POCKETREADER RELEASE 2.0 ELIMINATES CHARGER/ADAPTER; EXTENDS OPERATING
TIME

April 30, 1993 -- EUGENE, OR--New versions of Percon's portable bar code
reader, the PocketReader and it's Microsoft Windows-based application
generator software program, the Percon Program Generator (PPG) will be
available beginning July 15, 1993.

PocketReader release 2.0 incorporates several hardware and software changes
from version 1.2 including bank erasable Flash ROM, removal of the
charger/adapter and increasing software application size from 8k to 16k. A
summary of the changes are as follows:

Flash ROM is bank erasable. Now, there is no need to download both the
system software and the application software--only the application
software needs to be downloaded into the PocketReader. Individual
application programs can now be selected and loaded into the PocketReader
using the PPG downloader menu. Users simply scroll down the menu, point
and click on the application desired, and the program is automatically
downloaded to the PocketReader. Downloading applications is now up to ten
times faster than version 1.2.

The original Charger/Adapter has been removed; all components including
RS232 are now on-board (inside).

In addition, power consumption has been reduced significantly, increasing
the sleep (off) mode of the PocketReader from 5-6 days to approximately
one month.

In line with the improvements on the PocketReader, Percon Program Generator
(PPG) software has also been updated. PPG software release 2.0 includes
the following changes:

* Menu node replaces use of display, input & verify nodes 
  to create menus.
* Application size increased from 8K to 16K.
* Templates and fields are now emulated.
* Individual links can now be chosen (helpful when they 
  are layered within an application).
* Compiler uses up to 10x less memory. It can now be run using 
  a one Megabyte computer.
* PPG programs can be downloaded without distributing the source.
* Downloader now brings up a menu of applications to chose from.
* DOS version of download software is available. There is no need
  to use Windows to download application programs.

The Percon PocketReader weighs 12 ounces and is small enough to fit in a
shirt pocket. Both chemical and splash resistant, it withstands repeated
five-foot drops to concrete. The PocketReader's standard wand tip is
suitable for even marginal bar code labels and for narrow bar widths down
to 0.0007 inches (7 mils). A four-line by 16-character display provides
operator prompts and messages and users can scroll through and review up
to 24 lines of data held in a display buffer. Nineteen splash-resistant
keys enter both alpha and numeric data and, there are four
user-programmable function keys. Audible feedback is provided through an
adjustable-volume speaker.

Data and storage memory is available from 128k up to one Megabyte. The
decoder is compatible with a variety of data collection networks,
and--using an included RS-232C interface and flexible menu-driven
communications protocols--it interfaces to a wide variety of host
computers for data downloading.

Operating on rechargeable NiCd batteries, PocketReader provides continuous
error-free scanning for more than twelve hours. To conserve battery power,
the unit can be configured to turn off after a specified interval of
non-use. The PocketReader's rugged industrial design makes it usable in
harsh working environments--including wet, cold, outdoors--and its light
weight (12 ounces, including battery) enhances use in a wide range of
inventory control, product tracking and document tracking tasks.

Running in a Microsoft Windows based environment, Percon Program Generator
software (PPG) uses a graphical user interface (GUI) and object-oriented
programming with the Windows interface to set up a complete custom data
collection program. Once a user has created an application program, PPG
automatically compiles it into the format needed for the PocketReader.
Users may download programs designed for specific applications into
PocketReader's Flash ROM memory in seconds.

Founded in 1983, Percon engineers and manufactures keyless data entry and
identification equipment. Based in Eugene, Oregon, Percon sells bar code
hardware and software worldwide through original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs), distributors and value added resellers (VARs) and offers next-day
shipping, toll-free telephone support and rapid turnaround repair
service.

Percon manufactures fixed-station, hand-held and portable bar code readers
including the Series 10 and Series 20 bar code and magnetic stripe
decoders; and the PocketReader, a portable bar code reader, which uses
Percon Program Generator (PPG) Windows-based software to create
application programs. Percon also distributes a complete line of input
devices including wands, CCDs, hand-held and hands-free lasers, magnetic
stripe readers, and ID badge scanners; WRITEBAR, bar code printing
software for dot matrix and laser printers; and other bar code
accessories.

For more information contact Percon, Inc., 1720 Willow Creek Circle, Suite
530, Eugene, OR 97402-9171. Phone (800) 929-7899 or (503) 344-1189. Fax
(503) 344-1399.

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