What is an iButton?

iButtons are becoming the collection medium of choice in today’s business world.  An iButton is a small silicon microchip, containing a unique serial number, is enclosed and protected by a rugged steel casing. Just like a barcode, they act as a “digital nametag” for any object or location you decide to attach them to with the adhesives or mounting devices that we provide. The metal top of each iButton acts as a “data contact”, meaning that it transmits the iButton’s serial number when it makes contact with an iButton reader.  While iButtons are more rugged (weather-resistant and tamper-resistant) than barcodes, they are also more expensive.

If you're looking for a portable, water-resistant, durable option for data collection, then iButtons are what you need.  If you decide to use iButtons, you will have two readers to choose from: the iBR-9000 or the PulseStar.

iBR-9000

The iBR-9000, is a small, lightweight, rugged and wireless plastic reader that collects data the same way, but can easily be attached to a key chain and fit in a pocket.  Made of high-impact fiberglass-reinforced nylon case, weighing in at 1.75 oz and less than 3 inches wide this form of data collection is the most ideal.   It's small size doesn't impede it's capabilities; the iBR9000 can hold up to 9000 scans!  It comes with a 3-volt lithium CR2 battery which lasts for one year or approximately 75,000 reads, and can easily and inexpensive be replaced.  The memory in this reader is non-volatile, so you don't have to worry about losing memory if the battery is removed or replaced.  The iBR9000 is also very rugged, and can consistently withstand six foot drops. The iBR9000 is great for both indoor and outdoor use.  For more product information on iBR9000 click here.

PULSESTAR

The PulseStar reader is another portable iButton reader that we offer for data collection.  The PulseStar can hold up to 5,400 reads. It's sealed, plated, and powder-coated aluminum case makes it highly durable and resistant to dust, moisture, scratches, and drops. If your work environment is easily disrupted by noise, then the PulseStar maybe the more suitable option because the PulseStar let you know when you have successfully scanned an iButton by vibrating (the iBR9000 makes "beep" sound).  The PulseStar weighs less than 4 oz and runs on a 3-volt lithium, 2/3 "A" size battery lasting one year or 40,000 reads.  The PulseStar is also great for both indoor and outdoor use. The PulseStar is a long, steel baton that connects to your computer via serial cable. To collect data, the end of the reader is simply pressed against the lid of an iButton. The PulseStar will then vibrate, meaning that the data contact has transmitted the iButton’s unique serial number to the reader, where it will be stored along with the date and time of the scan.  For more product information on PulseStar click here.

Download/Upload Process for iButtons

Step 1:  Download to your PC

Once you’ve collected data, all you have to do is download data to your computer.  The iBR9000 transmits data wirelessly simply via holding it up to the CyberKey encoder which plugs-in to your USB port (the iBR9000 makes an infrared connection directly to the USB-to-infrared encoder).  Data is automatically transmited to your Oversight database in less than 30 seconds. For the PulseStar reader, simply insert it into the downloader cradle (which connects to your computer via a serial cable). The PulseStar will then vibrate, meaning that the data has downloaded the data from the PulseStar which is then automatically transmitted to your Oversight created database.

Step 2 :  Upload to the Internet

Our Oversight Client Software uploads data for you automatically.  It will take the data you’ve downloaded, regardless of the device, and then automatically upload it for you to our secure servers, where it will be stored in our Microsoft SQL Server database.  You don’t even have to open our software or tell it to do anything; the software runs quietly in the background and performs its task automatically.  Data is transmitted in no time.  Within seconds you can long into your Oversight account with your username and password and view the reports online, on any computer with internet access.