ASPTraq Terminal
There are many applications that need to be part of a PC Network,
such as Production Tracking, but for reasons of cost or space,
don't justify use of a conventional PC. ASPTraq has been designed
for these applications.
- Rugged design
- Clear four line by 20 character LCD display
- Easily cleaned membrane keypad
- Barcode scanner options
- 10 megabit Cat 5 ethernet interface
- RS-232 port
- Optional relay for low voltage switching
- Optional ASP Datatag socket (Rugged memory chip identification reading & writing)
- One year warranty
Although not itself a PC, ASPTraq uses "thin client" technology
so it can be quickly programmed in Microsoft's VBScript language. Under
program control, it can instantly interact with all the facilities of the
network, such as printers, files, and email, yet the attractive and compact
unit (W 95mm, D 190mm, H 30-55mm) occupies bench space equivalent to only
a third of an A4 sheet!
The ASPTraq Terminal is ideally controlled by ASP's
RFolution!™ Rapid Development Environment. RFolution! applications
are simply written in Microsoft's VBScript, with on screen visual simulation
of the ASPTraq Terminal. Applications can in fact be written and tested without
the ASPTraq units. RFolution! takes control of the complexities of multiple
terminals running at the same time, including security, logging, inter-terminal
operation, etc.
Because the VBScript programs actually run on the supervising PC where RFolution!
is located, all the resources of the PC and the network it's connected to are
available - printers, email, disk space, everything. You have access to
Microsoft's connectivity standards, such as ODBC and ADO, to interchange data
with your existing programs and databases. RFolution! can also control
intermixtures of ASPTraq units and Radio Frequency Terminals, for even greater
long term flexibility. RFolution!'s on screen visual simulation of the ASPTraq
Terminal even allows applications to be written and tested without the ASPTraq
units.
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ZipNet Terminal
With ASP's rugged ZipNet Terminal, staff clock in and out with the
simple touch of an IDTag, or slide of a barcoded card (to
decide which identification technology is best for you click
here). A "good read" is immediately signaled by a "beep" and
on the screen of the Terminal. The data is then stored, avoiding errors, saving a
lot of double handling, and allowing the use of time saving software such as
TimeSheet Express.
Physically the size of an Australian power point, the Terminal
is easily installed either horizontally or vertically. It can
be networked using the RS485 standard (allowing up to 1.2
kilometres of cable!), or it can be used in the innovative
Direct Download mode (download via ASP DataTag). The latest
model of ZipNet has a number of great new features:
- All new optical assembly makes barcode reading much easier.
- No contact to barcode minimises card wear.
- May be mounted vertically or horizontally.
- The Clock/Calendar is now internal, no need for network updates.
- Increased memory size.
- Simpler click in "Cat 5" type cabling.
- Data can optionally be downloaded on an infrared light beam (PDA Collection).
- Data can be downloaded on a rugged ASP DataTag, just touch to the front of the terminal (Direct Download).
- Data can optionally be downloaded by modem.
- Optional relay for programmable "horn".
- Sub-networks can be wired to PCs to integrate to ethernet backbones.
- Control program is contained in upgradeable flash memory.
Barcode Card or IDTag?
Generally we find a preference for our rugged IDTags. The
Terminal is slightly cheaper, the Tags are rugged, waterproof
and conveniently attached to a keyring, and they can be
recycled when staff leave. The IDTags cannot be copied, each
is unique. On the other hand they are more expensive than
barcoded cards.
Barcoded Cards are preferred where staff already have to
carry an identification card (which can have the barcode
added to it), or where there is a large staff or a lot of
staff turnover and expense is a consideration. Our standard
pre-printed cards come with a write-on strip for recording
staff name. Cards should use the Code 39 standard, medium
resolution, to our specification, and naturally be tested
for suitability (ASP will be happy to advise in this
regard). You should be aware that it is possible for
barcoded cards to be photocopied and read. Bear this in
mind if "buddy clocking" is a risk.
RS485 Networking
Up to 31 units can be daisy-chained on up to 1.2 kilometres
of low cost "Cat 5" cable. Note that although Cat 5 cable
is used commonly for ethernet networks, RS485 is a different
standard, designed to go long distances, and you cannot
connect the ZipNet Terminal to an ethernet network. Back
at the PC, the cable is connected to an Intelligent
Converter to convert from the RS485 standard to the RS232
(COM Port) standard used by the PC. If your network has
only a short cable, say up to 20 metres, you can even draw
power over the network, saving finding a power point near
the Terminal.
Direct Download Mode
The new Direct Download capability means that Terminals
can be installed without the cost of wiring back to a host
computer. Just plug the ZipNet into a power point. Data is
simply collected periodically by touching a special ASP
DataTag to the front of the ZipNet. Download takes only a
few seconds, and is monitored on the ZipNet's display. Back
at the PC, slide the DataTag into a small drive, and the
data is immediately transferred. An ASP TimeTag, also part
of the Direct Download Kit, can carry synchronised time
from a PC to the Terminal.
Combined with TimeSheet Express, you could be up and
running in an afternoon, and yet you can expand and enhance
your ZipNet installation at any time. Follow
this link to find out how.
For more details on this VERY AFFORDABLE System, give
ASP a call. We'll help you plan and cost the alternatives,
and analyse the benefits.
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- Compact
- Networked
- Barcode & IDTag
- Cost effective
- Direct Download
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ClassNet Terminal
The revolutionary ClassNet Terminal was designed to automate roll
marking in schools.
While there are a number of ways this technology can be used, an
optimal installation locates a ClassNet Terminal inside the door
of each classroom. Students "clock in" to class by sliding their
barcoded library or ID card through the reading slot along the
lower edge of the unit (or using an iButton Tag). Their time of
attendance is logged into non volatile memory for collection
during the period by the host administration computer
ClassNet will only allow a particular barcode or iButton to be
scanned once during a class, and counts the number of scans. This
allows a teacher, by touching a concealed switch on the unit, to
verify the number of "heads" against "scans", to avoid attendance
fraud. (Experience has shown however that this is not a problem,
the fact that atendance is being monitored appears to magically
improve attendance!).
ClassNet units are wired by a low cost twisted pair RS485 Network
back to Administration, or onto the school's computer network. ASP
supplied drivers collect data in an easily imported form allowing
importation into school administration software or specific
application packages.
Up to the period centralised roll marking saves teacher time and
has positive implications for school safety and operation. It's
the way of the future, available NOW, from ASP.
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- Automated School Roll Marking
- Period by period tracking
- Saves time, improves safety
- Cost effective
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ASP Microcomputers
