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Before you set out o n your first big inventory or other data collection event, there are a few things you can do to better your chances
for success. Planning and testing before the big day can help you avoid headaches as well as numerous calls to tech support. The
whole point of using the TriCoder is to reduce d ata entry errors and speed up the data collection pro cess. Here is a list of things you
can do to make sure both of these things actually happen:
Establish communication in non-portable mode first.
Don‟t collect data and try to upload it without having thoroughly tested your computer interface settings. Keyboard wedge interface
users can set their computer interface and test using Non-Portable Mode in any text editor such as Notepad or WordPad. Serial
interface users will need to use the Windows Hardware Utilities program provided on the Utilities CD-ROM.
Use the Default Program #0 or Sample Program #1 if you can. These programs require no special pr ogramming and can greatly
cut down on the amount of time you will spend getting your application to work correctly.
If you create a custom prog ram, collect and upload a small amount of data before you go for the whole thing .
If you have pro blems with a small amount of data, think of the disaster you would have uploadin g your entire inventor y without
proper testing first.
Stop data entry errors at the source by using the TriCoder’s data integrity features.
Using data identifiers, data type checking, minimum and maximum data lengths and table validation and maintenance can greatly
reduce operator error. See the section on Programming for details on each of these features.
Use Voice Messages to speed up data entry.
With proper planning, voice prompts and error messages can reduce the amount of time the operator has to look at the display, making
data collection faster and more efficient.
Use outside help when you need it.
You don’t have to be a programmer to write programs for the TriCoder, but if you are a computer novice and are stuck, save time by
asking for help. Borrowing a little of a knowledgeable colleagues time or buying a few hours worth of help from a consultant will save
you time and money in the long run. If you have technical problems with the TriCoder itself and cannot remedy the problem using the
troubleshooting guide in the manual, call your Dealer or Worth Data.
Save the shipping box. If you ever need to send the TriCoder or any of its‟ par ts back for repair, you will need the original
shipping box.
If you have a problem with your TriCoder, consult the troubles hooting section of this manual FIRST . If you cannot find
the answer here, call your Dealer or Worth Data for help.
Before you call your dealer or Worth Data for technical support, have your TriCoder and related equipment in front of you and
be prepared to explain your problem in detail to the Technical Support Engineer.
The Engineer may ask you to go through some tro ubleshooting procedures while on the telephone. This will help them
determine what is wrong and what the course of action should be. Ma ny problems can be resolved over the telephone and
will not require that you return the equipment to us. If you do need to return the TriCoder to Worth Data, the Engineer
will issue an RMA number.
If you do need to return the TriCoder for ANY reason, yo u MUST have an RMA number first. Write the RMA number on
the outside of the original shipping box and make sure to insure the shipment. All RMAs should be shipped back to the
following address unless directed otherwise:
RMA #XXXXXX
Worth Data Inc.
623 Swift St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-458-9938