Updating the firmware on the PR System One machines

[sydneybird]

I ask because there are nights I wake up and find then I can't get back to sleep with CFLEX+ going, it starts to feel as if it is forcing regularity in my breaths when I'm awake... but plain (not "+") CFLEX seems comfortable -- or even just switching it off might seem a choice sometimes.

I also get the feeling that the machine is controlling my respiration rather than the other way around. I never tried anything but A-Flex so something more to tinker with. Thanks for the comment.

My firmware version has split night (at least in the provider's menu), which allows you to start with 2 to 4 hours on CPAP with whatever flex setting you like and the rest of the time on Auto with whatever flex setting you like. I had no idea why you would want to do this, but maybe to overcome the feeling you were talking about. I'm going to start a new thread to ask about this.

[GumbyCT]

Mea Culpa again...after further hands on clinical menu browsing you can turn Bi-Flex to "None" in the Setup menu. IF it is selected in the Setup menu then you can ONLY change the level to 1, 2,or 3 but not OFF or None. Go figure. This was on a v1.24 BiPap.

So after looking at both my manual and the machine, I stand corrected. Cflex - used to was an option you could set in the clinical menu so the user could set it for their preference.

[blakepro]

Mea Culpa again...after further hands on clinical menu browsing you can turn Bi-Flex to "None" in the Setup menu. IF it is selected in the Setup menu then you can ONLY change the level to 1, 2,or 3 but not OFF or None. Go figure. This was on a v1.24 BiPap.

So after looking at both my manual and the machine, I stand corrected. Cflex - used to was an option you could set in the clinical menu so the user could set it for their preference.

It would be nice to have a changelog of all the firmware changes wouldn't it?

[ThomasMcKean]

I have v1.24, so I edited my post on a humidifier thread to include the version number. Now I know to add my version number to how-to posts.

For PR System One Auto APAP with version 1.24 firmware (to check your version, pull the plug and plug back in, it will show up on the LCD screen):

To change from System One humidification to classic, access the Provider Mode by turning wheel to Setup and press control wheel and ramp button at same time for 5 seconds until double beep.

While in Provider Mode turn wheel to Setup and press to select,
scroll to SYSTEM ONE humidification (you will only see SYSTEM at first, but the text will scroll through SYSTEM ONE Humidification, it is one line up from Humidifier where you set the 0-5 value) and press to select,
turn wheel to select OFF and press to select (you will now see that on the next line below for Humidifier, the value now includes a "C"),
turn wheel to Back and press to select, and
turn wheel to Exit and press to exit Provider Mode.

To change it back, just follow the above steps and dial in either on/off at the SYSTEM ONE Humidification menu item.

What is the difference between the two modes?

[ThomasMcKean]

Ya only missed one, Gumby.

v.1.07 (could change time from GMT)
v.1.13
v.1.22
v.1.24
v.2.01

It looks like we are paying big bucks for the opportunity of beta testing these S1s for PR, ya think?

Well after looking at this post, I had to go check my machine. We now have another version!
v.1.20

Confirmed. I have 1.20 as well.

[blakepro]

What is the difference between the two modes?

You are talking about classic humidification vs PR1 humidification right?

Classic mode is based on the old method that the older machines used where each of the 5 settings are just differences in temperature and nothing more. The PR1 method is based on a target humidity range and adjusts the temperature as needed to prevent rainout.

[ThomasMcKean]

What is the difference between the two modes?

You are talking about classic humidification vs PR1 humidification right?

Classic mode is based on the old method that the older machines used where each of the 5 settings are just differences in temperature and nothing more. The PR1 method is based on a target humidity range and adjusts the temperature as needed to prevent rainout.

Well. I guess that answers THAT question. Thank yew.

It seems a moot point for me as v. 1.20 does not seem to offer the option!

[archangle]

I have a vague recollection of there being one version of firmware where "System One Humidification" wasn't in the clinician's menu, but there was another secret button push mode that would turn it on. Something like going into the humidification selection and then pressing and holding both buttons for 5 seconds.

Did I mention "vague recolllection?"

By the way, I have a PRS1 Auto with version 2.02 of the firmware.

[blakepro]

I have a vague recollection of there being one version of firmware where "System One Humidification" wasn't in the clinician's menu, but there was another secret button push mode that would turn it on. Something like going into the humidification selection and then pressing and holding both buttons for 5 seconds.

Did I mention "vague recolllection?"

By the way, I have a PRS1 Auto with version 2.02 of the firmware.

Yes, that is accurate. There is one version where its not obvious that its there. Its a secret setting and it puts a C in front of the number to represent "classic" I believe.

[timlast]

Hi All:

I just received a replacement on warranty machine from Respironics. I now have version 2.50. I have a 2nd machine with v2.01. The only difference I can see is an added option to turn on "Silent Mode", but I don't even know what this does because it is not mentioned in the out-of-date manual included with the machine. Just to add to the confusion.

[moresleep]

It is frustrating that Respironics and the other Cpap makers do not provide online updates to the firmware. These firmare updates presumably go behond convenience factors and address issues having to do with the breathing algorithyms and other matters involving the therapy itself. But, Respironics' attitude is that patients have no business worrying their little heads about such things. Buyers of third-rate DVD players are treated with more respect...

[archangle]

It is frustrating that Respironics and the other Cpap makers do not provide online updates to the firmware. These firmare updates presumably go behond convenience factors and address issues having to do with the breathing algorithyms and other matters involving the therapy itself. But, Respironics' attitude is that patients have no business worrying their little heads about such things. Buyers of third-rate DVD players are treated with more respect...

True in some sense. However, lots of non-medical equipment manufacturers have had problems with online updates. "Bricking" a machine with an update is common. (Turns it from a useful device to a brick.) Sometimes the machine ends up with new problems, etc. Even the more respectable manufacturers have trouble with online updates.

There have also been incidents of people providing fake updates to install viruses or simply do malicious damage.

As much as I hate to keep the end user in the dark, I might have to agree with not providing online updates.

They're probably extra careful on the updates to prevent someone from taking one model of machine and upgrading it to a more expensive machine. I think a lot of the different models of machine differ only in software.

[Mr PR]

They're probably extra careful on the updates to prevent someone from taking one model of machine and upgrading it to a more expensive machine. I think a lot of the different models of machine differ only in software.

That is true. The only difference (besides the price) between a regular Remstar Pro and a BiPap Auto is the firmware which is installed. The firmware is installed at Philips Respironics. Basically anything from a 450p and up are absolutely identical on the inside.

[blakepro]

... The only difference I can see is an added option to turn on "Silent Mode", but I don't even know what this does...

WHOA! Hold on.. SILENT MODE?!? Could this be Respironics addressing one of the big complaints from its customers?

Please check this: Turn silent mode on, and then see if the machine still beeps when you start/stop the blower.

That beep has aggravated many many people. One of our forum members even went so far as to disassemble his machine and rip out the component that makes the beep sound.

[ronbien]

... The only difference I can see is an added option to turn on "Silent Mode", but I don't even know what this does...

WHOA! Hold on.. SILENT MODE?!? Could this be Respironics addressing one of the big complaints from its customers?

Please check this: Turn silent mode on, and then see if the machine still beeps when you start/stop the blower.

That beep has aggravated many many people. One of our forum members even went so far as to disassemble his machine and rip out the component that makes the beep sound.

Silent mode does turn that off, at least on my new Auto BiPAP with the latest firmware version.
Good Luck!