
        PRO-43 HANDHELD SCANNER & CE-232 NOW COMPATIBLE!
        ================================================

It had to happen!  The CE-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 CE-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 CE-232 to your PRO-43:

The PRO-43 will require eleven (11) wires from the CE-232:

      CE-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 CE-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 CE-232 must be powered with the customary +8 to +16 vDC, probably
from an external source.  Finally, the CE-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
CE-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 CE-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 CE-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 CE-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 CE-232 Kit, Manual & Program to operate ONLY with the
PRO-43 (not the PRO-2004/5/6) is $194.95 + $5 S&H.  The price of the
PRO-2004/5/6 CE-232 Program Files purchased AFTER the PRO-43 is $69.95 + $5
S&H.  It is not anticipated that the CE-232 will be available without one
or the other of the Program Files for the near future.

Orders for the PRO-43 Program Files & Instruction Manual are now being
accepted.  Keyboard Control & AutoProgramming of the PRO-43 with the CE-232
is now a reality.

Also now available are CE-232 Program files for the PRO-37, PRO-34 and
PRO-2022, and perhaps other popular scanners.  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

-------------------------------------------------      ---
Bill Cheek - President/CEO/Publisher             \    /
COMMtronics Engineering/World Scanner Report      \  /
Box 262478 ~ San Diego ~ CA ~ 92196-2478           \/ 
E-mail:  bcheek@cts.com                            /\
ftp://ftp.cts.com/pub/bcheek                      /  \
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bcheek  /    \
-------------------------------------------------      ---
