Money, money, money

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
fstanmyre
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Location: Dallas

Post by fstanmyre » Thu Jul 14, 2005 7:21 pm

Will do.
Fred Stanmyre

Sandor
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Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2005 5:14 am

Post by Sandor » Fri Jul 15, 2005 1:23 am

I can format a blank card for the RemStar, just using its driver and a piece of software I have written.

DSM: you are right, "Next issue then is understanding what data is on a RemStar smart card." It is not so simple, I am working on that. One problem (information needed to formatting) has been solved, but to really/fully understand the way the machine writes information on the card, takes some time (and not just because one can not easily read binary information directly...)

Sandor


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dsm
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Location: Near the coast.

Post by dsm » Fri Jul 15, 2005 4:29 am

Sandor wrote: but to really/fully understand the way the machine writes information on the card, takes some time (and not just because one can not easily read binary information directly...)

Sandor


Sandor, Great work - re the database. It is probable that they are using something either industry standard or open source (free). My clue here is the way they supply the DT3500 driver.

What would help would be to know what OS they use to control the inboard computer in the RemStar. This could be Linux (my best guess is this is what it is). If it is Linux, this narrows the choices of Open Source database they may be using.

But, the OS could be BSD or it could be a DOS variant.

This is interesting - I know that with our combined wisdom & brain power (nourished by our CPAP machines) we can solve this .

Cheers

DSM

xPAP and Quattro std mask (plus a pad-a-cheek anti-leak strap)

Sandor
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Post by Sandor » Fri Jul 15, 2005 5:12 am

DSM,
I think I am not far from the solution to fully control the data on the card.
Regards
Sandor

fstanmyre
Posts: 118
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 9:06 am
Location: Dallas

DSM and Sandor

Post by fstanmyre » Fri Jul 15, 2005 6:22 am

I'm pretty good on computers but you guys are way ahead of me here. Wish I could help but all I can do now is to continue to chase a cheap place to buy the reader.
Fred Stanmyre

fstanmyre
Posts: 118
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 9:06 am
Location: Dallas

For DSM

Post by fstanmyre » Fri Jul 15, 2005 6:54 am

Respironics uses a special corded card (looks like com port connection) and software called "sleeplink" to set the internal computer. They use Sleeplink to calibrate flows, pressures, etc. and also the internal clock. The operating system specified for Sleeplink is WIN95/98/2000/NT.

Fred Stanmyre

ufo13

request ino from "dsm"- "jl"- anyone wh

Post by ufo13 » Fri Jul 15, 2005 8:32 am

everyone's comments and info is interesting and helpful! thank you!
i have the remstar auto w/heated humidifier, set at 10 to 20 cms range-c-flex at 3, res-med swift mask.

my question to "dsm" is: what is the reason you run your auto cpap at a
fixed pressure setting instead of taking
advantage of the auto range, etc?
why have the c-flex set at 2 rather than the
easier exhilation setting of three? i appreciate
any info that might make my therapy better as
well as for others. it is very good of you to
constantly share your insights to help others!

my question to "jl" is: why have the c-flex setting OFF? is it because of
the lower range of 8.5 to 11cm? thanks also
to you for your help and insights!
TO ALL: i am thinking about purchasing the respironics cumfortcurve
mask. would appreciate anyone who owns one giving thier pro and cons!

THANKS TO ALL!


fstanmyre
Posts: 118
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 9:06 am
Location: Dallas

DT3500 Smart Card Reader

Post by fstanmyre » Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:30 am

I just ordered one directly from Mako Technologies. Cost is $49.95 plus $10 S&H. Driver downloadable free. Still pretty expensive but better than the $150 being quoted by others. Mako says no restrictions on ordering. Anybody that wants to order one can do so by phoning the following contact. They take credit cards and Paypal. You folks may want to wait until I get mine and try it to make sure there is no special security tricks but I think this is very unlikely.

Kitty J. Barbosa
Administrative Assistant
Mako Technologies
145 Swinton Ave.
Delray Beach Florida 33444-2633
Phone: 561-279-9781
Fax: 561-330-2685
http://www.mako-tech.com
Fred Stanmyre

JL
Posts: 81
Joined: Sat Apr 16, 2005 2:15 pm
Location: San Antonio, Texas

Post by JL » Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:41 am

UFO13

Found that I got better AHI results on the Remstar auto w/CFlex with the CFlex off. There are many theories on why this happens for some but they seem to boil down to... irregular breathing patterns, apnea events happening on exhalation, or combo of Remstar auto alogrithems and CFlex gets "confused." Again this only happens for some people and CFlex is a great option to have...wish I could use it as I really like it. Derek (MyEncore Program) is running some data tests on himself to see if he can pin down with more precision whats happening.

Jim

9-11 cm Remstar Auto w/C-Flex off,
Heated Humidifier & Hose...Breeze, Activa, Ultra Mirage FF, Hybrid
Encore Pro w/MyEncore enhancements

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rested gal
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Post by rested gal » Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:45 am

Hi, ufo13,
TO ALL: i am thinking about purchasing the respironics cumfortcurve mask. would appreciate anyone who owns one giving thier pro and cons!
Here ya go...lots of pros and cons if you'll click this:

Jun 04, 2005 subject: Links to Comfort Curve topics
Last edited by rested gal on Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:46 am, edited 1 time in total.

fstanmyre
Posts: 118
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 9:06 am
Location: Dallas

Post by fstanmyre » Fri Jul 15, 2005 10:45 am

So far I find I get remarkably better results running straight cpap at 8.5. I get a lot more snoring and apneas with the autopap, even with a fairly narrow range. Not using cflex at all right now at least til I'm satisfied I understand the effects of auto vs constant pressure. Sure will be interested in any new test data. Would be really something to find out that all the bells and whistles do nothing for me and straight cpap is best.

Fred Stanmyre

Hardly Breathing
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Joined: Wed Mar 09, 2005 8:34 pm

Post by Hardly Breathing » Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:08 am

I found the reader (model DT3500) for $50.00 online before I bought the software. After checking things out, I would pay the whole cost of things together ($199) to make sure I got the right reader. I have found readers of the same protocol for $35.00 online. The main thing is that your computer recognizes the reader and you have a driver for it. Most good readers also rated by the number of uses before you wear out the head that reads the card. Ours is on the cheap side of quality but it will last for years.

fstanmyre
Posts: 118
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 9:06 am
Location: Dallas

Post by fstanmyre » Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:56 am

All fine and good, but in any event I bought the reader for $50, I'll try it out and let all the folks know how it works in case they need a replacement reader and would rather pay $50. The driver for the DT3500 is a free download. Only question is does the Respironics software talk to my $50 reader and we'll find that out in a few days. If you've found a site where you can purchase the DT3500 perhaps you can share it here?

Fred Stanmyre

Guest

Post by Guest » Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:31 pm

Interesting link to smart card compatability standards:
http://www.pcscworkgroup.com/compatible ... rs-G-J.php

Not a programmer but thought it might help the technical posters.


Sleepyman

Post by Sleepyman » Fri Jul 15, 2005 9:36 pm

link to buy infineer, $49
http://securetech-corp.com/smart.html