Dell Axim - User Manual

The Axim™ Executive Keyboard is a small, foldaway, full-size QWERTY keyboard designed for use with Pocket PC devices. It connects wirelessly via Bluetooth® technology, providing a convenient input method for tasks such as typing, navigating applications, and editing text. The keyboard does not draw power from the Pocket PC device, relying instead on its own AAA batteries. It features user-programmable shortcut keys for faster access to applications and supports on-screen menu and toolbar navigation.

Important Technical Specifications

Dimensions Open:
- Without stand: 10.28"W x 0.59"H x 3.86"D (261mm x 15mm x 98mm)
- With stand: 10.28"W x 2.05"H x 6.97"D (261mm x 52mm x 177mm)
Dimensions Closed: 5.47"W x 0.79"H x 3.86"D (139mm x 20mm x 98mm)
Weight (including batteries): 6.42 ounces (182 grams)
Operating Temperature Range: 32° to 120°F (0° to 49°C)
Typical Battery Life:
- Continuous Operation: ~120 hours
- Typical usage: ~3 months
- Standby: ~10000 hours
RF Technical Specifications:
- RF output power: Class 2, Maximum output power is 2.5mW (4 dBm).
- Protocol: Bluetooth specification v. 1.1 compliant. Bluetooth HID Profile v. 1.0 compliant.
- Frequency range: 2.4 – 2.4835GHz
- Type of Modulation: GFSK (Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying).
- Signal Type: FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum).
Keyboard Driver: Stowaway 3.02

Usage Features

The keyboard offers several features to enhance usability:

Installation and Configuration: The manual provides detailed steps for installing the software, inserting batteries, and configuring the keyboard to a Pocket PC device. This includes disabling other keyboard applications, ensuring sufficient memory, and selecting the Bluetooth wireless keyboard option during setup.
Connection Modes: Supports both secure and unsecured Bluetooth connections. Secure connections require a passkey for authentication and provide encrypted data transmission. Unsecured connections are vulnerable to eavesdropping but can be reconnected with a single key press if configured correctly in the Bluetooth Settings applet (allowing connection from "All devices").
Reconnection: The keyboard is designed to reconnect automatically when powered on and within range of a previously bonded Pocket PC device. If the connection is lost due to the keyboard cover being closed, idle period, Pocket PC being turned off, or moving out of range, it will switch to waiting mode and can be reestablished by tapping any key. Breaking the bond (by pressing Left Right for about 1 second) should be avoided during normal operation unless pairing with a new device.
Keyboard Status Light: An LED light indicates the keyboard's status:
- Fast green flash (~1 second): Discovery mode (ready to be detected).
- Slow green flash (~4 seconds): Connected and available for use.
- Solid red for 5 seconds after power on: Batteries need replacement.
- Dark: Not connected or connection broken.
Customization: The keyboard software allows customization through the Input Method Toolbar and Keyboard Control Panel.
- Input Method Toolbar: Displays Bluetooth connection status (active, waiting for reconnect, not set up), allows toggling keyboard clicking sounds, accessing the Keyboard Control Panel, and viewing help topics.
- Keyboard Control Panel (Config tab): Enables/disables the keyboard, shows CapsLock/NumLock notifications, controls the keyboard icon on the Today screen, adjusts key repeat rate and delay, and verifies language layout.
- Keyboard Control Panel (Hot-Key tab): Allows assigning up to 10 applications to key combinations for quick launch.
- Keyboard Control Panel (BT tab): Provides access to all Bluetooth-related functions and displays battery information (Normal, Low, Critical).
- Keyboard Control Panel (About tab): Shows the keyboard software version.
Navigation and Editing Shortcuts: Comprehensive key combinations are provided for:
- Moving the cursor and highlighting text (e.g., -<<> for moving left one word, -<> for selecting next character to the left, -<> for beginning of the line).
- On-screen button and editing shortcuts (e.g., - for OK, - for Cut, - for Select all).
- Launching and navigating applications (e.g., - for Programs screen, -<;> for Internet Explorer, = to toggle open programs).
- Menu and Toolbar Navigation (e.g., +<⇨> for menu bar, - for toolbar).
International and Extended Character Set: A detailed table lists key combinations for various international characters and symbols (e.g., acute accents, dieresis accents, tilde accents, currency symbols).
Rubber Grip Pads: Prevent the keyboard from slipping during use.
Detachable Device Stand: Provides support for the Pocket PC device.

Maintenance Features

Battery Management:
- Uses 2 AAA batteries.
- The Bluetooth Status Page displays battery information (Normal, Low, Critical). Low or critical battery states trigger on-screen messages.
- Important Battery Information: Keep batteries away from children, do not mix types, replace old batteries promptly, clean the compartment, remove batteries if inactive for over a month, do not open/puncture/damage, and do not dispose of in fire.
Troubleshooting: The manual addresses common issues such as:
- Keyboard not reconnecting: Check Bluetooth Accessibility settings (Paired devices only vs. All devices) or reestablish a secure connection.
- Keyboard not responding: Check Pocket PC batteries, keyboard power, software installation, and ensure the Axim™ Wireless keyboard is enabled and selected in the Keyboard Control Panel.
- Bluetooth radio turning back on automatically: Disable the Axim™ Wireless keyboard first to turn off the Bluetooth radio.
- Keyboard driver not finding supported Bluetooth component: Check Bluetooth stack version (Widcomm BTW-CE ≥1.4.x, Drakar, Microsoft) and consider upgrades or selecting a different Bluetooth component if multiple are found.
- Connection lost after idle period: Refer to the "Reconnecting the Axim™ Wireless keyboard" section.
Uninstallation: Instructions are provided to uninstall the keyboard driver via Start=>Settings=>System tab=>Remove Programs.
Comfortable Typing: Recommendations are given to reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries, including regular breaks, varied tasks, gentle typing, relaxed posture, and proper wrist positioning.
Regulatory Notices: Includes information on Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), FCC Notices (Class B digital devices), IC Notice (Canada Only), and CE Notice (European Union) with country-specific declarations and frequency band restrictions for France.
Bluetooth Device Safety: The keyboard emits RF energy when the green LED flashes. Caution is advised around medical devices. The keyboard should not be used on aircraft; close the keyboard or remove batteries to stop RF transmission.