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USING THE WAM PC
Replacing the Battery
The battery cap is removed by twisting it counterclockwise about a 1/8
th
of a turn. This will cause the unit
to lose power and turn off if it wasn’t already off. Tilt the WAM PC slightly so the battery slides out.
Dispose of the old battery according to local policies and ordinances. Slide a fresh AA battery into the
WAM PC according to the diagram on the back of the module (negative terminal goes in first). Replace
the battery cap and give it a slight twist clockwise until it locks into place.
Attaching the Lead Wire Connector Block
The 10 lead wires are combined into a single connector block. Securely insert the connector block into
the top of the WAM PC. Align the lead wire labels on the block with the labels on the WAM PC.
Turning the WAM PC On and Off
While the WAM PC is powered off (LED is unlit), momentarily press the Power Button on the front to turn
it on. It will sound a tone for the duration of the button press. The LED will light to indicate that it is on. If
the WAM PC was previously powered during an operation, like collecting waveforms, it will beep several
times while it makes itself ready for a new command. Refer to the
LED and Audio Indicators
section to
find the meaning of each LED and audible signal. Momentarily pressing the Power Button while the WAM
PC is on will cause it to power off. It will sound a 1-second tone and turn the LED off.
Pairing the WAM PC to a UTK
The WAM PC cannot collect ECG waveforms before it is prepared by a compatible software application
like WebUpload or ELI PC. The application communicates with the WAM PC using a USB Transceiver
Key (UTK) attached to the computer. Each WAM PC can only be paired with one UTK, and each UTK
can only be paired with one WAM PC. Pairing is normally a one-time setup task, but it can be performed
again when necessary. Pairing is managed by the software application, so follow the instructions
included with the application.
Preparing the WAM PC for a New Acquisition
Follow the instructions for the software application to prepare the WAM PC for a new ECG waveform
acquisition. If the WAM PC has a new recording in its memory, it should be copied by the application to
the computer. Then the application can erase the WAM PC’s memory so it is ready to acquire new ECG
waveforms. Depending on the application, preparing the WAM PC may also involve loading patient
demographics onto the WAM PC so that the next time it is seen by the application, the application will
know the patient without having to prompt the user for that information. Once the WAM PC is prepared
for a new acquisition, it can be powered off until it’s time to perform the acquisition.
Preparing the Patient
The patient should be in the supine position and relaxed during the ECG acquisition. Before attaching the
electrodes, ensure the patient fully understands the procedure and what to expect.
Privacy is very important in ensuring the patient is relaxed.
Reassure the patient that the procedure is painless and that the electrodes on their skin are all
that they will feel.
Make sure the patient is lying down and is comfortable. If the table is narrow, tuck the patient’s
hands under his/her buttocks to ensure their muscles are relaxed.
Once all the electrodes are attached, ask the patient to lie still and not talk. Conditions such as
jerking, shivering, or muscle tremors can interfere with ECG results. Explaining the process to the
patient may help relax them further and assist in acquiring a good ECG.
