by Merlin VGA Users Manual
FCC Compliance Notification This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
About Your Merlin VGA Congratulations on your purchase of the Merlin VGA from Enhanced Vision. The Merlin VGA is a full-color, auto-focus video magnifier system designed to enhance the lifestyle of the visually impaired. The Merlin VGA easily connects to any standard computer monitor equipped with a VGA input. Merlin VGA enables individuals with low vision to read, write, view photos, enjoy crafts and hobbies, and more – in color, black-andwhite, or enhanced high-contrast positive or negative viewing modes.
Table of Contents Safety and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-7 Merlin VGA at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Setting Up Merlin VGA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Turning on Merlin VGA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Changing Viewing Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Using Color Select . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Safety and Care To obtain the most benefit and life from your Merlin VGA, please read these safety precautions very carefully. Merlin VGA is designed to enlarge and enhance images in order to offer improvement in the quality of life for people with visual impairment. The extent to which Merlin VGA can improve the ability to see images depends on a person’s individual condition and level of visual impairment.
Safety and Care Additional Electrical Safety Precautions • The power supply cord is a disconnect device for electrical equipment. The socket-outlet should be installed near the equipment and be easily accessible. • This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug as a safety feature. This plug has a third (grounding) pin and can only be plugged into a grounding-type power outlet. If necessary, contact an electrician to replace your power outlet with a groundingtype power outlet.
Safety and Care Additional Mechanical Safety Precautions The Merlin VGA contains moving parts. Please use caution when moving the X-Y table or when transporting the Merlin VGA to avoid possible injury to hands and fingers.
Safety and Care To Move Merlin VGA to Another Location • If you are repositioning Merlin VGA a short distance across a desk or table, make sure you do not pull on any power cords or connector cables. • Disconnect and secure all power and VGA cables and lock the X-Y table before moving the unit. • Carry Merlin VGA only by the two recessed handles located on either side of its base. Do not carry it by the LCD monitor arm.
Merlin VGA at a Glance Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the components of your Merlin VGA (refer to next page): 1. Merlin VGA 2. Power button 3. Viewing Mode button 4. Size (Magnification) dial 5. Preset/Object Locator button 6. Focus Lock/Auto Focus Button 7. Light ON/OFF Switch (located underneath unit) 8. X-Y table 9. X-Y table locking lever 10. Recessed Handles for Carrying Merlin 11. VGA Output Cable* 12. Power Input 13.
Merlin VGA at a Glance 6 4 5 7 3 2 1 8 9 10 11 13 12 14 9
Setting up Merlin VGA Figure 1 1. Find a steady and level location, such as a table or desk, where you will be comfortable using Merlin VGA. Carry the unit only by the two recessed handles on the side of the base for a secure grip (see Figure 1). Do not lift the unit by the top! Place the Merlin VGA and your VGA monitor on the table or desk at a comfortable height. 2. Connect the VGA output cable of the Merlin VGA to the VGA input on your external VGA monitor (see Figure 1).
Turning On Merlin VGA #2 #1 Merlin VGA Power Button The Power button on your Merlin VGA is located on the far right of the control panel (item #1 above). • Press the Power button. Notice the green light will illuminate on the Control Panel, indicating that the power is "ON" (item #2 above). • Once properly connected as described on the previous page, an image should appear on your VGA monitor within a few seconds.
Changing Viewing Modes You can choose a viewing option by pressing the MODE button on the control panel. Each press will cycle through all 7 viewing options.
Changing Viewing Modes 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 combinations.
Using Color Select Merlin VGA 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. This combination of text and background colors comprises a color select mode.
Using Color Select Step 2: Rotate the SIZE dial to scroll through the available menu options. Choose COLOR SELECT (see the photo at right) and press the MODE button again. COLOR SELECT Step 3: Rotate the SIZE dial to choose the Color Step 2 Select number (1-5) you wish to program. Press the MODE button and choose one of the following options: a) Rotate the SIZE dial to cycle through the OFF color combination of your choice (1-14).
Using Color Select Using the procedure outlined on pages 14-15, the following 28 color combinations can be programmed into any of the 5 color select programs, based on your personal preferences.
Changing Magnification Figure 1 You can increase or decrease the size (magnification) of the image by using the SIZE dial located at the center of the Merlin VGA control panel (see Figure 1). There are sixteen levels of magnification available on the Merlin VGA. • To increase the size of the image, turn the dial clockwise, or to the right. • To decrease the size of the image, turn the dial counterclockwise, or to the left.
Intelligent Focus Lock When Merlin VGA is first turned on, it is automatically set on Auto Focus. This is the most convenient setting for everyday activities, such as reading anything from a single page to a thick book, reading a prescription bottle, or working with arts and crafts. Alternately, Focus Lock allows you to maintain focus on a specific object at a fixed distance, such as 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). A B Reading With the X-Y Table 1. With the X-Y table unlocked, place a book, newspaper, etc., on the table. 2. Use the magnification dial to enlarge the image to a comfortable viewing size. 3.
Tips for Reading and Writing Reading with Merlin VGA • New users of video magnifier systems have a tendency to overmagnify 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. • Use the X-Y table to move reading materials under the camera, rather than moving the material manually, except small items such as a checkbook or a business card.
Programming Setup Options #1 #2 The Merlin VGA can be programmed in its set-up mode. This allows you to customize your experience when using the Merlin VGA. There are 5 options you can select within the programming set-up mode: • Exit • Screen Messages (On/Off) • Black & White Mode (On/Off). • Color Select (On/Off) • Color Select (28 programmable color combinations, see page 16) Entering Programming Setup: 1. Rotate the SIZE dial (#1 above) all the way counter-clockwise, to the lowest size.
Programming Setup Options #1 #2 Exit: After making changes to the programming options listed below: 1) Rotate the SIZE dial (#1 above) all the way counter-clockwise until “EXIT” appears on the display. 2) Press the MODE button (#2 above) to exit and return to normal operation. EXIT Screen Messages (On/Off): If Screen Messages are set to OFF, the Merlin VGA will not display magnification sizes or viewing modes.
Using the Object Locator Merlin VGA's object Locator feature can help you quickly locate something you’re looking for on a page, or a specific part of an object you want to view more closely. To locate the desired object: 1. Press and hold the [PRESET] button. Merlin will automatically zoom out to the widest field of view, and a locator “target” (as shown at right) will appear in the center of your display screen. Continue to hold the button down while performing the next two operations.
Programming Reference The Merlin VGA has advanced capabilities for modifying the default language used within the setup menus. These settings are completely optional and should not be changed under normal circumstances. The chart listed below is for reference purposes only. Please see your Enhanced Vision representative or call our toll-free technical support should it be necessary for you to modify these settings.
Programming Reference Merlin VGA Programming Reference 25
Troubleshooting 1. No Power to Merlin VGA • Press the Power button on the Merlin VGA’s. A light next to the Power button should turn illuminate, indicating the power is on. • Make sure the power supply cord for the Merlin VGA is completely plugged into the AC outlet. • Make sure the power supply cord is completely plugged into the power input jack on the lower bottom of the Merlin VGA. • Check the power strip/surge protector’s on/off switch and circuit breaker if the Merlin VGA is plugged into one.
Troubleshooting X-Y Table Does Not Move Smoothly • Make sure the locking lever is positioned completely to the left. 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. Replacement LED lights The lighting for your Merlin VGA is provided by two 100,000-hour LED lights, designed to provide years of trouble-free service.
Specifications General (Dimensions & Weight): Dimensions (base): 14.5"(H) x 19"(W) x 20.5"(D) (36cm x 48cm x 52cm) Weight: 23lbs. (10.4kg) Operating temperature range: 50-104°F / 10-40°C Storage temperature range: 32-122°F / 0-50°C Controls: Light Switch On/Off, Auto Focus/Intelligent Focus Lock, Preset, Magnification, Mode, Power On/Off Magnification (based upon usage of a 19" VGA monitor): 2.7x (minimum) to 62x (maximum) Power Supply: 110V-240VAC 50-60Hz 15VDC 1.
Specifications Color Modes: - 4 Default Modes (True Color, Black & White, Enhanced Positive, Enhanced Negative) - 5 Color Select Modes 3 Default Modes: (Yellow on Blue, Black on Yellow, Yellow on Black) 2 Programmable* Modes *Up to 28 Programmable Color Select Mode Combinations are available XY Table: XY table size: 16” (406 mm) x 16 1/4” (413 mm), 3/8” retaining edge Working space height: 7 3/8” (18.7mm) Table height clearance: 1 3/8” (35mm) Video output Resolution on VGA output: VESA (DMT 1.
Other Products from Enhanced Vision Pebble – Compact, Ultra-Portable Magnification! The Pebble is a handheld electronic video magnifier that you can take anywhere. Weighing less than 8 ounces, Pebble features a uniquely-designed folding handle and includes both near-viewing and table reading modes. Small enough to fit in your pocket or purse, the Pebble is the ideal companion to provide magnification, on the go.
Other Products from Enhanced Vision Acrobat LCD With a built-in 19” LCD, the Acrobat is a 3-in-1 video magnifier ideal for near, distance and self viewing. By rotating the camera, you can read, write, groom, and magnify images at any distance. The Acrobat LCD offers a complete system for those at work, school or home. Magnification: 2.
Contact Information Enhanced Vision manufacturers many different types of products tailored to meet the needs of our low vision customers. If you have questions about any of our products, please don't hesitate to give us a call. Contact information: (US Office, toll free): (800) 440-9476 (US Office) Phone: (714) 465-3400 Fax: (714)374-1821 (UK Office) Phone: +44 (0)115 9442317 Fax: +44 (0)115 9440720 www.enhancedvision.com evsupport@enhancedvision.
Warranty Statement Enhanced Vision Merlin VGA 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 VGA has been inspected and tested prior to shipping. Our company stands behind the quality materials, components and workmanship of the Merlin VGA video magnifier. For these reasons we are pleased to offer two warranty options.
Warranty Statement In the case that the end-consumer / original individual resells the Merlin VGA within a 3 year time period from original purchase date and the product is resold by a recognized manufacturer representative, the Merlin VGA warranty will default to the balance of what remains of the standard 3 year warranty (from original purchase date). The lifetime warranty would be void. Consider the example below: After one year Mary Smith’s vision deteriorates past using the Merlin VGA to assist her.
Notes
The Merlin VGA video magnifier is designed to enlarge and enhance images to improve the lives of people who have low vision. The extent to which Merlin VGA can improve the ability to see images and text depends on a person’s individual condition and level of visual impairment. Merlin VGA is not designed to restore vision, correct eye conditions or halt degenerative vision loss. An eyecare professional can best determine the suitability of Merlin VGA for a patient’s specific condition.
