User's Manual

6 - 4 MC18 Product Reference Guide
Tips for Improving Battery Life
The MC18 has many functions to allow server/client applications control over its power management. To
improve battery life:
• Place the MC18 in a cradle connected to AC power when not in use.
• After the customer check-out, place the MC18 in suspend mode. This prevents the MC18’s battery from
discharging while sitting at a counter before being returned to the cradle. Once inserted in the cradle, the
MC18 wakes up automatically.
• If placed in suspend mode, scan key press can be set to wake up the MC18. This can greatly increase
battery life.
• If the user application does not allow placing the MC18 in suspend mode, turn off the backlight after the
time-out period.
• Set the backlight brightness to the minimum required by the application.
• Ensure a good wireless signal.
• Set the wireless profile to MAX Power Save mode. If CAM mode is selected, the device does not
maximize power savings.
Running time for the MC18 is expected to be approximately 6 to 7 hours with the following profile:
• 2 scans/minute
• transmitting 32K bytes of data per scan
• 75% display brightness
• 50% On/Off backlight
• Associate to an access point (AP) with “Good” signal strength and configure the wireless profile to MAX
Power Save mode.
Changing the Power Settings
Use this procedure to set the MC18 to turn off after a short period of non-use:
1. Select Start > Settings > Control Panel > Power icon > Advanced tab.
2. Select the On battery power: Turn off device if not used for: check box and select a value from the
drop-down list box.
3. Select OK.
Changing the Display Backlight Settings
Use this procedure to change the display backlight settings to conserve battery power:
NOTE In suspend mode, the radio cannot communicate with an AP.
NOTE Use remote control software to navigate the operating system. See Chapter 5, Using the Windows CE
Desktop for instructions.
NOTE Use remote control software to navigate the operating system. See Chapter 5, Using the Windows CE
Desktop for instructions.