Newer version of Respironics software

I have taken my PR Auto with A flex in for "service" as it has begun turning itself off during the night. While I was at the supplier they made a comment that while it was at PR they would upgrade the software. I think she said I have 1.12 and it would now be 1.22.
Could anyone please explain the difference and how often does this change in software happen? Does the machine need to be updated everytime there is a software upgrade? How would I even know when there is an upgrade?

I don't know what the difference is in the firmware versions but in the rest of the electronics world, firmware upgrades and patches are done for exactly the same reasons as we do OS patches and upgrades on our computers... to fix bugs/problems and add features or extend/improve existing capabilities. Perhaps one of the fixes in that update is the machine turning itself off.

This has actually been one of the things I have wondered about.... How DO we, the end-user, find out about firmware updates to our respective machines and how do we go about applying them? Usually, unless there is a definitive problem, I don't put the lastest firmware on RIGHT away to see if there are any OTHER reported problems that crop up in the latest release but I do keep all that needs updating in my house regularly updated. Would like to at least know if there is a mechanism to KNOW if there is a way to do this for the PR1 so I could at least know if there is one, what it corrects/extends and then be able to decide if I want to have the version applied.

When you mentioned the version number of your firmware, I got wondering what the version of MINE is... Unless there is a country specific thing or a version based on the age of the machine, you might question them on the version. I just checked mine and it is version 1.24. Maybe your supplier has out of date information but I'd be curious to see what version yours reports when it comes back.

mike

Odd's are your DME was just blowing smoke and trolling for dollars, if you had looked carefully you could have probably seen their lips moving. Most likely they have no way to install the firmware, and no idea what it is. Installing firmware is done when the machine goes back to the factory for repair, then most likely you would get someone elses used machine not the one you sent in. We are talking about DME's here, the people that supply the lowest quality machines for the most profit, and steal mask parts out the the bags, for a living. Jim

Goofproof wrote:Odd's are your DME was just blowing smoke and trolling for dollars, if you had looked carefully you could have probably seen their lips moving. Most likely they have no way to install the firmware, and no idea what it is. Installing firmware is done when the machine goes back to the factory for repair, then most likely you would get someone elses used machine not the one you sent in. We are talking about DME's here, the people that supply the lowest quality machines for the most profit, and steal mask parts out the the bags, for a living. Jim

If you read Snoozysue's post a little closer, you'll see that she said that the machine is being returned to "PR" i.e. to the factory. Her machine likely will be replaced with a new, factory unit. The DME should play no part in the exchange other than to pass the new machine along to her.

FYI, I had my PR System 1 replaced the same way and for the same issues. My DME was cpap.com. I'm not sure who Snoozysue is using.

Sometimes the newest version of the firmware may not be the best. I am using the older Legacy Pro2 and I have the program to upgrade to the newest version of firmware which for this machine is 2.8. I have one Pro2 with 2.5 and one with 2.6. I much perfer the 2.5 version in the way it records and reports. I wish I could find 2.5 so I could downgrade the 2.6 machine. The company always upgrades to the latest version if it goes back for repair.

Jerry

Hose_Head wrote:

Goofproof wrote:Odd's are your DME was just blowing smoke and trolling for dollars, if you had looked carefully you could have probably seen their lips moving. Most likely they have no way to install the firmware, and no idea what it is. Installing firmware is done when the machine goes back to the factory for repair, then most likely you would get someone elses used machine not the one you sent in. We are talking about DME's here, the people that supply the lowest quality machines for the most profit, and steal mask parts out the the bags, for a living. Jim

If you read Snoozysue's post a little closer, you'll see that she said that the machine is being returned to "PR" i.e. to the factory. Her machine likely will be replaced with a new, factory unit. The DME should play no part in the exchange other than to pass the new machine along to her.

FYI, I had my PR System 1 replaced the same way and for the same issues. My DME was cpap.com. I'm not sure who Snoozysue is using.

I was a little confused as were you, PR is a product line, not a place that repairs machines, also Software is Encore Pro or Encore Viewer, not firmware which is the operating instructions for the Hardware ie XPAP Machine. It sounded to me like a classic case of blowing smoke. I'd be sure to write down my SN before I sent my machine in, and get it in writing that I'd get my machine back or a get a factory new machine. I would bet most people get a remanufactured machine back instead of their original or new unit. I would trust cpap.com to do the correct thing, they have a good track record, unlike other DME's... Jim

Thanks for all the thoughts.
Things might be a bit different here in Australia. You get diagnosed by a doctor and the Govt helps with the cost of the testing. Once you are diagnosed then it is up to you to find a supplier and then you pay for everything yourself. If you pay into a private health fund then you might get some help towards the cost of equipment.
In Australia my machine (PR Auto with A Flex and humidifer) cost over $2500 and each mask costs approx $300. I have been in top health cover for ever and I will only get $800 once every 3 years.
PR is actually located in Sydney where I live so I "presume" my machine will go back to them and it had better be my machine or a new machine that is returned to me! PR has recently had a promotion here for an extended warranty so I have that too.
I really hope I get a new machine, which is what the supplier says usually happens if there is any problem.