Frequently Asked Questions - index

FAQs about the Armfield software ...

FAQs about Armfield's range of engineering education equipment...

FAQs about the Armfield Web Site ...

Armfield software

• What operating systems will the Armfield software run under?

• My establishment runs Windows NT. Can I still use Armfield software?

• I think there are some bugs in my software, is an upgrade available?

• Why are the readings on my computer slightly different from those displayed on the hardware?

• Why are the readings on my computer significantly different from those displayed on the hardware?

• Why will my USB driver software not install properly?

• Why do the readings on my computer fluctuate significantly?

• Why am I having problems getting my IFD3 or IFD4 to communicate with my Dell computer?

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FAQs about Armfield software...

This depends on the version of the software you are using. Please see the table below:

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Unfortunately, Armfield software does not run under Windows NT. However the latest 304 software does run under Windows 2000 and Windows XP which are fully compatible with NT Networks.

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Very likely. Armfield offer a FREE upgrade service for software issues of the same major issue. Upgrading from Version 2.01 to version 2.63 would be absolutely FREE! Contact Armfield on support@armfield.co.uk to find out whether a later version is available. Even if a later version is not available, if you detect any errors please notify us on the above e-mail address and if possible we will correct the errors and send you a new version.

Note: To upgrade between major version changes may well require hardware changes such as a new interface unit. Contact Armfield or your local representative for further information.

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It is possible to calibrate Armfield software to ensure that the readings match with those displayed on the hardware. Choose 'options' from the menu bar and select 'Calibrate' to enter the calibration section. Click on the help button if more information is required.

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You should first check that the connection between the equipment and the computer are made securely. If you are using a parallel interface, ensure that the screws on the connectors are done up tightly. You should also check that your parallel port is set to ECP mode in the computer's BIOS set-up.

If you are using the USB interface, break and remake the connection between the computer and the USB port on the apparatus/data logger. If this does not help, contact Armfield for technical support.

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The CD-ROM on which the software was supplied contains a help text which gives the procedure for removing the driver and reinstalling it. If you still have problems after following this procedure, contact Armfield for technical support.

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On some pieces of equipment, electrical noise from pumps or motors can cause electrical interference which can cause the readings on the computer to become unstable. These fluctuations can be reduced by applying filtering to the signals.

Choose 'options' on the menu bar and select 'IFD sampling parameters'. In the pull down box, select one of the filtering options.

Click the help button to see a description of the different types of filter algorithm.

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The Armfield parallel port interface requires that the port be set to ECP mode, using the computer's BIOS set up menu. However certain Dell computers do not fully support this mode.

It may be possible to work around this error by choosing an alternative mode for the port (AT or PS-2) disabling the port in BIOS or upgrading BIOS.

Consult Dell technical support for further information.

Additionally the Hewlett Packard technical support website (http://www.hp.com) gives further information on this problem.

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Armfield's Engineering Education Equipment

• How can I find out more about Armfield equipment?

• How do I contact my local Armfield representative or agent?

• Can I get prices and delivery status from my local Armfield representative or agent?

• Does the equipment come complete with manuals for operation, maintencance, experiments and demonstrations?

• Can I see Armfield equipment in action before I buy?

• Does Armfield equipment come with a warranty?

• Do Armfield offer an installation, commissioning and training service?

• Can I get advice on service and installation requirements?

• What about sales and service overseas?

• Can Armfield machines be connected to computers?

• Do you upgrade your products?

• Does that mean equipment will be quickly obsolete?

• Is there a helpline if I have any problems with the equipment?

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FAQs about Armfield's range of engineering education equipment...

Fill in the literature request form and we will send you appropriate information and the name of your nearest Armfield representative.

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Contact us at Armfield Ltd or use the listing on this website and we will put you in touch with the right person.

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Yes. Our agents can supply all that information.

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Yes. The manuals tell you how to assemble and operate the equipment. They also contain safety notes and experimental action sheets including theory and procedure.

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In many cases you can. Armfield have thousands of items installed throughout the world and we can often arrange to show you equipment installed and working.

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All Armfield equipment is warranted to meet its performance specification and for upto 2 years after sale.

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Yes, but generally this is not necessary due to the design of the equipment and the comprehensive manual. If needed an installation and commissioning service is available through your local agent or a factory engineer at extra cost.

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Yes. We can tell you exactly what is needed to install any equipment. We can design and install complete laboratories.

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We have representatives in more than 90 countries and a great tradition in providing technical support and spare parts quickly and efficiently.

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Yes, in many cases they can. Where appropriate, our machines can be quickly and easily connected to a PC running the Windows^TM operating system for students to record and manipulate data. This software is exclusive to Armfield machines.

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We have a development programme to ensure that our products continue to meet the needs of our customers.

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Certainly not. Armfield has machines installed more than 30 years ago and still providing good service. We adapt new materials and techniques to make our machines better and cheaper and we introduce new facilities such as data logging to keep up with new teaching methods.

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Yes. We take great pride in serving our customers and are keen to help them get the best out of their equipment. Often our local agent can help. See the agents listing to contact your nearest one, or contact

Armfield Limited:
Telephone +44 1425 478781. Fax: +44 1425 470916.
e-mail: sales@armfield.co.uk

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The Armfield Web Site ...

• Hello, this is my first visit to your site ...
• OK, I need to find a product. How do I locate it?
  
  
  • Navigation Buttons
  • Site Search Facility
• Tell me more about the search engine
• How do I place an order?
• How can I get further information?
• What are these "cookies"?
• What's the fastest way to navigate the Web site?
• I prefer browsing with graphics turned off ...
• I just had a really strange error ...

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FAQs about the Armfield Web Site ...

Welcome to the Armfield Web Site which has been designed to make it easier to locate the product that you require. The Web site provides a fully interactive environment giving you the most efficient way of accessing the ever increasing range of products and services available from Armfield. And with the benefit of Internet product updates on a regular basis, you will be able to keep informed about Armfield's very latest products.

Finally, please remember to register to ensure you are kept up to date with all the exciting new products and services Armfield has to offer.

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A product may be located in a variety of ways using the power of the computer:

• Navigation Buttons
• Site Search Facility

Once a product, or group of products, has been located, further links will guide you to the most detailed level of information available on the site. From here, you may request further information.Navigation Buttons

First decide which Section of the Web site will contain the item - Select the appropriate section via the navigation buttons on each page (normally these are positioned in the top left hand corner of a page). If at any stage you think you are lost then use the button to help yourself return to more familiar territory.

Search Site Facility

If you're not sure in which section of the Web site to look for the equipment you want, then you can try the Site Search Facility.

Type one or more words in the text input field, and click the Search button. The server will search the database and display a document with links to all products that match one or more of the words you typed. This idea will be familiar to everyone who has used one of the major Internet search engines.

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The Search engine allows you to specify the maximum number of hits you wish to be displayed. The drop down menu allows you to specify pages to be displayed by either relevance (the default setting), length, size, title or type. The search results will display the following:

• The title of the Web page which is a hypertext link

• The score (a ranking system where the highest number denotes the best match)

• The size which denotes the size of the file in bytes

• The type of file (eg HTML file or GIF image)

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At the moment, you cannot order equipment from Armfield directly across the Internet. We are aiming to provide a maximum of information about our service, but this can't include, for example, price and delivery information for every country. Instead, we would like you to contact your local Armfield office for a quotation on the exact equipment and timescale you require.

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The Armfield Web site features an email link as well as phone and fax details on all pages of this site. All of these details also appear on the contact us page.

On this pageyou can register/subscribe, this will ensure you are kept informed about new developments and products being introduced by ourselves.

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When using the Quote Request or Information Request features, your browser may issue warnings that the server has asked it to accept a cookie. A cookie (in this context) is a small piece of information which the browser receives from the server, stores, and returns to the server with each transaction.

The Armfield Web site uses cookies to store information on the products on which you have requested further information or a quote.

It is possible for cookies to have a long expiry time, whereby they are stored on your computer's disk and returned to the server during future browsing sessions. However, the cookies in the Armfield Web site do not do this. They will expire when you exit your browser, and are not stored outside the browser software.

If you are annoyed by the warnings from your browser, then we suggest you disable the browser's security warning option while using the Armfield Web Site.

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The Armfield Web site has been designed especially to be easy to navigate. Given the large amount of data that is included, on the numerous products, the designers made ease of navigation a top priority.

As you move through the various product sections and sub-sections, each page has numerous links.

Remember though, that these links all tell the server to generate the information afresh. If a link takes you to previously viewed information, then it will likely be faster to use your browser's Back or History feature, to retrieve the information from your browser's cache memory.

The navigation bar at the top and bottom of each page of the Web site gives quick and easy access to the most commonly used functions. It includes instant access to each section of the catalogue (except the one you're currently browsing).

Also on every page you will see the icon which will return you to the main menu from anywhere else in the Web site.

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Fine! The Armfield Web Site has been designed to be fully compatible with this option. All the clickable graphics have text-mode alternatives which are the exact equivalent. The system is entirely navigable in text-only mode.

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First of all, may we apologise for the problem. The Web Site has been extensively tested by a number of people, using various different types of equipment, and contains no errors that we know about. However, it is a large and complex item of software which is regulalry being updated, and as such, inevitably contains some bugs.

The Webmasters are constantly on the alert for error reports and will follow them up to cure any problems as a matter of urgency.

We are always glad to receive error reports containing the information we need to track down the bugs, and we have provided a Problem Report Form to help users provide that information as automatically as possible. (All fields are optional, to preserve confidentiality if required.) If you can take a moment to complete the form, then the Webmasters will be pleased to receive the information needed to cure the problem, for the benefit of everyone.

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