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TC52ax
Touch Computer
Quick Reference Guide
MN-004161-01EN

ZEBRA and the stylized Zebra head are trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2021 Zebra Technologies Corporation and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. 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 go to:
SOFTWARE: zebra.com/linkoslegal
COPYRIGHTS: zebra.com/copyright
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

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Features

Table 1

NumberItemFunction
15 MP Front CameraTakes photos and videos.
2ReceiverUse for audio playback in Handset mode.
3Data Capture LEDIndicates data capture status.
4MicrophoneUse for communications in Speakerphone mode.
5Proximity SensorDetermines proximity for turning off display when in handset mode.
6Light SensorDetermines ambient light for controlling display backlight intensity.
7Charging/Notification LEDIndicates battery charging status while charging and application generated notifications.
8Touch ScreenDisplays all information needed to operate the device.
9SpeakerProvides audio output for video and music playback. Provides audio in speakerphone mode.
10Interface ConnectorProvides USB host and client communications, audio and
device charging via cables and accessories.
11MicrophoneUse for communications in Handset mode.
12Scan ButtonInitiates data capture (programmable).
13Programmable ButtonProgrammable button for use with applications. Where regulatory restrictions exist1  the button is configurable for use with other applications.

1Pakistan, Qatar

Figure 2 TC52ax Rear View

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Features 2

NumberItemFunction
1Re-Chargeable Li-Ion Battery with BLE Beacon>15.48 Watt hours (typical) /> 4,300 mAh
2Basic Hand Strap MountProvides mounting point for Basic Hand Strap accessory.
3Scan ButtonInitiates data capture (programmable).
4Battery Release LatchesPress to remove the battery.
5Volume Up/Down ButtonIncrease and decrease audio volume (programmable).
613 MP Rear CameraTakes photos and videos.
7Camera FlashProvides illumination for the camera.
8Power ButtonTurns the display on and off. Press and hold to reset the device, power off or swap battery.
9MicrophoneUse for noise cancellation.
10Exit WindowProvides data capture using the imager.
11NFC AntennaProvides communication with other NFC-enabled devices.
12Headset JackFor audio output to headset.
13Trigger Handle MountProvides electrical contacts and mounting for the Trigger Handle.

Installing a microSD Card

The microSD card slot provides secondary non-volatile storage. The slot is located under the battery pack. Refer to the documentation provided with the card for more information, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use.

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.

  1. Lift the access door.
    ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Installing a microSD Card 1
  2. Slide the microSD card holder to the unlock position.
    ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Installing a microSD Card 2
  3. Lift the microSD card holder.
  4. Insert the microSD card into the card holder door ensuring that the card slides into the holding tabs on each side of the door.
    ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Installing a microSD Card 3
  5. Close the microSD card holder and lock into position.
    CAUTION: Access door must be replaced and securely seated to ensure proper device sealing.
  6. Re-install the access door.

Installing the Battery

NOTE: User modification of the device, particularly in the battery well, such as labels, asset tags, engravings, stickers, etc., may compromise the intended performance of the device or accessories. Performance levels such as sealing (Ingress Protection (IP)), impact performance (drop and tumble), functionality, temperature resistance, etc. could be effected. Do not put any labels, asset tags, engravings, stickers, etc. in the battery well. To install the battery:

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

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Installing the Battery 1

Charging the Device

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

Table 2 Charging and Communication

DescriptionPart NumberChargingCommunication
Battery Spare (In Device) BatteryUSB Ethernet
1-Slot USB/Charge Only Cradle KitCRD-TC51-1SCU-01YesNoYesWith Optional Module
1 -Slot Workstation Docking CradleCRD-TC5X-1 SWS-01YesNoYesYes
2-Slot USB/Ethernet CradleCRD-TC5X-2SETH-01YesYesYesYes
5-Slot Charge Only Cradle KitCRD-TC51-5SCHG-01YesNoNoNo
4-Slot Charge Only Cradle with Battery Charger KitCRD-TC51-5SC4B-01YesYesNoNo
5-Slot Ethernet Cradle KitCRD-TC51-5SETH-01YesNoNoYes
4-Slot Battery Charger KitSAC-TC51-4SCHG-01NoYesNoNo
Rugged Charge/USB CableCBL-TC51-USB1-01YesNoYesNo

Charging the Device

NOTE: Ensure that you follow the guidelines for battery safety described in the tc52ax Product Reference Guide.

  1. To charge the main battery, connect the charging accessory to the appropriate power source.
  2. 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

  1. Insert a spare battery into the spare battery slot.
  2. 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

StateLEDIndication
OffDevice 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 GreenCharging complete.
Solid RedCharging 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.
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

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot USB Charging Cradle

ItemNameDescription
1Power LEDIndicates that power is applied to the cradle.

1-Slot Workstation Docking Cradle

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot Workstation Docking Cradle

ItemNameDescription
1Power PortProvides power to the cradle.
2HDMI PortConnects to monitor.
3Ethernet PortConnects to an Ethernet network.
4LEDIndicates that power is applied to the cradle.
5USB Type A PortConnection for mouse or keyboard.
6USB Type A PortConnection for mouse or keyboard.
71.5 mA USB PortUSB Type A port for mouse or keyboard, or personal mobile device.
80.5 mA USB PortUSB Type A port for mouse or keyboard.

2-Slot USB/Ethernet Cradle

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot USB Ethernet Cradle

ItemNameDescription
1Device Charging SlotHolds the device during charging.
2Spare Battery Charge LEDIndicates spare battery charge status.
3Spare Battery SlotHolds the spare battery during charging.

5-Slot Charge Only Cradle

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot Charge Only Cradle

ItemNameDescription
1Device Charging SlotHolds the device during charging.
2Power LEDIndicates that power is applied to the cradle.

4-Slot Charge Only Cradle with Battery Charger

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot Charge Only Cradle with Battery Charger

iTEMNameDescription
1Device Charging SlotHolds the device during charging.
2Spare Battery SlotHolds a spare battery during charging.
3Power LEDIndicates that power is applied to the cradle.
4Spare Battery Charging LEDIndicates spare battery charge status.

5-Slot Ethernet Cradle

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot Ethernet Cradle

ItemNameDescription
1Device Charging SlotHolds the device during charging and communication.
21000 LEDIndicates data rate of 1 Gbps when on or blinking.
310/100 LEDIndicates data rate of 10 or 100 Mbps when on or blinking.

4-Slot Battery Charger

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Slot Battery Charger

ItemNameDescription
1Spare Battery SlotHolds the spare battery during charging.
2Power LEDIndicates that power is applied to the cradle.
3Spare Battery Charging LEDsIndicates spare battery charge status.

Rugged Charge/USB Cable

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Rugged Charge USB Cable

Scanning

To read a barcode, a scan-enabled application is required. The device contains the DataWedge application that allows the user to enable the imager, decode the barcode data and display the barcode content.

  1. Ensure that an application is open on the device and a text field is in focus (text cursor in text field).
  2. Point the exit window on the top of the device at a barcode.
  3. Press and hold the scan button.
    On the TC52ax, the red LED aiming pattern and red aiming dot turns on to assist in aiming.
    On the TC52ax-HC, the white LED aiming pattern and green aiming dot turns on to assist in aiming.
    ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - ScanningNOTE: When the device is in Picklist mode, the imager does not decode the barcode until the crosshair or aiming dot touches the barcode.
  4. 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.
    ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Scanning 2
    ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Scanning 3
  5. The Data Capture LED lights green and a beep sounds, by default, to indicate the barcode was decoded successfully.
  6. Release the scan button.
    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.
  7. The barcode content data displays in the text field.

Ergonomic Considerations

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer - Ergonomic Considerations 1

ZEBRA - Logowww.zebra.com

Documents / Resources

ZEBRA TC52ax Touch Computer [pdf] User Guide
BT000443, UZ7BT000443, TC52ax, Touch Computer, TC52ax Touch Computer

References

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