FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between "Rista-EPD", "Rista-EPDm" and "Rista-mini"?

A: "Rista-EPD" is mainly intended for stationary operation, and it cannot function
without a computer. "Rista-EPDm" and "Rista-mini" are autonomous portable devices 
most suitable for operation with the patient at home. "Rista-EPDm" totally replaces
"Rista-EPD" if connected to a computer. It also provides auricular and Voll diagnostics
when used with "Rista-EPD" software. "Rista-mini" provides only the Nakatani
measurement technique.

Devices' characteristics are presented in the following table:

Q: What is the best choice "Rista-EPDm", "Rista-mini" or "Rista-EPD"?

A: The most comprehensive choice is the "Rista-EPD" system, including two input
units - its native unit and the "Rista-EPDm" device. While one of the physicians carries
out an inspection at patient's home, another one works with the complex at hospital.
Another variant is a software system "Rista" together with the "Rista-EPDm" device.
This configuration as much as possible satisfies the demands of an individual
SCENAR- therapeutist. The "Rista-EPDm" device is the least expensive variant. You
can purchase the "Rista-EPD" software later. Finally, the "Rista-mini" device is intended for
mass user. Complicated support of Voll and auricular techniques has been excluded from
this device, which resulted in reduction of its weight, size and price. Nevertheless, the device
can generate valuable SCENAR and OLM-1 treatment hints in the autonomous mode.
Provided that Rista-EPDm or Rista-mini is connected to the computer, you can save
measured data in the database and print it.


METHODICAL SUPPORT

Q: What is the difference between the techniques implemented in "Rista-EPDm", "Rista-mini"
and "Rista-EPD"?

A: The treatment hints of Rista-EPD and Rista-EPDm/Rista-mini are based on different
approaches. In the Rista-EPD system the hints are based on the criterion of maximum
difference of the meridians' conductivity. The hints of Rista-EPDm and Rista-mini are based
on principles of small asymmetry.



Q: How to determine, whether the measurements are correct?

A: You should remember that it is almost impossible to get "overestimated" results
accidentally while "underestimated" results can really be obtained in the following number
of cases:
· The measurements have been taken in incorrect point;
· The point on the skin has been exposed to electrical current for a long time (several seconds);
· The electrode has been taken up from skin prematurely;
· The cotton wad was wetted non-uniformly.
Hence single upward "peaks" on the diagram are most likely correct. Single downward "peaks"
are most likely incorrect (especially when other measurements has narrow dispersion)
and have to be re-measured.
If a low value of an individual corridor has been achieved and all values are narrowly dispersed,
this may indicate that the measurements have been taken outside the appropriate points.
You should remember, that the patient should take off his/her socks and bracelets,
wristwatches, etc. not earlier than 10-15 minutes before the checkup.



Q: How often can measurements be taken (before and after SCENAR-therapy session,
in an hour, in a day)?

A: Measurements can be taken before and after SCENAR-therapy session, but results of these
measurements can be rather different due to the SCENAR-influence. If there was no SCENAR-
influence, and there was a short time interval between the measurements, readings don’t
usually change strongly. But if they still do, this may be caused by operator’s mistakes
(making measurements out of points, etc.).
Changes of readings have been studied, and here you can see the results of the studies.



Q: Will the techniques used in "Rista-EPDm" and "Rista-mini" be improved?

A: Currently, we are working on patenting of several ideas used in techniques of "Rista-EPDm"
and "Rista-mini" devices. After reception of patent documents, the techniques  will be
expanded. All users of "Rista-EPDm" and "Rista-mini" devices can update their software at no
charge for all devices irrespective of the time of purchase and complete set at
http://www.rista.ru/addsite/indexe.htm.


TECHNICAL ASPECTS

Q: Does the software of "Rista-EPDm" and "Rista-mini" devices improve? How can I get an
updated version of the software?

A: The software of both devices and the computer program is permanently being enhanced. 
At the same time we are trying to guarantee its succession and compatibility. All versions
of the computer program correctly work with all variants of "Rista-EPDm" and "Rista-mini"
devices. The latest version of the computer program and a firmware for the "Rista-EPDm"
and "Rista-mini" devices can be updated at www.rista.ru. There you can learn how to
program the firmware into the device. There you can also find some additional information.



I. "Rista-EPDm"


Q: During the charging the device is heated, also one of the corners of the device's
screen darkens. What is the reason?

A: It is normal operational mode of the device. If the indication meets the data of the
passport (User Manual), there is no reason to worry.



Q: Can I start charging accumulators if they are not fully discharged? Can I interrupt
the charging if the accumulators are not fully charged?

A: The uncompleted discharging/charging cycles result in the accumulators' fast failure,
therefore it is not recommended to interrupt charging or discharging without emergency
reasons.



Q: The device cannot be switched on by buttons. The device doesn't switch on even
if it is connected to charging device either. What should I do?

A: This situation is described in the passport (User Manual) and can happen, if the device with
almost discharged accumulators has not been used for a long time. Connect the charging
device to the mains and then to the device. Press the "Reset" button through a hole in the
bottom cover of the device for about 10-15 seconds. If after releasing the button the device
doesn't start, press the "Reset" button again, increasing the time of pressing up to about
1 minute. If the device is not working in this case, it is necessary to perform maintenance
service. For preventing a similar situation the device should be charged before a long pause
(more than 3-5 days).



Q: How long does the full charging of accumulators last? My device has stopped charging
after 30 minutes (1.5 hours). Why?

A: It depends on several reasons: capacity of the accumulators, supply current and charging
current, ambient temperature. Normally charging lasts for 10 to 16 hours. If the"Rista-EPDm"
device is disconnected from the charging device or reports about completion of charging in
considerably shorter time, it usually happens due to the failure of accumulators. Charging
can also terminate prematurely if the accumulators have been discharged to 'zero' before
charging. In this case switch off the"Rista-EPDm" device and then in 2-3 hours begin charging
again.



Q: How long does the device work with fully charged accumulators?

A: It depends on several reasons (same as the duration of charging): capacity of
accumulators, supply current, ambient temperature, operational mode (continuous / non
continuous). Average time of operation is about 8-12 hours. If this time after complete
charging has reduced to 6 hours or less - the accumulators have to be replaced.

Q: How to upgrade the Rista-EPDm firmware?

A: In order to upgrade the internal program (firmware) in the device:

1) Find out, whether your device supports firmware upgrade.
2) Download new firmware from the Rista-EPDm tech. support web-site.
3) Program new firmware into the device.

1) To find out, whether your device supports firmware upgrading or not, select the item
"Version" in the menu "Parameters". Right bottom to the word "RistMEGA" there will appear
a value.
If it is 128 - firmware upgrade is possible.
If it is 103 - firmware upgrade is NOT possible.
If there is no item "Version" in the menu "Parameters", or serial number of the device is less
than 50, firmware upgrade is NOT possible either.
Rista-MINI devices DO NOT support firmware upgrade.

2) New firmware can be downloaded from the Rista-EPDm tech. support web-site at
www.rista.ru.

3) In order to program firmware into the device:
a) Connect the device to the serial port of your computer.
b) Run the "Programmer" program (Start->Programs->Rista-RPDm->Programmer)
c) In the window of this program press the "Find device" button (or select the appropriate
menu item). For some seconds the program will be searching for the device scanning all
available serial ports of the computer. If the device has been found, you will see "Device
found on port..." at the top of the program window. At its bottom you'll see an information
concerning current device's firmware.
d) Now press the button "Open and program the file" or select the appropriate menu item.
Open the file with new firmware (which you have downloaded).
Now the program will backup your device's current firmware and then start programming the
new file into the device.

Attention! There can go out a message, warning that the device's voltage is lower than 4.5 V
and continuing programming may cause unpredictable errors.



II "Rista-mini"


Q: The device is connected to the computer, but the program can't find it. What is the
reason?

A: First of all, check whether the device is switched to the communication mode. Secondly,
pay attention whether the device is giving a quintuple sound signal twice a minute. If it is,
replace the battery.



Q: The device has connected to the computer, and then suddenly disconnected. Why?

A: Check whether the device is giving a quintuple sound signal twice a minute. If it is, this
means that the device stopped transferring data due to the low battery voltage. Please
replace the battery.