Reply #22: Older DRe designs like the Sequoia Advantage use push buttons

[FogerRox]

-----------The Sequoia Advantage DRE uses an interesting blend or technology. Its Central processor is the famed Zilog Z-80 chip, that was introduced around 1975. Originally a (IIRC)2 mghz 64k processor, later versions were upgraded to -IIRC- 6 or 8 mghz. Remember the Commodore 64k computer? Now Jump 10 years to 1985, when the Advantage was designed based on the Z-80 chip.

It is my understanding the the Z-80 chip cant handle a regular operating system like Windows, Firmware must be installed. This is maybe the one good thing about using the Z-80 chip. Anyway- The Advantage DRE uses a large printed paper ballot face, with a sheet of clear plastic over the paper. Underneath these layers are pushbuttons. SO the Advantage uses an older chip and even older technology-- the pushbutton.

What happens is the top row of buttons gets the most use, so the top row needs to be replaced more often. Lacking dilegent maintainance, a failed push button would just not register a vote, and to my knowledge, there is no warning system in the user interface to tell the voter this has happened.

Now this is how, when voting on the Advantage DRE, you can ask for a reboot--- LOL.

Start using the write in ballot feature, its a hand held 12 inch or so keypad w/diplay, attached to a cable/tether. If you make a mistake, and you dont know how to change the entry on the write in ballot device. The only way to change your selection, is for a poll worker to shut the Advantage down-- reboot it.

Oh yeah the Unilect DRE is very similar, pushbuttons too.