PDA Module FAQ
Q. Can I use a Grabba Barcode Scanner without any specialised software?
A. Yes. We provide a Keyboard Wedge for Windows Mobile and PalmOS, which allows scanning barcodes directly into standard text fields using an assigned trigger button. This allows immediate use of Grabba Barcode Scanners, and is adequate for many applications.
Q. If I already own a Grabba, but decide to change my PDA or SmartPhone, can I use my Grabba with the new handheld?
A. Grabba T-Series models have been designed on a ‘modular’ basis that allows us to upgrade the device to interface to later model Palm or Windows Mobile devices as they come into our range. This means that if you change your PDA or SmartPhone to a new PDA or SmartPhone which is not similar in connection or size, we can reinterface the unit to work with the new PDA or SmartPhone. This service includes a replacement battery and new warranty for a price much lower than a new unit would cost.
Q. When I load the Grabba Driver, it retuns to my Application Launcher with the error “Palm device not supported.” What should I do?
A. This error is an indication that the Grabba Driver being used is an old version which does not support the Palm device being used. Simply go to the Support / Download section on the Grabba website, and download the newest driver. If you believe you have the latest version and the error is still present, contact support.
Q. I don’t think my Grabba is working any more, what can I do to check this?
A. The Grabba Driver for both PalmOS and Windows Mobile contains a diagnostics page which shows the details of the unit such as battery percentage left, the Grabba model, and its serial number. Running the driver and checking this page is a good indication of whether the unit is still working.
Q. The Grabba Driver diagnostics page is not showing my Grabba information properly. What should I do?
A. Firstly, try charging the Grabba device using the supplied charger (for Palm Universal Connector models simply attach to a powered HotSync cradle). Leave the device on charge for a few minutes then try loading the Grabba Driver again while still on charge. If the diagnostics begin to work it is an indication that the device was flat and needs to be charged for a few hours.
Secondly, if the diagnostics page is still not working, a soft reset of the PDA or SmartPhone often fixes the problem.
Finally, if after a soft reset the Grabba still does not seem to be working, or it seems you often need to resort to this fix, you should contact support.
Q. Even though I know my Grabba is charged, I sometimes have problems with the Grabba Driver and other times it works fine. Why might this be?
A. In a couple of Palm or PocketPC devices, the Infrared port interferes with the serial port used to communicate with the Grabba. Sometimes when the Palm or PocketPC devices comes into range of an infrared port the Grabba will not work. Make sure any automatic beam receive features are turned off, and make sure your PDA/SmartPhone is not directed at an Infrared port. If this does not appear to be a problem, you may need to seek further support.
Q. I have enabled the Keyboard Wedge but my Grabba U1 (or UVr/UVt) does not seem to be transmitting barcodes to the PDA, even though the beam comes on when I scan! How do I get it working?
A. Sometimes when the Grabba U-Series barcode readers go really flat, they lose their settings and need to be reset to defaults. Using the User Manual that was supplied with your Grabba, or the “Grabba Advanced Programming.pdf” available on the Support section of the Grabba website, which contains the barcodes to scan to fix this problem. Simply scan the barcodes on Page 5 (Quick Start Guide) in the order given, and you should be back up and operational straight away.
