Electronic Data Connection
Featuring the DataConnection® system
What do we do exactly?
We serve the copier and printer industries. We provide an effective, economical means of electronically monitoring and tracking data.
Meter Readings:
Reader Unit is attached to the exterior of the copier/printer. The Reader Unit collects the data from the copier/printers and transmits the information to the Collector Unit through a RF data link at a predetermined interval. Each Collector Unit can accommodate approximately 1 to 1000 Reader units. The range (or distance) at which the Reader Unit can be from the Collector Unit and still maintain a good link is determined by several different variables. These include, but are not limited to, electrical interference from other machines in the area and the type of materials used to build the structure where the installation is to be performed. We have had a great deal of success in most structures, and do not foresee any out of the ordinary obstacles for most installations. Through extensive testing and actual installation experience, we have had success with distances even greater than 300 feet.
Collector Unit:
Collector Unit is installed in a non-conspicuous area near an unrestricted telephone line and AC Power source (standard wall outlet 110v). This should be in an area located centrally to all of the copier/printers that are to be on the system. The Collector Unit is connected to the phone system via a standard RJ-11 phone line, just as in the installation of a fax machine. A Collector Unit can be "daisy chained" to most of the fax machines in use today by using the fax machine's pass through plug. Upon connection to the phone system and the powering up of the Collector Unit, it will attempt to make contact with the PC Telephone Interface. Once in contact with the PC Telephone Interface, the Collector Unit's real time clock and calendar are synchronized with the Telephone Interface Unit. This also alerts the Telephone Interface Unit to the existence of the Collector Unit. This Collector Unit is made up of a complex microprocessor. The Collector Unit constantly scans a predetermined radio frequency for any Reader Units that may be reporting. Upon receiving and verifying a data packet from the Reader Unit, the Collector Unit determines what to do with the transmission. The Collector Unit will either retain the data in its memory for transmission during its normal Check-in Cycle, or process the data and send it immediately to the PC Telephone Interface Unit. Immediate transmissions are the result of different functions such as emergency, low toner. tech on site, etc. All other reports are held for download at the normal reporting cycle. Each Collector Unit reports to the PC Telephone Interface on a daily schedule. The normal duration of the Daily Report is approximately 1 to 2 minutes in length. A report due to a Pushed Alarm Button, Toner Low, or from a Technician who is on site usually lasts just seconds. Like a modem, the Collector Unit will monitor the telephone line for any activity before it attempts to transmit any data. This function keeps the collector from interfering with the normal transactions on that telephone line. The DataConnection® system installs into most structures and therefore has a high reliability of data transmission. Best of all, using the DataConnection® system means the service provider has a more convenient and profitable way for the end user to be serviced.
Pc Telephone Interface:
The Equipment receives the data and decodes it into the DataConnection® system software programs installed in the Dealers PC. The software does not require networking with end user or Dealers network.
All of the data collected is stored and displayed through this equipment. The processor runs independent of any of your computer systems. Therefore you never have to worry about our system disabling your system.