Modem keeps disconnecting

[Kittamaru]

So... for the second time in two weeks, I have gotten an email (and notification on Dreammapper) that my CPAP modem is not connecting/transmitting information.

No other device in my house has had issues staying connected to my modem... so I'm kind of concerned the issue may lie with the machine itself.

Has anyone else had issues with this? The last time, I had to pull the modem out, wait a few minutes, reinstall it, and re-connect it to our wifi...

[Soosecip]

Kitt,
I have the DreamStation setup.
I believe the modem is a stand alone, does not connect to or need your wifi to transmit data to the DME monitoring compliance.
Statement about modems from the online Dreammapper app: "After your homecare provider assigns a modem, the modem will automatically upload your data to DreamMapper.
If you want DreamMapper to match your sleep schedule, initiate a modem connection (see the modem’s user manual for instructions) shortly after you wake up. If the connection is successful, the modem will connect every day at this new time. You may need to repeat this procedure occasionally."
I did not experience modem problems as you describe.
After 30 days I received a letter from the DME instructing how to return the modem to them.
Now I'm using Bluetooth to transmit data to Dreammapper using the app on my tablet.

[Krelvin]

Your machine doesn't use WiFi, it has a 3g cellular modem like a phone.

[chunkyfrog]

Sometimes radio signals are partially blocked by Low-E windows or metal construction.
I had to put my XM antenna between the window and the screen for good reception.
Obviously, you cannot put your machine outside, but your wall may allow more signal than a window.

[Krelvin]

Sometimes radio signals are partially blocked by Low-E windows or metal construction.
I had to put my XM antenna between the window and the screen for good reception.
Obviously, you cannot put your machine outside, but your wall may allow more signal than a window.

Not really a good analogy. While they both use Radio waves, they are quite different.

XM radio is a satellite receiver, it gets its info via a Geosynchronous Satellite up 22k miles or so, actually there are several of them. It doesn't broadcast to the to the satellites, just receives.

A 3G modem on the other hand only deals with a local 3G Cell Tower which has to be close enough for not only sending data to the modem but also allowing the modem to transmit anything to it. The tower needs to be relatively close as compared to a Satellite. If cellular coverage in your area is poor, then it might not work well if at all. Typically a tower needs to be within 45 miles though most are within 22 miles and are greatly effected by terrain like mountains, being in valleys or having large buildings in the way. Interference can also reduce the amount of distance it will work as well. Lastly, it depends on what frequency is being used as some frequencies can pass through buildings and structures better than others.

According to the documentation, the modem operates at a frequency of 817.9 - 848.31 MHz and
1851.25 - 1908.75MHz. Not sure what cellular service it uses, but suspect AT&T under a special license which is for this type of equipment monitoring.

For the best data from your machine, you should be reading the data card with something like Sleepyhead. You will not only always get the data that way, but you will also get more than just the basic info from the machine assuming your machine is a full data capable machine.

Not really sure why anyone would mess with the DME on a daily basis for what is really a simple amount of data you can monitor yourself.

[Kittamaru]

Ah... interesting! My machine is wifi capable, and in fact the DME tech told me to connect it to my wifi, so I had assumed that was the way it transmitted data.

Odd that it would have issues on a cellular connection (dunno what carrier it uses) - my Verizon based phone never has issues

I appreciate the info though!

[kempo]

According to the DreamStation auto pap description on cpap.com the wireless signal is bluetooth not wifi. There is an app in iTunes called (DreamMapper) you can download to your iOS devices (IOS 6 or newer, iPhone or iPad) or Android devices (2.2 or newer) that will pare up your devices with the DreamStation auto pap. The app will download your data to your device.

By looking at the reviews they are having problems with the app.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dreamma ... 69351?mt=8