Free Cable for UltraSmart

[Twisted]

Just thought I'd share this with everyone.

I recently started testing again and realized that I had lost my cable for my UltraSmart. I called tech support and asked if there was a way that I could erase all of the previous readings so I could start out fresh. The tech stated that I needed the cable to do so.

I gave him a sob story about how I was unemployed and that wasn't an option right now so I would just go back to my old meter. The guy on the phone then stated that he would send me a replacement cable free if I wanted. Way to go Lifescan! That's how you keep a customer.

[Cyborg]

I'm sure they make up the cost of the cable with your next test strip purchase...

[Twisted]

Yup, they never make any money on the meters or accessories. It's all on the strips.

[Cyborg]

As soon as you mentioned switching meters, that was all it took...

[Twisted]

Yup. Their worst fear.

[Keezheekoni]

Heh, didn't work for me. They'll give me meters like crazy, but no customer service rep has ever been helpful in getting me a cable for free. They are "very happy" to fax me an order form for a reduced cost one, $20. Whoop-tee-do. I can build one for less than that! LOL And I have threatened to use other meters...in fact I am using a different meter now!

Glad you were able to get one though!

[JediSkipdogg]

I am amazed myself. I have never gotten anything free from Lifescan Headquarters. The only way is if I contact the local rep and speak with him. THen he'll give me everything I need. Heck, he's even given me a free meter and then a box of 50 strips to go with the new meter. At the headquarters though, they won't give me anything. They even told me on like the meters "well there's a $40 mail in rebate on it that makes it free" and my reply was "I'm just trying to make it easier and skip that step. I'll mail it in, but why can't I just have it free now?" at which point they have no answer.

[Twisted]

The simplest way to get something for free from them is to tell them that you will just go with another meter manufacturer. It has worked every time for me.

[gettingby]

It took my best friend on here to help me get one.
I just love her to death !!!!!!!!!!!!:) :)

[JasonJayhawk]

Don't you need to buy the OneTouch software to use with the cable? (Unless, of course, you've got a third-party app to make use of it)?

(I was thinking -- maybe they figure if you have their desktop software, then you bought the cable already).

[gettingby]

Don't you need to buy the OneTouch software to use with the cable? (Unless, of course, you've got a third-party app to make use of it)?

(I was thinking -- maybe they figure if you have their desktop software, then you bought the cable already).
I didn't. I just went to their website and said that I was upgrading a previous version and got it.:whistling

[Twisted]

I didn't. I just went to their website and said that I was upgrading a previous version and got it.:whistling

Same here.

[goggy59]

Didnt work for me either. Is it hard to build one from scratch?

Heh, didn't work for me. They'll give me meters like crazy, but no customer service rep has ever been helpful in getting me a cable for free. They are "very happy" to fax me an order form for a reduced cost one, $20. Whoop-tee-do. I can build one for less than that! LOL And I have threatened to use other meters...in fact I am using a different meter now!

Glad you were able to get one though!

[JediSkipdogg]

Didnt work for me either. Is it hard to build one from scratch?

Depends on which connector you use. It can be done with a 9 pin serial, 25 pin parallel, or a USB connector. Then the other end is a standard 1/8 mini stereo plug. The problem is, there are some transistors or something in there, so what goes in, doesn't come out exactly the same. Therefore, the problem I'd be worried about would be frying part of the computer. I have done that with other adapters.

If someone tried it, I'd love to see it made public for others. But in numerous Google searches, I've come up with nothing. Not to mention, would you really save much money or is the $20 easier?

[JasonJayhawk]

I was pretty sure that someone had instructions on how to make a RS-232 cable for the OneTouch. I want to say that it was on Mendosa's website. It might have been for an earlier-generation meter, though.

Can't find it on "the Google", so it's probably one of those things that somebody is going to have to be knocked in the head with before it is relocated again.

[dgrilli]

I had one of those old 9 Pin Cables that I was using with my UltraSmart. I originally got it several years ago. After reading about using a USB cable which my newer style computer has and the fact that my 9 Pin connection is at the back of my computer already hooked up to a Foundry IR cable got with my Animas 1250. I would have to unhook it and then hook the other you know a real pain.

Well Lifescan is sending me a brand spanking new cable USB.

I originally wanted a cable for the FreeStyle Flash so I could up load reading to Brion's site Diabuddies. I thought posting my meter readings would have been beneficial to me and others. I tried uploading with my UltaSmart and could not for some reason.

When I can get a cable for the FreeStyle Flash I will. I just don't think I should have to pay for one. I feel like having this expensive habit of insulin and cartridges and Insets ect.. is wearing me down. You feeling good and healthy does have it's benefits

[bernfarr]

I'd be definitely interested.

It galls me to pay them $25 so I can get my own data out of their darn system.