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Syncconsole installation

6 min readUpdated Nov 202625 steps

This page explains how to connect the Sync PC we deliver, or how to set up your own Windows PC as a Syncconsole.

A Syncconsole is a Windows PC that connects your Dockingstations to the internet. It charges and synchronizes your Podcatcher Classic devices: it puts new content on them and sends their usage data to the Platform. It usually stands at or near the hand-out desk.

We deliver a ready-to-use Sync PC. You can also set up your own PC as a Syncconsole, for example as an extra one in the office or at a partner, or when you need to reinstall your PC.

Connect the Sync PC we delivered

Section titled “Connect the Sync PC we delivered”

The Sync PC comes with all the software installed.

  1. Connect the Dockingstations to the PC with the USB cables. With several Dockingstations, connect them to the USB hub and connect the hub to the PC.
  2. Connect the Dockingstations and the PC to the power socket.
  3. Put the Podcatcher Classic devices in the Dockingstations.
  4. Connect the PC to a wired internet connection and switch it on.
  5. Check that all lights on the Dockingstations are green and the lights on the USB hub are blue.
  6. In the Platform, go to Hardware → Sync, open the Syncconsole and click Start Sync. The content is synced to the devices.

As soon as a device’s green light comes on, it is ready and you can test the content.

Set up your own PC as a Syncconsole

Section titled “Set up your own PC as a Syncconsole”

Check first that the PC meets the Syncconsole specifications. You need administrator rights on the PC.

We recommend connecting the Syncconsole to your guest network, so your internal network stays protected. Your system administrator can arrange this.

Step 1 — Install the Podcatcher Sync application

Section titled “Step 1 — Install the Podcatcher Sync application”

The Podcatcher Sync application (version 2.x) is a Windows service that synchronizes Podcatcher Classic devices with the Platform. It runs on Windows 10 or 11 and replaces the legacy Podcatcher Sync program. If the legacy program is installed, the installer replaces it automatically.

  1. Download the installer: GuideID.SyncSetup.msi.
  2. Run it. Depending on your security settings, Windows may show a warning. If Run anyway is visible, click it. Otherwise click More info first, then Run anyway.
  3. Click Next on the welcome screen.
  4. Choose where to install the application. We recommend the default location. All Podcatcher Classic tour content is stored here too, so make sure there is enough free space.
  5. Select Everyone and click Next.
  6. Click Next on the following screens.
  7. If Windows asks for permission to make changes to your device, click Yes or Allow.
  8. When the installation is finished, click Close.

Step 2 — Find the serial number and authentication key

Section titled “Step 2 — Find the serial number and authentication key”

  1. Open a command prompt as administrator (right-click cmd and choose Run as administrator).

  2. Run:

    GuideID.PodcatcherV3Sync.exe -cmd info

  3. The output looks like this:

    Guide-ID Podcatcher Sync Service version: 2.1.0.0
    Sync Console Serial number: scXXXXXXXXXX
    Authentication key: XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX

  4. Write down the serial number and the authentication key. You need both to register the Syncconsole.

Step 3 — Register the Syncconsole in the Platform

Section titled “Step 3 — Register the Syncconsole in the Platform”
  1. Log in to the Platform.
  2. Go to Hardware → Sync.
  3. Click Add new Sync Device.
  4. Choose Sync Console as the Sync Device Type and click Next.
  5. Enter the Sync Console Serial number and the Authentication Key from the previous step, and click Next.
  6. Under Description, enter a recognizable name, for example “Distribution point main desk”.
  7. Click Finish.

The new Syncconsole appears in the list of Sync Devices. Set its daily sync time — a time when all devices should be in the Dockingstations, usually after opening hours — under Settings, see Daily sync time.

Do you hand out devices at several locations? Repeat these steps on each PC that meets the specifications. Every installation has its own serial number.

Troubleshooting the installation

Section titled “Troubleshooting the installation”

The Dockingstations are not recognized. Install the Dockingstation USB driver (FTDI), then restart the PC. Place the Dockingstations close to the PC, connect the power, and wait until the light on the Dockingstation blinks a few times and turns green. Connect the Dockingstation to the PC with the USB cable; Windows should report that new hardware is found and ready to use. Then install the Podcatcher Sync application again.

Still stuck? Contact helpdesk@guide-id.com or call +31 (0)570 572 202.

Proxy server

Section titled “Proxy server”

If your site connects to the internet through a proxy server, contact helpdesk@guide-id.com before you install.

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