Getting Started Using Your ScoutPalDB PDA and Socket Cordless Scanner (Bluetooth)

Carefully unpack the Pocket PC (PDA) and scanner, and save all packaging. If the PDA battery is packed separately, install it and lock the cover. Remove any card slot protective covers. Insert the memory card into its slot. A stylus is stored on the right side of the PDA, you will use the stylus to tap on the screen and operate the PDA.

Do not install any software from CDs packaged with the PDA and scanner. Everything has been pre-installed and setup so that you can begin using ScoutPalDB right away with your ScoutPal subscription: The ScoutPalDB program and scanner driver software are setup and ready to use, and the current database file (as of the date of configuration) is in the memory card.

Put the scanner and PDA on their chargers.  While they are charging, read the manufacturer’s user guide for the PDA to learn the basics of its operation before proceeding. For example, you will need to know how to turn it off and on, how tap the screen to make choices, how to bring up the on-screen keypad to enter and edit text and numbers, and how to start and close programs.  Even if you have used a bar code scanner before, you should also read http://www.scoutpal.com/db/howtoscan

To begin using your scanner and ScoutPalDB:

1. Unplug the scanner charger.
2. If the scanner’s blue light is not blinking, press and hold the small button until it starts blinking blue. (Press and hold the small button again when you want to turn the scanner off.)
3. Tap Start > SocketScan and then on the Today screen (tap Start > Today) look for the Socket scanner icon (a bar code with a red line) on the bottom right of the PDA’s screen.  Alternatively, the "record" button along the right edge of the PDA may be programmed to start SocketScan.  (To program buttons, tap Start > Settings > Buttons)
4. Tap on the scanner icon and select “Connect CS” and the PDA will connect to the scanner.
5. The scanner is now ready to use, refer to http://www.scoutpal.com/db/howtoscan
6. Tap Start  > ScoutPalDB to begin using ScoutPalDB.

Tap Start (top left of screen)>Programs>ScoutPalDB to begin using ScoutPalDB. Your PDA was setup with ScoutPalDB2 following the steps published at http://scoutpal.com/db, so it is ready to use.  Do not repeat the setup steps. But you must keep the database updated. The database update is available for download at http://scoutpal.com/db/download.  (Be sure to enter "spdb2" in the DB2 Code field on the download page.)

A storage card reader simplifies and speeds up the process of copying database updates to the storage card. Simply remove the storage card from the PDA and plug it into the card reader. Now plug the reader into a USB port on your computer. On some computers, a window into the storage card may automatically open when the card is plugged in. If not, use the “My Computer” function to open a window to show all the drives attached to your computer. The storage card will be listed as one of your removable drive(s). Double click it to open a window into the storage card. If you are not sure which drive letter(s) belong to the card reader, unplug and plug in the reader again and you will see the drive letter(s) disappear and then reappear in the list. You may have to click on more than one drive letter to find out which one belongs to the card. Once you have the card open in Windows, you can copy and paste a new file directly from your computer, over to the card.

To the get the latest database update, browse to http://www.scoutpal.com/db/download and click on “How to update the database file”, then print out and carefully follow and checkmark each of the steps so that you don’t miss anything.  Be sure to enter "spdb2" in the DB2 Code field before downloading.  Finally, always soft-reset (reboot) your PDA after you update the database file in the storage card, so that the program will recognize the change. (Look for the small reset button on the bottom, back or side of the PDA, and press it in using the tip of the stylus.)

For general PDA or scanner usage information, please refer to the manufacturer documentation.

Contact ScoutPal Support for any issues you may have: (888) 325-5964