PLUS Users Manual
Congratulations on your purchase of Merlin Plus from Enhanced Vision. Merlin Plus is designed to enhance the lifestyle of the visually impaired. This is Enhanced Vision’s most advanced full-color, auto-focus video magnifier system. Merlin Plus is built for users who want a full-featured system. It incorporates connectivity to a computer and VGA monitor or an external video camera to allow the user to split the screen, create line markers and adjust window sizes to make multi-functional processes easier.
About Merlin Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Computer System Recommended Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merlin Plus at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merlin Plus at a glance Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the components of your Merlin Plus: 1. Merlin Plus 19 2. Merlin Plus Power button 3. Viewing Mode button 1 4. Magnification dial (Size button) 6 5. Preset/Object Locator button 6. Focus Lock/Auto-Focus button 5 4 3 2 18 7. X-Y table 7 8. X-Y table locking lever 9. Recessed handles for carrying Merlin Plus 9 10. 3-foot RCA video cable 11. Power supply and power cord 17 8 12. VGA extension cable 13.
Safety and care To obtain the most benefit and life from Merlin Plus, please read these safety precautions very carefully. Merlin Plus is designed to enlarge and enhance images in order to improve the quality of life for people who are visually impaired. The extent to which Merlin Plus can improve the ability to see images depends on a person’s individual condition and level of visual condition. Merlin Plus is not designed to restore vision, correct eye conditions or halt degenerative vision loss.
Setting up merlin plus b. With a TV Monitor a. With a Computer figure 1 figure 2 figure 3 Note: Prior to installation, it is recommended you set your computer to one of the resolutions listed on the specification page 38. 1. Find a steady and level location, such as a table or desk, where you will be comfortable using Merlin Plus. 2. Carry Merlin Plus only by the two recessed handles on the sides of the base for a secured grip (see figure 1). Place it on the table or desk.
c. With Remote Software or Control Box Two options are available to control the Merlin Plus split screen, line markers, and window size features. It is recommended that you use the Merlin Plus Remote Software provided on the CD-ROM enclosed (see item 16 on page 7). Using the software enables you to work more efficiently by using hotkeys and leaving your hands on the computer keyboard at all times. 1. Merlin Plus with Remote Software A.
about merlin plus remote software Turning on merlin plus Merlin Plus Remote Software Actively Running on Your Computer #1 Upon installation as described on page 12, your computer will now display the EV Remote Software icon at the lower portion of your screen as shown on figure 1. This indicates the software is properly running as a permanent resident program on your computer and is ready for use.
Using the Default HOT KEYS Default HOT KEYS have been programmed into the Remote Software application. Main Application Window Windowing Line Markers Options Width - Decrease Width - Increase Position - Decrease Position - Increase CRTL and F5 CRTL and F6 CRTL and F7 CRTL and F8 CRTL and F9 CRTL and F10 CRTL and F11 CRTL and F12 figure 3 Note: The HOT KEYS serve the same function as the Control Box.
changing viewing mode Turning OFF Merlin Plus Remote Software: If you want to completely exit from Merlin Plus Remote Software, you may right click on the EV icon as shown in figure 1 and left click on EXIT on the drop down list. You will not be able to use HOT KEYS on page 16 anymore. figure 1 To run the software again, use the START MENU, PROGRAMS, MERLIN PLUS REMOTE and click on the MERLIN PLUS REMOTE icon.
Enhanced Positive Image This mode provides a white background with black text. This mode increases the contrast to offer crisp text images for reading. Enhanced Negative Image This mode provides a black background with white text. This mode increases the contrast to offer crisp text images for reading. Color Select 1 This mode provides a blue background with yellow text. This is one of the most commonly used color combination. Color Select 2 This mode provides a black background with green text.
changing MAgnification • Split Screen Between Computer Image and External Image This mode displays a split screen between a connected external video source and the computer image. If the computer source is not available, an On Screen Display will warn you once (see figure 5). figure 5 NOTE: A 20” TV monitor with S-Video will only display the full video magnifier image and full image with connected external camera. c.
using windowing using line markers Line Markers are used to frame an image between two lines. These lines may be used as a reading guide for long lines of text, or as a guide to help keep your place as you move from one side of the page to the other, or just to make writing easier and neater. You can choose horizontal or vertical line markers by pressing the LINES button on the control box (see figure 1). figure 1 Line Markers are available in full video magnifier mode and external video source mode.
setting magnification presets using split screen A Split-Screen picture is one in which both the computer and the video magnified image are displayed simultaneously on the SVGA or VGA monitor. a. With the Control Box You can choose horizontal or vertical split screen by pressing the WINDOW button on the control box (see figure 1). #1 At the factory, Merlin Plus has been preset at magnification levels 4 and 11.
Your two favorite magnification sizes have now been programmed. intelligent focus lock The level set with the SIZE dial overrides sizes arrived at by using the PRESET button. For example, if the SIZE dial is set to size 8 and then you press PRESET to go to a smaller size, the next time you turn the SIZE dial to increase or decrease size it will immediately go to that new size. When Merlin Plus is turned on, it is automatically set on auto focus.
using merlin plus color select options Merlin Plus was designed to provide optimum viewing for people with certain visual conditions by offering an expanded range of choices in both text and background colors. Merlin Plus provides up to 28 color combinations to best fit your eye condition. See page 37 for a list of color combinations. Three modes have been pre-programmed for ease of use. Up to five color select viewing modes can be programmed per your personal preferences.
tips for reading and writing using the x-y table Locking the X-Y Table To lock the X-Y table, slide the lever all the way to the right until it clicks and locks (A). Unlock the X-Y table by sliding the lever to the right again and release the lever (B). Reading with Merlin Plus • New users of video magnifier systems have a tendency to over-magnify their reading material. Make the type large enough to see it comfortably, but not so large that it becomes tedious to scan across a page.
using a computer with merlin plus off Merlin Plus Specifications General: Up to 32 basic CCTV video modes available plus split screen functionality Up to 5 split screen video modes supported Smooth movable XY table Maximum monitor weight 100lbs (45kg) External composite video input External control box module for split screen control with 5-foot coil cable figure 1 Virtual control box PC software for control box emulation and split screen control Foot pedal module for quick video mode switching with 6-fo
Up to 28 Color Select Modes to Choose From (up to 5 enhanced modes storable): Color Select Black text on Green background Color Select Black text on Orange background Split Screen Video Modes: Full CCTV video Full computer video (if VGA connected) Split CCTV and VGA split screen (if VGA connected) Color Select Black text on Blue background Full external video (if external camera attached) Color Select Black text on Yellow background Split external video and VGA split screen (if external camera and VGA
Control Panel: Intelligent focus lock: Auto-focuses upon zoom adjustment then freezes focus for tasks requiring fixed focus Locator/Preset: Quick locator finder that displays an onscreen target to help orientation at high zoom levels Allows 2-user defined zoom levels to be stored for convenience Viewing Mode Features Available: The following charts illustrate the viewing mode features available on a VGA monitor and TV monitor.
Troubleshooting Illumination: Two user-replaceable 5-watt fluorescent bulbs (10,000-hr life) Connections: S-Video output for CCTV modes RCA Composite video output for CCTV modes RCA Composite video input for external camera modes 12VDC Power input Computer VGA input (SUB-D15) Split screen VGA output (SUB-D15) Foot pedal jack input Control box RJ-11 input Power: 100-240V / 50-60Hz / 29W max External power supply with removable power cord Connector IEC-C13/14 Weight/Dimensions: Base unit: 23lbs (10.
• Check that the TV monitor is ON. If not, check FAQ 3. • Check that the S-VIDEO cable is properly secured in the back of both Merlin Plus and the TV monitor. 5. Merlin Plus Does Not Display any Picture on the VGA Monitor • Check that Merlin Plus is ON. If not, check FAQ 1. • Check that the VGA monitor is ON. If not, check FAQ 2. • Check that the VGA monitor cable is properly secured into the port labeled MONITOR in the back of Merlin Plus. • Check that the VGA monitor used is compatible with Merlin Plus.
12. X-Y Table Does Not Move Smoothly • Make sure the locking lever is positioned completely to the left (see page 32). 13. X-Y Table Does Not Stay in Locked Position • Make sure the locking lever is all the way to the right and that the handle pops up into the locking slot (see page 32). 14.
Flipper Panel – Integrated and Portable! This powerful, portable magnifier integrates the Flipper 225-degree rotating camera with a slim, LCD platform. Powered by an innovative battery pack, the Flipper Panel runs up to 4 hours on a single charge. The discrete camera projects a full-color, auto-focus image on the screen for both near and distance viewing. Magnification: 1X – 26.
Warranty Enhanced Vision Merlin Plus Video Magnifier Warranty Policy Enhanced Vision products are designed to give you the highest quality image, convenient features, ease of use and reliable service. Merlin Plus has been inspected and tested prior to shipping.Our company stands behind the quality materials, components and workmanship of the Merlin Plus video magnifier. For these reason we are pleased to offer two warranty options.
The Merlin Plus video magnifier is designed to enlarge and enhance images to improve the lives of people who have low vision. The extent to which Merlin Plus can improve the ability to see images and text depends on a person’s individual condition and level of visual impairment. Merlin Plus is not designed to restore vision, correct eye conditions or halt degenerative vision loss. An eyecare professional can best determine the suitability of Merlin Plus for a patient’s specific condition.
