The PAC Mate Omni has keys on the top with the ports and switches in the back. The overall size of the QX400 is 12.3 inches (31.24 cm) x 6.27 inches (15.93 cm) x 1.62 inches (4.11 cm) and it weighs 2 lbs (.90kg).
With the PAC Mate Omni positioned on your lap or on a desktop as if you are going to type, you will find on the back surface from right to left: the On/Off switch, the Power Jack, the Mini A/B USB port, two CompactFlash® Slots, the Infrared Port, the 3/32 inch (2.5 mm) external headset/Microphone Jack and the 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) Headphone Jack.
The CompactFlash slots on the QX400 support both CompactFlash Type I and Type II cards and peripherals. For more information on peripherals that have been tested for the PAC Mate Omni, please visit our web site.
The CompactFlash cards plug into the PAC Mate Omni in one direction only. If you insert the card the wrong way, simply remove the card, turn it over and gently reinsert the card. Never push or force the card. When you correctly insert the card, you can feel it gently plug into place.
To remove a CompactFlash card, grasp and pull the card with your index finger and thumb.
On the top surface, just above the F3 key on the QWERTY keyboard, is the speaker and just above the Print Screen and Scroll Lock keys is the internal microphone.
The reset button is on the bottom surface of the PAC Mate Omni. To find the reset button, turn the PAC Mate Omni bottom side up so that the rear panel is facing you. With your left hand, locate the rectangular depression that contains the serial number sticker. Just above this depression is a small, round protuberance with a hole. This is the reset button. Use an unbent paper clip, Braille stylus, or similar object to press the reset button by inserting it into this hole and pressing.
Also located on the bottom surface is the drawer/display release. You can find this release on the right side across from the reset button. To disengage the drawer or display, pull the release gently towards the right side of the unit.
To connect the PAC Mate Omni Portable Braille Display, align the display so that it slides easily into the PAC Mate Omni. Then press against each unit until they are firmly engaged.
The PAC Mate Omni is powered with a high-density lithium polymer battery that may be charged repeatedly and at any time within the battery cycle without losing capacity. When the battery has only 30% of its charge remaining, the PAC Mate Omni announces a warning that the battery is low. At 12% of battery life, the PAC Mate Omni alerts you that the battery is critically low, and at 0% the PAC Mate Omni will automatically turn off within a few minutes.
Note: Since all user data and installed programs are stored in Flash memory as of version 6.0, your information will not be lost if the battery completely discharges. All of your files, installed programs, and settings will still be there when you connect the PAC Mate Omni to the AC adapter and charge it.
Once the battery charger is connected, the battery takes approximately 4 hours to recharge. You can work with your PAC Mate Omni while your battery is recharging without harming the unit. When you get ready to charge your PAC Mate Omni, you must charge the battery with the AC adapter supplied with the unit.
Warning: This device has no user-serviceable components. Any unauthorized attempt to service or replace internal components by opening the case will void the product warranty.
For convenience, the Today Screen indicates the percentage of battery charge available. To refresh the Today Screen so that it reflects the most current battery charge, press INSERT+ESC.
Note: If you do not refresh the screen before checking the percentage of battery charge available, you may not receive an accurate measurement.
For additional information on the PAC Mate Omni battery, please see Appendix B: Special Considerations, Lithium Polymer Battery.
Occasionally it may be necessary for you to reset your PAC Mate Omni. Particularly, if it is operating slowly and sluggishly or if it stops responding completely. If this occurs often, contact Freedom Scientific's hardware technical support. However, if this occurs infrequently, perform the following to get your PAC Mate Omni running normally again.
A warm reset does not affect your files, programs or settings. Instead, it closes all running applications, restarts the PAC Mate Omni, and places you on the Today Screen. This means that any data that you have written but not saved will be lost in a warm reset. To perform a warm reset, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE. After about a minute, during which time the Windows Mobile operating system is being restarted, you will hear "JAWS for Pocket PC is ready" followed by the version. You are then placed on the Today screen.
In the event that your PAC Mate Omni keyboard becomes unresponsive, you can also perform a warm reset by holding the power switch in the on position (toward the CompactFlash slots) for approximately 10 seconds and releasing it. The PAC Mate Omni will then perform a warm reset.
Acold reset is similar to a warm reset in that all running programs are closed and the operating system is restarted. However, some additional initializations to the internal hardware are performed that are not done during a warm reset. While a cold reset will not erase any of your files, you will need to reset the time and date as these will be returned to their factory defaults. See Clock for information on setting the clock.
To cold reset your PAC Mate Omni, use a straightened paper clip or a toothpick and press down gently on the reset button. You should feel the button move slightly as you press. After about a minute you will hear "JAWS for Pocket PC is ready" followed by the version. You are then placed on the Today screen.
Note: If you have upgraded from a version of the PAC Mate prior to the Omni, please note that performing a cold reset will no longer erase any of your files or installed programs. Do not hesitate to try a cold reset if you think it may resolve an issue you are experiencing as your data is secure.
Warning: A clean reset should be used only as a last resort as this erases all files and data you have created and programs you have installed. Usually, you should never have to perform a clean reset. However, if you are in a situation where you need to perform one, make sure you first synchronize any important data with your computer, or perform a complete backup of your PAC Mate Omni to a storage card using Sprite Backup.
To clean reset your PAC Mate Omni, use a straightened paper clip or a toothpick and press down gently on the reset button while simultaneously holding the power switch in the off position - away from the CompactFlash slots. Once you begin holding the power switch, you can release the reset button. When you begin holding the power switch, you will hear a low-high beep. Continue holding the switch for about six seconds until you hear a second low-high beep and release the switch. The reset process may take up to 10 minutes, depending on how much data is stored on your PAC Mate Omni. Once completed, you will hear a chime followed by the message "JAWS for Pocket PC is loading” and the version number, followed shortly after by another chime. After the second chime, you are placed on the Today screen ready to use your PAC Mate Omni.
At this point, the PAC Mate Omni has been reset to factory settings and any user data including programs you installed are gone. You will need to restore from your backup file, or synchronize with your computer in order to restore your data.
If you accidentally release the switch before the second low-high beep, a cold reset (described above) is performed instead and your data is not erased.
The PAC Mate Omni carrying case is specifically designed to protect your unit. It is lightweight and water-resistant.
There are two straps supplied with the carrying case:
These straps are adjustable to maximize comfort during transport. In addition, you can easily remove the straps and store them along with other items in the case's zippered pocket.
The case can be used when the Braille display is attached as well as when it is not attached.
The plastic body of the PAC Mate Omni is made of a blend of high impact polycarbonate and heat resistant polymers that meet strict environmental standards. In order to keep your PAC Mate Omni in good working condition, it is recommended that you store your unit in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid operating the unit around liquids or food, and always operate the unit with clean, dry hands.
Clean the unit with a dry cloth and do not use commercial cleaners on any part of the unit.
Never use or store the PAC Mate Omni in an environment where it will be exposed to extremes of light, temperature, moisture or vibration.