FAQ
Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please e-mail us a bpate @ cardiobase.com
Cardiobase 7 (.NET version) FAQ:
Cardiobase 7 requires the following:
- Secure, usable remote access for Magnus Medical Software for installation and ongoing support.
- MS Windows Server 2003 or MS Windows Server 2008 with IIS and .NET 2.0 with the latest patches.
- Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or 2008
- Standard Active Directory for user administration or where AD is not available Cardiobase can provide an SQL Server based user manager utility.
- Site license for MS SQL Server or sufficient licenses for the number of users
- Workstations - recommended minimum specification is Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed, at least 2GB RAM and Internet Explorer 7 or above. Internet Explorer 8 will give the best performance and is the browser we recommend for use with Cardiobase 7 where possible.
- Internet Explorer Settings: IE7 and IE8 should not have Skype, Google toolbar or similar add-ons. It is recommended that page setup in IE be set to A4 and have headers and footers cleared of the URL location and page numbering which is printed by default by IE. These settings are described in the Cardiobase User Guide in detail.
- Any use of NAL (Network Application Launcher) type deployment agents must be configured to reflect the correct IE8 settings. Magnus Medical Software does not support these NA agents. If used they should be checked to ensure the correct settings are used, in particular the caching and refreshing of web pages for each visit.
Minimum recommended server hardware (up to 25 concurrent users): CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Memory Memory 4GB DDR-2 800MHz ECC 2R Memory Storage 3 X 250GB SATA2 HDDs RAID Controller RAID 5 Controller Adaptor Card Power Supply Redundant Power Supply (650W) Backup System As used by the client for all other systems.
Large site recommended hardware: (for 200 concurrent users) CPU 2X Intel Xeon Quad-Core 5400 Series E5472, 12MB L2 Cache, 3GHz Memory Memory 16GB (4x4GB) DDR-2 667MHz ECC 2R Memory Storage 2 x 72Gb Hard drives for mirrored O/S and Application 6 X Hard Drives 146GB 15K RPM Hard Drive (Configured in RAID 5) Optical Drive 8X DVD+/-RW Combo Drive Controller Cards RAID 5 Controller Adaptor Card (if necessary) 1 Gigabit 4 Port Ethernet Controller Card PCI Video Controller Card (or onboard) Power Supply Redundant Power Supply Power Supply (1100W) Backup Software Backup software should be that used for all other backup purposes by the client. The important thing is that a successful restoration can occur should that be needed. Backup Hardware Plus an autoloader two drive DLT tape unit with adaptor and cables
Minimum recommended workstation: Core 2 Duo, Windows XP, 2GB RAM and Internet Explorer 7 is the minimum specification to use. Internet Explorer 8 on better specified workstations will give greatly improved performance and is recommended.
Latest User Guides
The latest Using Cardiobase 7 general user guide is date 21 December 2011.
The latest Using Cardiobase 7 Advanced Functions guide is dated 7 February 2012.
Other guides include: IE Setup - 15 November 2011
Using Microsoft Excel with Cardiobase V7 Part I - 4 November 2011
Should you require an updated copy please contact support @ cardiobase.com
We are moving our Cardiobase installation to a new server. What do we need to do?
It is a good idea to inform Magnus Medical Software in advance of the move. We have checklists and user guides which can be of assistance and may need to assist with configuration.
Does our server’s antivirus scanning affect Cardiobase 7?
As there are so many antivirus programs, ways they can be configured and local policies to take into account we are unable to provide specific instructions as to how a client's antivirus program is set up. However, the basic guideline is that excessive scanning of Cardiobase files, particularly scanning each time they are loaded by users, will have a detrimental effect on performance. It is up to the client to decide on their local setup in this regard. Cardiobase application files will only be placed in a live environment after approval while in a test area. Therefore it would seem to be unnecessary to vigorously scan Cardiobase application files each time they are opened by end users.
It is also possible that certain scanning modes with some antivirus programs on the server could reset Cardiobase’s configuration file. This should be avoided as it will have the effect of restarting Cardiobase each time that occurs.
What are the advantages of Cardiobase V7 over V6?
Version 6 is a very fast and stable version but the advantages of the web version include:
- Deployment is very much easier, for instance there are no mapped drives to consider, so you can log in from any workstation in the Hospital or Trust, (Subject to minimum specification of 1024 x 768 screen resolution and Internet Explorer 7 or 8) and of course access permission to do so.
- Accessing the application remotely is much easier (always subject to hospital security policies of course).
- The SQL server back end has much tighter security and is generally welcomed by hospital IT departments.
- ‘Active Directory’ capability, favoured by many IT departments for user login administration.
- New File Attachment module, allows attachment of images, documents, PDFs etc.
- Print to PDF option.
- Wider range of modules developed.
- A number of new and enhanced features:
- Improved Word Processing tools in the memos,
- Direct exporting to Excel from Daybook,
- Greater filtering in Daybook,
- Enhanced Scheduling in Booking and Waiting List module,
- Full Change Log for each module.
- Alerts when modifying or printing deceased patient records or letters.
- Record lock-down and electronic sign-off
- Interfaces with more systems such as Siemens’ syngo Dynamics.
- Ability to hide doctor entries and drop down list entries that are no longer required but keeps data integrity.
- Integrated patient merge and system administration tools.
Basically, the web version is our current development platform so will see greater development focus. Support for Cardiobase V6 continues.
What is the minimum Screen Resolution for Version 7?
The minimum screen resolution is 1024 x 768.
What web browsers can be used with Cardiobase?
The best performance will be experiences with Internet Explorer 8, followed closely by Firefox 3.5 or above, but note that Firefox has not had extensive testing as at October 2010. The minimum required is Internet Explorer 7. Other browsers have not been tested enough for a recommendation to be given.
We need to reboot our server to apply routine Windows updates. What requires restarting as far as Cardiobase is concerned in this situation?
You should ensure that your IIS and SQL (and their associated services) are set to automatically start on system start. If the Cardiobase database and application are on the one server then nothing needs to be done, as they will both start automatically. If however the application and database are on separate servers, ensure both the database and application have been restarted before the system is used.
Will Cardiobase 7 run on Windows 2000 workstations?
Yes, but with degraded performance. There is a significant difference in speed noticeable between Windows 2000 and XP. Magnus Medical Software does not recommend using this or earlier operating systems, which are no longer supported by Microsoft.
Will Cardiobase 7 run on Windows Vista workstations? - Yes, however while there are no known issues with using Vista, we recommend using Windows XP or Windows 7. Cardiobase 7 has had extensive testing on Windows XP and Windows 7 and some considerable testing on Vista.
Will Magnus Medical Software support use on below specification workstations?
Whilst Cardiobase 7 may run on below specification workstations Magnus Medical Software will not support it use. It is strongly recommended that any workstation to be used is checked for suitability prior to upgrading to, or deploying a new installation of, Cardiobase 7
How do I remove the header and footer Internet Explorer adds to my printouts from Cardiobase?
Windows Internet Explorer will usually place ‘Page 1 of 1’ at the top of a printed pages and the source of the report at the very bottom. This can be turned off in a one-time process via Internet Explorer’s File – Page set up.
In IE7 press ‘Alt’ to show the menu items if not readily apparent.
Set the paper size to A4 if not already set.
Remove the ” &w&bPage &p of &P” from the Header and “&u&b&d” from the footer and click OK.
Why is there a time out for Cardiobase which closes it down after a period of inactivity? We are required, in some locations by law, to force a closedown of Cardiobase so that the application is not left open when unattended. The length of time can be configured by local administration to meet local requirements.
What date format is used in interface messages?
We follow the HL7 date format standard unless specifically requested at the time of quoting for an interface. The HL7 and and date/time formats are as follows:
Date/time: CCYYMMDDHHMM[SS] e.g. 201105271523 for twenty three minutes past three in the afternoon of the the 27th May 2011. The "seconds" portion is optional.
Dates: Date of Birth and other dates are in the format CCYYMMDD e.g. 19550801 for 1st August 1955.
Note: ‘YYYY’ and ‘CCYY’ basically mean the same thing such as 2011 and it is possible to see documentation using either. CCYY is perhaps a little more specific.
FAQ for Earlier Cardiobase versions
Can we print barcodes in Cardiobase?
Yes, it requires a suitable Code 3 of 9 font installed and a modification to the report pipelines. Please request a user guide from us.
We have a large SQL Server log file. Can it be reduced in size?
It is possible to run some simple steps in Query Analyzer to shrink the SQL Server log file. Please contact us at the above e-mail address and we will send you a user guide for this process.
What database options do we have?
Cardiobase V6 is designed for either Firebird or Microsoft SQL Server. Firebird is an open source project so no additional licensing is required. With SQL server, relevant licensing is required. Most clients who select SQL server would have a site license in place.
Database options:
Firebird 1.5
SQL Server 2000
SQL Server 2005
File Storage Specifications
Cardiobase V6 is a true 32bit Windows based relational database system and stores information in the industrial strength Firebird™ Client-Server SQL format or MS SQL Server. This allows, where authorized, third party reporting tools to query Cardiobase as well as allowing exchange of information with other institutions, database systems or medical equipment. We support HL7 as the optimal method for interfacing.
Images and Image Capture
Image capture is available from any other Windows based system that can also run Cardiobase concurrently. Image quality can be as high a quality as the monitor itself can display. Images are stored as jpeg format.
Cardiobase can be set up to automatically load images from systems such as the GE Muse and other mass storage systems. This is an efficient and practical way to load images such as ECGs, Exercise ECGs etc without having to go to a second program. See our interfaces section.
Security
Password access is provided by network software at PC level and stratified access levels within Cardiobase itself.
Hardware and Network Requirements
Cardiobase V6 operates on year 2000 compliant IBM compatible personal computers and Local Area Networks (LANs).
File server (Pentium 4 with 2 Gigabytes RAM recommended or better) with a suitable hard disk (e.g. 27gigabtye) to cater for expected volumes and other requirements. As a guide, Cardiobase data files require approximately one megabyte per 1000 records, excluding any images stored.
100 megabit network cards.
Recommended cabling is CAT 5 UTP.
Current Y2K compliant Windows XP for workstations, Windows Server 2003 with IIS
Back Up and Restoration Processes
Firebird has a built-in backup and restore facility to generate nightly Cardiobase back-ups. A suitable back up procedure is strongly recommended to store these Cardiobase-backup files. This is necessary with any system storing important information. Procedures for safe recovery should be tested before needed. Magnus Medical Software will be happy to advise, should you need assistance.
How do I remove unwanted words from the spell checker?
Please contact Magnus Medical Software for a user guide for this process.
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