Q. Can I run my existing DOS programs on the Fex21?

A. Yes. Handheld Systems has an Intel 80186 CPU emulator that can be used in conjunction with MS-DOS to run DOS applications on the Husky Fex21.

Q. How can I load software onto, or transfer data to and from the Fex21?

A. ActiveSync, the Windows CE communications program, supports standard Windows file transfer all within the desktop Explorer program.

Q. My Fex21 has been stored for some time and does not appear to work now.

A. Plug the unit into the charger and press the power key. Charging is indicated by a 1-second blink. You may need to perform a soft reset to get charging started.

Q. How do I do a soft reset on the Husky Fex21?

A. . Press the power key to switch off your Fex21. Then hold down both contrast keys and the power key for 8 seconds and release. Turn the unit on.

Q. Is barcode reading possible with the Fex21?

A. The Fex21 may be ordered with an integrated laser scanner and barcode reading software.

Q. What manuals and user guides are available for the Fex21?

A. Each machine includes a user guide titled "Getting started with your Husky Fex21" and online documentation via the Start|Help command.

Q. How do you turn on the Fex21 backlight?

A. The ‘+’ and ‘-’ keys to the right of the power button turn the backlight on and off.

Q. How do you adjust the screen contrast on the Fex21?

A. The ‘+’ and ‘-’ keys to the left of the power button control the contrast.

Q. What type of processor is fitted to the Fex21?

A. A Toshiba 75MHz or 92MHz MIPS R3900 RISC processor.

Q. How long will the internal backup battery maintain data on the Fex21 when the main batteries are removed or fully discharged?

A. 3 days maximum.

Q. How do I access the Compact Flash card?

A. If your Fex21 is fitted with a Compact Flash card, it will appear as a folder called ‘Compact Flash’ when using the ‘My Handheld PC’ program.

Q. How long does charging take?

A. About 2 hours for a low battery.

Q. How long will a fully charged main battery last? What about with alkaline cells?

A. 9 and 8 hours continuous usage respectively.

Q. The unit is connected to the charger but is displaying an irregular blink.

A. This ‘error blink’ indicates that the battery pack thermistor is too hot. Unplug the Fex21 and let the rechargeable battery pack cool, then try again.

Q. Why does my Main Battery Level percentage in the ‘Husky fex21’ utility display "Unknown"?

A. This can happen when the battery has sat outside the machine for quite some time. When this happens, you’ll need to charge the battery for 2 or so hours, or until this field reaches 100%.

Q. Why isn’t the backup battery status displayed?

A. This function is not supported on the Fex21 because it uses a rechargeable cell.

Q. Is there something I need to know in order to communicate with the Fex21 through a rack?

A. On the Fex21 make sure you’ve selected "Charging Studs" located on the following path: Start\Settings\Control Panel\Husky fex21\Comms tab\Port 1.

Q. Can I save my contacts, calendar, and tasks to the Compact Flash card?

A. No, Microsoft Windows CE does not support this feature.

Q. Why are all my files, folders, and shortcuts gone after doing a ‘hard’ reset?

A. Doing a hard reset on a 75MHz (only) Fex21 will erase all files in memory, i.e. all files that are not stored on a Compact flash card or other type of removable storage card. For this reason, use a soft reset whenever possible.

Q. Are there any developer guides, programming tips, or sample source code available for programmers?

A. Yes, there is a Husky Fex21 System Developer’s CD available.

Q. Can I overcharge my Fex21 batteries?

A. No. In fact it is best to leave your Fex21 connected to the charger at all times when it is not in use.

Q. I plug the charger into the Fex21 but the charging light doesn’t turn on.

A. The unit must be turned on while charging. The charging light should then blink while charging and display a solid red light when fully charged.

Q. How do I charge the backup battery and how long does it take?

A. Leave your Fex21 connected to the battery charger for at least 3 days. This will ensure that your backup battery is fully charged and will reduce the risk of data loss.

Q. Why do my batteries drain when my machine is not in use?

A. The comparatively large amount of memory and additional circuitry in the Fex21 accounts for a quiescent current (unit turned off) that is at least ten times larger than that of a typical MS-DOS handheld computer. 

Q. My batteries won’t charge.

A. In Control Panel, run the ‘Husky fex21’ program and make sure ‘Enable charging’ is checked. If this is not checked, you will not be able to charge the batteries.