Archos 100 User Manual
Full User Manual
ARCHOS Gmini™ 100 series
MP3 & WMA Player / USB 2.0 Hard Disk
Please see our web site for the most recent manual and software updates for your Gmini™100.
Full User Manual Version 1.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Gmini™100 overview ....................................................................................................... 4
1.1 The Gmini™100............................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Software plug-ins and accessories ................................................................................... 4
1.2.1 FM Remote Control..........................................................................................4
1.2.2 MadWaves™ Plug-in........................................................................................4
1.2.3 Audio Recording Plug-in...................................................................................4
1.2.4 Photo Wallet Plug-in.........................................................................................5
2 Ports, Buttons, and Connections...................................................................................... 6
3 First Time Usage............................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Plugging in the AC Adapter.............................................................................................8
3.2 Turning on the Gmini ....................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Changing the user interface language .............................................................................. 9
3.4 Shutting off the Gmini and Battery saving features ........................................................ 9
3.5 Caring for the Gmini ........................................................................................................ 9
4 User interface overview...................................................................................................10
4.1 Main Menu .......................................................................................................................10
4.2 Familiarizing yourself with the interface ......................................................................... 10
4.2.1 Main menu .......................................................................................................10
4.2.2 Browser............................................................................................................10
4.2.3 Settings screen ................................................................................................11
4.2.4 Contextual Menus ............................................................................................11
4.2.5 Message boxes................................................................................................11
4.2.6 Using the Virtual Keyboard...............................................................................12
4.2.7 Locking the Gmini keyboard.............................................................................13
5 Using the Gmini 100 ........................................................................................................14
5.1 Playing music ...................................................................................................................14
5.1.1 Selecting a song...............................................................................................14
5.1.2 Playing a song..................................................................................................15
5.1.3 Using playlists ..................................................................................................16
5.1.4 What’s an .m3u file?.........................................................................................18
5.2 Changing the Gmini Settings ........................................................................................... 20
5.2.1 Changing the Sound Settings...........................................................................20
5.2.2 Changing the PlayMode Settings .....................................................................21
5.2.3 Setting the Clock..............................................................................................22
5.2.4 Changing the Power Settings...........................................................................23
5.2.5 Changing the Recording Settings* ................................................................... 24
5.2.6 Changing the System Settings.........................................................................25
5.3 Using the Browser ............................................................................................................ 26
5.3.1 Inside the MUSIC Folder..................................................................................26
5.3.2 Navigating the Directory Structure....................................................................26
5.3.3 File and Folder Operations in Browser Mode ...................................................27
5.4 Recording MP3 Music* ................................................................................................... 29
5.4.1 Microphone Recording .....................................................................................30
5.4.2 Line-In Recording.............................................................................................30
5.4.3 SPDIF Input......................................................................................................31
5.5 Using the photo wallet...................................................................................................... 31
5.5.1 Using the photo browser ..................................................................................31
5.5.2 Copying Files from a CompactFlash™ Card*...................................................31
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Connecting the Gmini to your Computer ......................................................................33
6.1 Making the USB Connection ........................................................................................... 33
6.1.1 Windows Me/NT/2000/XP ................................................................................33
6.1.2 Windows® 98SE ...............................................................................................34
6.2 Using the Gmini as an external drive ............................................................................... 35
6.3 Disconnecting the Gmini from your Computer ............................................................... 36
6.3.1 Windows®.........................................................................................................36
6.3.2 Macintosh®......................................................................................................37
7 Using MusicMatch™.......................................................................................................38
7.1 Installing Music Match™ ............................................................................................... 38
7.2 Creating MP3 files from your Audio CDs .......................................................................39
7.3 Getting purchased MP3 files to your Gmini ....................................................................40
7.4 Transferring MP3 files from your computer to your Gmini............................................ 40
8 Using iTunes® 4 with your Gmini ...................................................................................43
9 Updating your Gmini Operating System (OS) software...............................................44
9.1.1 Downloading the GMINI100.AOS file ...............................................................44
9.1.2 Read the History Text File................................................................................44
9.1.3 Copy to Gmini Root Directory...........................................................................44
10 Troubleshooting ...............................................................................................................45
10.1 USB Connection issues .................................................................................................... 45
10.2 File issues, corrupted data, formatting, and partitioning ................................................. 47
10.2.1 Windows®98SE & ME Running Scan-Disk (Error Checking) ............................48
10.2.2 Windows®XP & 2000 Running Check Disk Utility (ChkDsk) .............................49
11 Technical Specifications ..................................................................................................50
12 Technical Support............................................................................................................51
1 Gmini™100 overview
1.1 The Gmini™100
The Gmini 100 series is an MP3 and WMA portable player. You can use in in most enviroments*
such as doing sports, at home, or at work. See section 3.5 on taking care of the Gmini.
*For automobile use, only a passenger should operate the device and not the driver. Laws
governing the usage of electronic devices in automobiles in your jurisdiction may be applicable.
1.2 Software plug-ins and accessories
These optional accessories are available for purchase on the Archos website.
1.2.1 FM Remote Control
The FM Remote control is a wired remote control that will not only give you an easy way to
control what mp3 files you listen to, but also has a built-in stereo FM receiver and built-in
microphone for voice recording. You can also record directly off the radio into mp3 files.
1.2.2 MadWaves™ Plug-in
Madwaves™ is an exciting software package for your Gmini which allows you to create
Generactive music. It is called Generactive music, because it is a mix of Generative music and
your Interaction. Generactive music is completely new music created by mathematical algorithms
following the rules of a music-style framework – Techno, Hip-Hop, etc. At any point you can
interact with the song in progress modifying any element of the song. Record your voice with it
and export the result as a .wav file. An infinite number of music possibilities await your
Generactive touch. Check out the Mad site www.madplayer.com for details.
1.2.3 Audio Recording Plug-in
With this software plug-in you can now record from the microphone or any audio source directly
into mp3 format. If you have a stereo system, you can for example, record all your old audio
cassettes and vinyl records into MP3 format. Use Archos’ incremental recording feature to make a
single mp3 file from each song on your vinyl record. You can record from virtually any line-level
audio source.
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1.2.4 Photo Wallet Plug-in
The Photo Wallet plug-in allows you to download files to your Gmini directly from
CompactFlash™ type I and type II memory cards. Simply lift the rubber cap from the top of the
Gmini and slide the CompactFlash™ card into the slot. The Gmini will open up a double browser
on the screen, and then you are free to copy all your card’s files to the Gmini .
2 Ports, Buttons, and Connections
Button Symbol Description
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
(*) You must purchase the appropriate software plug-in to take advantage of this feature.
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ON : Hold down for a few seconds and the Gmini will start up.
STOP/ESC : Stop playing current file or escape from current screen. Long
press to shut off.
UP : Move up - also, increases playing volume
RIGHT : Move right - also increases recording gain
PLAY/PAUSE/OK : Play current item, pause, play again. Enter value.
LEFT : Move left – also decreases recording gain
DOWN : Move down - also decreases playing volume
MENU : Contextual Menu - When the menu icon appears in top left of
screen, a menu is available.
Built-in Microphone*
Hard drive activity indicator
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3 First Time Usage
Please understand that this device has a CPU, hard drive, and
Operating System (OS) and thus it is more like a computer
than a CD player, cassette player, or radio. If you are not
familiar with using a computer, it would be particularly useful
to read the complete detailed User Manual on the included
CD-ROM.
A Photo Wallet Port* (CompactFlash™ type I & II)
B Mini USB 2.0 port (USB 1.1 compatible)
C Power – To power the unit and charge the internal batteries with the AC adapter.
D Headphone Multi-connect jack – To connect headphones, FM remote control, or adapter plug.
E Multi-connect Adapter Plug – Allows for Line-In and SPDIF-in connections*
(*)You must purchase the appropriate software plug-in to take advantage of this feature.
3.1 Plugging in the AC Adapter
Before using your Gmini 100 for the first time, completely charge the internal batteries.
• Use only the included ARCHOS charger/adapter. Plug the AC adapter into the power
jack to start charging the internal batteries. Charging will start automatically when it is
plugged in.
• The batteries are fully charged when the happy battery face appears.
•
Sad battery: The battery
is empty. It must be
recharged.
Thinking battery: The
battery is being charged.
Happy battery: The
battery is completely
charged and the AC
adapter can by
unplugged.
• After the first initial full charge, you may use the Gmini while the AC adapter is plugged in.
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3.2 Turning on the Gmini
4 User interface overview
• Hold down the ON button until the screen comes on, then let off.
• If the Gmini shows a sad battery icon or if the Gmini displays nothing at all, you will
have to plug in the Archos adapter/charger to make sure the batteries get charged.
3.3 Changing the user interface language
English is selected as the default language for your Gmini user interface. You can choose
another language as explained in chapter 5.2.6.
3.4 Shutting off the Gmini and Battery saving features
• To shut off the unit, press and hold the STOP button for 3 seconds.
• If left idle, the screen’s blue backlight will shut off after 10 seconds in order to save
battery power. The Gmini will shut itself off after 2 minutes if left idle and no music is
playing. You can change these settings under [Setup
ÎÎÎÎ
Power].
3.5 Caring for the Gmini
The Gmini is an electronic product that needs to be treated with care.
• Do not subject it to shock. You may however go jogging with it or do sports.
• Do not subject it to heat. Keep it ventilated. Be careful that the surface it is on, is a flat
clear surface. Placing the Gmini on a pillow, blanket, carpet, or wrapped up to protect it
will restrict the necessary ventilation that it needs. This increase in operating
temperature may cause damage to the device.
• Keep the Gmini away from water and excessively humid areas.
• Keep the Gmini away from high electromagnetic fields.
• Keep it plugged into the Archos AC adapter/charge when it is connected to your
computer.
4.1 Main Menu
Once the Gmini has been turned on, the following screen is
displayed. This is the main menu screen from which you can select
the main functions.
• Music: Browse through your music files or use the ARCLibrary music selection system.
• Browser: Browse through and manage all the files on your Gmini .
• Photo*: View information about your downloaded photos.
• Recorder*: Record from any music source (Stereo, portable players, etc.) or from the
built-in microphone.
• MadPlay*: Create your own music with the Madwaves™ music creation software.
• Setup: Set the paramaters of your Gmini to your personal taste.
(*)You must purchase the appropriate software plug-in to take advantage of this feature.
4.2 Familiarizing yourself with the interface
4.2.1 Main menu
Each icon corresponds to a mode. Use the LEFT, RIGHT, UP and
DOWN buttons to navigate from one icon to another. Press OK to
select the icon and start the action. Press Esc to exit.
4.2.2 Browser
Use the UP and DOWN keys to highlight the item of your choice. If
you keep pressing UP or DOWN, the list will scroll for you to see the
other items. The vertical black indicator on the right shows your
reletive position in the entire list.
Press OK to start the action corresponding to the highlighted item.
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4.2.3 Settings screen
4.2.6 Using the Virtual Keyboard
Selectable items
Use the LEFT and RIGHT keys to change the parameter value.
The new value is immediately taken into account so there is no
need to press OK. Click on ESC when done.
Check boxes
Each checkbox corresponds to a different parameter value but
only one parameter can be selected at a time. Use the UP and
DOWN keys to highlight an item and then press OK to validate
it.
Actions
In the settings screens you sometimes need to perform some
actions. Actions are shown enclosed with [ ]. Press OK to start
the action.
4.2.4 Contextual Menus
and then press OK to validate it.
4.2.5 Message boxes
cancel). If there is more than one button use the left and right keys to highlight the button you
want. In all cases press OK to validate your choice which will then exit the message box.
When the
press the MENU key to display a popup menu with actions related to
the current mode. Pressing MENU again or Esc closes it.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to highlight the action you want to start
From time to time a message box is displayed on the screen. This
may be a warning or an error message, or a question to confirm an
action.
Message boxes may have up to 3 buttons (for instance yes, no and
is present on the top-left corner of the screen you can
It is recommended that you create folders and rename files or folders from your computer when it
is connected to the Gmini . The computer keyboard is easier to use. Often times, however, you are
not near your computer and you would like to enter the text directly with the Gmini . For this, you
will use the virtual keyboard. You will be taken to this screen when you rename a file or folder or
when you name a recording.
Contextual Menu
Current text being typed
Backspace (destructive)
Space character
The contextual menu will give the following options:
Enter: Validate the current text entry. This is like the Enter key on a keyboard.
Delete: deletes the last character entered (like the backspace).
Clear all: Clears the text entry line.
Shift: toggles between uppercase and lowercase keyboards.
Tip : use the ESC key to cancel any changes you made and exit the virtual keyboard.
You will use the LEFT, RIGHT, UP, and DOWN buttons to
move around the keyboard. Click on OK to enter the
character that is highlighted. Once satisfied with your text
entry, click on the MENU button and select Enter.
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4.2.7 Locking the Gmini keyboard
5 Using the Gmini 100
You can prevent the Gmini from executing unintended functions by locking the buttons. This lock
feature locks the keys from any accidental pressing or bumping.
To lock the keyboard, hold down on the MENU key until the “lock”
icon appears in the top-left corner of the screen. Now all keys except
the MENU key are disabled. To unlock the keyboard hold down
again the Menu key until the “lock” icon dispappears.
5.1 Playing music
First, select the Music Icon and press OK.
5.1.1 Selecting a song
There are two ways to access your music. You can either access your songs by browsing through
the folders, where you keep your music files, or you can choose from Artist, Album, Genre, or
Song.
Browsing through the folders
In order to browse through the folders scroll down until “Browse
hard drive” is highlighted and press OK. You will be sent directly to
the Music folder of your Gmini . This is a filtered access to browse
the hard disk. Here you can look at all your music files and the
folders on your Gmini’s hard drive as if you were browsing files with a computer. You will only
see audio files types that are playable on the Gmini. To select a file you can use the UP and
DOWN keys to move upwards or downwards and OK to enter a
highlighted subfolder. See chapter 5.3 for more information about
using the Browser.
Using the ARCLibrary System
You can search your music by artist, album, song name, genre. Use
the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll to your selection and then click on
OK. Once one of these is chosen, you will see an alphabetical list.
You can now choose the Album, Artist, or song Title (depending
which search type you started) that you desire.
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5.1.2 Playing a song
When you get to your desired song, click on OK. If you hear nothing at first, make sure you have
adjusted the volume control on the headphone cord.
Menu available Status: Playing Play Mode: Playlist Play Order Volume Battery level (full)
Artist* or parent folder
Song title* or file name
Album* or current folder
File format and recording
information
Time of Day
Left and Right VU Meters
Song elapsed time Song time remaining Song Length
*If the MP3 file contains these ID3 tag data
Play Status
Stopped
Playing a track
Play Order
(no icon) Play once
Repeat playing
Keyboard control
Key Symbol Action
Up
Increases the volume
Down
Decreases the volume
Left
Play previous song if playing time < 10s, restart current song otherwise
Right
Play next song
OK
Toggles Pause/Play modes
Esc
Stops playing and return to browser or music library
Menu
Displays the playback contextual menu
Playback contextual menu
Current track is paused
Recording a track
Shuffle (Random) track selection
Play Mode
Playlist: Gmini is currently playing from a Playlist
Folder: Play all tracks in the current directory
All: Play all tracks on Gmini
Single: Play a single track then stop
Queue: User can queue the next track to be played †
Scan: Gmini plays first 15 seconds of each track ††
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• Setup: displays the setup screen (same as selecting the Setup icon in the main menu)
• Edit Playlist: enters the playlist editor (see below for how to use playlists).
• Browser: allows to browse through your files while playing.
5.1.3 Using playlists
A Playlist is a list of songs that the Gmini will automatically play one after the other. The Gmini
can handle one Playlist at a time. You can create new Playlists, add or delete songs from a Playlist,
or Save a Playlist as a file (file type .m3u) to be used another time. There is no limit to the number
of Playlists you can save on the Gmini hard drive.
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Creating a new Playlist
To create a Playlist, press the RIGHT button while you are in the
Music browser. A second panel is opened on the right side to display
the playlist contents (shown empty in the picture). You can now start
adding songs to the current Playlist. In the left window, search for the
songs you would like to add to your Playlist. Once the song is highlighted, click on the OK button
to add it to the Playlist. The song will be added to the Playlist and the music icon in front of the
current song is displayed in reverse video to indicate that it is in the
playlist. Continue searching and adding songs in this manner until
you are satisfied. You can jump back and forth anytime between the
two windows by clicking the LEFT/RIGHT buttons. A Playlist can
have a maximum of 1000 songs in it. We recommend that you save your Playlists to the Gmini
hard drive (see below) to be used again later. You can also add all the music files of a complete
folder in one operation by highlighting the desired folder, pressing
MENU to display the contextual menu, and then selecting either
ADD TO PLAYLIST or INSERT TO PLAYLIST.
• Add to playlist: adds all files at the end of the current playlist.
• Insert to playlist : inserts all files in the playlist at the current cursor position.
Loading a Playlist
You can load a previously saved playlist or add the files it contains to the current playlist. Use the
music browser to select the playlist of your choice (playlists are indicated by a special list icon)
and then press OK. If there were already some items in the Gmini
playlist, then the songs of the loaded Playlist will be added to the end
of it. You can then check or modify the playlist as usual in the
playlist edition window.
Playing a Playlist
There are two ways to play a Playlist.
1) Press the RIGHT key to go into the playlist edition window. Then use the UP and DOWN keys
to select which song you want to start with.
2) In the playlist edition window press MENU to display the contextual menu and select START
PLAYLIST. The Gmini starts playing from the first track of the playlist.
Playlist contextual menu description
• Start Playlist: starts playing the first track of the playlist.
• Save Playlist: saves the current playlist on the hard drive so that it can be reloaded later.
• Rename Playlist : changes the name of the current playlist with the virtual keyboard.
• Shuffle Playlist: randomly changes the order of the items in the current playlist .
• Clear Playlist: remove all tracks from the current playlist.
• Move Track: changes the position of the current track within the playlist. The current track is
then displayed with a double arrow icon. Use the UP and
DOWN keys to move the selected track and press OK to
validate the new position.
• Delete Track: removes the highlighted track from the playlist.
Important: Once you save a Playlist it is important that you do not move the actual MP3 files as
the Playlist searches in the original file location. If you need to move your MP3 files to a different
folder, you'll have to recreate your Playlists.
5.1.4 What’s an .m3u file?
You can open a Playlist file
(Playlistname.m3u) on your
computer with a text editor such as
Notepad or SimpleText
(Macintosh®), and you will see
Example of the contents of the .m3u Playlist file ‘Jazz Music’
that it is merely a list of files to be
played along with the hard disk
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