FAQ
How do I get started?
The following is a brief summary of how to get started. For more details, read the Getting Started Guides on our download page.
- Make sure your device is on our list of supported devices.
- Find the corresponding cable pack for your medical device on our supported devices page. On the page for your cable pack, make sure to read the REQUIREMENTS section, to see if your medical device needs any special equipment.
- Purchase the cable pack from us.
- Download MediCollector and test it using the cable pack you purchased. You can also test MediCollector using the "simulator" device if you want to try it without a physical connection.
- Once you have confirmed it's working to your satisfaction, purchase a license from us and we'll ship you a USB dongle to unlock the demo version.
- When you receive the USB dongle, just plug it into your computer to unlock restrictions in the evaluation version.
WHAT MEDICAL DEVICES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH MEDICOLLECTOR?
WHAT IF MY DEVICE IS NOT SUPPORTED BY MEDICOLLECTOR?
WHAT TYPE OF CABLES DO I NEED?
To make things easy for you, we have created "cable packs" for each our supported devices. Each pack contains all the equipment you'll need in order to connect your device. On our list of supported devices, you will find a corresponding cable pack for each device.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to read the REQUIREMENTS section for your cable pack. Your medical device may require a communications card which isn't present in some older patient monitors.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to read the REQUIREMENTS section for your cable pack. Your medical device may require a communications card which isn't present in some older patient monitors.
HOW DO I CONNECT THE CABLES?
As mentioned in the previous question, it depends on your specific device. Your cable pack will include printed instructions showing you how to connect your device.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to read the REQUIREMENTS section for your cable pack. Your medical device may require a communications card which isn't present in some older patient monitors.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to read the REQUIREMENTS section for your cable pack. Your medical device may require a communications card which isn't present in some older patient monitors.
WHAT'S A SERIAL PORT (COM PORT)?
A serial port looks like this. Computers use this type of port in order to communicate with external devices. Most desktop computers have one of these ports. But NOT laptops. Depending on the medical device you are connecting, MediCollector might require a serial port. For instructions on how to connect your specific device, and to determine if you need a serial port, find the page for your cable pack on our list of Supported Devices and read the REQUIREMENTS for your cable pack.
WHAT IF MY COMPUTER DOES NOT HAVE A SERIAL (COM) PORT?
HOW DO I TRANSFER DATA TO OTHER PROGRAMS LIKE EXCEL OR MATLAB?
All you need to do is export your data into one of our universal file formats. To do this, open your previously recorded session in MediCollector by selecting File>Open from the menu. Then select File>Export and a wizard will guide you through the process. MediCollector can export data into universal file formats such as CSV/TXT or EDF that can be imported into other applications such as Excel, MatLab or SAS. Or, if you want to access the data in your .medi files directly (without exporting), see the following question below.
IN WHAT FORMAT ARE THE DATA FILES STORED?
Our datafiles have a .medi extension, and are stored using a compressed binary format called TDMS. This format is an open standard maintained by National Instruments. If desired, you can use third-party tools and programming languages to access the data in .medi files directly. Or you can use MediCollector to export to a universal format (see previous question).
HOW DOES MEDICOLLECTOR COMMUNICATE WITH PHILIPS DEVICES?
In order to acquire data specifically from Philips devices, MediCollector uses the Data Export Interface (sometimes called the Data Export Protocol) which is a proprietary interface created by Philips. This is a very complex protocol, but don't worry about it. We have done the hard work for you. Rather than try and decipher it yourself and re-create the wheel, you can just download MediCollector!
WHY DOES MEDICOLLECTOR INSTALL SOMETHING CALLED "VISA" BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS?
First of all, we can assure you that VISA is NOT spyware! VISA (or NI-VISA) stands for Virtual Instrument Software Architecture and is a set of drivers that allows programmers to communicate with hardware like the serial port on your computer. MediCollector requires the "run-time" version of VISA in order to function. Most operating systems do not come with these run-time files, so they are bundled with the MediCollector installer.
HOW BIG DO THE DATA FILES GET?
MediCollector stores data in a compressed binary format called TDMS (see previous FAQ questions). The size of the resulting file will depend on which signals you choose to record. As an example, if you are recording data from a Philips Intellivue patient monitor, and you choose to record an ECG signal, pleth waveform, respiration waveform, and all typical numeric values (e.g. HR, RR, Perf, SpO2, Temp, BP, ST values, etc) then you will end up consuming about 475 MB per day (19.8 MB per hour). If you don’t record the ECG signal, you'll get a file that is 70% smaller or about 144 MB per day (6 MB per hour). This shows how big a difference one signal can make on your file size. We recommend only recording the signals you need. Don't just select everything!
WHAT IS THE “_INDEX” FILE THAT APPEARS NEXT TO EACH DATA FILE?
Whenever you create or open a MediCollector datafile, an index file is created next to your .medi file. These are index files which help MediCollector access data in the file quicker. We recommend you do not delete these files. Though you can, if you want. If you delete it, MediCollector will just recreate the index file next you open the file. But the read/write process will go quicker if you leave these index files intact.
CAN I EMBED MEDICOLLECTOR INTO MY SYSTEM Using a programming interfacE (API) or AUTOMATION?
Yes. We offer different types of APIs and interfaces for embedding into other systems.
I WISH MEDICOLLECTOR COULD DO SOMETHING ELSE. COULD YOU ADD FUNCTIONALITY FOR ME?
Of course! We are always looking for input! Let us know what you want to add or change or fix. We might be able to release a patch specifically for you! Please let us know via our Support Request page.
MediCollector is not working. What do I do?
Oh no! We want to make sure you are a happy customer. And we want to hear from you. Please let us know via our Support Request page. If possible, please include a screenshot of your problem.
Can you build a custom solution for me?
Of course! MediCollector offers a wide range of custom services and consulting.
What types of consulting do you provide?
Please see our services page to learn more.
I wish MediCollector could do something else. Could you add functionality for me?
Of course! We are always looking for input! Let us know what you want to add or change or fix. We might be able to release a patch specifically for you! Please let us know via our Support Request page.
How do I make a purchase?
You can use the shopping cart system on this website to make your purchase and pay directly via credit card or PayPal or even Apple Pay. Simply click the "Add To Cart" button and follow the prompts to purchase your item. If you prefer to pay by Purchase Order or via Wire Transfer, please contact us and we will assist you.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes, of course. Shipping is free to any destination. You can pay by credit card or PayPal using the shopping cart system built into this website. Or contact us if you prefer to pay by Purchase Order or Wire Transfer.
Can I pay with a Purchase Order or via Wire Transfer?
Yes, please contact us for details.
WHAT IS A USB DONGLE? AND WHY DO I NEED ONE?
A USB dongle looks like this. When you install MediCollector on your computer, you can use the evaluation version free of charge. But it has a time restriction of 10 minutes. After 10 mins, it will stop. But then you can simply run it again to get another 10 minutes. In addition, each recording/streaming session will be limited to 2 minutes. To unlock these restrictions, you need to purchase a license for MediCollector, and we will ship you a USB dongle to unlock the time restriction. It simply plugs into the USB port of your computer. No drivers are needed. Just plug it in, and MediCollector will recognize your purchase and unlock itself.
