The following paragraphs were updated on May 18, 2009 and reflect approximate prices of the named vendors.  These are simply recommendations, other hardware will work with the software.  Contact Soaring Software Solutions, Inc. for details.

The PC:

The PC version of TCMax currently requires a Windows PC running XP, Vista or Windows 7 with 1 GIG RAM (2 gig is best with Vista) with USB capability.  A CD drive or thumb drive can be used to install TCMax.  An internet connection is not required.  TCMax goes to the internet for nothing.  Updates are performed manually via thumb drive or network connection only when the customer desires an update.  TCMax uses either a Microsoft Access, Microsoft Sql Server, or Oracle database, the choice is the customer’s.  TCMax can share an Access database over the network with up to twelve computers with little performance payment.  Sql Server databases can have virtually an unlimited number of TCMax installations.  When using Access, certain wireless switches will not work.  We recommend Windows XP, Vista, or Windows 7 but TCMax will work with Windows 2000.  We do not support NT or ME.

 Purchase one license for each PC that you plan to install TCMax on, and include one TCMax annual support agreement.  You should also purchase one TCMaxMobile license for every Pocket PC that you plan to install TCMaxMobile on. 

 Printers:

A laser printer is handy when first installing and setting up TCMax.  You can print labels for all of your equipment, 80 labels to a sheet, on polyester 8.5 x 11 label material.  The laser printer must have a straight through path so the label material does not stick to the printer parts.  It will also be needed to print reports.

1. ML-2251N  by Samsung is a fairly inexpensive laser printer that is perfect for printing sheets of labels.
2. WP0517 is a package of Worth Data polyester label material, .5 inch x 1.75 inch on 8.5 x 11 sheets, 80 labels to a sheet, 50 sheets, 4,000 labels total in a package.    A laser printer should be available but probably is not mandatory for every PC running TCMax unless printed reports or large amounts of labels are anticipated.

 A side-by label printer is very handy for printing replacement labels or printing individual labels for new tools and equipment.  There are two types that we recommend based upon label material requirements, both having at least 208 DPI resolution.  Lower resolution printers do not make labels that are easily read by barcode scanners. 

 The Brother PT9500PC uses plastic label material that sticks very well but costs about $0.25 per label and comes with about 100 labels per roll.  These Brother labels withstand oil, sun, weather very well.  The second type is a Zebra TLP3844Z with which we supply rolls of Z-Destruct 3000 label material in 3/8 x 1.5 inch format.  These labels have very aggressive adhesive and come off in tiny pieces which prevents personnel from removing a label in one piece and sticking it on another item.  Label costs are closer to $0.05 each.  One of these printers is recommended wherever you plan to print replacement labels.

1. PT9500PC, Brother label printer, we also include 5 rolls of ½ inch or 3/8 inch tape.
2. TLP3844Z, Zebra label printer, including one roll (6,000 labels) of Z-Destruct 3000 label material, and one ribbon.

 

Barcode Scanners:

Most modern barcode scanners can work with TCMax as long as it uses a keyboard wedge interface and can be programmed to issue a carriage return at the end of the scan.  Scanners are divided into two basic classes, tethered (6 foot cable is the norm) or wireless.  And they have two types of reader, linear and imager.  The imagers can read 2-D barcodes such as DataMatrix or PDF-417.  These labels can be made smaller and can withstand up to 60% damage and are still readable.  However these imager readers are significantly more expensive.  Our software will work with either.  Wireless scanners come in very handy in a tool crib type operation where you would want to walk around scanning barcodes away from the PC.  They usually have about 100 foot range.  When you plan to issue a good number of items that may be issued more than one at a time then a wireless scanner with a keypad on the top is most useful such as the Symbol P370.  However this scanner only comes in 1-D.  At least one barcode scanner for each PC should be purchased.

1. P370USB, a Symbol P370 wireless barcode scanner with docking station and all cables to connect to a USB port.  This scanner has a keypad on the top, and reads all linear (1-D) barcodes.
2. HHP4620SFUSB, an HHP wireless Bluetooth barcode imager, reads 2-D barcodes, does not have a keypad.
3. 4600SF051C-0F00, an HHP tethered scanner with 6 foot USB cord, reads 2-D barcodes, no keypad.
4. LS2208USB, a Symbol tethered scanner with 6 foot USB cord, reads all 1-D barcodes, no keypad.
5. HHP4800LENS, a HHP tethered scanner with 6 foot USB cord, reads 2-D barcodes but also reads DataMatrix barcodes laser engraved on chrome tools.

 

Pocket PC:

A pocket PC is required if you plan to issue/turn in or perform physical inventories away from the primary PC.  These are perfect for performing periodic inventories.  With each of these you must purchase one TCMaxMobile license as discussed above.

1. MC7004-PKCDJRHA700 a Symbol pocket PC with imager for 2-D barcodes, and has a 4 foot drop to concrete rating, brand new device for 2006.
2. HHP 7600 is very rugged, has a 2-D imager and is similar in price to the MC50.

 Receipt Printer (optional):

A Star receipt printer can be used to print receipts, even receipts with barcodes to ease the turn in process.  We have tested other receipt printers but this Star printer seems to install the easiest.  Epson USB style receipt printers seem to have the most troublesome drivers.

1. TSP743U-24GRY Star receipt printer, USB interface, cables, including a pack of receipt paper rolls

 Other hardware:

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is recommended for every PC, along with a power strip with enough outlets for all of the powered devices.  You must count the number of USB devices connected to each PC and compare to the number of available USB ports on the PC.  Often a USB hub is required to support all above options.  The USB port must have its own power source.

 For customers who’s IT department will not allow TCMax to be installed on a network, an independent network can be setup with switches and cables.

Signature capture requires a Topaz SignatureGem 4x5 pad from us and the PC must have Microsoft Excel installed.

2-D Barcode Equipment

We have done significant research with various equipment manufacturers and now can provide barcode scanners and Pocket PCs with built in scanners that will EASILY scan and decode DataMatrix barcodes etched directly on chrome plated tools with no special surface preparation!  They are based on the HHP 4600 hand held scanner and the HHP Dolphin 9500 pocket pc.  They have a patent pending lens system that allows us to read the 2-D barcode on virtually any tool or equipment surface.  Contact us for more information.

 

That's about it for hardware.  Feel free to call us if you have any other questions 1-419-826-0444.

Click here to download the latest Zebra TLP 3844Z print drivers