Helpful PDA Tips

A Hot List of PDA Essentials
(from 12-01-2004 eFamily Practice News)

Basic troubleshooting steps include performing a 'soft reset' of the iPAQ device. A soft reset has been found to solve most issues, and will allow a user to log back into the device with their password.

Internal Notes DHTS only supports what is located the "DHE" folder. Other applications that a user downloads to their iPAQ is not supported by DHTS!

Mobile Computing

To Perform A 'Soft Reset':
* To perform a 'soft reset' on an iPAQ, use the stylus (the small pointing device) to push the recessed button located on the left side of the iPAQ.

Losing Keyboard Activity:
* If the keyboard is not responding, perform a soft reset.

Important Step To Complete The Login Process:
1) Go to Start, and tap the DHE folder.
2) Tap the Afaria icon. At the bottom of the screen select 'Connect now'. Afaria will now start to sync.
CAUTION: If you are NOT in the hospital, the device will not be able to 'sync'. The device will sync when you come into the hospital (within range).

TIP: Read your owner's manual and become familiar with the features of the iPAQ. Charge the device using the cable provided. A flashing red light indicates "charging", a steady red light indicates "fully charged".

If You Are Receiving An 'Account Lock Out' Message:
Contact the DHTS HelpDesk (See below for contact numbers.)

Wireless Connectivity Issues: If the device is having problems connecting wireless, look at the clock, there should be two arrows. If there is an 'X' this means the device is NOT connected. Perform the following to get connected.

1) Perform a 'soft reset'.
2) Go to Start, select 'iPAQ Wireless'.
3) Make sure 'Blue tooth' is 'disabled' (it should be orange).
4) If 'Blue tooth' is not orange; tap once to make it change to orange and disabled.
5) Check to make sure 'WLan' is 'enabled' (it will be green).
6) If 'WLan' is not green; tap once to change it to green and enabled.

If it is green and the device is still not connected, tap once to change it to orange, then tap it again to change it back to green. Wait 30 seconds and check it again. If it is still not connected, perform the following:

1) Go to Start, select Settings and Connection Tap (located at the the bottom of the screen).
2) Tap the 'Connection' icon (in the top right hand corner).
3) Go to the bottom of the screen and select 'Advanced', choose 'Network Card'.
4) The 'wireless network' field should read 'Add new settings'. The 'dumcwlan' should indicate 'connected'.
If not, it will be available (meaning you are in an area that can be connected to dumcwlan) or unavailable (meaning out of the connecting area or the dumcwlan is not configured correctly).
5) If the 'dumcwlan' indicates available, hold the stylus on dumcwlan and a 'pop-up box' will display indicating 'connect or remove settings', select 'connect'. This should connect you back to Duke.

Patient Keeper:
Any Patient Keeper issues that can not be resolved by performing a 'soft reset' of the iPAQ, contact the DHTS Help Desk at 684-2243, or send an e-mail to Help-Desk@mc.duke.edu.

IPAQ Battery:
The battery will last about one day depending on usage. If the back up battery comes on it will last approximately ten minutes, so the iPAQ battery needs to be charged immediately. If the battery dies, the iPAQ will need to be reconfigured. Recharge the iPAQ battery and contact your support person for reconfiguration.

Satellite HelpDesk Locations and Hours:

Both Satellite HelpDesks are located outside the cafeterias of Duke North and Duke South. Hours of support are 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Duke North: Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Duke South: Mondays and Wednesdays

Ways to contact the DHTS-HelpDesk:

Phone: (919) 684-2243 or 800-684-2243
Email: Send to DHTS-Help-Desk
Web: Go to www.helpdesk.dhts.duke.edu