A HotSync operation is a process in which a Palm handheld and a PC exchange data while they are connected using a cable. In the case of mTrial, session data and student-specific Curriculum Areas, Targets, and Sd items are sent from the Palm handheld to the PC. And updated lists of Tutors, Curriculum Areas, Targets, and Sd items on the PC are sent to the Palm handheld.Regularly performing a HotSync operation helps keep information current in mTrial.

Three ways to complete a HotSync operation are listed below.

Options Menu

While at the screen titled Begin Visit, use the stylus to tap the title of the screen to open the Options menu, and then tap the menu item labeled HotSync... (Figure 17.1). This should initiate a successful HotSync operation (Figure 17.2), as long as the Palm handheld is physically connected to the PC.

Figure 17.1 – Begin Visit Screen With HotSync... Menu Item Highlighted

Figure 17.2 – HotSync Screen

 

HotSync Button

Tap the star icon to initiate a HotSync operation (Figure 17.3). On older Palm handheld models, a calculator icon may appear instead of the star icon; tapping the calculator icon will open a calculator program.

Figure 17.3 – Palm Zire

 

Errors with HotSync

Once mTrial is installed on a Palm handheld, if you attempt to complete a HotSync operation between the Palm handheld and a PC that’s different from the one you initially completed a HotSync with, you’ll see an error message when you launch mTrial (Figure 17.4).

Figure 17.4 – Palm Zire

Agencies are strongly encouraged to install only one copy of mTrial to avoid creating fragmented databases and potentially diminishing database integrity.