ResScan 3.7 Question

I just got the ResScan 3.7 software and the ResMed smart card reader. I have sucessfully loaded the program onto my computer and the card reader is recognized. I am now ready to obtain the data from the ResMed S8 Auto Set II. I know that all I have to do is put the card into the APAP and it will automatically write data to the card. Then it is simply a matter of putting the card into the card reader and it will obtain data from the card.

Here is what I need clarified.

When the APAP writes to the card, is the data just copied to the card or is the data downloaded to the card? Meaning, is the data retained in the APAP memory after it writes the data to the card, so that the next time you insert the card it will again write data from day 1 to the card.

When the card is read by the card reader is the data downloaded or copied? Meaning, after the read is completed is there still data on the card? If so, will the data be overwritten when inserted into the APAP again or should it be deleted or reformated before the next use.

Data is copied from the cpap machine to the card.
The cpap machine starts another data cycle at 12:00pm each day.
When the memory card is inserted into the reader,it downloads the data to ResScan 3.7(after you start the program)
The data on the memory card is overwritten when reinserted in the cpap machine.
Up to five nights of detailed data may be copied to the memory card.
Summary data stays in the cpap machine memory for a year.
I copy data and download it to RS 3.7 on Sunday and Wednesday before noon.
I am tired as I write this so reader beware!
Take care.

Thanks, you may be tired but your answer was precise and clear. The best part is that it confirms what I was thinking.

Well, to be < technically > correct, the data does not get downloaded from the card when you put it in the reader.

You start the Rescan program and put the card in the reader ( can be put in before started Rescan program ) then, you select the patient in the software and once the patient file is open then you click on download data and THEN it gets the data from the card.

It isn't automatic. You have to tell it to download the data.

Just being nitpicky but when I read the previous messages it popped into mind that, to a novice with the software, it reads as though you just put the card in the reader and presto it gets downloaded.

Valid point on the downloading.
RS 3.7 should be started before you plug in the reader with memory card.
Open your patient file,connect the reader with memory card inserted,click download data and make SURE you see your patient name in the download data box.
Also look in the 'data' section of the download data box and make sure of the proper selection-usually select "all available data"
Sometimes I get careless and download data to 'new patient' without realizing it or only download summary data because I forgot to check the data selection.
I always have the 'view' (top toolbar)set to 'browser'
You should then see the summary dates loaded into your patient file calendar bar on the left side before you log off.
No current dates will appear on the calendar bar if you have not downloaded properly.
Helps ensure I keep on track in my moments of stupor.
I create .pdf reports of "all available data" each download session and save them on the hard drive.

Thanks again for the updates guys. There certainly is plenty of knowledge to share on this site.

I did download / copy / transfer /write or whatever you want to call it successfully. The ResScan software is a pretty simple program to use and the user manual is an easy read. My main concern was if I had the correct impression of the status of the data as it went from the CPAP to card to computer.

One biiig gotcha to wactch for.

When you download from the card reader MAKE SURE YOU SELECT all the data to be downloaded as the default is only to download summary data.
ResScan 3.7 is a PITB in that you can't change this particular default behavior (not that I have found).

Good luck.

DSM