archives

Author: Ken

Ken SCRAM Ally, SCRAMNET GPS

SCRAM Ally App Update

A new version of the SCRAM Ally (Victim Notification) mobile app is available on the Google Play Store. Users are encouraged to update to the latest version (2.1.0), which includes the following changes:

  • Support for newer versions of the Android OS
  • Updates to the core messaging system used for alert notifications
  • Permissions to access Location Service and Motion Activity are now optional

Support for Newer Versions of the Android OS

SCRAM Ally supports Android versions 9 through 15, and this latest update provides a smoother, more optimized experience for users on Android 14 and 15 devices.

Updates to the Core Messaging System Used for Alert Notifications

The SCRAM Ally app’s core messaging system – Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) – was updated for improved reliability and performance. Android smartphone users are strongly encouraged to visit the Google Play Store and update to the latest version of SCRAM Ally for Android to ensure proper delivery of important alerts via push notifications.

TipTip: After updating the SCRAM Ally app, it is important that your Victim users open the app and visit the Homepage. This action will ensure alert notifications function properly.

Access to Location Service and Motion Activity

For accurate, continuous monitoring, SCRAM Ally requires permission to access Location Service and Motion & Fitness Activity. Even when permissions are required by the app to function properly, both Apple and Google recommend making these permissions optional, to give users more control over their data.  

SCRAM Ally requires these permissions to properly monitor Victims and deliver important alerts with regard to Victims’ proximity to their assigned individuals. When Ally does not have these permissions, the following dialogs are displayed:

SCRAM Ally App Requests Access to Location Service
SCRAM Ally Requests Access to Motion & Fitness Activity

If Victim users do not grant permission to either of these services, the following banner warnings are displayed in the SCRAM Ally app:

Warning Banner: Location Service is Disabled
Warning Banner: Motion & Fitness Activity is Disabled

Additionally, when the Location Service is disabled, a critical alert is generated in SCRAMNET GPS. It is important to address this alert as it indicates the Victim is not properly monitored:

SCRAMNET Alert: Location Service Disabled – Victim (click to enlarge)

Continue Reading

Ken Cleaning & Maintenance, SCRAM CAM Device, Tip of the Month

How to Install a SCRAM CAM Battery & Faceplate

Tips Warning: Corrosion of internal components may occur if these instructions are not followed.

Follow these instructions to ensure your battery and faceplate are installed correctly to get the most out of your alcohol monitoring device.

Clean the Battery Compartment

  1. Remove the old faceplate and battery and dispose of them in accordance with local regulations.
    Important! Important: Never reuse a SCRAM CAM battery. Once removed, dispose of it or recycle it in accordance with local regulations and replace it with a new battery.
  2. Open a Battery/Faceplate Kit (P/N 03628 on the SCRAM Equipment Order Form).
    SCRAM Battery/Faceplate Kit (click to enlarge)
  3. Using the wipe provided in the kit, wipe the battery contacts in the device battery compartment, and then dry the contacts with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.
Image of Cleaning Bracelet Battery Contacts
Cleaning Bracelet Battery Contacts (click to enlarge)

Install the Battery

Install Battery Positive (+) Side Down (click to enlarge)
  1. Place the battery in the battery compartment with the positive end of the battery positioned towards the bottom of the bracelet body (it points downward).
  2. Ensure you see a green light when the battery is installed. The green light will turn off after five seconds.
Image of Battery Installed in Bracelet with Green Light On
Battery Installed in Bracelet with Green Light On (click to enlarge)

Install the Faceplate

  1. Lay the replacement faceplate over the battery compartment.
  2. Starting in the upper right corner, press down firmly until you hear/feel a click.
  3. Moving clockwise on the faceplate, press down firmly in each of the remaining corners. Ensure you hear/feel a click in each corner.
  4. It may be necessary to remove the faceplate and reinstall if you do not hear or feel a click in each corner of the faceplate.
Image of Installing Faceplate on Bracelet
Installing Faceplate on Bracelet (click to enlarge)
Tips Warning: Moisture may seep through the faceplate seals and corrode internal components if the faceplate is not thoroughly attached – you must hear/feel four distinct clicks!

Continue Reading

Ken Hardware, Tip of the Month

SCRAM Systems Order Tracking Email Service

Did You Know???

SCRAM Systems now offers emailed copies of your order tracking numbers to allow you to track order delivery timeframes. If you are interested in this service, please send an email to orders@scramsystems.com with the name(s) and email address(es) of the contact(s) within your organization who wish(es) to receive emailed copies of your order tracking numbers.

If you do not wish to receive this information via email, there is nothing you need to do.

Continue Reading

Ken SCRAM TouchPoint, Tip of the Month

SCRAM TouchPoint Mobile App Update Best Practices

SCRAM Systems® provides enhancements and updates to the SCRAM TouchPoint™ Mobile application on a continual basis. These updates improve the functionality and usability of the application for your client. Once an update is available in the Apple App store and the Google Play store, the next step is to have the client update the application on their smartphone.

An app update can be completed in two ways.

  • Automatic application updates (Recommended)
  • Manual application updates

As a best practice, we recommend you encourage your clients to enable automatic app updates – this ensures they are always using the latest version of the TouchPoint app.

Setup Automatic Application Updates

iPhone

  1. On the client’s smartphone, tap the Settings icon.
  2. On the Settings screen, tap the iTunes & App Store option.
  3. Under the Automatic Downloads section, ensure the App Updates option is enabled.
iPhone home screen Settings icon
Tap ‘Settings’
iPhone settings screen
Tap ‘iTunes & App Store’
iPhone Settings screen
Toggle ‘App Updates’ to the “On” Position

Android

  1. On the client’s smartphone, swipe up on the Home screen.
  2. Tap the Play Store icon.
  3. On the Google Play store screen, tap the menu icon in the search field.
  4. Locate and tap the Settings option.
  5. Tap the Auto-update apps option.
  6. In the Auto-update apps window, select the option of,
    • Over any network (Data charges may apply)
    • Over Wi-Fi only
  7. After making the selection, tap Done.
Android app screen Play Store app
Tap the ‘Play Store’ App Icon
Android Google Play screen menu
Select the “Hamburger” Menu
Android Google Play store screen
Tap ‘Settings’
Android Settings screen Auto-Update apps
Select ‘Auto-update apps’
Android Auto Update apps window options
Select the Desired Update Communication Method and Tap ‘Done’

Manual Application Update

iPhone

Once an update to the TouchPoint application is available, the App Store icon will display a red badge.

Instruct the client to:

  1. Tap the App Store icon.
  2. Tap their profile icon.
  3. Under the Available Updates heading, locate the SCRAM TouchPoint app.
  4. Tap the Update button. 

As a best practice, we recommend you encourage your clients to enable automatic app updates – this ensures they are always using the latest version of the TouchPoint app.

iPhone Home screen App Store icon
Tap the ‘App Store’ Icon
iPhone App screen
Select the “My Account” Icon
iPhone App update screen
Locate the SCRAM TouchPoint App in the List and Select ‘UPDATE’

Android

  1. Swipe up on the Home screen and tap the Play Store icon.
  2. On the Google Play store screen, tap the menu icon in the search field.
  3. Tap the My apps & games option.
  4. Under the Updates Available section, locate the SCRAM TouchPoint app and tap the Update button.

As a best practice, we recommend you encourage your clients to enable automatic app updates – this ensures they are always using the latest version of the TouchPoint app.

On the My apps screen, tap the Turn on button to enable automatic app updates.

Android app screen Play Store app
Tap the ‘Play Store’ App Icon
Android Google Play screen menu
Select the “Hamburger” Menu
Android Google Play store screen
Select ‘My apps & games’
Android My apps screen update available
Locate the SCRAM TouchPoint App in the List and Select ‘Update’
Android My apps screen
Tap ‘Turn On’ to Automatically Keep Apps Up-to-Date Over Wi-Fi

Continue Reading

Ken SCRAM GPS Device, SCRAMNET GPS

New SCRAMNET GPS Audible Alarm Feature

At 5:00 AM MDT on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, SCRAM Systems is introducing a new feature in SCRAMNET GPS that will allow Officers, Agents, and Case Managers to send audible alarms to SCRAM GPS devices for longer than the standard 30-second duration.

Information SCRAMNET GPS deployments typically occur on Thursdays at 7:00 AM EST in the US, 10:00 PM AEST in Australia, and the following 12:00 AM EST (Friday) in Canada. Please refer to the official SCRAM Systems email communication associated with this release for more details. During the 15-minute deployment, you may not be able to access SCRAMNET GPS, but messages from the SCRAM GPS device will continue to be processed uninterrupted.

Send the Audible Alarm for Longer Duration

SCRAMNET GPS users may now send the Audible Alarm for durations longer than 30 seconds. This can be useful when the client is in a loud environment, or to help you find a lost bracelet.

The Audible Alarm can be sent from various pages in SCRAMNET GPS. The Audible Alarm now supports the following durations:

  • 30 seconds
  • 5 minutes
  • 10 minutes
  • 15 minutes
  • Continuous
Audible Alarm Duration Dropdown

SCRAMNET GPS will automatically send audible alarms in 30-second intervals followed by a brief pause between alarms, until the client presses the button or until the selected duration has elapsed.

To stop an Audible Alarm that has been set for a long (or continuous) duration, change the duration to 30 seconds.

The Client Events Dialog

The “Audible – Command Sent” message is shown in the Client Events dialog. The message shows the duration selected by the user.

Audible Alarm on Client Events Dialog

If the client presses the button for the Audible Alarm, then an “Audible – Offender pushed button event” is shown in the Client Events dialog. If the client has not pressed the button and the selected duration is reached, then an “Audible – Offender did not push button” event is shown.

Continue Reading

Ken Cleaning & Maintenance, SCRAM CAM Device, Tip of the Month

SCRAM CAM Hygiene Best Practices

October 2024 Tip of the Month

To help decrease the possibility of skin irritation, rashes, or infections developing on your SCRAM CAM clients’ ankles, encourage them to exercise a daily cleansing routine. SCRAM Systems strongly recommends clients follow these steps to wash their ankles under and around the device:

  1. Apply soap to a clean, damp washcloth and wash your ankle by inserting the washcloth between the device and your skin, and then removing it.
  2. Repeat the motion until all areas between the device and your ankle have been washed.
  3. When you are done cleaning your ankle, rinse the area off to remove the soap.
  4. Lastly, use a dry washcloth or towel to thoroughly dry underneath and around the device.
Wash the skin around the ankle with a washcloth, rinse, and dry the area completely
WarningWARNINGS:
  • The device should not be submerged under water – showers are recommended.
  • If your client has a specific health condition or concern, be sure they discuss it with you, their supervising authority, and a medical practitioner.

Continue Reading

Ken Hardware, SCRAM CAM Device, SCRAM GPS Device, SCRAM House Arrest Device, SCRAM Remote Breath Device, Tip of the Month

To RMA or Not to RMA…

…that is the question this Tip of the Month will attempt to answer.

RMA Requests

Generally speaking, the decision to request a Return Merchandise Authorization boils down to device functionality. SCRAM devices are used daily; so normal wear and tear – scratches, scuffs, and even minor dents in plastic casings – is to be expected. As long as the wear on the device does not impede its functional ability to monitor clients, then the device is not eligible for an RMA.

As long as the wear on the device does not impede its functional ability to monitor clients, then the device is not eligible for an RMA.

If, however, a SCRAM device is not operating as expected, please follow the appropriate troubleshooting steps for the device prior to requesting an RMA. You may also contact SCRAM Systems Customer Service for device troubleshooting assistance prior to requesting an RMA. Regardless of how you request an RMA, you will be required to describe how you attempted to troubleshoot the device first.

Requesting an Inspection Report

If you require SCRAM Systems to inspect a returned device and write a report of our findings – because the device’s functionality is in question, or because the report is needed so you may charge a client for billable damage, e.g. – then please be sure to provide the name and mailing address of the individual within your organization who should receive the report when you request it.

Continue Reading

Ken SCRAM GPS Device, SCRAMNET GPS

SCRAMNET GPS Enhancements

At 5:00 AM MDT on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, SCRAM Systems released the following enhancement and new feature to the SCRAMNET GPS monitoring software:

  1. Pursuit Mode Message Delivery Enhancement
  2. Threshold Points Allowed for Exclusion Zones

Pursuit Mode Message Delivery Enhancement

Pursuit Mode in SCRAMNET GPS is often used in critical scenarios where quick access to information can be crucial. For this reason, the status messages displayed to the user while starting and running Pursuit Mode have been updated to provide status messages in a more timely fashion. These messages will be useful if there are delays starting Pursuit Mode.

Example: “Unable to Start Pursuit Mode” Message

Threshold Points Allowed for Exclusion Zones

Users can now allow up to four location points inside an Exclusion Zone before generating a violation. This may be useful to allow a client to briefly pass through an Exclusion Zone without generating a violation.

Enabling GPS Violation Threshold Points in Admin (click to enlarge)

For OnServer Exclusion Zones, set the number of Violation Threshold Points to allow up to four location points inside the zone before generating the violation. The violation will be generated on the subsequent (fifth, e.g.) point.

TipTip: Each time the Violation Threshold Points value is changed, an entry is logged in the SCRAMNET GPS Audit Report.

Continue Reading

Ken SCRAM Remote Breath Device, SCRAMNET

New RB ‘Possible Face Obstruction’ Alert

Effective the afternoon of August 7, 2024, SCRAM Systems will deploy a new automatic face obstruction scanning feature and release a new “Possible Face Obstruction” alert to go with it. This new feature automatically detects irregularities with the RB Pro device’s breath tube in the breath test photo. 

Irregularities that trigger a Possible Face Obstruction alert include, but are not limited to:

  • Anything – like hands, fingers, clothing, the RB Pro case itself, etc. – that blocks the camera’s view of the entire breath tube, from where it leaves the RB Pro device to where it enters the client’s mouth.
  • Irregularities in the color, size, or shape of the breath tube.
  • Attachments connected to the breath tube.
  • Breath tube is missing altogether.

Reviewing a Possible Face Obstruction Alert

Select the Possible Face Obstruction result from the table of breath test results found on the SCRAMNET Workload RB Results page to open it in the Alert Management Console:

Select the ‘Possible Face Obstruction’ Result Hyperlink (click to enlarge)

Review the breath test photo for obstructions to the breath tube. In this example, the client is grasping the breath tube near her mouth and obscuring the view of the breath tube entering her mouth:

Possible Face Obstruction Alert on the Alert Management Console (click to enlarge)

If you are fairly confident that the client did not grasp the breath tube in an effort to obscure a circumvention, then this may simply be a coaching opportunity. Pass this test, but reach out to the client to advise her NOT to grasp the tube while delivering a breath sample going forward.

Perform the following actions:

  1. Select Agent Match from the Image Comparison dropdown menu
  2. Add Notes describing the coaching actions you plan to take with the client
  3. Change the test result Status to Resolved
  4. Save & Exit the Alert Management Console
Resolving the Possible Face Obstruction Alert as Passed (click to enlarge)

The test will fall off the SCRAMNET Workload RB Results page, but you will find it as a “Passed” test result on the individual client’s RB Results page:

Resolved Test Result Shows ‘Passed’ on Client RB Results Page (click to enlarge)

Detailed Help Available

Visit the Possible Face Obstruction Alert article in the Remote Breath section of the SCRAM Systems Help & Support site for a more detailed explanation of this new feature, and for additional alert resolution example scenarios.

Continue Reading

Ken SCRAM 24/7, SCRAM CAM Device, SCRAM GPS Device, SCRAM House Arrest Device, SCRAM Nexus, SCRAM Optix, SCRAM Remote Breath Device, SCRAM TouchPoint, SCRAMNET, SCRAMNET GPS, Tip of the Month

SCRAM Systems Mailing Addresses

SCRAM Systems has moved from its Mineral Avenue address in Littleton, Colorado. When conducting business with us, be sure to use the appropriate address:

RMA Address

When a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is issued for one of your SCRAM Systems devices, please ensure that the return shipping address on the label reads:

SCRAM Systems (AMS)
8100 Southpark Way
Littleton, CO 80120

If your return shipping labels have the old, now-obsolete Mineral Avenue address on them, please discard them and request new labels from your SCRAM Systems Account Manager or Regional Sales Manager.

Payments Address

When making a bill payment to SCRAM Systems for monitoring services, equipment purchases and rentals, or any other reason, please remit payment to the SCRAM Systems bank lockbox:

Alcohol Monitoring Systems, Inc.
PO Box 561097
Denver, CO 80256-1097

Do not remit payments to the now-obsolete Mineral Avenue address or to the Southpark Way address.

Continue Reading