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Wasn't Blarg or someone trying to hack the smart card(s) in order to get the raw data? ... then we could write our own software and wouldn't need Encore Pro or AutoScan.

DreamStalker wrote:Wasn't Blarg or someone trying to hack the smart card(s) in order to get the raw data? ... then we could write our own software and wouldn't need Encore Pro or AutoScan.

Yes. It's going to take a long time though.

You'd still need AutoScan though because I don't have a ResMed machine.

[quote="Snoredog"]

<snip>

That information is already "public" available, it is contained in the U.S. and foreign Patents, only takes about 2 minutes to google it up. Same for Resmed's (or Rescorp's).

blarg wrote:

DreamStalker wrote:Wasn't Blarg or someone trying to hack the smart card(s) in order to get the raw data? ... then we could write our own software and wouldn't need Encore Pro or AutoScan.

Yes. It's going to take a long time though.

You'd still need AutoScan though because I don't have a ResMed machine.

No doubt Respironics is responding to the same pressures that ResMed caved to. Too bad these manufacturers aren't just a little more concerned about the welfare of the folks who actually use their equipment instead of being overly concerned about the needs of DME's and physicians. I hope Johnny Goodman (Jr or Sr?) can present a convincing case to them.

If it's any consolation, the corporate landscape is littered with carcasses of companies which neglected the needs of their users, mistakenly opting for some perceived short term advantage rather than the long term success of their end-users. Competition is a wonderful thing, and it seems unlikely that the concept of xPAP users monitoring their own therapy with software can be put back in the bag.

Regards,
Bill

Today I got a package in the mail from Respironics. I don't know how they got my name and address. I've never even registered any Respironics equipment I've purchased.

The letter says, "We are contacting you today to see if you would be interested in participating in new product trials. As a trial participant, you may be able to try the lastest Respironics products and provide valuable input that will help us better understand your needs and provide a more comfortable sleep therapy experience."

A questionnaire is included for me to provide info on my experience with xpap therapy and equipment I have used. There is also a 5-page Current Mask Survey with lots of questions about my sleep habits what I like and don't like about the mask I'm using.

They don't ask what is most important to me in the equipment I use, but I'll find a spot to add what Slinky put in her e-mail survey:

And when responding to the question regarding what aspects were important to me in deciding which device to purchase I clearly stated in my comments that the ability to monitor therapy response via data available on LED screen and via software and reader were the FIRST criteria.

Regards,

Alisha

I just traded out my Respironics Plus M Series w/ C-flex for an M Series Auto w/ C-flex. I also ordered a card reader and Encore Pro software. Now I will have complete control over my treatment. All this is in complete accord with my pulmonologist/sleep doctor.

Remember the line in Jim Croches song, "dont tug on supermans cape"?

We may be well advised to go slow on criticizing Respironics or Resmed and their software.

They could very easily start making their machines not compatible with the existing software and send the patches only to DME or those they feel should have it.

Could be a nasty showdown and we all know who will win.

I could be wrong,
Tom

tomjax wrote:
They could very easily start making their machines not compatible with the existing software ..........

Okay, I bought Encore Pro 1.4 and many people obtained 1.5 even cheaper than that, but if I were to buy a "m series" machine it wouldn't do me (or them) any good as you need 1.6. I think they have already been doing this.

Having just ordered 1.8 from cpap.com today, I assume i will be able to use this software with my Remstar Pro 2 for quite some time?

tomjax wrote:Remember the line in Jim Croches song, "dont tug on supermans cape"?

We may be well advised to go slow on criticizing Respironics or Resmed and their software.

They could very easily start making their machines not compatible with the existing software and send the patches only to DME or those they feel should have it.

Could be a nasty showdown and we all know who will win.

I could be wrong,
Tom

And Superman didn't mess with red Kryptonite.
And, "....you don't mess around with Jim" (Goofproof.....are you reading this?)

I'm guessing that the winner might be Puritan Bennett in some ways (unless they go the same way).

Also, there would probably be a lot of interest in the previous technoloty (Classic/Legacy and M Series machines).

I'm stocked up, so I don't have a lot of fear of this in the short term.

I'm gonna wait to hear what John and Johnny find out before I get upset. (for the future hoseheads)

Den

Jaggles wrote:Having just ordered 1.8 from cpap.com today, I assume i will be able to use this software with my Remstar Pro 2 for quite some time?

Yep. And older versions would work with it, too.
I'm still using version 1.4.99 with all of my machines.

Den

Den, why do you keep the Remstar Pro 2 instead of the more recent M series? I am on my first, a rental, and like the size of the M esp. for travel. Is there a downside to the newer model?

If I speak for Den in error please correct me, but if it ain't broke don't fix it -

I have a Pro 2 and a Tank APAP myself. The software we have "works" fine with these, the humidifier works on both machine and the filters are - well - the same down to the cap on the back of the machine. Buying a M series would involve new machine, new humidifier, new software, and anything else except for hose and mask.

Jaggles wrote:Den, why do you keep the Remstar Pro 2 instead of the more recent M series? I am on my first, a rental, and like the size of the M esp. for travel. Is there a downside to the newer model?

Well.....probably several (lots of) reasons. Two years ago when I started, the "Pro 2" was pretty new. The previous "Pro" model didn't record detailed data and it was formally discontinued by Respironics in April of '05. So, it was my first machine......and it has served me well. The "M Series" didn't start coming out until about this time or mid-2006. About this time last year, I acquired a (lightly used) REMstar Auto (same technology) from one of our forum members. Then, in August of last year, I started getting nervous about how long the "Classic" ("Tank") series would be available, so I bought a new Auto from CPAP.COM. SO.....I'm pretty heavily into the previous machine style....I have interchangeable humidifiers and filters, etc. The "rumor" was that the "M Series" still used the same logic (programming) that the "Classic" used......so, there was no advantage to change. I don't travel, so there was no advantage there, either.
The "M Series" machines required a newer version of Encore Pro
The "M Series" machines also had a problem with dropping data for a couple of nights.

The "Classic" models have been good machines.

Den