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TM4500
Low-Cost Data Collection Terminal


TM4500 Low Cost Barcode Terminal

Description

The TM4500 is a very cost effective data collection solution for applications requiring a limited amount of numeric keyboard entry and a two-line display. Allowing simple to complex barcode and keyboard data entry, this terminal has a sturdy, built-in, wall or desktop mountable case and a sealed keyboard that resists the dust and moisture prevalent in many industrial environments.

This compact terminal has a high contrast 2 x 16 liquid crystal display that can be adjusted to many angles in 15 degree increments. This terminal provides all the standard functionality of the popular Intelligent Instrumentation TM8501, TM8600, and TM8701 terminals, including the benefit of stand-alone operation in case of host computer or communication failure. The TM4500 features a built-in, battery backed-up, real-time clock. The clock may be set by the host system and the date and time may be displayed as part of the TM4500's standard prompt sequence.

Intelligent Instrumentation has a large base of VARs and System Integrators specializing in most major industries. One of our qualified VARs and System Integrators can help you to realize the full potential of the benefits you expect from your system investment.

Peripheral

The TM4500 peripheral data input option accepts many different types of scanners to provide a more accurate alternative to manual keyboard entry of data. You can use visible red or infrared barcode badge readers, wands, and barcode scanners. With optional modules the TM4500 accepts a magnetic stripe badge reader, or a handheld barcode scanner.

Communication

Communication to host systems is provided via RS232, RS422, and multidropped RS422 communication capability built into every terminal. Change your communication method by a simple jumper position adjustment. The flexible communication protocol allows the terminals to be installed in either point-to-point or multidrop applications. Interactive programming of the terminal's operating parameters includes selection of block, character, or monitor mode communication. The terminal executes the same communication commands as the TM8501, TM8600, and TM8701 terminals. A protected, buffered communication mode for critical transactions, such as payroll information, guarantees continued operation and no data loss in case of communication failure.

Auxiliary

Auxiliary modules allow connection of input/output devices to the TM4500. Intelligent Instrumentation's modules allow the connection of parallel printers, RS232 serial devices, counters, and digital I/O.

Operation Mode

Five modes of operation adapt the terminal to various applications and software environments. Three modes provide different means of communicating to the terminal, one mode allows terminal setup, and one mode allows the terminal to continue collecting data in the event of communication failure.

The five modes are as follows:

Setup mode allows the maintenance personnel to establish the terminal operating parameters interactively from the keyboard. Prompts guide the operator through the selection of baud rate, protocol, and other parameters.
In Block mode, terminated blocks of data are transmitted and received by the terminal, allowing operators to compose and correct messages before sending them to the host system. This mode also permits multidropped operation with up to 32 terminals on a single communication line for use in factory floor and other RS422 networks.
Character mode operation is similar to that of a standard CRT. In this mode all entered characters are immediately sent to the host computer; the user selects whether the characters are displayed locally before transmission. The host computer has full control of screen format and of the location of the visible display window. The window and cursor can be scrolled in four directions using relative cursor positioning characters.
Monitor mode provides a useful diagnostic and troubleshooting tool. The TM4500 functions as a simple serial line analyzer, displaying all text and control sequences received on the line. Storage for later review is provided for 48 40-character lines of data. A user-definable Tx string allow the unit to initiate test routines on the host system.
Stand-Alone mode shifts the burden of operator prompting and initial data qualification from the host system to the terminal. In this mode the terminal displays prompts for the operator, accepts data, qualifies the data, and performs actions dependent on the result of the data qualification. Actions include re-prompting and audible feedback. All the actions taken in buffering mode are independent of the host system. When data is collected in buffering mode, it is held until accepted by the host system. In the event of power or host failure, the terminal will retain data for extended periods. A secure data extraction procedure assures all information collected by the TM4500 is delivered and accepted by the host system.

Command Set

The programmer is given a powerful set of command or Escape sequences with which to control terminal operation. With the exception of communication-related functions, options selected from the keyboard in Setup mode may also be changed by the host computer. All commands supported by Intelligent Instrumentation's on-line terminals are supported by the TM4500.