Assistive Technology MiniMerc User Manual

MiniMerc



User’s Guide

Assistive Technology, Inc.

Assistive Technology, Inc. has made every effort to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate; it is not responsible for printing errors. The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Assistive Technology, Inc. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the written permission of Assistive Technology, Inc. Your rights to the software are governed by the accompanying software license agreement.

MiniMerc and the Assistive Technology, Inc. logo are trademarks of Assistive Technology, Inc. Microsoft, Microsoft Internet Explorer logo, Windows, Windows logo, Windows Start logo, and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Quicktime is a trademark used under license. Boardmaker and Speaking Dynamically Pro are registered trademarks of Mayer-Johnson LLC. Discover is a registered trademark of Madentec Limited. All other trademarks are owned by their respective companies.

Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Assistive Technology, Inc. assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products.

Address all correspondence to: Assistive Technology, Inc. 333 Elm Street Dedham, MA 02026 Telephone: 781.461.8200 Toll-free: 800.793.9227 Fax: 781.461.8213 Web: www.assistivetech.com E-mail: customercare@assistivetech.com

How do I get started with MiniMerc?

Use the information in this book to set up your MiniMerc and use it most effectively.

Getting Started:

2 Features and setup

6 Learning the basics 11 Mercury Control Panel 16 T urning off and restarting MiniMerc 17 Using the CD-ROM drive 19 Software overview 20 MiniMerc’ s remote control features 24 Connecting to the Internet 26 Handy Tools for Speaking

Dynamically Pro and Boardmaker

MiniMerc Access Features:

27 Choosing an input device 28 Windows® On-Screen Keyboard 30 Calibrating the touchscreen 32 Switches 34 Wheelchair/Joystick switch input 36 Connecting peripherals 37 Windows Control Panel 38 Setting up a MiniMerc desktop for easy access

General Information:

40 MiniMerc power options and battery 42 T r oubleshooting 44 Maintenance and safety guidelines 47 Tec hnical information

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What built-in features does MiniMerc have?

Power Button

Turn MiniMerc on or reset it.

Touchscreen

Headphone/Preview Jack

Plug in headphones here.

USB Ports 1 and 2

Plug in peripherals like your mouse, keyboard, or external drives here.

AC Power Adapter/Battery Charger Port

Plug in your AC Power Adapter here.

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Status LED

Blinks when MiniMerc is charging or in Stand By mode.

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Wheelchair/Joystick port

For joystick input from a multi-switch or wheelchair ECU. Requires a MiniMerc wheelchair cable. See page 34 for more information.

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Switch 1-2 Jack & Remote Power On

Plug in a single-switch, dual-switch, or a splitter here.

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What other features does MiniMerc have?

Built-in Microphone

Record sounds and speech.

Pre-programmed universal infrared and X-10

Use the MiniMercs universal infrared as a remote control for your television, VCR, DVD player and cable or satellite receiver. Use its X-10 Infrared Commands to turn on and off lights and appliances (see page 21).

Stereo Speakers

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Adjustable Strap

Use adjustable strap, or remove strap, connect, and use as short handle.

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Removable Battery

CardBus Slot

For networking or wireless accessories.

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Press the Power Button on the side of MiniMerc to turn it on.

How do I set up and turn on MiniMerc?

Plug the AC P o wer Adapter into the A C Power Adapter/Battery Charger Port on the bottom left side of MiniMerc.

Attach the power cord to the AC Power Adapter, then plug the power cord into a wall socket or power strip.

The Status LED will blink when the AC Power Adapter is connected.

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Power Button

Be sure that nothing is touching the screen while the MiniMerc is starting up.

How do I use a keyboard and mouse?

The keyboard and mouse each plug into a USB port on the left side of the MiniMerc. You can safely plug and unplug these peripherals while MiniMerc is on. They are handy to use when installing new software, editing communication boards, or using the Internet.

An on-screen keyboard is also available. Refer to page 28 for more information.

After you click on the Start button, the Start menu will appear.

How do I get started?

When you turn on your MiniMerc, the Mercury Control Panel will load and will always be available on the Taskbar (see below).

From the Control Panel you can launch software applications; adjust the MiniMerc speaker and headphone volume, brightness of the display, the touchscreen and switch inputs; and put your MiniMerc in Stand By mode or shut it down.

For details about the Mercury Control Panel, see page 11.

After you turn on the MiniMerc, you will see the Windows® Taskbar at the bottom of your desktop. You can access all of your programs, files and settings from the Start menu on the Taskbar.

Click on All Programs to start other programs not listed above, on the Start menu.

Click on shortcut buttons to start Microsoft

Outlook Express or Microsoft® Internet Explorer and frequently used applications.

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The name of the Control Panel button on the Taskbar changes to Battery ____% (the percentage of battery power currently available) when the battery is installed.

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Taskbar

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Where can I learn about basic Windows® skills?

If you need help with basic Windows concepts, such as clicking and using files and folders, choose the Tour Windows XP shortcut button from the Start menu (you can also get to this tutorial by choosing All Programs, then Accessories). After the introduction, click on the Windows XP Basics button and follow the instructions.

Where do I go to learn more?

Choose Help and Support from the Start menu. The Help and Support Center window appears, with a variety of tools to help you solve a problem or learn more about a Windows feature. Choose a topic from the Pick a Help topic column, or type key words in the Search box. Click on any of the topics that appear. If you didn’t find the information you needed, enter different key words.

For information on a specific Windows program while that program is active, press the F1 key or click on the Help menu at the top of the window. Select Help Topics.

Another way to request help is to right-click the mouse on a window to bring up a What’s This? button. Click on the What’s This? button for hints on using a particular Windows feature.

How do I find something on the MiniMerc hard drive?

Select

My Computer

on the

Start

menu.

Double-click on a folder to view its contents.

Alternatively, click My Documents on the Start menu. Click the Search button at the top of the window that appears. Make a selection from the left pane to begin your search.

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How do I switch between programs that are open?

Speaking Dynamically Pro and Windows Media Player are the open programs in this example. To switch to a different program, click anywhere on the window of that program.

The Taskbar lists all programs that are currently running. If a program is running but its window is minimized or covered by other windows, click on its button on the Taskbar to switch to it.

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Click the Setup button to adjust settings for the touchscreen, Speed Buttons, switches, remote control, and power (see following pages).

What is the Mercury Control Panel?

The Mercury Control Panel provides access to a variety of MiniMerc features and controls.

Click the More Info button to

access information about the MiniMercs power supply.

continued on the next page

Click the Speed Buttons to run your speech, on-screen keyboard, and remote control programs. You can edit these buttons and add buttons to customize your MiniMerc.

Use these controls to adjust the MiniMerc speaker and headphone volume and brightness of the display.

Use these buttons to Shut Down the MiniMerc or put it in Stand By mode.

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Use the Minimize button to shrink the Mercury Control Panel so that it appears as a button on the Taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

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Shows time remaining if charging, or time left on battery, if unplugged.

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Turn headphone preview on or off (see page 37).

Click to calibrate the touchscreen (see page 30).

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Use this check box to restrict access to Setup options by requiring a keyboard to type <Alt-S>.

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If you click the Setup button on the Mercury Control Panel, you will see the Main Setup screen.

Use this check box to restrict access to Setup options by requiring a password (entered at the right).

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Click on the tabs below to switch to different setup screens.

Type the same password in both boxes, then click Set Password. This password will be required to enter this Setup screen. Be sure to keep a record of your password in a safe place.

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Click OK to keep these settings and exit Setup.

Click Cancel to exit Setup without keeping changes.

Click Apply to keep these settings and continue in Setup.

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For Speed Buttons, see p. 13. For Switches, see p. 32. For Remote Control, see p. 20. For Power, see p. 40.

This Setup screen allows you to add or remove Speed Buttons to customize your MiniMerc. You can have up to 6 Speed Buttons in a group, and any of the buttons can link to other groups, giving you an unlimited number of possible Speed Buttons.

Click the Setup button on the main screen of the Mercury Control Panel, then the Speed Buttons tab.

To ad d a ne w button to the Home group, click the Edit button next to the first empty button.

In the Button Editor, you can create the button’s appearance and choose whether the button will launch a program or link to another button group. The screen below shows ho w to set up a Speed Button that launches the Wordpad accessory.

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Enter the name you want displayed on the Speed Button.

Choose an icon for the Speed Button: no icon, the icon associated with this program, or any custom icon (.ico) file.

Browse to locate the program to launch from this Speed Button.

You can hide or show any Speed Button.

How can I customize the Speed Buttons in the Control Panel?

Be sure to save your changes.

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continued on the next page

Click the Add button to create a new group. In this example, the group is named Games.

Add a Speed Button to the Home group that will link to Games. To do this, click the

Edit

button.

You can create a Speed Button that links to another group of Speed Buttons. Below is an example of a Speed Button group of games.

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In the Button Editor, type the name Games and choose an icon for the button, if desired.

Under Navigate, select Games as the Speed Button Set that this button will switch to.

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Use this button to make the selected group (above) be the Home group, which will appear on the main screen of the Mercury Control Panel whenever you turn on your MiniMerc.

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Click the new Games group, then add buttons for your Games using the same method described in the Wordpad example on page 13.

Click OK and save the changes to your Games and Home button groups.

Try out your new Speed Buttons.

Click the Wordpad button to launch Wor dpad.

When you click the Games button, the new Speed Buttons for Games will appear.

Click the Back button to go to the previous button group.

Click the Home button to return to the Home group.

In this example, both buttons will return you to the Home group.

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n Use the

Shut Down

button on the Mercury Control Panel to

turn off your MiniMerc. Use the

Stand By

button to put it

into Stand By mode.

n Use Stand By mode when you leave MiniMerc for a short

time. MiniMerc uses very little power in Stand By mode, so you increase the amount of time you can operate MiniMerc on its battery. In Stand By mode, the MiniMerc screen will go blank, and the status LED will blink green.

n T o wake MiniMerc, press the Power button or a switch

plugged into the Switch 1-2 jack. The desktop will look as it did before it went into Stand By mode.

n Use Shut Down when you plan to leave the MiniMerc for longer periods of time, or you can enable

Hibernate in the Power Setup tab (see p. 40). When MiniMerc has been shut down, the screen will be dark, and the status LED will not blink (unless MiniMerc is c harging while A C is connected).

n Y ou can also select

T urn Off Computer

from the Windows

Start

menu,

then choose

Stand By, T urn Off

, or

Restart

n Use Restart to shut down and then immediately restart MiniMerc. Use Restart to get a fresh start

when you are experiencing problems, or after y ou have installed ne w software. Select

T urn off

Computer

from the Windo ws

Start

menu, then choose

Restart

n You can also reset MiniMerc by depressing the Power button for se veral seconds until the

MiniMerc shuts down. Then press the Power button again to start up.

How do I restart MiniMerc?

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How do I turn MiniMerc off?

MiniMerc comes with an external USB CD-R/RW drive and AC adapter. You can use it to run or install software, make backup copies of your important files, or play music CDs.

Plug in the AC adapter and set the switch on the back of the drive to “EXT”. Then connect the drive to MiniMerc by plugging the large end of the cable provided into center of the back of the CD drive and the small end into one of the MiniMerc USB ports.

To open the CD drive, press the eject button on the front. Place a CD on the tray (label-side up) and then align the hole in the disc directly over the round clip in the center of the drive. Press down until you feel the disc snap into place. Close the tray gently until it latches.

To eject the CD, press the eject button on the CD drive door and pull the tray open.

To run or install software from CDs:

To play music CDs:

Insert a music CD into the CD-ROM drive. Windows Media Player will automatically begin playing the music CD.

To play DVDs:

You can play DVDs on the CD drive using the optional Cardbus Cable. For more information or to purchase this cable, please contact ATI Customer Service at 800-793-9227.

To make backup copies of files:

Please follow the directions on page 18.

How do I use the CD-R/RW drive?

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Attach your external keyboard. Many programs will require you to register information or serial numbers during installation.

Most installations will automatically start. Then follow the on-screen instructions.

The installation program may instruct you to restart your computer at the end of the installation process. Often it will restart the computer for you.

To make backup copies of your files and folders to a CD:

You will find it easy and convenient to make backup copies of your data files to a CD using the CD Writing software in Windows XP and blank CD-R or CD-RW discs that you purchase.

Place a blank CD disc in the CD drive. In the dialog box that appears, click OK to open a writable CD folder using Windows Explorer.

Drag the files and folders you wish to copy to the CD from your MiniMerc to the CD drive f older.

After you have selected the files and folder s to cop y, they will appear in the CD drive window . Open the CD Writing Wizard b y clic king on

Write these files to CD

Type a name f or the CD and c lic k

Next.

Follow the

on-screen instructions to write the files to the CD.

If you are using a CD-RW disc, you can add more files to the same CD at a later time, as long as there is enough space on it.

Note: You cannot write files to a blank DVD disc.

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Names of files appear here.

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What software is included with MiniMerc?

MiniMerc comes with a variety of software installed. Some functions of these programs may require mouse and keyboard. You may need additional software for your particular input method to work with them.

Microsoft® Internet Explorer—browser software that gives you access to the World Wide Web. You need to set up an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) before you can go online.

Microsoft

Outlook Express—e-mail software that lets you maintain and access your e-mail account. You need to

set up an account with an ISP before you can send or receive e-mail.

QuickTime

™

—software for viewing pictures and movies and playing synchronized graphics, sound, and music.

Windows Media Player

™

—software for playing music CDs and other media.

Windows Messenger—software for sending instant messages to other users who have signed up for MSN Messenger Service.

Windows On-Screen Keyboard—on-screen version of an external keyboard that lets you enter text and access system functions using the touchscreen, mouse, switch or alternative pointer.

Windows Movie Maker—software for editing movies from video cameras.

Functionally Speaking—a set of Speaking Dynamically

™

Pro theme-based communication boards and two levels of functional language boards developed by Assistive Technology, Inc., located in the My Boards folder under My Documents. A User’s Guide in Portable Document Format (PDF) file is also provided in this folder.

MiniMerc Remote Control boards—a set of six Speaking Dynamically Pro boards located in the SDP Sample Boards folder in the My Boards folder under My Documents. These boards have MiniMerc remote control functions

pre-programmed and are designed to be linked to your own SDP communication boards. For help on linking SDP boards, see the User’s Guide for Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro from Mayer-Johnson LLC.

If you purchased a Communication Software Set, the following software will also be installed:

Boardmaker

™

with Speaking Dynamically™ Pro—a symbol and speech output communication program and

display maker, with over 3000 Picture Communication Symbols.

How do I set up MiniMerc’s remote controls?

Click the

Setup

button in the Mercury Control

Panel (see page 11), then click on the

Remote

Control

tab.

Click the

Add

button to add a room. T ype a name for the room in the small window that opens.

Highlight the room name at the left and click the

Add Device

button.

Before you use the MiniMerc Remote Control for the first time, you will need to set up the remote control codes for the particular television, VCR, cable system, DVD player, or satellite system you have. You can set up multiple rooms, each with different devices.

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In the window that opens, select a device type from the left column, then choose the manufacturer of that device from the second column.

Aim the infrared transmitter (on the top of the MiniMerc) at the device and clic k the

T ry Code

button. The correct code will turn the device on or off. If the first code does not work, press the

Try Next Code

button, testing each code sequentially until you find the one that turns your device on or off.

How do I use MiniMerc’s remote control features?

X-10 allows you to control lights and appliances using MiniMercs infrared emitting capabilities with an X-10 Infrared Command Center and additional equipment (not included). Please contact Assistive Technology, Inc. for more information (800-793-9227).

To use MiniMerc’s remote controls, click the Speed Button for Remote on the Mercury Control Panel (see page 11).

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Click the

Change Room

button

to select the room you are in.

From the choices at the top of the

Remote Control

window , click on the device you want to control.

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Click the buttons on your MiniMerc’ s “virtual” remote to operate the device. The buttons that are available depend on the type of device. For example, the Television b utton set does not include the VCR controls.

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How do I program other applications to use MiniMerc’s remote control?

All the actions for MiniMerc’s remote control buttons, as well as the actions for the Mercury Control Panel buttons for volume, brightness, stand by, hibernate and shutdown, exist as individual files that can be launched from any program capable of launching applications, such as Speaking Dynamically Pro (SDP)*. If you purchased SDP with your MiniMerc, a pre-made set of boards that perform MiniMerc remote control functions is already installed in the SDP Sample Boards folder in the My Boards folder under My Documents.

To create a button action in a Speaking Dynamically Pro board that performs a Mercury Control Panel function:

Open the board you wish to modify in Speaking Dynamically Pro and enter Design mode (press <ctrl-D> or choose Design from the Dynamic Boards menu, if menus are showing).

Double-click the button you want to add the action to.

In the Action Categories column, click the

Cool Stuff

radio button.

In the Action Menu, select

Launch

Application

Choose the command you want the button to launch, then click OK.

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* The files for these actions are located in the folder:

C:\Program Files\AED Control Panel\Control Modules

Entering a two- or three-digit channel number (any channel number above 9) typically requires careful timing in order to be successful. For example, if you want to enter channel 56, and pause for too long between pressing the 5 and pressing the 6, your device may change first to channel 5 and then to channel 6, rather than to channel 56. This may be even more difficult for switch users when scanning from one digit to the next. The process described below makes sending multi-digit channel commands simpler and faster.

How to create a multi-digit channel command:

1. Navigate to the SDP Externals folder. a. Click the Start menu and select “My Computer”. b. Double-click “Local Disk (C:)”. c. Double-click the “Program Files” folder. d. Double-click the “Boardmaker with Speaking

Dynamically Pro” folder.

e. Double-click the “SDP Externals” folder to open

it.

2. Depending on the media device you will be using, click one of the following four files (you may not see the .vbs extension):

n TV_201.vbs n Cable_201.vbs n VCR_201.vbs n Satellite_201.vbs

3. From the Edit menu, select Copy.

4. From the Edit menu, select Paste. (This duplicates the original file, so you can make additional multidigit channel commands.)

5. From the File menu, select Rename. Type the desired channel number in place of ‘201’ in the filename.

For example, to make a command file to change the TV channel to 56, rename the file ‘TV_56’ (or ‘TV_56.vbs’).

Note that the filename should begin with the name of the device you are controlling, followed by an underscore character (_), then the channel number. The filename must end with a .vbs extension. If the file extensions are hidden, you don’t need to add the extension. If the extension was there to begin with, then you should keep it.

6. Repeat steps 2 through 5 for each multi-digit channel you would like to access.

If you purchased SDP software with your MiniMerc, a pre-made set of boards that perform remote control functions is installed in the SDP Sample Boards folder in the My Boards folder under My Documents.

Now you can edit individual Boardmaker buttons in these boards for each multi-digit channel you wish to access.

1. In Design Mode, double-click a button you wish to use to access a channel.

2. Select Launch Application from the button’s Action menu, under the Cool Stuff category.

3. Choose the file for the channel you wish to access with this button.

4. Switch to Use Mode and try it out!

Selecting Multi-digit Channels with Speaking Dynamically Pro

Remember, you need to be physically connected to the Internet in one of the following ways: CardBus modem connected by wire to a telephone jack, CardBus network card (either wireless, shown below, or connected by wire to an Ethernet jack), or USB-Ethernet adapter. You also need to have an account with an ISP (Internet Service Provider) before you can access the Internet. Your ISP may provide instructions and installation disks. If your ISP does not provide installation materials:

How do I connect MiniMerc to the Internet?

Open the

Start

menu. Select the

Communications

submenu,

and then select

New Connection Wizard

Follow the instructions and answer the questions as they appear.

Note: if you have problems connecting to the Internet, contact your ISP for assistance.

Wireless modem (optional) plugged into MiniMercs CardBus card slot.

How do I find something on the Internet?

Click on the

Start

menu, then click on the Internet Explorer shortcut.

Click the

button, and

type what you want to find.

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A list of W eb sites will appear . Clic k on the link to go to that W eb site.

Handy Tools for Speaking Dynamically Pro

and Boardmaker

MiniMerc comes with two features that are specially designed for use with Speaking Dynamically Pro and Boardmaker software from Mayer-Johnson LLC. This software is pre-installed on your MiniMerc if you ordered a Communication Software Set or purchased it separately when you ordered your device.

Making a Startup Board

This feature allows you to quickly and easily configure any Boardmaker board to load automatically when Windows starts up on your MiniMerc.

To make a board load when Windows starts, right-click on the board’s icon, select “Send To”, and then select “Startup Folder”. When you restart Windows, the board you chose will load automatically.

If you would like to change the startup board, simply follow the instructions above for the new board. Windows’ startup settings will be changed to load the new board in place of the old one.

Moving a File to the “SDP Externals” Folder

To launch a file from SDPro you need to put a shortcut to that file in a folder called “SDP Externals”. This feature lets you quickly and easily create a shortcut to any file and move it to the “SDP Externals” folder.

To send a shortcut for a file to “SDP Externals”, right-click on the file’s icon, select “Send To”, and then select “SDP Externals”.

When you select “Launch Application” from the Boardmaker button action menu, you will see a shortcut to the file with “_shortcut” appended to the filename.

What type of input device should I use?

Who uses a touchscreen? A person who can target

objects by direct selection, who cannot attend to both the computer screen and a peripheral device simultaneously, or who cannot associate using a peripheral device with seeing cursor movement on the screen is a good candidate for a touchscreen. Clinicians often use a touchscreen to motivate clients to interact with the computer.

Who uses a switch? A person with very limited movement is a good candidate for a switch. A switch can be mounted to any stable surface and be accessed by any body part with deliberate, discernible movement. Switches come in a variety of shapes and sizes and have varying degrees of sensitivity. The switch inputs on MiniMerc can be set to send any keystroke or mouse click. Switchaccessible software programs expect the switch to emulate a certain keystroke or mouse equivalent. For example, Speaking Dynamically Pro from Mayer-Johnson LLC. expects the switch to act as a mouse click, while other programs might expect the switch to act as the “1” key or the “2” key. Use the Mercury Control Panel (see page 32) to set up the switch(es) to send the correct information to your software program.

Who uses a joystick? A person who uses a joystick to drive a powered wheelchair or who finds the

mouse or trackpad difficult to use due to limited dexterity may prefer to use a joystick as an input device. It allows for direct selection as the user has control over mouse direction and speed. Additional switches may be used for click and drag options.

Who uses an alternative pointing device? A person with limited movement of the upper and lower extremities, but who has controlled head movement, is a good candidate for an alternative pointer.

Who uses a mouse? A person with average visualmotor skills and the ability to attend to the computer screen will be a good candidate for a mouse. Some users can physically access a mouse, but find it challenging to understand the relationship between moving the mouse and cursor movement on the screen. In that case, try direct selection using the built-in touchscreen.

Who uses a keyboard? A person with fine motor skills who can identify target keys either by letter and number or pictures is a good candidate for using a keyboard. Any standard USB keyboard or alternative keyboard such as the IntelliKeys® from IntelliTools, Inc., as well as the Windows On-Screen Keyboard will work with MiniMerc.

How do I use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard?

Click on the

Keyboard

button on the Mercury Control Panel (see page 11).

At the

Settings

menu on the On-Screen Keyboard, choose

Typing Mode

The Windows On-Screen Keyboard can be used in click or hovering (dwell) mode with a mouse or joystick for selecting characters, or can be used in scanning mode using a keyboard or switch input. For best results when accessing the keyboard directly from the touchscreen, use the stylus included with your MiniMerc.

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T o use the On-Screen Ke yboar d in ho vering (d well) mode with a mouse or jo ystick, select

Hover to select

. Adjust the minimum hover time by choosing a number from the

Minimum time

to hover

list. (

Click to select

is for direct mouse or touchscreen selection.)

T o use the On-Screen K e yboar d in scanning mode with a ke yboar d or MiniMerc s witc h input, select

Joystick or key to select

. Choose a number from the Scan interval list to set the scanning speed. Click the Advanced button to select the Keyboard key. Click the down arrow and select <space>.

Even though switch 1 is set to <space>, it does not send a <space> to the application you are using when the On-Screen Keyboard is running. The <space> is only used to communicate with the On-Screen Keyboard.

Note: Click on the window of the program you will be typing into (for example, WordPad). The On-Screen Keyboard’s keystrokes will not appear if the program is not currently active.

To use the On-Screen K e yboar d with the MiniMerc switch input, make sure that <space> is selected here and switch 1 is set to <space> in the Mercury Control Panel. (To set up the switch input, see page 32.)

How do I calibrate the touchscreen?

1 2

The touchscreen interprets your touch and moves the cursor where you move your finger. You can adjust or “calibrate” your touchscreen for your individual touch from the Mercury Control Panel. Note: use your

finger or a stylus on the touchscreen; do not use sharp objects that can scratch or puncture it.

Click the

Setup

button on the Mercury

Control Panel (see page 11), then in the

Main Setup

tab under

T ouchscreen

click

Touchscreen Setup

Click the

Calibration

tab at the top of the window, then c lick the large calibration target to start calibration. (The default Calibration T ype is 4-point. If this is not appropriate, click

Configure

to change

the number of points.)

With your finger or a pointer , touch the center of each crosshair as it appears. Keep pressing on each target while the prompt next to it indicates HOLD, then stop pressing when the prompt changes to RELEASE.

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(To exit this screen without recalibrating, simply wait for the time-out indictor at the lower left of the screen to count down.)

If you need to access right mouse button functions from the touchscreen, click the

Click

Settings

tab, and then the

Enable

right click emulation

button.

If you need to change the way the touchscreen responds, clic k the

T ouc h

Settings

tab, and then choose either

Normal, T ouch-Do wn

T ouch-Up

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Additional Touchscreen Features

How do I attach a switch to MiniMerc?

To use a single switch (for automatic scanning):

Insert the plug from the switch into the Switch 1-2 jack on the side of the MiniMerc. Click the

Setup

button in the Mercury Control Panel, then click the

Switches

tab and set Switch 1 to the function

required by the program you are using. Make sure that Switch 2 is set to Ignore.

To use two switches simultaneously (for dual-switch scanning):

Use a dual switch (such as the Rocker switch from T ash, Inc.) and insert the plug into the Switch 1-2 jack on the side of MiniMerc. Or , using 2 single switches, insert the plug from each switch into a “splitter,” then plug the splitter into the Switch 1-2 jack. The splitter (or “Y Adapter”) is available from RadioShack®, and the catalog number is 274-375B. The jacks are colorcoded: Nickel for left (Switch 1), and Gold for right (Switch 2).

To use the Wheelchair Joystick input:

See page 34 for information on using a Wheelchair Joystick.

To turn MiniMerc on using a switch:

If you have a single switch attached, you can turn MiniMerc on or wake it from Stand By mode by pressing the switch. If you have two switches attached, switch 1 will turn the MiniMerc on or wake it from Stand By.

How do I adjust MiniMerc to work with a switch?

A switch connected to the MiniMerc normally acts like a mouse button. It translates switch 1 presses into left mouse button clicks. Many switch-accessible programs will require this setting. Some programs require a different setting. To change the settings:

Open the Mercury Control Panel. Click the

Setup

button, then click the

Switches

tab.

Use the program’s documentation to choose the correct settings for either single- or dualswitch scanning. Note: when you click OK or

Apply

, your settings are sa ved.

Check your software documentation to determine if a keystroke is required for scanning.

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If you are using a switch with Discover:Switch

software, click the Discover button to use the Mercury switch input to activate Discover. Set Switch 1 to Discover for single-switch scanning in Discover. Set both Switch 1 and Switch 2 to Discover for dual-switch scanning in Discover.

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How do I set up MiniMerc to work with my wheelchair electronics?

If you are powering your MiniMerc with a wheelchair battery, install the MiniMerc wheelchair power cable (purchased separately from ATI) and make the power connections from the port on the wheelchair to the MiniMerc AC Adapter/Battery Charger port.

To use the wheelchair joystick as an input device with your MiniMerc, connect the larger 9-pin connector of the Wheelchair Joystick Cable (purchased separately from ATI) to your wheelchair ECU connector. Connect the smaller 8-pin connector to the MiniMerc wheelchair/joystick port.

When your joystick is in switch/communication mode (see the documentation for your wheelchair electronics), the joystick will move the mouse on the screen. If you want to add a switch to click the mouse button, connect a single switch to the Switch 1-2 jack on the MiniMerc or to the auxiliary switch input on the wheelchair ECU.

The normal setting for Joystick is Move Mouse. Moving the joystick will start moving the mouse pointer slowly or quickly, depending on the acceleration setting, and speed up to the Speed Setting. A slower Acceleration Speed allows finer accuracy when moving short distances. Faster Speed and Acceleration allow quicker movement over longer distances (or across the display).

continued on the next page

How do I use an alternative pointer with MiniMerc?

If you want to use an alternative pointer with MiniMerc, you will need a Windows-compatible USB mouse emulator such as the Tracker®Pro from Madentec Ltd. or the HeadMouse® Extreme from Origin Instruments.

An alternative pointer provides a way to point to an object, but not always a way to select it. This means that you will need a switch (hardware) or a dwell utility (software) to select an object. Check the documentation that came with your head pointing device for more information. If you will be selecting objects with a switch, you will need a momentary contact switch with a standard 1/8-inch plug. If you are not using a switch, use a dwell utility such as Dragger32™ from Origin Instruments, Magic Cursor 2000 from Madentec, or SmartClick from RJ Cooper & Associates. Call ATI at 1-800-793-9227 for product details.

The

Custom Joystick Setup

window will appear. Choose the settings appropriate for you and the programs you use. (Select

Ignore

for unused directions.)

If you want to change what your joystick does:

Open the Mercury Control Panel, click

Setup

then click the

Edit Custom

button under

Joystick

on the

Switches

tab.

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Check your software documentation to determine which keystroke to enter here, if you want the joystick to send keystrokes.

What other devices work with MiniMerc?

The MiniMerc’s USB ports let you plug in a range of devices without having to shut down and restart the MiniMerc. As you learned earlier in this User Guide, you plug your mouse into one of the USB ports on the side of MiniMerc.

You can add any one of the following devices:

n External drive (DVD, floppy, Zip™ or USB Flash Drive)

(Note: you can play DVDs on your external CD drive using the optional Cardbus Cable)

n USB IntelliKeys or other alternative keyboard n Trackball n Joystick n Printer n Digital camera n Headmouse or Tracker n CardBus modem, network, combo, or wireless card n USB Ethernet adapter, for connecting to an Ethernet network n USB wireless adapter, for connecting to a wireless network n Multiple switch, such as those available from Tash, Inc. (requires ATI’s wheelchair/joystick cable)

With a USB hub, you can to connect more than two USB devices at the same time. To use a hub, plug the hub into one of the MiniMerc USB ports, then plug your other peripherals into the USB ports on the hub.

Some devices are powered by the USB port. Other devices have or require their own power (AC adapter). Follow the manufacturers’ directions to set up and connect these devices. The USB port can manage up to 127 devices by attaching multiple hubs and hubs of different sizes.

If you want to connect MiniMerc to an Ethernet network, you will need an adapter. Recommended adapters that have been tested with MiniMerc are the LinkSys® EtherFast® Integrated CardBus PC Card (Model No. PCM200 ver. 2) and the Linksys® Wireless - B Notebook Adapter (Model No. WPC11 v. 4). Both are available from Assistive Technology, Inc. For more information on these products or using non-USB devices, call ATI at 1-800-793-9227.

To listen to headphones privately (or anytime you want to turn off the built-in speakers), open the Mercury Control Panel. Turn down the Speaker volume (to 0) and set Headphone volume as desired.

The headphone preview feature is supported for Speaking Dynamically Pro software or any program that uses the left channel for previews and the right channel for the main voice. In the Mercury Control Panel, click Setup, then click Enable under Headphone Preview on the Main Setup tab.

To use the headphone previews with Speaking Dynamically Pro, open SDP’s Dynamic Boards menu and choose Speaker Volume. Then under Separation of Sounds click Left Channel and Right Channel. Sounds played on the left channel will be heard on your headphones, and sounds played on the right channel will be heard from your MiniMerc speakers. To hear the previews, button clicks and button scan sounds on headphones only, under Right Volume set Preview Sounds, Button Click Sounds and Button Scan Sounds to Mute. Only Normal Sounds will then be heard from the MiniMerc speakers.

To set up headphone previews in SDP, add Recorded Preview actions to your buttons in your SDP boards. (Only Recorded Preview actions will be heard privately on your headphones. Spoken Preview actions will be heard from both headphones and speakers.) See the SDP manual or contact Mayer-Johnson LLC at 1-800588-4548 if you require assistance with adding Recorded Preview actions.

What is the Windows Control Panel?

How do I use headphones?

At the Windows Control Panel, you can change other settings on your system, such as the date and time, display settings, and Accessibility Options (see the next page).

To open the Windows Control Panel, open the Start menu and click on Control Panel. Choose the category of the settings you wish to modify. At the next screen, choose the specific option.

How do I set up MiniMerc for accessibility?

Modifying features in the Windows Control Panel and other options can make MiniMerc easier to access for some users.

Start menu with Extra Large Fonts selected.

Start menu with default

text size.

Display Control Panel

To enlarge the size of the text that appears on windows and menus, choose Control Panel from the Start menu. At the Pick a Category screen, choose Appearance and Themes. Then choose Display from the Control Panel icons near the bottom of the screen. Select the Appearance tab on the Display Properties window that appears. Choose Extra Large Fonts from the Font size: drop-down menu, then click Apply.

Accessibility Options Control Panel

For keyboard users:

At the Start menu, choose Control Panel. At the Pick a Category screen, choose Accessibility Options. Then choose the Accessibility Options Control Panel icon at the next screen. At this window you can turn on and off features such as StickyKeys, FilterKeys, and ToggleKeys.

Other Accessibility Options

Other accessibility programs included with your MiniMerc are the Magnifier and Narrator.

To access Magnifier, a feature that enlarges the mouse or pointer’s current location to make boxes and buttons easier to see, choose All Programs from the Start menu, then Accessories, then Accessibility, then Magnifier.

To access Narrator, a screen readback utility, choose All Programs from the Start menu, then Accessories, then Accessibility, then Narrator.

Folder Options Control Panel

At the Start menu, choose Control Panel. At the Pick a Category screen, choose Appearance and Themes. Then choose the Folder Options Control Panel icon at the next screen. At this window you can choose to open items with a single click.

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How do I adjust MiniMerc’s power settings?

MiniMerc has several power settings that you can adjust. To view or change the settings, click the Setup button on the Mercury Control Panel, then click the Power tab.

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Adjust the level at which MiniMerc warns you of a low battery or shuts down the MiniMerc .

Optimize MiniMerc for economy (longer battery life) or performance (faster processing speed) with the Advanced Power Savings settings.

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Choose which power buttons are available on the Mercury Control Panel main screen.

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Choose the suspend mode you prefer.

Open the Windows Power Control Panel.

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Restore the original Power settings.

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Slide the spring latch toward the right. Then pull the battery out from the bottom of the MiniMerc.

To remove the battery:

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What do I need to know about the MiniMerc battery?

MiniMerc runs on a Lithium Ion battery with a charge that lasts approximately seven hours with average use. It recharges when plugged into its AC Power Adapter. The battery fully recharges in approximately four hours while plugged into the AC Power Adapter. Additional MiniMerc batteries as well as an optional external battery charger are sold separately by Assistive Technology, Inc.

To preserve the life of your battery, charge and discharge it frequently (daily, if possible). Leaving it in the MiniMerc with it always plugged in will shorten the battery’s life. If the battery will not be used for a long period of time, store it below room temperature at less than a 50% charge. If you follow these guidelines, your battery should last for several years.

Warning: Y ou will lose all unsa ved data if you c hange the battery while MiniMerc is in Stand By mode and no power adapter is connected. Be sure to shut the system do wn or connect the AC power adapter before changing the battery.

Handle the battery carefully .

Do not drop, puncture, mutilate, disassemble, or incinerate it.

Never get batteries wet.

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If MiniMerc won’t turn on or start up:

Make sure the AC P o wer Adapter is plug ged into MiniMerc and into a functioning power

outlet.

n Check that the battery is installed properly and

check the Mercury Control Panel to see if the battery is charged.

If MiniMerc does not start up properly:

Reset it.

n Remove the battery and disconnect the AC

Po wer Adapter. Depress the Po wer b utton for several seconds. Then reconnect the AC Power Adapter and press the power button.

If that does not work, or if you hear a strange sound during startup:

n Contact Assistive Technology, Inc.

What if I have a problem?

If MiniMerc won’t respond, the pointer won’t move, or the display is dim:

T ap the screen. It may take a few seconds to respond.

If not, try to cancel what MiniMerc is doing:

n Press the <ctrl><alt><delete> keys

simultaneously. Choose Task Manager and then click on the End Task button.

n If the MiniMerc does not respond, press the

<ctrl><alt><delete> keys simultaneously and click on the Shutdown button in Task Manager.

If your MiniMerc still doesn’t respond, restart it.

n Press and hold the Pow er button for five

seconds to shut down the MiniMerc, then press the Power b utton again to restart it.

If the problem occurs when you use a certain program:

n Check with the program’ s manufacturer to see if

it is compatible with MiniMerc.

If the problem occurs frequently , contact Technical Support at Assistive Technology , Inc. at 1-800-793-9227. Note: before calling A TI, find the MiniMerc’ s serial number , located on the sticker on the rear of the device. You will need to give the ATI T echnical Support Representative this number when you call.

If your touchscreen does not respond after you turn on MiniMerc:

n Check that the touchscreen is not cracked,

scratched or damaged, and that nothing is pressing on the touchscreen.

n If your mouse and keyboard work properly,

check that the TSHARC driv er is loaded. Restart MiniMerc by selecting

Turn Off

Computer

from the

Start

menu and then

choosing

Restart

n If this does not solve the problem, call ATI

Technical Suppor t.

If you have a problem connecting other devices:

n Make sure that the device is properly

connected. Try unplugging and plugging in the device again.

n If the device requires its own power, check to

see that its power supply is plugged in and turned on.

n Check to see if the device requires any

software that needs to be installed.

n If that doesn’t work, contact the device manu-

facturer .

If your switch input doesn’t work:

n Make sure the Mercury Control Panel is running

and is loaded at startup.

n If that doesn’t work, restart MiniMerc.

If you have a problem with a software program:

n Contact the manufacturer of the software.

If you have other problems:

n Look at the information in Windows help for

instructions and troubleshooting information.

If you have a problem with your Internet connection:

n Make sure your telephone or Ethernet line is

connected and the line is working properly .

n Contact your Internet Service Provider.

For your own safety and to protect your MiniMerc, always disconnect the power plug (by pulling the plug, not the cord) and remove the battery if any of the following conditions exist:

n the power cord or plug becomes frayed or

otherwise damaged

n you spill something into the case n your MiniMerc is exposed to rain or any other

excess moisture

n your MiniMerc has been dropped or the case

has been otherwise damaged

n you suspect that your MiniMerc needs service

or repair

n you want to clean the case

How do I clean and care for MiniMerc?

Important

The only way to disconnect power completely is to both unplug the power cord and remove the battery. Make sure at least one end of the power cord is within easy reach so that you can unplug your MiniMerc when you need to.

Warning

To clean the case:

Disconnect the power plug and remove the battery . (Pull the plug, not the cor d.)

Wipe the surfaces lightly with a clean, soft cloth dampened with water .

Do not use any substance that contains any strong chemicals. These can damage the touchscreen and case.

Electrical equipment may be hazardous if misused. Operation of this product, or similar products, must always be supervised by an adult. Do not allow children access to the interior of any electrical product and do not permit them to handle any cables.

Do not open MiniMerc. If you attempt to open your MiniMerc, any damage you cause to your equipment will not be covered by your MiniMerc warranty . Contact Assistive Technology, Inc. if you ha ve other warrantyrelated questions.

To clean the touchscreen:

Clean the touchscreen with a damp cloth.

Is there anything else I need to know?

Follow these instructions to use MiniMerc safely and wisely.

When setting up and using MiniMerc, remember the following:

n Read the installation instructions carefully

before you plug MiniMerc into a wall socket.

n Keep these instructions handy for reference by

you and others.

n Follow all instructions and warnings that

appear on the MiniMerc screen.

n Use only the power adapter that came with

MiniMerc. Adapters for other electronic devices may look similar , but they can damage MiniMerc.

n Always leave space around your MiniMerc

power adapter. Make sure you use this equipment in a location where air is able to flow around the MiniMerc power adapter .

n Lithium Ion batteries contain hazardous

chemicals and should not be thrown out with household trash. Check with local authorities for disposal.

n When using MiniMerc or when charging the

battery, it is normal for the bottom of the case to get warm. The bottom of the case functions as a cooling surface that transfers heat from inside the device to the cooler air outside. The bottom of the case is raised slightly to allow airflow that keeps the unit within normal operating temperatures.

n Keep MiniMerc away from sources of liquids,

such as drinks, bathtubs, or shower stalls. If you spill any food or liquid onto the MiniMerc, shut it down immediately, unplug it and remove the battery before cleaning it. Depending on what you spilled and how much got into MiniMerc, you may have to return it to ATI for cleaning and service.

n If you have a problem with your MiniMerc and

nothing in the manual helps, call Assistive Technology, Inc. at 800-793-9227. Attempting to repair MiniMerc yourself will void your warranty.

n Do not move MiniMerc if you hear its hard disk

spinning. When you put the MiniMerc in Stand By mode, wait until the screen is dark before moving it.

n Never f orce a connector into a port. Mak e sure

the connector matches the port and that it is oriented properly. If the connector does not insert easily, they do not match.

n Do not use sharp or pointed objects on the

touchscreen. Do not place heavy objects on the touchscreen. Excess weight can cause damage to the touchscreen and display.

n Use only the battery that came with MiniMerc.

Batteries for other electronic devices may look similar, but the y can damage it.

n If your MiniMerc has been in a cold place for

several hours, let it warm up to room temperature before using it.

n Avoid leaving MiniMerc where temperatures

may be extreme or unpredictable, for example, in the trunk of a car.

n Protect MiniMerc from dampness or wet

weather, such as r ain or sno w.

Technical Information

Communications regulation information FCC declaration of conformity

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Radio and television interference

The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If it is not installed and used properly it may cause interference with radio and television reception.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device in accordance with the specifications in Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These specifications are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

You can determine whether your MiniMerc system is causing interference by turning it off. If the interference stops, it was probably caused by the MiniMerc or one of the peripheral devices.

If your MiniMerc system does cause interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following measures:

n Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference

stops.

n Move the MiniMerc to one side or the other of the television

or radio.

n Move the MiniMerc farther away from the television or radio.

n Plug the MiniMerc into an outlet that is on a different circuit

from the television or radio. (That is, make certain the MiniMerc and the television or radio are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.)

If necessary consult Assistive Technology, Inc. See the service and support information that came with MiniMerc.

Changes or modifications to this product not authorized by ATI could void the FCC Certification and negate your authority to operate the product.

Important This product was tested for FCC compliance under conditions that included the use of ATI-approved peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system components. It is important that you use ATI-approved peripheral devices and shielded cables and connectors between system components to reduce the possibility of causing interference to radios, television sets, and other electronic devices. You can obtain ATI-approved peripheral devices and proper shielded cables and connectors from ATI.

Responsible party (for FCC matters): Assistive Technology, Inc.

Industry Canada statement

This Class B device meets all requirements of the Canadian interference-causing equipment regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la Class B respect toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matérial brouilleur du Canada.

Europe—EU Declaration of Conformity

This device complies with requirements of the European Directives 89/336/EEC (for IT devices) and 93/42/EEC (for medical devices).

Assistive Technology MiniMerc User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual