IrDA Lite Plus 101
E-EQ-MX3RG-J-ARC MX3 Reference Guide
IrDA Lite Plus and MX3 and Powered Cradles
The powered cradle (both Desk Top and Vehicle Mount) is an MX3 mobile computer accessory
which provides physical storage, power, and infrared to wired communication for the MX3. The
MX3 is fully operational when it is in the cradle. The cradle must be connected to an approved
power source for the processes that are described in this section. The MX3 may also be connected
to an external power source through its power jack while the cradle is connected to a power
source as well.
Note: No software is required or present in the powered cradle.
With IrDALite Plus the MX3 passes infrared data in both directions. The MX3 has an infrared
port that passes the data through to the RS-232 serial port on the cradle. The data is passed
between the infrared port and the RS-232 port without any protocol interpretation.
Before files can be transferred using the powered cradle, the MX3 can be either 1) fully seated in
the cradle or 2) held in the hand with it’s IR port facing the IR port on the cradle. The cradle must
be connected to a power source. The cradle can be mounted on a table, wall or vehicle.
When the MX3 is seated in the cradle the IR port on the MX3 and the cradle line up.
You could use the powered cradle to send data between:
• an MX3 and a PC with a serial to infrared adapter.
• an MX3 and a PC with an RS-232 null modem cable connecting the PC with the
cradle.
• an MX3 and an IrDA-compatible printer.
File Transfer Using IR Ports
Note: Both units must be running the same communication software.
Make sure peripherals and accessories are powered on: cradle, printer, PC, etc. Connect required
cables: RS-232 null modem for PC or non-IrDA printer, commercially available serial to infrared
adapter for PC.
Perform the steps in “Quick Start”. This will power up the sending and receiving units, edit the
CONFIG.SYS file, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, load the IrDA Lite Plus file and establish the
COM port / baud rate to use for file transfer.
1. Place the MX3 in the cradle, seating the IrDA window firmly against the IrDA
window in the cradle. The IrDA port is now the COM2 port.
2. Make sure the cradle has power.
3. Begin running the communications software on the receiving unit. Set up the
software to receive data.
4. Begin running the communications software on the sending unit. Set up the software
to send data.
5. Press the appropriate keys on the units to transmit the file.
During transmission, the Status LED will turn red. When transmission is complete the Status LED
will turn green
