1. The Memory Medallion
2. Reading A Memory Medallion
3. Using A Laptop to Read Memory Medallions
4. Using An iPaq to Read Memory Medallions
5. Preparing A Story
Should I use a particular word processor to prepare the text?
Can I change the text if I make an error or add to the text if I have an update?
6. Web Site Hyperlink
7. Technology
8. Obsolete Technology
The Memory Medallion
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The Memory Medallion is a digital memory device encased in stainless steel. It is accessed with an electronic wand that is attached to a laptop computer or a hand-held PDA device. A photo and a story of up to 600 words are stored on the Memory Medallion and can be downloaded by visitors. The Memory Medallion is permanently affixed directly to a memorial.
How does the Memory Medallion work?
The wand, when touched to the Memory Medallion, reads and transmits the information on the memory device to the laptop computer or PDA where it can then be viewed.
Can the information from the Memory Medallion be stored on the computer or PDA?
Yes, the Memory Medallion program automatically saves the life story to the computer or PDA by creating a folder called MEMORIES. This folder will have the picture and text information of each Memory Medallion the person has touched. This information can be used like any other computer information, so it may be printed, emailed or incorporated into other data bases such as genealogy files.
Does the Memory Medallion have to go on a memorial?
The Memory Medallion can be placed in almost any location the family would like it placed. This includes monuments, markers, civic memorials, columbariums, mausoleums (private or public), among others. New products are also being created to employ innovative ways to use the Memory Medallion. Special arrangements and placements may require additional mounting fees.
Will the Memory Medallion harm or stain the memorial?
The Memory Medallion is encased in high-grade stainless steel which will not harm or stain the stone or bronze.
Reading A Memory Medallion
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What do I need to read a Memory Medallion?
What kind of computer do I need?
If you are using a Laptop:
· Must run on Windows 98 or newer
· Must have a USB or 9-pin serial port
If you are using a Handheld:
· Must run on Windows CE
· We recommend using the Compaq/HP iPaq Handheld Computer for easy connectivity to the Memory Medallion Touch-Wand and reliable performance. If you own another variety of Handheld Computer contact Memory Medallion, Inc. for assistance in obtaining the appropriate adapter for your computer.
The Memory Medallion Touch-Wand can be purchased from any Memory Medallion retailer or online from www.memorymedallion.com.
Where do I get the Memory Medallion software?
The software is available as a free download from our website www.memorymedallion.com. Just choose the Laptop or Handheld version and begin the download.
Using A Laptop to Read Memory Medallions
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How do I load the Memory Medallion software onto my laptop?
You can download the latest version of the Memory Medallion PC/Laptop software by visiting our web site at www.memorymedallion.com. Plug the touch-wand into a USB port on your laptop and run the downloaded software following the installation instructions.
How do I read a Memory Medallion with my laptop?
Plug the touch-wand into a USB port on your laptop and open the Memory Medallion software. Hold the touch-wand to a Memory Medallion until the picture and story display. Once you see the picture and story you can remove the touch-wand from the Memory Medallion – the story will be saved to your computer. You can view the software in “Full Screen” mode by clicking on the Restore box in the upper right corner. Choose “File” on the toolbar and select “Open” from the menu to review previously read Memory Medallions.
How do I view Memory Medallion hyperlinks on my laptop?
Open the Memory Medallion story you are interested in so that you see the photo and story in the Memory Medallion software screen. Choose “Online” on the toolbar and select “This Medallion’s Website” to see the hyperlink.
Using An iPaq to Read Memory Medallions
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How often do I need to charge the iPaq?
The iPaq should be kept on the charger whenever it is not in use. The iPaq cannot be overcharged. If an iPaq battery is allowed to go completely dead it will lose the Memory Medallion software and any other information you have added. Reloading the software is not difficult, but is inconvenient so we recommend always returning the iPaq to the charger after use.
How do I load/reload the Memory Medallion software?
The first step to loading the Memory Medallion software is to sync your iPaq up with your desktop/laptop. If Microsoft Active Sync is not already installed on your computer you can obtain it via a free download from www.microsoft.com.
Once your iPaq is synced you can load the Memory Medallion software via CD-Rom or a free download from www.memorymedallion.com. Run the Windows CE version and follow the instructions provided.
How do I transfer the Memory Medallion stories from my iPaq to my desktop/laptop?
You will need to sync your iPaq to your desktop/laptop. If Microsoft Active Sync is not already installed on your computer you can obtain it via a free download from www.microsoft.com.
When the Active Sync window appears and your iPaq is connected, click on the “Explore” button of the toolbar. Once the Explore window is open you should see a folder called “Memories”. You will need to drag or copy and paste the Memories folder to an appropriate location on your desktop/laptop. When you do this the files will convert for use on your PC and can now be viewed, printed and emailed.
Preparing A Story
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What goes onto the Memory Medallion?
The Memory Medallion can hold one photograph and 600 words of text.
The best photograph to use is a close, clear image of a single person.
Will my photograph be returned?
No, photos cannot be returned. We recommend that photos, as well as stories, be submitted to Memory Medallion by email so that your original photographs never have to leave your possession. If email is not a possibility and you need to submit a photo via mail consider visiting your local copy or photo shop and asking them to scan the photo and create a high quality reproduction to submit to Memory Medallion.
Can I scan a photograph instead of turning in the original?
Yes, you can scan the photograph and provide it to Memory Medallion via email or CD-Rom. For best results, be sure that your scanner is set to a high-resolution scan such as 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) or better. Due to different levels of printer quality we recommend that you do not submit only a computer printout of a scanned photograph; these printed images may not look as clear or true to the original photograph once they are rescanned for use on the Memory Medallion.
Each story can be up to 600 words. The story can be as simple as an obituary, or as personal as tributes and memories written by family members. What you write is entirely up to you. We can provide you sample stories and writing tips/ideas if you are interested.
If I have a problem writing the text, what should I do?
If you have any difficulty deciding what to say, you might try focusing on a family member who did not have the opportunity to know this loved one, and consider what you would want that relative to know about the person you are remembering. Narrowing your audience in this way helps bring the most important pieces of the life story into focus. If you are still having trouble, visit www.memorymedallion.com.
Should I use a particular word processor to prepare the text?
You can type the story in your favorite word processor and then copy and paste the text to an email, Notepad or Word document when you are ready to submit the story to Memory Medallion.
Does it matter what font and style I use for typing?
Any font and type size that will transfer clearly is fine. The font will be transferred to traditional single-spaced, 12 point Times New Roman when the Memory Medallion is created. You can use bold, underline and italics in your text in additional to normal style type face; these text features will transfer to the Memory Medallion.
What happens if I go over 600 words of text?
If your story exceeds the maximum capacity of the Memory Medallion you will be asked to revise. For the quickest and simplest processing of your order, the story should be 600 words or less.
Can I change the text if I make an error or add to the text if I have an update?
Like the tombstone once carved, the Memory Medallion is permanent once it has been created. The text and photo cannot be changed. Changes can only be made by purchasing and creating a new Memory Medallion. We recommend using the web site hyperlink option of the Memory Medallion to post changes and updates to the story.
Web Site Hyperlink
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What is the Memory Medallion hyperlink option?
Every Memory Medallion has its own unique 16-digit serial number. This serial number is used by our software to connect the Memory Medallion to a particular web site. The web site can be one that already exists or one that a family creates. A customer simply needs to provide Memory Medallion with the web site address and the Memory Medallion serial number so that we can create the link.
How do I get the Memory Medallion serial number?
The Memory Medallion software will conveniently display the Memory Medallion serial number. Be sure you have the Memory Medallion whose serial number you need open on your computer screen and then click on View (on the PC/Laptop software) or Tools (on the Handheld software) to see the menu option that will display the serial number.
Can the hyperlink be added or updated after the Memory Medallion is installed?
Yes, the hyperlink can be added or updated at anytime by providing the web site address and the Memory Medallion serial number to us so that we can create or revise the link.
What should I put onto the web site I create?
What you choose to include on a web site is entirely up to you. Web sites today offer endless possibilities. Common ideas include family trees, audio and video clips, additional photographs and stories, and guest books where visitors can leave their own tributes.
You do not necessarily have to create a new web site in order to find one that provides a meaningful connection to the loved one featured on a Memory Medallion. Consider the story that of the person you are creating the hyperlink for. Military service, educational institutions, employment locations or hobbies, favorite sports teams, etc., all have web sites that are kept up to date and interesting. Any of these web sites could provide an informative and significant addition to the story on the Memory Medallion.
What happens if I do not add a hyperlink?
If no hyperlink is supplied for a Memory Medallion then that Medallion will be automatically linked to www.memorymedallion.com.
How do I connect to the hyperlink?
After you read a Memory Medallion into your handheld or laptop computer you can use the Web icon on our software to connect from the Memory Medallion to its hyperlink. If you are not internet connected when you read the Memory Medallion you can reopen the software and the story you want to view once you are internet connected. You must have the Memory Medallion story open on your screen before you can click on the Web icon to view the hyperlink.
Technology
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The Memory Medallion is perfectly safe. It does not maintain any electrical current or battery charge for it to be able to function; therefore it emits no signals or electric fields of any kind.
What happens if I need my Memory Medallion replaced?
The Memory Medallion is warranted in perpetuity. If a replacement is required, it is free for the first 10 years after purchase. If after 10 years a replacement is necessary, a modest shipping fee will be incurred.
What should I do if the Memory Medallion fails to work?
It is highly unlikely that the Memory Medallion should fail to work, but in the event that it does, contact Memory Medallion, Inc. at www.memorymedallion.com.
Obsolete Technology
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What happens if technology changes?
Memory Medallions were designed with the intention of creating a long lasting memorial as enduring as the tombstones they are placed upon. The Memory Medallion uses basic digital configurations that can be adapted to evolve right along with other technological advancements. The Memory Medallion software is open source and readily available, and is even being registered with the Library of Congress to be obtainable at the most universal level. There are never complete guarantees in the technology world, but Memory Medallion, Inc. is doing everything possible to keep our units accessible and user-friendly well into the future.