OVER 2 YOU 216 (01/02/05)

WEIGHTY MATTERS

Is there such a thing as a set of bathroom scales that can be linked to a PC? I am diabetic and my doctor advised me to loose a lot of weight, which I am slowly doing, but it would be useful to be able to automatically plot my progress on a graph or chart against my blood sugar readings, which I am able to download to my PC. I know I could do this manually, and I have tried, but I have trouble remembering.

Hugh Prescott, via email

Your correspondent can get a bathroom scale that can be linked to a PC from A&D Instruments at: www.aandd.net/medical_eng/

products_show_article.php?id=24&categoryID=5

The model number is UC 321P and full specifications can be found at:

www.aandd.co.jp/eadhome/html/

products/medical/consumer/uc321p.html

David Jagger, via email

I am developing a set of scales able to measure body mass/weight and body fat percentage. The data can then be transferred directly to a PC or Mac via Bluetooth then translated and stored within the software provided. This will enable detailed analysis alongside additional data importable from other programs and software. There will be a submit button on the scales in order that you do not have to transfer data every time you take a measurement, e.g. you could turn your computer on once a week and transfer the entire weeks data at once. The product is designed to act as a tool for short, medium and long term weight and body fat management mapping as well as to act as a top of the range set of scales and an aesthetically pleasing addition to anybody's bathroom. There will be several models one of which will not have interfacing capability though will have an 'on scale screen' with basic graphic illustration of weight and body fat history.

The scales will be on the shelves at numerous stores such as supermarkets, electrical stores and bathroom stores amongst others, in 3-4 months time. Unit prices will be around the £60-£150 mark dependant upon the specification. We would be very interested in feedback from potential users as there are clearly a number of medical conditions, which we haven’t yet considered, that could be complimented by our scales. We can be contacted on either 07867 987 844 or via email.

James Kemp, jamesbkemp@aol.com

LETWARE

I work for a letting agency, can anyone suggest a simple downloadable, freeware or commercial diary/scheduler program to book viewings and valuations that could be viewed on our small office network.

Claire, via email

Possibly the simplest and cheapest way to do it would be to sign up for a free Yahoo Email account, which includes a calendar/diary option, and share the account with the office. It also has the advantage that your schedule will be available from anywhere that has an Internet connection.

Kevin Inskip, via email

I think Claire might find that Time And Chaos from Chaos Software Group (www.ChaosSoftware.com) is all she needs.  It has a calendar that can show and print different time periods, a comprehensive Contacts database (with facilities to create separately viewable groups of contacts) with, if required, 'one-click' auto-dialling of default numbers that integrates with an Appointments diary and To Do list. There are also free plug-in utilities that allow Windows address book users to import all their WAB data to T&C and thereafter export new data entered into T&C to WAB.  This also integrates with Outlook and Outlook Express making e-mailing to large groups of contacts simple. It’s low cost with a 'try before you buy' option and streets ahead of anything else I've tried.

Philip Gibson, Crete.

Regarding Claire's request for a diary/scheduler program. There is one called 'Reminder' at www.dbtogo.co.uk. You can set up diary events that can have reminders attached that prompt the user. The events show up on a 21-day display, the whole program operates from this single page and is very easy to use. It is available as a free download for testing purposes.

David Hodge, via email

REPAIRING LAPTOP BATTERY

The battery pack on my three-year old Sony Vaio laptop now barely holds a charge. I can find replacement packs on the net but they are stupidly expensive, probably more than the PC is worth. I’m quite handy with a soldering iron so I was wondering if anyone knows of any web sites or companies that can tell me what type of cells it uses, and where I can obtain replacements?

George Marshall, via email

The first requirement is getting access to the inside of the pack in such a way that it can be re-used. There are four types of rechargeable cells in common use. Lead acid is unlikely because of weight factors, so that leaves either Nicad if the pack is fairly old and nickel metal hydride (NiMh) or Lithium Ion (Li-ion) if more recent. Possibly the cells will carry some identification. Commonly used sizes are AA measuring 50.5 x 14.5 mm, Sub C 42.6 x 23 mm, C 50 x 26.2 mm, and D 61.5x 34 mm. It is also possible a custom size may have been used. Some of these are available but not all. Having identified size and type it is just a case of getting replacements (with solder tags) and avoiding excessive heat, soldering together in the same sequence as in the original pack. It may be that there will be more than one set of cells in the unit giving different outputs or a tap off point within the chain of cells giving an intermediate output voltage. Likely suppliers are RS Components on http://rswww.com

or telephone 01536 201201.

Ian Tasker, via email

CAN YOU HELP?

I am partially sighted and whilst I can get around my own locality well enough venturing further afield can prove difficult. I’ve been following with interest the development of satellite navigation; my question therefore, is does anyone know of a handheld ‘talking’ GPS receiver that would help me to find my way about, and if so, are they accurate enough for someone on foot?

Ben Clifton, via email

It has been many years since I last ventured under the bonnet of my car and I was dismayed to find that things I used to be able to do, to maintain performace, like adjusting the contact breaker and setting the fuel mixture and so on, are now handled by a computer. I know garages have specialised equipment to connect to car computers but I was wondering if there are any ‘consumer’ programs that will work on a home PC, that will let me access and monitor my vehicle’s inner workings?

David Naughton, via email