Optacon II Model R2A User Manual TELESENSORY SYSTEMS, INC. Optacon II User Manual Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue P.O. Box 7455 Mountain View, CA 94039-7455 (415)960-0920 (800)227-8418 Toll free Print Manual Part Number: R27401A Optacon II User Manual This manual contains procedures for the care and use of the Optacon II. Further information about the Optacon II may be obtained from: Telesensory Systems, Inc. 455 North Bernardo Avenue P.O. Box 7455 Mountain View, CA 94043-5274 U.S.A. Telephone: (415)960-0920 Toll Free: (800) 227-8418 Telex: 278838 TSIUR Cable: Telesen Mountain View SpecialNet:CA.TSI FAX: (415) 969-9064 Optacon II User Manual Page i Federal Communications Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturers instructions, may cause interference to radio and television reception. It has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which 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. If this equipment does cause 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 the receiving antenna Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver Move the computer away from the receiver Plug the computer into a different outlet so that computer and receiver are on different branch circuits. If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal Communications Commission helpful: How to Identify and Resolve Radio TV Interference Problems. This book is available from the US Government Printing Office, Washington D.C., 20402, Stock No. 004 000 00345 4. ©Telesensory Systems, Inc. 1988. All Rights Reserved Page ii Optacon II User Manual Table of Contents I. Introduction I-1 II. Training Requirements II-1 A. Computer Assisted Training II-2 B. TSI Training II-2 III. Optacon II Physical Description III-1 A. Top Surface III-2 1. Camera and Camera Holder III-2 2. Battery Pack III-3 B. Front Panel III-3 1. The On/Off Switch III-3 2. The Stimulator Intensity Adjustment Knob and the Threshold Adjustment Knob III-3 C. Right Side Panel III-4 1. The Power Reset Button III-4 D. Left Side Panel III-4 1. Normal/ Inverse Video/ Invert Switch III-5 E. Rear Panel III-5 1. The DC Power Port III-5 2. The Battery Check Button III-6 3. The Battery Pack Catch III-6 4. The Camera Connector Port III-6 5. The RS232 Port III-6 6. The Output Port III-6 . The Camera III-7 IV. Preparing for Use IV-1 A. Using and Positioning Camera Holder IV-1 B. Removing the Camera Holder and Preparing for Use IV-1 C. Installing the Camera Holder in Rest Position IV-2 D. Reinserting the Camera into the Holder IV-3 E. Connecting Camera into Port on Back Panel IV-3 Optacon II User Manual Page TOC - 1 V. Operating Instructions V-1 A. Preliminary Checks V-1 1. Battery Check V-1 2. Normal/ Inverse Video/ Invert Switch V-2 3. Camera Cable V-2 B. Preliminary Controls Settings V-2 VI. Detaching and Reassembling the Lens Module VI-1 VII. Care of the Optacon II VII-1 A. Charging the Battery VII-2 B. Carrying and Shipping the Optacon II VII-4 VIII. Troubleshooting VIII-1 IX. Accessories IX-1 X. Warranty X-1 XI. Specifications XI-1 Page TOC - 2 Optacon II User Manual FIGURES 1. Optacon II Training System II-2 2. Top Surface; and Front Panel III-2 3. Optacon II Right Side Panel III-4 4. Optacon II Left Side Panel III-4 5. Optacon II Rear Panel III-5 6. Camera Top and Side ViewsIII-7 7. Camera Holder in Side Position with Camera Plugged In IV-1 8. Side View of Camera Holder IV-3 9. Battery Installed in Charger Adaptor VII-3 Optacon II User Manual Page TOC - 3 I. Introduction The Optacon II (OPtical to TActile CONverter) is a compact, portable reading aid for the blind. It represents the second generation of the Optacon. It is about the size of a small tape recorder and weighs slightly more than two pounds. The camera converts the print to a tactile image read by one finger on the tactile array. The tactile array has one hundred stimulator rods in a five column, twenty row arrangement; it is centered on the top surface of the unit for convenient use by either a right or a left handed person. After a period of training and practice, a blind person can use the Optacon II to read ordinary books, magazines, newspapers, and other printed and typed materials. With the accessory lens attachments, the Optacon II can be used to read a computer monitor, or to magnify small print to readable levels. Sighted teachers use a special Visual Display to monitor the image sent to the array; blind teachers monitor the array by cabling their Optacon II to the students unit. Images are displayed simultaneously on the cabled units; one acts as sender and one as receiver. For instruction, up to ten Optacon IIs can be cabled together and to a visual display. The design of the original Optacon was the result of research and development efforts conducted for more than six years at Stanford University and the Stanford Research Institute. Now, after 17 years of Optacon use in the field, the Optacon II, developed jointly by Telesensory Systems, Inc. and Canon Inc., introduces a new generation of the Optacon to a new generation of readers. More compact, and considerably lighter than ever before possible, the Optacon II comes with an RS232 serial port that enables it to interface with computers. The Optacon II Training System utilizes the RS232 connection to create Optacon II User Manual Page I - 1 special letter recognition, reading and speed building exercises to conserve teacher time in training and facilitate independent work by the student. The Optacon II has three main components: 1. a miniature camera, 2. an electronics section, and 3. a tactile stimulator array. The miniature camera, about the size of a pocket knife, is mounted in a housing that has rollers for easy movement along a line of print. The camera is connected to the electronics section by a lightweight cable plugged into the back panel of the Optacon II. The camera has a zoom lens that adjusts to different type sizes (from 6 to 20 point type). With an optional magnifier lens, type sizes as small as 4 point can be read. The optional CRT lens provides access for on screen reading of various computer monitors. The electronics section and the tactile stimulator array are in the main body of the Optacon II. The array consists of one hundred tiny metal rods arranged in five vertical columns and twenty horizontal rows. Each of the rods can vibrate independently. The tips of these rods protrude through holes in a concave plate (the tactile array), where the index finger is placed flat in order to read the tactile image. These three components act together to convert the image of a letter or other shape into a corresponding pattern of vibrating rods felt on the array. As the camera is moved over the print, the tactile image moves across the array. The camera must be kept moving so that the reader can perceive the whole form of the image. Page I - 2 Optacon II User Manual For example, the Optacon II converts a printed O into a tactile form that resembles a crater with a vibrating rim. C would have a similar shape with a gap or opening on the right side of the rim. Because it can convert any ordinary printed image into a corresponding tactile image, the Optacon II is not restricted to any special typestyle or language. The Optacon II is powered by a rechargeable battery, and comes with its own battery charger adaptor. The battery pack can be easily removed from the Optacon II body for recharging and replaced with the auxiliary battery during the recharging period for uninterrupted portable use (see Care of the Optacon II). The Optacon II also operates on DC power, using the Canon CH-50 charger. The charger can also be used to provide power to the visual display (see Accessories). Optacon II User Manual Page I - 3 II. Training Requirements Optacon II skills must be learned under the supervision of a trained and qualified Optacon teacher. Tactile sensitivity and good language skills are important factors in developing reading skills with the Optacon II. To read, the user must: 1. learn the letter shapes and other language symbols tactually, 2. learn to move the camera smoothly along a line of print and from line to line, with the image centered and un-skewed on the array, 3. become fluent in perceiving letter shapes combined into units of words and sentences, 4. read print in different formats (columns, print with pictures, charts, etc.) and different fonts or typestyles. Once these skills are developed, the user can explore the wide variety of printed formats and gain independence with the Optacon II. Typically, a student in an Optacon II training program is able to learn basic skills in approximately forty to fifty hours of instruction. Through consistent use and practice, the user continues to build proficiency and increase his or her reading speed to as much as eighty words per minute. Optacon II User Manual Page II - 1 A. The Optacon II Training System: Computer Assisted Training The Optacon II Training System utilizes the RS232 connection to provide access to TSIs preprogrammed and teacher programmable learning modules for letter recognition training and speed building exercises, assessments, or review of PC keyboard text entry. The Training System can make use of synthesized speech for prompts and feedback during the interactive lessons. Results of the learning exercises are scored for the teacher to evaluate and assign subsequent individualized lessons and drill. Use of the Training System conserves teacher time and encourages independent student practice. Contact TSI for information about PCs supported by the training software. Figure 1 - Optacon II Training System B. TSI Training TSI has a staff of trained teachers who will provide training for Optacon II users and teachers on site or at TSI. Our Training Department also cooperates with schools and agencies in establishing their own Optacon II training programs. Training materials are available in print and braille, and some on audio tapes. Page II - 2 Optacon II User Manual iii. Optacon II Physical Description Open the packing carton and check to see that all the materials listed below have been included; User Manual in print and braille Reading mat Optacon II Camera Camera holder Battery terminal cover Battery packs (two are provided: one attached to the top of the Optacon II and the other in the pouch on the strap) Battery Charger Adaptor Canon CH-50 Battery Charger (in 100,120, 230 or 240 V, as appropriate). Remove the Optacon II from its leather case, to prepare for initial set up checks and operation. The case for the Optacon II has a flap held closed by velcro. Pull the flap up to open the case. Inside the case is a center strip closure also held in place by velcro. Pull the strip up so that the Optacon II can be pulled from the case. Do not remove the Optacon II from its case by pulling on the control knobs. Put your hand flat on the top of the body of the Optacon II (there is space in the case to do so), and pull the unit straight out towards you about an inch. Then put a hand on each side of the unit, pulling it from the case. Place the Optacon II on a table or other hard surface. Keep the shipping carton and packing material for later use when sending the unit in for service. Optacon II User Manual Page III - 1 Top Surface: Raised Oval Base of Camera Holder Battery Pack Raised Oval Camera Stored in Holder Front Panel: Threshold Intensity Figure 2 Top Surface and Front Panel A. Top Surface 1. Camera and Camera Holder When the Optacon II is removed from the shipping carton, the camera is stored in the camera holder in the center of the top surface of the unit, covering the array. The plastic camera holder is T-shaped, with the camera in a trough at the top of the T. The camera cable is wrapped around the top portion of the holder. The camera connector at the end of the cable is inserted in the bottom portion of the camera holder at the base of the T. The center portion of the top surface of the Optacon II surrounding the array is slightly textured and of a different color than the rest of the body of the unit to protect from fingerprints and keep the surface cleaner. To the left and right side of the camera holder are two raised ovals which will steady the camera holder when it is clipped to the side position, either to the right or left of the array. With the camera holder in either side position, the array is exposed and ready for reading. Page III 2 Optacon II User Manual 2. Battery Pack The battery pack is at the back of the top surface and is approximately 2x5x1 inches. The top surface is textured, with raised horizontal lines and a small raised arrow pointing to the rear of the surface to guide in removal. B. Front Panel 1. The On/Off Switch The on/off switch is a rocker switch located on the right side of the front panel. The Optacon II is turned on by pressing the right side of the button. 2. The Stimulator Intensity Adjustment Knob and the Threshold Adjustment Knob The stimulator intensity adjustment knob and the threshold adjustment knob are stacked together. They are positioned just to the right of center of the front panel. The larger threshold adjustment knob is at the base and the smaller stimulator intensity adjustment knob protrudes from the center of the threshold knob. Both knobs are controlled by the thumb of the reading (array) hand while the reading finger is kept flat on the array to monitor the effect of adjustments. The stimulator intensity knob controls the intensity of the image sent to the array. The Optacon II makes a buzzing sound in its normal operation, created by the stimulator rods vibrating in the tactile array. Optacon II User Manual Page III - 3 The threshold adjustment compensates for variation in the size of letter strokes in various print styles and the degree of contrast between paper and print. Both knobs have raised lines on the edge (the intensity knob also has a line on the face of it to use as a tactile reference when making threshold and intensity adjustments). C. Right Side Panel POWER RESET Figure 3 Right Side Panel 1. The Power Reset Button The power reset button is located on the right side panel, near the back of the unit. In the case of an electronic malfunction within the Optacon II, or a power surge from an external power source, the power reset function will trip to prevent electrical current from damaging the Optacon II. The Optacon II will not operate until the power reset button is reset. D. Left Side Panel INVERSE VIDEO NORMAL INVERT Figure 4 Left Side Panel Page III - 4 Optacon II User Manual 1. Normal/ Inverse Video/ Invert Switch The slide switch located on the left side panel, near the back of the unit has three positions: Normal, Inverse Video, and Invert. It should be set to Normal (setting towards the back of the unit) for normal ink print on a white background. The Invert (setting towards the front of the unit) is used for white print on a dark background or for use with a LED display, such as a calculator or a computer monitor. The Inverse Video setting (the center position) is used for computer monitors with a light background and dark letters. E. Rear Panel Figure 5 Rear Panel 1. The DC Power Port The DC power port is a recessed three prong receptacle for the Canon CH-50 charger which provides DC power. The Optacon II can be operated from DC power or battery. Only the Canon CH-50 charger can be used. The power cord terminates in a wedge-shaped plug. The proper orientation is with the narrower part of the wedge shape pointing down. Optacon II User Manual Page III - 5 2. The Battery Check Button The battery check button is used to determine if the battery needs recharging (see Operating Instructions). 3. The Battery Pack Catch The battery pack catch is used when removing the battery pack from the top of the Optacon II. It is a square slide catch with a raised line pattern on the face of the catch, with a smooth arrow shape in the center, pointing down. 4. The Camera Connector Port The camera connector port is rectangular and recessed. It is a pinless connector. 5. The RS232 Port The RS232 port is also rectangular and recessed. It is smaller than the camera connector port. This port is for the Optacon II training system cables, or other appropriate RS232 attachments. 6. The Output Port The output port is a round port on the far right of the back panel. The visual display cable and the repeater cable plug in here. Up to ten Optacon IIs can be cabled together, with one as the sender and the others as receivers. Page III - 6 Optacon II User Manual NOTE: When removing any connector, do not pull by the cord, but by the housing around the end of the connector. 7. The Camera The camera has a magnification adjustment button whose range is indicated by three raised lines on either side of the button on the top surface of the camera. The camera moves on stainless steel rollers. The lens and retina components of the camera detach for use of accessory lenses (see Detaching and Reassembling the Lens Module). Lens Retina Module Side View Top View Detached Retina Module Figure 6 Camera top and side views Optacon II User Manual Page III - 7 IV. Preparing for Use Figure 7 Camera Holder in Side Position with Camera Plugged in... Setup for Left-Hand Camera Tracking A. Using and Positioning Camera Holder When the Optacon II is pulled from its case, the camera is secured in the camera holder in the center of the top surface of the unit covering the array. The Optacon II should be oriented with its front panel, where the intensity and threshold knobs are located, facing forward. Hold the camera holder at the indentation in the flange, at the top of the holder (near the battery pack). With your other hand, hold the Optacon II steady. Pull the clip straight towards the front of the unit. The camera holder should not be tilted when it is removed, as this might stress the clips. B. Removing the Camera from the Holder and Preparing for Use The camera should be removed from the holder in order to plug it into the back of the Optacon II for use. Slide the camera connector from the clip at the base of the holder. Cartwheel the holder Optacon II User Manual Page IV - 1 (rotating it counterclockwise), gradually freeing the camera cable from the flange around the top of the holder. When the cable is free, push against the nose of the camera (the end opposite the cable attachment) to slide the camera from the holder. Put the camera aside and install the camera holder on either side of the array. C. Installing the Camera Holder In Rest Position The side positions for the camera holder expose the array for use and allow the camera to be conveniently held when the camera is temporarily not in use. The holder should remain in the same position, with the clip that holds the end of the camera cable at the bottom. The camera holder has a small clip on each side of the underside of the holder (the side opposite the trough for the camera). When the camera holder is in the center position, the clips fit into two openings on the top surface of the unit, just in front of the battery. When the camera holder is installed on the right side of the top surface (for left hand use of the array), the clip on the left side of the underside of the holder fits into the opening on the right side of the Optacon II. The reverse is true when the camera holder is installed on the left side of the unit. Page IV - 2 Optacon II User Manual D. Reinserting the Camera into the Holder Note the shape of the inside of the trough from which the camera was removed. The bottom is partially curved to accommodate the barrel shaped portion of the camera unit. Insert the camera into the holder with the rollers facing towards the bottom of the T shape and the cord coming out to the right. Figure 8 Side View of Camera Holder E. Connecting Camera into Port on Back Panel Turn the Optacon II around so the back panel is facing forward. The recessed port for the camera connector is third from the left. The connector at the end of the cable will only insert when properly aligned to the port. Insert it into the port. If it does not easily slide into the port, rotate the plug 180 degrees and retry. After the cable is connected to the port, turn the Optacon II around so that the Threshold/ Intensity knobs are facing forward. Optacon II User Manual Page IV - 3 V. Operating Instructions A. Preliminary Checks 1. Battery Check a. Turn on the Optacon II by pressing down on the right side of the ON/OFF rocker switch on the right side of the front panel. The Optacon II will emit a buzzing sound, indicating it is operating. If there is no sound, turn the threshold and intensity knobs as far as you can, clockwise. If there is still no sound, refer to the Troubleshooting section. b. Check the battery charge by pressing the battery check button on the back of the unit. If the battery is fully charged, the pitch will remain the same when the battery check button is pressed. If the pitch falls, the battery requires charging. The battery check can be performed whether the Optacon II is running off battery or DC power. NOTE: Even when operating off DC power, if the battery is low, it can affect the Optacon II operation. This is especially true if some accessory lenses or the Visual Display are connected to the unit. See Care of the Optacon II for more information on the battery. Optacon II User Manual Page V - 1 2. Normal/ Inverse Video/ Invert Switch The Normal/ Inverse Video/ Invert switch (on the left side panel) must be in the proper position for the material to be read. The Normal position of the switch for reading dark print on a white background is towards the back of the unit. 3. Camera Cable The camera cable at the camera end must be in the appropriate position for normal reading, on the same side as the camera rollers. If the cable is up, with its attachment point on the same side as the Magnification button, the image will be upside down. This should be checked, especially if the retina module has been detached for use with other lenses. B. Preliminary Controls Settings 1. Slide the Magnification button on the camera to align with the middle ridge on the top of the camera. This will be an appropriate setting for 10 to 12 point type, the most common size range for print. This manual is in 12 point type. 2. Adjust the Intensity knob clockwise to its maximum setting; it can be readjusted later for comfort. Comfortable intensity ranges between10 oclock and 3 oclock, using the raised line on the face and edge of the knob as a reference point. Page V - 2 Optacon II User Manual 3. Adjust the threshold knob. The average threshold setting is between 10 oclock and 12 oclock, using the raised line on the side of the knob as a reference point. Threshold and intensity settings are interrelated to the magnification setting chosen. As the letters are increased in size, the threshold setting needs to be decreased to maintain the appropriate letter thickness; as the letters are decreased in size, the threshold setting needs to be increased. NOTE: If the Normal/ Inverse Video/ Invert switch (see figure 4) is in the invert position for reading light letters against a dark background, the effect of turning the threshold adjustment knob is reversed. Proper letter size and threshold adjustments should initially be done under an instructors supervision. Optacon II User Manual Page V - 3 VI. Detaching and Reassembling the Lens Module (refer to Figure 6) The lens module is detached from the retina module for the use of accessory lenses. NOTE: The Optacon II must be turned off when detaching the lens module to avoid damaging the Optacon II circuits. Hold the camera in one hand, with the magnification adjustment button facing up. Grasp the end of the retina module by the knurled knob at the end with the thumb and forefinger. (Do not hold by the camera cord.) There are two small mounting pins on opposite sides of the retina module barrel. These pins slide within two L shaped slots on either side of the retina module. Push the lens and retina modules together, then slowly turn the retina module towards you about 30 until you feel the mounting pins release the retina. Pull the retina module away from the lens module. Store the lens module in the camera holder. The retina module can now be attached to accessory lenses. Refer to instructions included with accessory lens modules. To Reassemble the Camera Unit: 1. Hold the camera unit rollers down and gently slide the retina module into the lens module with the cord in the desired position (normal position is for the cord to be down, on the same side as the rollers). Optacon II User Manual Page VI - 1 2. Align the pins on the retina module with the L shaped slots in the lens module barrel. The module should slide into position readily. 3. Lock the retina module firmly into place by pushing in and gently turning it away from you until the mounting pins click into place. If properly in place, you will not be able to move the retina module from side to side, or pull it straight out. Page VI 2 Optacon II User Manual VII. Care of the Optacon II The Optacon II should be treated with care. With proper use and care, the Optacon II will give many years of trouble free service. It is designed to need little maintenance other than normal recharging of the battery. Service contracts covering equipment malfunction and providing preventive maintenance are available and highly recommended. The following are suggestions for general care of your Optacon II. If a problem does occur see the Troubleshooting section. Do not attempt to make any repairs yourself! Any tampering with Optacon II internal assemblies or electronics will void your warranty. Dropping, rough handling, or exposure to water may damage the Optacon II. Be sure it is secured on a table when in use. Carry it in its leather case and ship only in the padded shipping carton. Extremes in temperature or humidity may damage the Optacon II. Do not place it where it may become warmer than 122 F (50 C). The tactile stimulator array is the most delicate part of the Optacon II and the most difficult to repair. Protect it from dirt, moisture or any materials that may fall into the holes of the array and inhibit the action of the stimulator rods. In particular, be sure that the finger used for reading is clean and free from hand lotion. Do not wipe the array; materials or threads might catch on the stimulator rods and bend them. If the array requires cleaning, consult TSI Service. Optacon II User Manual Page VII - 1 The camera should be protected from bumps or jarring. Care should be taken to prevent foreign objects from entering the camera, either into the lens system between the lamp bulbs in the opening on the bottom side of the camera, or between the detachable retina module and the rest of the camera. The retina module should be firmly locked in place. The camera cable must be protected from sharp bends, crimps, twisting or straining while using the camera and especially when the camera is stored in the camera holder. The main body of the Optacon II is made of high impact plastic and can be cleaned with a soft, damp cloth and a small amount of mild soap. Abrasives or solvents must not be used on the surface of the Optacon II. NOTE: Do not get any moisture in the array or any of the connectors or switches on the front, back or side panels. Do not wipe a cloth across the array so that loose ends of threads catch on the stimulator rods. A. Charging the Battery NOTE: Use only the CANON CH-50 charger provided with the Optacon II. Any other charger may damage the Optacon II or charger and voids the warranty. The charger is available in several voltages (100,120,230,240 V). Before traveling in other countries, consult TSI about available chargers for different voltages. Page VII - 2 Optacon II User Manual 1. Removing the battery pack: Reach behind the battery pack to the rear panel of the Optacon II and push down on the catch; at the same time, push the battery towards the back of the unit. The battery pack will slide free from the top surface of the Optacon II. Notice that the battery pack has two guide pins extending from the edge of the pack; they indicate the side that goes in first when reinstalling the battery. When the pack is removed from the Optacon II the metal battery contacts are exposed on the top surface. Either install the other battery pack or the battery cover to protect the terminal contacts. 2. Installing the charged auxiliary battery pack: Slide the battery pack in place on the top surface of the Optacon II, reversing the order of the removal process described above; hold down the release catch and slide the battery pack in. 3. Installing the discharged battery pack into the battery charger adaptor: The battery pack installs in the charger adaptor in the same way as into the main body of the Optacon II. Position it over the terminals and slide into place. Figure 9 Battery Installed in Charger Adaptor BATTERY CHARGER ADAPTOR Optacon II User Manual Page VII - 3 4. Charging the battery: insert the battery to be charged into the battery charger adaptor and plug the Canon CH-50 charger into the AC outlet. Then, plug the charger output into the battery charger adaptor. Fully charge the battery for 14 hours. It is good practice to fully discharge and recharge each battery periodically to maintain maximum battery efficiency. 5. Important: use only the battery charger adaptor to charge the battery. The battery will not charge on the Optacon II. B. Carrying and Shipping the Optacon II To protect the Optacon II when carrying it, use the leather case; the flaps and closures should be fastened. You may safely hand carry the Optacon II on aircraft. It will not be harmed by x-ray checking procedures. To ship the unit it should be put in the leather case and then in the padded shipping carton. Page VII - 4 Optacon II User Manual VIII. Troubleshooting A number of simple procedures that can be followed to correct problems in the functioning of the Optacon II are listed below. However, if a problem persists, the user should contact TSI at the address given on the cover page of this manual. A telephone call may speed the correction of a problem. Before you phone be sure to have the serial number of the Optacon II. Do not attempt any remedy beyond those given here unless it has been specifically recommended by TSI. Do not ship your Optacon II to be repaired until advised to do so. The Optacon II should be shipped in its leather case in the original padded shipping carton. What to do if: No Stimulators Turn On: Check the stimulator intensity adjustment, which may be turned down too far. If this adjustment is proper, check the threshold control; if it is too low, the image will not register. Check the battery. Check to see if you have the Optacon II in the invert or inverse video position. Check to see if the power reset button has popped out. It can be reset by pushing in with the tip of a braille stylus or a paper clip. Check to see if the lamps in the camera are below normal brightness, in which case the battery may need charging. Certain Stimulators are Never On: Check the threshold adjustment. If it is too low, there may be gaps in the array. There may also be some problem with the stimulators or the circuitry; consult TSI. Optacon II User Manual Page VIII - 1 All Stimulators On at Very Low Threshold Setting: Check the camera lights. If they are off, make sure the retina module is properly connected to the lens module. If it is, and the problem persists, there may be some problem with the lens, the retina module, or the circuitry; refer the problem to TSI. Certain Stimulators are Always On at Normal Intensity and Lowest Threshold: Stimulators may be defective. Notify TSI. Battery Cannot be Charged: Examine the power reset button. If it has tripped, reset it. If it trips again, the cause is within the Optacon II circuitry; consult TSI. Verify that the wall socket or extension cord is supplying power to the charger (plug in a radio or other appliance). If power is being supplied, the charger may be defective; check with TSI for replacement or repair. Stimulator Intensity Varies: Check the battery, which may need to be charged; otherwise, refer the problem to TSI. Page VIII - 2 Optacon II User Manual IX. ACCESSORIES In addition to the Optacon II Training Software for use in Optacon II training with a personal computer, various accessories used in Optacon II instruction are available. They include: the Repeater Cable, the Visual Display unit, and a Portable Line Scanner. The Visual Display and Portable Line Scanner have their own operating manuals. There are also accessory lenses for use with the Optacon II, including a magnifier lens (for reading print smaller than 6 point), CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) lens for reading computer screens, and lenses for use with typewriters. Accessory lenses are attached directly to the retina module. The Optacon II must always be turned off when attaching an accessory lens. Check with TSI for availability of accessories and manuals for use. The Repeater Cable enables up to ten Optacon IIs to be connected so that one Optacon II sends the image to the others. The Repeater Cable makes it possible for a teacher who is blind to monitor the image on the students array, or for several students to observe the same materials together. Each Optacon II controls its own intensity, but the sender Optacon II controls the size of the image and the threshold for all. Optacon II User Manual Page IX - 1 The Visual Display unit for the Optacon II is an electronic monitoring system with 100 light emitting diodes (LED) arranged in the same format as the tiny metal rods in the tactile stimulator array. The visual display uses the Canon CH-50 charger as a power source, or operates at half intensity from the Optacon II and its power source. The Portable Line Scanner is a pacing device operated by its own 20 volt (9W) power source. It weighs approximately 3 pounds. It has forward speed adjustments between 6 and 80 wpm; backward speeds between 30 and 90 wpm. The camera is held by the scanner and moves at a set rate along the line of print, with the teacher or student setting the speed and making line changes. It is useful for speed building and for users unable to track with the camera. Standard training materials can be used or lessons can be prepared on the typewriter or any clear, sharp image printer. NOTE: All accessory lenses operate on the Optacon II or earlier Optacon models (R1B, C, D). The Visual Display (model V4A) only operates with the Optacon II. The Optacon II can only be cabled to other Optacon IIs. Page IX - 2 Optacon II User Manual X. WARRANTY For one year from the date of delivery, Telesensory Systems, Inc. (TSI) warrants that its Optacon II (and accessories) will be free from defects in material or workmanship. TSIs obligation under this warranty is limited to the exclusive remedies of repair and replacement of defective parts or refunding the purchase price as TSI may elect. This warranty shall not apply to any part of the product or accessory which has been abused or misused physically or electrically except in the case of accidental misuse as described above. This warranty shall not apply to any part of the product which has been damaged by use of parts and service not authorized by TSI. To obtain warranty service contact: Telesensory Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 7455 455 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, California 94039-7455 U.S.A. (415)960-0920 or TSIs authorized service center in your area for shipping instructions. The address of the service center for your area can always be obtained by writing to TSI at the above address or by telephoning toll free: (800)227-8418 TSI will pay return shipping costs for warranty services. Optacon II User Manual Page X - 1 All warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited to a duration of one year from the date of delivery. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation may not apply to you. In no event shall TSI be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Page X - 2 Optacon II User Manual XI Specifications Weight (Optacon II with 1 battery) 2 lbs (0.9 kg) Dimensions (without carrying case) ! 6.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 (160 mm x 140 mm x 28 mm) Power 6V DC sealed NiCad battery pack, user replaceable AC powered adapter/battery charger 3W maximum power consumption battery operation - minimum 4 hours per battery extra battery pack included Camera/Tactile Array camera- silicon photo diode tactile array - piezoelectric bimorphs (5 columns x 20 rows) Operating Environment temperature 5-35 C, or 41 - 95 F. relative humidity 10-90% Interfaces with V4A LED Visual Display repeater mode (up to 10 Optacon IIs chained together) RS232 serial interface (9600 baud) Optacon II User Manual Page XI - 1