ENHANCED VISION Merlin LCD Plus User manual

User’s Manual
TM
Merlin Plus

In order to maintain the consistency with the printed version of this manual,
this page is intentionally left without manual content.

Table of Contents
About Merlin Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Computer System Recommended Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Merlin Plus at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7
Safety and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9
Setting Up Merlin Plus
a. With a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
b. With a 20” Enhanced Vision TV Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
c. With Remote Software or Control Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
d. With External Video Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Turning on Merlin Plus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
About Merlin Plus Remote Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18
Changing Viewing Mode
a. Using Merlin Plus Control Panel Viewing Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
b. Using Merlin Plus Control Box Viewing Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22
c. Using Merlin Plus Remote Software Viewing Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
d. Using Merlin Plus Foot Switch Viewing Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Changing Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Using Line Markers
a. With Control Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
b. With Remote Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Using Windowing
a. With Control Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
b. With Remote Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Using Split Screen
a. With Control Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
b. With Remote Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Setting Magnification Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27-28
Object Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Intelligent Focus Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using Merlin Plus Color Select Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31
Using the X-Y Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Tips for Reading and Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Programming Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Voice Recognition Programming (Unit with Voice Recognition only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using Voice Recognition (Unit with Voice Recognition only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Using a Computer with Merlin Plus OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Merlin Plus Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38--43
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-47
Other Enhanced Vision Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48-50
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51-52

4
About Merlin Plus
Merlin Plus enables individuals with low vision to read, write, view photos,
enjoy crafts and hobbies, and more – in color, black and white, or enhanced
positive or negative viewing modes. With easy-to-use buttons that are also
distinguishable by touch, you can enlarge or reduce the image in seconds,
change viewing modes for easier visibility, and establish preset buttons to
your favorite viewing image sizes.
The auto-focus feature on Merlin Plus makes it simple to use and allows
optimum convenience for most daily activities. Merlin Plus also includes an
Intelligent Focus Lock feature for special viewing situations, such as writing.
If you’ve chosen the voice recognition model, Merlin Plus can be “trained”
to recognize your voice and respond to your commands. You won’t have to
take your hands away from your work or reading material in order to enlarge
or reduce the image, or change viewing modes. Merlin Plus will also verbally
confirm your selections.
Please read this booklet and familiarize yourself with Merlin Plus’ features
and operation before using this system. Merlin Plus is ready to use right out
of the box. By reviewing Merlin Plus’ features and controls before using it
and following the directions carefully, you’ll be able to enjoy all the great
benefits from your purchase.
Enhanced Vision products are designed to give you the highest quality image,
convenient and easy-to-use features, and years of reliable service. Thank you
for choosing the Enhanced Vision Merlin Plus.
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. It also
provides optimum viewing for people with certain visual conditions by
offering an expanded range of choices of both text and background colors.

5
Merlin Plus will work with a variety of computers. The computer system
configuration listed below is recommended for usage with Merlin Plus*.
• Operating System: Windows 98/NT/2000/XP
• Processor Speed: Pentium III 500mhz
• Hard Disk: 50MB of hard-disk space available
• Monitor: VGA/SVGA/XGA monitor with 15-pin
analog connector
• Peripherals: CD-ROM drive
One 9-pin serial port available
• No Internet connection is required
• No additional software is required besides Merlin Plus Remote Software
*For system video requirements, refer to the PC Compatibility section on
Page 40.
Computer System Recommended Configuration

6
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the components of
your Merlin Plus:
1. Merlin Plus
2. Merlin Plus Power button
3. Viewing Mode button
4. Magnification dial (Size button)
5. Preset/Object Locator button
6. Focus Lock/Auto-Focus button
7. X-Y table
8. X-Y table locking lever
9. Recessed handles for carrying Merlin Plus
10. 3-foot RCA video cable
11. Power supply and power cord
12. VGA extension cable
13. Merlin Plus control box with coil cable
14. Foot Switch
15. Software cable and adapter
16. Merlin Plus Remote Software CD ROM
17. 3-foot S-Video cable
18. Light ON/OFF Switch
19. USB Adapter
Additional Options (not included)
20. 17” VGA Monitor
21. 20” TV Monitor with S-Video (not shown on page 7)
Merlin Plus at a Glance

7
1
4
67
8
9
Merlin Plus at a Glance
10
3
12
2
517
16
15
14
13
18
20
not
included
19
11

8
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. An eyecare professional can determine the
usefulness and suitability of Merlin Plus for a patient’s individual impairment.
Precautions
• Merlin Plus is designed to be used on a stable, level surface such as a solid
desk or table.
• Do not place Merlin Plus on an unstable table, cart, or stand. It may fall,
causing serious damage to the unit or bodily injury to a user.
• Merlin Plus should be used indoors, and should not be exposed to extreme
or rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Do not place Merlin Plus near a
radiator or heater, or where it will be exposed to long hours of direct
sunlight. These conditions may cause damage to the unit’s electronics or optics.
• Do not put a TV or monitor weighing more than 100 lbs., or one larger
than a 20-inch screen on Merlin Plus’ upper platform.
• Always place the power cord away from traffic areas to avoid the danger of
someone tripping over the cord or damaging it.
• To prevent the risk of electrical shock, do not use Merlin Plus near water
and do not attempt to disassemble the unit.

9
• Use only the power supply provided with Merlin Plus. Using an
unauthorized power supply may cause serious damage to Merlin Plus’
electronic components.
To Move Merlin Plus to Another Location
• If you are repositioning Merlin Plus a short distance across a desk or table,
make sure you do not pull on any power cords or connector cables.
• If you are moving the system to a different location within your home
or office, it is recommended that Merlin Plus and the monitor are moved
separately, not with the monitor on Merlin Plus’ upper platform.
• Disconnect and secure all power and video cables and lock the X-Y table
before moving the unit.
• Carry Merlin Plus only by the two recessed handles located on either side of its
base.
• Situate Merlin Plus securely in its new location before replacing the monitor
on the upper platform.
Caring for Merlin Plus
• Always turn the power OFF for both Merlin Plus and the monitor when the
system is not in use.
• Always turn the power OFF before cleaning Merlin Plus.
• The plastic surfaces of Merlin Plus can be cleaned with a soft dry cloth or an
electrostatic dusting wipe. DO NOT use liquid cleaners.
• The protective glass covering the camera can be cleaned as needed with the
lens cloth provided within your Merlin Plus’ packaging.
Safety and Care

a. With a Computer
Note: Prior to installation, it is recommended
you set your computer to one of the resolutions
listed on the specification page 40.
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. Place the VGA monitor on the Merlin
Plus platform.
3. Connect the built-in VGA cable from your
VGA monitor to the port labeled “MONITOR”
on the back of Merlin Plus (see figure 2).
Plug the VGA Monitor’s power cord into the
outlet.
4. Connect the female end of the VGA
extension cable provided (item 12 on page 7)
into the port labeled “COMPUTER” on the
back of your Merlin Plus. Connect the male
end of the VGA extension cable into
the
15-pin VGA output port on your computer.
This is usually where you would connect
your VGA monitor to your computer (see
figure 3).
5. Connect the foot switch cable provided
(item 14 on page 7) into the jack labeled
“FOOT SWITCH” on the back of Merlin Plus.
6. Plug the power supply cord (item 11 on
page 7) into the outlet and the other end into
the DC IN 12V jack on the back of
Merlin Plus (see figure 4).
10
Setting Up Merlin Plus
figure 1
figure 2
figure 3
figure 4

b. With a 20” Enhanced Vision TV Monitor
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 secure
grip (see figure 1). Place it on the table or
desk. Place the TV monitor on the platform.
3. Use the S-VIDEO cable (item 17 on page 7)
to connect the TV-monitor to Merlin Plus.
Connect one end to the jack on the back of
the upper platform, and the other to the
S- VIDEO jack on the back of the monitor
(see figure 2).
4. Plug the power supply cord (item 11 on
page 7)into the outlet and the other end into
the DC IN 12V jack on the back of
Merlin Plus’ base (see figure 3).
5. Plug the TV monitor’s power cord into the
outlet.
Note: You may use the RCA yellow jack
labeled “VIDEO OUT” on the back of Merlin
Plus to connect a secondary TV monitor. Please
be aware that this monitor will have
functionality limited to Merlin Plus control
panel viewing modes only (see page 19). For
more information, refer to TV Monitor Features
Available section on page 42.
11
Setting Up Merlin Plus
figure 1
figure 2
figure 3

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. Connect using the USB port on your computer
• Connect the serial end of the USB Adapter to the serial end of Software
cable (item 15 on page 7).
• Plug the phone jack end into the port labeled “CONTROL BOX” on the
back of Merlin Plus.
• Plug the USB end into your computer
(see figure 1).
OR
B. Connect using the serial port on your computer
• Connect the software cable phone jack cord
(item 15 on page 7) into the port labeled
“CONTROL BOX” on the back of Merlin Plus.
• Connect the 9-pin female adapter end of the
software cable into a serial port on the back of
your computer (see figure 2).
• Turn on the computer.
• Insert the Merlin Plus Remote Software CD into
your CD-ROM drive.
• After a few moments, a Welcome Menu will
appear automatically. If no menu appears within
30 seconds, go to the Windows Explorer and
double click on the CD-ROM drive letter.
12
Setting Up Merlin Plus
figure 1
figure 2

d. With External Video Source
If you want to use an external video source with
Merlin Plus, simply connect a RCA video cable
(see item 10 on page 7) from the video output of
your external device (for example a JORDY or
FLIPPER) to the port labeled “VIDEO IN” in the
back of Merlin Plus as shown in figure 1.
13
figure 3
• On the Merlin Plus Welcome Menu, click on
the Merlin Plus Software Installation icon. This
will bring up an installation wizard to walk you
through the set-up process.
• At the end of the installation process, you may
choose to run the application immediately. It is
recommended you choose this option. Please
note that the software will be always running as
a permanent application in the background on
your computer.
• For further details about the Remote Software,
please click on the HELP menu on the main
application window (see figure 3).
2. Merlin Plus with Control Box
Connect the phone jack end of the Control Box
Coil Cable (see item 13 on page 7) into the port
labeled “CONTROL BOX” on the back of
Merlin Plus(see figure 4).
figure 1
figure 4
Setting Up Merlin Plus

Merlin Plus Power Button
The Power button on Merlin Plus is located on the far right side of the control
panel (#1 above).
• Press the Power button. A green light to the left of the Power button will
illuminate, indicating the power is ON.
Power Button on a 20” Enhanced Vision TV Monitor
On a monitor supplied by Enhanced Vision, the Power button is located in the
lower far right corner of the monitor (#2 above).
• Press the Power button and wait a few moments for the picture to come on.
If Merlin Plus and the monitor are plugged into a power strip/surge
protector, make sure its power switch is turned ON before attempting to
turn on Merlin Plus or the monitor. If the power strip/surge protector
comes with a circuit breaker, make sure the circuit breaker has been reset
before attempting to turn on Merlin Plus or the monitor.
14
Turning on Merlin Plus
#1
#2

About Merlin Plus Remote Software
15
Merlin Plus Remote Software Actively Running on Your Computer
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.
The software will always be automatically running
upon a new Windows session. To turn OFF the
software completely, please refer to page 18.
Accessing the Main Application Window
To access the main application window of the
remote software as shown on figure 2, you may
either:
• Double left click on the EV Remote Software icon as shown on figure 1.
• Right click on the EV Remote Software icon as shown on figure 1 and left
click on MAXIMIZE on the drop down list.
• Press the CONTROL+F5 keys simultaneously on your computer keyboard.
You should then see the main application window as shown on figure 2.
Note: to close the Main Application Window, press the ALT+F4 keys on your
computer keyboard simultaneously.
Minimizing the Main Application Window
To minimize the main application window, simply click on the minimize
icon or the EXIT icon as shown on figure 2.
Note that clicking on the EXIT icon does not turn OFF the application. To do
so, refer to page 18.
figure 1
figure 2

Using the Default HOT KEYS
Default HOT KEYS have been programmed into the Remote Software
application.
Main Application Window CRTL and F5
Windowing CRTL and F6
Line Markers CRTL and F7
Options CRTL and F8
Width - Decrease CRTL and F9
Width - Increase CRTL and F10
Position - Decrease CRTL and F11
Position - Increase CRTL and F12
HOT KEYS allow for a quick operation of Merlin Plus without having to
maximize the software application window. For instance, from another
application, you may simply key in a preset HOT KEY combination and
Merlin Plus will react to it. There is no need to use the mouse. This allows
you to keep your hands on the keyboard at all times.
Note: The HOT KEYS serve the same function as the Control Box.
Programming New HOT KEYS
HOT KEYS may be reprogrammed to your liking or to avoid a conflict with
third party software. To view or change the HOT KEYS panel, you may
either:
• Right click on the EV icon (see figure 1 on page 15) and left click on HOT
KEYS on the drop down list.
• Left click on HOT KEYS in the Main Application Menu as shown in figure 2
on page 15. The HOT KEYS panel will then open as shown in figure 3.
To select a new HOT KEY, simply click on the function key icons that you
wish to use as the combination desired and select an alphanumeric key from
the drop down list. Your combination may include one or several keys.
About Merlin Plus Remote Software
16
figure 3

Disabling HOT KEYS
If you do not wish to use any HOT KEY, you may simply disable them all
without having to reprogram them at a later time. To do this, open the HOT
KEY panel as described above and check OFF the ENABLE HOT KEYS mark
at the top left of the panel as shown on figure 3. This will keep your settings
yet make all HOT KEYS inoperable. This is a way to avoid a conflict with
third party software HOT KEYS.
Note: The HOT KEYS are enabled by default during first time use.
Using the Main Application Window Controls
The controls on the main application window use
a click and drag type of interface.
You may also use the HOT KEYS as described
above for quicker access.
Note: A full description of each control is provided
with the software. To access the help, click on
HELP, CONTENTS on the main application menu
as shown on figure 4.
About the CONNECTION STATUS Indicator
The CONNECTION STATUS indicates if a valid
connection is detected with Merlin Plus. A green
indicator shows an active connection (ACTIVE
PORT 1) (see figure 5). A red indicator shows a
non-valid connection-NONE (see figure 4).
The indicator is constantly updated to allow you
to quickly detect a problem or a valid connection.
If a problem occurs, please refer to the Troubleshooting section of this
manual or the application software HELP as described earlier.
About Merlin Plus Remote Software
17
figure 4
NONE
figure 5
ACTIVE PORT 1

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.
To run the software again, use the START MENU, PROGRAMS, MERLIN
PLUS REMOTE and click on the MERLIN PLUS REMOTE icon.
Uninstalling Merlin Plus Remote Software:
To uninstall the application completely from your system, use the START
MENU, PROGRAMS, MERLIN PLUS REMOTE and click on the UNINSTALL
icon. In the uninstall window, click on YES to proceed with the un-installation.
About Merlin Plus Remote Software
18
figure 1

a. Using Merlin Plus Control Panel Viewing Modes
You can choose a viewing option by pressing the MODE button on the
control panel. Each push will change your viewing option. If you keep
pressing the button you will cycle through all the default options.
The default options can be used regardless of the control box settings. They
are as follows:
• Full Color Image
• Black and White Image
• Enhanced Positive Image
• Enhanced Negative Image
• Color Select 1
• Color Select 2
• Color Select 3
Full Color Image
This mode is used most often because it gives you a true color representation
of the image that is being magnified. When Merlin Plus is first turned on, it
displays the image in full color.
Black and White Image
Based on your preference, you can choose the black and white mode.
Changing Viewing Mode
19
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Enhanced Positive
Enhanced Negative

20
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.
Color Select 3
This mode provides a black background with yellow text.
NOTE: The control panel viewing modes are applicable to either a VGA
monitor or a 20” TV monitor.
b. Using Merlin Plus Control Box Viewing Modes
You can choose a viewing mode by pressing the OPTIONS button on the
control box. This will change the current viewing mode as follows:
• Full Video Magnifier
• Full Computer Image
• Split Screen Between Computer Image and Video Magnifier Image
• Full Image with External Camera
• Split Screen Between Computer Image and External Image
Changing Viewing Mode