Smart Card Reader

I've been looking at the different machines and how to access their information from them and I've been wondering about the process used by the Encore system. To me, and I could be wrong on this, the smart card they use looks just like my military ID card, and the card reader doesn't look all that different from the one I use. If this is the case then if I was to have one of these machines I wouldn't need to buy the card reader because I've already have two of them of my own for use with my military ID. And if this is also the case, then why pay $139.00 for that when you can get it for much less from other places
For example, you can google this one: SCM SCR331: USB Smart Card Reader, and find it for about $21.00, not including shipping etc.

If Wrong on this, please correct me.

David

P.S. I just noticed that the Sandman Memory card looks the same as well.

As far as I know the Encore cpap software requires the specific card reader that is available in the bundle mentioned on cpap.com. I don't think any other reader will read the smart card.

Someone may know something different but that's my understanding.

David - I agree on all counts. I don't have the mil card reader to try it. If you do, please try it and let me know. I have been saying the same for a long time and would certainly love to know for sure, either way.

I saw that same reader (SCM SCR331: USB Smart Card Reader) and wondered the same thing.

Finally broke down and bought the Mako reader from cpapusa.com

Code Description Qty Price Extended
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DT3500 USB SmartCard Reader/Writer 1 $47.50 $47.50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SubTotal: $47.50
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $5.00
-------------------
Total: $52.50

They shipped immediately and I got it today. I do not mind paying a little extra to buy from our gracious host, but I also do not like to be gouged.

I still wonder about the other reader though. I have to shop around since everything is out-of-pocket for me.

Stacy

Very interested in this thread, as someone who needs a card reader

I'll do my best to get an answer as soon as I can. most of this depends on when I am able to get my machine, and if they give me the one I want.

I am using the mako and encore viewer works fine.

sleepypp wrote:I saw that same reader (SCM SCR331: USB Smart Card Reader) and wondered the same thing.

Finally broke down and bought the Mako reader from cpapusa.com

Code Description Qty Price Extended
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DT3500 USB SmartCard Reader/Writer 1 $47.50 $47.50
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SubTotal: $47.50
Tax: $0.00
Shipping: $5.00
-------------------
Total: $52.50

They shipped immediately and I got it today. I do not mind paying a little extra to buy from our gracious host, but I also do not like to be gouged.

I still wonder about the other reader though. I have to shop around since everything is out-of-pocket for me.

Stacy

So the DT3500 works with the Encore software and reads the Encore Pro Smart Card ?

If so, $50 would be more reasonable. $140 is too much IMO.

Thanks

Doesn't sound right to me that software would have to have a specific card reader. If that was the case, then the Army would have a lot of trouble because of all of the different types of computers we use. Not to mention all of the different types that people use in their homes. Once I am able to get my machine, I'll know for a fact if it will work with the ones that I have. No offense to the host of the forum, I know they don't set the price. If I can get the same results with something that is cheaper, then so be it. I don't mind spending money when it comes to my health, but if I can save some while helping my health, all the better.

DcKalop, why spend $50, when you could spend less than that. No, I don't have any stock in the card reader that I mentioned, I just have to versions of it.

David

the DT3500 is the one that I use... works fine. Just have to make sure that you have the right driver. That might be the issue, that the driver only exists for that card reader... not sure exactly what they have in it.

the DT3500 is the one that I use... works fine. Just have to make sure that you have the right driver. That might be the issue, that the driver only exists for that card reader... not sure exactly what they have in it.

drj130 wrote:Doesn't sound right to me that software would have to have a specific card reader. If that was the case, then the Army would have a lot of trouble because of all of the different types of computers we use. Not to mention all of the different types that people use in their homes. Once I am able to get my machine, I'll know for a fact if it will work with the ones that I have. No offense to the host of the forum, I know they don't set the price. If I can get the same results with something that is cheaper, then so be it. I don't mind spending money when it comes to my health, but if I can save some while helping my health, all the better.

DcKalop, why spend $50, when you could spend less than that. No, I don't have any stock in the card reader that I mentioned, I just have to versions of it.

David

David, I agree. But I don't want to buy something that I can't get to work. Can anyone confirm another card reader that works for sure? If not, I may wait on you David. Thanks

DcKalop wrote:

drj130 wrote:Doesn't sound right to me that software would have to have a specific card reader. If that was the case, then the Army would have a lot of trouble because of all of the different types of computers we use. Not to mention all of the different types that people use in their homes. Once I am able to get my machine, I'll know for a fact if it will work with the ones that I have. No offense to the host of the forum, I know they don't set the price. If I can get the same results with something that is cheaper, then so be it. I don't mind spending money when it comes to my health, but if I can save some while helping my health, all the better.

DcKalop, why spend $50, when you could spend less than that. No, I don't have any stock in the card reader that I mentioned, I just have to versions of it.

David

David, I agree. But I don't want to buy something that I can't get to work. Can anyone confirm another card reader that works for sure? If not, I may wait on you David. Thanks

I'll let you know right now, I've no idea how much say I'll have with the Army and what machine I can get, but I will be doing my best to get what I want. I think that it would be cheaper in the long run for them no matter how you look at it. I 'should' be going for my last sleep study thingy on the 10th. The one where they wake you up in the middle of the night or something like that. Of course, with the way my luck is, they'll be doing that about 2 hours after I fall asleep. If for nothing else to save the windows in the hospital. lol
It might be about a week after that when I am able to get my machine. From what I've been reading, the one that uses the Encore software would be the best one for me right now. At least I hope so.

If you buy the Viewer plus reader package, cpap is charging about $60 for the reader, not far off the open marker cost. So I'll probably go with the package, but if I already had the software I'd buy the reader elsewhere.

This outfit has a package deal for $139. I have no experience with them. http://www.directhomemedical.com/access ... bipap.html