Zebra FR55 Handheld Computer Quick Start Guide

Unboxing the Device

Carefully remove all protective material from the device and save the shipping packaging for storage and future transport.

Check that the package contains the following:

• Handheld Computer
• Lithium-ion Battery
• Regulatory Guide
• Protective Cover (with the device inside)

Ensure the equipment is free from damage. If any part of the equipment is missing or damaged, contact global customer support immediately.

Remove the protective film covering the display and camera lens before using the device for the first time.

Device Features

This section lists the features of the FR55 handheld computer.

Figure 1: Front and Side Views

Front View:

• 1. 6-inch LCD Touchscreen: Displays all information required to operate the device.
• 2. Front Camera (8 MP): Takes photos and videos.
• 3. Receiver: Used for audio playback in speaker mode.
• 4. Proximity/Ambient Light Sensor: Determines proximity and ambient light to control display backlight intensity.
• 5. Battery Status Indicator: Shows battery charge status during charging and application-generated notifications.

Side View:

• 6. Programmable Button: A customizable button used to assign various actions as needed.
• 7. PTT Button: Normally used for PTT communication. If there are statutory restrictions, this button is configured for use with other applications.
• 8. Volume Up/Down Button: Increases and decreases the audio volume (programmable).

Figure 2: Rear and Top Views

Rear View:

• 1. Microphone: Used for communication in handheld/hands-free mode, audio recording, and noise reduction.
• 2. Emergency Button: Can be used to send an emergency alarm.
• 3. 8 Common I/O Pins on the Back: Provide communication with the host, audio, and device charging via cables and accessories.
• 4. Battery Release Latches: Pull the two latches together and lift to remove the battery.
• 5. Battery: Powers the device.
• 6. Hand Strap Mounts: Mounts for the hand strap.
• 7. Rear Camera (16 MP) with Flash: Takes photos and videos with flash to illuminate the camera.
• 8. Power Button: Turns the screen on and off. Press and hold to power off, restart, or lock the device.

Figure 3: Bottom View

• 10. Speaker: Provides audio output for video and music playback. Provides audio in speaker mode.
• 11. DC Power Input: Power/ground for charging (5 VDC to 9 VDC).
• 12. Microphone: Used for communication in handheld/hands-free mode, audio recording, and noise reduction.
• 13. USB Type-C and 2 Charging Pins: Powers the device with an I/O USB-C interface with 2 charging pins.

Device Configuration

This section describes how to assemble and power on the device for the first time.

First-Time Device Setup:

1. Insert a nano-SIM card.
2. Depending on the configuration, you can insert a microSD card (micro Secure Digital), a SAM card, or an extra nano-SIM card as needed (optional).
3. OBS! FR55 has three data/memory variations: Dual SIM, SIM+SAM, and SIM+SD. The SIM slot is the same, but the second slot varies.
4. Install the battery.
5. Attach the hand strap (optional).
6. Charge the device.
7. Power on the device.

Inserting a SIM Card

This section describes how to insert a SIM card required for making calls, sending SMS, and transferring data over a cellular network. The card slot is located under the battery pack.

CAUTION-ESD: Take proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid damaging the SIM card. ESD precautions include, but are not limited to, using ESD anti-static mats on the work surface and ensuring the user is properly grounded.

1. Lift the access cover.
2. Slide the SIM card holder to the unlocked position.
3. OBS! The layout of the memory/data slots varies depending on the FR55 configuration. The configuration is indicated on the access cover. The procedure for inserting the SIM card is the same.
4. Lift the SIM card holder cover.
5. Place the SIM card into the holder with the contacts facing down.
6. Close the SIM card holder cover.
7. Slide the SIM card holder to the locked position.
8. Replace the access cover.

Activating an eSIM

Activate an eSIM on the device.

Contact your service provider before adding an eSIM to get the eSIM service and activation or QR code.

OBS! Ensure Airplane mode is OFF.

1. Establish an internet connection on the device via Wi-Fi or cellular data with an installed SIM card.
2. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Networks.
3. Tap + next to SIMs if a SIM card is already installed, or tap SIMs if no SIM card is installed.
4. OBS! To proceed, you must create a secure lock screen or use an existing one.

The Mobile network screen appears.

5. Select either:
• MANUAL CODE ENTRY to enter the activation code, or
• SCAN to scan the QR code to download the eSIM profile.

The Confirmation!!! dialog box appears.

6. Tap OK.
7. Enter the activation code or scan the QR code.
8. OBS! If you have already entered the activation code manually, you must select Next to continue.

The Downloading a profile message appears, followed by the Use ? message.

8. Tap ACTIVATE.
9. Tap Done.

Your eSIM is now activated.

Deactivating an eSIM

Temporarily turn off an eSIM and reactivate it later.

OBS! Ensure Airplane mode is OFF.

1. Tap Network & Internet > SIMs.
2. In the Downloaded SIM section, tap the name of the eSIM to be deactivated.
3. Tap the Use SIM button to turn off the eSIM function.
4. Tap Yes.

The eSIM function is now deactivated.

Deleting an eSIM Profile

Deleting an eSIM profile removes it permanently from the device. Once an eSIM function is deleted from the device, it cannot be used again.

OBS! Ensure Airplane mode is OFF.

1. Tap Network & Internet > SIMs.
2. In the Downloaded SIM section, tap the eSIM to delete.
3. Tap Erase.
4. OBS! To proceed, you must create a secure lock screen or use an existing one.

The Erase this downloaded SIM? message appears.

4. Tap Erase.

The eSIM profile is now deleted from the device.

Installing a microSD Card

The microSD card slot provides secondary, non-volatile memory. The slot is located under the battery pack. Read more in the documentation that came with the card and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for use.

CAUTION-ESD: Take proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid damaging the microSD card. ESD precautions include, but are not limited to, using ESD anti-static mats on the work surface and ensuring the user is properly grounded.

OBS! This applies only to SIM+microSD configurations.

1. Lift the access cover.
2. Slide the microSD card holder to the open position.
3. Lift the microSD card holder cover.
4. Insert the microSD card into the holder so that the card slides into the locking tabs on each side of the cover.
5. Close the microSD card holder.
6. Slide the microSD card holder to the locked position.
7. Replace the access cover.

Inserting a SAM Card or a Second SIM Card

This section describes how to insert a SAM card or a second SIM card. The card slot is located under the battery pack.

CAUTION-ESD: Take proper Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid damaging the SIM card. ESD precautions include, but are not limited to, using ESD anti-static mats on the work surface and ensuring the user is properly grounded.

OBS! The design of this memory/data card slot applies only to SIM+SIM and SIM+SAM configurations.

1. Lift the access cover.
2. Slide the holder to the unlocked position.
3. Lift the holder cover.
4. Place the card into the holder with the contacts facing down.
5. Close the holder cover.
6. Slide the holder to the locked position.
7. Replace the access cover.

Inserting the Battery

This section describes how to insert the battery into the device.

OBS! Do not insert any labels, inventory tags, engravings, decals, or other items into the battery compartment. Doing so may compromise the intended performance of the device or accessories. Performance levels such as Ingress Protection (IP), drop and shock resistance, functionality, temperature resistance, etc., may be affected.

1. Insert the battery with the underside first into the battery compartment on the back of the device.
2. Press down on the battery until it snaps into place.

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery with BLE Signal

This device uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that supports BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) transmitters. When activated, the battery sends a BLE signal for up to seven days while the device is powered off due to the battery being depleted.

OBS! The device only sends a Bluetooth signal when it is turned off or in airplane mode.

For more information on how to configure other BLE settings, see techdocs.zebra.com/emdk-for-android/13-0/mx/beaconmgr/.

Wireless Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery

Use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery to facilitate wireless charging.

OBS! The wireless rechargeable lithium-ion battery should be used with the device in Zebra's wireless vehicle cradle or a Qi-certified wireless charger.

BLE Beacon

The rechargeable lithium-ion battery supports BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) transmitters. When activated, the battery sends a BLE signal for up to seven days while the device is powered off due to the battery being depleted.

OBS! The device only sends a Bluetooth signal when it is turned off or in airplane mode.

For more information on how to configure other BLE settings, see techdocs.zebra.com/emdk-for-android/13-0/mx/beaconmgr/.

Charging the Device

For best results, use only Zebra charging accessories and batteries when charging.

Charge batteries at room temperature with the device in sleep mode.

The device enters sleep mode when the power button is pressed or after a period of inactivity.

The battery charges from fully depleted to 90% in approximately 2 hours. In many cases, charging to 90% provides enough charge for daily use. Depending on the usage profile, a full charge to 100% may last approximately 14 hours of use.

The device or accessory always charges the battery in a safe or smart manner and indicates when charging is disabled due to abnormal temperatures via an indicator and an on-screen notification.

Temperature and Charging Functionality

To Charge the Main Battery:

1. Connect the charging accessory to the correct power source and connect it to the device.
2. Place the device in the dock or connect to a power cable (minimum 9 VDC/2 A).
3. OBS! The device powers on and begins charging. The charging/notification indicator light flashes yellow during charging and glows solid green when fully charged.

Charging Indicators

Charging and notification indicators indicate the battery's charging status.

Table 4: Charging/Notification Indicators

Charging the Spare Battery

This section provides information on how to charge a spare battery. For best results, use only Zebra charging accessories and batteries when charging.

1. Insert the spare battery into the spare battery charging slot.

The spare battery charging indicator flashes to indicate charging.

The battery charges from fully depleted to 90% in approximately 2.5 hours. In many cases, 90% charge provides enough charge for daily use. Depending on the usage profile, a full charge may last approximately 14 hours of use.

Charging Accessories

Use one of the following accessories to charge the device or spare battery.

Charging and Communication

Single-Slot Charging Dock

This dock provides power, charges the spare battery, and communicates.

CAUTION: Be sure to follow the battery safety guidelines described in the product reference guide.

Single-Slot USB/Ethernet Charging Dock

The single-slot USB/Ethernet charging dock charges a device and a spare battery simultaneously while also connecting a device to the Ethernet network.

CAUTION: Be sure to follow the battery safety guidelines described in the product reference guide.

Five-Slot Charging Dock

The five-slot charging dock:

• Provides 5.0 VDC power to drive the device.
• Charges up to five devices simultaneously or up to four devices and four batteries with the four-slot battery charging adapter.

It contains a charging dock and a stand that can be configured for various charging requirements.

Five-Slot Ethernet Dock

Ethernet dock with five slots:

• Provides 5.0 VDC power to drive the device.
• Connects up to five devices to an Ethernet network.
• Charges up to five devices simultaneously or up to four devices and four batteries with the four-slot battery charging adapter.

Four-Slot Charging Dock for Device and Spare Battery Charger

The four-slot charging dock for device and spare battery charger charges up to four devices and four spare batteries.

CAUTION: Be sure to follow the battery safety guidelines described in the product reference guide.

• Provides 5.0 VDC power to drive the device.
• Charges up to four devices and up to four spare batteries simultaneously.

Charging/USB-C Cable

The USB-C charging cable snaps onto the underside of the device and is removed just as easily when not in use.

OBS! It charges the device when attached and allows data transfer to a host computer.

True Battery Hot Swap (Battery Swap While Running)

By swapping the main battery while running, the device can maintain its Wi-Fi/WAN connection and memory persistence while swapping the depleted battery for a fully charged one.

OBS!

• Volume level is set to a maximum of 50% while performing the battery swap and resets to the original level when the battery is replaced.
• Voice calls made with Bluetooth or a cabled headset are maintained during the hot swap.
• Direct dial numbers maintain a network connection during the hot swap as long as the app remains open.

When the battery is removed, the backup supercapacitor immediately takes over to maintain the system, including Wi-Fi/WAN connection (voice only, data, and application current status) for 30 seconds. During this time, the user can interact with the device. The display turns off, and the touchscreen is disabled to save power.

To ensure the device can continue to operate throughout the hot swap, see this table:

After 30 seconds without a battery, the device enters a (critical) emergency shutdown mode that maintains the memory cache for an additional 30 seconds. This allows the device to resume operation instead of restarting, provided the battery is replaced within the 60-second window. If the battery is not replaced in time, memory persistence may be lost, causing the device to restart when a charged battery is inserted.

Incoming calls received before the battery swap are interrupted and resumed when a new battery is inserted. The performance of these calls depends on the temperature and signal strength.

Performing a True Battery Hot Swap

This section describes how to perform a battery swap on the device while it is running.

OBS! Do not insert any labels, inventory tags, engravings, decals, or other items into the battery compartment. Doing so may compromise the intended performance of the device or accessories. Performance levels such as Ingress Protection (IP), drop and shock resistance, functionality, and temperature resistance may be affected.

CAUTION-PRODUCT DAMAGE: Do not insert or remove microSD, SAM, or SIM cards while swapping the battery.

1. Ensure the device is ready for a battery swap by checking the message field.
2. OBS! If the device is not ready, a message Backup power not ready for battery swap will appear.
3. Remove any accessories that block access to the battery.
4. Press the battery latches down and inward towards the center of the device.

CAUTION: Do not insert your fingers under the latches while pulling the battery, as this may damage the latches.

4. Pull the battery out of the device.

OBS! You have 30 seconds to insert the new battery before the device enters (critical) emergency shutdown mode. After a total of 60 seconds, the device restarts when the new battery is inserted.

5. Insert the replacement battery, underside first, into the battery compartment on the back of the device.
6. Press the battery until it clicks into place.

Ergonomics Considerations

Avoid bending your wrists at unnatural angles when using the device.

Service Information

Repair services with Zebra-qualified parts are available for at least three years after production has ceased and can be ordered at zebra.com/support.