Q: Just wondering if anyone out there has changed a back-up battery on a Respironics BIPAP Vision. Evidently this unit was end of life last year. They have the batteries available for purchase, but was told by Tech Support that I need a “cable connector” to be able to reset the hours on the unit. He said once you take the battery off the MC board, it sends the hours up to an astronomical level. This issue started with the vent alarm going off and putting an error code of 102 on the machine. I guess I am just wondering if anyone has experienced this issue and knows what the cable connector is? I’d like to see if I could find it online and try to stretch this unit out a little further. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
A: Actually, and don’t tell anyone, I have done it plugged in so I wouldn’t have that problem. It can be done. Use a pad of paper as your support and insulator. Just be careful. It’s been a while and I really can’t tell you anymore. I just remember doing it several times. Works fine.
A: You can just change the battery and not worry about the hours it has no effect on the operations of the unit. Also, you can have the cable but if you don’t have the software in your computer to run diagnostics you can’t change the hours anyway.
A: There are two cables for connection based on the serial number of your Vision. If the serial number is less than 106000 then you need part number 582161, if the serial number is greater than 106000 you need part number 1004823 (most likely). It has been a long time since I have had to deal with these units, but as I recall it required a hyperterminal connection.
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Q: Has anyone found a good “no touch” thermometer? We have used Veratemp but they have stopped making them. We have tried Welch Allyn’s product but were not impressed. What are other hospitals using with success?
A: They use the Exergen Corporation TAT 5000 at our hospital. I haven’t heard any nurses complain about them, and I only have had one fail, and it was under warranty. We have 37 in our inventory.
A: We use the Exergen units as well. The only real issue that we have had has been one of incorrect user technique. When used properly, however, they are quite accurate and reliable.
A: We also have the Exergen TAT-5000 temporal/forehead thermometers attached to all of our Corometrics fetal monitors (8). And they work well. But, through the years, they get dropped/cases crack and they get replaced, as Exergen has a lifetime replacement warranty on them. Also, since I finally purchased the associated calibrator a year or so ago, I have replaced 5-6 of them as they had fallen out of calibration.
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