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MouseCaster®
User’s Manual
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Trademarks and Copyright
The following are third-party trademarks:
• IBM and IBM PC are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines Corporation.
• Microsoft®, Windows® and Media Player® are registered trademarks of
Microsoft® Corporation.
• WINAMP® is a registered trademark of WINAMP®.
Copyright © 2002-2004 by Smartec Ltd. All rights reserved worldwide.
The information contained in this document is proprietary and subject to all copyright and other
laws protecting the intellectual property of Smartec. It is not for publication, duplication or use, in
whole or in part, except by the person, persons or company for whom it was intended. It may not
be passed on to any other party without specific permission from a representative of Smartec.
This document may contain flaws, omissions or typesetting errors; no warranty is granted nor
liability assumed in relation thereto.
Smartec Ltd.
USA Office
400 South Beverly Drive, Suite 214
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 USA
Tel: 1-310-281-2040 / 888-MOUSECASTER
Fax: 1-310-734-1752
Website:
www.mousecaster.com
E-mail: info@mousecaster.com
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Table of Contents
About MouseCaster...........................................................................................................................................3
FCC Statement...................................................................................................................................................3
System Requirements ........................................................................................................................................4
Conventions and Definitions...........................................................................................................................4
MouseCaster Cord Mouse Installation ........................................................................................................... 5
Wireless MouseCaster Installation .................................................................................................................. 7
Starting MouseCaster ........................................................................................................................................9
System Icon Description ..................................................................................................................................9
Turning Off MouseCaster..............................................................................................................................11
Introduction to the Radio Panel....................................................................................................................12
Panel Operation and Radio Features............................................................................................................13
Presetting Channels.....................................................................................................................................13
Selecting a Preset Channel ......................................................................................................................... 15
Selecting Panel Size.....................................................................................................................................15
Moving the Radio Panel.............................................................................................................................15
Volume Control...........................................................................................................................................16
Recording .....................................................................................................................................................17
Programmed Recording .............................................................................................................................18
Timer .................................................................................................................................................................23
Panel Properties ...............................................................................................................................................24
Frequently Asked Questions..........................................................................................................................25
Troubleshooting Hardware Installation Wireless Mouse ..........................................................................33
Technical Support............................................................................................................................................33
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AAbboouutt MMoouusseeCCaasstteerr
MouseCaster is an innovative PS/2 or USB mouse with a built-in digital radio receiver designed to
provide unlimited listening enjoyment.
MouseCaster turns your PC into a Digital FM Radio with an onscreen control panel.
Using MouseCaster, you can:
• Listen to live radio broadcasts without an Internet
connection.
• Record in various formats (WAV, MP3, Ogg Vorbis).
• Program the radio as an alarm clock or to catch scheduled programs.
• Personalize the onscreen radio panel with a variety of designs.
MouseCaster replaces your old mouse, connecting to the same PS/2 or USB port. The digital tuner
has a capacity for 28 preset channels. Single-button access to the MouseCaster website provides
upgrades and additional skins.
FFCCCC SSttaatteemmeenntt
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with 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 and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with 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 and correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the distance 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.
Modifications not authorized by the manufacturer may void product’s warranty.
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SSyysstteemm RReeqquuiirreemmeennttss
• Available USB or PS/2 port
• CD-ROM drive
• 20MB free disk space for application
(for each additional skin you will need approximately 2MB)
• IBM® or compatible PC with Windows® 95, Windows® 98, Windows NT® 4.0,
Windows® 2000, Windows® XP or Windows® Me.
• Sound card with line-in or microphone port.
CCoonnvveennttiioonnss aanndd DDeeffiinniittiioonnss
The following conventions are used in this book for best readability:
Click/Select With left mouse button. If right button
is required, it will be stated.
Bold Refers to either a key on radio panel or
keyboard.
Skins This universal term refers to a graphic
user interface, in this case the radio
control panel. Changing the skin is
described in this document.
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MouseCaster Installation
Caution: Before installing MouseCaster, turn off your computer. Removing and inserting cables
into your computer’s mouse port while the computer
is on can damage the mouse port or your computer.
MouseCaster offers two types of mouse with the system:
• Cord Mouse (Optical or Ball)—follow installation instructions below.
• Wireless Mouse (Optical Rechargeable.)—follow instructions on
page 7.
MMoouusseeCCaasstteerr CCoorrdd MMoouussee IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
Replace your current mouse by doing the following:
• Turn off your computer.
• Unplug your old mouse.
• Plug the MouseCaster PS/2 connector into the mouse PS/2 port or plug the USB
connector into an available USB port
(see Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3).
Plug the male RCA jack into the Line-In port of your computer’s sound card
(usually in the center of the card).
Note: Jack may also be connected to the microphone slot.
Figure 1: Back View of a Typical Computer
Figure 2: USB Port Figure 3: PS/2 Port
If the reception is not clear, plug the antenna’s female jack into the RCA mono jack
T-type cable connected to the MouseCaster (supplied in the package).
Leave antenna wire loose anywhere desired.
Note: For best reception, hang antenna as high as possible.
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Software Installation
Note: disable all Firewall / Security / Antivirus programs running on your computer
for the duration of the installation.
1. Insert MouseCaster’s Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2. The Auto Run window appears.
3. Setup application will run automatically.
Note: If the Setup Wizard does not open, browse the CD drive and double-click on the
setup.exe file.
4. Follow the Setup Instructions to complete the installation.
Note: Setup Wizard will ask if you want to reboot now or later. You must reboot your
computer before using the MouseCaster program for the first time.
After reboot, a MouseCaster icon will be placed on your desktop and a program listing will
appear in the Windows Program folder.
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WWiirreelleessss MMoouusseeCCaasstteerr IInnssttaallllaattiioonn
Package Contents
1 x Wireless Optical MouseCaster
2 x AAA NiMH Rechargeable Batteries
1 x USB to PS/2 Adapter
1 x Recharging Base and Receiver-Cradle
Install the Mouse Batteries
• Open the battery cover.
• Insert batteries as shown into the battery compartment.
Connect the Cradle to the Computer
• Turn off your computer.
• Plug the cradle into either a PS/2 or a USB port in the back of your computer.
(see Figure 4-6.)
Figure 4: USB Port Figure 5: PS/2 Port
Figure 6: PS/2, USB and Line-In Installation
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Connect the Line-In and the Antenna Cable
• Plug the blue RCA jack into the Line-In port in the computer’s sound card.
The port is usually found in the middle.
Note: The RCA plug may also be connected to the microphone jack.
• Optional—Plug the antenna female jack into the RCA mono jack T-Type cable that
splits from MouseCaster.
• Charge the batteries—Put the mouse on the cradle, turn on the computer and let it
charge for a full 12 hours. Make sure the charge indicator light is ON.
Note: To extend the life of the batteries, they must be charged for a full 12 hours for the
first time. During use, if the mouse is not working properly, the batteries are
probably weak and need to be recharged. Follow the above procedure to recharge
the batteries. Normally it will take 6 hours to fully recharge the batteries.
Hook up the Mouse with the Cradle
• Bring the mouse and the cradle to a close proximity and make sure
that there is a clear and unobstructed visual line between them.
• Press and hold simultaneously the CONNECT buttons on the cradle and on the
bottom of the mouse.
Install the Software
Note: Disable all Firewall / Security / Antivirus programs running
on your computer for the duration of the installation.
1. Insert MouseCaster’s Installation CD into your CD-ROM drive.
2. The Auto Run window appears.
3. Setup application will run automatically.
Note: If the Setup Wizard does not open, browse the CD drive and double-click on the
setup.exe file.
4. Follow the Setup Instructions to complete the installation.
Note: Setup Wizard will ask if you want to reboot now or later. You must reboot your
computer before using the MouseCaster program for the first time. After reboot, a
MouseCaster icon will be placed on your desktop and a program listing will appear in
the Windows Program folder.
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MouseCaster Operation
SSttaarrttiinngg MMoouusseeCCaasstteerr
To Start MouseCaster Program
• Double-click on MouseCaster’s icon, or select MouseCaster from the
Start menu—Programs.
• MouseCaster’s radio panel appears.
Note: If the radio panel is not visible, it is probably hidden behind another open
program. See
System Icon Description
below and show radio panel. See the
Properties section for instructions on setting the panel to always remain on top.
If there is no sound, read about how to set sound card Settings in
"Setting the Sound Card Properties" on page 10.
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When MouseCaster is running, a System icon in the shape of a pink speaker
appears in the SysTray area of the computer’s desktop (bottom right corner of screen).
Figure 7: SysTray
The System Icon Enables the Following Functions
Mute: Turns Mute on/off.
Show Radio Panel: Brings up Radio Panel, if hidden.
Settings: Selects the sound card connection if there is no sound when
MouseCaster is installed (no Line-In).
Exit: Closes MouseCaster program.
Figure 8: System Icon Menu
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Setting the Sound Card Properties
Perform the steps below if there is no sound after installing MouseCaster.
• Right-click on the System icon. Left-click on the Settings option.
The Settings menu window opens:
Figure 9: Sound Card Property Options
• Select either the PS/2 or the USB connection. Your selection must be consistent with
the actual port you used to connect MouseCaster to your PC.
• Click on the Audio Mixer pull-down arrow to view a list of the sound cards installed on
your computer. If there is more than one, select the Sound Card which is connected to
the Line-In connector.
• Click on the Speaker pull-down arrow to view the options offered by your specific
sound card. The default is Line-In. If there is no Line-In, select Auxiliary or try
another option from the list. Press OK.
• Repeat the above steps until you hear the radio.
• Repeat the same procedure for the Record option.
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To Exit from MouseCaster Program and Turn Off the Radio
Use one of the following methods to turn off and exit from MouseCaster:
• Right-click on the System icon at the bottom right corner of the desktop and
click on Exit.
OR
• Click on the Properties button at the top left corner of the radio panel (green dot)
(see Figure 10)
and select Exit from the drop-down menu.
An exit message will appear as shown in
Figure 11
. Select Yes to exit or No
to remain.
Note: When MouseCaster is turned off, any preprogrammed Timer or recordings will be
disabled and saved until the next time MouseCaster is turned on.
Figure 10: Exiting MouseCaster
Figure 11: Exit Message
Note: The last channel played before exiting is the channel that will automatically play the next
time MouseCaster is opened.
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IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn ttoo tthhee RRaaddiioo PPaanneell
The radio panel is the main window of MouseCaster and is displayed when you open the
program. The actual panel design (skin) may vary according to where MouseCaster was
purchased. See “Page 24” to learn how to change the skin.
Figure 12: Main Radio Panel
1. Properties: here you can set the panel to be always on top, select or download skins, and set
soundcard’s properties.
2. Preset Channels: lets you preset and select channels.
3. Scan and Search Buttons: lets you search and fine-tune channels in increments of 0.05 or,
when arrow is held down, finds the next available channel in your area.
4. Channel Editing & Selection Window: opens window where you may preset and edit up
to 28 channels.
5. Aux (Optional): sets an Auxiliary Channel for use with a third-party FM transmitter.
Transmitter is not included in MouseCaster package.
6. Mute on/off: mutes or un-mutes volume.
7. Timer: Turns radio on and off according to time, day and date.
8. Volume Level: displays volume level.
9. Hide Panel: reduces panel to thin strip.
10. Resize Panel: restores panel to full size after hide.
11. Volume Control: controls volume level.
12. Record Button: sets recording format and recording schedules.
13. Channel Display: shows current channel, gives stereo broadcasting indication, displays Rec
when recording is on, and shows clock symbol if timer is set.
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PPaanneell OOppeerraattiioonn aanndd RRaaddiioo FFeeaattuurreess
Presetting Channels
To Preset a Channel with the 6 On-Panel Channels Buttons
Press and hold the Scan Arrows on the radio panel and wait for MouseCaster to find the
next available channel in your area. Once a desired channel is found, press one of the
6 Channel Buttons on the Panel and hold for 2 seconds. You will hear a beep—the channel
is set
(see Figure 13, Scan Arrows
).
Note: You can click and release to change channel numbers in increments of 0.05.
For example: 96.50, 96.55, 96.60, and so on.
Figure 13: Finding a Channel
Presetting Channels to the 28-Channel Library
• Click the Channel Selection and Editing window button to open the 28-Channel
Library
(see Figure 12, item 4)
.
The Channel Selection and Editing Window contains columns for frequencies and
Channel Names
(see page 14
).
• Click the Edit button in the bottom left corner of the screen. The fields turn white—
you are ready to edit.
• Select the channel number you want to set (1-28) by clicking the Option button next to
the number.
• Perform Search and Scan functions using the right and left Scan Arrows in the top right
corner of the window
(see
Figure 14: Channel Selection and Editing W ndow
).
i
• The channel frequency will appear in the Edit Channel Frequency box. Press Set to
set the channel. The selected frequency will appear in the Frequency box next to the
number you chose.
• (Optional) To add a channel name, click inside the Channel Name box (second
column) and type in the name. This is the name that will appear in the Channel display
section of the radio panel
(see Figure 12, item 13
).
• Once you have finished setting the desired channels, press OK to close the Channel
Selection and Editing Window.
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To Edit a Preset Channel
• Click the Edit button in the bottom left corner of the screen. The fields turn white—
you are ready to edit.
• Select one of the preset positions (1-28) by clicking the Option button next to the
setting number. The button turns black to indicate the number selected. To change,
simply click a different box.
• Click inside the Frequency box and type in the channel’s frequency. If you are not sure
about the frequency, use the Scan and Set buttons to find and set the exact tuning.
• To change part of a channel frequency, click inside the box and either press the delete
key or drag the cursor over the digit to be changed. Then make the correction.
Note: The format for channel numbers is XXX.XX. You must always enter three
digits before the decimal point. For channels less than 100 MHz, you must
enter a leading 0 before the number; for example, 099.50. MouseCaster
automatically converts the number to 99.50.
Figure 14: Channel Selection and Editing Window
• (
Optional
) To add a channel name, click inside the Channel Name box (second
column) and type in the name. This is the name that will appear in the Channel display
section of the radio panel
(see Figure 12, item 13
).
• Enter additional channels if desired.
• Click on OK when finished or Cancel if you wish to cancel the changes you made.
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Selecting a Preset Channel
You may select channels 1-6 directly from the radio panel by pressing one of the channel
buttons
(see Figure 12, item 2)
.
To select channels 7-28, open the Channel Selection and Editing Window.
• Click the Option button next to the desired channel number. The channel will change.
• Press OK to close the window.
Selecting Panel Size
The radio panel can be displayed in two sizes: full (default, Figure 12) and reduced (narrow bar,
Figure 15).
When you open the MouseCaster program for the first time, the panel will open in the full size.
The Resize Panel button is used to reduce and restore the panel to its original size. It is located
at the top right corner of the radio panel and looks like a dash
(see Figure 12, item 10).
Changing Panel Size
1. Click the Resize Panel button. The panel is reduced to a narrow bar as shown in
Figure 15. The dash disappears and an empty square remains.
2. Click the Resize Panel button again to return the panel to its original size.
Figure 15: Reduced Panel Bar
Note: The Record, Timer, Search, and Properties buttons are displayed only in the full
size panel.
Hiding Panel
• Click on the X in the top right corner of the panel
(see Figure 12, item 9
).
The panel disappears.
• To restore the panel, open the System icon in the bottom right of the computer screen
with a right mouse click or double-click. Then select Show Radio Panel with left
mouse click.
Moving the Radio Panel
You may move the radio panel by grabbing-and-dragging with a left click (drag and drop).
To Move the Radio Panel
• To move a full-size panel, position the cursor anywhere along the top edge of the panel.
• To move a reduced panel, position the cursor at the panel’s left side.
• Click and hold the left mouse button and drag the panel to the desired location.
• Release the mouse button.
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Volume Control
The Volume Control dial is shown in
Figure 12, item 11
, and the Volume Level,
item 8
.
The small knob on the dial is used to change the volume. The knob moves on the right side
only from top to bottom—12 o’clock (the loudest) to 6 o’clock (the lowest).
In
Figure 12
, the Volume Control dial is almost at its loudest position.
In
Figure 16
, the Volume is at midpoint.
Figure 16: Medium Volume Setting
Changing the Volume
• Position the cursor on the knob of the Volume Control dial.
• Click and hold with the left mouse button, while dragging the knob to a lower or higher
position (softer or louder), on the right side. The volume level will change accordingly.
Enabling/Disabling the Mute Setting
The Mute button, located in the bottom right corner of the panel,
resembles a speaker.
(see Figure 12, item 6
). The Mute button acts as a toggle switch,
turning the volume completely off or on to the previously set level.
Click the Mute button to silence the radio. Click again to listen.
The System icon in the lower right corner of your desktop may also be used to
Mute/Un-Mute the radio volume.
Enabling/Disabling the Mute Setting Using the System Icon Properties
Menu
• Right-click on the System icon. Select Mute with a left click to Mute/Un-Mute
the volume.
Note: If there is still no sound, check your computer’s speakers.
The volume button may be turned down or the speakers may be off.
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Recording
MouseCaster provides 2 recording options:
• Instant Recording—Manually record current station and stop at any time.
• Programmed Recording—Preset time, day and occurrences in advance for
multiple recordings.
You can set the day, date, time and duration of a recording, repeat recording and even listen
to prerecorded files while recording.
Note: In order to play the recorded material you will need appropriate software such as:
• MP3
• Windows WAV Player or Media Player
• MouseCaster Ogg Vorbis Player
• WINAMP
• Other Applications
Instant Recording
1. Open the Record Window by clicking the Rec button on the main panel.
The panel shown in
Figure 17
appears.
Figure 17: Main Record Panel
2. Press Record Now to start recording.
3. Press Stop Recording to end.
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Note: The recorded files are saved by default at the My Documents folder.
If you want to set a different place, click Rec > Setting and make your own
selection
(see Figure 18
for the Recording Setting window).
Figure 18: Record Setting
Programmed Recording
1. Open the Record Window by clicking the Rec button on the main panel.
2. To schedule a new recording event, press Add.
3. Press Remove to delete the selected (highlight) event from the list of recording
events. Press Edit to change the selected event.
4. Press Close to close the window and return to the main panel.
Setting Schedule Dates
Refer to
Figure 19
for the steps below. If at any time you wish to stop or
close the window, press Cancel. To start over, press Clear All.
1. Set the scheduled dates. The format is determined by your computer’s settings.
In the figure, the format is mm/dd/yyyy where:
mm = month dd = day yyyy = year
2. Click on the arrow to the right of the Start box to view the monthly calendar.
Use the right and left arrows at the top to change the month. Click on the
desired date. The calendar view will close.
Note: You may also type in the date manually according to the date format.
• Repeat the above for the Until date field if the recording(s) is to continue
beyond the current day.
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Figure 19: Record Window
Setting Activity Time
• The time is kept in 24-hour (military) time; i.e., 13:00 is 1PM, 18:00 is 6PM and
24:00 is midnight.
(To calculate, add 12 to any hour from 1PM to midnight.)
• Enter the start time and end time.
Repeat Recording
MouseCaster lets you record repeatedly at specific intervals after the initial
start time. In most cases you will also specify the duration.
The fields used in the Repeat Recording section are as follows:
Off: Turns off recording.
Once: Records only once. Enter duration in minutes.
Minutes: Repeat recording every X minutes. Enter duration in minutes.
Hours: Repeat recording every X hours. Enter duration in minutes.
Daily: Repeat recording every X days. Enter duration in minutes.
Weekly: Days of the week appear. Select one or more days. Then enter a number to
repeat every X weeks. In
Figure 19
the recording is set for Sundays and
Thursdays and to repeat every 1 week, i.e., every week. If you want to record
every other week, enter 2, and so on. Set the duration in minutes.
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Setting Channel to Record
Click on the arrow to view the pull-down menu containing a list of all preset channels.
Note: Only channels that you have preset in the Channel Selection and Editing window are
available for recording. Move the cursor to the desired channel and click again.
Figure 20: Setting Recording to Repeat Every Week
Setting Target File
The Target File is the location on your computer where you want the recorded file to be
stored. The Directory field will show the file and path name.
Press the right button with the dots to browse your hard drive and select a location. A
window opens much like Windows Explorer.
Click on each folder or plus sign until you find the desired folder.
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Selecting File Format
Click on the arrow to view the drop-down menu. The choices are:
• WAV 11025 Hz mono: For voice recordings such as the news.
• WAV 44100 Hz stereo: Good for music—utilizes approximately 10MB per minute.
• MP3: Music—utilizes approximately 1MB per minute.
• Ogg: Music—utilizes approximately 300KB per minute.
The format you choose will also depend on which media player you have installed on your
computer or other device.
Note: If you choose MP3 as the file format (
see Figure 21
), MouseCaster will check for
the MP3 encoder. If not found, you will be asked if you want MouseCaster to search
your entire hard drive (
see Figure 22
). Select Yes to continue searching.
If MouseCaster doesn’t find an MP3 encoder installed in your computer, you will be
asked to download one from the Internet. Refer to the Installation CD for further
information.
A search window is displayed as the MouseCaster searches the files.
Figure 21: Choosing MP3 Record Format
Figure 22: Missing MP3 Encoder Message
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Setting the Maximum File Size
This field will prevent large recorded files from being created in error if you should make a
mistake in the record settings.
Free Disk Space: Your computer will automatically show you the amount of free disk space
in your hard drive to assist in the maximum size definition.
1. Enter the maximum size in megabytes that you will allow the file to be.
The default is 100MB.
2. When finished, press Record. Rec appears in the Channel display, showing that the
MouseCaster has been programmed to record. During recording, Rec will be blinking.
Stopping the Recording
1. Open the Record Window if not currently open.
2. Press Stop Recording.
Setting Recording Priorities
When there is more than one program on the Recording schedule, MouseCaster
gives priority to the program that appears higher on the list. To move a program to
an upper place, double-click on it and it will move one place up
(see Figure 17
).
Listening to Prerecorded Material While Recording
1. Press the Mute button to silence the radio.
2. Open a prerecorded file from its location on your hard drive.
3. To stop, close the file.
File Names
MouseCaster automatically gives a name to the record file as follows:
channel_date_time - where time is hour/minutes/seconds
For example
: 9900_12Sep2002_230931
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TTiimmeerr
The timer is useful when you wish to open MouseCaster or change channels automatically.
Setting the Start Time
1. Click the timer button to open the Timer window
(see Figure 12, item 7
).
2. If at any time you wish to close the window or stop the process, select Cancel.
3. Set the start time and duration in minutes
(see Figure 23
).
For example: At 12:30 you want to switch to another channel and then after 5 minutes to
switch back.
Figure 23: Timer Window
Setting the Repeat Activity Function
This window is similar to the Record Window.
Off: Shuts off the timer.
Once: Starts the timer at the stated time and does not repeat the activity again.
Minutes: Repeats programmed activity every X minutes.
Hours: Repeats programmed activity every X hours, such as every hour to listen to
the news.
Daily: Repeats programmed activity every X days.
Select Cancel if you wish to exit without setting the timer.
Press Timer On when finished to process the request. The Timer Clock appears in the
channel display area, showing that the timer is set. When the timer begins its countdown,
say, during the news, the clock will blink repeatedly until the timer shuts off.
Stopping the Timer
1. Open the Timer Window if not already open.
2. Press Timer Off to stop the timer.
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PPaanneell PPrrooppeerrttiieess
Setting the Properties
1.
Click the green Properties button in the top left corner of the radio panel
(Figure 12, item 1).
2. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
Figure 24: Properties Window
Setting the Panel to be on Top
1. Select Always on top if you want the panel to remain on top at all times
regardless of other open programs.
Selecting the Panel Design or Skin
1. Click on Select skin. A scrollable window appears.
2. Select desired skin.
3. Press OK. New skin will appear on panel.
Other Settings
Internet Updates: Enables MouseCaster to automatically check the website for new skins
and software updates; make sure that this option is checked. To select,
left-click; to unselect, click again.
Website: Opens MouseCaster vendor’s home page.
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Troubleshooting
FFrreeqquueennttllyy AAsskkeedd QQuueessttiioonnss
1. Which PS/2 port should be used to connect MouseCaster to my
computer?
My computer has 2 PS/2 ports. Which port should I use to connect MouseCaster,
and which port should be used to connect the keyboard?
On most computers you can connect to any of these ports. However, it is recommended to
connect MouseCaster to the mouse port—the one marked with a mouse symbol. Today, it is
customary to mark different ports using colors or special symbols, for easy identification of
each port. For example:
Mouse port—green, with a mouse symbol
Keyboard port—purple, with keyboard symbol
2. Which sound card connection should I use to connect the radio plug?
My sound card has 3 slots. Where should I plug in the radio?
The radio should be connected to the port marked LINE-IN on your sound card.
Most computer sound cards have the following ports:
• External speakers OUT (FRONT)
• Rear Speakers OUT (REAR)—this is an option not available on all sound cards.
• LINE-IN port
• External microphone connection
• It is customary to mark each port with a different color or symbol for
easy identification:
• LINE-IN—light blue symbol—inward arrow
• Speakers OUT—light green symbol—outward arrow or headphones
• Microphone—pink symbol—microphone
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3. My computer has 2 sound cards—which one should be connected to
MouseCaster?
On my computer there is a sound card that is part of the motherboard, and
another one installed separately. Which sound card should I connect to?
Some computers have one sound card built into the motherboard and an additional one
installed separately. You should use the same sound card to which the speakers are
connected. Plug MouseCaster into the LINE-IN on this card. If the LINE-IN on this card is
already in use, you may connect the MouseCaster to the second sound card instead.
Note: You must specify which sound card MouseCaster is connected into. After starting
the MouseCaster program, refer to the MouseCaster User Manual, System Icon
Description. Follow the instructions for setting the sound card properties, selecting
the sound card that the MouseCaster is connected to.
4. I don’t have a LINE-IN port in my computer.
I have a laptop and there is no LINE-IN, just an OUT to the speakers and
an IN for the microphone.
On some laptops there is no LINE-IN. In this case, connect the MouseCaster to the
microphone port and specify this option to the software
(see Note in question 3 above)
.
Note: Connecting to the microphone port may cause a decrease in sound quality and is
dependent upon the quality of the sound card.
5. The mouse doesn’t move.
I replaced my old mouse with MouseCaster and the cursor on the screen does
not move.
MouseCaster is a Microsoft-compatible mouse. After replacing your existing mouse,
you must reboot the computer to enable the operating system to recognize the new mouse.
If after reboot the computer still does not recognize the MouseCaster mouse, turn off your
computer, unplug MouseCaster and reconnect it to the PS/2 or USB port.
6. The mouse is jumping around.
I connected MouseCaster to the PS/2 port and the cursor is jumping all around
the screen, opening programs and documents, and I cannot control it.
MouseCaster is a Microsoft-compatible mouse. Verify that the mouse driver
installed in your computer is a Microsoft PS/2-compatible mouse.
To check or change the mouse driver definition, perform the following:
1. Click on the Start Button > Control Panel >
2. Look for the Mouse icon and double-click to enter Mouse Settings.
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3. Select the Hardware tab and check which driver is listed for your mouse. If it is other
than a “PS/2 Compatible Mouse,” you must change the driver as follows:
a) Double-click on the driver displayed on the screen:
b) A window opens containing information for the currently installed driver.
Select the Driver tab and then Update Driver.
c) A Wizard window will open to assist you in selecting the correct driver.
Choose and select the option “Install from a specific location.”
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d)
Click Next to advance to the next screen. Select the option:
“Don’t search, I will choose the driver to install.”
e) Verify that the box Show compatible hardware is not checked.
f) Under Manufacturer, select “Microsoft,” then select “PS/2 Compatible Mouse.”
g) Click Next to end this process.
7. I use a laptop and the mouse is jumping around.
I connected MouseCaster to my laptop's PS/2 port, changed the driver as
instructed, and still the cursor is jumping all around the screen, opening programs
and documents, and I cannot control it.
The reason is an internal conflict between two components, both defined for the
same PS/2 port on your computer.
Explanation: Portable computers have an “internal mouse” component.
(On some laptops this is a trackball button and on others a touch pad.) This component is
set to and uses the PS/2 port on your computer. Therefore MouseCaster cannot
communicate with the radio receiver on the other end of the PS/2.
In order to fix this conflict it is necessary to define in the computer’s BIOS that only one
component can be active when connected to the PS/2 port. In other words, you must
stipulate that when an external mouse is connected to the PS/2 port, the main internal
component must be disabled. For most portable computers it is recommended to specify
Auto Disable so the computer will automatically identify an external mouse such as the
MouseCaster and enable it to be the tracking device.
Note: Setting BIOS parameters require fairly advanced professional knowledge of the
computer. It is recommended that you consult a specialist before performing such an
operation.
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8. The install program does not run automatically.
I put the Installation CD into the CD drive, but nothing happens.
Wait a few seconds. It is possible that the computer’s memory is overloaded and it will take
some time to run the program. On some computers the option to automatically activate the
CD drive has been canceled and will require that you manually run the setup program.
If the setup program does not start automatically, do the following:
1. Select and view the CD or DVD drive using Windows Explorer or My Computer.
2. Verify that the installation disk is in the appropriate drive.
3. Double-click on the file setup.exe to run the program.
4. The main window will open. Follow the instructions.
9. I can’t complete installation.
After running the MouseCaster setup program, the computer informs me that I
cannot save and install the program.
This problem occurs in organizations where special authorization is required to install
programs. It appears that on your computer, the option to install programs independently
has been blocked. Verify that you are authorized to install programs on your computer. If
you do not have such authorization, please contact the person responsible in your
organization. There is no sound.
10. I installed MouseCaster and then started the program, but I cannot hear the
radio.
Check that you can hear sounds from other players/sources you have on your computer.
If you do, make sure you completed your sound-card setting as describe on page 10.
A good indication that your sound card is set properly is that you can hear the jingle
accompanying the opening of MouseCaster program (heard when double-clicking on
MouseCaster desktop icon).
Double-check that:
• You correctly connected MouseCaster’s plug to the LINE-IN port on the sound card.
• You have correctly defined control over the LINE-IN channel through the radio panel.
• The Mute button is not pressed.
Search for a radio program that you are familiar with in your local area using the
MouseCaster scan buttons—check if you can hear anything.
Verify that your sound card is defined correctly—ask a professional for assistance.
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11. I've done everything, but there's still no sound.
In some sound cards the rear speakers can be connected and operated when set to
SURROUND. In this case the front speakers are connected to the usual speaker exit and
the rear speakers to the Line-In connector, which then becomes the exit for the speakers. In
order to do this, the sound card has to be set accordingly. Please perform the following
steps:
1. Open the Control Panel
2. Press Sounds and Audio Devices (in Windows XP, marked with a circle)
3. Under Speaker settings, choose Advanced
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4. Check that your card is not set to SURROUND, since this would turn the
Line-In connector into the exit for the Rear speakers instead of the Line-In entry.
5. Check that your computer is set up to work with two speakers and that
SURROUND is off.
Note: It is recommended to choose Desktop stereo speakers initially and to make sure
that the problem has been solved.
12. The sound is not clear.
I connected the mouse, installed the MouseCaster software, and started the
program. I hear the radio, but the sound quality is very poor.
Verify that you did not connect MouseCaster to the
Microphone
input. The microphone
port is designed for voice, not music, and therefore produces a lower-quality sound if you try
to use this port for music.
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i
13. I have sound, but I cannot control the volume.
I connected the mouse, installed MouseCaster’s
software, and started the program. I scanned for a station
and I can hear the radio but cannot control the volume
using the Radio panel. The Mute button does not work.
Verify that the Volume button on the MouseCaster Radio panel
is turned up, that the Mute button is defined correctly and that
these buttons are controlling the sound-card port to which you have connected the
MouseCaster sound plug.
To do so, select the Properties button located in
the top left corner of the radio panel and repeat the
procedure described on page 10.
14. I cannot start the program.
I connected the mouse and installed the MouseCaster’s software. I successfully
started the program a few times and now it will not start.
It may be that the software is activated and operating under the hidden view mode, and that
the audio is muted. Check if the MouseCaster icon appears at the bottom right corner of the
screen (SysTray). If it appears, double-click or right click the icon and select
Show rad o
panel
. If the icon is not found in the SysTray, reboot your computer and try again.
15. I can hear the radio, but I don’t see the panel.
I rebooted my computer and when the computer came up I heard the radio but
did not see the panel.
This happens after the computer is rebooted without first closing and exiting MouseCaster
program. MouseCaster continues to broadcast the station to which it was tuned prior to
reboot. After rebooting you should reactivate the MouseCaster radio panel and continue to
enjoy.
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16. Mouse not detected
When using the mouse, it may not be detected by the computer. To remedy this
problem, try the following:
• Make sure the cradle cable is plugged into the correct mouse port
(refer to page 5)
.
• Make sure your mouse port has the proper configuration. Refer to your computer
documentation for the correct port configuration.
• You may have other system devices (e.g., a LAN card) that conflict with your mouse.
Ask your computer specialist to check the IRQ/address settings of these devices for
conflicts and change the settings as required.
17. Screen cursor does not move properly when using USB mouse.
Try one or more of the following:
• Make sure the USB adapter is connected properly.
• Change the position of your cradle. It may be too far from the mouse or it also may be
that the computer monitor or a large metal object are interfering with the receiver’s
reception.
• Charge the battery.
• You may also need to change the channel for the mouse. Press the CONNECT button
on the cradle, then press the CONNECT button on the mouse
(refer to page 7)
.
• If your tabletop surface is red in color or is highly reflective like a mirror, your tabletop
surface may be interfering with the optical sensor of the mouse. Try using a mouse pad
or use the mouse on a different tabletop surface.
TTeecchhnniiccaall SSuuppppoorrtt
Below is the contact information for assistance with any problem that may occur:
Tel: 1-310-281-2040
Fax: 1-310-734-1752
Website: www.mousecaster.com Email: support@mousecaster.com
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