Micro-Comm quarterly newsletter

Microsoft deadline for Windows 7 rapidly approaching

Microsoft has been sounding the alarm for awhile and before you know it, January will be here. What's the fuss? In short, if you're using a computer with the Windows 7 operating system, it's time to upgrade.

If you don't, you might find yourself with a non-working computer starting around January 1st of 2020. There will no longer be security updates; system driver updates; or a multitude of other things that could cripple your computer.

Unfortunately, there isn't a simple, cheap fix- and industry wide, it's going to affect anyone running Windows 7 at hospitals, utility departments and other critical entities still using a 32 bit operating system supported by Windows 7.

Good news, we at Micro-Comm have been preparing and will get you switched over to Windows latest operating platform with relative ease. There are some caveats- one being that if you are still using SCADAview 32, you'll need to upgrade to SCADAview CSX which is fully compatible with the new industry standard 64 bit operating system in Windows 10.

Along the way, we may urge you to upgrade a few other ancillary items, such as your SCADAdial modem or how your web page is set up. Each of these things will be considered on a case by case basis and we will make sure that you are good to go in the long haul.

In short, if your SCADAview computer is running on Windows 7, if you're not sure, or have other questions, please call the Micro-Comm service department at 913-390-4500 and we will be glad to answer all your questions.

on line at www.scadaview.com

Buh bye, dedicated phone line...

If you have SCADAdial installed and are still using a dedicated phone line, we have some good news: there's a better, cheaper way to get alarm calls for your system.

Providing you have a reliable internet connection, MagicJack works very well in place of a dedicated phone line. Calls simply go out via the internet and arrive seamlessly on your phone, just like a dedicated line!

We don't have a special arrangement or get paid in any way to advocate MagicJack but so far it appears to be an excellent alternative for making and receiving calls, AND it works well for SCADAdial.

The really good news? You can purchase a MagicJack online for about $50 and it comes with one years service. Cost each following year is only about $30; which results in a huge savings since many dedicated phone lines cost at least $30 a MONTH.

If you have questions or would like to switch over to a MagicJack, call our service department at 913-390-4500 and we'll get you going.

Winter Times a Comin'

Seems like we went from worrying about lightning strikes just a few days ago to freezing temperatures and related problems as Winter seems to have arrived a little early.

In any Micro-Comm SCADA system, the most vulnerable device to freezing temps is the pressure transducer and protecting it is pretty easy. For example, in meter pits at water towers, make sure the transducer is well below the frost line.

Packing a little insulation on top of it works well. In some cases, customers put electric heat tape near it for added protection. Just make sure the heat tape isn't physically touching the transducer or damage can occur.

If you have questions or need other Winter related tips, feel free to give us a call any time.

AFTER HOURS PHONE SUPPORT

In an effort to supply a high level of customer service and satisfaction, Micro-Comm, Inc. makes after-hours phone support available to all our customers at no additional charge.

Customers can call our office phone number (913) 390-4500 after hours to leave a voice message in the Service Emergency voice mailbox (press 2 when prompted to leave your message). Your voice message must include the phone number you want the technician to call.

The Service Emergency voice mailbox alerts the “on-call” technician via cell phone to advise him that a customer needs to be called.

These calls will be returned between the hours 8 AM to 8 PM, 7 days a week and holidays by our designated “on-call” technician. The “on-call” technician will assist customers with troubleshooting, attempting to resolve system failures or determine the best course of action.

Shipping repair/replacement parts and/or onsite repairs are only scheduled during normal business hours 8 am to 5 pm Monday thru Friday.

Business Hours; 8 am-to 12 noon and 1 pm to 5 pm CST Monday thru Friday
Office Phone Number (913) 390-4500 Fax Number (913) 390-4550

Micro-Comm, Inc., 15895 S. Pflumm Rd., Olathe, KS 66062-8502

Returning parts

You might get a call or email reminding you to return parts under the terms of our warranty or service contract.

Don't panic, these reminders are part of our automated accounting system and sometimes there is a little confusion; here are some things that will help everything go a little smoother:

1. Return parts with a copy of the original packing slip if possible

2. Include a contact name and phone number in case the person returning parts is not the person who originally ordered them

3. Email is a great way to communicate; please include your email address with any correspondence

4. Always try to return parts as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary contact or further delays.

5. Only parts with serial numbers need to be returned. Batteries, cables and lightning arrestors for example do not have serial numbers and do not need to be returned.

Questions? Give us a call at 913-390-4500

Copyright © 2019 Micro-Comm, Inc, All rights reserved.

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