Thinklabs Rhythm ds32a User Manual

Thinklabs

Rhythm

High Resolution
Auscultation

:ds32a

Recording
Package
Sony ICD-UX71/81

User’s Manual

Caution - Follow Directions for Use

Misuse of this product could result in damage to the product, malfunction of the product, or compromise performance.

• Use only AAA Alkaline batteries. The ds32a will not function if battery voltage is depleted. Use fresh batteries, and replace
when indicated.

• Do not sterilize this device, or immerse it in liquids. Clean using alcohol swabs or non-abrasive cloth lightly dampened with
alcohol or water.

• Avoid use/storage in very high humidity, high temperature or dusty conditions. Leaving the device in excessively hot or cold
vehicles is NOT recommended.

• Do not attempt to modify or repair this device yourself. If you experience problems, send this device to Thinklabs for repair. See
the Support page at http://www.thinklabsmedical.com

• The Thinklabs Rhythm stethoscope has been tested to be resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI & ESD). However, it
may be susceptible to stray electromagnetic fi elds. If unexpected sounds are heard, change location, or move away from
possible sources of interference, such as cellular telephones or wireless devices.

• At the conclusion of the ds32a useful life, dispose/recycle in accordance with local regulations.

Electrical Safety Precautions

Read these safety precautions before using your stethoscope with accessory audio cables. The Thinklabs ds32 and ds32a
Digital Stethoscopes include an Audio Output for recording patient sounds. This can be used for education, electronic medical
records, email or telemedicine, using cables supplied with your stethoscope or available from Thinklabs.

Safety Precautions When Recording Patients

When in patient contact, DO NOT CONNECT the Stethoscope to

ANY Equipment which is MAINS-POWERED.

Record only on equipment which is “floating” i.e. operating on battery power and not connected to any other equipment. The
following equipment connections meet these criteria:

•Stethoscope connected to a portable mp3 recorder such as an iPod, Sony, Olympus or other handheld recorder as long as
the recorder is NOT simultaneously connected to other equipment. Recording attachments that connect to an iPod are
permissible since they are powered by the iPod.

•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer, as long as the computer is being powered by its internal batteries, and is
not connected to any other equipment except devices powered by the notebook computer, such as a mouse.

The following recording setups would NOT be safe and may NOT be used:

•Stethoscope connected to an mp3 recorder which is simultaneously being charged in a cradle or is connected via USB or
other interface to a mains-powered computer.

•Stethoscope connected to a desktop computer while the stethoscope is applied to patients for recording.

•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer connected to mains power, such as during charging. (Even if the batteries
are charged, the notebook computer must be “floating”).

•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer which is in turn connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) or other wired
connection to provide, for example, internet service. The LAN is probably grounded to the mains power grid, and is thereby
grounding the notebook computer.

•Stethoscope connected to a notebook computer which is in turn connected to an external disk drive which is main-powered,
a display monitor, etc. Again, the peripheral equipment is not “floating” and therefore the notebook computer is grounded.

IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT WHATSOEVER ABOUT THE SAFETY OF YOUR RECORDING
ARRANGEMENT, PLEASE CONTACT THINKLABS IN WRITING VIA EMAIL FOR
CONSULTATION.

Audio Playback of Recorded Sounds

The Audio connection on the ds32 and ds32a is bi-directional, allowing the same connection to be used for listening to
recorded sounds. The benefit of using the stethoscope for listening is that the headphones are designed specifically for
listening to auscultatory sounds.

When using the stethoscope for playback, you may connect the stethoscope to any headphone output, including mains powered
equipment i.e. safety precautions apply only to recording or listening to patients, when the device is being used as a
stethoscope.

Page 2

Table of Contents

2 Caution and Safety Information

4 Stethoscope Features

4 Indication for Use

5 Package Contents

6 Quick Reference - Controls and Display

7 Initial Setup

- Sony ICD-UX71/81 Settings

9 Connecting the ds32a Stethoscope to Sony IC Recorder

10 Recording Sounds

- Tips for Best Sound Quality

11 Playback of Sounds

- Selecting Headphones

12 Transferring Sound to a Computer

13 Tips and Tricks: Optimal Use of the ds32a

14 Service and Warranty

Page 3

Thinklabs Rhythm Digital Stethoscope Recording Package

Congratulations on purchasing your ds32a Recording Package. You now own an instrument
designed for high resolution auscultation - an instrument that produces body sounds with low­noise and high-amplification, providing a new level of clarity. The ds32a provides unprecedented
control of the listening process, unmatched by any other stethoscope today. Combined with a
digital recorder, the Sony ICD-UX71/81 or other digital audio recorder, it is possible to acquire
auscultation sounds for teaching, electronic medical records, or other purposes and edit/display
sounds using Thinklabs Phonocardiography Software. Features of the ds32a include:

• Amplification Modes: Amplify mode with Adjustable Volume provides low distortion, high
power amplification. Standard Acoustic mode provides the sound of a conventional stethoscope.

• Ease-of-Use: Three simple controls provide Power on/off, Amplify on/off, and Bell/Diaphragm
selection, with mode changes at the push of a button. Additional features are hidden behind
these keys to un-clutter simple use, while providing new useful functions when needed. For
example, a new Mute function (hold the Amplify key down) provides for muting sound when
patients speak, cry, cough, or produce other unwelcome sounds during auscultation.

• Patented Transducer: The Electromagnetic Diaphragm™ (EmD) senses and converts body
sounds to electronic signals right at the diaphragm, eliminating signal degradation and ambient
noise coupling through air-borne transducers or tubing. The EmD is pressure-modulated. By
subtle variation of Probe pressure, amplitude and frequency response can be tuned to listen to
specific sounds. This provides powerful tactile control over audio characteristics.

• ANR2 Noise Rejection: Thinklabs pioneered ambient noise rejection with patented EmD
diaphragm technology and acoustically-vented solid aluminum Probe design. The ds32a builds
on this with 2nd-generation Ambient Noise Rejection (ANR2), a 2nd-stage Noise Rejection (NR)
function for increased noise immunity in high-noise environments. NR can be turned off in
quieter office environments to provide very high-sensitivity, direct-coupled EmD audio.

• User-programmable Presets: You can preset the ds32a to power-up in mode settings to
match your clinical habits and needs. The ds32a can simply power up in the previous mode
settings, or in specific modes suited to your preferences.

• Audio Port: An Input/Output port provides an audio line-level output signal for recording or use
of the ds32a as headphones suited to listening to recorded auscultation sounds.

• Design: All these features are packaged in a stethoscope that has the form factor and weight
of an instrument so familiar to the professional community of users.

See Also (available at http://www.thinklabsmedical.com):

- Thinklabs ds32a User’s Manual

- Sony ICD-UX71/81 Operating Instructions

- Thinklabs Phonocardiography Software (and Instructions)

Indications

The Thinklabs Rhythm Digital Stethoscope is intended for use as a diagnostic aid in patient
diagnosis. It can be used for the amplification of heart, lung, and other body sounds with
selective frequency filtering. This product is not designed, sold, or intended for any use except
as indicated.

Page 4

Thinklabs ds32a Recording Package Contents

Your Recording Package contents include:

Thinklabs ds32a Digital Stethoscope

- ds32a Digital Stethoscope

- 2 x AAA Alkaline Batteries

- Male-Male 2.5mm - 3.5mm Recording Cable

- Male-Female 2.5mm - 3.5mm Headphone Cable

- 2 x Extra Eartips

- Quick Reference Guide

Sony ICD-UX71/81 Digital Audio Recorder

Thinklabs Phonocardiography Software

available for free download on Thinklabs website http://www.thinklabsmedical.com

Using this Package, you can:

- Record Patient Sounds live to the Digital Recorder

- Transfer Recording Files to a computer (Mac/PC)

- View, Play, Edit, Annotate Sound Recordings

- Save edited sound files for education or electronic medical records

Page 5