TC52ax Touch Computer
Quick Reference Guide
Legal and Proprietary Information
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure agreement. The software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of those agreements.
For further information regarding legal and proprietary statements, please visit:
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- WARRANTY: zebra.com/warranty
- END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT: zebra.com/eula
Terms of Use
Proprietary Statement
This manual contains proprietary information of Zebra Technologies Corporation and its subsidiaries ("Zebra Technologies"). It is intended solely for the information and use of parties operating and maintaining the equipment described herein. Such proprietary information may not be used, reproduced, or disclosed to any other parties for any other purpose without the express, written permission of Zebra Technologies.
Product Improvements
Continuous improvement of products is a policy of Zebra Technologies. All specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.
Liability Disclaimer
Zebra Technologies takes steps to ensure that its published Engineering specifications and manuals are correct; however, errors do occur. Zebra Technologies reserves the right to correct any such errors and disclaims liability resulting therefrom.
Limitation of Liability
In no event shall Zebra Technologies or anyone else involved in the creation, production, or delivery of the accompanying product (including hardware and software) be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, consequential damages including loss of business profits, business interruption, or loss of business information) arising out of the use of, the results of use of, or inability to use such product, even if Zebra Technologies has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
Features
⚠️ CAUTION: The interface connector at the bottom of the device is not removable. Trying to remove the connector will cause damage to the device and can void warranty.
Figure 1: Front View
The front of the TC52ax Touch Computer features the following components:
| Number | Item | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5 MP Front Camera | Takes photos and videos. |
| 2 | Receiver | Use for audio playback in Handset mode. |
| 3 | Data Capture LED | Indicates data capture status. |
| 4 | Microphone | Use for communications in Speakerphone mode. |
| 5 | Proximity Sensor | Determines proximity for turning off display when in handset mode. |
| 6 | Light Sensor | Determines ambient light for controlling display backlight intensity. |
| 7 | Charging/Notification LED | Indicates battery charging status while charging and application generated notifications. |
| 8 | Touch Screen | Displays all information needed to operate the device. |
| 9 | Speaker | Provides audio output for video and music playback. Provides audio in speakerphone mode. |
| 10 | Interface Connector | Provides USB host and client communications, audio and device charging via cables and accessories. |
| 11 | Microphone | Use for communications in Handset mode. |
| 12 | Scan Button | Initiates data capture (programmable). |
| 13 | Programmable Button | Programmable button for use with applications. Where regulatory restrictions exist, the button is configurable for use with other applications. |
Figure 2: Rear View
The rear of the TC52ax Touch Computer features the following components:
| Number | Item | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Re-Chargeable Li-Ion Battery with BLE Beacon | ≥15.48 Watt hours (typical) / ≥ 4,300 mAh |
| 2 | Basic Hand Strap Mount | Provides mounting point for Basic Hand Strap accessory. |
| 3 | Scan Button | Initiates data capture (programmable). |
| 4 | Battery Release Latches | Press to remove the battery. |
| 5 | Volume Up/Down Button | Increase and decrease audio volume (programmable). |
| 6 | 13 MP Rear Camera | Takes photos and videos. |
| 7 | Camera Flash | Provides illumination for the camera. |
| 8 | Power Button | Turns the display on and off. Press and hold to reset the device, power off or swap battery. |
| 9 | Microphone | Use for noise cancellation. |
Installing a microSD Card
The microSD card slot provides secondary non-volatile storage and is located under the battery pack. Refer to the documentation provided with the card for more information and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
⚠️ CAUTION: Follow proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions to avoid damaging the microSD card. Proper ESD precautions include, but are not limited to, working on an ESD mat and ensuring that the operator is properly grounded.
- Lift the access door.
- Slide the microSD card holder to the unlock position.
- Lift the microSD card holder.
- Insert the microSD card into the card holder door, ensuring that the card slides into the holding tabs on each side of the door.
- Close the microSD card holder and lock into position.
- Re-install the access door.
CAUTION: Access door must be replaced and securely seated to ensure proper device sealing.
Installing the Battery
ℹ️ NOTE: User modification of the device, particularly in the battery well (e.g., adding labels, asset tags, engravings, stickers), may compromise the intended performance of the device or accessories. Performance levels such as sealing (Ingress Protection (IP)), impact performance (drop and tumble), functionality, and temperature resistance could be affected. Do not place any labels, asset tags, engravings, or stickers in the battery well.
To install the battery:
- Insert the battery, bottom first, into the battery compartment in the back of the device.
- Press the battery down until it snaps into place.
Charging the Device
Use one of the following accessories to charge the device and/or spare battery.
Table 2: Charging and Communication Accessories
| Description | Part Number | Charging (In Device) | Charging (Spare Battery) | Communication (USB) | Communication (Ethernet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Slot USB/Charge Only Cradle Kit | CRD-TC51-1SCU-01 | Yes | No | Yes | With Optional Module |
| 1-Slot Workstation Docking Cradle | CRD-TC5X-1SWS-01 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| 2-Slot USB/Ethernet Cradle | CRD-TC5X-2SETH-01 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 5-Slot Charge Only Cradle Kit | CRD-TC51-5SCHG-01 | Yes | No | No | No |
| 4-Slot Charge Only Cradle with Battery Charger Kit | CRD-TC51-5SC4B-01 | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| 5-Slot Ethernet Cradle Kit | CRD-TC51-5SETH-01 | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| 4-Slot Battery Charger Kit | SAC-TC51-4SCHG-01 | No | Yes | No | No |
| Rugged Charge/USB Cable | CBL-TC51-USB1-01 | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Charging the Device
ℹ️ NOTE: Ensure that you follow the guidelines for battery safety described in the TC52ax Product Reference Guide.
- To charge the main battery, connect the charging accessory to the appropriate power source.
- Insert the device into a cradle or attach to a cable. The device turns on and begins charging. The Charging/Notification LED blinks amber while charging, then turns solid green when fully charged.
The battery charges from fully depleted to 90% in approximately 2.5 hours and from fully depleted to 100% in approximately three hours. In many cases, the 90% charge provides plenty of charge for daily use. A full 100% charge lasts for approximately 14 hours of use. To achieve the best charging results, use only Zebra charging accessories and batteries. Charge batteries at room temperature with the device in sleep mode.
Charging the Spare Battery
- Insert a spare battery into the spare battery slot.
- Ensure the battery is seated properly.
The Spare Battery Charging LED blinks indicating charging. See Table 3 for charging indicators.
The battery charges from fully depleted to 90% in approximately 2.3 hours and from fully depleted to 100% in approximately three hours. In many cases, the 90% charge provides plenty of charge for daily use. A full 100% charge lasts for approximately 14 hours of use. To achieve the best charging results, use only Zebra charging accessories and batteries.
Table 3: Charging/Notification LED Charging Indicators
| State | LED Indicator | Indication |
|---|---|---|
| Off | ⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫ | Device is not charging. Device is not inserted correctly in the cradle or connected to a power source. Charger/cradle is not powered. |
| Slow Blinking Amber (1 blink every 4 seconds) | ????? | Device is charging. |
| Slow Blinking Red (1 blink every 4 seconds) | ????? | Device is charging but the battery is at end of useful life. |
| Solid Green | ????? | Charging complete. |
| Solid Red | ????? | Charging complete but the battery is at end of useful life. |
| Fast Blinking Amber (2 blinks/second) | ?? ?? ?? | Charging error, e.g: • Temperature is too low or too high. • Charging has gone on too long without completion (typically eight hours). |
| Fast Blinking Red (2 blinks/second) | ?? ?? ?? | Charging error but the battery is at end of useful life., e.g: • Temperature is too low or too high. • Charging has gone on too long without completion (typically eight hours). |
Charge batteries in temperatures from 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F). The device or cradle always performs battery charging in a safe and intelligent manner. At higher temperatures (e.g., approximately +37°C (+98°F)), the device or cradle may for small periods of time alternately enable and disable battery charging to keep the battery at acceptable temperatures. The device and cradle indicates when charging is disabled due to abnormal temperatures via its LED.
Using the Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery with BLE Beacon
The TC52ax utilizes a rechargeable Li-Ion battery to facilitate BLE beacon. Once enabled, the battery transmits a BLE signal for up to seven days while the device is powered off due to battery depletion.
ℹ️ NOTE: The device transmits a Bluetooth beacon only when the device is powered off.
For additional information on configuring the secondary BLE settings, refer to techdocs.zebra.com/emdk-for-android/8-0/mx/beaconmgr/.
1-Slot USB Charging Cradle
This cradle provides power to the device via USB.
| Item | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power LED | Indicates that power is applied to the cradle. |
1-Slot Workstation Docking Cradle
This cradle allows the device to connect to a monitor and Ethernet network, and provides USB ports.
| Item | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Power Port | Provides power to the cradle. |
| 2 | HDMI Port | Connects to monitor. |
| 3 | Ethernet Port | Connects to an Ethernet network. |
| 4 | LED | Indicates that power is applied to the cradle. |
| 5 | USB Type A Port | Connection for mouse or keyboard. |
| 6 | USB Type A Port | Connection for mouse or keyboard. |
| 7 | 1.5 mA USB Port | USB Type A port for mouse or keyboard, or personal mobile device. |
| 8 | 0.5 mA USB Port | USB Type A port for mouse or keyboard. |
2-Slot USB/Ethernet Cradle
This cradle charges the device and a spare battery, and provides Ethernet connectivity.
| Item | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Device Charging Slot | Holds the device during charging. |
| 2 | Spare Battery Charge LED | Indicates spare battery charge status. |
| 3 | Spare Battery Slot | Holds the spare battery during charging. |
5-Slot Charge Only Cradle
This cradle charges up to five devices simultaneously.
| Item | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Device Charging Slot | Holds the device during charging. |
| 2 | Power LED | Indicates that power is applied to the cradle. |
4-Slot Charge Only Cradle with Battery Charger
This cradle charges up to four devices and four spare batteries simultaneously.
| ITEM | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Device Charging Slot | Holds the device during charging. |
| 2 | Spare Battery Slot | Holds a spare battery during charging. |
| 3 | Power LED | Indicates that power is applied to the cradle. |
| 4 | Spare Battery Charging LED | Indicates spare battery charge status. |
5-Slot Ethernet Cradle
This cradle charges up to five devices and provides Ethernet connectivity.
| Item | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Device Charging Slot | Holds the device during charging and communication. |
| 2 | 1000 LED | Indicates data rate of 1 Gbps when on or blinking. |
| 3 | 10/100 LED | Indicates data rate of 10 or 100 Mbps when on or blinking. |
4-Slot Battery Charger
This charger charges up to four spare batteries simultaneously.
| Item | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spare Battery Slot | Holds the spare battery during charging. |
| 2 | Power LED | Indicates that power is applied to the cradle. |
| 3 | Spare Battery Charging LEDs | Indicates spare battery charge status. |
Rugged Charge/USB Cable
This cable connects the device to a power source for charging and data transfer via USB.
The cable connects to the device's interface connector and to a power adapter plugged into a wall outlet.
Scanning
To read a barcode, a scan-enabled application is required. The device contains the DataWedge application, which allows the user to enable the imager, decode barcode data, and display the barcode content.
Steps for scanning:
- Ensure that an application is open on the device and a text field is in focus (text cursor in text field).
- Point the exit window on the top of the device at a barcode.
- Press and hold the scan button.
On the TC52ax, the red LED aiming pattern and red aiming dot turn on to assist in aiming. On the TC52ax-HC, the white LED aiming pattern and green aiming dot turn on to assist in aiming.
ℹ️ NOTE: When the device is in Picklist mode, the imager does not decode the barcode until the crosshair or aiming dot touches the barcode.
Aiming Pattern Description:
Ensure the barcode is within the area formed by the cross-hairs in the aiming pattern. The aiming dot is used for increased visibility in bright lighting conditions.
✔️ Success: The Data Capture LED lights green and a beep sounds, by default, to indicate the barcode was decoded successfully.
❌ Failure: If the barcode is not decoded correctly, the LED may remain red or off, and no beep will sound.
Steps continued:
- The Data Capture LED lights green and a beep sounds, by default, to indicate the barcode was decoded successfully.
- Release the scan button.
ℹ️ NOTE: Imager decoding usually occurs instantaneously. The device repeats the steps required to take a digital picture (image) of a poor or difficult barcode as long as the scan button remains pressed.
- The barcode content data displays in the text field.
Ergonomic Considerations
To ensure comfortable and safe use, avoid extreme wrist angles when operating the device.
The diagrams illustrate proper hand positioning for extended use.
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