Telxon PTC-710 Portable Barcode Data Terminal MS-DOS TCOS RS-232 RJ-11

Telxon PTC-710 Portable Barcode Data Terminal MS-DOS TCOS RS-232 RJ-11

The Telxon PTC-710 is a handheld portable barcode data terminal designed for inventory, retail, and warehouse data collection. It combines a full alphanumeric keyboard with a numeric pad, an integrated LCD display, and built-in communications ports into a compact, battery-powered handheld form factor. The unit runs either the MS-DOS or Telxon's proprietary TCOS operating system, making it compatible with a range of custom application software common in enterprise barcode environments of the era.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: Telxon PTC-710
• Processor: V20H / 80C88 at 5 MHz
• Memory: 512KB RAM (per rear label); upgradeable to 1MB or 2MB
• ROM: 64KB EPROM for applications storage
• Operating System: MS-DOS or TCOS (Telxon Custom Operating System)
• Serial interface: RS-232 for communication with printers and PCs
• Telecom port: RJ-11 for telecommunications connectivity
• Scanner input: Detachable pencil wand (included); also supports external laser scanners such as the Symbol LS-2000
• Keyboard: Full alphanumeric QWERTY layout plus numeric keypad, function keys, and dedicated control keys
• Display: LCD screen on front panel
• Form factor: Handheld / portable
• Manufacture: USA (per rear label)
• Includes: PTC-710 terminal unit and pencil wand

Applications

The Telxon PTC-710 dates from the late 1980s to early 1990s, a period when portable batch data terminals were the standard tool for warehouse inventory counts, retail stock management, and distribution center operations. These devices would collect scanned barcode data in the field, then upload it to a host PC or mainframe via RS-232 serial connection — a workflow called batch data collection. The RJ-11 port also allowed direct dial-up communication in some configurations. Terminals like the PTC-710 were widely deployed in manufacturing plants, grocery distribution, and field service operations. Today they are sought by businesses still running legacy TCOS or DOS-based inventory systems, as well as collectors of vintage handheld computing hardware.