PRO-43 HANDHELD SCANNER & HB-232 NOW COMPATIBLE! ================================================ It had to happen! The HB-232 can be made to work with the Realistic PRO-43 with reduced capability from how it operates with the PRO-2004/5/6. The PRO-43 is designed quite differently from the PRO-2004/5/6 and therefore cannot function to the same levels, BUT.....the PRO-43 can be AutoProgrammed by the HB-232 and it can be controlled from the PC's keyboard! No claims are made as to any other functions, although limited scripts might be made to work. THAT is up to the User to determine and to apply, however. The following information is provided to assist you in determining the level of effort to adapt the HB-232 to your PRO-43: The PRO-43 will require eleven (11) wires from the HB-232: HB-232 PRO-43 Wire Destination ======= =========== N PCB ground Q DA-2; Col-6; Keyboard side R DA-2; Col-5 " " S DA-2; Col-4 " " T DA-1; Col-3 " " U DA-1; Col-2 " " V DA-1; Col-1 " " W R-22; Row-1 " " X R-23; Row-2 " " Y R-24; Row-3 " " Z R-25; Row-4 " " Additionally, on the HB-232, Points I-M must be tied high to a source of +5v and not connected anywhere else. This is not so difficult and there are a number of ways this can be done, but the Instructions show an easy way. Then, the HB-232 must be powered with the customary +8 to +16 vDC, probably from an external source. Finally, the HB-232 must be operated with a special program module consisting of a PRO-43 "Personality File" and a new PER.IDX file. This add-on program module can be copied straight into your normal HB directory and operated from HB232V13.EXE and, in fact, you can operate PRO-2004/5/6 for a while; do a quick disconnect and fire up on the PRO-43, and switch personality files, all in one fell swoop, if you arrange things just so. No big deal there! Well, that's the sum and substance of the effort required to adapt the HB-232 to the PRO-43. Now you might wonder what has to be done to the PRO-43? Well, the above Chart pretty much tells it all. The thing that can't be told in so many words here is HOW to do the job mechanically. Well, MY approach was to install a row of 11 pin-line sockets almost flush with the surface of the case on the right side of the case, just around the edge to the right of the LCD Display. Believe it or not, there is ample room along that THIN edge of the FRONT case, which is accessible after standard disassembly. There is a screw shaft column that goes down along side that area which mandates the pin-line sockets to be spaced in two groups, 6 and 5 with two blank spaces between the two groups (0.3"). This is an advantage because it allows the mating (male) pin-line plug to be "polarized" (6 & 5) for a one-way fit ONLY! The pin-line sockets can be made to fit into the case perfectly by first using a perf-board as a template, and melting the two groups of holes, one hole (0.1") apart, with a heated sewing needle. These melted holes form pilot holes after which they can be drilled with a 1-mm bit for a perfect fit. Drill 'em slightly larger and the entire pin-line strip can be sunk perfectly flush with the exterior of the case. I left mine protruding above the surface by about 2-mm. A dab of super-glue holds the pin-line strip securely in place. The internal wiring isn't all that "hairy". If you did the cellular and 54-88 MHz mods to your PRO-43, then you should be able to do the simple 11-wires connections down on that same board. My judgement is that there's very little risk of severe damage if you take your time and know what you're doing in advance of actually doing it. My installation instructions will guide you every step of the way, I believe. That's it in a nutshell............... The end result is that the PRO-43 can be AutoProgrammed by the HB-232 from your regular *.APF files, in the same manner as you're doing on your PRO-2004/5/6, within 5-mins or so (mine did 4-something) and you'll be able to operate the PRO-43 from the Keyboard of the PC just like with the PRO-2004/5/6. Beats punching all those tiny little keys on the PRO-43 for hours on end, eh? Oh, the price. Yes. The regular price of the detailed instructions and the PRO-43 program files (disk size of choice) is $49.95 + $5 S&H, however, all past purchasers of the HB-232 are entitled to a discount of $20 off the regular price for a period of 45-days AFTER the invoice date of your purchase. The price of the HB-232 Kit with Programs and Manuals combined for the PRO-2004/5/6 AND the PRO-43 is $224.90 + $7.50 S&H. The price for the HB-232 Kit, Manual & Program to operate ONLY with the PRO-43 (not the PRO-2004/5/6) is $169.95 + $5 S&H. The price of the PRO-2004/5/6 HB-232 Program Files purchased AFTER the PRO-43 is $69.95 + $5 S&H. It is not anticipated that the HB-232 will be available without one or the other of the Program Files for the near future. Several inquiries have been received lately about hardware only, but this option is not expected to be available through the 1st & 2nd Quarters of 1993. Orders for the PRO-43 Program Files & Instruction Manual are now being accepted. Keyboard Control & AutoProgramming of the PRO-43 with the HB-232 is now a reality. Also now available are HB-232 Program files for the PRO-37, PRO-34 and PRO-2022. Prices, conditions, terms and specifications for each of these are the same as those for the PRO-43. ================================== + All prices and specs given herein are subject to change without notice