Accu-Vote release 1.94x

[Guy Lancaster <glanca@gesn.com>]

  After almost a year, it's time for an update.  AV-OS-PC 1.94x
is a general upgrade which brings a number of new features and fixes. 
The details are in the attached release notes.

  I would rather avoid it but someone will probably want a 1.94f equivalent of this.  If you can, wait for 1.94x to prove itself in the field before requesting the "f" version.  Whatever the case, post your "required-by" date to support and we'll take care of it.

  Testing hasn't been extensive but neither have the changes.  I would recommend though that people hold off upgrading until those that need the new version have run it through its paces.

                Guy
 

Title: Accu-Vote Release 1.94x

RELEASE NOTES
Accu-Vote 2000 - Release 1.94x
Revised February 14, 2000

Purpose

A general upgrade to provide new functionality and some fixes.

Compatibility

The 1.94x release of the Accu-Vote firmware is based on the 1.94w release. The precinct count upload protocol remains compatible with all 1.9 VTS versions. The precinct count download protocol and the memory cards are compatible with previous 1.94 releases.

All Releases

• Add support for duplicating 128K memory cards in a single pass.  This requires an Accu-Vote equiped with 2 - 128K RAM chips as is standard for the visible light units.
• Prevent false "LOW BATTERY" indications on power up.
• Fix the "failed open printer" error when attempting to print more than 6 reports in the diagnostic reader test.
• New timing mark detection signal filtering reduces the number of NOT READ ballots.
• Add support for the internal CPC2400E modem board and for external US Robotics modems.
• Fix motor handling to prevent causing a system crash with the motor running in forward.  This fault was especially apparent in the recirculate mode of the diagnostics reader test.

Precinct Counter (PC) Release

• Add support for withdrawn candidates.  Candidates are downloaded with the name "WITHDRAWN" which is printed on the Accu-Vote reports but are not counted and are uploaded with zero votes.
• Fix handling of precincts with no ballot cards.
• Add support for Puerto Rico "supplemental straight party voting" in which a straight party vote adds votes starting with the first unvoted endorsed candidate until the number to vote for is reached.  Thus the bottom unvoted candidates may not get votes even if their party has been endorsed.

Cambridge Preference (CP) Release

• Reject writein voted ballots with the message "TO BE HAND COUNTED".  This is to allow writein candidates to be allocated before the ballots are scanned.
• Change return message for blank voted ballots to "TO BE HAND COUNTED".
• Fix to support writein candidates on non-preference (proportional voting) races.  Previously writein candidates here would fail on download.

Versions

(AE PC Rel 1.94x) Precinct Counter American English Release 1.94x with checksums A:5EC6 and B:C200 dated 00-2-14.

(AE PC Rel 1.94x) Precinct Counter American English Release 1.94x on a 128K ROM with checksum F08E dated 00-2-14.

(AE CP Rel 1.94x) Cambridge Preference American English Release 1.94x with checksums A:CC7E and B:980C dated 99-9-28.

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