Genovation MiniTerm 900

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IMPORTANT: The COM

port you choose will be

tied to the USB jack on

your PC, so if you remove

your pinpad make sure to

re-plug it into the same

USB jack. Each USB jack

can be assigned a COM

port number.

Test Serial COM Ports - Once created, a USB Virtual Serial COM port will

function exactly the same as a standard RS-232 true serial port. You can

send and receive serial ASCII data between the MiniTerm pinpad and any

application that can open a COM port and communicate using this method.

To test a MiniTerm which is

set-up a serial COM device,

(RS232 or Virtual Serial), use

the following steps.

1. Right-click the

MiniTermPro Icon in your

system tray.

2. Select Test Serial/Virtual

Serial from the menu.

3. Verify COM port number

and test MiniTerm.

Technical Support and Service

o Telephone: (949) 833-3355 (Hours: 7:00am to 3:30pm PST)

o Fax: (949) 833-0322

o Email: support@genovation.com

MiniTerm 900, 904, 905, 906, 907, 910

Fully-Programmable Mini-Terminal Pinpad Series

Quick Start Guide

Revision 7.20

Overview

The MiniTerm is a series of fully programmable LCD mini data terminals.

There are three basic connection methods: Serial RS-232, USB Virtual

Serial, and USB HID Keyboard.

Before installing your hardware you should determine which port, Serial

RS-232 or USB, is best for your PC and application.

If you choose USB, you will need to determine if your application

requires a Virtual Serial COM Port for data input or uses a standard

USB HID Keyboard for data input.

If you need help with your decision, please refer to the documentation

provided on the installation CD-ROM or go to Genovation website.

http://www.genovation.com/miniterminals.htm

What’s in the Box?

 (1) MiniTerm: Fully Programmable Pinpad with LCD Display

 (1) USB cable (Detachable)

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Genovation MiniTerm 900 and is the answer not in the manual?

The MiniTerm is a versatile series of fully programmable LCD mini data terminals designed for various applications requiring data input and interaction. These devices offer flexibility in connection methods and operational modes, making them adaptable to different PC environments and software requirements.

Function Description:

At its core, the MiniTerm functions as a data input device, similar to a keypad or a small terminal. Its primary purpose is to allow users to input data, which is then transmitted to a connected PC. The integrated LCD display provides visual feedback, enhancing user interaction and guiding them through data entry processes. The "fully programmable" aspect means that the MiniTerm's keys and display can be customized to perform specific functions or display particular information, making it suitable for specialized applications beyond simple numeric entry. This programmability allows the device to adapt to unique workflows, such as point-of-sale systems, inventory management, or data collection in various industries.

The MiniTerm supports three basic connection methods: Serial RS-232, USB Virtual Serial, and USB HID Keyboard. This multi-modal connectivity is a key feature, allowing the device to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of existing PC systems and software.

Serial RS-232: This is a traditional serial communication method, often used in industrial or legacy systems. When configured for RS-232, the MiniTerm communicates directly through a serial port, sending and receiving ASCII data.
USB Virtual Serial: For PCs that primarily use USB but require a COM port connection for software compatibility, the USB Virtual Serial mode is ideal. In this mode, the MiniTerm connects via USB, but its drivers create a "virtual" serial COM port on the PC. This allows applications designed to communicate with a serial COM port to interact with the MiniTerm as if it were a physical RS-232 device, without needing a dedicated serial port. This is particularly useful for modern PCs that often lack physical serial ports.
USB HID Keyboard: In this mode, the MiniTerm emulates a standard USB Human Interface Device (HID) keyboard. When configured as an HID keyboard, any data entered on the MiniTerm's keypad is sent to the PC as if it were typed on a regular keyboard. This means the MiniTerm can be used with any PC application that accepts keyboard input, such as Notepad, word processors, or web browsers, without requiring special drivers or software. This mode offers plug-and-play simplicity for basic data entry tasks.

The device is designed to be a "mini-terminal pinpad," suggesting its suitability for secure data entry, such as PINs or other sensitive information, although its programmability extends its utility far beyond just pin entry.

Usage Features:

The MiniTerm is designed for ease of setup and use, with clear instructions for configuring its various modes.

Physical Connection: The device connects to a PC via a USB cable. The cable features an RJ-45 style connector that plugs into the back of the MiniTerm and a standard USB connector for the PC or a USB hub. It's crucial to avoid plugging or unplugging the RJ-45 connector while the PC is powered on to prevent damage.
Mode Selection: Users can select between USB Virtual Serial COM Port mode and USB HID Keyboard mode through a built-in USB Set-Up Menu. This menu is accessed by pressing and holding any two keys on the MiniTerm while plugging it into the PC. Once connected and the keys are released, the user can select the desired mode (e.g., pressing #1 for USB Virtual Serial or #2 for USB HID Keyboard). This on-device configuration simplifies the setup process and eliminates the need for complex software interactions for initial mode selection.
Software Installation (for USB Virtual Serial): For USB Virtual Serial mode, the Genovation MiniTermPro software must be installed on the PC. This software includes the necessary drivers to create and manage the virtual COM ports. The installation process typically involves inserting a CD-ROM and running "Setup.exe." Users can choose between a "Simplified" installation, which only installs drivers for virtual COM ports, or a "Normal" installation, which includes additional tools for programming and customizing the MiniTerm.
COM Port Assignment: After installing the MiniTermPro software, users can configure and assign a virtual COM port to the connected MiniTerm. This is done by right-clicking the MiniTermPro icon in the system tray and selecting "Configure MiniTerms." The software displays a list of detected MiniTerms, highlighting active devices in green. Users can then assign a specific COM port number to each MiniTerm, ensuring proper communication with their application software. The MiniTerm's LCD will also display its assigned MiniTerm number and port for easy identification.
Testing Connectivity:
- For USB HID Keyboard mode, the MiniTerm can be tested by simply opening any text editor (like Notepad) and typing on the keypad. The entered data should appear on the screen as if typed from a regular keyboard.
- For Serial RS-232 or USB Virtual Serial modes, Genovation provides a "Simple Serial Tester" (SST) utility. This tool allows users to verify the COM port number and test data transmission between the MiniTerm and the PC. Users can send data to the MiniTerm and view data received from it, confirming proper serial communication.
Programmability: The "fully programmable" nature implies that the MiniTerm's keys can be mapped to send specific characters or sequences, and its LCD can display custom messages. This customization is typically done using the Genovation software package (available with the "Normal" installation), allowing the device to be tailored to specific application needs.

Maintenance Features:

The manual primarily focuses on initial setup and configuration, with less emphasis on ongoing maintenance beyond proper handling.

Proper Handling: A critical maintenance instruction is to avoid plugging or unplugging the MiniTerm's RJ-45 connector while the PC is powered on. This prevents potential damage to the device or the PC, highlighting the importance of careful handling during connection and disconnection.
Software Updates: While not explicitly detailed as a "maintenance" feature, the mention of "Revision 7.20" for the Quick Start Guide and "MiniTermPro 6.0" for the software suggests that Genovation provides updates for its software and possibly firmware. Keeping the software updated ensures compatibility with newer operating systems and may include bug fixes or enhanced features, contributing to the device's long-term usability.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides guidance for troubleshooting, such as verifying COM port assignments and using the Simple Serial Tester. If issues arise, users are directed to refer to the documentation on the installation CD-ROM or the Genovation website for further assistance. Technical support is also available via phone and email for more complex issues.
Detachable USB Cable: The USB cable is detachable, which is a minor maintenance advantage. If the cable becomes damaged, it can potentially be replaced without needing to replace the entire MiniTerm unit.

In summary, the MiniTerm series offers a flexible and programmable solution for data input, adaptable to various PC environments through its multi-modal connectivity. Its user-friendly setup, combined with robust software support and programmability, makes it a versatile tool for a wide array of applications requiring reliable and customizable data entry.