Smart card reader

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 12:00 pm

Do I have to have a respironics smart card reader or can I buy a smart card reader on ebay?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 12:50 pm

Stormynights wrote:Do I have to have a respironics smart card reader or can I buy a smart card reader on ebay?

It has to be the Mako/Infineer DT3500. There are specific drivers in the software for that one. No others will work.

If you Google that name, you'll find some for about $50 or less.

Den

jweeks · Post by **jweeks** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:17 pm

Hi,

I bought the bundle with the card reader and software about 18 months ago from one of the Internet sites. It was just over $100 at the time. I suspect that cpap.com would have this in stock and ready to go. The advantage of the bundle is that you know you are getting the right stuff the first time, but you pay a little more for that convenience.

-john-

rested gal · Post by **rested gal** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 7:27 pm

If your cpap machine is an older Respironics model (M series and older) you need a separate card reader. Not just any card reader will do. It has to be a specific card reader to read the older Respironics Smart Card (the size of a credit card.) As Den said, this card reader is the one you need:

Mako Technologies "Infineer" card reader: model DT3500

The least expensive place I've seen to get that card reader --
$36 here:
http://www.minamielec.com/index.php?dis ... uct_id=130

That definitely is the correct card reader.

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:24 pm

Thank you for your help. If I keep this machine I will definitely buy the card reader and software. I still don't have the contract on this machine yet. I am finding that a little strange. The oral agreement was that I paid it out at 75.dollars a month until I paid a thousand dollars. That included the mask but I never signed a contract no did I see that on paper.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:41 pm

Stormynights wrote:Thank you for your help. If I keep this machine I will definitely buy the card reader and software. I still don't have the contract on this machine yet. I am finding that a little strange. The oral agreement was that I paid it out at 75.dollars a month until I paid a thousand dollars. That included the mask but I never signed a contract no did I see that on paper.

You should think about running as far and as fast from that outfit as soon as you can.
I don't know if either of these two machines is still available, but if I were you, I'd jump on this offer and at least contact the person. He's been a well-known member of this forum for over four years.

viewtopic/t50136/For-Sale-Two-Respironi ... d-acc.html

Den

unadog · Post by **unadog** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 8:57 pm

Wulfman wrote: You should think about running as far and as fast from that outfit as soon as you can.
I don't know if either of these two machines is still available, but if I were you, I'd jump on this offer and at least contact the person.

What he said!

You should have some consumer protections in regards to an oral "contract." How long ago was this? Did you go get the machine, did they deliver it?

Did you get the machine from a DME (equipment supply company)? As a new machine?

Do you have insurance? Just trying to get a feel for your options.

There are many used machines readily available in the $200-$400 price range. Some have very little use. There are also new machines like the one you have available for decent prices, as that is an "older" model that has been replaced.

It can get a bit confusing, which is what the companies count on when thay charge you high prices. If you share information here the kindly folks can walk you through all of this.

One additional question to ask yourself is how much local, "hand holding" support you think you will need, and how much thre compoany promised you (and how much you actually think you will get from them.) That is one valid reason for higher prices from some companies, as long as they deliver!

In most cases you will need to do a lot of learning on your own no matter what. You are on the right track already, asking about data hereetc. But there are some people who really, really want someone to physically do things for them (set up the machine, etc.) and walk them through every step. Which of course is harder to find if you buy used, or new over the internet, etc. You already don't sound like that description fits you though ...

Good luck!

Best,
Michael

PS: Looks like Wulfman has 4 of those machines! How many heads does he have? Tell him to give you one, geesh .... (I only have 3 machines so far, all different though. Fourth is on it's way. Working on my fifth, a really expsensive one too, so that I can beat that dang Wulfman!! Me, no, I'm not Type A ...)

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 9:53 pm

unadog wrote:PS: Looks like Wulfman has 4 of those machines! How many heads does he have? Tell him to give you one, geesh .... (I only have 3 machines so far, all different though. Fourth is on it's way. Working on my fifth, a really expsensive one too, so that I can beat that dang Wulfman!! Me, no, I'm not Type A ...)

I'm not a "Type A", either. I was just stocking up on the same generation of machines to last me for the rest of my life. Everything is interchangeable. I bought them (some new and some slightly used) while they were still available......and while I was still gainfully employed. I'm now retired and on a substantially smaller income. I'm not interested in having "the latest and greatest".......I just need something that blows air and is data-capable. Actually, I think I have the best machines that Respironics has made.

It never hurts to have spares and backups of everything.

Den

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:42 pm

unadog wrote:
Wulfman wrote: You should think about running as far and as fast from that outfit as soon as you can.
I don't know if either of these two machines is still available, but if I were you, I'd jump on this offer and at least contact the person.
What he said!

You should have some consumer protections in regards to an oral "contract." How long ago was this? Did you go get the machine, did they deliver it?

Did you get the machine from a DME (equipment supply company)? As a new machine?

Do you have insurance? Just trying to get a feel for your options.

There are many used machines readily available in the $200-$400 price range. Some have very little use. There are also new machines like the one you have available for decent prices, as that is an "older" model that has been replaced.

It can get a bit confusing, which is what the companies count on when thay charge you high prices. If you share information here the kindly folks can walk you through all of this.

One additional question to ask yourself is how much local, "hand holding" support you think you will need, and how much thre compoany promised you (and how much you actually think you will get from them.) That is one valid reason for higher prices from some companies, as long as they deliver!

In most cases you will need to do a lot of learning on your own no matter what. You are on the right track already, asking about data hereetc. But there are some people who really, really want someone to physically do things for them (set up the machine, etc.) and walk them through every step. Which of course is harder to find if you buy used, or new over the internet, etc. You already don't sound like that description fits you though ...

Good luck!

Best,
Michael
I have just had the machine a week. My insurance refused to get me one because it was the last week of my coverage and they only rent machines. I knew this machine was used but I didn't know it was discontinued. They just dropped it off and plugged it in and showed me what the buttons did. I didn't even know about the buttons under the cover. They said I could call if I had problems. I have had a few minor problems but this forum has had the answers for me. As I don't have insurance now I will probably not be going to the doctor very often now. I probably should buy the best because I really can't afford to buy more than one. I wouldn't have a clue which one would be the best one for me to buy. This one and the one at the sleep center are the only ones I have ever seen. I know I would want the humidifier for sure and the thing that changes pressure as I need it. Mine changes from 8 to 14. The lower seems too low but the higher pressure seems uncomfortable. It wakes me up. The woman at the sleep center said that I wasn't able to go into rem sleep. I am not sure what that means exactly. I do really like the therapy.
PS: Looks like Wulfman has 4 of those machines! How many heads does he have? Tell him to give you one, geesh .... (I only have 3 machines so far, all different though. Fourth is on it's way. Working on my fifth, a really expsensive one too, so that I can beat that dang Wulfman!! Me, no, I'm not Type A ...)

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:55 pm

Wulfman wrote:
Stormynights wrote:Thank you for your help. If I keep this machine I will definitely buy the card reader and software. I still don't have the contract on this machine yet. I am finding that a little strange. The oral agreement was that I paid it out at 75.dollars a month until I paid a thousand dollars. That included the mask but I never signed a contract no did I see that on paper.
You should think about running as far and as fast from that outfit as soon as you can.
I don't know if either of these two machines is still available, but if I were you, I'd jump on this offer and at least contact the person. He's been a well-known member of this forum for over four years.

viewtopic/t50136/For-Sale-Two-Respironi ... d-acc.html

Den

I jumped.

unadog · Post by **unadog** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:26 pm

Stormynights wrote: I jumped.

Cool! Details?

We can give you a hand setting it up.

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier - the machines are reliable! Wulfman is just psychotic! (joke - thanks for letting me harass you Den!)

Are you going to be OK giving the machine back to the other folks? It sounds like you may owe them for one month at most. Just tell them "I can't afford it ...." which is true!

More later. Good luck!

Best,
Michael

unadog · Post by **unadog** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:34 pm

Wulfman wrote: I'm not a "Type A", either. I was just stocking up on the same generation of machines to last me for the rest of my life. Everything is interchangeable.

I do that too! If a part breaks on something, I will buy the exact same model as a replacement. I figure if something else breaks I can repair that part too. I get all of those "extra" spare parts, just in case. Like our weed whacker, self grind coffee pot, etc. If you buy a different version as a replacement, you just wind up throwing out all of the remaining "good" parts on the first one.

I have been off work for 3 years (not retired though, I have to go back eventually.) I find I am getting some of that "depression era" mind set: I can't throw this out, I may need it some day .... things like old shoes, winter coats, socks ....

I guess part of it is also my brain fog. I just can't make decisions about *anything*. Even sorting old mail is a hassle. It becomes easist to just give up and go do something else. I guess I can dig my way out when I wake up sane after the sleep apnea treatment takes hold! (I still need to get a machine for centrals.)

Thanks for your reply. It is always a risk harassing people at random!

Best,
Michael

Stormynights · Post by **Stormynights** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:40 pm

unadog wrote:
Stormynights wrote: I jumped.
Cool! Details?

We can give you a hand setting it up.

Sorry I didn't get back to you earlier - the machines are reliable! Wulfman is just psychotic! (joke - thanks for letting me harass you Den!)

Are you going to be OK giving the machine back to the other folks? It sounds like you may owe them for one month at most. Just tell them "I can't afford it ...." which is true!

More later. Good luck!

Best,
Michael

I am getting both machines and the card reader and software. Now I will have a back up. He said he will set it for me with my settings. Now i just have to worry about the others taking their machine back. I don't expect them to be happy.

unadog · Post by **unadog** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:09 pm

Stormynights wrote: Now i just have to worry about the others taking their machine back. I don't expect them to be happy.

Quick note. I typed a longer one before, then lost it.

I usually try to tell most of the truth. That the machine is too expensive, that you can't afford it, that you need to return it. It is easier than "acting."

I would not tell them you found something cheaper, that they charge too much, etc. That is kind of like calling them ugly - they have to argue!

They are probably decent people doing what works in their business model, usually charging insurance companies. It just doesn't work once you saw your options!

Personally, I would call at night and tell them that you are going to return the machine because you can't afford it. (Assuming they are a business and have an answering machine, but aren't handling calls at night.) Then I'd take the machine in and drop it off. Better than having them standing in your house trying to get them out.

You can be in a rush, tell them "I called and said I would bring this in" or whatever. Or just take it in without calling if you are afraid they are going to play hardball.

Your call of course - you seem to know what you are doing! When I get irritated, I am not afraid to launch into true things like "Look, I haven't been working for 3 years" or whatever. Usually embarasses them enough that they shut up! Kind of hard to argue with too: "Sure you have ..."

You done good! You got 2 machines for 1/2 the cost of their 1, right?

Good luck!
Michael

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:30 pm

Be careful of anything you sign...... Get a receipt for what you return. Protect yourself!!! Jim

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