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Ian: Would the use of this
PollBook Imation Drive only be a requirement for VIBS equipped accounts
where every database disk has all the audio files?
SteveK: Tab would best tell you about
whether this exceeds 1.44. I assume that a Santa Clara with 4
languages will exceed 1.44Mb.
Nel - could you check with Tab and ask him what
happens to the 100kb Alameda database when we go from 1 precinct to 1000
precincts?
Ian: Or in a Non-VIBS
environment, would the number of languages on even a standard Ballot
Station dictate the use of an Imation 120MB disk?
Again Tab - can you estimate this based on
Alameda ballot Nel's been working on assuming 1000 precincts, 4 languages,
200 ballot styles.
Tab: From a quick look at the data I would
suggest that any AVTS unit or PollBook that is to have more than 10 precincts
on it should have an Imation Drive. This is just a rough guideline and is
obviously dependant on the number of languages, audio requirements, and number
of races. The current Alameda demo Nel has been working on as an 80Kb
election.dbd file (this is what needs to be stored on the removable media -
not the actual database).
Ian: You just don't know when you'll need a
floppy or and Imation disk. It sounds like this should be a requirement on
laptop pollbooks. It's an extra on existing PollBooks, but will be
standard on future PollBooks
(Sales: I'll post a new price for PollBook
laptops configs. If you need a price quote before I post it,
please contact me at the McKinney office).
I'll check on the availability of an Imation Drive that
may be able to be mounted in place of the floppy drive. That would be a
better alternative to an external drive. That'll leave the parallel port
available for attaching a printer.
Ian: Also, do you really
need a 4 port Ethernet hub to connect a Ballot Station to a host computer,
or can you just connect it directly?
I think the cost of the hub is so low that
we should allow for other needs. Personal
Opinion.
Tab: I agree with
Steve, the cost of the hub is low and it allows more than one AVTS unit
to be connected for download. Furthermore if you want to connect two
computerd directly without a hub you need to get a 'cross over'
cable.
Ian: I don't have a problem
with the use of the hub, I just had a problem understanding its purpose and
throwing more money away. I appreciate everybody's input and
information. I'm in the dark with regards to special AV-TS operation
concerns, and I'd like to learn more over time to understand the configuration
requirements.
If anybody finds new circumstances
that absolutely have to be covered by new parts for the configuration,
please flag me down and let me know directly. But please don't be
surprised when the costs increase.
Ian: For PollBooks already
shipped, it is probably more efficient if a support person picks up the
drive and installs it. We can stock External Imation Drives if these
items will be an ongoing requirement. Changing the Regedit in future
PollBook shipments is not a problem. If we know the proper
configuration, then the PollBook will be setup to work with that
configuration.
Our problem right now is, "what
are the different configurations?" Also note that if the parts
required for a PollBook increases, so to will the price of a
PollBook.
The laptop pollbook is a very temporary
solution hopefully. Tab - if customers want to supply their own
computer, what software op system should the pc have in order for us to
load pollbook software?
Tab: The PollBook should have Windows 95/98 installed
on it.
Ian: All PollBook laptops from the
beginning of time have Windows 98 Second Edition loaded.
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