Caretec Zeitgeist 2 User manual

USER GUIDE
Zeitgeist 2
The all-rounder among pocket watches
EN

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1Introduction ..............................................................................................................3
2Description and scope of supply..............................................................................3
2.1 Scope of supply .......................................................................................................3
2.2 Haptic design...........................................................................................................4
2.3 Display.....................................................................................................................5
2.4 Power supply ...........................................................................................................6
3Care of the device.................................................................................................... 6
4Operating principles .................................................................................................7
4.1 Button lock (key lock) ..............................................................................................8
4.2 Silent mode..............................................................................................................8
5Operating states and RESET / troubleshooting....................................................... 9
5.1 Home screen .........................................................................................................10
5.1.1 Structure of the vibration coding system for tactile time output .....................11
6Main menu (functions menu) .................................................................................12
6.1 Stopwatch..............................................................................................................13
6.2 Timer .....................................................................................................................14
6.3 Alarm and Calendar...............................................................................................14
6.3.1 Alarm..............................................................................................................15
6.3.2 Calendar.........................................................................................................16
6.4 Notetaker ...............................................................................................................18
6.5 Lumitest .................................................................................................................19
6.5.1 Light notifier....................................................................................................19
6.6 Compass ...............................................................................................................20
6.7 Pedometer .............................................................................................................21
6.8 Games (sub-menu)................................................................................................22
6.8.1 Game clock ....................................................................................................22
6.8.2 Dice ................................................................................................................23
6.8.3 8 Ball ..............................................................................................................23
6.9 Period calendar .....................................................................................................24
7System settings (Settings sub-menu)....................................................................25
7.1 Volume ..................................................................................................................25
7.2 Rechargeable battery ............................................................................................26
7.3 Date and time ........................................................................................................26
7.4 Time zone..............................................................................................................26
7.5 Daylight saving time ..............................................................................................26
7.6 Normal reset / Factory reset ..................................................................................27
7.7 Hourly signal / Hourly reminder .............................................................................28
7.8 GPS time ...............................................................................................................28
7.9 Bluetooth ...............................................................................................................29
7.9.1 “Pillow” / Bed shaker ......................................................................................30
7.10 Vibration ..............................................................................................................31
8Technical data / Overview diagram .......................................................................32
9Safety information and disposal.............................................................................34
9.1 Disposal of waste electronic equipment ................................................................34
10 Warranty, servicing, and manufacturer..................................................................34
10.1 Identification of manufacturer..............................................................................35

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1 Introduction
A speaking watch featuring all kinds of additional cutting-edge functions, the Zeitgeist 2
is a true delight.
Housed in a practical casing with three buttons on the side, a clear-sound speaker, a
long-lasting rechargeable battery, and a display, this device weighs only 29 g and fits
easily into the palm of your hand.
The Zeitgeist 2 also comes with a strap and can either be worn around your neck or
carried without the strap as a pocket watch that won't take up much space.
During development, great importance was given to ensuring ergonomic design, both
inside and out.
Acoustic communication takes the form of natural-sounding voice output and short
musical jingles.
Although it was designed for visually impaired users, the Zeitgeist 2 can also be of help
to sighted persons of every age.
The functional scope of the device goes far beyond that of a speaking clock and
includes numerous extra features, including:
stopwatch
timer
calendar and alarms
voice recordings
compass
pedometer (step counter)
Lumitest
automatic time setting
tactile time output in vibration code
and a whole lot more.
This user guide describes all functions of the Zeitgeist 2 and is designed to be consulted
at any time.
We hope you enjoy using the Zeitgeist 2 by Caretec!
2 Description and scope of supply
2.1 Scope of supply
•Zeitgeist 2 basic device
•Neck strap
•USB power adapter
•USB charging cable
•User guide as hard copy and on a USB stick

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2.2 Haptic design
The Zeitgeist 2 is rectangular, slightly oval in shape, with a smooth casing of black
plastic. It measures around 4 x 7 centimeters in size and is one centimeter thick.
On the top right of the device there is a slightly raised loop for the neck strap, and three
metal buttons can be found on the right-hand side.
The underside of the device has a USB-C port for inserting the charging cable.
On the rear you will feel four screw holes and a slight depression for the rating plate,
while on the left-hand side the casing is closed.
On the front is the display, with the speaker underneath, as well as the microphone
under a grille-like structure.
Within this you can just feel the optical sensor for the Lumitest on the left-hand side, and
on the right an LED (light-emitting diode), which lights up in different colors to indicate
specific operating states: (red and green for charging, and blue for the microphone). For
further details see the relevant sections.

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2.3 Display
Although the Zeitgeist 2 is designed to be primarily operated via audio, the device also
includes a graphics-enabled display for the sighted.
This takes the form of a reflective LCD, which is not backlit but uses ambient light with
good contrast for the display.
The home screen, when no buttons have been pressed for a while, will show the basic
display with the most important device information such as the clock time, the date, and
on the top right, the charging status of the battery.
Various icons are displayed in the top left corner depending on the operating state; see
the list in the picture. You will find detailed descriptions under the individual menu items.
If you are in a sub-menu on the device, the audio output will be supplemented by the
individual input/output status shown on the display.
Note: When many "additional icons" appear in the status bar, space becomes tight and
the "Bluetooth" and "Light notifier" icons may sometimes disappear behind the battery
display, although the relevant functions of course remain activated.

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2.4 Power supply
The Zeitgeist 2 contains a small lithium-polymer 400 mAh capacity battery, which is
charged via the USB-C cable.
The new USB-C connector standard offers full freedom in terms of insertion, with there
no longer being a top or bottom.
Please, however, take care when using the cable and port on the device. Make sure that
you always insert and remove the cable at the correct angle, i.e. holding it straight.
Note: The USB plug connection on the Zeitgeist 2 is only used for charging, not for
exchanging data.
The built-in battery will last without recharging for several weeks to months depending
on the level of usage for the device.
You can quickly check the battery status in the home screen at any time by pressing the
button combination Top+Bottom SHORT.
If the battery is completely flat, it will take around 75 minutes to fully recharge again.
When the battery charge level gets very low, you will hear a jingle warning you of this at
intervals of 15 minutes.
As soon as a USB cable is plugged in with a power supply unit, the Zeitgeist 2 will
indicate that the battery is being charged by emitting an audible signal, while the LED on
the front will light up and change colors: RED means charging in progress, GREEN
means charging has ended.
Note: As soon as charging ends, no further power will be consumed even if the charger
is still plugged in, i.e. the battery cannot be overcharged.
The LED will go out once the charger is unplugged, regardless of the charging status.
3 Care of the device
No electronic device will like rough handling or exposure to moisture or water.
The Zeitgeist 2 has been designed with durability in mind, but it calls for cooperation
from the user if this is to be attained.
It can normally withstand being dropped from table height or sat on with a soft surface
underneath, but not being stood on.
As the device is not waterproof, make sure you keep it well away from any liquids or
fluids.
Normal levels of perspiration from the palms of the hands present no problem, although
a certain degree of cleanliness is required when handling all electronic devices.
Wipe the device down once in a while with a slightly damp (almost dry) cloth, e.g. clean
soft microfiber, if necessary with a very small amount of soap or alcohol-based cleaner.
The Zeitgeist 2 is otherwise a maintenance-free product, but you should generally make
sure no foreign substances get into the device openings.The speaker on the front is
concealed under a grille and if a foreign substance gets into this, the speaker may start

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making an unpleasant humming or rasping sound or become quieter in volume while in
use.
On the underside of the device you will find the USB-C port used to charge the device.
The port and connector must fit together snugly or charging will not take place.
Both the port and connector may become damaged by foreign substances. It is
sometimes possible to remove dust, etc. using fine work tools (please only try this if you
know what you are doing or you may damage the device even further).
Apart from cleaning and care, there are no parts requiring maintenance from the
customer.
Damage to the device hardware can only be repaired by the dealer or manufacturer.
Please remember that the warranty for the device will be invalidated with improper
handling!
4 Operating principles
Perhaps you are familiar with the predecessor of the Zeitgeist 2, also from Caretec, i.e.
the Zeitgeist version manufactured just after the turn of the millennium?
Also equipped with three buttons, it set standards in terms of operation and sold well
over the years.
The Zeitgeist 2 is now carrying on its tried and tested operating concept.
It has, of course, been extended to include all the new functions and features offered by
state-of-the-art technology.
The device has basically now been designed to be completely acoustic in use, with the
visual features merely providing extra information for sighted people.
Whenever a button is pressed, this is indicated by haptic feedback in the form of a brief
vibration.
The Zeitgeist 2 uses almost exclusively what are known as endless scrolling menus and
numeric settings.
In other words, when scrolling up and down, you are moving in a loop, e.g. when
selecting a month, January comes after December.
In the case of the three buttons, the device distinguishes between how long they are
pressed: SHORT and LONG (LONG is around one second).
The functions of the buttons are similar for many menu items:
•Use a SHORT press of the the top or bottom button (Top SHORT or Bottom
SHORT) to scroll up or down or to switch between states, e.g. between active or
inactive.
•Use a LONG press of the middle button (Middle LONG) to start a menu item.
•Use a SHORT press of the middle button (Middle SHORT) for information about
the relevant menu item. In each item you will move forward one step in the
sequence of available options.

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For example, when setting a time in the calendar:
As you move forward by one step between year/month/day, etc. by pressing Middle
SHORT,you are simultaneously confirming the previous item.
The individual numerical value, e.g. number for the day, is selected by repeatedly
pressing Top or Bottom SHORT.
As regards button combinations when two buttons are pressed simultaneously, the
device distinguishes between SHORT and LONG as well.
The most important combination that is valid wherever you happen to be is: Top and
Bottom SHORT = Escape from the functions; this will take you back to the home
screen.
The buttons have specific functions depending on the one selected. See the following
sections for further explanations.
Note for the sighted:
At certain points in the following sections you will also see diagrams accompanying the
written explanations with a brief description of the button presses.
A distinction is again made here between individual buttons, button combinations, LONG
and SHORT.
4.1 Button lock (key lock)
The device also features a button lock (key lock) for carrying the Zeitgeist 2 about and to
prevent unintentional operations.
If you press a button when the device is locked, a jingle, a vibration signal and a large
icon on the display indicate the locked status.
The sequence of buttons used for locking and unlocking is the same:
Simultaneously press all three buttons SHORT immediately followed by Top SHORT;
the Zeitgeist 2 will confirm the operation with a voice message and indicate the status
with an icon in the top left corner of the display.
4.2 Silent mode
The silent mode can be used to turn off all sound notifications at once, leaving only the
vibration signals. The silent mode is meant for any occasions where it could be
disturbing if a jingle sounds (e.g. when visiting a cinema, theater or concert etc.).
The sequence of buttons used for activating and deactivating the silent mode is the
same:
Simultaneously press all three buttons SHORT immediately followed by Bottom
SHORT; the Zeitgeist 2 will confirm the operation with a voice message and indicate the
status with an icon in the top left corner of the display.
When the silent mode is activated, the following happens in detail:
•The alarm, timer and calendar events will be muted and the device will only signal
a new event or alarm by vibration.

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•If an hourly reminder is enabled, the reminder will be muted, but the device will
vibrate every full hour.
•The light notification jingles will be muted.
•The button lock (key lock) Jingle will be muted and the device will only signal that
the device is locked by vibration.
WARNING
Do not forget
to deactivate the silent mode when it is no longer needed,
otherwise you may miss calendar events or alarms.
Note: Simultaneously press the bottom and middle button short (Bottom+Middle
SHORT) to cancel the vibration playback of an alarm, timer or calendar event silently,
while the information about it remains available.
5 Operating states and RESET / troubleshooting
A distinction is basically made between three operating states:
•Home screen .....................................................................section 5.1
•Functions menu (main menu) ............................................section 6
•System settings (Settings sub-menu) ................................section 7
The device will respond to buttons being pressed whatever its operating state.
Should it no longer do so, either the battery is flat or the built-in computer has frozen.
To perform troubleshooting and restore operation, proceed as follows:
•If the battery is flat, this will be indicated by the fact that the display remains dark.
In this case, plug in the USB charger (power adapter plus cable). Most settings will
be retained, although the clock time and alarms will be lost. After charging the
device, you should preferably use the automatic time setting feature via GPS; see
section 7.8.
•If you happen to lose your way in the sub-menus, it is a good idea to simply return
to the home screen. You can do this by simply putting the device down and
waiting for max. 30 seconds or by pressing the button combination Top+Bottom
SHORT.
•If the computer really has frozen, the software has to be reset (RESET). In this
case your settings will be retained (except for the alarms):
Place the device flat on a table and hold down the buttons Top+Bottom VERY
LONG, i.e. 12 seconds.
The Zeitgeist 2 will then vibrate strongly, play a start-up jingle and restore
functioning on the display.
Now leave the device for between 15 and 30 seconds without moving it until
another jingle sounds (ping noise). During this period, various sensors have to be
calibrated by the software. If the device is moved, this will adversely affect the
accuracy of some functions, e.g. the compass.
•If the device is basically still functional but all settings are incorrect, you can also
restore the factory settings. Careful as this will cause all settings to be lost!
For details see the relevant function in the Settings menu, section 7.6.

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Note: If the display is functioning, but you can't hear anything or very little from the speaker, first
check the volume setting in the Settings menu. Next check whether the grille covering the speaker is
dirty. In extreme cases these little openings become so clogged with dirt that the device needs to be
cleaned by the dealer or manufacturer or the speaker even replaced.
This also applies to the little opening of the microphone if the volume of your voice recordings
comes out very low.
5.1 Home screen
The Zeitgeist 2 is normally in home screen mode, i.e. on standby and awaiting a
command, i.e. for a button to be pressed.
The device will also automatically return to the home screen from numerous sub-menus
if you take no action for a while, around 30 seconds.
If the device goes back to home, you will hear a signal to indicate this.
You can access numerous functions directly from the home screen using quick access:
(Note: Some functions can also be accessed as usual via the main menu; for details see Main menu.)
With quick access, the device once again distinguishes between individual buttons,
combinations of them, and how long they are pressed, SHORT or LONG.
•Top SHORT .......To announce the clock time in 24 hour-format with seconds
•Bottom SHORT .To announce the date in long form, also including the
calendar week and phase of the moon
•Middle SHORT ...To call up information about the last menu item
executed (Careful: This may produce confusing results,
depending on the preceding action.)
•Top+Middle SHORT .......To announce information about active alarms
•Bottom+Middle SHORT .To announce information about active calendar entries
•Top+Bottom SHORT ......To announce information about battery status
•Top LONG ..........To make the clock time vibrate according to the widespread
industrial standard, i.e. vibration code with long and short
vibration pulses. Here a long vibration pulse means 4 and a
short one 1, i.e. the number 9 is made up of long-long-short;
for further details see below in section 5.1.1.
The intensity and duration can be changed in the Settings
menu, section 7.10.
•Bottom LONG ....Starts the Lumitest function
•Middle LONG .....To call up the main menu (see section 6)
•Combination Top+Middle LONG ...... To start or stop automatic time setting
via GPS signal
•Combination Bottom+Middle LONG To record a new voice memo
•Combination Top+Bottom LONG ..... To reset the device (RESET)