Synchronisation with automatic calf feeder Alma Pro

Import all animals from the feeder to the VitalControl device and transfer recorded temperatures, weights and animal ratings to the feeder.

1: One-time activation and configuration of VitalControl device in the settings of the automatic feeder
2: Data synchronisation between VitalControl and Alma Pro

1 - One-time activation and configuration of VitalControl device in the settings of the automatic feeder

Before using the VitalControl for the first time, you must activate and properly configure it once in the settings of Alma Pro feeder.

To activate and set up the VitalControl device, proceed as follows:

Navigation to settings menu `VitalControl`

Attention

To be able to activate and set up the VitalControl device, you must be logged in to the feeder in the user role Site Manager. Otherwise, some of the buttons shown and described below will not be visible to you.

In the left-hand side icon list of the touchscreen terminal, click on the bottom button Settings ➀ . If you are in the main menu where no sidebar is visible, press the button Feeder to display the sidebar.
In the bottom icon bar of the touchscreen terminal, click on the second button from the left Settings Touchscreen terminal ➁.
A list of menu items now appears in the left half of the centre screen. Click on the bottom button Accessories ➂.
One (or more) menu item(s) will now appear in the right-hand half of the centre screen. Click on the top button VitalControl ➃. The button now changes position and is shown in the left half of the centre screen.
The button Open settings ➄ is now displayed in the bottom of the right-hand side of the centre screen. Click on this button to open a pop-up window in which page 1 of the settings menu VitalControl is shown.

Settings menu VitalControl: callup — Screenshot 1: Calling up the settings menu VitalControl

Settings menu `VitalControl` - Page 1

Settings menu `VitalControl` - Page 2

2 - Data synchronisation between VitalControl and Alma Pro

Synchronise the animals stored on VitalControl device with animals registered on the automatic feeder and transfer measured values recorded with VitalControl device to the feeder for evaluation purposes and better visualisation.

To carry out synchronisation between the Alma Pro automatic feeder and the VitalControl device, proceed as follows:

Open USB port

Use a small screwdriver to loosen the locking screw on the flap of the USB port and fold it down:
Figure 1: Open USB port

Connect VitalControl

Switch on the VitalControl device by pressing the top centre On/Off button .
Connect the USB-C socket of the VitalControl device using the USB cable supplied with the USB-A socket of the touchscreen .
Figure 2: Connecting VitalControl to Alma Pro

Start synchronization

Attention
In order to start the synchronization of the VitalControl device, you must be logged on to the machine in the user role Site Manager. Otherwise, the Synchronize button in the Synchronization menu is disabled.

In the left side bar of the touch terminal, click the second button from the top Feeder . If you are in the main menu where no sidebar is visible, press the button Feeder to open the feeder menu.
In the right sidebar of the touchscreen terminal, below the symbol(s) for the connected feeder(s), the symbol for the VitalControl device is now displayed. Click on this symbol.
Attention
If the symbol for the VitalControl device in the right sidebar not displayed, the device is still deactivated in the settings. In this case, follow the instructions for one-time activation of the device.
The synchronization screen will now appear. Click on the button Synchronize in the middle at the bottom to start synchronization with the VitalControl device.
Figure 3: Synchronization of VitalControl with Alma Pro automatic feeder
Attention
If many animals need to be transferred, synchronization can take some time. You can see the synchronization progress on the display of the VitalControl device.
Figure 4: Synchronization VitalControl Alma Pro, progress indicator

Close USB port

After successful synchronization, unplug the USB cable from the USB port on the touchscreen. Fold the protective cover of the port back up and secure it by tightening the locking screw using a small screwdriver.
Figure 5: Close USB port again
Note
Make sure to close the flap of the USB port after each synchronization to prevent moisture from entering the port and to protect the port from the corrosive air present in your barn!
Figure 6: Mandatory closing of USB port