ENHANCED VISION Merlin User manual

Users Manual
TM

Merlin LCD 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. Merlin LCD also includes 3 different preset color
combinations for both text and background to provide improved
viewing when reading. An additional 25 color combinations are
available and can be programmed. 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. The
auto focus feature on Merlin LCD makes it simple to use and allows
optimum convenience for most daily activities. If desired, the
integrated monitor of the Merlin LCD can be shared with your PC,
saving valuable desk space.
Please read this booklet and familiarize yourself with Merlin LCD
features and operation before using this system. Your Merlin LCD
is ready to use right out of the box. By reviewing Merlin LCD
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 LCD.
Congratulations on your purchase of Merlin LCD from Enhanced
Vision. Merlin LCD is a full-color, auto-focus video magnifier system
designed to enhance the lifestyle of the visually impaired. With the
LCD monitor’s adjustable arm, Merlin LCD can provide the user with
the ultimate flexibility in the positioning of the screen.

FCC ComplianCe notiCe
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause
harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modication to this system can void the
user’s authority to operate this equipment.
If your Low Vision device has an option to connect to a TV, it must be
used with shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC emissions limits
for Class B digital devices. It is the responsibility of the user to use the
shielded interface cables supplied with the equipment.
FCC COMPLIANCE NOTICE

table oFContents
Safety and Care .................................. 4-7
Merlin LCD at a Glance ............................ 8-9
Setting Up Merlin LCD ............................ 10
Turning on Merlin LCD............................. 11
Changing Viewing Mode ........................... 12-13
Using Color Select ............................... 14-16
Changing Magnification ........................... 17
Changing Brightness ............................. 18
Using the X-Y Table ............................... 19
Tips for Reading and Writing ....................... 20
Programming Set-up Options ...................... 21-22
Setting Up with Your Computer ..................... 23
Using a Computer with Merlin LCD .................. 24-25
Programming Reference ........................... 26-27
Troubleshooting .................................. 28-29
Specifications .................................... 30-31
Other Products from Enhanced Vision ............... 32-33
Contact Information ............................... 34
Warranty Statement ............................... 35-36

saFety and Care
4
table oFContents
To obtain the most benefit and life from your Merlin LCD, please
read these safety precautions very carefully.
Merlin LCD is designed to enlarge and enhance images in order to
offer improvement in the quality of life for people with visual impair-
ment. The extent to which Merlin LCD can improve the ability to
see images depends on a person’s individual condition and level of
visual impairment.
Merlin LCD is not designed to restore vision, correct eye conditions
or halt degenerative vision loss. An eyecare professional can deter-
mine the usefulness and suitability of Merlin LCD for a patient’s
individual condition.
Precautions for Use
• Follow all warnings, cautions, and instructions marked on the
product.
• Use the Merlin LCD on a stable, level surface such as a solid
desk or table, according to its intended design specifications.
• Avoid placing the unit on an unstable table, cart or stand. It may fall
causing serious damage to the unit or bodily injury to the user.
• Use the Merlin LCD indoors only – it should NOT be exposed to
extreme or rapid changes in temperature or humidity. Do not place
the Merlin LCD near a radiator, heater or areas exposed to long
hours of direct sunlight. These conditions may cause damage to
the unit’s electronics or optics.
• At least once per week, clean the Merlin LCD with a soft dry cloth
or an electrostatic dusting wipe. DO NOT use liquid cleaners on
its plastic surfaces. No additional methods of sterilization or
cleaning are recommended or required.
• Do not use the Merlin LCD near flammable materials or liquids.
SAFETY AND CARE

5
Additional Electrical Safety Precautions
• The power supply cord is a disconnect device for electrical
equipment. The socket-outlet should be installed near the
equipment and be easily accessible.
• This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug as a
safety feature. This plug has a third (grounding) pin and can
only be plugged into a grounding-type power outlet. If necessary,
contact an electrician to replace your power outlet with a
grounding-type power outlet.
• Do not use the Merlin LCD in, near or around water. The Merlin
LCD is not designed to offer protection against contact with liquids
of any kind.
• Use only the power supply provided with your Merlin LCD. Using
unauthorized power supplies may cause serious damage to
Merlin LCD’s electronic components.
• Prevent the risk of electrical shock by NOT attempting to
disassemble the unit. Please refer all service to an authorized
repair facility.
• To avoid personal injury or damage to the Merlin LCD, do not
make any other type of connections to the input jacks other than
those indicated in the photos below.
saFety and Care

6
Additional Mechanical Safety Precautions
The Merlin LCD contains moving parts. Please use caution when
moving the X-Y table, adjusting the LCD monitor arm, or when
transporting the Merlin LCD to avoid possible injury to hands and
fingers.
saFety and Care saFety and Care

7
To Move Merlin LCD to Another Location
• If you are repositioning Merlin LCD a short distance across a
desk or table, make sure you do not pull on any power cords or
connector cables.
• Disconnect and secure all power and video cables and lock the
X-Y table before moving the unit.
• Carry Merlin LCD only by the two recessed handles located on
either side of its base. Do not carry it by the LCD monitor arm.
Caring for Merlin LCD
• Always turn the power OFF for the Merlin LCD and the monitor
when the system is not in use.
• Always turn the power OFF before cleaning Merlin LCD.
• The protective glass covering the camera can be cleaned as
needed with the lens cloth provided within the packaging.
Susceptibility to Interference:
• There may be temporary degradation of the image when the
Merlin LCD is subjected to a strong radio frequency field, electro-
static discharge or transient electrical noise. An electro-static
discharge (caused by static electricity) may cause the screen to
go black. If this happens, switch the unit off and on again.
Compliance Warnings:
• Electromagnetic compatibility: The use of accessories and
cables other than those specified by Enhanced Vision may result
in increased emissions or decreased immunity.
• Placement of equipment: The Merlin LCD should not be used
adjacent to or stacked with other equipment.
saFety and Care

merlin lCd at aGlanCe
8
Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the
components of your Merlin LCD:
1. Merlin LCD
2. LCD monitor arm
3. LCD Monitor (19", 22" or 24")
4. Power button
5. Size (Magnification) dial
6. Viewing Mode button
7. X-Y table
8. X-Y table locking lever
9. Light ON/OFF Switch
10. LCD Brightness Control Level
11. Recessed handles for carrying Merlin LCD
12. Merlin LCD 15V power supply transformer
13. Merlin Base & LCD Monitor “Y” Power Cord
Optional Accessories (sold separately):
14. Feature Kit Control Box (optional)
15. Extension VGA Cable (optional)
16. Foot Switch Pedal (optional)
saFety and Care
MERLIN LCD AT A GLANCE

9
1
4
65
8
3
9
7
10
13
16
2
11
12
14
15
Optional Accessories:
merlin lCd at aGlanCe

settinG up merlin lCd
10
1. Find a steady and level location, such
as a table or desk, where you will be
comfortable using Merlin LCD. Carry
the unit only by the two recessed
handles on the side of the base for a
secure grip. Do not lift the unit by
the LCD monitor arm. Place it on the
table or desk (see Figure 1).
2. Connect the short end of the “Y”
power cord to the Merlin LCD Power
Supply Transformer (see Figure 2 and
items #12 & #13 on page 9).
3. Connect the long end of the “Y” power
cord to the monitor power input on the
rear of the Merlin LCD as shown (see
Figure 3).
4. Connect the power lead from the
transformer to the Merlin LCD Power
input on the rear of the unit as shown
(see Figure 4). Finally, connect the AC
power plug to an available wall outlet.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 4
Figure 3
merlin lCd at aGlanCe
SETTING UP MERLIN LCD

turninG on merlin lCd
11
Merlin LCD Power Button
The Power button on your Merlin LCD is located on the far right of
the control panel (item #1 above).
• Press the Power button. Notice the green light will illuminate on the
Control Panel, indicating the power is ON (item #2 above).
• The screen should automatically come on in a few seconds.
If the green light does not illuminate or if an image does not
appear on the LCD monitor, please check the power supply
connections (review steps 2-4 on page 10 for details).
NOTE: If your Merlin LCD is plugged into a power strip/surge
protector (recommended), make sure its power switch is turned
on before attempting to turn on Merlin LCD. 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
LCD.
#2 #1
TURNING ON MERLIN LCD

turninG on merlin lCd ChanGinG ViewinG modes
12
You can choose a viewing option by pressing the MODE button on
the control panel. Each press will cycle through all 7 viewing
options.
The available viewing options are:
• 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
LCD 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.
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Crisp, Clear
Text Images!
Enhanced Positive
Enhanced Negative
CHANGING VIEWING MODES

ChanGinG ViewinG modes
13
Enhanced Positive Image
This mode provides a white background with black text. This mode
increases the contrast to offer crisp text images for reading.
Enhanced Negative Image
This mode provides a black background with white text. This mode
increases the contrast to offer crisp text images for reading.
Color Select 1
This mode provides a blue background with yellow text. This is
one of the most commonly used color combinations.
Same as Color Mode combination #28 (see page 16)
Color Select 2
This mode provides a yellow background with black text.
Same as Color Mode combination #16 (see page 16)
Color Select 3
This mode provides a black background with yellow text.
Same as Color Mode combination #2 (see page 16)

usinG Color seleCt
14
ChanGinG ViewinG modes
Merlin LCD was designed to provide optimum viewing for people
with certain visual conditions by offering an expanded range of
choices in both text and background colors.
This combination of text and background colors comprises a color
select mode. The Merlin LCD offers the following:
• 28 text/background color combinations (see page 16)
• 3 factory preset color select modes (see page 13)
• 2 additional user color select modes
Both the preset and user color select modes can be
independently programmed to your preferences, using the
procedure listed below.
How to Program a Color Select Mode
With Merlin LCD turned ON, place a piece of reading material on
the X-Y table so that it appears on your monitor at a magnification
size that is comfortable for viewing. Follow these steps to program
any of the 5 color select modes:
Step 1: Press and hold the MODE button
(approximately 5 seconds) until the
words “ENTERING SETUP” appear on
your LCD monitor.
ENTERING SETUP
Step 1
USING COLOR SELECT

usinG Color seleCt
15
Step 2: Rotate the SIZE dial to scroll through the
available menu options. Choose COLOR
SELECT (see the photo at right) and press
the MODE button again.
Step 3: Rotate the SIZE dial to choose the Color
Select number (1-5) you wish to program.
Press the MODE button and choose one of
the following options:
a) Rotate the SIZE dial to cycle through the
color combination of your choice (1-14). To
access color combinations 15-28, press the
MODE button rst, before rotating the SIZE
dial again. (Please refer to the list on next page)
b) OR, if you want to turn OFF the current
COLOR SELECT (1-5) option, select OFF
by turning the SIZE dial clockwise. If no
change is desired, select PREVIOUS MENU
by turning the SIZE dial counter-clockwise.
Step 4: Press and hold the MODE button (~ 5
seconds) to register the color combination
you’ve programmed into the Color Select.
Step 5: When you're nished, rotate the SIZE
dial all the way counter-clockwise to
PREVIOUS MENU and press the MODE
button. Finally, rotate the SIZE dial all the
way counter-clockwise to EXIT and press
the MODE button to nish programming.
COLOR SELECT
Step 2
OFF
PREVIOUS MENU
EXIT
Step 3b & Step 5
Step 5

usinG Color seleCt
16
usinG Color seleCt
Using the procedure outlined on pages 14-15, the following 28
color combinations can be programmed into any of the 5 color
select programs, based on your personal preferences.
Color Mode: Background Color: Text Color: Notes:
#1 Black Green
#2 Black Yellow
*Default Color Select 3
#3 Black Red
#4 Black Blue
#5 Black Purple
#6 Black Orange
#7 White Green
#8 White Red
#9 White Purple
#10 White Blue
#11 White Orange
#12 Yellow Red
#13 Green Yellow
#14 Yellow Blue
#15 Green Black
#16 Yellow Black
*Default Color Select 2
#17 Red Black
#18 Blue Black
#19 Purple Black
#20 Orange Black
#21 Green White
#22 Red White
#23 Purple White
#24 Blue White
#25 Orange White
#26 Red Yellow
#27 Yellow Green
#28 Blue Yellow
*Default Color Select 1

ChanGinG maGniFiCation
17
You can increase or decrease the size (magnification) of the
image by using the SIZE dial at the center of the control panel
(see Figure 1).
There are sixteen levels of magnification
available on Merlin LCD.
• 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
(see Figure 2).
SIZE-7
Figure 1
Figure 2
CHANGING MAGNIFICATION

ChanGinG briGhtness
18
ChanGinG maGniFiCation
You can increase or decrease the brightness of the image by
using the brightness lever located underneath the right bottom of
the control panel (see Figure 1).
• To increase the brightness, slide the lever to the right.
• To decrease the brightness, slide the lever to the left.
Up to 12 levels of brightness are available, ranging from 100%
(full brightness) to 55% brightness reduction when using color
select modes. When using Enhanced or Color Select modes, the
range of brightness will be reduced to prevent the images from
becoming too dark.
Figure 1
CHANGING BRIGHTNESS

usinG the X-y table
19
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 magnification dial to enlarge the image to a comfortable
viewing size.
3. Glide the X-Y table to the left, which will make the words flow
across the screen for reading.
4. When you have reached the end of a line, glide the table back
to the beginning of the line.
5. Move the table away from you slightly to display the start of the
next line.
6. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 to continue reading.
AB
USING THE X-Y TABLE