This April we have important information on the ERICA 3.0 Firmware release, a P2 plastic update, SID Advanced Telecare field evaluations, developments with the E3G unit and the INSTALLERS CORNER covers some useful tips on the ERICA Setup Button.

Tech News April 2014

ERICA Firmware Update 3.0

Later this month we are introducing some significant firmware changes based on feedback from you, our customers. It applies to both ERICA and ERICA GSM units.This update also requires a new voice file for the additional features. If units are being refurbished, the latest voice file will also need to be loaded.

New Features

1.       Additional functions and voice files incorporated in Learn Mode to enable SID Advanced Telecare Devices and zone codes to distinguish between pendants/devices. (Applies to all ERICA variants.)
2.       SID functions incorporated into ERICA and adjusted using the Chiptech Wizard. (Applies to all ERICA variants.)
3.       Communication Pathway Testing, both manual and automatic. (Applies to all ERICA variants.)

Improvements

4.       Hardware improvement - turning ERICA on from battery using the On/Off button needs a significantly longer button press. (Applies to all ERICA variants.)
5. Options included in the Setup Menu are now company configurable and the ringing volume has been added. (Applies to all ERICA variants.)
6.       The "Communication Pathway" options available in the Installer Setup Menu, will only speak the options that have been enabled in the unit configuration. (ERICA GSM only.)
7.       Change to the process for checking Cellular Signal Strength. (ERICA GSM Only.)The display of cellular signal strength is now incorporated into the Range Test Mode.
8.       Cellular module interface improvements to the subsystem to make it more reliable. (Applies to ERICA GSM only.)

For a full summary please see our ERICA (all variants) Firmware 3.0 Release memo dated 17 April 2014 in the customer web portal.
You company will be sent an updated configuration sheet for the ERICA and ERICA GSM units for sign off and approval.

Please contact us here if you have any questions or concerns.

SID Advanced Telecare - Field Evaluations

There have been a range of Chiptech SID products installed in the field, including solutions to help manage some of the risks associated with dementia, falls, epilepsy and living independently.

Bed sensors have been tested for their ability to summon an early alert when a person hasn't been able to return to bed within a fifteen minute period. A silent alert is sent to monitoring who then telephones the person and assesses whether they are confused, or establishes if they have had a fall and require assistance.

Epilepsy Sensors have been fitted under mattresses to alert when someone sleeping or lying in bed is having a tonic clonic seizure. This will alert locally and also report to the monitoring center, who arrange assistance. Currently this system is being evaluated in the community by a number of people living with epilepsy.

Door contacts have been used to provide a local alert on the ERICA unit when a door is opened within a specified time. This can be used to alert family or carers on site that an individual is leaving the property, or used for security purposes for people living independently.

If you would like a demonstration of the Chiptech SID product range of Advanced Telecare devices, please contact us here.

Installers' Corner

Setup Button on ERICA

Depending on your company's specific setup, you have a number of options that you can change at the time of installation to make the ERICA or ERICA GSM more suitable for your customer and the location.

To enter the Setup Menu press and hold the Setup button on the underside of the ERICA unit for three seconds, (while it speaks the unit ID CSID/account number). The unit will announce "Installer Setup" in a male voice, and then it will announce the first item in the menu that you can change. Pressing the HELP button will change the setting. If you wait for 20 seconds it will continue to announce the current setting selected. To move through the menu items available, simply press the CANCEL button. When you have completed the changes, press the Setup button again to exit the Setup Menu.

Setup Menu options can include:

Pre Alarm Volume
Notification Volume
Phone Ringing Volume
Help Button Brightness
Prefix (dialing number)
Test Pendant Interval
Unit Test
Communication Pathway

P2 Pass

P2 has passed independent laboratory plastic testing.

We are pleased to announce that the new Pearl Pendant (P2) has passed independent testing by Vipac with flying colours. If you are interested in viewing the test reports you can download them here from the Chiptech Web Portal.

As part of the Chiptech new product release process we have run aggressive chemical, drop and water tests over the past two months. We are very pleased with the durability demonstrated during these tests.

Chiptech's commitment to provide quality products has resulted in the development of the new P2 pendant. P2 allows for greater tolerance in the manufacturing process, and a better plastic weld, to ensure a consistently durable product.

We will be supplying all our customers with a sample of the P2 pendant with their own logo laser marked on the back. This helps to easily identify the pendant and extends branding. Samples should arrive by the end of April. If you have any questions about P2 or would like to discuss further please contact us here.

E3G Personal Alarm

We are making progress - If you are interested in receiving an evaluation unit for the E3G personal alarm, please register your interest here.
Utilising the 3G network, and the ability to function on two SIM cards, this personal alarm can switch between network providers, minimising the risk associated with network outages and scheduled maintenance on the cellular network.

0800 84 77 88

Chiptech Technical Support

Chiptech provides a free phone number in New Zealand for installers and technical support people to phone us if you have installations that just aren't going to plan. We are able to take phone calls during business hours, Monday to Friday, and will offer advice wherever possible. Support is also available via Skype for those calling from overseas.

Copyright © 2014 Chiptech Limited, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in Chiptech products, or you sell or install Chiptech Medical Alarms.

Our mailing address is:
Chiptech Limited
PO Box 41088
Christchurch 8247
New Zealand