Honeywell Vx9 Manual

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 The unit is ready to accept data from either the keyboard, integrated scanner or a device connected to a serial port.
Note: The touch screen may be disabled.  Please refer to Disabling the Touch Screen (page 5-8).
Soft Keyboard Entry
The optional software keyboard provides a virtual keyboard on the touch screen.  The soft keyboard is orderable in several 
configurations.
Note: When the virtual keyboard is displayed, the physical keyboard is still active, if attached.  Therefore it is possible to 
input data from both keyboards. 
						

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3
Hardware Overview
System Hardware
802.11 Wireless Client
Depending on the options ordered, the Thor VX9 may contain an 802.11 a/b/g/n (see Summit Wireless Network 
Configuration (page 6-35)), 802.11 a/b/g (see Atheros Client Utility (page 6-72)) or 802.11b/g radio (see Broadcom 
Wireless Utility (page 6-83).
Central Processing Unit
The Thor VX9 contains one of the CPU options below:
 Intel
® 1.6 GHz Atom™
 Intel® 1.5 GHz Core™ 2 Duo
 Intel® 600 MHz Celeron®
 Intel® 1.0 GHz Celeron®
 Intel® 1.4 GHz Pentium® M
Input/Output Components
The following external connectors are present on the Thor VX9:
 Two RS-232C serial ports, COM1 and COM2
 Two Type A USB 2.0 ports
 One Type A USB 2.0 port
 Two (2) PS/2 Ports
 Keyboard/mouse port,PS/2 ports available via adapter cable
 Multipurpose Connector, USB and/or COM4 via cable

 Microphone In
 Ethernet Port, RJ-45 10/100
Note: Using the VMT Manager (page 5-10), Pin 9 of COM1 may be configured to provide 5 volts DC to power a bar code 
scanner or RI for serial transfer.  Pin 9 of COM2 and CAM 4 may be configured to provide 12 volts DC.
System Memory
Depending on the option ordered, system memory may be 1GB or 2GB of SDRAM or 512MB or 1024MB of DDR RAM.
Video Subsystem
The Thor VX8 contains an SVGA compatible controller and 10.4” display.
The Thor VX9 contains either an SVGA or XGA compatible controller with 12.1” display.
The display supports screen blanking to eliminate driver distraction when the vehicle is in motion.
Audio Interface
The Thor VX9 has and audio out (headset) port and mic in (microphone) port.
Card Slots
The following expansion slots are available, depending on options ordered:
  Two PC Card type II slots
Bluetooth
Bluetooth 2.0+EDR is supported. 
						

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WWAN
WWAN options vary by country.   See Option GlobeTrotter Connect (page 6-99) or OneClick Internet (page 6-100) for 
details on configuring WWAN.
Power Input
Vehicle power input for the Thor VX9 is determined by the DC/DC power supply selected.  The DC/DC power supply accepts 
input in the stated range and provides a conditioned 12V DC output for the Thor VX9.  See Connect Vehicle Power (page 4-14) 
for details.
If DC power is not available – for example, in an office environment – an optional external Universal Input Power Supply can be 
used to convert AC wall power to an appropriate DC level. See External AC Power Supply (page 4-27).
Uninterruptible Power Supply
A DC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) battery is included to maintain power to the Thor VX9 for a minimum of 15 min-
utes when vehicle power is not available (such as when a vehicle battery is being swapped). The UPS is configured via the 
VMT Manager (page 5-10).
Backup Battery
The Thor VX9 has a permanent lithium battery installed to maintain time, date and BIOS setup information. The backup 
battery is not user serviceable and should last five years with normal use before it requires replacement.
Note: This battery should only be changed by authorized service personnel.
PCMCIA Slot
Microsoft Windows Plug and Play operating system controls the PCMCIA cards.  These cards are hot swappable per the Card-
Bus/PCMCIA specifications.  PCMCIA slots are optional.
Power Management
The Thor VX9 uses Microsoft Windows Power Management.  The Thor VX9 has two operating modes: Normal and Standby.
In Normal operating mode all systems are powered up and the video display is on.  The RS-232 ports, any installed PCMCIA 
cards are active.  However, Microsoft Windows also allows the display and hard disks to be shut down in normal mode to con-
serve energy.
The Standby mode shuts down many devices such as the display and hard drives.  For complete details on the standby mode, 
please refer to the Microsoft Help & Support (Start > Help and Support).
Physical Controls
Power Button
The power (on/off) button is a push button switch located on the front of the Thor VX9.  The switch is a momentary switch.  
If the Thor VX9 is Off, pressing the power switch turns the Thor VX9 On.  If the Thor VX9 is On, Windows determines the 
results of a power button press.  For example, the Thor VX9 may be configured to:
 Shut down
 Hibernate
 Ignore the power button press
 Ask user to choose.
Power button behavior is configured via the control panel:
For Windows 7 Professional
Start > Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the Power buttons do (Classic view)
Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > Choose what the Power buttons do (Category view) 
For Windows XP Embedded, Windows XP Professional and Windows Embedded Standard 2009 
						

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Pressing and holding the power switch for several seconds forces a shutdown.
Note: Always turn the computer off prior to removing power cables.
The Thor VX9 is designed for a controlled shutdown when using the power button.  A controlled shutdown first closes any 
open programs, and then shuts down the Windows operating system.  DO NOT remove power from the Thor VX9 without 
shutting down the Thor VX9.
The Thor VX9 shutdown may be initiated in any of the following ways:
 Selecting the Shut Down option from the Windows Start Menu.
 Selecting the Shut Down option from the Windows Task Manager.  The Windows Task Manager is displayed by pressing 
Ctrl-Alt-Del.
 Momentarily pressing and releasing the power button.  The Thor VX9 behavior when the power button is pressed can be 
configured in the Windows Control Panel.
 Pressing and holding the power button for approximately five seconds.  Any open programs and the Windows operating 
system are shut down before power off.  Note that this option must be used to shut down when the operating system is 
not responding.
 The VMT Manager can be configured so that an extended touch on the touch screen initiates the shut down process.
For more information on the Windows shutdown process, please refer to Help and Support on the Windows Start menu or 
commercially available Windows guides.
Display Brightness Buttons
Screen brightness is adjusted using the buttons (+) or (-) on the front of the Thor VX9.
The screen’s background lighting can be turned off by holding both buttons simultaneously.Start > Control Panel > Power Options > Advanced (Classic view)
Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > Power Options > Advanced (Category view)  
						

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Background lighting is restored by pushing one of the buttons or by touching the screen 
						

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External Connectors
Most external connectors for the Thor VX9 are located on the bottom of the unit.
PS/2 Keyboard Connector (page 3-4) and PS/2 Mouse Connector (page 3-4) are for direct connections to a PS/2 
keyboard and mouse.
Keyboard/Mouse Connector (page 3-4) accepts a Honeywell VMT keyboard or a dongle cable for a PS/2 keyboard and 
mouse.
Serial Connector – COM1 (page 3-4) connects to a serial bar code scanner cable.
Serial Connector – COM2 (page 3-4) connects to a serial printer or PC with the appropriate cables.
 The USB connectors areconnector is a standard USB type A host connector.
 The Ethernet connector is a standard RJ45 10/100 Ethernet connector.
Multipurpose Connector (page 3-6) is a D15 connector that can provide a USB port, D9 serial RS-232 (COM4) port or 
both depending on the accessory cable attached to the connector.
Keyboards (page 3-7) are 3.5 mm jacks for audio out, i.e. a headset. and audio in, i.e. a microphone.
 External Bluetooth antenna connector.
Note: Pin 9 of the COM 1 can be switched between +5V and RI to change between a bar code scanner and a serial port printer 
or PC cable.  See VMT Manager (page 5-10).
Other external connectors are located as follows:
 802.11 antenna connectors are located on the top of the Thor VX9.  One of these connectors may also be used by the WWAN 
radio.
Power Supply Connector
Power is supplied to the Thor VX9 through the power connector.  Additionally this assembly provides for input for the screen 
blanking feature, if desired.
The Thor VX9 is designed to:
 Connect an External AC Power Supply (page 4-27) or
Connect Vehicle Power (page 4-14)using a DC-DC power supply delivering conditioned DC power.
Serial Connector – COM1
The serial connector, with a (1) label, (configured as COM1) is industry-standard RS-232.  The connector includes a PC/AT 
standard 9–pin “D” male connector.  The VMT Manager controls the function of pin 9.  Pin 9 is capable of supplying +5 VDC 
for an external bar code scanner.  Refer to VMT Manager (page 5-10) for more information on configuring pin 9.
See COM1 (page 8-3) for pinout information.
Serial Connector – COM2
The COM2 serial connector is an industry-standard RS-232 9-pin “D” connector.  The connector and its pin assignments 
are shown below.
See COM2 (page 8-3) for pinout information.
PS/2 Keyboard Connector
The PS/2 keyboard connector can be used to connect a standard PS/2 keyboard or used with an adapter cable to connect 
a rugged Honeywell keyboard.
See PS/2 Keyboard Connector (page 8-4) for pinout information.
PS/2 Mouse Connector
The PS/2 keyboard connector can be used to connect a standard PS/2 mouse or used with an adapter cable to connect a 
rugged Honeywell keyboard (the 95-key keyboard includes an integrated mouse).  COM1 provides +5v on pin 9 when enabled.  Only COM1 should be used to connect an external scanner to the 
Thor VX9.
COM2 provides +12v on pin 9 when enabled.
Do not connect a serial bar code scanner to COM2 as this may damage the scanner, the Thor VX9 or both.
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See PS/2 Mouse Connector (page 8-4) for pinout information.
Keyboard/Mouse Connector
The Thor VX9 external keyboard connector accepts:
 A Honeywell VMT keyboard with integrated mouse
 A Honeywell VMT keyboard without integrated mouse
 A dongle cable providing PS/2 connections for a standard PS/2 keyboard and mouse.
See Keyboard/Mouse Connector (page 7-4) for pinout information.
Ethernet Connector
The Thor VX9 has a standard RJ-45 10/100 Ethernet port.
Use of a shielded cable is required to maintain emissions and susceptibility compliance.
See RJ45 Connector (page 8-4) for pinout information.
Audio and Microphone Connectors
Audio Out is a standard 3.5mm earphone outlet.
Microphone In is a standard 3.5mm microphone inlet.  The microphone connector provides +5V for an active microphone.
Antenna Connectors
The Thor VX9 has up to four antenna connectors, depending on the options ordered.
Two antenna connectors are located on the top of the Thor VX9.  If the Thor VX9 contains an 802.11 radio, these connec-
tors provide diversity antennas for the radio.  The connectors can also be used to connect a remote antenna.
Two antenna connectors are located on the bottom of the Thor VX9.  These antenna connectors are for the Bluetooth 
antenna and the remote WWAN antenna. 
						

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Multipurpose Connector
The Thor VX9 Ethernet/USB connector accepts an adapter cable that provides a USB port, a COM4 serial port or both.
See Multipurpose Connector (page 8-5) for port and cable pinout information.
Multipurpose Dongle Cables
COM4 provides +12v on pin 9 when enabled.
Do not connect a serial bar code scanner to COM4 as this may damage the scanner, the Thor VX9 or both.
1. To D15 Connector on Thor VX9
2. D9 Serial Connector (COM4)
3. USB Connector
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Keyboards
The following keyboard options are available for the Thor VX9:
 VMT 95-key QWERTY keyboard with integrated pointing device – a customized rugged keyboard connected to the Thor VX9 
via an adapter cable.
 VMT 60-key QWERTY keyboard – a customized rugged keyboard connected to the Thor VX9 via an adapter cable.
 A standard PS/2 keyboard via the PS/2 Keyboard port on the Thor VX9.  A PS/2 mouse can also be attached to the PS/2 
Mouse port.
 A software keyboard, or virtual keyboard, can be displayed on the touch screen.  The virtual keyboard can be used in place 
of, or in addition to, a physical keyboard.
95-key Keyboard
This keyboard contains an integrated pointing device.  An adapter cable is required to attach this keyboard to the Thor VX9.  
For information on attaching this keyboard to the Thor VX9 see Connect Keyboard (page 4-9).
See Key Maps (page 7-1) for information on keypress combinations.
Key Maps
The 95-key keyboard supports all 104 keyboard functions (101 keyboard standard plus Windows keys) and includes an 
integrated pointing device and left and right mouse buttons.  However, because the keyboard only has 95 keys, all 
functions are not visible (or printed on the keyboard).  Therefore the Thor VX9 keyboard supports what is called hidden 
keys -- keys that are accessible but not visible on the keyboard.
As with a standard keyboard, many keys are found in the Alphanumeric section as well as on the Numeric keypad (i.e. 
the 1 key is found on the numeric keypad and above the alpha characters on standard keyboards).  However these 
keys send distinctly different scan codes when the keys are pressed.  The hidden keys supported by the Thor VX9 are 
listed in Key Maps (page 7-1).
Note: The 95-key keyboard does not have a 2
nd key function.
NumLock
For the 95-key keyboard, the NumLock key and the numeric keys are backlit green when NumLock is off.  When Num-
Lock is on, the backlight for the NumLock key and the numeric keys is amber.
CapsLock and Scroll Lock
For the 95-key keyboard, the CapsLock key is backlit green when CapsLock is off.  When CapsLock is on, the backlight 
for the CapsLock key is amber.
The Scroll Lock key is backlit green when Scroll Lock is off.  When Scroll Lock is on, the backlight for the Scroll Lock 
key is amber.
The default values for CapsLock and Scroll Lock are Off. 
						

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Keyboard Backlight

 Maximum intensity
 Medium intensity
 Low intensity.
60-key Keyboard
An adapter cable is required to attach this keyboard to the Thor VX9.  For information on attaching this keyboard to the Thor 
VX9 see Connect Keyboard (page 4-9).
The 60 key keyboard is also available with an IBM 3270 Keypad Overlay (page 3-11) or an IBM 5250 Keypad Overlay 
(page 3-11) for use with terminal emulation programs such as RFTerm
TM.
Key Maps
The 60-key keyboard supports all 101 keyboard functions.  However, because the keyboard only has 60 keys, all func-
tions are not visible (or printed on the keyboard).  Therefore the Thor VX9 keyboard supports what is called hidden 
keys -- keys that are accessible but not visible on the keyboard.
On standard keyboards many keys are found in the Alphanumeric section as well as on the Numeric keypad (i.e. the 1 
key is found on the numeric keypad and above the alpha characters on standard keyboards).  However these keys 
send distinctly different scan codes when the keys are pressed.  The default codes for the Thor VX9 number keys cor-
respond to the numeric keypad on standard keyboards.  In order to duplicate the codes sent when the alphanumeric 
key is pressed, the hidden keystroke must be used.
The hidden keys supported by the Thor VX9 are listed in Key Maps (page 7-1).
Unused Key Functions
There are several key functions on the 60-key keyboard that are not used on the Thor VX9.  These include:
2
nd F3 – The Resume/Suspend function is not used as Microsoft Windows controls all power management modes.
2nd F4 and 2nd F5 – The Display Brightness functions are not used as the display brightness is adjusted by the 
buttons on the Thor VX9.
2
nd F6 and 2nd F7 – The Contrast functions are not used as the contrast is not adjustable on the TFT display on the 
Thor VX9.
2
nd F8 and 2nd F9 – The Volume control keys are not used as volume is adjusted via the Microsoft Windows Volume 
icon in the System Tray.
2
nd F10 – Please see below for details on toggling the keyboard backlight.
NumLock
The 60-key keyboard does not have a NumLock indicator or key.  NumLock can be toggled On or Off using the 2nd 
SHIFT F10 keypress sequence.  Changes made to the NumLock status persist across a Windows restart. The 95-key keyboard backlights each key with an LED.  The keyboard backlight is manually controlled using 
the “backlight” key in the upper right hand corner of the keyboard.  Pressing the backlight key cycles the key-
board backlight through the levels of backlight intensity: