Interwrite™ PRS Hardware features

eInstruction provide different hardware solutions for use with Interwrite PRS, so you can choose the solution that best fits your needs. One software supports a veriety of hardware types. A small and low cost infra-red handset is ideal for classes from 10 through to 40 students. The radio based handsets provide support for larger classes (up to many thousands of students) as well as being well suited for use in smaller classes. The Interwrite PRS RF and CPS Pulse (new in 2010) handsets offer further input modes, including "self paced" and the "out of class" homework mode. The Interwrite PRS RF and CPS Pulse handsets are the "top end" solution and the more expensive of the three handset types available. The radio based Interwrite Cricket handset, is priced mid-way between the top end Interwrite PRS RF handset and the entry level infra-red handset. Call us to discuss which solution is best suited to your situation (see contact info at the bottom of the page), or ask for a quote today on the system of your choice.

The sections below provide details of the radio CPS-Pulse, PRS-RF, PRS-Cricket and infra-red systems.

CPS-Pulse radio-based handset


Pulse keypad	Receiver (Pulse)

The CPS Pulse is new for 2010 and uses a new radio system.

Key Features

3-line LCD screen gives students real-time feedback and makes navigating self-paced assessments easy.
Works with INTERWRITERESPONSE® 6.0 software. INTERWRITERESPONSE® software can be localized to 48 languages.
Seamless integration with EXAMVIEW® ASSESSMENT SUITE publishers content and question banks that come with all major textbooks makes assessments and lessons easy to create and deliver.
Integration with the new eI Community™ puts even more peer-tested content and resources at your disposal.
Question/Answer Types: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answer, Yes/No, True/False, Ranking, and advanced Numeric and Text Entry capabilities for greater flexibility in test writing and delivery, including the types frequently used in maths and science.
Operates in teacher-managed or student-managed modes.
State-of-the-art Radio Frequency protocol provides easy and reliable plug-and-play connectivity.

Specifications

Runs on 2 AA batteries with a typical life of 9 to 12 months.
Operating distance: 150 feet. Does not require line of sight between clickers and receiver.
Available for Windows® XP (SP2) and Vista® (SP1); Mac OS® X 10.4.1 or higher.

PRS-Cricket radio-based handset


Cricket keypad (old green version inset)	Receiver (Cricket and PRS-RF)

The Interwrite Cricket uses the same radio system as the PRS RF. The keypad has 6 numeric buttons, and additional true and false buttons. The facia was changed to white in 2010.

Feature	Description	Benefit

Transmitter ID	Each transmitter has a unique ID that can be assigned to individual students. The Response software can link the unique ID to a student ID.	Each student’s response can be tied directly to him or her.

Low Cost and No Recurring Fees	Transmitters are owned by the student or purchasing institution. There are no online or registration fees assessed to activate the transmitter.	Saves significant money over multiple semesters and for students using the transmitters in multiple classes.

Simple Keypad	Transmitters have 1-6, T & F (true and false)	Teachers can ask multiple-choice questions that have up to 6 options and numeric valued questions. True and false options are also available. (Ask us for the paper on getting the best of multiple-choice questions)

LED Display	A simple 4-LED display indicates battery level, connection, and response acceptance.	Allows the user to confirm their response was received.

Question Types	Multiple Choice (including multiple correct), True/False	Teachers can ask multiple-choice questions that have up to 6 options and numeric valued questions.

Robust Case	A tough case will withstand normal use and storage in student bags.	Same care as other equipment that the student carries, so no replacement costs for fragile kit.

One Software, Many Technologies	The same receiver and software works with all types of keypad, so you can use them all at the same time, or teach classes with different technologies in different places.	No need to learn a range of software, and your lessons are usable anywhere.

Radio Technology	Receivers use radio technology similar to WiFi on the 2.4Ghz band. Up to 2047 clickers are supported per hub (receiver), and up to 4 hubs are supported. The transmitters operate at a range of up to 150 feet from the receivers (in free space).	Radio allows operation even when ling of sight is not available, and the system has automatic mechanisms to reduce likelihood of interference with other radio frequency equipment or other systems in adjacent rooms.

Batteries	The transmitter uses 2 x AAA batteries, which last 20 weeks (based on typical usage).	Readily available batteries with a long life.

Compatible with Standard Computer Hardware	The hub receivers connect using USB and are easy to install on computers. The receivers are small and light.	Easy to install. Easy to transport when needed, and compatible with most modern computers.

Range of cases	Banxia can supply a wide range of cases (some exclusively designed for UK market).	You can choose how you want to store your asset.

PRS-RF radio-based handset

Feature	Description	Benefit

Transmitter ID	Each transmitter has a unique ID that can be assigned to individual students, or it can be used in a registration ID mode where students self-identify.	Each student’s response can be tied directly to him or her.

Low Cost and No Recurring Fees	Transmitters are owned by the student or purchasing institution. There are no online or registration fees assessed to activate the transmitter.	Saves significant money over multiple semesters and for students using the transmitters in multiple classes.

Advanced Keypad	Transmitters have 0-9, -, T, F, A-E, Decimal Point	Teachers can ask both multiple-choice questions that have up to 10 options and numeric valued questions as well as simple fully alphanumeric responses and floating point values.

LCD Display	A two line alpahumeric LCD display.	Allows the user to see exactly what they are to do at any time, and to see their response before they confirm sending.

Question Types	Multiple Choice (including multiple correct), True/False, Answer Series, Numeric (including positive/negative, decimal point and fractions), Short Answer	The transmitter is an evolution in flexibility for educational interaction, allowing not only the 0-9 responses (and confidence) but now floating point and alphanumeric responses.

High & Low Confidence Levels	Two programmable keys allow students to indicate high and low confidence levels with their responses.	Teachers can not only gauge if the students' answers are correct or incorrect, but how confident they were in answering the question.

Question Modes	Live Polling, Self-Paced, Homework (offline)	As well as use live in the classroom, teachers can prepare question sets to send to the transmitters to be answers by students "out of class" and the software will quickly gather the results in the next session.

Radio Technology	Receivers use radio technology similar to WiFi on the 2.4Ghz band. Up to 2047 clickers are supported per hub (receiver), and up to 4 hubs are supported. The transmitters operate at a range of up to 150 feet from the receivers (in free space).	Radio allows operation even when ling of sight is not available, and the system has automatic mechanisms to reduce likelihood of interference with other radio frequency equipment or other systems in adjacent rooms.

Batteries	The transmitter uses 3 x AAA batteries, which last 20 weeks (based on typical usage).	Readily available batteries with a long life.

Compatible with Standard Computer Hardware	The hub receivers connect using USB and are easy to install on computers. The receivers are quite small and light.	Easy to install. Easy to transport when needed, and compatible with most modern computers.

Range of cases	Banxia can supply a wide range of cases (some exclusively designed for UK market) and also a holster for fitting to furniture.	You can choose how you want to protect your asset. From individual sleeve to robust cases you can send by courier, the choice is yours.