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Uploading Data
Once you have collected your data in Program #1, uploading that data to the computer is the final step. For the tutorial,
we assume that you have successfully e stablished communication between the computer and the TriCoder. If you have
not, go to Chapter 3: Non Portable Mode, and establish communication first. If you are ready to upload, go to
Chapter 5: Uploading Data and proceed with your upload.

Tips on choosing a program for Data Collection

The TriCoder comes with 3 programs pre-installed. Default Program #0 is a simple un-editable program prompting repeatedly for an
“ENTER ITEM”. “ENTER DATA” Program #2 is identical to Program #0 except that it allows for customization (ie. the Upload
Prefix and Upload Suffix). See Chapter 10: Creating a custom program for details on what t he Upload Prefix and Upload Suffix can
do for you.
Sample Program #1 differs from Program #0 and #2 in that it has two prompts - "ENT ER ITEM NO." and then "ENTER
QUANTITY". Sample Program #1 is also fully editab le and lends itself well to the use of several features in particular. Two of thes e
features are there to protect your data.
The first safety feature, Data Security, confines the user to data collection mode ONLY. The user is not allowed into any mode other
than DATA COLLECTION mode. In addition to using Data Security to restrict the user to DATA COLLECTION mode, you can use
the second security feature, Program Restriction , to confine the user to one particular program in the TriCoder. For d etails on how to
use these Data Security features, see Chapter 8: TriCoder Setup.
Another useful programming feature, the Xtra S tatement, works with the "ENTER QUANTITY" prompt by automatically entering a
quantity of “1” if the user enters another ITEM number instead of a quantity. See Chapter 10: Creating a custom program for details
on the Xtra program statement.
Program #1 is extremely versatile. Use it if you can, making modifications to fit your application. If you require a customized
program, these are just a few of the options and features offered by custom programming:
Additional user prompts for other types of data
Program timing delays to facilitate uploading directly into an application
Branching to different areas in the program, depending on the input from the user
Downloading tables of data to validate or edit into the TriCoder
Recording customized Voice Messages
If any of the above features (or anything not offered b y Program #1) appears to be something you ar e interested in, move on to the
PROGRAMMING section of the manual. Chapter 10: Creating a cu stom program covers all aspects of creating and maintaining
custom programs in the TriCoder.
Step 4