I've got the S8 VPAP Auto and I LOVE it.  
I've also got the data card and am having intermittent troubles.  So far I've managed to download daily, but it's like pulling teeth.  I have to keep inserting the data card into the machine multiple times as I keep getting the 'Card Error' message on the machine display.  Once I finally get the download and take it to the card reader, then the program can't see the card & I have to try multiple times to get the card reader to download.  Once it finally recognizes the card is in the slot, everything is ok and I can save/view the previous night's data.
Any ideas on what to do with the card?  I've got a call in to the DME to see if they'll replace the card on a warranty issues, but thought I'd check to see if it might be something else?  As I said, it does work, but only with much coaxing.
Thanks!
lktnky

lktnky wrote:

I've got the S8 VPAP Auto and I LOVE it.  
I've also got the data card and am having intermittent troubles.  So far I've managed to download daily, but it's like pulling teeth.  I have to keep inserting the data card into the machine multiple times as I keep getting the 'Card Error' message on the machine display.  Once I finally get the download and take it to the card reader, then the program can't see the card & I have to try multiple times to get the card reader to download.  Once it finally recognizes the card is in the slot, everything is ok and I can save/view the previous night's data.
Any ideas on what to do with the card?  I've got a call in to the DME to see if they'll replace the card on a warranty issues, but thought I'd check to see if it might be something else?  As I said, it does work, but only with much coaxing.
Thanks!
lktnky

Perhaps the card has some dirt or fingerprints on it?

Best to clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol (NOT rubbing alcohol).  This is a commercial product not always easy to find.

Alternatively, use a very mild solution of dish washing soap and water with a clean cotton cloth (old white T-shirt for example) making the cloth just a little wet with the solution and wiping lately.   Follow with another clean cloth wet with water - follow with another clean cloth wet with distilled water - followed by a clean dry cloth patting dry very lightly.  Let the card then dry for at least an hour before use.

Todzo

Todzo wrote:

Best to clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol (NOT rubbing alcohol).

The best way to clean smartcard contacts is with a soft pencil eraser.  Chemical cleaners will usually not do much for any physical soiling on the contact surface, so a mild abrasive action to producte a shiny bright contact surface is often indicated!

Quote:

Alternatively, use a very mild solution of dish washing soap and water

Water is NEVER EVER a good thing to deliberately put anywhere near a smartcard,

Cheers,

Bill

Thanks, everyone.
As it turns out, the datacard was bad and has been replaced.  The new one works like a hot knife through butter.
I've had my fair share of ups & downs.  If it hadn't been for the help, guidance & encouragement I've received here, I'm sure I wouldv'e quit a long time ago.
You're the best!
lktnky
 

Bill Bolton wrote:

Todzo wrote:

Best to clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol (NOT rubbing alcohol).

The best way to clean smartcard contacts is with a soft pencil eraser.  Chemical cleaners will usually not do much for any physical soiling on the contact surface, so a mild abrasive action to producte a shiny bright contact surface is often indicated!

Quote:

Alternatively, use a very mild solution of dish washing soap and water

Water is NEVER EVER a good thing to deliberately put anywhere near a smartcard,

Cheers,

Bill

I was amazed when they told me in school that companies often use the diswasher to clean electronics boards.  At KOMO TV in Seattle WA, as one of thier transmitter technicians I often cleaned the diode stacks (part of high voltage power supplies) with hot water with a bit of diswasher powder added (rinseing and drying carefully of course).

Water is usually not the enemy of electronics directly.  Only if it leaves behind a track, or that the parts are wetted with an ion rich water layer is there a problem.  The idea for contacts is simply that they be clean (free of dirt and oils).  The rinse with distilled water should eliminate any possibility of tracks - doing the whole process with a minimum of water and drying carefully followed by at least an hour in the open air makes it free of water altogether.

Pencil erasers often contain sulfer.  As well, the layer of gold that forms the good contact is thin - abrasion is likey to wear it away.  I used to use such things but found that bad things do happen when you do.

Keep it clean!

Todzo

Todzo wrote:

I was amazed when they told me in school that companies often use the diswasher to clean electronics boards.

Which has NOTHING AT ALL to do with Smartcard technology!