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NETWORKED SOLUTIONS

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Quicklinks to networked solutions

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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ASPTraq Terminal

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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ZipNet Terminal
  • Compact
  • Networked
  • Barcode & IDTag
  • Cost effective
  • Direct Download

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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ClassNet Terminal
  • Automated School Roll Marking
  • Period by period tracking
  • Saves time, improves safety
  • Cost effective

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