Abilia Progress PC User manual

Rev I GB
English manual for Progress PC,
Progress Star USB and
Progress Micro USB
Manual

2
Table of Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................... 4
Advantages of Progress PC............................................................................ 4
Description of Progress Star USB and Progress Micro USB.......................... 5
Install Progress PC........................................................................................... 6
Symbols........................................................................................................... 7
Brief Demonstration......................................................................................... 7
Settings ............................................................................................................. 9
Language Selection......................................................................................... 9
Managing the window...................................................................................... 9
Scanning Settings.......................................................................................... 10
Scanning Methods...................................................................................... 10
Control Switches......................................................................................... 12
Scanning Speed......................................................................................... 12
Number of scans ........................................................................................ 12
Acceptance Delay....................................................................................... 12
Sound Settings.............................................................................................. 13
Sound Volume............................................................................................ 13
Auditory Feedback...................................................................................... 13
Auditory Scanning ...................................................................................... 13
Making a Back-up and Default Settings ........................................................ 14
Making a Back-up....................................................................................... 14
Restoring a Back-up................................................................................... 14
Default Setting............................................................................................ 14
Managing Pages............................................................................................ 15
Adding a Completed Page.......................................................................... 15
Creating a New Page ................................................................................. 15
Removing a Page....................................................................................... 16
Adding or Removing a Row or Column...................................................... 16
Changing a Page Name............................................................................. 17
Exporting Pages......................................................................................... 17
Managing Buttons.......................................................................................... 17
Recording IR codes.................................................................................... 17
Testing the Distance................................................................................ 18
Recording IR Codes................................................................................ 19
Inserting GewaLink channels ..................................................................... 20
Inserting 4096-Codes................................................................................. 20
Creating IR Macros..................................................................................... 21
Creating the “Go to Page” function............................................................. 21
Recording Sound........................................................................................ 22
The Alarm Function.................................................................................... 22

3
Alarm Function with a control switch .......................................................23
Alarm function on any button...................................................................23
Adding Images............................................................................................24
Adding Your Own Images (Advanced) ....................................................24
Clearing a Button........................................................................................25
Writing text on a button...............................................................................25
Copying Buttons, Moving Buttons, and Exchanging Places.......................25
Miscellaneous Topics.....................................................................................26
Checking the Version.....................................................................................26
Usage Conditions...........................................................................................26
Cleaning.........................................................................................................26
Completed Pages ..........................................................................................27
Brief Guide to Programming the Jupiter Loudspeaker Telephone with
Progress PC...................................................................................................34
GewaLink channels in Progress PC ...........................................................36
Images and Symbols .....................................................................................37
BED ............................................................................................................37
DVD............................................................................................................37
HIFI.............................................................................................................38
NUMBERS..................................................................................................39
SYMBOLS ..................................................................................................39
PICTOGRAMS............................................................................................40
TELEPHONE..............................................................................................40
TV...............................................................................................................41
VCR............................................................................................................42
Specifications for Progress Star and Progress Micro ....................................43
The Medical Device Directive ........................................................................43

4
Introduction
Progress PC is a software which can be used to wirelessly control functions in
the environment such as TV, video, stereo, lamps and hall telephone. Progress
Star or Progress Micro that transmits the IR signals, is connected to the USB
port on the computer. They are programmable which means that they can
“record” IR codes from other remote control units such as TV, video or stereo.
The screen is dynamic and the information displayed can be arranged
according to the user’s needs and wishes. It is also possible to connect external
control switches (Progress Star) and use a scanning function.
Advantages of Progress PC
Progress PC makes it possible:
to learn IR codes from most IR remote control units on the market.
to place up to 256 IR channels in its memory.
to create IR macros.
to create different pages with different numbers of functions.
to copy, move and exchange the location of functions.
to receive auditory feedback and use auditory scanning with recorded
speech.
to connect one or two control switches for scanning (Progress Star).
to select between several different scanning methods.
to select a delay before activation.
to select between several hundred pictures that are included.
to select between over 30 completed pages.
to make back-up copies.
to easily select different languages for menus and help texts.
for the user to select nearly all settings himself or herself.

5
Transmitting LEDS
and sensor inside
cover
Switch for connecting to
USB-port on the PC
Transmitting LEDs
IR Sensor inside cover
Indicator LED
Indication LED
Progress Micro
Progress Star
Description of Progress Star USB
and Progress Micro USB
If Progress PC shall be used to its full, a transmitter unit must be connected to
the USB port on the computer. The transmitter unit can be either a Progress
Star USB or a Progress Micro USB. When any of these transmitting units is
connected all functions available in Progress PC can be used. It is also possible
to connect other transmitting units but if this is done Progress PC will have a
limited function. This means that IR codes cannot be transmitted but it is
possible to record IR codes. The following transmitting units can be connected
with limited functions: Control Star USB and Control Micro USB.
Input for
control switch
Input for
control switch
Built-in
control switch
Fig 1

6
Install Progress PC
To avoid problems when starting software and hardware it is important to follow
the installation instructions. Note! Always install the software before connecting
the hardware. Progress PC is compatible with Win XP, Vista, Win 7, Win 8 and
Win 10.
Install software and hardware by the following procedure:
1. Uninstall Progress Light if it has been installed.
2. Disconnect hardware such as Progress Star USB, Progress Micro USB,
Control Star USB, Control Micro USB or USB/serial adapter if it has been
connected.
3. Go to Abilia website and download the software “Progress PC”.
Search for “Progress PC”.
4. Click on the installation file
5. Double-click to extract the file and then
follow further instructions.
6. Click on Install/Uninstall Progress PC
and follow the installation guide.
7. To install USB drives, go directly to the FTDI website.
http://www.ftdichip.com/Drivers/VCP.htm
Choose VCP executable driver. Follow the installation guide.
If Win 7 or Win 8 is used in the computer, the USB driver may already be
installed.
8. Connect Progress Star USB or Progress Micro USB to the USB port on the
computer when instruction is given.

7
9. Start Progress PC and check that the connected transmitter unit is
transmitting.
Symbols
The following symbols are being used in Progress PC:
= Go to “Settings”
= Go to “Start page”
= End macro recording mode
Brief Demonstration
To get an idea of how Progress PC works look at the
standard pages that are included. Start from the page that is
shown in Fig. 2, then press on the button Go to Start page.
You will now be taken to the Start page where you see
various images and symbols. These images represent
functions that you can control: by pressing on the blue
telephone handset, for example, you can answer the
telephone when it rings. If you press on the black telephone
you reach a new page (fig 4) from which you can ring
different short numbers. For example, you can ring a short
number by pressing on M1, if a telephone is connected and
the settings are correct. Press on the image of the blue
telephone handset in order to end the call.
Return to the start page by pressing on the image of the
house .
You can continue pressing different buttons to find out how
they work. To check the scanning function, the built-in push
buttons on Progress Star can be pressed, see fig. 1, page 5
or press the Arrow keys on the computer keyboard. The
default setting for Progress PC is to use automatic linear
scanning with a control switch. Start the scanning by
pressing on the control switch. The next press activates the
function, which means, for example, that another page is
activated or an IR signal is sent.
The standard pages can be used as a starting point for
adapting the system for different users. Pages can be
removed, and new pages can be added. There are
approximately a further 30 completed pages that can be
selected and added. The images can be changed, functions
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4

8
can be added, speech can be recorded, etc. Press the tools icon in order to
obtain access to the Settings menu.

9
Settings
This section explains how to adjust various settings in Progress PC. Progress
PC has been designed such that it is possible to adjust the settings simply,
without a manual. In addition, help is available at strategic
points (Help). You can use the mouse to adjust the settings by
pressing the screen, or you can connect a control switch and
use scanning. This means that users, engineers and others
can adjust all the settings, with only a few exceptions. You gain
access to new pages with new menus by pressing the buttons
on the screen. The word “press” in this manual is used to
denote either using the mouse pressing the screen or using
scanning. The Settings menu can only be accessed from the
screen shown in the figure.
Language Selection
Progress PC is delivered with English as the selected language, but different
languages can be selected. Contact your Progress PC supplier if your language
is not included.
Change the languages by the following procedure:
SettingsSystem Language Select language
Factory default: English.
Managing the window
Sometimes it is impossible for scanning users to move the window on the
screen as they cannot use the mouse normally. By Progress PC it is possible to
use scanning to move the window in any position. It is also possible to make the
window cover the whole screen.
Move and change size by the following procedure:
Settins System Manage window Select function

10
Scanning Settings
Scanning Methods
Different scanning methods can be used in Progress PC. Selections can be
made between one or two control switches, automatic or manual scanning,
row/column or linear scanning, forced scanning or repetition. The settings
selected when Progress PC is delivered are automatic linear scanning that is
controlled by one control switch.
Note! Progress PC can be adjusted such that it displays only one page at a
time when scanning. In this case, each page should consist of a single button.
See the section Creating a New Page on Page 15.
The various scanning methods are as follows:
Automatic scanning: Progress PC steps forward automatically following a
press on the control switch.
Manual scanning: Progress PC steps forward one step at a time for each
press of the control switch.
Forced scanning: It is possible to force automatic scanning by pressing the
control switch several times.
Repetition: It is possible to make Progress PC step automatically when using
manual scanning by holding the control switch pressed.
Row/column scanning: This can be either manual or automatic – the principle
is the same in both cases. First, steps are taken row for row and then buttons
along the selected row are stepped.
Scanning
between
rows
Scanning
between
buttons
on a
selected
row

11
Linear scanning: This can be either manual or automatic – the principle is the
same in both cases. The buttons along row 1 are first stepped, and then the
stepping continues along row 2, etc.
Change the scanning method by the following procedure:
Settings Scanning Method. Follow the plan below to select the type of scanning
desired.
Row/Column
(automatic)
1 switch
Linear
(automatic)
Method Row/Column
Without forcing
Linear
A
utomatic
scanning
Row/Column
Forcing
Linear
2 switches
Row/Column
Without repetition
Linear
Manual
scanning
Row/Column
Repetition
Linear

12
Control Switches
Progress Star has two inputs for external control switches, see Fig. 1, Page 5.
The switch is a 3.5 mm jack plug. Only control switches having the CE-label
may be connected.
Warning! Electrodes that are attached to the skin and invasive control
switches must not be connected to Progress PC.
Scanning Speed
Progress PC steps forward with a certain speed when using automatic
scanning. This speed can be selected between 0.2 and 10 steps/sec. The user
can test the speed before the choice is finally made, in order to prevent too high
a speed being selected by mistake.
Change the scanning speed by the following procedure:
Settings Scanning Speed
Factory default: 1 step/sec.
Number of scans
A scan is completed when Progress PC has stepped through a page and starts
again from the beginning. The number of scans can be adjusted between 1 and
5.
Change the number of loops by the following procedure:
Settings Scanning Number of scans
Factory default: 2 loops.
Acceptance Delay
The acceptance delay is the time delay between the pressing of a control switch
and a function being activated in Progress PC. This delay can be used to
prevent Progress PC being activated by mistake, as might happen if the user
has, for example, muscle spasms. The delay can be set between 0 and 0.9 sec.
Acceptance delay is only affected when external control switches are pressed.
Change the acceptance delay by the following procedure:
Settings Scanning Acceptance delay Change setting
Factory default: 0 sec.

13
Sound Settings
Sound Volume
The setting of the sound volume affects all sound that Progress PC emits. This
may be a tone that is heard during scanning or it may be recorded sound. The
sound volume can be set between levels 0 and 5.
Note! The computer must have loudspeakers connected and the computer’s
sound settings must be correctly set.
Set the sound volume by the following procedure:
Settings System Sound settings Sound volume
Factory default: 3.
Auditory Feedback
Auditory feedback is the sound that is heard when a button is pressed. The
sound may be a recorded sound, such as the word “lamp”, or it may be simply a
click. If recorded sound has been selected but no sound has been recorded, a
click sound will be heard instead.
Change the auditory feedback by the following procedure:
Settings System Sound settings Auditory feedback
Factory default: recorded sound.
Auditory Scanning
Auditory scanning is sound that is heard as Progress PC steps between
different buttons. The sound may be recorded sound, for example Progress PC
may say the words “lamp”, “telephone”, “TV”, etc., or it may be simply a tone.
You can select between recorded sound, a tone, or silent. If recorded sound
has been selected but no sound has been recorded, a tone will be heard
instead.
Change auditory scanning by the following procedure:
Settings System Sound settings Auditory scanning
Factory default: tone.

14
Making a Back-up and Default Settings
Making a Back-up
When various pages have been created and various settings have been made a
back-up can be made. The file that is created contains it all; settings, images,
pages and sound. It can be copied to be used in Gewa Progress for instance or
be sent to other users. The file name must not be changed but must be called
Progress.xml. Path: C:\Program\Gewa\Progress PC\Back-up.
Note! If a new back-up is made the previous one will be overwritten.
Make a back-up copy by the following procedure:
Settings System Back-up Back-up
Restoring a Back-up
If the various settings in Progress PC have been changed but you want to enter
the previous settings this is possible provided that a back-up has been made of
the previous settings. See the section Making a back-up.
Restore a back-up copy by the following procedure:
Settings System Back-up Restore
Default Setting
It is possible to return Progress PC to its default setting in two ways.
Alternative 1, Standard: Returns Progress PC to the condition in which it was
delivered from the factory, with ready-to-use pages, images, and some pre-
programmed Gewa channels. Use “Standard” if you want to save time, work,
and avoid rebuilding the pages from scratch.
Alternative 2, Empty: Only one starting page with four rows and three columns
is included in this alternative. There are no completed pages, no images and no
IR codes. Use “Empty” if you want to start from scratch and rebuild pages.
Return Progress PC to its default setting by the following procedure:
Settings System Default setting Select Standard or Empty

15
Managing Pages
Adding a Completed Page
Progress PC is delivered with standard pages that are
described in the section Brief Demonstration, page 7.
Approximately 30 completed pages are included so that
you don't have to create pages from scratch. The pages
included are suitable for different items that are to be
controlled, such as telephone, TV and video. Some pages
are complete with GewaLink channels and images, other
pages have only images. Each image represents a
function, such as opening the door, lighting the lamp,
giving an alarm. These functions are arranged to suit the
needs of the user, with respect to both logic and frequency
of use. Much time can be saved by using these completed
pages, rather than starting from scratch and building new
pages. See the Section Completed Pages, page 27. The
pages are displayed in alphabetical order. Note that it is
possible to browse both forwards and backwards in
Progress PC when selecting pages. It is perfectly possible
to modify a completed page. When you add a complete
page, a link is created to the first available button on the
starting page. If no button is available, a new row is
created. The text on the button can be exchanged for an image. See the section
Adding Images, page 24.
Add a completed page by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Add/remove a page Add a page 
Add a completed page browse among the pages available Select this page 
Creating a New Page
It is possible to create a page of your own, and to select the numbers of rows
and columns. When creating a new page, do not create a page with too many
buttons. The button Go to Starting Page is automatically added at the top
left position when a new page is created. It can be moved to another location by
following the procedure described in the section Moving Buttons on page 25.
Note! It is possible to create a page with one single large button on it. Such a
page is created by choosing one row and one column on a new page. If several
such pages are created, Progress PC will scan through these pages. Start by
creating pages with one row and one column. Then add images, sound and IR
functions on these. Finally change the “Starting Page” to one raw and one
column. If the function “Go to settings” is removed it is not possible to go to
Link to page for
CD. A new row
has been
created to make
place for the
link.

16
settings in the usual way but the program has to be restarted. If you want to go
to settings the function “Go to settings” in the upper left corner on the “Start
Page” has to be moved before rows and columns are removed.
Create a new page by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/Buttons Add/remove a page Add a page 
Create a new page choose the number of rows and the number of columns 
choose a unique name for this page 
Removing a Page
Progress PC is delivered with standard pages. These pages can be removed if
you do not want to use them. Personal pages that you have created can also be
removed by the same procedure.
Remove a page by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Add/remove a page Remove page browse among
the pages Remove page Remove
Adding or Removing a Row or Column
It is possible to add and remove rows and columns in Progress PC. The
contents of the actual buttons are removed when you remove a row or a
column. If you want to retain the actual contents of a button or buttons, the
contents must be moved before removing the row or column. It is always the
bottom row or the rightmost column that is removed.
Add or remove a column by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Select page browse among the pages available 
Select this page Properties Rows/columns Choose whether a row or a
column is to be removed or added.

17
Changing a Page Name
A user sometimes has several devices in different rooms. It is easy to get
confused about which pages belong to which rooms, when adding completed
pages. This makes it possible to change the name of a page to, for example,
“TV bedroom”, “TV living room”, or “TV kitchen”.
Change the name of a page by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Select page browse among the pages available 
Select this page Properties Change page name Write in the new text.
Exporting Pages
It may sometimes be necessary to be able to copy a page that you have
created, such as a page for a TV in one room to a page for a TV in another
room. Created pages might also be useful for other users. The page must be
exported to make this possible. If you want to copy the page to be used for
another user for instance, the page is found in the folder “Default pages” under
the name it was given when it was saved.
Path: C:\Program\Gewa\Progress PC\System\Default pages.
Export a page by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Export page browse among the pages 
Export this page Select whether to export with a new name or to overwrite an
existing file Follow the instructions given.
Managing Buttons
Recording IR codes
To be able to control a TV, for example, or a video, stereo, DVD, toys, lamps,
etc., these devices must have a remote control unit that emits infrared light (IR
light). Most TVs have a remote control unit that is used to control various
functions. It is this remote control unit that is to be used to teach IR codes. One
memory location is used for each IR code that is recorded. There are 256
memory locations available, which must be shared with IR macros, 4096-codes
and GewaLink channels.
Before starting to record IR codes, ensure that the batteries in the remote
control unit are fully. Do not place Progress Star/Micro and the remote control
unit in bright light (such a strong sunlight) during the learning procedure. When
you have learnt how to test the distance and record IR codes, you can continue
and use the rapid learning procedure, which is described in the section Rapid
Recording, page 19.

18
Testing the Distance
The distance between the remote control unit and the transmitting unit must be
correct, in order to obtain good results when recording IR codes. This distance
differs from one remote control unit to another, and thus you should check the
distance before recording new IR codes from the remote control unit. Direct the
remote control unit at the transmitting unit, exactly as is shown in the figure.
Determine the correct distance during recording by the following
procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Select page browse among the pages 
Select this page Edit button Select a button Function Send IR 
Record IR Test distance
When you have selected “Test distance” proceed as
follows:
Press and hold down any button on the remote control
unit while moving the remote control unit to the left until
”No signal” is displayed on the screen. Then move the
remote control unit to the right until “No signal” is
displayed on the screen. The best position is then
located between these positions.
Now move the remote control unit backwards until “No
signal” is displayed on the screen (around 1 metre for
certain units). The best position is then between the
transmitting unit and the most distant position.
Note! Certain types of remote control units send only instantaneously when a
button is pressed. In this case, you must press the button many times, rather
than pressing it and holding it down.

19
Recording IR Codes
When the best position has been determined as
described above, press the Back button. Now you can
choose between two different recording methods
“Standard” and “Alternative”. Always start with the
standard method.
Press and hold down the button of the remote control
unit that is to be recorded, and follow the instructions
on the screen. Two presses are normally required, and
sometimes more than two, in order to record an IR
code.
Alternative Method
Codes can be recorded from most remote control units on the market, but there
are a few exceptions. It may be a case of a single button or all the buttons on a
unit. Select recording by the “Alternative method” if recording by the standard
method does not work.
Rapid Recording
If many IR codes are to be recorded, a shortcut can be used to speed up the
recording process. It is not possible to choose recording method in this case:
the standard method has been pre-selected. It is also possible to test the
recording distance, but the indicator lamp (green) is located in the lower right
corner.
Record codes by the rapid process by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Select page browse among the pages 
Select this page Record IR Select the button that is to be programmed Follow
the instructions on the screen Done Record IR etc.
Most distant position
Progress
Left Right

20
Inserting GewaLink channels
GewaLink channels are standard channels that are used in all Gewa remote
control units and receivers. There are 128 GewaLink channels, numbered from
0-127. These channels do not need to be recorded, they are included with
Progress PC. GewaLink channels must not be confused with codes from
products that are purchased in other shops, such as TVs, video machines and
DVD players. These use another type of IR channel, described in the previous
section Recording IR Codes.
If a GewaLink channel is inserted that has already been placed on another
button, a warning will be given that it is already occupied. If so, the only thing
that can happen is that several functions can be simultaneously controlled, if
they are located in the same room. Choose another channel if this is a problem.
One memory location is required for each GewaLink channel that is inserted. A
total of 256 memory locations are available, but these must be shared with
learned IR codes, IR macros and 4096-codes.
Insert a GewaLink channel by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Select page browse among the various pages 
Select this page Edit button Select the button to be edited Function 
Send IR GewaLink write in the channel number 
Inserting 4096-Codes
4096-code is a specially coded system that is used when extra security is
needed: opening the flat or house door, for example. In this way, entry by
unauthorised persons is prevented. Once a code has been inserted on a button,
it cannot be read, but remains hidden.
One memory location is required for each 4096-code that is inserted. A total of
256 memory locations are available, but these must be shared with learned IR
codes, GewaLink channels and IR macros.
Insert a 4096-code by the following procedure:
Settings Pages/buttons Select page browse between the various pages 
Select this page Edit button Select the button that is to be edited Function 
Send IR 4096-code Write in a freely chosen number between 0 and 4095 