Interspace Industries Soft Countdown User Manual

Soft CountDown

User Manual

Cueing and Presentation Control Specialists

Contents:

Introduction 3
Safety Instructions 4
Diagrams 5
Regulations Compliance CE 5
Regulations Compliance FCC 6
Operating Instructions 6
Equipment Supplied 7
Technical Support Contact 7

2

Introduction

Soft CountDown has been developed to go along side CountDown2 but

using the intuitive controls of the computer keyboard and mouse.
A software that allows for count down, count up and the real time of day in

hours and minutes.
The software expander is required at all time to run the software. If this is

not detected at start up the software will run for 3 minutes only.
All of the current displays are available to use with this system including

the 25mm, 75mm and Intelligent Display.

Timing Made Simple!

We hope Soft CountDown exceeds your expectations and welcome any
feedback that you have about this or any of our products.

Thank you.
The Interspace Industries Team

www.interspaceind.com

3

Safety Instructions

All safety and operating instructions should be read before this product is operated and
should be retained for further reference. Please adhere to all the warnings on this product
and in these operating instructions. Please follow these instructions carefully.

Power. Only use the power source indicated on the device. Devices equipped with a
grounded plug should only be used with a grounded type outlet. In no way should this
grounding be disconnected, modified or suppressed.

To prevent the risk of electric shock and fire, do not expose this device to rain, humidity or
intense heat sources (such as radiators or direct sunlight). Avoid using this equipment in
environments where there is excessive heat, dust, moisture, chemicals, vibration or
mechanical shocks.

Slots and Openings. These are designed into the device for ventilation and to avoid
overheating. Always ensure these openings remain clear. Do not attempt to insert
anything into these openings under any circumstances. If liquids have been spilled on,
or objects have fallen into the product it must be checked by a qualified technician before re­using.

Connections. All inputs and outputs (except for power input) are TBTS defined under
EN60950.

• DO NOT OPEN SYSTEM DUE TO HIGH VOLTAGE.

• DO NOT IMMERSE IN WATER.

If you have any queries regarding these safety instructions or how to maintain the unit please
do not hesitate to contact us on:

Servicing. Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers and
screws may expose you to electric shocks or other hazards. Refer all servici ng to qualified
service personnel.

Keep Away From Harmful Substances

[phone]

4

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

We declare under our sole responsibility that the product

Soft CountDown Expander

Conform to the following standards:

EN60950-1:2002,

Following the provision of:

Issued on: Date 08 March 2007

Dave Humphrys
Managing Director, Interspace Industries Ltd

The Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive 89/336/EEC

5

Environmental

WEEE and RoHS Compliance. Soft CountDown and its associated accessories have been

manufactured and sold in accordance with the requirements of the EC WEEE and RoHS
directives. Please return all end-of-life items to your supplier, or Interspace Industries directly,
for appropriate disposal.

Packaging Materials:

Cardboard box: Grade 150 K/T ‘B’ (Single Walled Corrugated - Brown Kraft)

FCC

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a

Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help

Operating Instructions

The software for Soft CountDown will be undergoing a continued evolution, it is
recommended that the latest release is downloaded from the website
www.interspaceind.com This must be done periodically to ensure the latest release.

Connect the Soft CountDown Expander to the computer via the USB cable, if you are using
the external displays you will need the 12V DC adaptor to power these, you do not need the
DC adaptor if you are running the software only.

Install the software on to the host computer. Run the software and 2 windows appear on the
screen, these are independent windows and can be positioned, sized and moved like any
other window.

6

Soft CountDown window allows for the inputting of time and when the colour change is
required.

The main window for the display of the time will show colour change as green to amber
to red at the inputted times. It is also possible to change the font for enhanced visibility
(especially for people with colour blindness) and increase the impact of the change.

Ticker tape

Free text can be inputted and updated to the screen as a ticker tape type text banner at
the bottom of the screen for information such as “speak slower” or “the answer to the
question is”

The main display window can be made to be always on top and / or transparent for
backgrounds or overlays as required.

Equipment Supplied

• Soft CountDown Expander

• 1 x USB A-B series Cable 2m

• 12V Power supply

Note: User supplied 3-pin XLR (mic) cables are required to connect
display lamps to the main unit.

For Technical Support or Sales Enquiries

Interspace Industries Head Office:

[phone]

Emergency Technical Support Hot Line:

[phone]

Website:

www.interspaceind.com

7

28 High Street

Arlesey

Bedfordshire

SG15 6RA

UK

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

www.interspaceind.com