The New Rhino-NET Vehicle Mounted Terminal from Datalogic

The new Rhino-NET with WindowsCE.Net architecture extends Datalogic's range of vehicle mounted terminals in the mobile@work family of ruggedised mobile computers.

This new VMT has been specially designed to respond to the needs of modern WMS systems, both for cold storage and harsh outdoor applications in the distribution and retail industry, as well as in manufacturing environments, such as for goods receiving, storage and shipping activities on a fork-lift truck. The WindowsCE.Net operating system enables the Rhino-NET to combine the functionality of Windows with real-time processing support in this portable device, making it more user-friendly.

The Rhino-NET is designed for any operating condition including sub-zero environments with temperatures as low as -30C, and up to +50C. It has IP65 protection against water and dust so that it can be used without problem outdoors in bad weather conditions. In addition, its special mounting bracket for installing the VMT either on a desk/console or overhead on a forklift makes it immune to vibrations and mechanical shocks.

The user-interface of the Rhino-NET includes a wide 1/2 VGA colour display which is both bright and has enhanced resolution so that users can view information in bright and dark lighting conditions. The screen size makes it possible to display well-known character-based screens and modern graphic web pages with colourful text or images. Furthermore, it has an optimal viewing angle so that information can be seen even from outside the forklift. No touch-screen option is available since the Rhino-NET is equipped with a full alphanumeric keyboard with separate numeric keypad. The keyboard is constantly illuminated and has an audible key beep for noisy environments to simplify its use.

For communication with the Rhino-NET, Datalogic supplies RF WLAN technology which is compliant with IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi) standard. In addition, there are two standard type III PCMCIA slots to support the radio ready concept. A WPAN Bluetooth module can also be added to interact with mobile printers or computers equipped with Bluetooth technology.

For increased application flexibility two serial ports have been provided in the Rhino-NET to accommodate a variety of interfaces such as scanners, printers, radio transmitters and receivers.

Data can be entered in the Rhino-NET by means of cabled or cordless hand-held bar code readers that support 1D and 2D reading, such as the Datalogic Dragon or Lynx. It is also possible to connect it to the Datalogic DS6400 fixed position scanner, when it is necessary to collect data directly from the lift itself.

Datalogic provides its DL-TCL for CE terminal emulation software to connect the device directly with the host system. Accessories for the Rhino-NET include the DL Cordless card, the Star-Modem and a standard serial mouse.