Appload

Appload is Opticon's Windows-based application that primarily performs firmware loading on many of Opticon's devices. It also provides a RS232 terminal window, date/time-setting functions, the ability to transmit files in plain ASCII and NetO formats, and software version retrieval.

<Download Here>

Download the latest version of Appload <Here>. Inside the zip file is an installer. Simply run this installer and answer the questions posed. When the installer is complete the Appload program will launch automatically.

Note: On Windows 7 you may receive a pop-up message at some time in the future that asks whether the Appload program was installed successfully. Simply answer yes and you should not see this warning again.

General Use

Appload will only communicate with a device via RS232 protocols. This means your device must either be RS232 native (usually with a 9 pin connector to the PC) or be in USB-VCP mode. The majority of Opticon's USB devices can operate in either HID (Human Interface Device) or VCP (Virtual COM Port) mode. USB-VCP mode does require USB drivers in all cases. See the USB Drivers page for details and download instructions.

Selecting Your Device

As mentioned above Appload will only communicate with a device via RS232. This also means that you must tell Appload the COM port where your device is connected. To select your device navigate to 'Settings' > 'Port' and choose your device from the list provided. If your device is a 9-pin RS232 connector this is likely always set to COM 1. If your device is USB then Windows decides what COM number is assigned. Keep in mind that this COM number may change, especially if you plug the device into a different USB port on the PC. Appload will remember which port you select after it has been closed and reopened so it may not always be necessary to manually select the port each time.

Setting the IrDA Adapter/Cradle type

Some of Opticon's devices come with a communications cradle that uses infrared to communicate with the device (like a TV remote). To change this setting navigate to 'Settings' > 'IrDA Adapter/Cradle type' and choose the necessary cradle type from the list provided. See the product page for your specific product to know which option to select.

Setting Date and Time

Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Cradle type for details) it is possible to set the date and time to match the PC you are using. Note that not all devices are capable of storing the date and time. To perform this function simply select 'Utilities' > 'Send time' from the Appload menu.

Getting Software Version

Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Cradle type for details) it is possible to determine the firmware running on many of Opticon's devices. To perform this function simply select 'Utilities' > 'Show software versions' from the Appload menu. The information will be displayed in a pop-up window with two lines. The top line is the main firmware version (called the OS on some products). The second line is what is known as the Bootloader. This is low level firmware that in most cases can be safely ignored.

RS232 Monitor

Appload provides a built in terminal window for sending and receiving RS232 data from the screen to any COM port. It can be reached by selecting 'Utilities'->'Show RS232 Data'. The configuration options for this window are more detailed than for the main Appload screen, however you can follow the above configuration advice.

Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Cradle type for details) you can easily transmit and receive any RS232 data (ASCII-128 character set only). Some additional recommended settings follow:

• 'Settings' > 'Format' > 'ASCII'
• 'Settings' > 'Local echo' > 'On'

You must also have the appropriate Baudrate and set for your device or communication will either simply fail or result in meaningless characters on the screen. The other RS232 settings (such as Data Bits, Stop Bits and Parity) are by default set to the same defaults all Opticon products use, so it is unlikely you will need to change these settings.

Loading Firmware

Appload is most commonly used to install new firmware onto an Opticon product. Once Appload is properly configured for your device (see Selecting Your Device and Setting the IrDA Adapter/Cradle type for details) navigate to 'File' > 'Download' and select the appropriate firmware file. Instructions on what file to use for which product are provided on that products page. It is important to note that while our firmware files are downloaded as .zip files they must be fully extracted before Appload can use them. Please contact your local computer expert for assistance in unzipping files. As an alternative to selecting 'File' > 'Download' from the Appload window it is also possible to simply drag the firmware file onto the Appload window and drop it.

Do NOT disconnect your scanner while Appload is installing firmware onto your device. In some cases this can make the device inoperable.

Downloads

Notice: The downloading and use of any Opticon software implies consent with Opticon's End User License Agreement.

Software