Prepare to Connect a Field Device

Transfer and synchronize data between field devices and your computer using one of two methods: Direct connection via the Device pane, or Office Synchronizer via the data synchronization area.


Options
Device pane	Use this and a direct connection to update files directly on the field device and to import data directly from the field device.
Office Synchronizer and the data synchronization area	Use these to manually or automatically synchronize data between a field device and your computer. Using the data synchronization area allows you to prepare field data and create export files without physical connection to the field device. The upload process is a separate automated step.

To prepare for using a direct connection:

If necessary, install Microsoft^® ActiveSync^® software. If this wasn't done during installation, then do so now. (Enter ActiveSync as a search topic on the http://www.microsoft.com/downloads site.)
Note: For Microsoft Vista users, ActiveSync technology is not required. The communication functionality needed is included with Vista.
Start this software.
Connect the field device to the computer using a USB connection or a serial connection.
If the device asks if you want to be connected, click Yes. The Device pane appears, listing the files on the field device.
Note: When a field device is in direct connection mode, the Office Copy mode is not available.

To prepare for data synchronization:

If necessary, install Microsoft^® ActiveSync^® software. If this wasn't done during installation, then do so now. (Enter ActiveSync as a search topic on the http://www.microsoft.com/downloads site.)
If necessary, install Office Synchronizer. If this wasn't done during installation, then install it from this software's installation CD.
Run Office Synchronizer, and select Tools > Synchronizer Options. Verify the following options:
- Sync options tab > Sync Mode = Manually
- Display tab > Check Set ActiveSync to work in "Guest Only" mode
Connect the field device to the computer using a USB connection or a serial connection. When you connect a device for the first time, enter the following data:
- Device name - a unique name to be associated with the device
- Field crew information (optional)
- System root folder location - a folder (more commonly-known as the data synchronization area) on the computer or network location accessible to the computer. This folder will store the synchronized data. This data is stored on the field device.