GOT QUESTIONS? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
At Quartet Technologies, we firmly believe in and stand behind our products. Here are some of the common questions we receive, organized by category:
How safe is your product?
We are FDA Compliant as well as UL‐2601 medical approved (patient connected standard).
What is an ECU?
An ECU is an Environmental Control Unit designed to help physically impaired people better function with their day to day activities. (Insert Link for more)
Will an ECU interfere with other household members ability to operate lights, computer, etc.?
No. An ECU provides the means for the handicapped person to perform a function but does not interfere with the typical mode of operation.
Will my insurance pay for an ECU?
Many insurances will cover the cost of an ECU. Funding can also be found through organizations such as Easter Seals, Veterans Associations and Knights of Columbus.
How often should I replace the back-up battery?
Start your decision-making process by doing your homework.
Do I need to modify my home electrically or otherwise?
No, just plug in the ECU like you do a tv and you’re ready to operate it
My home took a lightning hit - why won’t my ECU work right now?
Just as a tv might need to be reprogrammed after a power loss, the same could occur to an ECU. A reset to your unit may be all you need to do to be back in operation (see USERS Manual for reset instructions). If this doesn’t work it could be that the damage was more severe. Call your local distributor to determine if your unit needs to be returned for repair.
10 Tips For Choosing An ECU
Tip #1 : Learn about the manufacturer
Start your decision-making process by doing your homework.
Tip #2 : Find out how you will actually control the ECU
The more options you have–switch, voice, and/or both–the more independence you can gain. Look for the ability to customize or combine the control (input) devices to meet your needs. While a voice-activated system can give the most independence, one’s voice can become weak by the end of the day, so an ECU that can be controlled by both voice and switch may be very beneficial.
TIP #3 : Find out if the ECU is dependent on other equipment
If you are considering an ECU that is operated by computer, be aware that if the computer “crashes” (stops working), your ECU will “crash”, too. To protect yourself from this, look for a “stand-alone” ECU, one that functions independently from your computer.
TIP #4 : Examine the ECU’s flexibility
Can the system be modified to meet your needs? Suppose you have purchased an ECU unit and you have a new cable television system installed. Can control of the cable TV be added as a function right from your own home? Or do you have to send the unit back to the manufacturer, with all the costs and inconvenience involved in being without your unit?
TIP #5 : Consider remote control capabilities
If you choose a system with remote control capabilities, you can move from room to room and operate the system from anywhere in your home–without moving the ECU. This vastly increases your mobility and your ability to function independently.
TIP #6 : Find out exactly how the ECU is controlled
For example, when you want to turn on the television, can you simply say: “television”, or do you need to chase through multiple layers of information? The most contemporary unit can be controlled without confusing visual or text interfaces, saving your time, frustration, and energy.
TIP #7 : What‘s built in to the ECU you’re considering?
Look for an ECU that has all functions built-in. One thing you should specifically ask about is whether or not the system conforms to industry-standard power line technology. If it conforms, you won’t need lots of extension cords running throughout the house.
TIP #8 : Get all the installation details
Installing a unit for all of your personal needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Focus your search on ECUs that offer “plug and play” capabilities. That means the ECU will be easy to install, and it will be easy to move, if necessary.
TIP #9 : Make sure your ECU will keep working if there is a power failure
Be sure your ECU has a battery back up. If you ever lose power in the house, a battery back up will ensure that you can still make a telephone call in case of an emergency.
TIP #10 : Get all the facts on service and support
The key here is to find an ECU that is sold by knowledgeable, well-trained dealers. Asking some of the questions above will help you determine the quality of the various ECU dealers you may meet. Also ask the dealer for referrals. And find out each dealer’s policies on service and support