ENHANCED VISION Merlin User manual

User’s Manual
•Standard Merlin
•Merlin VGA
•Merlin with Color Select
TM
Merlin

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this page is intentionally left without manual content.

Table of Contents
About Your Merlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Merlin at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Setting Up Merlin with TV Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Setting Up Merlin with VGA Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Turning on Merlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Changing Viewing Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Changing Magnification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Setting Magnification Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Object Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Intelligent Focus Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using the X-Y Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Tips for Reading and Writing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Programming Options (Unit with Voice Recognition only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Entering Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Training Merlin for Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Exiting Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using Merlin Color Select (Unit with Color Select only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Using Voice Recognition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25
Other Products from Enhanced Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-29
Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Warranty Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31

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1
About Your Merlin
Merlin enables individuals with low vision to read, write, view photos, enjoy
crafts and hobbies, and more – in color, black and white, or enhanced high
contrast 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 makes it simple to use and allows optimum
convenience for most daily activities. Merlin also includes an Intelligent
Focus Lock feature for special viewing situations, such as writing.
If you’ve chosen the voice recognition model, Merlin 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 will also verbally
confirm your selections.
Please read this booklet and familiarize yourself with Merlin’s features and
operation before using this system. Your Merlin is ready to use right out of
the box. By reviewing Merlin’s 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.
Congratulations on your purchase of Merlin from Enhanced Vision. Merlin is
a full-color, auto-focus video magnifier system designed to enhance the
lifestyle of the visually impaired.

2
Safety and Care
To obtain the most benefit and life from your Merlin, please read these safety
precautions very carefully.
Merlin is designed to enlarge and enhance images in order to offer
improvement in the quality of life for people with visual impairments. The
extent to which Merlin can improve the ability to see images depends on a
person’s individual condition and level of visual impairment.
Merlin 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 for a patient’s individual condition.
Precautions
• Merlin is designed to be used on a stable, level surface such as a solid desk
or table.
• Do not place Merlin on an unstable table, cart or stand. It may fall, causing
serious damage to the unit or bodily injury to a user.
• Merlin should be used indoors, and should not be exposed to extreme or
rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Do not place Merlin 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’s upper platform. The platform is designed
to hold a maximum of 100 lbs.
• 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 near water and do
not attempt to disassemble the unit.

3
• Use only the power supply provided with your Merlin. Using an
unauthorized power supply may cause serious damage to Merlin’s electronic
components.
To Move Merlin to Another Location
• If you are repositioning Merlin 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 and the monitor are moved
separately, not with the monitor on Merlin’s upper platform.
• Disconnect and secure all power and video cables and lock the X-Y table
before moving the unit.
• Carry Merlin only by the two recessed handles located on either side of its base.
• Situate Merlin securely in its new location before replacing the monitor on
the upper platform.
Caring for Merlin
• Always turn the power OFF for both Merlin and the monitor when the
system is not in use.
• Always turn the power OFF before cleaning Merlin.
• The plastic surfaces of Merlin 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’s packaging.
Safety and Care

4
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the components of
your Merlin:
1. Monitor
2. Monitor Power Button
3. Merlin
4. Merlin Power Button
5. Viewing Mode Button
6. Size Dial
7. Preset/Object Locator Button
8. Focus Lock/Auto-Focus Button
9. X-Y Table
10. X-Y Table Locking Lever
11. Recessed handles for carrying Merlin
12. Video Cable
13. Power Supply and Power Cord
14. VGA Cable (supplied w/ Merlin VGA only)
Merlin at a Glance

5
1
4
5
6
7
8
9
Merlin at a Glance
10
3
14
12
11
2
13

1. Find a steady and level location, such as a
table or desk, where you will be
comfortable using Merlin.
2. Carry Merlin only by the two recessed
handles on the sides of the base for a
secure grip. Place it on the table or desk.
(Figure 1) Place the TV monitor on the
platform. (Figure 2)
3. Use the video cable to connect the monitor
to Merlin. Connect one end to the jack on
the back of the upper platform, and the
other to the VIDEO jack on the back of the
monitor. (Figure 3-A)
Do not connect the monitor to the VIDEO
OUT jack on the back of the base. This is
used for a separate monitor or television.
4. Plug the power supply cord into an outlet
and the other end into the DC IN 12V jack
on the back of Merlin’s base. (Figure 3-B)
5. Place your material such as a book,
newspaper, or photograph on the movable
X-Y table.
6
Setting Up Merlin with TV Monitor
figure 1
figure 2
figure 3
A
B

1. Find a steady and level location, such as a
table or desk, where you will be comfortable
using Merlin.
2. Carry Merlin only by the two recessed
handles on the sides of the base for a secure
grip. Place it on the table or desk (Figure 1).
Based on personal preference, you may
want to attach or detach the VGA Monitor’s
stand before placing the monitor on top of
the platform. Place the VGA monitor on the
platform. (Figure 2)
3. Connect the built in VGA cable from your
VGA Monitor into the black port (labeled
“CONNECT MONITOR”) on the right in the
rear of the Merlin video magnifier. (Figure 4)
4. If you want to switch the display from the
Merlin video magnifier to your computer
screen, you will need to utilize the supplied
gray VGA cable (Figure 3). Plug the blue end
of the VGA cable into the port on the back
of your Computer or CPU, where the
monitor would normally connect.
Then plug the red end of the VGA cable into
the red port on the back of the Merlin Unit.
5. Plug the power supply cord into an outlet
and the other end into the DC IN 12V jack
on the back of Merlin’s base. (Figure 3-B on
page 6)
6. Plug the VGA monitor’s power cord into the
outlet.
Setting up Merlin with VGA Monitor
7
figure 1
figure 2
figure 4
figure 3

8
7. Place your material such as a book,
newspaper, or photograph, on the movable
X-Y table.
8. Selecting Display –
To select display from the Merlin video
magnifier or your computer you must use the
toggle switch located under the upper
control panel on the left side of the front of
the unit. (Figure 5 and Figure 5A)
To use the Merlin video magnifier the switch
must be set forward, towards you, to show
zero, “0.” To use your computer or CPU
toggle the switch back, away from you, to
show “I.”
figure 5A
Setting up Merlin with VGA Monitor
figure 5

Merlin Power Button
The Power button on your Merlin is located on the far right of the control
panel. (#1 above)
• Press the Power button. A green light will illuminate, indicating the power is on.
Power Button on an Enhanced Vision Monitor
On a monitor supplied by Enhanced Vision, the Power button is located in
the lower right front corner of the monitor. (#2 above)
• Press the Power button. A light will illuminate, indicating the power is on.
If your Merlin and monitor are plugged into a power strip/surge protector,
make sure its power switch is turned on before attempting to turn on
Merlin or your 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 or your monitor.
9
Turning on Merlin
#1
#2

Selecting a Viewing Option
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 four options. These options are:
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 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.
High Contrast Positive Image
This mode provides a white background with
black text. This mode increases the contrast to
offer crisp text images for reading.
High Contrast Negative Image
This mode provides a black background with
white text. This mode increases the contrast to
offer crisp text images for reading.
On the voice recognition model only, Merlin will verbally confirm the
viewing mode you have selected.
Changing Viewing Mode
10
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!

11
You can increase or decrease the size of the image by using the Size dial at
the center of the control panel.
There are sixteen levels of magnification
available on Merlin.
• 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.
The size you selected will be displayed in the
upper left corner of your monitor. (Figure 1)
On the voice recognition model only, Merlin
will verbally confirm the magnification size you
have selected.
Changing Magnification
SIZE-7
figure 1

12
At the factory, your Merlin has been preset at magnification levels 4 and 11.
However, you can program Merlin to your two favorite levels, and change
those levels at any time.
Using the Preset Button
Merlin’s Preset Button is used for three operations: 1) to switch between
two different magnification presets; 2) to run the Object Locator feature;
3) to select an option when programming or training Merlin.
To Program Magnification Presets
1. Press and hold the Preset button (#1 above)
and then at the same time press and hold
the Mode button (#2). The words “PRESET
SETUP” will appear on your monitor.
2. Take your hands off the two buttons and
“SET PRESET 1” will appear on the monitor.
3. Turn the Size dial to any size you desire.
4. Press the Preset button once to make that
selection.
5. The monitor will now display “SET PRESET 2.”
6. Turn the Size dial to the second size you
desire.
7. Press the Preset button once again to make
that selection.
Setting Magnification Presets
PRESET-SETUP
SET-PRESET-1
SET-PRESET-2
#1 #2

13
Object Locator
Merlin’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 “target” (as shown in Figure 1) will appear in
the center of the monitor screen. Continue to hold
the button down.
2. Use the X-Y table and move your work or reading material until you have
located the desired item within the “target” area.
3. Release the button and Merlin will magnify the item you located within
the targeted area.
If you hold the button down for more than 10
seconds the target will disappear.
Your two favorite magnification sizes have now been programmed.
On the voice recognition model, Merlin will verbally confirm each
selection.
The level set with the Size dial overrides sizes arrived at by using the Preset
button. For example, if the Magnification dial is set to size 8 and then you
press Preset to go to a smaller size, the next time you turn the Magnification
dial to increase or decrease size it will immediately go to that new size.
Setting Magnification Presets
I---I
figure 1

When Merlin is 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.
Focus lock allows you to maintain focus on a specific object at a fixed
distance, such as writing. Merlin’s Intelligent Focus Lock feature will
automatically refocus on the object you are viewing after changing
magnification size.
To Use Focus Lock for Writing
1. Place your note paper, stationery, checkbook or other
writing material on the X-Y table.
2. Press the Lock button on the control panel. The letters
“FL” will appear and remain in the upper left corner of
the monitor.
Merlin will now keep your writing in focus, rather than
your hand when it comes into the camera’s frame.
If you change magnification sizes, Intelligent Focus
Lock will automatically refocus on the desired object
or page.
3. To return to auto focus, press the lock button. The
letters “AF” will appear in the upper left corner of
the monitor.
On the voice recognition model only, Merlin will verbally
confirm your selection of focus lock or auto focus.
Intelligent Focus Lock
AF
FL
14

15
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 the X-Y Table
1. With the X-Y table unlocked, place a book, newspaper, etc., on the table.
2. Use the Object Locator feature (see Page 13) and move the X-Y table to
position the start of your reading in the approximate center of the monitor
screen.
3. Use the preset button, voice control or magnification dial to enlarge the
image to a comfortable viewing size.
4. Glide the X-Y table to the left, which will make the words flow across the
screen for reading.
5. When you have reached the end of a line, glide the table back to the
beginning of the line.
6. Move the table away from you slightly to display the start of the next line.
7. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 to continue reading.
Using the X-Y Table
AB

16
Reading with Merlin
• 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.
• 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.
• New users should use two hands when moving the X-Y table for reading,
until they become comfortable using one hand.
• When using the object locator feature, place your finger where you want
to begin reading to quickly find your place.
Writing with Merlin
• Beginners should start at smaller magnification sizes, and then increase
magnification as they become more comfortable using Merlin for writing.
• The smaller the magnification size the bigger you tend to write; the higher
the magnification size the smaller you’ll write.
• Use a pen that makes a bold line, such as a heavy point pen, a felt-tip
marker, or a fine point marker, for easier visibility.
• It might be helpful to use lined paper to more easily find and keep your
place.
• It might be easier to keep your place if you write a few words at a time,
then move the X-Y table and write again, rather than moving continually as
you write.
• Write in either color, black-and-white or positive viewing modes.
Tips for Reading and Writing