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The Advantage 1200 is a versatile mark read scanner designed for scoring tests, processing ballots, and tabulating surveys. It can operate in stand-alone mode or connect to a computer for advanced data collection. The scanner utilizes reflective read technology for superior pencil mark recognition. It is crucial to always use a No. 2 lead pencil when completing Advantage scan sheets, as the scanner will not read marks from ink pens or markers, even if the marks are black. A wide selection of Advantage compatible answer sheets, ballots, surveys, and analysis forms are available from Apperson Print Management Services. These forms are specifically designed to utilize the advanced features of Advantage, including paper skew detection and reading student ID numbers.
The primary function of the Advantage 1200 is to score tests. To program the scanner, a teacher key with the correct answer pattern must be inserted. The scanner can score up to 200 questions. When properly keyed, the display window will show the number of questions keyed. For test scoring, the key needs to be prepared by marking the "Key [K]" bubble in the keyline. The "Verify [V]" option, when marked on the keyline, prints correct answers on individual student answer sheets. If the "Verify [V]" bubble is not marked, a dash (-) prints next to incorrect responses. The "Rescore [R]" bubble in the keyline enables rescanning a previously scored test, which automatically activates the verify option. After marking the keyline, the correct answer pattern for each question on the test must be filled in. Multiple marks can be keyed as the correct answer for a question, and these will be indicated with an 'X' printed next to the question for verification purposes.
There are two key reset options for test scoring. When Advantage is powered on, it automatically enters the Score Mode option. Pressing the "Reset Options" button will put the scanner in Rescore Mode. Rescore Mode has the identical effect as marking the Rescore [R] bubble in the keyline. The scanner must be in either Score Mode or Rescore Mode to score answer sheets.
When scoring, the key must be marked with the correct answers and inserted through the scanner. It is essential to verify that the key has been properly recorded before inserting student answer sheets. Up to 9,999 answer sheets can be processed in a single batch. If the test includes questions from both sides of the answer sheet, the first process is side 1 of the key, immediately followed by side 2. The "Key [K]" bubble must be marked on each side of the key to score multiple sides. When scoring multiple sides, each side of a test answer sheet must be processed before processing another answer sheet. The scanner can score up to 200 questions in this manner. As student forms are fed through Advantage, the total number of correct answers for each student appears in the window display and is also printed inside the Score box at the bottom of the form, or inside the Rescore box if the Rescore [R] bubble was marked. If an answer sheet is rejected, the display window will indicate the cause of the problem, and corrective action (reinserting the sheet) should be taken.
The Advantage 1200 also offers several summary options after a test has been scored. Summaries can be printed using an Item Analysis report form or viewed on the display panel. Additional answer sheets can be inserted for continued scoring at any time. The "Class Average" can be viewed by pressing the "Summary Display" button on the display panel, showing the class average and the number of sheets processed.
For detailed reports, the Item Analysis Form 23570 can be used to get a frequency distribution of scores in 5% increments, listing the number of wrong answers selected for each test question. If this form is unavailable, the number of wrong answers per question can be viewed in the display window by pressing the "Summary Display" button twice. The Tally Report Form 23580 can be used to get a report listing a tally of all marks entered by students, useful for analyzing student selections on frequently missed questions, for up to 100 questions.
For processing ballots, Ballot Form ABF-A102 is specifically designed for up to 100 candidates. Election results can be obtained by inserting Item Analysis Form 23570 or by viewing results on the display window. Up to 9,999 ballots can be processed in a single batch. Ballot response bubbles are labeled 1 through 100, with each candidate assigned a unique number. The system allows for multiple votes per row or a single selection per row. Restricting to single selections per row can prevent students from voting for more than one candidate. The Advantage default allows multiple selections per row. To accept only one selection per row, the "FOR OFFICE USE ONLY" box must be marked on the first ballot processed. After each ballot is scanned, a verification number is printed in the Ballot Verification box. To obtain election results, insert side 1 of Item Analysis Form 23570 through the scanner. The Item Analysis Form can be inserted at any time during or after batch processing without interrupting tabulation. Pressing the "Reset Options" button will clear all election results. If Item Analysis Form 23570 is not available, election information can be viewed in the display window by pressing the "Summary Display" button after batch processing.
For processing surveys, Survey Form ABF-S40 is designed for surveys with up to 40 questions and 5 choices for each question. Survey results can be obtained by inserting Item Analysis Form 23570 or Tally Report 23580, or by viewing results on the display window. Up to 9,999 surveys can be processed in a single batch. Survey questions and selections should match the bubble pattern on the survey form. On Survey Form ABF-S40, users can choose to accept multiple marks per question or only single marks. Marking the "FOR OFFICE USE ONLY" box on the first survey scanned will allow only one mark per horizontal row. After each survey is scanned, a verification number is printed in the Survey Verification box. To obtain survey results, insert side 1 (and side 2, if necessary) of Item Analysis Form 23570 (or Tally Report Form 23580) through the scanner. The Item Analysis Form can be inserted at any time during or after batch processing without interruption. Pressing the "Reset Options" button will clear all survey results. If Item Analysis Form 23570 or Tally Report 23580 are not available, survey information can be viewed in the display window by pressing the "Summary Display" button after batch processing.
The Data Collection Operation mode disables standard test scoring operations. This mode is useful for processing surveys, evaluations, or ballots with standard Advantage test answer sheets or customized scan forms. In data collection mode, the scanner creates a tally of all marks made on the sheets. Tabulation results can be obtained by inserting Tally Report Form 23580 or by viewing results on the display window. Up to 9,999 scan sheets can be processed in a single batch. To enter Data Collection Mode, press the "Reset Options" button 2 or 3 times until "Data Collection" appears in the display window. In this mode, all selections for each question will be tabulated, up to 100 questions. When tabulating questions on both sides of an answer sheet, scan side 1 of a sheet followed by side 2 before continuing onto the next sheet. Data collection options can be enabled by making the appropriate selection on the keyline of the first sheet scanned. Mark 'R' for data collection on both sides of the sheet, Mark 'V' for a scan verification number printed in the score box, and Mark 'K' to accept only one selection per row. If 'K' is selected and a sheet contains multiple selections on a row, none of the selections for that row will be included in the tally. If the 'K' option is not marked on the first sheet scanned, multiple marks will be allowed throughout batch processing. To obtain results from data collection processing, insert side 1 (and side 2, if necessary) of Tally Report Form 23580 through the scanner. The Tally Report Form can be inserted at any time during or after batch processing without interruption. Pressing the "Reset Options" button will clear all data collection information. If Tally Report Form 23580 is not available, results can be viewed in the display window by pressing the "Summary Display" button after batch processing.
The Advantage 1200 uses two disposable Hewlett-Packard ink cartridges for print operations, which should provide reliable service for up to two years. The scanner can connect to a computer through USB or with a standard 9-pin serial cable. A USB driver needs to be installed on the computer, which can be downloaded from www.appersonedu.com/downloads. Using DataLink™ software, users can create ASCII files of data transmitted from the scanner. DataLink™ is a software application developed by Apperson for retrieving data from Apperson's line of test scoring scanners. It also includes test analysis reports and a survey tabulation report. Data collected using DataLink™ can be saved and used by spreadsheets, databases, or statistical applications. DataLink™ is a PC application. Advantage transmits ASCII data in a variety of formats, and Apperson provides documentation on communication specifications for building customized interfaces. The power supply should be rated as 24 volts DC, 400mA.
Displaying Machine Information: To view information about the Advantage scanner, power on the scanner and press the "Summary Display" button. Successively pressing "Summary Display" will show additional information, including:
Ordering Supplies: Advantage supplies can be ordered from Apperson Print Management Services. General supplies include standard Advantage compatible forms, customized Advantage compatible forms, print cartridges, serial computer cables, DataLink™ software, and calibration sheets. For detailed descriptions of forms, contact Apperson or visit www.appersonedu.com.
Print Cartridge Operations:
Calibrating Advantage: To ensure consistent and accurate pencil mark recognition, the Advantage scanner should be calibrated annually or after every 7,500 sheets processed, whichever comes first. A calibration sheet is provided with the scanner and should be kept in a convenient location. To determine how many sheets have been processed since the last calibration, press the "Summary Display" button 3 times. The display window will show how many sheets have been scanned since the previous calibration. If 7,500 sheets have been processed since the last calibration, the message "READY: RECOMMEND CALIBRATION SOON" will appear on the display window whenever the scanner is powered on. This message will no longer display after the scanner has been calibrated. If irregular test scoring occurs, calibrate the scanner and clean the read sensors prior to calibration. Follow the instructions printed on the calibration sheet.
Cleaning the Read Sensors and Clearing Paper Path: Paper dust or erasure debris can interfere with normal operation of the read sensors. If inconsistent scoring or a blocked paper path occurs, follow these steps:
Obtaining Service: If experiencing inconsistent operation or irregularities, try re-calibrating the scanner using the calibration sheet. For problems that cannot be resolved, contact the Advantage service department at 800.827.9219.
Problems and Solutions:
FCC Compliance Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Industry Canada Regulations: This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Warranty Information: The scanner is covered by a 1-year limited warranty. This includes unlimited telephone support and free parts and labor for repair work. If necessary, a loaner machine will be provided while your scanner is being repaired, with loaner machines subject to availability and freight charges (min. $50.00). The warranty period commences on the 1st of the month following the shipping date for 1 year. During the warranty period, Apperson will repair or replace defective parts with new parts, or with serviceable used parts that are equivalent or superior to new parts in performance. Warranty service may be fulfilled by shipping user-replaceable parts, such as power transformer, ink jet cartridges, and similar components directly to you. To arrange for warranty services or to receive free technical support, call the Apperson Customer Support Center at 800.827.9219. In the event your scanner needs factory repair, you will receive instructions on packaging and shipping.
What is NOT covered by this limited warranty? Routine cleaning, or normal cosmetic and mechanical wear. Damage from acts of God. Damage from misuse, abuse or neglect. Damage from repair or replacement of warranted parts by non-Apperson personnel. Damage from modification or incorporation of other products.
Terms of the Warranty: The warranty is void on any product where the original identification marks or serial numbers have been altered. All exchanged parts replaced under this warranty will become the property of Apperson. Apperson makes no other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Apperson expressly disclaims all warranties not stated in this limited warranty. Any implied warranties that may be imposed by law are limited to the terms of this express limited warranty.
Limitation of Remedy: Apperson is not liable for any damages by the Scanner or the failure of the scanner to perform, including any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. Apperson is not liable for any claim made by a third party or made by you for a third party. This limitation applies whether damages are sought, or a claim made, under this warranty or as a tort claim (including negligence and strict product liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation cannot be waived or amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if Apperson or an authorized representative of Apperson has been advised by you of the possibility of such damages.
General| Brand | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Model | 1200 |
| Category | Test Equipment |
| Language | English |
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