Minimed one touch ultra link will arrive soon! [Archive]

solox316

04-25-2008, 05:34 PM

They are shipping this weekend!

That's great to hear! Did you talk to someone at Minimed to confirm?

I wonder if the sensor users will be able to use it to link, or if it will take each reading as a calibration... Doesn't seem like it would be any different unless the pump software changes... Anyone know for sure?

nryan34

04-25-2008, 05:59 PM

Thanks for the info i'm very anxious to recieve mine!

Funnygrl

04-25-2008, 06:19 PM

palefacegirl03

04-25-2008, 06:22 PM

I checked the tracking and mine has shipped and I should receive it on Tuesday !

Here is the tracking page

https://www.minimed.com/onetouchultralink/myshipment/

Gordonm

04-25-2008, 06:44 PM

I checked the tracking and mine has shipped and I should receive it on Tuesday !

Here is the tracking page

https://www.minimed.com/onetouchultralink/myshipment/

I tried that and it said I am not eligible I have had a 522 for 1 1/2 what gives on this???

palefacegirl03

04-25-2008, 06:49 PM

I tried that and it said I am not eligible I have had a 522 for 1 1/2 what gives on this???

I had to make sure that I put the correct phone number. I must have gave them my cel number not the house and it popped right up.

solox316

04-25-2008, 07:20 PM

It will take each reading as a calibration. 522 has been out two years, and this hasn't been fixed yet. *sigh*

well that stinks. boo

nryan34

04-25-2008, 09:13 PM

:thumbsup: thanks for the tracking link I checked and mine was also shipped

SGT Shoutmore

04-25-2008, 09:15 PM

Medtronic telephoned me today and told me that the new meter was on it's way and gave me the URL to track it as well, it's on it's way. WOOT! WOOT! WOOT!

Gordonm

04-26-2008, 05:01 AM

I had to make sure that I put the correct phone number. I must have gave them my cel number not the house and it popped right up.

I tried all 3 numbers that I have and nothing. I'll have to call.

palefacegirl03

04-26-2008, 07:54 AM

Hopefully you can find something out over the phone.

RobiJo

04-26-2008, 08:09 AM

Can't wait!

No backlight or matching colors is a bit of a disappointment though.

I need a backlight! Okay maybe don't NEED one, but I use it a lot. I'll get it out but I may just stick to my Ultra 2. I'll have to turn the meter option off anyway because of the sensor issues.

notme

04-26-2008, 08:29 AM

Here is the message I got. This stinks...

Based on the information you provided, we were unable to find you in our list of customers eligible to receive the OneTouch® UltraLink™ Meter at this time. Please check to make sure that the information you provided is correct.Please Note: If you own a MiniMed Paradigm,® Insulin Pump (Models 512/712 or 515/715) we plan to send you a OneTouch® Ultralink™ Meter at no charge later this year. At that time your name will be added to the list of eligible customers and you will be able to check on the status of your meter shipment online. We will post updates on our website as more information becomes available.

JediSkipdogg

04-26-2008, 10:45 AM

Is it just me or is that meter the size of the Ultra Smart with only the functionality of the Ultra 2?

That seems like a huge disappointment to me as a lifelong Lifescan customer.

Keezheekoni

04-26-2008, 10:55 AM

shiftzor

04-26-2008, 11:05 AM

It requires coding like the ultra2, I think they basically cut features to make it "economical" and rushed it to market, that is just a guess since they did drop their own meter. Still it is their first attempt at merging the ultra technology with their own, so hopefully new revisions of the model will improve. I do like the concept, now all I need is a pump :D.

Coppernob

04-26-2008, 11:21 AM

I too got the "We're sorry" message but I just tried several times and finally got the info that it had shipped yesterday! Keep trying guys - it may just be a hiccup in the system :)

JediSkipdogg

04-26-2008, 12:03 PM

It's disappointing to me to, Kevin. I talked with the Lifescan rep at the expo last weekend and he gave me the impression that it was a fully functioning UltraSmart, with the wireless capability for Paradigm pumps. As you noticed, it is basically just a big Ultra2. :(

My understanding was it was the Ultra 2 with the link. That's what I had been told. And basically that's what it is, but redesigned.

It requires coding like the ultra2, I think they basically cut features to make it "economical" and rushed it to market, that is just a guess since they did drop their own meter. Still it is their first attempt at merging the ultra technology with their own, so hopefully new revisions of the model will improve. I do like the concept, now all I need is a pump :D.

Actually, if they took just the Ultra 2 or the Ultra Smart and added the RF technology to it with no other changes they could have had the product approved in less than 30 days. Minor changes to an item get fast approval. What they did here that took them so long is they essentially made an entirely new meter for use with the Link technology. And as you pointed out, it still requires coding. I still have not heard of Lifescan dropping coding anytime soon, which would be extremely nice since most other companies are now doing it or puttinga the coding technology in the strip to reduce innacuracies.

memphismike

04-26-2008, 12:06 PM

I am happy to see the Ultralink is being shipped. The UPS tracking site for mine only shows that MM has printed a barcode label for shipment. UPS has not yet scanned this package. This might explain why a 3 day select package "shipped" last Monday is not here yet. Don't hold your breath until you actually see scans at UPS locations.

Gordonm

04-26-2008, 01:16 PM

Is the coding a big deal. I usually get my strips 900 at a time and they are all the same code. When it pops up every 25 strips I just press OK. Not a big deal. I also don't think the size is a big deal. I mean you still have to carry the strips and a poker to get the blood. I have one of the smaller ones and with the other stuff it is only about 25% smaller. I'll welcome the link to the pump. This takes the most time to load in the BG readings. The size and coding for me is not a big deal.

I still have not been able to get through to anyone yet at MM. Maybe it is a weekend crew and they are short staffed.

pegasus

04-26-2008, 04:04 PM

That's great to hear! Did you talk to someone at Minimed to confirm?

I wonder if the sensor users will be able to use it to link, or if it will take each reading as a calibration... Doesn't seem like it would be any different unless the pump software changes... Anyone know for sure?

I'm afraid I don't know what the difference is. Does the calibration issue matter if you're not using a sensor?

I got the message that mine has shipped. Then I went to check a 2nd time so I could figure out when to expect it and I got the "sorry but" message. I figured out that I had typed in extra spaces after my first and last name. When I took those out, I got the shipping info again.

And now what about all those free Ultra minis we're getting

Funnygrl

04-26-2008, 05:17 PM

It's a BIG ultra 2 with NO backlight! I also will kind of miss the matching color.

Funnygrl

04-26-2008, 05:18 PM

Does the calibration issue matter if you're not using a sensor?

No- it's just a sensor issue.

pegasus

04-27-2008, 12:34 PM

No- it's just a sensor issue.

Thanks; much appreciated.

jimbob

04-28-2008, 11:50 AM

mine is in transit on the truck now. WooHoo! Anytime I can get a new meter, no matter how many I have, it's always exciting even after 13 years.

Keezheekoni

04-28-2008, 11:56 AM

Wah. My shipment was changed to Wednesday from today...that's what I get for going on vacation I guess. :(

Jan B

04-28-2008, 01:14 PM

Received mine today! It's really pretty; hopefully it works great too. Like Funnygrl said, I'll miss the matching purple (purple pump) a little, but this is very nice looking and has the holder for the bigger bottle of strips.

Better case too and the meter is firmly held in the case.

pegasus

04-28-2008, 02:48 PM

And today I got the letter from Minimed announcing that it's coming. But my DF friends told me first!

Thanks, everyone!

:top:

palefacegirl03

04-28-2008, 02:50 PM

RobiJo

04-28-2008, 03:24 PM

mine is in transit on the truck now. WooHoo! Anytime I can get a new meter, no matter how many I have, it's always exciting even after 13 years.

Ditto. It's like Christmas! I'll use up all the strips and then throw it in my meter drawer! Fortunately this time I have Ultra strips because that's what I already use.

RobiJo

04-28-2008, 03:25 PM

Keezheekoni

04-28-2008, 04:02 PM

And today I got the letter from Minimed announcing that it's coming. But my DF friends told me first!

Thanks, everyone!

:top:
Yeah I got the letter from them today too... Enclosed with the letter is a coupon for a free UltraMini, Ultra2, or UltraSmart, no script needed (which is nice for those whose doctors hate writing scripts over and over for free meters - luckily mine isn't one of those, just got 3 scripts today for UltraSmarts...!)

Gordonm

04-28-2008, 04:14 PM

Yeah I got the letter from them today too... Enclosed with the letter is a coupon for a free UltraMini, Ultra2, or UltraSmart, no script needed (which is nice for those whose doctors hate writing scripts over and over for free meters - luckily mine isn't one of those, just got 3 scripts today for UltraSmarts...!)

I got that letter today also. Now the link says mine has a UPS shipper that was done on 4/21/08 and the tracking says the shipper was received. That is all. no progress on it actually being in transit but I guess that is better than nothing.

spamlog

04-29-2008, 10:40 AM

I got my UltraLink, being new with the Minimed 722 I didn't even open the BD.

I wasn't expecting an UltraSmart, but I can't believe it has no beep and no backlight. I know my pump has a backlight and the reading pops up there fairly quick..but I still can't see the "apply blood" screen in the dark..and I've lost more test strips when that thing wasn't ready.

Keezheekoni

04-29-2008, 10:51 AM

I guess UPS decided to be quicker than normal for me. The tracking info has changed again and says that it'll be here today. Of course, our UPS guy always delivers to our house last, since he lives down the street...so I'll get it around 7 tonight.

valc3

04-29-2008, 02:22 PM

My meter arrived today.

pegasus

04-29-2008, 03:25 PM

I got that letter today also. Now the link says mine has a UPS shipper that was done on 4/21/08 and the tracking says the shipper was received. That is all. no progress on it actually being in transit but I guess that is better than nothing.

I got the quantum notice yesterday that said it's coming Thurs :( . But what I find odd about the coupon that comes w/the letter is that it's for a non-ultralink meter--it can't communicate w/the pump. Why would they encourage using one that can't at the same time as sending us one that *can*? :confused:

(I do want a 2nd one :D )

palefacegirl03

04-29-2008, 04:58 PM

I got mine.That is one big case.

Keezheekoni

04-29-2008, 06:02 PM

I got the quantum notice yesterday that said it's coming Thurs :( . But what I find odd about the coupon that comes w/the letter is that it's for a non-ultralink meter--it can't communicate w/the pump. Why would they encourage using one that can't at the same time as sending us one that *can*? :confused:

(I do want a 2nd one :D )

I don't think that the UltraLink will be available commercially. So you can't just take that coupon into the local Wal-Mart and pick one up... They do want you to have a back up meter, so that's why the coupon for a free UltraMini, 2, or UltraSmart.

I got mine today. My UPS driver is jealous. His won't be here until tomorrow. :D I'm angry about not having a backlight. I test so often in dark places, and since it's almost always overcast here, I use the backlight a lot. Grr!

Oh, and you can't go to Lifescan's Warranty site to enter your information online. The UltraLink isn't listed as one of the products you can register that way. I actually had to find a pen to fill out the stupid form.

As for the case, I switched the meter into my US case, since I also carry a vial of insulin, a ZipFizz tube for used strips, and the accoutrements (sp?) for a reservoir, as well as test strips, SoftClix device and some extra lancets... I think the US case is sturdier for all of that stuff.

palefacegirl03

04-29-2008, 07:15 PM

I took the new link meter out and put in it my pink contour case, it will work for now.

JediSkipdogg

04-29-2008, 07:56 PM

C'mon everyone that has one, where are the pictures of what you all get?

lilituc

04-29-2008, 08:15 PM

You can see a picture of the box here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilituc/2453740004/), and the inside of the case here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilituc/2453743938/), if that helps.

Not having a backlight is a dealbreaker for me, I'm afraid.

Funnygrl

04-29-2008, 08:34 PM

I think that's so disappointing it doesn't have a backlight. Really, I thought that was pretty standard these days, and the Ultra2 and Ultrasmart both have one.

Maybe this was the initial "get a meter out there" meter and we'll see upgrades later.

lilituc

04-29-2008, 08:35 PM

Maybe this was the initial "get a meter out there" meter and we'll see upgrades later.

I assumed they wanted to conserve the battery since it will use a lot transmitting. I'd still rather have the backlight, though.

palefacegirl03

04-29-2008, 09:02 PM

C'mon everyone that has one, where are the pictures of what you all get?

Ok , I uploaded a few

Diabetes Forums (http://www.diabetesforums.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3)

JediSkipdogg

04-29-2008, 09:05 PM

Ok , I uploaded a few

Diabetes Forums (http://www.diabetesforums.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3)

That thing looks huge. It amazes me that all they needed to do was take the Ultra meter or Ultra 2 and add RF to it. Then they somehow take away some very useful features and make the thing even bigger. That's a huge disappointment to me.

camjen1

04-30-2008, 11:42 AM

That thing looks huge. It amazes me that all they needed to do was take the Ultra meter or Ultra 2 and add RF to it. Then they somehow take away some very useful features and make the thing even bigger. That's a huge disappointment to me.

Charlotte's pics make the meter look big but in fact it isn't.

The picture with her daughter holding the box makes the box even look huge but it wasn't.

jeggeman31

04-30-2008, 11:59 AM

Charlotte's pics make the meter look big but in fact it isn't.

I would have to agree with Sandi. The way the meter is shaped, makes it look big, but I don't think it is much bigger than the U2.

palefacegirl03

04-30-2008, 06:01 PM

Charlotte's pics make the meter look big but in fact it isn't.

The picture with her daughter holding the box makes the box even look huge but it wasn't.

Yes it is not much bigger than the Ultra 2 , the pics with my daughter are more to show the amount of waste that went into shipping it to all of us.

pegasus

04-30-2008, 07:00 PM

Got mine today. Don't like not having back light either. Bizarre. How about a petition? :D

solox316

05-01-2008, 09:56 AM

I am dissapointed. Too big, compared to the U2, meters should be getting smaller, not larger, IMO.

No backlight is the real kicker.

Until Minimed updates the sensor calibration issues, this new one will sit unused.

notme

05-01-2008, 10:01 AM

I honestly don't think I would use it. I didn't like the BD meter because of its size. I will probably continue using my tiny meters and entering the information to my pump manually.

solox316

05-01-2008, 01:00 PM

I do have to say though... the menu seems to move MUCH faster than my U2... that is def a plus...

iDream

05-01-2008, 01:14 PM

This thing is freaking gigantic. I was hoping to get something a bit smaller. I guess I'll just stick to the BD/NOVO since it barely needs any blood. If this new one had a backlight I might have considered switching.

jimbob

05-01-2008, 04:16 PM

I've been using an ultra smart so the size doesn't bother me. it's not huge. smaller than my first one touch profile. ;) I like it alright. I love the accuracy of one touches though. I will use it.

D-Rock

05-01-2008, 07:16 PM

I totally agree with all the "too big" comments. The meter itself isn't huge, but the case is.

As a man, I don't carry a purse or similar type thing. It would be nice to have something small enough to put in your pocket.

I also am a cyclist and less is more when it comes to taking along supplies.

Apart from that the meter seems easy to use and I just ordered the USB link.

D.

condensr

05-02-2008, 12:08 AM

I agree - the case is way too big.

I haven't tried the meter itself yet. Considering the size of the UltraLink, and the thirsty Onetouch strips, I'll probably just stick with my BD Link/NovaMax. It will certainly serve as my main backup meter though instead of my U2. Though I haven't had to use a backup meter once aside from forgetting the primary at work a couple times.

cat_collector

05-02-2008, 11:46 AM

I got the same message as Nancy ... figures because I have nothing but trouble getting anything from them .

Tracy

Gordonm

05-02-2008, 12:20 PM

I
I also am a cyclist and less is more when it comes to taking along supplies.

Apart from that the meter seems easy to use and I just ordered the USB link.

D.

I cycle a lot also. I take the Ultramini with me when I am on the bike. Smaller and fits in my rear shirt pockets easily. I enter in manually on the bike when I check. The other times I am on the road in my car most of the day for work and the new meter is in my console most of the time so the size does not matter to me.

Janlaton

05-02-2008, 12:34 PM

Is this a special meter to use with pumps? I use one touch not familiar with this one. I notice you are all type 1s.

Funnygrl

05-02-2008, 02:18 PM

Is this a special meter to use with pumps? I use one touch not familiar with this one. I notice you are all type 1s.
Yeah- it goes with the Minimed pump.

D-Rock

05-02-2008, 02:40 PM

I cycle a lot also. I take the Ultramini with me when I am on the bike. Smaller and fits in my rear shirt pockets easily. I enter in manually on the bike when I check. The other times I am on the road in my car most of the day for work and the new meter is in my console most of the time so the size does not matter to me.

I have the Ultramini for the road bike. The size of the case defeats the smallness of the meter. I usually just put the meter, a few strips and the lancing device in a zip lock bag and toss it in the seatbag. On the MTB, I just stick the BD in the Camelbak.

Dear manufacturers,
Please make all devices and supplies as small as possible for the male diabetics out there. I do not carry a purse.

Thanks,
D.

Jan B

05-02-2008, 03:55 PM

I guess I'm just too easy to please. Sure I could come up with some complaints if I had to, but I didn't ask for it or pay for it, so I won't complain about it!

pegasus

05-03-2008, 10:36 AM

I put together my own carry bag ages ago, because of all the stuff--meter, syringes, insulin, strips, a separate "disposal" pocket, and also some other meds I have needed in emergencies. So carrying this one doesn't really affect what I have to carry, esp while also having to carry edibles.

I've wondered how guys deal with all of this; my sympathies, gents.

someone

05-03-2008, 11:55 AM

I received my UltraLink (that I didn't order) a couple days ago. Too bad I just switched from the Ultra and won't be using mine.

kgm0612

05-05-2008, 06:20 AM

I honestly don't think I would use it. I didn't like the BD meter because of its size. I will probably continue using my tiny meters and entering the information to my pump manually.

Nancy.........you will be sending it to me as a back up when you get it! LOL

I spoke to a rep from MM. Everyone who has the 522 or 722 gets the meter first and the rest of us will get one over the summer. I want one NOW! LOL

Karen

notme

05-05-2008, 08:52 AM

Hehehehehe........well it sounds like I won't get one any quicker than you KGM.

Nancy.........you will be sending it to me as a back up when you get it! LOL

I spoke to a rep from MM. Everyone who has the 522 or 722 gets the meter first and the rest of us will get one over the summer. I want one NOW! LOL

Karen

Dewey

05-05-2008, 10:06 AM

I'm like Jimbob in that it was like Christmas when I received it! :D I also feel the same as JanB, in that I didn't ask for it or pay for it, and received it free - that's cool. :)

I have pretty much All the One Touch meters: the UltraSmart, Ultra, Ultra2, UltraMini and now the UltraLink. The UltraLink is almost the same exact size as the UltraSmart (maybe a touch thicker), and is not that much bigger than the Ultra2. In comparison to the UltraMini - yes, it is considerably bigger than the UltraMini.

I also wish it had a back light, but in the meantime, I can work around it. ;) Wonder if we could replace the meter's screen (without the back light) with the one that does have a back light? That'd be cool.

I asked hubby (he works in electronics) why there was added size for the RF (since RF parts can be very small), and he said he figured it was an engineer design or something. He said they probably made the board bigger to accommodate the extra parts they added. He also thought that they may have removed the back light feature from it to preserve battery life (same as someone else mentioned).

I didn't think the meter is beautiful, but I am happy to have it. I think we just collectively need to get with the R&D people of ALL the companies, and tell them what we'd like to see (in terms of size, looks, "bling," etc.). ;)

solox316

05-11-2008, 03:06 PM

I contacted Minimed about the linked readings always being used as a calibration. I also mentioned the one user who claims she is asked... This was their response, nothing too earth shattering, just thought I would share.

Thank you for contacting Medtronic Diabetes. Any BG that is transmitted
over to the pump will be used to Calibrate the Sensor. The only time you
get the request to use the BG is if you are manually entering the BG in
the Bolus Wizard. We do apologize for any inconvenience. If you need
further assistance, please contact the 24 Hour Helpline at 800-646-4633
(Option 1).

dgrilli

05-13-2008, 06:38 PM

I received mine about 2 weeks ago and I set it up and I guess what, I really like it. I wish it had a back light though.

Mine Arrived just out of the blue, didn't even know that I was getting one.

I set it to work with my minimed RGT CGM. It's nice that it sends the reading directly to my unit.

I like the Size also.

I Have beenusing the UltraSmart for 7 Years.

Guess what I'm giving it a thumbs up evryone should have one.
The Strips are the same.

Nice and Heavy for the size. I actually put it asside for severa days before setting it up. I'm glad I set it up.

solox316

05-13-2008, 06:40 PM

I set it to work with my minimed CGM. It's nice that it sends the reading directly to my unit.

This is precisely the problem with it. It will record every reading it "links" as a calibration. This will hurt your sensor's accuracy immensely.

KAnderson

05-13-2008, 07:06 PM

I got mine over a week ago - I'm not happy about the backlight either and I wish it would average more days like my ultrasmart, but over all I like it. "Dual" tested with it and my ultrasmart for a few times and they were tracking pretty close to each other.

So far, this appears as if the ultalink isn't a piece of #@%$ like the BD link meters!!

Ken