utilities Applications folder.
4) Double-click on the GPS Pod Setup Install folder.
5) Connect the Allegro to your PC through ActiveSync.
6) Double-click on the setup icon.
7) Follow the instructions given throughout the installation
program.

Bar Code Expansion Pod
Using the bar code expansion pod with an Allegro offers the
convenience of scanning bar codes and receiving the scanned data,
all in a single handheld unit. With the Bar Code Expansion Pod
there are no extra cables that could get in the way. The bar code
pod is factory installed to the Allegro and includes the COM port
connection, the power supply, and the software. The software is
used to set up the scanner and to transfer the scanned data to a data
collection program.
The bar code expansion pod integrates the laser bar code scanning
technology of a Symbol SE 1224 high-performance laser scan engine
with the Allegro CX and offers the following features:
High performance bar code scanning in bright, outdoor light
Scanning distances of 1 to 3 feet from the Allegro
Excellent scan capability for poorly printed or low contrast bar
codes
Low power performance
Compatible with nine different bar code symbologies
▲ Bar Code Reader Program
The bar code expansion pod is shipped with a Bar Code Reader
program factory installed on your Allegro. This program has two
key functions. The first allows you set up the scanner’s target/scan
button control, scan notification, and styles of bar codes to scan. The
second function of the Bar Code Reader program is to scan bar codes
with the press of a button. This function takes the scanned bar code
and transfers it into electronic data automatically entered into a data
collection program opened on your Allegro.

The Bar Code Reader has the following four options available:
Help
Begin Scan
Bar Code Setup
Exit
The Help option on the Bar Code Reader title bar opens a drop down
menu with an About option. Tapping on the About option accesses
a pop up screen showing the Bar Code Reader version number and
copyright.
The Begin Scan button enables the expansion pod to begin scanning
bar codes. It takes scanned data and enters it into an opened data
collection program on your Allegro. You do not need any other
program to read bar code data into your application.
The Bar Code Setup button opens the Bar Code Setup program. This
program contains selectable options to set up the scanner to operate
according to your needs.
The Exit button at the bottom of the program screen, or the X button
in the upper right corner of the screen, closes the Bar Code Reader
program.
To begin using your Allegro’s bar code expansion pod, follow the
instructions under the Getting Started, Bar Code Setup, and Begin Scan
headings of the Bar Code Expansion Pod section.
▲ Getting Started
Before you begin using your bar code expansion pod to scan bar
codes, open the Bar Code Reader program and set up the scanner’s
functions. To open the Bar Code Reader program, complete the
following steps:
2) Double-tap on the Bar Code Reader icon located on your Allegro’s
desktop.

An Initializing Bar Code Scanner message box pops up, as the
Bar Code Reader program loads and the Bar Code Reader program
opens.
3) Tap on the Bar Code Setup button.

▲ Bar Code Setup
Before you begin scanning, use the Bar Code Setup program to
configure the bar code scanner according to your needs. The Bar
Code Setup options are described throughout this section.
The Bar Code Setup program has the following five tabs for
personalizing your bar code scanning program:
User
Scanner
Data Format
Code Type
Defaults
The Bar Code Setup program has many options that are enabled and
disabled by tapping on small boxes next to the option. When an
option is selected, a checkmark appears in the box. When the option
is disabled, the checkmark disappears.
To set up and save your bar code scanning options, complete the
following steps:
1) Read the following set up sections: User, Scanner, Data Format,
Code Type, and Defaults.

These sections describe the functions in the Bar Code Setup
program informing you of the options that best suit your bar
code scanning needs.
2) Select the options you want to use for scanning bar codes.
3) Tap on the Exit Setup button to save your bar code settings and
return you to the Bar Code Reader screen.
4) Go to the Begin Scan section of this chapter and follow the
directions there to begin scanning bar codes.
User Setup
The User tab contains the options that effect how you use and
interact with the scanning program. These options include targeting
and scanning key selections, and audio and visual confirmation if a
scan is successful or not.
To target bar codes, the scanner emits a small laser beam showing a
red dot where the scan takes place. This target beam allows you to
line up the scanner with the bar code.
To scan bar codes, the scanner emits a laser as a thin red line that
covers the entire length of a bar code. In the scanning process, the
bar code is read, decoded, and then transferred to a data collection
program open on your Allegro.
The User tab allows you to select which key your Allegro uses to
initiate a scan, and if you want audio and/or visual confirmation if a
scan is successful or not.

Only one Allegro key is used to both target and scan a bar code.
Pressing on the scan key initiates the target beam first. The target
beam stays on for a set time ranging from 0.0 to 9.9 seconds. You
have the ability to set the target time, see later in this section. As soon
as the target beam turns off, the scan beam turns on. The scan beam
remains on until a valid scan is completed or until the maximum
scan time is reached.
Note: Holding the Scan Key down during a scan or pressing it multiple
times during the scan does not affect the scan. The key presses are ignored.
Scan Key Selection

The Scan Key box allows the user to select which key is pressed to
initiate a scan. To select the Scan Key you want to use, tap on the
down arrow on the right side of the Scan Key box to access a drop-
down menu listing all the available scan keys. Tap on the name of
the key you want to use for scanning.
Beep on Good Read

The bar code scanner program provides audio feedback to notify you
on a successful scan. To activate the audio feedback, tap in the Good
Read box in the Beep On: section so a checkmark appears. A single
beep sounds at the completion of a successful scan.
Beep on No Read
The bar code scanner program provides audio feedback to notify you
about an unsuccessful scan. To activate the audio feedback, tap in
the No Read box in the Beep On: section so a checkmark appears. Two
beeps sound when a scan is unsuccessful.
Good Read Message

The bar code scanner program provides visual feedback when a scan
is successful. To activate this visual feedback, tap in the Good Read
in the Visual On: section so a checkmark appears. A Scan OK! pop-up
message displays on the screen approximately 1.5 seconds after each
successful scan.

No Read Message
The bar code scanner program provides visual feedback when a scan
is unsuccessful. To activate this visual feedback, tap in the No Read in
the Visual On: section so a checkmark appears. A Scan Failed! pop-up
message displays on the screen approximately 1.5 seconds after each
unsuccessful scan.
Scanner Setup
The Scanner tab is used to configure the operation of the scan engine.
Target Time
The Target Time option allows you to set the amount of time the
target beam is on before a scan is initiated.
The Target Time box shows the time, in seconds, that the target beam
is on. The scroll buttons allow you to set the amount of time the
target beam is on before a scan is initiated. The Target Time can vary
from 0.0 to 9.9 seconds, in 0.1 seconds increments.
If you set the Target Time at 2.0, that means the target beam remains
on for 2.0 seconds and then turns off as the scan beam turns on. The
scanner takes approximately .5 seconds to focus the target beam.
Because of this, it is recommended that the minimum target time be
set to 0.5 or longer than the desired target time.
Scan Time
The Scan Time option allows you to set up the amount of time the
scan beam remains on to perform a bar code scan. The Scan Time
window shows the time, in seconds, that the scan beam is on. The
scroll buttons allow the user to set the amount of time the scan beam
is on. The Scan Time can vary from 0.0 to 9.9 seconds, in 0.1 seconds
increments.
A scan terminates as soon as it successfully reads a bar code or when
the scan time has reached the maximum scan time specified in Scan
Time window.
Scan Button
The Scan button allows you to test the functionality of the scanner
within the setup program. Pressing the Scan button turns the target
beam on for the Target Time and then performs a scan.
Scan Data
The Scan Data field is used to display the results of scans initiated by
the Scan button.
Scan Angle
The bar code scanner is capable of using two different scan angles.
The Scan Angle determines the width of the scan beam.
Tap on the down arrow on the right side of the Scan Angle box to
access a drop-down menu listing two available scan angles. Tap on
the size of the angle you want to use for scanning. The wide scan
angle is 40° and the narrow angle is 30°.
Bi-Directional Read Select

Selecting the Bi-Directional Read option sets up the scanner program
to read the bar code in both directions before it is decoded.
Consecutive Read Level

When the bar code scanner performs a scan, it is performed in two
stages. The first stage reads the bar code image and verifies it is a
valid bar code. The second stage decodes the raw bar code data into
ASCII characters that are sent back to the host application. The user
can specify how many times a bar code is to be successfully read
before it is decoded.
The scanner has four security levels or successful read levels. A Help
button is located to the right of the Consecutive Read Level box and
explains the four security levels.

Data Format Setup
The Data Format tab allows the user to specify the format of the data
that is returned by the scanner.
Format
The Format drop-down box allows you to select if a prefix and/or
suffix character are added to the bar code data. The prefix character
is added before the bar code data. The Suffix 1 character is appended
to the end bar code data and the Suffix 2 character is appended after
the Suffix 1 character. If Suffix 1 is not selected, Suffix 2 is appended to
the end of the bar code.
Tap on the down arrow on the right side of the Format box to access a
drop-down menu of the available data format. Tap on the format you
want to use. The eight Format options are:
Data
Data, Suffix1
Data, Suffix2
Data, Suffix1, Suffix2
Prefix, Data
Prefix, Data, Suffix1
Prefix, Data, Suffix2
Prefix, Data, Suffix1, Suffix2

Code ID
The scanner is capable of returning a Code ID character(s) for the bar
code that is scanned. If a Code ID is selected, the Code ID character(s)
is placed before the bar code data and the prefix character (if
enabled).
There are two types of Bar Code ID’s: Symbol and AIM. The Symbol
Code ID is a single character code. The AIM Code ID contains three
characters, a bracket (“]”) is followed by a code character and a
modifier character.
Symbol Code ID
A = UPC-A, UPC-E, UPC-E1, EAN-8, EAN-13
B = Code 39, Code 32
C = Codabar
D = Code 128, ISBT 128
E = Code 93
F = Interleaved 2 of 5
G = Discrete 2 of 5, or Discrete 2 of 5 IATA
J = MISI Plessey
K = UCC/EAN-128
L = Bookland EAN
M = Trioptic Code 39
N = Coupon Code
Prefix and Suffix

The Prefix, Suffix 1, and Suffix 2 character selection pull-down
window lists the characters that can be used as a prefix or suffix.
Only the prefix or suffix pull-down windows that are enabled are
shown. The prefix and suffix options are:
Option Description
None No function is performed.
<LF> <LF> = Line Feed, which moves the cursor down to
the same column on the next line.
<CR> <CR> = Carriage Return, which causes the cursor to
move to the left margin, often used with line feed to
start a new line of output.
<LF> <LF> = Line Feed, which moves the cursor down to
the same column on the next line.

# Adds a # sign before or after the scanned bar code
(depending on suffix or prefix).
Tab Performs a Tab key function, which moves the cursor
over to the next column.
Code Type Setup

The Code Type tab lists the bar code types that the scanner can read.
You can enable (box checked) and disable (box not checked) each of
these bar code types. The Setup button at the bottom right corner of
the screen is used to set up more detailed parameters for the bar code
types in the Setup section below.
Setup
Tapping on the Setup button opens the Additional Parameter Setup
screen, accessing the following seven bar code setup options:
UPC/EAN 1
UPC/EAN 2
Code39
MSIPlessey
Interleaved
RSS/Code93/Discrete
Codabar

To access one of these options, select the tab with the bar code type
you want to enhance. The tabs are located along the top of the setup
window. The additional tabs can be accessed using the scroll buttons
on the upper right of the screen. For more information about each of
the accessible bar code types, go to the following Web site and read
the Symbologies (Bar Code Fonts) section:
http://www.systemid.com/education/autoid_symbologies.asp
The setup parameters for each bar code type tab are accessed by
using checkmark boxes or drop-down menus.
UPC/EAN 1
UPC/EAN 2

Code39
MSIPlessey

Interleaved
RSS/Code93/Discrete

Codabar
Defaults Setup
The Defaults tab is used to load either user-defined configuration
parameters or factory-default parameters. The users can save and
reload four different user configuration files. The defaults are the
settings that come installed on your Allegro when it is shipped.
Exit Setup
The Exit Setup button is available on every Bar Code Setup tab,
allowing you to close the Bar Code Setup program at any time.
Tapping on the Exit Setup button saves all options you set up and
takes you back to the Bar Code Reader screen.

Tap on Begin Scan to start the bar code scanning program. Tapping
on the Exit or X button, in the top right corner, exits out of the Bar
Code Setup program.
▲ Begin Scanning
The bar code scanning program allows bar code data to be directly
entered into an application program. The bar code data is entered
into the data collection program as electronic data, as if it were typed
on the keyboard.
When a scan is initiated, the bar code scanning program transfers the
data into the data collection program you have opened. The scanned
data enters at the cursor’s location in the data collection program.
After each scan, place the cursor at the next location for scanned data
entry.
To start the bar code scanning program and begin scanning,
1) Tap on the Bar Code Reader icon on your Allegro’s desktop and set
up your scanner as outlined in the Setup Bar Code section of this
chapter. If this step is already completed, proceed to step 2.
2) Tap on the Begin Scan button on the Bar Code Reader screen.
3) Open the data collection program you want to receive and store
the scanned bar code data. Example: if you want your bar code
scans placed in a PTab file, open your Allegro’s PTab program.
Note: Keep the data collection program in the foreground of your
Allegro when scanning; otherwise the scanned data is not entered.
4) Position the cursor in the data collection program in the field you
want the scanned data to enter.
5) Press your specified scan button to target, and then scan your bar
code.

Sample Bar Codes
The following bar codes are samples for you to test your bar code
scanner before taking it into the field. Under each bar code is the
datum that should appear on your Allegro after a successful scan.
Code 39 Scan Sample
EAN-13 Scan Sample
EAN-8 Scan Sample
UPC-A Scan Sample
UPC-E Scan Sample

▲ Bar Code Installation Program
The Bar Code Setup program is installed on your Allegro before
it is shipped. In the event that the Bar Code Setup program gets
removed from your Allegro and needs to be reinstalled, complete the
following steps:
1) Open your CD-ROM drive on your PC.
2) Insert the Allegro CX Distribution CD, which is shipped with
your Allegro, into your CD-ROM drive, close the CD-ROM drive,
and wait for the installation screen to load.
3) Click on the Browse CD button on the installation screen.
4) Double-click on the Utilities Applications folder.
5) Double-click on the Bar Code Pod Setup Install folder.
6) Connect your Allegro to your PC through ActiveSync.
7) Double-click on the setup icon.
8) Follow the instructions given throughout the installation
program.

802.11b Expansion Pod
An Allegro using the 802.11b expansion pod offers the flexibility

and benefits of being connected to a Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN). The 802.11b (also referred to Wi-Fi) is a variant to the
802.11 series that applies to WLAN.
A WLAN is a data communication system used to replace or

extend a wired LAN system. A WLAN system provides additional
functionality by using radio frequency technology to transmit and
receive data over the air, through walls, ceilings, and even cement
structures, without wire cabling.
A WLAN provides all of the benefits and features of established
LAN technologies like Ethernet, but without the limitations of being
attached to a cable. An Allegro using 802.11b provides significantly
increased freedom and flexibility for both data collection applications
and the people collecting the data.
An Allegro using the 802.11b expansion pod with a Cisco Aironet 350
card offers the following features:
Superior range and throughput
Indoors: 130 feet (40m) at 11 Mbps and 350 feet (107m) at 1 Mbps
Outdoors: 800 feet (224m) at 11Mbps and 2000 feet (610m) at 1
Mbps, up to 5000 feet with external antenna on access point
Secure network communications
World mode for international roaming and reduced range
The 802.11b provides 11 Mbps data transmission in the 2.4 GHz band
under optimal conditions. Depending on the amount of surrounding
interference such as trees, walls, people, etc., the transmission rate
can fall back to 5.5, 2 or 1 Mbps.
The Allegro with an 802.11b expansion pod is shipped with the

following Cisco items:
Cisco Aironet 350 802.11b PC card (installed in your Allegro)
Rubber duck antenna with a 90-degree pivoting joint
Read Me First – EAP Authentication Requires Matching 802.1x
Protocol Drafts
Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter Quick Start Guide
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter CD-ROM
▲ Getting Started
To start using 802.11b on your Allegro, do the following:
1) Attach the rubber duck antenna.
2) Locate, read, and follow the Cisco instructions for setting up an
access point for 802.11b, if you have a Cisco access point.
3) Locate, read, and follow the Cisco instructions for setting up
profiles on your Allegro for 802.11b.
4) Locate, read, and follow the Cisco instructions for connecting to
the WLAN.
▲ Antenna Attachment
The rubber duck antenna shipped with your 802.11b Allegro must
be used with the 802.11b expansion pod. No other antennas are
accepted or supported. To attach the antenna to the expansion pod,
1) Place the antenna on the mount at the top of the expansion pod.
2) Screw the antenna firmly into place.
3) Rotate the antenna so that the 90-degree joint is positioned so it
can pivot upward to a 90-degree angle.
▲ Cisco Systems Documentation
The 802.11b expansion pod uses a Cisco Aironet 350 PC card. The
documentation for using this card is provided by Cisco Systems, Inc.
Enclosed with the Allegro and 802.11b pod is the following Cisco
documentation:
Read Me First – EAP Authentication Requires Matching 802.1x
Protocol Drafts
Release Notes for Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Adapters
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter Quick Start Guide
Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapter CD-ROM

Accessing the Cisco 802.11b Manual
All of the setup and installation instructions for the Windows CE
operating system are addressed in the Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN
Client Adapters Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows CE.
This guide is located on the Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters
Drivers and Utilities CD-ROM. To access this guide, connect to the
Internet then complete the following steps:
1) Open your PC’s CD-ROM drive and insert the Cisco Aironet
Wireless LAN Client Adapters Drivers and Utilities CD. Close the
CD-ROM drive.
2) Double-click on the My Computer icon on your PC’s desktop.
3) Double-click on the CD-ROM icon in the My Computer window,
4) Double-click on the Links icon to access a Web page with links to

the following information:
Access Points
Bridges
Workgroup Bridges
Wireless LAN Client Adapters (Windows CE for the Allegro)
Software Center Links
Warranty Links and Support Links
Obtaining Service and Support
Note: When accessing any of the links on the link page, you need to be
connected to the Internet.

Setting up an Aironet Access Point
An access point is similar to a base station. It is used as a link from
the wireless LAN to the wired network and the Internet. To connect
your Allegro to the network via wireless LAN, an access point needs
to be installed and configured.
For best connectivity and range between your Allegro and the access
point, we recommend Cisco access points. However, you can use
other established access points compatible with 802.11b. If you are
currently using, or have purchased a compatible access point, follow
the setup directions that were shipped with your access point.
▲ Setting Up 802.11b Profiles on your Allegro
The Aironet Client Utility is factory installed on your Allegro.
This program is called the Aironet Client Utility and allows you
to configure the profiles of the internal 802.11b card. A profile
accommodates various access points and allows your Allegro access
to different LAN systems.
The Aironet Client Utility allows you to set up and save profiles for
connecting to specific wireless LAN networks. Because different
wireless LANs have specific or different security settings, your
Allegro needs to be configured to connect to each wireless LAN.
These configurations are saved on your Allegro as profiles. The
appropriate, specific profile is used when connecting your Allegro to
specific wireless LANs.
To open the client utility, tap on the Aironet Client Utility icon on your
Allegro’s desktop.
The following screen appears:

Notice that the screens are formatted for a screen that is wider than
your Allegro’s screen. To view all options on a screen, drag the
Aironet Client Utility to the left or right, as needed. To perform this
drag function, place the stylus on the Allegro screen in the Aironet
Client Utility title bar. While holding the stylus down, slide it left or
right to move the program on the screen.
The Aironet Client Utility has the following five options:
Profiles
Firmware
Status
Statistics
Survey
For instructions on using the Aironet Client Utility and any of the
above options, use the Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters
Installation and Configuration Guide for Windows CE. The guide’s
location is described next.
To set up profiles on your Allegro, open the user manual by
following the directions under the Accessing the Cisco 802.11b Manual
section of this chapter. After opening the links page, complete the
following steps:
1) Click on the following link under the Windows Windows CE 3.0,
4.0, & 4.1 heading:
http://cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/wireless/airo_
350/350cards/win_ce/index.htm
The Wireless LAN Adapter Documents for Windows CE Web page
opens with a list of links to documentation for Aironet Wireless
LAN and Client Utilities.
2) Click on Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and
Configuration Guide for Windows CE, OL-1375-03, and a new Web
page opens with links to the entire manual in PDF form, or in
separate Web page links to individual chapters in the manual.
3) Click on the Chapter 4 - Using the Profile Manager link and follow
the instructions for creating a new profile.
For additional information on using the Aironet Access Utility and
the additional option it offers, use the documentation on the Wireless
LAN Adapter Documents for Windows CE Web page. Refer to step 1 in
Setting Up 802.11b Profiles on your Allegro to get to this Web page.

▲ Connecting to WLAN
Connecting to WLAN is a very involved process with a number of
factors to consider. Because there are so many different access point
types, profile set ups, and security setting considerations, seek the
assistance of your IT department or WLAN technician.
▲ Safety Information
The FCC with its action in ET Docket 96-8 has adopted a
safety standard for human exposure to radio frequency (RF)
electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC certified equipment, when
used with approved environmental limits found in OET-65 and
ANSI C95.1, 1991.
Proper operation of this radio device according to the instructions
found in this manual and the Installation and Configuration Guide
specific to your computer’s operating system can result in user
exposure that is substantially below the FCC recommended limits.
Do not touch or move antenna(s) while the unit is transmitting or
receiving.
Do not hold any component containing a radio such that the
antenna is very close to or touching any exposed parts of the
body, especially the face and eyes, while transmitting.
Do not operate the radio or attempt to transmit data unless the
antenna is connected; otherwise, the radio may be damaged.
Use in specific environments
– The use of wireless devices in hazardous locations is limited
to the constraints posed by the safety directions of such
environments.
– The use of wireless devices on airplanes is governed by the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
– The use of wireless devices in hospitals is restricted to the limits
set forth by each hospital.
Antenna use
– High-gain, wall-mount, or mast-mounted antennas are
designed to be professionally installed and should be located
at a minimum of 12 inches (30cm) or more from the body of all
persons. Cisco recommends that you contact your professional
installer, VAR, or antenna manufacturer to obtain proper
installation requirements.

Warning 1
Do not operate your wireless network device near unshielded
blasting caps or in an explosive environment unless the device has
been modified to be especially qualified for such use.
Warning 2
In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI
C95.1 standards, it is recommended when using a laptop with a
PC card client adapter that the adapter’s integrated antenna is
positioned more than 2 inches (5 cm) from your body or nearby
persons during extended periods of transmitting or operating time.
If the antenna is positioned less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the user, it
is recommended that the user limit exposure time.
Warning 3
In order to comply with FCC RF exposure limits, dipole antennas
should be located at a minimum of 7.9 inches (20 cm) or more from
the body of all persons.
▲ 802.11b Installation Program
The 802.11b set up program is installed on your Allegro before it is
shipped. In the event that the 802.11b program gets removed from
your Allegro and needs to be reinstalled, complete the following
steps:
1) Place the Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Drivers and
Utilities CD, which came with your Allegro 802.11b expansion
pod, into your PC’s CD-ROM drive.
2) Double-click on the My Computer icon on your PC’s desktop.
3) Double-click on the CD-ROM icon in the My Computer window
that is open on your screen.
4) Double-click on the Links icon to access a Web page with links to
Access Points, Bridges, Workgroup Bridges, and Wireless LAN
Client Adapters (Windows CE for the Allegro).
5) Click on the Windows CE 3.0, 4.0, & 4.1 link under Wireless LAN
Client Adapters.
6) Click on Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN Client Adapters Installation and
Configuration Guide for Windows CE, OL-1375-03.
7) Click on Chapter 3 - Installing the Client Adapter.
8) Follow the directions under Installing the Driver and Client Utilities
to complete the installation.

▲ Cisco 802.11b Drivers
The drivers for the Cisco 802.11b card are installed to your Allegro
before it is shipped. In the event that the drivers get removed from
your Allegro and need to be reinstalled, please contact your reseller
or the technical support department for the Allegro at (435) 753-1881,
or by email at [email protected].

Bar Code/802.11b Expansion Pod
The Bar Code/802.11b Expansion Pod integrates the wireless

networking technology and the laser bar code scanning technology
with the Allegro CX. Combining these two technologies adds a new
level of versatility and usability to the Allegro, which includes the
following features:
High performance bar code scanning in bright, outdoor light
Scanning distances of 1 to 3 feet from the Allegro
Excellent scan capability for poorly printed or low contrast bar
codes
Low power performance
Compatible with nine different bar code symbologies
Superior range and throughput
Indoors: 130 feet (40m) at 11 Mbps and 350 feet (107m) at 1 Mbps
Outdoors: 800 feet (224m) at 11Mbps and 2000 feet (610m) at 1
Mbps, up to 5000 feet with external antenna on access point
Secure network communications
World mode for international roaming
The following example shows one work environment that could

greatly benefit from using an Allegro with the Bar Code and 802.11b
expansion pod. This is only one possible scenario. The efficiency and
usability of this expansion applies to a wide variety of bar code data
collection environments.
Example: A shipment of logs needs to be inventoried and stored in to
the company’s database at a lumber mill. The logs are identified by
using bar codes. An Allegro with a bar code expansion pod is ideal
for this situation.

Bar codes can be scanned in a variety of weather conditions and
that data are stored on your Allegro. Using the Bar Code/802.11b
expansion pod, the efficiency of the bar code data collection is
increased. Now you can scan the bar codes on the logs while outside,
and in real time that data is transferred by radio waves directly to
the computer in the mill’s office and stored there.
Index
The Bar Code/802.11b expansion pod removes the inconvenience of
cable connections on two levels: there are no cables used to attach
a bar code reader to the Allegro. There are no cables being used to
connect and transfer the scanned data from your Allegro to a PC
unit.
The data are sent to the PC as you are outside working. This saves
the extra steps of taking the Allegro, which is storing the scanned
data, from your work environment to your PC, then connecting the
Allegro to the PC and transferring the scanned data.
▲ Getting Started
To set up and begin using your Allegro with the bar code/802.11b
expansion pod, follow the instructions outlined in the Bar Code
Expansion Pod section and 802.11b Expansion Pod section of this
chapter.

Index
▲ Symbols
802.11b Expansion Pod 278
802.11b Installation Program 284
Accessing the Cisco 802.11b Manual 280
Antenna Attachment 279
Cisco 802.11b Drivers 285
Cisco Systems Documentation 279
Connecting to WLAN 283
Getting Started 279
Safety Information 283
Setting Up 802.11b Profiles on your Allegro 281
Setting up an Aironet Access Point 281
Warning 1 284
Warning 2 284
Warning 3 284
9 Pin Serial Communication Ports 47
▲ A
Accessories for Charging NiMH Battery Packs 38
AC Power Adapter 38
External Battery Charger 39
USB/Power Dock 39
Vehicle Power Adapter 39
ActiveSync Transfer Program 101
ActiveSync COM 1 or COM 2 Connection 105
ActiveSync IrDA Infrared Connection 108
ActiveSync USB/Power Dock Connection 109
Connecting as a Guest 122
Disconnecting 125
Downloading ActiveSync from the Allegro CX Distribution CD 102
Downloading ActiveSync from the Internet 102
Establishing Additional ActiveSync Connections 111
Establishing a First Time ActiveSync Connection 104
File Conversion 123
Installing ActiveSync 103
New Partnership Setup 113
Remote Allegro File Maintenance 125
Renaming Files 122
Setting Up a Partnership 114
Transferring Files between the Allegro CX and the Desktop PC 123
Troubleshooting 113
Unsuccessful Connection 111

AC Power Adapter 38
Alkaline Battery Holder 42
Important Alkaline Battery Information 43
Allegro CX Overview 10
Features 10
Optional Accessories 11
Standard Accessories 11
Application Command Bars 97
Gaining More Viewing Area on the Screen 97
Hiding the Taskbar 98
Moving the Menu Bar and Toolbar 97
ATA Flash Cards 59
▲ B
Backlight 23
Bar Code/802.11b Expansion Pod 286
Bar Code Expansion Pod 261
Bar Code Installation Program 277
Bar Code Reader Program 261
Bar Code Setup 263
Begin Scanning 275
Code Type Setup 270
Data Format Setup 268
Defaults Setup 274
Exit Setup 274
Getting Started 262
Sample Bar Codes 276
Scanner Setup 266
User Setup 264
Batteries 29
Alkaline Battery Holder 42
Changing NiMH Battery Pack 41
Charging Accessories for NiMH Battery Packs 38
How Alkaline Battery Gauging Works 37
How NiMH Battery Gauging Works 36
Installing the NiMH Battery Pack 30
Lost Data if Batteries are Removed 40
Main Power Source 29
New Battery Detected Screen 31
Power Management Feature 41
Recharging the NiMH Battery Pack 37
Temperature Ranges for Charging the NiMH Battery Pack 37
Set Battery Parameters Screen 33
Short-Term Backup Supply 45

Batteries (continued)
Spare NiMH Battery Packs 45
Storing the Allegro CX During Inactive Periods 43
Useful Life of a NiMH Battery Pack 45
Vehicle Power
Using Vehicle Power 40
Vehicle Power Adapter 39
When the Battery Voltage Drops 35
Battery Capacity 33
Battery Gauging 35
Battery Life 34
Battery Status Icons 35
Bluetooth 198
About… 218
Advanced Features 201
Bluetooth Devices 204
Bluetooth Options 198
Bonding Bluetooth Devices 219
Device 204
File Transfer 218
Get Connected! 199
Installing the OBEX Add-On Program 218
LAN Access 217
My Bluetooth Device 201
OBEX for Allegro CE using Windows CE .NET 4.1 219
OBEX for Allegro CX 219
Selecting Bluetooth Shared Folder 219
Tools 210
Transferring Files using Browse Remote Device 220
Transferring Files using Sending and Receiving a File 221
Transfer via Bluetooth 217
Turn Transmitter OFF/ON 198
View 209
Blue Shift Key 18
▲ C
Calculator Program 193
Case Design 15
Case Features 15
Cleaning the Case 15
Specifications 228
Certifications
Specifications 229

CE .NET Software Development Tools 233
Allegro CE .NET SDK Installation 234
Allegro Software Development Kits of eMbedded Visual C++ 234
Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 234
Visual Studio .NET 2003 233
Visual Studio .NET 2003 System Requirements 233
Circular Key 18
Cleaning the Keyboard 21
Cleaning the Touchscreen 24
Clock 46
AM / PM Removal 26
Clock Removal 26
Specifications 229
Communication Cable Schematic 230
Communication Ports 47
9 Pin Serial Communication Ports 47
9 Pin D Connector Pinouts 47
Connecting Sensors to COM1 48
Infrared Communication Port 48
Specifications 225
USB Communication Port 48
Compact Flash Adapter Cards 59
Control Panel 70
Certificates 71
My Certificates 71
Other Authorities 72
Trusted Authorities 71
Date/Time 72
Dialing 73
Display 73
Appearance 74
Background 73
Controls 75
Internet Options 75
Advanced 77
Connection 76
General 75
Security 77
IrDA 78
OBEX 78
Ports 78
Keyboard 79
Network and Dial-up Connections 79

Control Panel (continued)
Owner 80
Identification 80
Network ID 81
Notes 80
PC Connection 81
Power 82
Battery 83
Schemes 83
Regional Settings 84
Currency 85
Date 86
Numbers 85
Regional Settings 84
Time 86
Remove Programs 87
SpeedSwitch 87
Stylus 88
Calibration 88
Double-Tap 87
System 89
Copyrights 91
Device Name 90
General 89
Memory 90
Version 91
Volume and Sounds 92
Sounds 92
Volume 92
▲ D
Desktop 67
Application Buttons 68
Desktop Icon 69
Desktop Taskbar 67
Special Functions 69
Start Menu 68, 69
System Tray Indicators 68
Task Manager 70
Display 22
Adjusting the Display 23
Backlight 23
Cleaning the Touchscreen 24
Contrast and Automatic Temperature Compensation 23

Display (continued)
Display Features 22
Touchscreen 23
Touchscreen Disable/Enable Key 24
Display Features
Backlight 23
Contrast 22
Heater 22
Position 23
Touchscreen 23
Video Quality 22
Downloading ActiveSync from the Allegro CX Distribution CD 102
Downloading ActiveSync from the Internet 102
▲ E
Enter New Battery Charge Level 32
Expandability
Specifications 229
Expansion Pods 53, 253
802.11b Pod 253, 278
Bar Code/802.11b Pod 253, 286
Bar Code Pod 253, 261
GPS Pod 253, 254
External DC Power Connector 38
▲ F
FCC Information 243
FCC Class A Statement 243
File Transfer
Bluetooth 218
▲ G
Gold Shift Key 18
GPS Expansion Pod 254
Attaching the Antenna 254
For More Information 260
GPS Antenna Removal 260
GPS Data Formats 258
NMEA Format 258
TSIP Format 258
GPS Pod Setup Program 255
Reviewing and Editing the Receiver Parameters 259
Specifying GPS Receiver Port Settings 256
Tips for Using the GPS Expansion Pod 259

▲ H
Hand Strap 16
Hiding the Taskbar 98
▲ I
Infrared Communication Port 48
Internal Bluetooth Transceiver
Specifications 225
Internal Memory 57
Random Access Memory (RAM) 57
Read Only Memory (ROM) 57
Internal Non-Volatile Data Storage 58
Internet Explorer and Inbox 189
Setting up an Internet Connection 189
Using Inbox 191
▲ K
Keyboard 17
Cleaning 21
Keyboard Features 17
Shifted Options 19
Keyboard Options 19
Special Keys and Key Sequences 18
Specifications 227
Keyboard Options 19
Backlight On/Off 20
Contrast Keys 20
On/Off (Warm and Hard Reset) 19
Right Mouse Click 21
Start Menu 20
Tab, Forward and Backward 20
Task Manager 20
Touchscreen Disable/Enable 20
▲ L
LAN Access
Bluetooth 217
Lost Data if Batteries are Removed 40
▲ M
Memory/Storage
Specifications 228
Memory Cards 51
Microsoft eMbedded Visual C++ 4.0 234
Downloading 234
System Requirements 234

▲ N
New Battery Detected Screen 31
New Battery Detected Options 32
Accept Button 33
Battery Capacity 33
Enter New Battery Charge Level 32
Help Button 33
Understanding the New Battery Detected Screen 32
NiMH Battery Pack Life 45
▲ O
On-line Help 70
Operating System
Specifications 225
Optional Accessory
Expansion Pods 253
USB/Power Dock 39
Options for Program and File Storage 237
▲ P
PC Cards 51, 58
ATA Flash Cards 59
Changing Cards 52
Compact Flash Adapter Cards 59
Displaying Information about the PC Card 52
Formatting Cards 60
Input/Output Device Cards 51
Inserting and Removing Cards 60
Inserting Cards 51
Memory Cards 51
SRAM Cards 59
SRAM Card Battery 60
Types of PC Cards Accepted 51
PC Card Slot
Specifications 228
Physical Specifications
Specifications 225
Power
Specifications 228
Power Connector 38
Power Management 238
Processor
Specifications 225

Program and Data Storage Options 58
Internal Non-Volatile Data Storage 58
PC Cards 58
Storage Labels 58
PTab Spreadsheet Program 130
Adjusting the Viewing Area on the Display 134
Automating Tasks 166
Calling a Procedure 171
Cell Task Dialog Box 168
Comments 171
For Statement 170
How to Set and Get Cell Values 169
If Command 169
Variables 169
While Statement 170
Workbook Task Dialog Box 166
Automating Tasks Functions Reference 171
Automating Task Examples 180
Converting Microsoft Excel Files (.xls) 146
Database Functions 165
Date & Time Functions 159
Edit Menu Options 137
Entering Data/Editing Cells 134
Excel Considerations 130
Items Converted to / from Excel 131
File Menu Options 136
Financial Functions 157
Format Menu Options 140
Information & Lookup Functions 163
Insert Menu Options 138
Logical Functions 160
Math & Trig Functions 147
On-line Help 130
Opening a PTab File 133
PTab Keyboard Shortcuts 181
PTab Menu Options 135
Saving PTab Files 131
Spreadsheet Functions 147
Statistical Functions 152
Summary of PTab Features 131
Task Menu Options 144
Text Functions 161
Tools Menu Options 142

▲ Q
Quick Start Guide 12
▲ R
RAM 57
RAM File System 96
Recharging the NiMH Battery Pack 37
Recycling the NiMH Batteries 45
Repair Information 244
Repairs 245
Reset System 127
Restore System 127
Right Mouse Click 21
ROM 57
▲ S
Save System 126
Set Factory Defaults 128
Shoulder Strap 16
Software Development Programming Tips 235
Allegro CX Identification 235
Allegro Specific APIs 236
Internal Storage Device Name 236
PC Card Storage Device Name 236
Platform Name 235
Selecting the Platform 236
Windows CE Version 235
Software License Agreements 247
Acceptance or Disagreement 248
Copyright 247
Granting of License 247
Manufacturer Agreement 247
Microsoft End User License Agreement (EULA) 248
Ownership 247
Software Use 247
Term 247
Sound
Specifications 228
Special Keys and Key Sequences 18
Blue Shift Key Usage 18
Circular Key Usage 18
Gold Shift Key Usage 18

Specifications 225
Case Design 228
Certifications 229
Clock 229
Color Display 226
Communication Ports 225
Expandability 229
Internal Bluetooth Transceiver 225
Internal Expansion Ports 226
Keyboard 227
Memory/Storage 228
Monochrome Display 226
Operating System 225
PC Card Slot 228
Physical Specifications 225
Power 228
Processor 225
Sound 228
System Tray Indicators 227
Utility Programs Included on Allegro CX 225
SpeedSwitch 87
SRAM Cards 59
Replacing SRAM Card Batteries 60
SRAM Card Battery 60
Start Menu 68, 69
Storing Files and Programs 95
C_Drive, Solid State Storage 95
RAM File System 96
Storing the Allegro CX During Inactive Periods 43
Storing the Allegro CX for Less Than Two Months 43
Storing the Allegro CX for More Than Two Months 44
Taking your Allegro out of Extended Storage 44
System Save/Restore Utilities 126
Reset System 127
Restore System 127
Save System 126
Set Factory Defaults 128
System Tray Indicators 25, 68
Making Space in the System Tray 26
▲ T
Tab Key 20
Terminal Program 194
Adjusting the Properties 195
Creating a New Session 194

Help 197
Touchscreen 23
Touchscreen Disable/Enable Key 24
Touchscreen Disable/Enable 20
Touchscreen Operation 65
Transferring Files between the Allegro CX and the Desktop PC 123
Transferring Files using Browse Remote Device
Bluetooth 220
Transferring Files using Sending and Receiving a File
Bluetooth 221
▲ U
USB/Power Dock 39, 49
Charging 49
LED Color 49
Power Supply 49
USB/Power Dock Connector Pins 50
USB Communication 49
USB Connection 50
USB Communication 49
USB Communication Port 48
Utility Programs Included on Allegro CX
Specifications 225
▲ V
Visual Studio .NET 2003 233
Ordering 233
System Requirements 233
▲ W
Warm and Hard Reset 19
Warranty and Repair Information 244
Extended Warranties 245
Governing Law 245
Limitation of Liability 245
Limited Product Warranties 244
Remedy 245
Repairs 245
Warranty Exclusions 244
Warranty Repairs 245
Welcome 9
Windows CE .NET References 239
Books 239
Web sites 239

Windows CE Overview 63
Display Touchscreen 64
Calibration 65
Touchscreen Operation 65
Wiping Off the Touchscreen 65
Starting Windows CE .NET 63
Suspend/Resume Mode 64
Windows CE Programs 66
Desktop PC Programs 66
Software Suite 66
Windows Explorer 93
Help 94
Moving and Copying Files 93
Using the Edit Menu Options 93
Opening Two Explorer Screens 94
Windows Media 9 Series Player 183
File 184
Playback 188
View 186
Web 188
Wiping Off the Touchscreen 65
WLAN
802.11b Expansion Pod 283
WordPad 182
Command Bar 182
Saving WordPad Files 182


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OWNER'S MANUAL

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 1

4 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Index ............................................................. 287

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 5

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 7

We would like to welcome you as a user of the Allegro CX, a

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 9

10 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 11

2) Click on the Browse CD option. The CD opens up in a Windows

12 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 13

▲ Cleaning the Case

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 15

16 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 17

Blue Shift Key Usage

Gold Shift Key Usage

Circular Key Usage

18 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Option Key Sequence

On/Off (Warm and Hard Reset)

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 19

Tab, Forward and Backward

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 21

The monochrome display has a 4.1” diagonal viewing area and is

Display Function Key Sequence

Contrast and Automatic Temperature Compensation

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 23

Touchscreen Disable/Enable Key

Cleaning the Touchscreen

24 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

System tray indicators specify applications that are running on your

System Tray Indicator

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 25

System Tray without clock:

26 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

2) Double tap on the Regional Settings icon:

3) The following screen appears:

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 27

28 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 29

Do not turn on the Allegro yet.

30 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Understanding the New Battery Detected Screen

New Battery Detected Options

Enter New Battery Charge Level

32 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 33

Battery Pack Capacity Typical Operating Time

34 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Battery Status Icons

Once the battery gauging is set, a battery status indicator in the

When the Battery Voltage Drops

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 35

36 Allegro CX Owner’s Manual

Temperature Ranges for Charging the NiMH Battery Pack

Allegro CX Owner’s Manual 37

Note: The CE .NET operating systems provides a list of preset