A blind rate determination system generates syndromes for a received symbol stream and, based on the syndromes, calculates a confidence metric associated with possible data rates. Slots into which contact lugs connected to the coupling loops extend, are formed in the base element. The structure covers a portion, but not all, of the video screen. The locking means includes a locking ring on the exterior of the needle and a short, generally cylindrical, rigid insert disposed tightly within the interior of the shielding means. The method has various features including control of uploaddownload of software and data, control of ice cube detection of falling pieces as well as a bin full condition, logging of machine cycle counts, electrical load run times, error codes linked to accumulated run time of the ice machine, of program style and display of error codes and verification of program styles. Communication with an identity may be initiated through a corresponding shared identity object using the communication mechanisms.