When problems arise, it is a good idea to check the following items.

• Charge your DisplayKEY as described earlier in this guide. Make sure all the connections between the DisplayKEY, Cradle, power source, and phone line are secure. Make sure the DisplayKEY is seated properly in the DisplayKEY Cradle.

• Perform a reset on the DisplayKEY Cradle by inserting a paper clip into the reset hole in the back of the DisplayKEY Cradle.

• If your DisplayKEY is not updated, perform an immediate eSYNC to update your DisplayKEY.

• If a function fails, verify you are entering the correct PIN or shackle code and try the function again.

Quick fixes:

• Cannot return to DisplayKEY menu options
  If you get into a menu option that you can't exit by pressing the up arrow key, press enter and 1 together to reset the Key.

• KeyBox container will not open
  If the KeyBox does not release the key container, you may have tried to access the KeyBox before or after timed access hours. Contact the KeyBox owner for access hours.

• KeyBox shackle will not release
  If the shackle does not release, verify that you have entered the correct shackle code and try again. Lift up on the KeyBox to relieve pressure on the shackle.

• Key container will not close
  Check to see if the listing keys are blocking movement of the key container. If nothing seems to be preventing the container from closing, do not force it. Take the KeyBox to your KeyBox office for service. Code: forgotten or lost Keep a master record of your codes in a secure location. If you forget a KeyBox shackle code, select one of the following options to find it:

• If you set up KeyBox information in the Assignments Maintenance screen, a listing of your KeyBoxes and their related codes, is provided. Log onto the agent website. Go to the Box Information screen in Reports.

• If you have not completed the KeyBox setup in the Assignment screen, call your KeyBox office for service.

Important! DO NOT call Field Support to assist you with lost codes. They cannot provide you with this information. Do not share your PIN code with anyone.

• Bad Code Time-Out

When you enter ten incorrect codes within a 10-minute period, a buzz tone sounds and your DisplayKEY times out for 10 minutes. At the end of this time period, the Key self-activates and is again ready for use. To avoid a bad code time-out, verify that you are entering a correct PIN or Shackle Code before repeating the procedure.

• Reset DisplayKEY Cradle

A tiny opening located next to the telephone ports houses the reset switch. If you place your Key on the Cradle and no lights illuminate in the Cradle's LED, this indicates that the Cradle has become locked and will not function. The Cradle must be reset to perform the battery recharge or complete an eSYNC.

• Select one of the following methods to reset the DisplayKEY Cradle:
1. Unplug the Cradle's power cord from the wall outlet then plug it back into the outlet.
2. Insert one end of a paper clip into the reset opening and press the reset switch inside to reactivate the Cradle.

• Unable to eSYNC

If you are unable to sync your key, you can call KIM Voice or go to the Agent Web Site for an update code. Call Field Support if you continue to have trouble syncing your key.

Q. Why wont my display key update?

During the month of September 2003 many of our NSBAR members attended the Supra Display Key Conversion at the Adam’s Mark Hotel. During that time NSBAR members were asked to return their “old” keypad and lease the “new” Display Key, if they wished to continue using the electronic Supra system. While going through the lease process, agents were asked by Supra representatives to give their zip code. The agent’s zip code was needed in order to program a local telephone number into the agent’s Display Key, resulting in a successful update overnight. Some time after the conversion, calls were received by agents stating their Display Key did not update overnight. After further investigation it was suggested by Supra to change the “bad” local telephone number to a toll free 800 number for successful updating. NSBAR does not have a way to determine which phone number was programmed into your Display Key, but you can find out easily by following a few simple steps:
If you suspect your Display Key has a “bad” local telephone number programmed, you can check by following the steps below:
1. Press ENTER
2. Use the SCROLL DOWN button – press until you see the words “ESYNC PHONE NUMBER”
3. Press ENTER
4. Press “1”
The phone number programmed into your Display Key will appear. If you see an 800 number programmed into your Display Key, DO NOTHING FURTHER If you see a local telephone number, FIRST try a MANUAL ESYNC:
1. Press ENTER
2. SCROLL DOWN until you see MANUAL ESYNC
3. Press ENTER
4. The screen will display PLACE KEY IN CRADLE
5. Put your Display Key in the Cradle
6. A red light will appear and the screen will display CONNECTING TO CRADLE.
7. Leave your Display Key in the cradle until the LIGHT TURNS GREEN.
8. A successful Manual Esync is complete when the screen displays KEY UPDATED FOR (DATE).
***If the MANUAL ESYNC FAILS, you may need to change the ESYNC PHONE NUMBER programmed into your Display Key to the toll free 800 number: 800-545-9601. If you still have trouble, please call our Northbrook Office and ask for Supra Support.

Q. What is the E-key and is it an option?

The E-key is a PalmVx with a clamshell that allows you to open keyboxes as well as cradle at night and download MLS data. You will need to purchase a Palm Vx and pay $ 27.95 per month for the life of the 6 year lease. It is VERY important that you realize that there are other, much less expensive options at this time for downloading MLS information to your Palm or other PDA. RE/Xplorer allows this as well as the newly released MLSNI product, Pocket Real Estate. Please E-mail Steve Volkodav email steve@nsbar.org or call 847-480-7177 if you would like more information on carrying MLS information on your Palm or other PDA.

As more information comes available we will notify members. We thank you for your patience.

However, you can purchase Pocket Real Estate for $30 from MLSNI. It will download listitngs.

Q. Do I still have to call KIM once a month to update my Key?

No. To update the DisplayKEY or the eKEY, you must place the Key on the cradle provided every night to receive an automatic update.

Q. Since I don't have to update once a month, when and how will the automatic update take place?

The update will take place nightly between 12 midnight and 5 a.m. and will take approximately two to four minutes. Whether you choose the eKEY or the DisplayKEY, you will be given a cradle that is plugged into an analog phone line that will automatically dial into the KIM system and update your Key.

Q. Can I use someone else's cradle to update my Key?

Yes. Any cradle can be used to update your Key. However, DisplayKEYs must use a DisplayKEY cradle, and eKEYs must use an eKEY cradle.

Q. Can I plug my cradle into the phone lines at my office?

It depends. The cradle is an analog device just like fax machines and modems and will not work on digital lines. If you are unsure of what type of phone line you have, please contact your telephone provider. Most office phone systems are digital and may be damaged if the cradle is used. Most phone systems do, however, have the capability of allowing analog devices such as fax machines to be used. A good rule of thumb is that if a fax machine works on a line, then the cradle will work on that same line.

Q. Since I can only use an analog telephone line to update, how do I determine if I have a digital or analog phone line?

If you are unsure of what type of phone line you have, call your telephone provider. A good rule of thumb is that if a fax machine works on a phone line, then the cradle will work on that same line.

Q. Can I update my Key using a DSL line?

Yes, you can update your Key using a DSL line, if a DSL filter is used. Most DSL subscribers are given a filter when their DSL line is installed so they can use fax machines and existing analog phones. These DSL filters can be purchased for $10 to $20 from Radio Shack, CompUSA and other similar retailers. A good rule of thumb is that if a fax machine works on a line, then the cradle will work on that same line.

Q. Which Palm do you recommend for Real Estate agents?

Answer: As long as what you buy runs the Palm Operating System (OS), then the model is really just based on consumer preferences.

I like the m515 for its size and the high quality of the color display - plus it's also the unit supported by Supra's E-key system.

Each handheld brand (Palm, Handspring, Sony, HandERA, Kyocera & Samsung) has its own unique features, so don't feel that there's a right or wrong choice. However, if your board or MLS does use the Supra E-key, then the Palm m515 is the best choice for now.

Q. I've looked at the Kodak DX 3215, but am afraid the low resolution of 1.3 Mega pixels isn't big enough for my uses.

Answer: I don't think that you should discount this camera simply because it has only 1.3 MP capabilities.

This is more than adequate for printing up to 5" x 7" - which is more than enough for the typical real estate highlight sheet or postcard.

Keep in mind that for any computer display (Internet, email or multimedia-presentation) you wouldn't even want or need to use the full 1.3 MP as on-screen display simply doesn't require the resolution that printing does.

If you want higher resolution model for larger size printing, presumably for personal purposes, then looking for a camera in the $400 price range might make sense. However, for business use, the DX 3215 is an excellent (and very affordable) unit.

Q. What are the main advantages with going with a pay service like efax.com as opposed to getting a modem and fax software and faxing for free?

Answer: When you use your modem to receive faxes, you have to leave your computer in one place, and pay for a separate phone line that's plugged in all of the time. This alone typically costs much more than using Internet-faxing services.

With an Internet-based fax service, such as efax.com, you can send and receive from anywhere that you can get on the Internet, and you do not need your computer connected to the same phone line, all of the time. Any incoming faxes will wait for you indefinitely, and will simply be delivered the next time you check your email.

Q.  When you change email programs, how do you set up the new software so you can use your existing email account?

Setting up a new email program simply requires that you know a few pieces of information.

1. Email account Username
2. Account password
3. Sending server address
4. Receiving server address

All of these are assigned by, and available from, your existing ISP or email provider.

Assuming that your computer already has email software installed then you can simply look up these variables from the program you currently use - except for the password, which is typically hidden for obvious reasons.

Further, the Sending and Receiving servers are sometimes one and the same, though not always. They are more specifically referred to as SMTP and POP servers, respectively.

So, whether you look into your existing software for these settings, or contact your ISP/email provider, changing email software shouldn't take you more than a minute or two and is really quite easy.

  Q. What may cause the weekly automatic update to fail?

Several things may cause the weekly automatic update to fail. If you see an Error 19 you should check the phone line connections. Unplug both ends and snap them in tightly!  You may then start an Immediate Esync by pressing the enter button on the key and then the left hand down arrow until you see Immediate Esync. Press Enter and place the key in the cradle. You will see the light on the cradle change from gold to green. As it dials into Supra you will see the light change again from green to red. Don't touch the key while it is red! It will take only about 5 minutes or so to do the Sync.

We suggest that you put the key in the cradle every night. It will keep the battery charged and you will not have to remember which night is the "right night" to get the update. The "right night" is always the night before the update date.  Each time you press Enter on your key the first thing you will see is the Update Date. Updates are automatically performed between 12 midnight and 6 am. If your cradle is on the same line as your computer or another device, make sure that there is no other scheduled update or action taking place during the same time. (For instance: don't schedule Listing Manager Pro to do a timed download on the same phone line at the same time!)

When you received your key, you also received a small white tri fold information brochure. (Like the blue one that used to be in your pocket for your old key!) In this brochure you will find a list of error codes, a website for supra (see above) and a tech support phone number. They are located in Utah so they will be available a little later than we are at Collin County Association of Realtors.