Can you use a generic smartcard reader with AutoScan?

rasputin · Post by **rasputin** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:05 pm

I have a ResMed S8 machine and will have AutoScan software shortly. I'm looking to buy a smartcard reader, but the ResMed brand ones are crazy expensive IMO, and I would like to use a cheaper third-party one if possible.

1) Do I need to use a specific brand of smartcard reader for this, or will any one work? There are several inexpensive ones on ebay, including ones integrated into keyboards, etc.

2) If I use a third-party card reader, how do I make the ResMed data card fit in it? Most smartcard readers are the full width of a credit card, but the ResMed data cards are only a couple cm wide. The ResMed brand reader ("ResScan") appears to be a full-size smartcard reader, but has a plastic guide on it to line up the card.

I searched the forum on 'autoscan' and 'smartcard reader' but have not had success. If anyone can suggest better search terms or links to specific threads that might help, I'd appreciate it.

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:16 pm

Here's the link......and the price seems reasonable to me.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -cpap.html

Den

rasputin · Post by **rasputin** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:37 pm

Wulfman wrote:Here's the link......and the price seems reasonable to me.

https://www.cpap.com/productpage/resmed ... -cpap.html

Den

Thanks. I've seen that one (picture above), and it is more expensive at other retailers, but to me $65 sounds unreasonable if there are other brands available for as little as $4. Of course, if they won't work with my software, then I have no choice than to buy the ResMed one.

Do you know if the ResMed reader is the only one that works with AutoScan software, and what issues I might have using a third party one if it isn't?

Brent Hutto · Post by **Brent Hutto** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:43 pm

The card format that ResMed uses is not a common one. I don't know of any place other than a ResMed CPAP retailer to get either the cards or the reader. So it would appear the only option is 65 bucks, period. By far the least expensive part of the whole system when you account for the CPAP machine, mask and software (pushing a thousand dollars).

rasputin · Post by **rasputin** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:50 pm

Brent Hutto wrote:The card format that ResMed uses is not a common one. I don't know of any place other than a ResMed CPAP retailer to get either the cards or the reader. So it would appear the only option is 65 bucks, period. By far the least expensive part of the whole system when you account for the CPAP machine, mask and software (pushing a thousand dollars).

When searching the forum I found several references to people buying generic card readers from http://www.2factors.com/, but for use with MyEncore or Encore Pro. Do you know if those readers will work with AutoScan (or any readers other then the ResMed ResScan)?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 2:56 pm

I'm sure they will not.
These companies have their own proprietary software and cards and want to make sure that they "gotcha" when it comes to buying the pieces and parts.

Den

rasputin · Post by **rasputin** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:00 pm

Wulfman wrote:I'm sure they will not.
These companies have their own proprietary software and cards and want to make sure that they "gotcha" when it comes to buying the pieces and parts.

Den

But lots of people here buy them to use with Encore Pro and other software. Do you know for sure that they won't work with AutoScan?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:06 pm

I'd put money on it!!!

Den

rasputin · Post by **rasputin** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:10 pm

Wulfman wrote:I'd put money on it!!!

Den

Why do you think AutoScan will be different than Encore Pro? I've never used either, so have no experience. Does ResMed have a bad reputation for things like this?

Wulfman · Post by **Wulfman** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:24 pm

Re-read my post at 1:56.

It's proprietary architecture at two different companies.
Some people have found out that they can't even use the blank 2factors cards in Respironics machines and readers. There's also special drivers for the MAKO DT-3500 reader to be able to be used with Encore Pro software.

TRUST ME!

Den

reval · Post by **reval** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 3:46 pm

rasputin wrote:
Wulfman wrote:I'd put money on it!!!

Den
Why do you think AutoScan will be different than Encore Pro? I've never used either, so have no experience. Does ResMed have a bad reputation for things like this?

The same reason why you couldn't play a betamax tape in a VHS VCR.
Different format, different manufacturers.

Wulfman is right on this.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:19 pm

Wulfman wrote:I'd put money on it!!!

Den

At least $65.00.

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:23 pm

rasputin wrote:
Wulfman wrote:I'd put money on it!!!

Den
Why do you think AutoScan will be different than Encore Pro? I've never used either, so have no experience. Does ResMed have a bad reputation for things like this?

Brent Hutto · Post by **Brent Hutto** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 6:35 pm

rasputin wrote:When searching the forum I found several references to people buying generic card readers from http://www.2factors.com/, but for use with MyEncore or Encore Pro. Do you know if those readers will work with AutoScan (or any readers other then the ResMed ResScan)?

The Resmed ResScan is a different oddball kind of card. I've seen other cards similar to the ones that Respironics uses but I've never seen anything like a ResScan card other than in my Resmed CPAP machine.

If you find that unbelievable you could certainly try buying a cheap cardreader and see if you can make it work. At worst you would be wasting a lot less than the $65 Resmed charges

_________________

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dsm · Post by **dsm** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 9:17 pm

The ResMed card form factor is unique. The chip used in it appears to be the same as the Respironics chip and the pinout is identical.

The problem appears to be twofold

1) Are you are willing to do some re-engineering of a set of resmed cards (to change the card form factor from the thin strip into a standard credit card format). If so then a 2Factors card should be able to read the ResMed card. This task is not super hard. Just get some card the same thickness as the Respironics cards, cut it to the same shape, cut out a slot that will allow the ResMed card to be fitted in so that the chip contacts are in the exact same position. The contact pinout positions appear to be in the same orientation.

2) Formatting the card. This part I am not really clear on but I do know that whilst the Respironics machines use the same chip as the ResMed S8s, in their cards, Respironics appear to format their card in a particular way and if it isn't formatted correctly, the respironics machine won't write to it.

Additional issues are what does Respironics write on their cards ? - there was a poster here months back who explored these and said he had worked it out (but he disappeared )

Also, does ResMed format their ones in any particular way ?

The chips used on these cards may be standard non-volatile memory chips similar to what is used in MM cards.

I will post photos of them later today + will show how my cable TV smart card is different yet again.

Cheers

DSM