Down the years, there is one particular series of mobile computers that has consistently proved its worth in an astonishing variety of environments, when deployed for all manner of applications. We are, of course, referring to the Zebra, Motorola, or Symbol MC9000 range.
More than three million of these impressively multifunctional and tough devices are believed to be in operation in warehouse and manufacturing plants around the globe. Those numbers alone tell you about how highly regarded these rugged mobile computers are when it comes to “real-world” use, and it’s a similar story as far as the published reviews are concerned.
In April 2019, the Zebra MC9300 came on stream, constituting an upgrade of the MC9200. The rave reviews soon flooded in, with RuggedPCreview.com’s Conrad H. Blickenstorfer, for example, declaring it to be “capable of handling all sorts of jobs”. A review by AM Labels, meanwhile, said that Zebra had “pushed the boundaries to make this range of mobile computers simpler than ever.”
However, even a mobile computer that serves up the refinement, feature set, and durability that the Zebra MC9300 (also sometimes referred to as simply the “Zebra MC93”) does, is not immune to malfunctioning from time to time. Sometimes, issues can arise with this extremely widely used and depended-on device, so let’s take a look at a few of the most common ones.
The Device Failing to Turn On
We’re referring here to a situation in which the user pushes the power button, and the MC9300 doesn’t turn on.
Fortunately, this problem is often easily fixed. It might simply be that the battery has not been installed properly – in which case, the problem should be resolved when you do install it properly – or a system crash may have occurred. In the latter situation, performing a reset ought to be enough to get your Zebra MC93 up and running again.
Or perhaps the battery has run out of charge? Before you get on the phone to Zebra, Motorola, or Symbol MC9300 repair specialists such as those in the Mobile Computer Repair team, make sure you have tried charging or replacing the battery in the device.
The Device Failing to Decode a Barcode
The reading of barcodes is one of the most fundamental purposes for which your organisation may have invested in an MC9300 in the first place. So, any apparent unresponsiveness of this function from your own MC93 will be unwelcome.
However, it is important to bear in mind that such issues might not always arise from the device itself; the barcode may have been defaced, for instance, which would cause it to be unreadable.
But on the other hand, it might be that there isn’t a scanning application loaded onto the device – in which case, you will need to load one – or the scanner might not have been programmed for the type of barcode you are attempting to scan. If it is the latter problem that you’re having, programming the device to accept the given barcode type should help.
Dirt And Dust Accumulating on The Device
You probably know that when it comes to any kind of mobile computer you are using, it will be of the utmost importance to clean it regularly, using materials and substances that won’t cause avoidable damage to the Motorola MC93. After all, once too much dirt starts to gather on the device, some of it could get inside and interfere with the mobile computer’s functionality and reliability.
If you have access to the user manual for the MC9300, more information on responsible cleaning routines to follow will be outlined in it.
As a general rule, you should be cleaning the device whenever dirt starts to become visible on it, given the difficulty that could be presented with the cleaning process if you wait until such accumulation has got to a more advanced stage.
Corrosion Occurring on The Device’s Metal Surfaces
While we are on the subject of how to safely and responsibly clean a Zebra, Motorola, or Symbol MC9300, it is important to bear in mind the effects that certain commonly used cleaning substances can have on various parts of this mobile computer.
Sodium hypochlorite, for example, is used by many people to clean their MC93s, but it is also powerfully oxidising. So, when the metal surfaces on this mobile computer are exposed to this chemical in its liquid form (including wipes), there can be a risk of oxidation (corrosion).
Naturally, you will want to be careful in ideally preventing this problem from arising in the first place. So, if the chemical does come into contact with your own MC9300’s metal parts, make sure you use an alcohol-dampened cloth or cotton swab to quickly remove it.
The Device Unexpectedly Shutting Down
This is another frequently occurring problem with the MC93 that fortunately tends to be relatively quickly and easily resolved. It might simply be due to the display automatically turning off after a period of inactivity, although there is an option to change the setting so that it doesn’t turn off in this fashion quite so often.
Alternatively, the battery of the device might be depleted. If this is the case for you, replacing the battery should enable you to correct the problem.
Naturally, it is also possible that issues could occur with your Symbol, Motorola, or Zebra MC9300 that cannot be so rapidly solved within your organisation. If so, you are welcome to get in touch with the Mobile Computer Repair team, who will be able to diagnose and fix whatever malfunction might have occurred with your mobile computer. Feel free to call us now, on 01202 946070.