Zebra FR55 Rugged Mobile Computer Quick Start Guide

Product Overview

The Zebra FR55 is a rugged mobile computer designed for demanding environments. It features a touchscreen display, advanced data capture capabilities, and robust connectivity options.

Unpacking and Initial Setup

Unpacking Your Device: Carefully remove the device from its packaging. Retain the shipping carton for future storage or transport.

Verify Contents: Ensure you have received the following:

• FR55 Touch Computer
• Lithium-ion battery
• Legal and regulatory guide
• Durable boot (pre-installed on the device)

Inspect for Damage: Check the equipment for any signs of damage. If any equipment is missing or damaged, contact the Global Customer Support Center immediately.

Remove Protective Film: Before first use, remove the protective shipping film from the screen and camera lens.

Device Features

The FR55 features a 6-inch LCD touchscreen display for viewing device information. It also includes a front-facing 8 MP camera for photos and videos, a proximity/ambient light sensor, and programmable buttons.

Front and Side Views

1. 6-inch LCD Touchscreen: Displays all information required to operate the device.

2. Front Camera (8 MP): Captures photos and videos.

3. Earpiece: Used to play audio in earpiece mode.

4. Proximity/Light Sensor: Detects proximity and ambient light to control screen backlight brightness.

5. Battery Status LED: Indicates battery charge status and notifications generated by the application during charging.

6. Programmable Button: A customizable button that can be assigned to various actions as needed.

7. PTT Button: Typically used for PTT communications. If legal restrictions apply, this button can be configured for use with other applications.

8. Volume Up/Down Button: Adjusts volume (programmable).

Rear and Top Views

1. Microphone: Used for communication in earpiece/hands-free mode, audio recording, and noise cancellation.

2. Emergency Button: Can be used to send an emergency alert.

3. Rear I/O 8-pin: Enables communication, audio, and charging of the main computer via cables and accessories.

4. Battery Release Latch: Squeeze both latches and lift to remove the battery.

5. Battery: Powers the device.

6. Hand Strap Points: Attachment points for the hand strap.

7. Rear Camera with Flash (16 MP): Captures photos and videos with flash to provide illumination for the camera.

8. Power Button: Turns the screen on and off. Press and hold to turn off, restart, or lock the device.

Bottom View

10. Speaker: Provides audio output for video and music playback. Provides audio in speaker mode.

11. DC Input Jack: Power/ground for charging (5 VDC - 9 VDC).

12. Microphone: Used for communication in earpiece/hands-free mode, audio recording, and noise cancellation.

13. USB Type C and 2-pin charging port: Powers the device using a USB-C interface with 2 charging pins.

Device Setup

Installing SIM Card: This section explains how to install the SIM card for making calls, sending text messages, and transferring data over a cellular network. The slot is located under the battery pack.

CAUTION-ESD: To prevent damage to your SIM card, follow electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions. These include working on an ESD mat and properly grounding yourself.

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

Enabling eSIM: To enable an eSIM on the device, contact your carrier to obtain the eSIM service and activation code or QR code.

1. Establish an internet connection via Wi-Fi or cellular data with a SIM card installed.
2. Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile Networks.
3. Tap the '+' sign next to SIMs or SIMs if a SIM card is installed, or tap SIMs if no SIM card is installed.
4. Select MANUAL CODE ENTRY or SCAN to enter the activation code or scan the QR code.
5. Tap OK.
6. Enter the activation code or scan the QR code.
7. Tap ACTIVATE.
8. Tap Done.

Disabling eSIM: Temporarily turn off an eSIM and then re-enable it.

1. Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Tap the name of the eSIM you want to disable.
3. Tap Use SIM to turn off the eSIM.
4. Tap Yes.

Deleting eSIM Profile: Deleting an eSIM profile removes the profile from the device permanently.

1. Navigate to Settings > Network & internet > SIMs.
2. Tap the name of the eSIM you want to delete.
3. Tap Erase.
4. Tap Erase again to confirm.

Installing microSD Card: The microSD card slot provides additional permanent storage. The slot is located under the battery pack.

CAUTION-ESD: Follow electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions to prevent damage to your microSD card.

1. Lift the access cover.
2. Slide the microSD card holder to the unlocked position.
3. Lift the microSD card holder cover.
4. Insert the microSD card into the card holder, ensuring it snaps into place.
5. Close the microSD card holder cover.
6. Slide the microSD card holder to the locked position.
7. Replace the access cover.

Installing SAM or Second SIM Card: This section explains how to install a SAM or second SIM card. The slot is located under the battery pack.

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

Installing the Battery

Do not place labels, stickers, or other objects in the battery compartment, as this may affect performance. Ensure the battery is properly seated.

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

Battery Types

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery with BLE Beacon: This device uses a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery that facilitates Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Beacon functionality. When activated, the battery transmits a BLE signal for up to seven days after the device powers off due to low battery.

NOTE: The device transmits the Bluetooth Beacon only when powered off or in Airplane mode.

Rechargeable Lithium-ion Wireless Battery: Uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery for wireless charging. This battery should be used with a Zebra Wireless Charging Vehicle Cradle or a Qi-certified wireless charger.

Charging the Device

For best charging results, use only Zebra charging accessories and batteries. Charge batteries at room temperature and when the device is in Sleep mode.

Charging the Main Battery:

1. Connect the charging accessory to a suitable power source and to the device.
2. Place the device in the charging cradle or connect it to the power cable (minimum 9 VDC / 2A).

Charging Indicators: The Charge/Notification LED indicates the charging status.

Charging Spare Batteries: Use only Zebra charging accessories and batteries for best results.

Charging Accessories: Use one of the following accessories to charge the device and/or spare battery.

1-Slot Single-Slot Cradle: This USB charging cradle provides power, charges spare batteries, and communicates with the host.

1-Slot USB/Ethernet Cradle: The 1-Slot USB/Ethernet Cradle charges a device and a spare battery while connecting the device to an Ethernet network.

5-Slot Single-Slot Cradle: The 5-Slot Single-Slot Cradle provides 5.0 VDC power for device operation. It can charge up to five devices or up to four devices and four batteries simultaneously using the 4-slot battery charger adapter.

5-Slot Ethernet Cradle: The 5-Slot Ethernet Cradle provides 5.0 VDC power for device operation. It connects up to five devices to an Ethernet network. It can charge up to five devices or up to four devices and four batteries simultaneously using the 4-slot battery charger adapter.

4-Slot Single-Slot Cradle and Spare Battery Charging Cradle: The 4-Slot Single-Slot Cradle and Spare Battery Charging Cradle can charge up to four devices and four spare batteries.

Charging/USB-C Cable: The USB-C Cable attaches to the bottom of the device and can be easily detached when not in use. When attached, it charges the device and allows the device to transfer data to the host.

Replacing the Battery While the Device is On

Replacing the main battery while the device is on ensures Wi-Fi/WAN connectivity and memory continuity.

• When replacing the battery, the volume is set to a maximum of 50% and then reset to the original volume when the battery is replaced.
• Voice calls made using Bluetooth or a wired headset are preserved during battery replacement.
• Push-to-talk applications maintain a network connection during battery replacement as long as the application remains open.

When the battery is removed, a backup supercapacitor takes over to maintain the system for 30 seconds, including Wi-Fi/WAN connectivity (voice, data, and application states). During this time, the user can continue to interact with the device. For power saving, the screen turns off, and the touchscreen is disabled.

To ensure your device remains operational during battery replacement, refer to the following table:

After 30 seconds without a battery, the device enters an emergency (critical) suspend mode that preserves memory for another 30 seconds. This allows the device to continue operating instead of restarting if the battery is replaced within this 60-second window. If the battery is not replaced in time, memory continuity may be lost, and a restarted device may occur when a charged battery is installed.

Incoming calls are suspended before battery replacement and resumed when the new battery is installed. Call performance depends on temperature and signal strength.

Battery Replacement Procedure:

1. Check the notification bar to ensure the device is ready for battery replacement.
2. Remove any accessories that obstruct access to the battery.
3. Press the battery latches down and inward towards the center of the device.
4. Pull the battery out of the device.

NOTE: You have 30 seconds to install a new battery, or the device will enter emergency (critical) standby mode. With a spare battery installed, the device will restart after a total of 60 seconds.

1. Insert the bottom edge of the spare battery into the battery slot on the back of the device.
2. Press down on the battery until it snaps into place.

Ergonomic Considerations

Avoid excessive wrist bending when using the device.

Service Information

Repair services using Zebra-approved parts are available for at least three years after product end-of-life and can be requested at zebra.com/support.